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Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene

3-1-1992 Preacher's Magazine Volume 67 Number 03 Randal E. Denny (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Denny, Randal E. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 67 Number 03" (1992). Preacher's Magazine. 603. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/603

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/APRIL/MAY 1992

MAGAZINE

HELPING CONGREGANTS AFTER A DISASTER HELPING CHILDREN COPE WITH THE REALITY OF DEATH THE MINISTRY OF BEING THERE

The Personal TpucH or P astoral Ca#*e od’s Work Done in God's Way Will Never Lack God's Supply.

J. Hudson Taylor (1832-1905)

\ ______/

SUITABLE FOR FRAMING EDITORIAL The Relreshing Spirit oi Encouragement by Randal E. Denny Spokane, Wash.

nlike some professions, pas­ E. L. Cornelison, came to my home. From the receiving end of pastoral tors remain on call 24 After sharing my sorrow and uncer­ care, I have realized what a pro­ hours a day. Most of us have tainties, he prayed for me and my found difference it makes. One no Ubeen jarred awake in the middlefamily. of Being there when I needed longer feels so alone in crisis. Re­ the night to face emergencies with him, he refreshed my spirit. minders of truths one already knows our parishioners. We wouldn’t want During my tenure as senior pastor helps to keep a balanced view of life it any other way The Lord we serve at Los Angeles First Church of the and beyond. The Bible reassures, has grace to fit every crisis. He has Nazarene, I ended up in the hospi­ “For our light and momentary trou­ commissioned us with the privilege tal. My own associate, Victor Peters, bles are achieving for us an eternal of standing in for Him when people ministered to me faithfully. He told glory that far outweighs them all. So suffer distress, illness, and bereave­ me that my presence at church was we fix our eyes not on what is seen, ment. missed and that he loved me. He but on what is unseen. For what is Summoned into some situations, 1 read a few reassuring verses of Scrip­ seen is temporary, but what is un­ have felt unsure about what to say ture and prayed for my recovery— seen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:17-18). or what to do, or what to expect. and left in less than five minutes. Dr. I am a better pastor today for hav­ However, in the worst of those Peters was a master at refreshing my ing received the touch of loving times, God enabled me to bring en­ spirit. hands. I know better how to listen couragement and hope. The Lord set Passing through a career crisis 10 and reflect the emotions of hurting me free when He taught me the in­ years ago, my wife and I had no­ people. I know much more elo­ valuable lesson that just being there where to go. After my resignation, quently the supporting role of just and caring for people was a ministry we faced an uncertain future. How­ being there when needed. I am far He could use. ever, our spirits were refreshed by more sensitive to the high privilege Pastoral care, with all of its facets, ministerial friends who cared about of representing Jesus. Where human calls for a “general practitioner” us. Bill Draper, the late president of words fall short, I am more con­ with a person-to-person ministry. In Point Loma Nazarene College, gave fident in sharing the Word of God— an age of specialization, people still us a safe retreat and his personal at­ it’s always the right word at the right need pastors with a compassionate tention. Respected pastor Maurice time. From my pastoral friends who common touch. Hall prayed with us over the phone were there when I needed them, I Writing to the Corinthian church, long-distance. General Superinten­ have learned to be more lavish in Paul referred to three persons of dents William Greathouse and Jerald expressing my love. whom he exclaimed, “They re­ Johnson offered encouragement and It is my prayer that our parish­ freshed my spirit” (1 Cor. 16:18). In support by phone and in person. In ioners could say of you and me, “He his last letter, Paul expressed grat­ our lonely time of transition, fellow often refreshed me.” $ itude to Onesiphorus “because he pastor Jack Eyestone spent time with ■ n often refreshed me” (2 Tim. 1:16). us and encouraged us in the Lord. The “refreshing spirit of encour­ Forrest Stone turned his pulpit over agement” shines more brightly from to me for a month— I suspect more the receiving end. In fact, having for my benefit than anyone else’s. We been refreshed by the pastoral care felt the safety net of pastoral care, from others has served to make me the refreshing spirit of encourage­ more effective as a pastor. ment. My first memory of pastoral care As the black clouds of death gath­ focuses on Orville Jenkins, our min­ ered around my parents’ home in ister. Though I was only a second Fresno, John Payton and Doug Sam­ grader, my pastor stood beside my ples moved beyond friendship and If you have any questions or bed as I recovered from an emer­ ministered to my family and me. In comments regarding the Preach­ er’s Magazine, you may reach gency surgery. From then on, I al­ those days of bereavement, I re­ assistant editor Cindy Osso on ways felt he loved me. ceived from them words of our hope Monday through Wednesday and Early in my ministry, on the day I in Christ, words of confidence in Friday from 9 a m to 2 p.m . Pa­ received bad news of my father’s God’s heaven, and words of strength cific time at 5 0 9-226-3177. stroke, my district superintendent, to face life’s changes.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 1 EDITORIAL.

MAGAZINE The Refreshing Spirit of Encouragement Randal E. Denny

Volume 67 Number 3 M arch/April/M ay 1992 PASTORAL CARE. Editor Randal E. Denny Breaking Free: Assistant Editor Cindy Osso The Adult Child’s Codependency Problem Charles M. Sell 4 Consulting Editors Bill M. Sullivan, Director Division of Church Growth Back from Oblivion Church of the Nazarene 7 Wilbur W. Brannon, Director Karen Miller Pastoral Ministries Church of the Nazarene Wayne E. Caldwell, General Editor The Great Need of the Urban Church The Wesleyan Church Neil Hightower 10

Contributing Editors General Superintendents Keep the Lambs Close Church of the Nazarene Eugene L. Stowe Arthur L. Rouleau 11 Jerald D. Johnson John A. Knight Raymond W. Hurn Doorbell Theology William J, Prince Donald D. Owens J. Phillip Johnson 12 Superintendents The Wesleyan Church O. D. Emery The Ministry of Being There Earle L. Wilson Lee Haines J. Grant Swank, Jr. 14 Harry C. Wilson Superintendents Evangelical Friends Church How to Make Effective Hospital Calls Stanley Perisho Montford L. Neal 15 Maurice Roberts John P. Williams, Jr. Howard E. Harmon Setting Pastoral Goals for Patient Care General Superintendent Churches of Christ A. Wayne Pittard 16 in Christian Union Dan Tipton General Conference Secretary Healing and Faith Brethren in Christ Church R. Donald Shafer John W. Dally 17

Cover Photo: Dennis Herring Divine Healing: The Lost Estate? All unidentified Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible. New International Version, copyright © 1973. 1978, Greg Crofford 19 1984 by the International Bible Society, and are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Quotations from the following versions are used by per­ Helping Congregants After a Disaster mission. The Amplified Old Testament (Amp.), copyright © 1962, Jay Levinson 22 1964 by Zondervan Publishing House. The Amplified New Testament © 1958 by the Lockman Foundation. The New American Standard Bible (NASB), © The Lock­ man Foundation, 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973, Helping Children Cope with the Reality of Death 1975, 1977. The Revised Standard Version o f the Bible (RSV), copy­ Victor M. Parachin 23 righted 1946, 1952,© 1971, 1973 The Living Bible (TLB), © 1971 by Tyndale House Publish­ ers, Wheaton, III. King James Version (KJV). The Limitations of a Holistic Therapy The Preacher's Magazine is published quarterly by Bea­ Richard S. Taylor 26 con Hill Press of Kansas City, 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109. Editorial offices at 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. Address all correspondence concerning sub­ scriptions to your denominational publishing house. Sub­ How Does It Happen? scription price: $7.50 per year. Copyright 1992 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. Litho in U.S.A. William Goodman 29

2 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED______ftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft God Has the Last Word * C. Neil Strait 3 0 ft ) HINDERING HANG-UPS______* The Hang-up of Busyness t Preachers ft Raymond C. Kratzer 31 * Exchange STEWARDSHIP. * f, Wanted: The Preretirement Years: Financial Planning ft i. The Life o f John Bunyan Baker Book House Dean Wessels 3 2 * Grand Rapids * PREACHING. 2. When Adam Clarke ♦ Preached, People When the Well Runs Dry * Listened Charles Warnock III 34 * by Wesley Tracy ft 3. Power Through Prayer CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS______ft by R. A. Torrey Prayer: Asking Sunday: Easter Joy ft * and Receiving Don M. Aycock 36 * by John R. Rice George Mueller MINISTER’S M ATE______ft o f Bristol * Choosing the Bait by Arthur T. Pierson * Marjorie Zimmerman 39 6. Bills at Evening ft by Frances J. Crosby PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH. * 7. Revivals o f Religion t by Charles Finney Dealing with Discouragement * 8. Autobiography of Larry T. Allen 40 I Adam Clarke, LL.D. ft by Adam Clarke CHURCH GROWTH. * 9- Jonathan Edwards * by Arthur McGiffert Helping the Small Church Break the 50 Barrier 10. The Maccabees 1 William E. Stewart 42 by Moshe Pearlman } 11. CHURCH ADMINISTRATION. Hudson Taylor, the Man * Who Believed God Is Your Church Open for Business? * by Marshall Broomhall * Ray Bowman with Eddy Hall 46 12. A Sure Remedy Pre­ * scribed by the Doctor TODAY’S BOOKS FOR TODAY’S PREACHERS______48 * by Walter Lewis Wilson ft 13. Let’s Go Fishing ARK ROCKER______ft with the Doctor by Walter Lewis Wilson The Baby Boomers’ “Our Father’ 50 ft ft 14. Miracles in a Doctor’s Life WORSHIP AND PREACHING HELPS______ft by Walter Lewis Wilson B. W. Hambrick 51 ft 15. Stories of Soul Winning ft by Walter Lewis Wilson ft 16. Strange Short Stories Communicators ft by the Doctor ft by Walter Lewis Wilson Sermon ft Please Contact: ft Marsha Cole Contest ft 3111 Slough Dr. See page 51. ft Temple, TX 76582 ft ft Authors should address all articles and correspondence to Editor, The Preacher's ft Magazine, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane, WA 99206. Self-addressed, stamped enve­ lopes should accompany all manuscripts. ft ftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 3 Pastoral Care _____ Breaking Free: The Adult Child’s Codependency

Problem by Charles M. Sell Deerfield, III.

can never forgive him; he is the care for yourself without your par­ allows me to leave her alone. When­ most insensitive person you ents’ help. It also means being able ever I go out in the evening with my will ever meet. He doesn’t care to make decisions and solve prob­ boyfriend, she tells me to have a Iabout me.” Louise was telling aboutlems without always asking Mom good time, but she makes it clear her father. “After what he’s done to and Dad. You can ask for advice, but that I should hurry back and that she me, I don’t care if I ever see him you don’t burden them with your will be miserable until I do. While I again.” problems— or blame them for your am out of the house, I constantly feel As her counselor, I was trying to mistakes. The emotional ties seem to guilty and worry about Mom. My boy­ piece these words with the rest of be more difficult to sever. There are friend, whom I would someday like Louise’s puzzling situation. She was people who live 2,000 miles from to marry, thinks I am too concerned unhappy, very depressed, and her home and make hundreds of thou­ about my mother. My brother is also marriage was in trouble. She con­ sands of dollars a year, yet are still part of the problem. Reacting to my stantly criticized her husband and disastrously shackled to their par­ mother’s sickness just the opposite was afraid she would lose her tem­ ents emotionally. They are most of me, he never lifts a hand to help per and hurt her baby girl. Could likely to be from a dysfunctional at home. Though he is now 22 years Louise’s hatred for her father be home. old, I still clean his room. If I were spilling into her marriage like boil­ to stop, he would really be mad at ing water on someone’s skin? Was Codependency of Anger me.” Then she asked: “Do you think she scorching her husband with her Oftentimes, the emotion that ties I am codependent?” angry outbursts because of the us to our parents is anger. We can be Betty’s family is dysfunctional. wrath she felt for her father? Would so absorbed in our bitterness toward Even though her mother’s illness is her depression never go away until them that we can’t take charge of legitimate, the way the family has her anger did? our own lives. They made us vic­ handled it is not. Some parents don’t Many counselors would call Lou­ tims. By dwelling on that, we make want to push their children out of ise a “codependent,” an adult child ourselves victims. the nest. They depend too much on who grew up in a troubled home their children and make their chil­ from which she never properly dis­ Codependency of Love dren depend too much on them. engaged herself. Emotions other than anger can These families don’t draw normal “Differentiation” refers to the task keep us needlessly bound to our boundaries around each other. They of making a healthy break from your parents: love, pity, concern, and anx­ draw a line around the whole family parents after you’ve grown up. iety. and want to draw everyone into it. Grown children must attain some After reading my book Unfinished Individual interests, goals, and iden­ freedom in three ways: financially, Business, a 27-year-old woman, Bet­ tities are somewhat denied in order functionally and emotionally. It in­ ty, called to ask me if I thought she to keep the system functioning volves making enough money to was suffering from codependency. around the dominating problem— “My mother has been ill since I was an illness, anger, abuse, alcoholism, a child,” she explained. “After my fa­ work, or a legalistic practice of re­ ther divorced my mother, I have ligion. Members are not entirely free cared for my mother and young to be themselves: Their identities brother up to the present time. My are blurred into the family circle. Christian friends are always com­ They are either ruled by it or rebel mending me for being such a loyal from it. Either way, they have a hard daughter. However, I wonder if I am time being themselves. really doing too much for my mother It doesn’t take much imagination and my brother. My mother seldom to see how hard it might be to ex­

4 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE tract oneself from a dysfunctional Each day for a week or two write can be summed up in the phrase: family. Because these families are down your specific complaints, in­ “Doing what is best for the other’s chained together around some dom­ cluding details and incidents. highest good.” Being a codependent inant problem, there is a tendency Let any feelings come up, and do falls short of that definition; not to hang on to one another or escape not be afraid to cry The resentments only is he not doing what is best for from one another in unhealthy ways. have been stored for a long time; re­ the one loved, but he fails himself as Lack of detachment shows up in leasing them may bring up feelings well. As long as you are willing to our group every time we meet. “My of anger, hurt, or loss. The list take their problem, they won’t own dad called me last night and com ­ should not be shown to your par­ it themselves. As long as you protect plained how Mom is such a problem ents. Sometime you’ll want to talk them from the consequences, they to him. Yet, he’s the alcoholic. I feel won’t feel the results of their wrong­ about these issues if you’ve never so depressed that I can hardly keep doing. done so. Getting some of the edge up with my classes.” “I worry all the The Bible says: “Carry each other’s off your anger may enable you to do time about whether or not my father burdens, and in this way you will it in a way that helps rather than just will hurt my mother.” The strong fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). hurts. A good guideline for con­ Yet, a few sentences later it warns: fronting others is “Say what you “Each one shall bear his own load” ------o ------mean, but don’t say it mean.” (v. 5, NASB). The different Greek 2. Visualize your parents and words used for “burdens” and “load” Dysfunctional have an imaginary conversation with explain the difference. “Burdens” them. This next technique is es­ families don't draw pecially helpful for those who can’t are like rocks too heavy for one per­ son to handle. At times, troubles are talk to their parents about their such that we need others to help by normal boundaries hurts. giving us a lift. The “load” is like a 3. Write a letter to them, express­ backpack, representing what we around each other. ing your feelings. Be careful how ourselves are personally responsible you handle the strong feelings that ------o ------for carrying. When we take some­ result from these techniques. You one’s assigned backpack, we rob may want to pound a pillow or even emotional ties may continue to them of the opportunity to solve scream; it’s important to let go of make adult children feel responsible their own problem and make their feelings you have, but don’t try to for the welfare of their parents and own lives. siblings long into adulthood. This generate more. Voicing your feelings unhealthy attachment can interfere to God will help you deal with Detaching them. with their own marriages, disrupt To get out of this codependency their personal pursuits, and wreak Drawing New Boundaries trap, you have to become detached havoc on their emotions. from your parents. You must signal The codependent’s problem is to them that you will no longer bear Ways to Escape one of boundaries. To be separate There are some ways out of the from your parents, you must develop ------0 ------codependency trap. your own identity apart from them. Deal with your feelings toward You do not continue to feel about them. In his helpful book Making yourself the way you feel about There are ways out Peace with Your Parents, Harold H. them. You must not feel that they Bloomfield calls this distorted pic­ have to get their act together before of the ture of a parent an “inner parent.” you can feel right about yourself. He claims, “The first step in making You can become obsessed with solv­ codependency peace with your parents is to make ing someone else’s problem because peace with your inner parents.”1 it has becom e your problem. Your trap. Counselors often suggest several nervous system is plugged into that ------o ------practical techniques to deal with in­ person’s actions. He stubs his toe ner resentment. and you say “Ouch.” Dad drinks and their problem. This is not the same 1. Make an inventory of your re­ you feel guilty. Mom and Dad fight as abandoning them or denouncing sentments. This suggestion may look and you get depressed. Often, your then. Usually codependents fluctu­ strange to some adult children who pain is greater than theirs. Codepen­ ate from being overly kind to being know full well why they are angry dents permit themselves to become overly angry. One day we protect, with their parents. But, sometimes victims of someone else’s problems. help, forgive, and utter kind, sooth­ bitterness is an emotional blur, and They get nothing but frustration ing words of comfort. “It’s OK; I’m the reasons for our animosity lie be­ from trying to solve someone else’s here; I’ll take care of you.” Then, we low the surface of our conscious­ problems in order to feel better get disgusted and we threaten, ness. This undefined emotional blob about themselves. blame, and attack. “This is the last becomes a monster invading other This leads to the major reason why time I’ll help you; don’t bother me areas of our lives. We becom e resent­ we should not be needlessly at­ with your problems.” Detachment ful of life itself and even bitter to­ tached to our parents: it does them means you must first emotionally ward God. no good. A Christian view of love cut the tie between their problems

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 5 and your welfare. You must surren­ The offender will have to hit bottom old. The problem is that I respond to der the enormous need you have for so hard he is jolted into admitting her as if I am nine.” Home brings out them to be straightened out. he has a problem. Not only will you the child in you that has to grow up. You must change your thinking: have to stop bailing out the parent You must not wait to grow up until you must come to believe that your with the problem, but you w ill have Mom stops treating you like a nine- life doesn’t depend on solving your to stop helping the other parent bail year-old. You have to stop respond­ parents’ problems. You must get rid him or her out. ing like one. In an adult-to-adult relationship, of the notion that they must be Being Healthily Concerned, “OK” before you feel “OK.” You will each person permits the other to be no longer tie your welfare to the Not Worried Sick himself. Dysfunctional families typi­ outcome of their lives. Once that is When detached, we can still be cally won’t allow their members to done, you will communicate that to concerned. Love is costly; we cannot “live and let live.” Instead, they crit­ them. Actually, you won’t even have love someone who hurts without icize and give advice in an attempt to tell them; they will see it in your ourselves hurting. But, concern is to control. attitude and actions. different from the codependent’s ob­ One adult child told us about the If your parents are very dependent sessive anxiety. The Bible charges: on you, they will accuse you of be­ “Do not be anxious about anything, ------o ------ing unconcerned and unloving. but in everything, by prayer and pe­ They may even suggest that you are tition, with thanksgiving, present Replace obsessive betraying them. You will have to re­ your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6). member that they are threatened Replace any obsessive, anxious at­ attempts to rescue when you refuse to show the same tempts to rescue or change your kind of intense care because they families with intelligent actions. your family with will have to care for themselves. If There may be things you can do to you aren’t worried anymore, they assist them in facing their problem intelligent action. will have to worry. You’ll have to say instead of solving it for them. Along things that support them but don’t with praying for them, we can try to ------o ------substitute for them. “I know you can teach them about dysfunctional fam­ good progress he was making in handle it,” instead of, “When I get ilies. Read about your family’s par­ breaking free from this control. “My home I’ll take care of it.” “I know ticular problem. Talk about the mother has made me so angry. She you’ll find a way out,” instead of, problem with any family member calls almost every morning at 8 a m “I’ll think about it and call you back that will listen. Break the dys­ She does this on Saturday despite with some advice.” “I feel great functional rule of not talking. Dis­ the fact that she knows I want to about what’s happening in my life; cuss the cover-up. Change the way sleep in. Now, instead of just getting sorry you are having such difficulty,” you act in the family. Be prepared to upset, I have told her not to call instead of, “I really feel crushed that be attacked. The first member of a dysfunctional family to see through Saturday morning. I’m not sure she ------0 — :------the deception is usually in for it. will listen to me, but it has made me The system’s strong denial is tough feel better to be assertive instead of A codependent to break through. angry.” You may take steps to protect Facing Your Loss must become brothers and sisters. You can do for Some adult children are still tied them what you wish others would to their parents by their feelings of detached from his have done for you. If they are young regret. They still yearn for the ap­ children, talk to them about their proval, acceptance, and care they parents. feelings. Find out how they are han­ needed from their parents but never dling the abuse or the alcoholism. In got. If their parents are living, they ------0 ------the case of abuse, you may have to keep hoping for more from them. If consult a social worker who can the parents are dead, they can’t ac­ this is going on with you.” Once you take professional action. You must really get emotionally detached, it cept the fact that they never will get resist the temptation to continue from them what they wanted. Break­ will show. protecting the offender, but rather You must also get practically de­ ing from codependency requires be­ do something for those whom he or ing brutally frank with ourselves tached! This means refusing to do she is hurting. for them what they should be doing and accepting the fact that we may for themselves, which includes not Being Adult to Adult never have the parenting we longed protecting them from the results of The best thing you can do for for. We must throw off our past loss­ their bad behavior. A biblical prov­ yourself and your parents is to try to es and get on with today. $ erb makes it very clear that we must establish an adult-to-adult relation­ 1. Harold Bemenloomfield, Making Peace with allow people to learn from the con­ ship with them. The dysfunctional Your Parents (New York: Ballcntine Books, 1983), sequences of their own mistakes: “A family will try to keep you in the 30. hot-tempered man must pay the child-parent relationship. “I hate to Based on Charles M. Sell’s book Unfinished Busi­ penalty; if you rescue him, you will go home because, when I do, my ness: Helping Adult Children Resolve Their Past have to do it again” (Prov. 19:19). mom treats me as if I am nine years (Portland, Oreg.: Multnomah Press, 1989).

6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Back from Oblivion by Karen Miller

ing better than to move, she stood si­ The answer is simple— I was the lently rooted to the spot. woman trapped in that kitchen. Like so many times before, an One night a few weeks after we hour passed before he calmed down. were married, my husband went into But during that hour she reached a a rage and committed a violent act decision that had been more than that all but destroyed my self-re­ six years in the making. While he spect and my respect for him. I cried was screaming at her— after the ini­ myself to sleep that night because I M .t) ; tial terror had worn off— she was knew I could not walk away. I had declaring in her heart, “You cannot nowhere to go; he hadn’t actually touch me anymore; it is over.” hit me, and my parents had said I Other than a slap on one occasion, was welcome back home only if he he had never used physical force beat me. Besides, I did not want to against her. But like 25 percent of the admit failure so soon after the wed­ women within the Christian church ding. But during the oppressive at large, she was a victim of domes­ darkness of that night I realized 1 tic violence. was locked in a prison, and the hor­ Not Only Physical Abuse ror of what had happened threw me ather, what do I have to look headlong into the deep, slimy well forward to in this marriage Domestic violence usually takes of oblivion that so many women si­ F 20 or 30 years down the road? one of the following forms: lently occupy. Please, 1 need to know— ” 1. Physical abuse— the husband Like most abused women, I had no Suddenly her prayer was inter­ actually assaults his wife by punch­ job and no access to money. Since ing, slapping, or beating her, throw­ rupted by the slamming of the door my husband took care of all our fi­ as her husband stomped angrily into ing things at her, stabbing her, or in nancial matters, he did not find it the kitchen, screaming at her for some other way inflicting physical necessary to allow me even to sign playing the radio too loudly. What injury on her. checks. This kind of control played was wrong with her? He was work­ 2. Destruction of pets and/or prop­ its role in keeping me demoralized ing on the roof— didn’t she care erty— the husband beats or kills his and utterly dependent. about his safety? How could she wife’s animals, damages her car, or It was not until I stumbled into a have heard him if he had needed interferes with her attempts to bet­ job that eventually led me into the help? ter herself through education by de­ “Oh,” he screamed, “you think stroying her learning tools such as field of my training and choice that you’re so perfect, don’t you!” her books and research work. the slow process of my recovery be­ She stared at him, too stunned to 3- Sexual assault— this form in­ gan. However, even with a job 1 was say anything. What she saw terrified cludes the husband forcing his wife not comfortable about building her even more than the disjointed into sexual situations against her friendships. I was afraid my husband insults he had just hurled at her. His will. would view them as a threat, and face was contorted— evil; the veins 4. Psychological abuse— by con­ things would become worse, rather in his neck protruded and pulsed vi­ stant subtle insults and insinuations, than better, at home. olently. by cutting remarks and rude behav­ Yet through all of this, I did not She felt her danger. He stood be­ ior, or by violent threats and ges­ see myself as an abused woman. I tween her and the door, and she tures, the husband demoralizes and simply felt that I was doing some­ wasn’t even near a window where degrades his wife. thing wrong, that somehow I was she could cry out for help. But know­ Why do I care about spouse abuse? not good enough. I felt that this was

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 7 God’s way of punishing me for going Clergy Can Help but she must know that you support ahead with a marriage of which I her. As a member of the clergy, what The typical abused woman is not felt He disapproved. If He had given can you do when confronted with the type who easily gives up hope me this burden to carry who was I the broken remains of a marriage to complain? I would go on in si­ on another person. Though deep in caught in the stranglehold of abuse? her heart she is probably aware that lence. The answer is not a simple one; it he is not likely to change, she is for­ Over a period of several years God will never be cut and dried. But the was able to reach down through my ever believing that if she stays just a first step that you must take is the confusion and open my eyes to the little longer, he will. Yet if he does simplest: admit that abuse exists greatness of His love. With this in­ decide to change, it is not she who within your church. sight came the realization that fear is will change him. It will usually re­ Domestic violence knows no foreign to His nature. At this point quire his firm decision, outside bounds. It has infected every walk of my chains nearly broke, and I nearly counseling— and God’s help. life. Every religion has members walked away. But my husband threat­ Often, the mere fact that she does who abuse and are abused. Every ened to kill himself, and the assur­ not leave encourages her husband to culture, every economic level, every ance from our counselor that he was continue his progressively more vio­ vocation— including the clergy— serious blocked my move. lent cycle of abuse. Since he knows participates in this evil. she will not leave, why should he For very obvious reasons, women change? Abuse has become such a who are victims of abuse soon learn part of him that it takes a major to distrust others. People have hurt shock before he will admit his prob­ Abuse exists within them, men in particular. Imagine lem. Often only the shock of her how dark your future would appear walking out the door is sufficient to the church. if one minute someone loved you awaken him. tenderly and the next that same per­ Abused women are amazingly son threw you violently to the floor tough. To survive, they have to be. and kicked you. Among women, Two years later, on a night just be­ But they are also extremely depen­ about 2 5 percent of suicide at­ fore he was to return from a business dent women— everything they have tempts result from domestic vio­ trip, I considered ending my own comes from their husbands. I often lence. thought, What would I do if I left? Of life. How could I possibly go on Often, however, an abused woman with such oppressive darkness crush­ course, that question reveals that I will allow herself to trust the person ing me? But instead we went for who stands before her each week more counseling and had a few telling her of God’s gracious love. If months of relative peace. Then came a woman comes to you claiming to the screaming tirade that fell like an be abused, listen to her. She needs ax on the remains of our marriage. someone who will understand her Don't challenge her Two days later I moved out of the and pray with her. Remember that bedroom. In order to keep up a front to love him back. you may be her last hope. to the community and because I was Do not second-guess her. Do not still on a very limited income, we Probably there is condemn her to her marriage by simply occupied different parts of threatening to remove her name the house. But to me the marriage from the church books if she leaves simply nothing to was over six hellish years after it had her husband. And don’t challenge begun. love with. her to “love him back.” She is proba­ It has been well established that bly so drained of love that there is abuse follows a cycle. The first stage simply nothing left to love with. In­ is the honeymoon period. This is a stead, over a period of time, encour­ time when everything is wonderful. had forgotten God’s promise to take age her to forgive him. He may treat her like a queen, bring care of me. When I did leave, God Remember, we are in a sinful her flowers, take her out to eat— do provided. world. Satan will do anything to de­ all the things they did while they stroy, and even if he does not man­ Don’t Be a Hero were dating. It is this side of her hus­ age to destroy her body, through her Remember, as the term domestic band that keeps her from leaving. husband he may be able to do the violence implies, violence is what Tension marks the second stage. one thing that we must all fear— he you are dealing with. Don’t try to be He starts getting irritable. She soon may be able to destroy her mind and a hero. Approximately 25 percent of learns to watch her step very care­ soul. the law enforcement officers who fully. She makes sure that the kids At this point, as a member of the have lost their lives in the line of are outside or in their rooms when clergy, you should not be so con­ duty were killed while dealing with he comes home. She fixes all his fa­ cerned about saving the marriage as domestic violence. So be mindful vorite foods. Still, she knows that the about salvaging the soul. Yet it is not that abuse can be deadly.’ explosion is coming, and her only your job to condemn the marriage, You should becom e familiar with hope is that this time it will be a mi­ either. You must allow her to make the social services available in your nor one. that painful decision on her own, area. Find out what help is available

8 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE

. to women who are abused, and learn Phone Number for Help gether, and while he prayed, I what the criminal penalties are for For women who live in rural ar­ soaked the carpet with my tears. He the abuser. Seek out groups that eas, reaching out for help has been was the first counselor who had meet to help abusive men and find even more difficult simply because prayed with me since the nightmare out if they have a training program any phone calls they made searching had begun. Down deep inside I in which you can learn how to han­ for help usually were toll calls. This sensed that this horrible chapter in dle domestic violence within your in turn meant that when the phone my life would soon end. church. bill came, the woman making such a When a battered woman comes Let these social services know that call would have to explain to her into your office, listen to her. Let you are interested in helping where spouse why she had made a long­ her cry Support her and pray with you can. I often hear the social ser­ distance call and to whom she had her. Never ask her what she did to vice agencies asking, “Where are the talked. upset her husband— doing so will clergy? We have their wounded, and However, on October 1, 1987, only confirm her in her belief that we feel that if they knew about Johnson and Johnson Company fund­ his actions are her fault. abuse, they could handle these Chris­ ed and cosponsored with the Na­ Over the long term, dealing with tian women much better than we tional Coalition Against Domestic her fear and anger will give her can.” Violence the first nationwide 24- more trouble than anything else she Some victims of domestic vio­ hour toll-free hotline. Trained per­ will have to face during her recov­ lence cannot escape the memory of sonnel who offer counsel, under­ ery. Encourage her to send up little what has happened to them. But standing, and referrals to shelters in emergency prayers when she feels others totally deny that the assaults the victim’s area staff this hotline. herself being engulfed by either of have taken place. Such denial will Calls made there will remain con­ these. never allow them to make the fidential and will not appear on the Encourage her to become in­ changes they must to end the abuse. phone bill at the end of the month. volved in the church, and encourage Abused women must come to face other women in the church to in­ the reality of what is happening to clude her in their activities. She will them and of the damage they are suf­ probably be a little shy at first, but fering. Among women, once she knows she is welcome, If an abused woman who comes to wanted, and valued, she will be able you feels the need of repeating again about 25 percent to gain new strength and confidence and again the stories of the assaults from her friends. against her, let her do so. This tell­ of suicide attempts An abused woman grows and heals ing will help her get what has hap­ slowly. The wounds that she has re­ pened out in the open and will help result from ceived are deep, and the scars will her face reality. It will also help her remain for years. You must not let ventilate the anger of being hurt so domestic violence. her become totally dependent upon deeply by the one she loves. you. But if you let her know that you Encourage her to attend a support care and that you believe in her, you group for battered women. These will probably see her slowly and meetings will help her to recognize This number, 1-800-333-SAFE, painfully extract herself from the that she is not alone, that there are will no doubt prove to be a lifesaver abusive situation and become a new others who understand the pain she for millions of women. person. experienced. It takes courage for a battered Above all, do not condemn her. One major point you must under­ woman to come into your office and Allow her to come back from obliv­ stand is that the battered woman ask for help. It took me six years to ion. $ must lead a double life just to sur­ call my pastor. Then, even though he ’Some people wonder why a woman would turn vive. She must stand straight and is probably one of the kindest peo­ on someone who has come to her rescue. Bizarre smile in public, while in private she ple I know, I was still frightened as it may seem, it is simply one o f her defenses. She is forced to bow down and cry. She when I walked into his office and fears that later, when her husband gets her away from the scene o f the crime, he will beat or belittle will find it very difficult to reverse sat down. I was terrified that he her even worse because she did not come to his res­ this so that she can stand straight be­ would tell me that somehow I had cue and save him from embarrassment. fore her husband without fear while to make my marriage work. (Karen Miller is a pseudonym.)

allowing herself to admit to those But instead of condemning me, he RECOMMENDED READING: around her what has happened. listened. He asked questions when Holly Wagner Green. Turning Fear to Hope. Nash­ However, if she can talk to other he did not understand something. ville: Thomas Nelson, 1984. Presents a Christian per­ spective on how to deal with an abusive marriage. women who have been battered and Then when I looked up and saw Theresa Saldana. Beyond Survival. New York: Ban­ have broken the cycle, she may be tears in his eyes, I knew my fears of tam Books, 1986. Addresses the emotional trauma able to summon the courage to condemnation were groundless. The and the process of healing that victims of violent crimes go through on their way to recovery. stand up and take whatever action comfort that the feeling of being val­ Daniel Jay Sonkin and Michael Durphy. Learning must be taken. At this point you can ued as a person gave me is beyond to Live Without Violence. San Francisco: Volcano best help her by supporting her and words. Press, 1982. Presents steps people can take to break the cycle of violence. encouraging her to move forward Just before I left his office, he carefully. asked to pray with me. We knelt to­ Reprinted with permission from Ministry magazine.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 9 conditions is sufficient to pile on the heavy weight of fatigue. Wrestling with fear of the impact of godless, drug-infested, and sex-orient- ed school environments is sufficient to heighten the tension that parents The Great Need of feel. Getting children off to school and meeting the colliding scheduling demands is enough to drive mothers up the wall. Balancing the demands of the Urban Church work requirements with family needs by working parents or single parents feeds mounting tension. At the same by Neil Hightower time, constant vigilance and deter­ Calgary, Alta. mination is called for to combat the threatened inundation of spiritual goals by a materialistic and self- he great need of the urban ence, is that these children need a centered social environment. This of­ church is to be a “safe place.” “safe place” in their homes and ten leads to family tension. A “safe place” does not im­ schools if they are to blossom to their No wonder the need for a safe place Tply an easy place or a comfortablepotential. She identifies the qualities in our churches suggests itself as an zone. But it does involve being a shel­ of a safe place: absolutely urgent need. Urban wor­ tering place in the time of storm, as 1. Kindness. “In a safe place peo­ shipers on Sunday and at all church the prophet Isaiah saw it in Isa. 4:6. ple are kind.” Rudeness and back­ gatherings need a place to catch their Understanding the multiple needs biting are not appropriate here. spiritual breath. Worship ought to be a of urban congregations, this conclu­ “Kindness, consideration, and forgive­ time when pastors lead people to a sion grows out of a ministry spent, for ness are the usual way of life.” quiet citadel of strength. the most part, in urban settings and 2. Laughter. “In a safe place there The church as a “safe place” recog­ from observations flowing out of many is laughter . . . real laughter that nizes the great nurturing task of the conversations with pastors and laymen comes from sharing meaningful work church. This is not to sidetrack the in urban environments. and play.” other call of the church, evangelism. In the initial generations of the ho­ 3- Rules. “In a safe place there are However, our evangelism will not be liness movement, being a “safe place” rules.” These are simple and few and effective where people have not pre­ would not have defined our urban fair. They “are made by the people viously discovered the church as a church needs. But, in this era, when who live and work there, including safe place. This “safe place” cannot be we have again turned to planting the children.” perceived as a smooth, head-counting churches in the cities, this seems to 4. Listening. “In a safe place peo­ operation. be a primary need. Urban life is so ple listen to one another. They care Small-group gatherings of church complex, so fast-paced, so multi­ about one another, and they show that life— Sunday School, nurture groups, cultured, so intimidating at many lev­ they do.” youth societies, missionary chapters, els, that the need for a “safe place” From my perspective, these qual­ and others— must be oriented to nur­ cries out unconsciously from the ities also define the kind of church turing. Our churches must be char­ hearts of many urban dwellers. our urban areas need. In the article, a acterized by kindness; laughter, rules, Though percolating in my mind for question is asked that is profoundly and listening. Without this primary at­ several years, this concept came to applicable to our churches: “Which of mosphere, the nerve for reaching out fruition as I read the book section of us doesn’t need a safe place some­ will be cut, and the enthusiasm to risk the November 1990 issue of the (Ca­ where in our lives?” Which of us for God will die. nadian) Reader’s Digest. Titled “Not hasn’t gone searching for it if we Says Mrs. MacCracken, “I believe like the Other Kids,” it has a sum­ haven’t found it in our homes or that we must explore and dare and marizing excerpt from the book by schools? discover. But we also need to know Mary MacCracken, Turnabout Chil­ The pressure of daily rush-hour traf­ that there is a safe place where we can dren. It vividly describes the life pa­ fic, by car or public transportation, is find comfort, courage, and confi­ thos and the great possibilities inher­ enough to heighten the urban dence to conquer our feelings of inad­ ent in many learning disabled chil­ dweller’s feeling of intimidation and equacy . . . and failure so that we can dren. This warm to place one’s feelings upon the ba­ go out and risk again.” That is an apt and moving book nana peel of depressing fatigue. Stand­ description of the need of urban depicts her obser­ ing morning and evening holding churches. vations as a special tightly to a handrail, trying to protect Christ’s Great Commission to “go” tutor for this class one’s toes from being trampled by the must be balanced by His other call, of students. ever-swelling press of people, is not “Come to me, all who labor and are The final conclu­ cause for “hallelujahs!” The hassle of heavy laden, and I will give you rest” sion, w hich Mrs. paperwork and decision making and (Matt. 11:28, RSV). MacCracken draws accurate planning in the midst of de­ Effective urban churches will un­ from her experi­ clining, sometimes volatile economic derstand and heed that balance. f

10 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Keep the Lambs Close

by Arthur L. Rouleau Garden Grove, Calif. For the first few weeks of their lives the lambs must be kept close to the ewes because they are learning to follow and they will follow anything.

“He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom.”— Isa. 40:11, KJV

ambing was over. Spring was a of certain selected sheep. I watched church indoctrination by catechism, promise in the air. A shearing for a few minutes, then struck up a pastor’s class, or other methods. Of­ A tent had been erected at the conversation with him. At his ranch ten, after teaching and prescribed Isheep company’s main camp in thein southern Utah, he breeds sheep to steps are taken, there is a waning of hills east of Taft, Calif. A system of upgrade flocks of other sheepmen concern, a loosening of the reins. chutes led from the pens of woolly in the West. They are lambs, however old or creatures, waiting to be stripped of The large fenced area on the other young their chronological age. They their winter coats, to the tent. side of the chute contained some have a new, young love. If they are During the day it was a bedlam of ewes that had lambed late. I called being shepherded by a loving, ma­ activity. Dogs barked, men shouted, his attention to them and mentioned ture Christian, they feel loved as and sheep vocalized their protests. that often, when I was in the pens well as fed. Love responds to love, Shepherds herded sheep from the with new lambs, one or more would though sometimes with awkward pens to the narrowing chutes. Dogs try to follow me. steps. For a lengthy period of time leaped over fences into the chutes, He studied those sheep and their they need help because “they are joining in the frenzy, to help drive little ones before responding. Then learning to follow.” the animals or turn around ewes dis­ he made a significant statement I Watch the ewe with the lamb. She inclined to be driven toward the will never forget. teaches that energetic sprite with shearers. “You know,” he said, “shepherds long legs and slight, woolly body by After shearing, the sheep were re­ have to keep the lambs close to the example and by the use of assertive leased from the narrow pen beside ewes for the first two to five weeks. action. the tent into another chute where During that time they are learning to The new lamb stays close to the they were marked, then moved into follow. And they will follow any­ warmth of the ewe in the cold, new larger, fenced areas or to pasture in thing that moves— a tumbleweed, world, particularly in the beginning. the distant hills. dog, coyote, or man.” Then it becomes more adventurous The shearers were an ethnic, age, How like sheep we are! “Keep the (Continued on page 15) and cultural mixture. One, a friend­ lambs close.” ly, well-educated New Zealander, The considerable loss of new was shearing his way around the Christians from the walk of faith is world. Others turned away from often due to a lack of shepherding strangers or vanished when a camera by pastor, church leader, or mature was used. fellow Christian. By whatever name A few words from an old, experi­ we choose to call it, we must keep enced sheepman, working in this them close and nurture them in scene, taught me a dramatic lesson. Christian fellowship. The sheepman was in the chute It is not enough simply to lead a leading to the tent, marking the ears babe in Christ through a form of

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 11 Doorbell ■Theology by J. Phillip Johnson Tulsa, Okla

Ring-g-g! Ring-g-g! some excuse to quit for the after­ Professor Thomas C. Oden of Drew “I hope nobody’s home! I hope, I noon— to regain his self-respect. Theological School has pointed out, hope, I hope!” Those words by the Methodist Bishop Gerald Kennedy The pastoral office is by defini­ comic salesman Elmer Blurp, on old- wrote, “I learned something about tion a shepherding task that in­ time radio, always brought a laugh. pastoral calling in that first parish, volves not just a single meeting But when a pastor says that under his which was that I did not like to do with the flock, but continuing breath as he stands at the door of a it. One of the hardest things of my oversight and feeding. The anal­ parishioner, it is no laughing matter. ministry has been making calls on ogy suggests a deeply involved re­ Pastoral visitation may be called people, and I do not know why it is. lationship. It requires vigilance, “doorbell theology,” though today But to ring a doorbell has taken constancy, at times “watching one is more likely to hear a gong or more courage at times than propos­ through the night,” and above all, musical chimes playing anything ing to my wife. . . . It is a good thing a caring heart.2 from “Dixie” to “Amazing Grace.” In to learn that some things have to be Historical Highlights many places the practice of pastoral done whether you like to do them or calling has, unfortunately, gone the not.”1 Traditionally, successful ministers way of the old-fashioned doorbell. Doorbell theology, like all good have been those who were faithful The complaint one hears most often theology, is built on the firm foun­ to visit their people. Chaucer, in from church members is, “Our pastor dations of the Scriptures, tradition, The C anterbury Tales, writes of is a good preacher, but he doesn’t and experience. “the Parson”: His cure was wide, with houses visit.” Biblical Background Surely it is an apocryphal story, far asunder; but one churchgoer tells about get­ God thundered to the spiritual But never did he fail, in rain or ting this message on a pastor’s an­ leaders of ancient Israel, “Woe be thunder, swering machine: “The parson you unto the pastors that destroy and In sickness and in mischance, to have reached is not in service at this scatter the sheep of my pasture! . . . visit all, time. But don’t worry! Read Rom. Ye . . . have not visited them: be­ The furthest in his parish, great 8:28 and call me in the morning. hold, I will visit upon you the evil or small. 3 This is a recording.” of your doings” (Jer. 23:1-2, KJV). The writings of Luther, Calvin, Most pastors admit that routine The Hebrew word for pastor is Wesley and Asbury leave no doubt visitation is the most difficult, dis­ ra’ah, translated “shepherd” in the that they were models in pastoral couraging, and in some ways danger­ NIV. The only time “pastor” is found care and demanded the same of their ous task they have to perform! By in the New Testament is in Eph. 4:11, followers. “routine” we mean, not the requested where the Greek word is poimen, Pastors of some of the world’s calls in times of crises— like sickness, which also means “shepherd.” How greatest churches found time to death, domestic problems, etc.— but meaningful, then, are Paul’s words make parish calls. Phillips Brooks, the regular, systematic visitation of to the overseers of the church at one of America’s most illustrious Ephesus. He had set an example of preachers, was rector of Trinity all the members of the church. going “from house to house” (Acts Church, Boston, for many years. If you find yourself diffident 20:20). Now he charges, “Keep Though he had a large membership, about calling on your members, be watch over yourselves and all the he “spent his forenoons in study and comforted, you are not alone. Rein­ flock of which the Holy Spirit has his afternoons in the homes of his hold Niebuhr confessed that as a made you overseers. Be shepherds of parishioners.”4 [Editorial note: In to­ young pastor in the church of God, which he bought day’s society it is very difficult to Detroit he usually with his own blood” (v. 28). find anyone at home in the after­ walked past a house In this apostolic pattern they noons.] two or three times seemed to be deliberately following Alexander Whyte of St. Andrews, before he sum­ the example of our great Pastor- Scotland, was a great pulpiteer. His moned the cour­ Shepherd, Jesus, who visited people church officials made it clear that age to go in. After individually, even in their homes they did not exp ect him to make he had made a (Matt. 26:6; Luke 7:36-50; 10:38-42; calls, yet he gave himself pains­ call, he would find 14:1-24; John 2:1-2). takingly to pastoral visitation.

12 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE

m When Henry Sloane Coffin was many strange things were seen to en­ Close the visit with prayer unless minister of the famed Madison Ave­ ter, but out of which none ever re­ there is a good reason not to do so. nue Presbyterian Church, New York turned.”7 Read a suitable, short passage of City, he went to his people’s homes, Practical Pointers Scripture. calling them all by name. A thou­ It is very effective to follow up Pastors often say, “I don’t have sand calls a year was his minimum! the call with a brief message in the time to visit,” or “My congregation is His successor, Dr. George A. Buttrick, form of a letter or card. too large for me to make calls.” The said to a group of preachers, “You Keep records. A chronological late great Theodore L. Cuyler an­ can never build up a strong congre­ record in a datebook will let you swered, “The excuse that is some­ gation solely by preaching. You must know how many calls you have times made that a congregation is go to the people yourself. You build made in a month. It might motivate too large for any man’s oversight is up a spiritual church by wearing out you to set a goal or to give yourself a absurd. All things are possible to the shoe leather and automobile tires.”’ “par” of 50 to 70 calls a month! On faithful man who understands the This tradition is faithfully carried a card bearing the member’s name, value of time, and is a miser of the on by many successful pastors today. address, and other personal data, minutes.”8 Rev. Lyle W. Curtis, pastor of First make a note of the date and nature It is a matter of priorities. We do Church of the Nazarene in Tulsa, of the call. It will be helpful to you what we feel is really important. A Okla., says, “1 believe that pastoral in the future. foursome of preachers was on the calling is an essential part of pas­ J. M. Barrie, in his classic, The Lit­ golf course. One was playing es­ toral care. I strive to be in every tle Minister, portrays the old, retir­ pecially badly. His partner said, “He home in my church at least once a ing minister, after he has walked must be keeping up his pastoral year. There must be personal contact about for the last time in his parish, work. His game is lousy!” in order to provide proper pastoral as noting that there was scarcely a care.” Nazarene educator Richard Shelley Taylor wrote, in The Disciplined house where he had not visited and Visitation Values Life, “[A] truly disciplined character prayed. Then he has him speak these In spite of scriptural admonitions has the ability to subordinate the meaningful words to his young suc­ and examples given, you may still be lesser to the greater. Here is the cessor: “Ah, sir, these are the scenes asking, “But why visit? Is it really problem of priorities— probably the that make the minister more than all profitable?” Consider these prin­ most crucial problem of life. On its his sermons. You must join the fam­ cipal benefits of pastoral visitation. solution hangs success or failure, ily, Mr. Dishart, or you are only a The shepherd will get to know his improvement or degeneration.”9 minister once a week. And remem­ sheep. In their home you will learn The solution to the problem is to ber this, if your call is from above, it things about their needs, their hurts, have some sort of system for visiting. is a call to stay.”10 and their hungers that you will Here are some simple suggestions Recover the ministry of pastoral never learn at a public service. Not on how to set up a visitation pro­ visitation, for which there is no sub­ only will you know how to better gram and make calls. stitute. Practice “doorbell theology.” minister to them, but also you will Divide your parish or city into As Peter wrote, “Be shepherds of know how to more effectively pray geographical categories, and then God’s flock that is under your care, for them. visit a different day in each one, pos­ serving as overseers— not because The sheep will get to know their sibly in alphabetical order so that it you must, but because you are w ill­ shepherd. They will be more apt to will not look like you are showing ing, as God wants you to be; . . . And want to attend worship services and preference. when the Chief Shepherd appears, hear you preach. It’s an old but true Announce from the pulpit what you will receive the crown of glory saying, “When we go, they come.” you are doing. Some send a card or that will never fade away” (1 Pet. There’s another old saying, “If the have the secretary make a phone call 5:2, 4). f preacher is invisible all week, he so that the member will expect you. will be incomprehensible on Sun­ Your plan to visit in a certain area 1. Gerald Kennedy, While I ’m on My Feet (Nash­ ville: Abingdon Press, 1963), 60. day!” might be published in the weekly 2. Thomas C. Oden, Pastoral Theology (San Visitation often provides vital bulletin. Francisco: Harper and Row, Publishers, 1983), 171. homiletic material. The needs the When you enter a home, be 3. Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales (ca. 1386-90, interlinear trans. by V. Hopper, Brooklyn: people reveal and the questions they friendly but not frivolous. It is not Barrons, 1949), 41. ask will kindle a fire in your heart. primarily a social call or a business 4. Eugene D. Dolloff, The Romance of Door­ bells (Philadelphia: Judson Press, 1951), 51-52. Catherine Marshall wrote, “Most of call. You are there as a physician of 5. Ibid., 26. the time Peter got his ideas for ser­ souls. Turn the conversation to spiri­ 6. Catherine Marshall, A Man Called Peter (New mons from life, from the needs of tual matters as soon as possible. York: McGraw Hill Book Co., 1951), 206. 7. William Meade, Lectures on the Pastoral Of­ the people on Main Street as he un­ The call doesn’t have to be fice (New York: Stanford and Swords, 1849), 185. covered them through . . . pastoral lengthy. Some pastors stay only 15 8. Theodore L. Cuyler, How to Be a Pastor (New visits.”6 This doesn’t mean you will or 20 minutes unless there is a spe­ York: Baker and Taylor Co., 1890), quoted by David M. Dawson, Jr., More Power to the Preacher (Grand betray their confidences or “use cial need. But don’t give the impres­ Rapids: Zondervan, 1956), 45. them as an illustration.” “A minis­ sion you are in a hurry and that you 9. Richard Shelley Taylor, The Disciplined Life (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 1962), 35. ter’s breast should be like the old are only calling perfunctorily to dis­ 10. J. M. Barrie, The Little Minister (Chicago: lion’s den in the fable, into which charge a duty. M. A. Donahue and Co., n.d.), 21.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 13 The Ministry of Being There by J. Grant Swank, Jr. Windham, Maine

n the late 1960s, my wife had to What made the change? The real­ these men. The calls came to me no go to Mayo Clinic for extensive ization that I was not forsaken. longer. I surmised that I had done tests. We were young and ideal­ Someone else was with me. Though all I could for them, and they car­ Iistic. We were not about to bow toto me he has remained anonymous ried on with life in some other chan­ sickness, let alone death. Never­ till this day, yet he ministered by nels. theless, the weights of pain hung simply being there. The other evening, however, Mark around our necks. My wife and I left the clinic for phoned again. I recognized him im­ One afternoon at the clinic when Boston, where she later had brain mediately. We chatted briefly, catch­ light poured upon houses outside, surgery. Today, she is in good health. ing up on what had happened to darkness stole over me. My wife was I measure part of my good health of each of us in the intervening years. having scans. soul to that instrument of the Lord Then, the truth came to me again. I wandered out of the antiseptic who was seated there in the sanc­ He wanted me to be there, for he environs to a nearby sanctuary. In tuary when I was in desperate long­ had some desperate items on his the cool shadows of the Prayer ing for sanctuary. He helped me mind once more. House, I bent my tired body over the carry the load. “Say, remember my roommate?” back of a pew and began to cry. Individuals often gauge their so- he asked. In time my vision focused on the called success by standards that are “Sure,” I replied. His roommate cross. Then I heard a movement be­ simply inadequate, incomplete. was the other caller. hind me. Cautiously, I turned Only God can finally bring together “He has had some real problems around. I made out the form of a all that is done for the Kingdom. lately. In fact, since I last talked with small man seated in the back of the Charts, graphs, and annual statistics you, he suffered a nervous break­ church. Around his neck was a simply do not suffice. One ministry down.” white collar. Having seen him, I re­ they cannot calculate is that of “be­ The details spilled forth. laxed and twisted my body once ing there.” “Why don’t you suggest that he more in the direction of the cross I was reminded of this reality call me again?” I said. It was only above the altar. again the other day. about three minutes till Jack was on A certain peace took control of Several years ago, two young fel­ the phone, calling me from out of me. The bones in my neck and back lows from a nearby college would state. rested, and my breathing steadied. call me at the parsonage phone. Around 11 p.m., I had finished The cold aloneness gave way to a They would not identify themselves with these two fellows; but it was af­ blanket of warmth. because they wanted to share their ter midnight before I got to sleep problems with another human with­ because a sense of contentment per­ out the dread of their confidence vaded my soul. Why was I feeling so being broken. I accepted their terms good inside? of communication. We formed a It was because I had helped two bond that permitted in-depth anal­ persons in the evening hours. I did ysis, scrutiny, and caring. not know their names or addresses. I Call after call would come to my had never seen their faces. home from these students in their But I thanked God for a special early 20s. chance to minister to others by sim­ After a while I lost contact with ply being there. $

14 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE

. How to Make Effective Hospital Calls

by Montford L. Neal Bristow, Okla.

ospital calling is an ongoing use of time. Also, keep the format and support the patient as his pastor. experience in the life of simple so that you capitalize on You represent one of the largest care- the pastor. One of the most making the most of the call. Get to giving institutions in the world, God’s Himportant pastoral ministries is ef­ the visit in a winsome, yet urgent Church! Your comments should be fective care giving to those persons manner. seasoned with the Holy Bible and needing help during a time of sick­ Sensitivity thoughtful expressions of faith- ness. It is important to take careful building love and consideration. consideration in making those visits Pray that you will be able to iden­ Spiritual as vital and effective as possible. tify the mood or feeling of the pa­ Listed below are some helpful hints. tient. Be open to other factors such Every person needs spiritual assis­ as hospital personnel, family mem­ tance. Patients are especially condu­ Simplicity bers, and the general welfare of the cive to spiritual guidance. Allow Having a workable plan is vital. patient. The Holy Spirit will provide them to express their concerns. One Often this includes the need and ur­ you with able assistance during approach is to ask them what they gency of the patient. The most crit­ times of great stress and acute cir­ want you to pray about. Often it is ical are given top priority. However, cumstances. not for their health, but for someone in large hospitals it is often neces­ or something that concerns them at sary to follow a systematic sequence Supportive the time. Spiritual alertness is a key of room numbers and make sensible Your call is basically to strengthen in visitation. Short A southern Indiana hospital has Keep the Lambs Close ( Continued from page 11) on its elevators a simple message: “PLEASE MAKE VISITS 15 MINUTES as it adds days. With the ewe, it heard that they have drifted back OR LESS!” Ministers are very busy learns to eat the grass, drink the wa­ into their former life. persons. Time with the patient is ter, lick the salt lick, and respond to How could they? New Christians quality time. Brief calls are more ap­ the herding of the shepherd and the do not mature by glow and enthusi­ preciated than staying too long. Pol­ sheepdogs. asm alone. Shepherding can come ished etiquette will serve the pastor If the lamb wanders, the ewe from any mature Christian, not only well. bleats caution to her lamb to return. from the pastor, elder, deacon, or Hospital calling is here to stay. When the lamb doesn’t heed her teacher. Ministers face a new day of medical call, she leaves even the most succu­ New members and babes in Christ care: outpatients, new surgeries, lent grasses and attempts to nose the need more than the friendliness that new techniques, counseling rooms, wandering one back to the safety of drops its iron curtain at the door of various types of waiting rooms, spe­ the flock. She may return to her the church on Sunday, after the final cialized medicines making it neces­ browsing still bleating. If her lamb handshake. There is a whole week sary to go to even more hospitals, doesn’t follow, she will try again, or before them, and they need fellow­ and other stresses. Professional care the shepherd will notice and take ship. If they are new to the commu­ giving with strong convictions action. And it is a good thing, be­ nity, they need new Christian friends about spiritual matters make a good cause: to replace those left behind. A marriage for today’s minister. $ “For the first two to five weeks . . . change of life-style is not an over­ they will follow anything.” night transformation. The hunger for The glow and enthusiasm of new fellowship will encourage “follow­ Christians stir the heart as they tell ership” until they are well integrat­ how the Good Shepherd saved them. ed into the Christian community, or They bring an infusion of fresh en­ they may be inclined to “follow any­ ergy to a body of believers. Without thing that moves.” That movement shepherding, that glow may dim and may be found in another church, a their enthusiasm lapse into indiffer­ cult, or activities outside the faith. ence. Then the crushing news is Keep the lambs close! $

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 15 Setting Pastoral Goals for Patient Care

by A. Wayne Pittard Bethany, Okla.

n a profession as nebulous as or of nursing, but our uniqueness functions of pastoral care such as ours it is sometimes difficult to calls for self-evaluation and mea­ meeting the systemic needs of pa­ measure the outcome of our surement by theological as well as tients. These systemic needs are met Iwork. For that reason we get in­pastoral criteria. through the sacraments, prayer, Bi­ volved in things like statistics and General Goals ble reading, and worship. programming, where we can see re­ sults and gain a sense of satisfaction of Pastoral Care A Tool for Defining from our efforts. It is my belief that It may be the primary goal of Pastoral Goals if we were to set down our expecta­ health care to deal with illness and As a discipline in setting goals for tions in patient care, we would get health, but it is the primary goal of pastoral care and as a means of defin­ an idea of whether or not we have pastoral care in a hospital setting to ing their uniqueness, I have devel­ accomplished our goal with a given deal with the grief that patients ex­ oped a sheet with four categories for patient. This would eliminate the perience. Grief may be dealt with by each patient. The categories are: Ob­ need for others to tell us we did a other therapies than the profession jective data about the patient (re­ good job or were helpful or not. Not of pastoral care, but grief is primar­ lated more to their religious back­ only is it unprofessional to depend ily a spiritual experience and calls ground and present situation), on the praise or disapproval of oth­ for more than grief management. It subjective data on the patient (feel­ ers for our own sense of fulfillment, calls for the relief of despair. ings the patient expresses to me and but also it is foolish to set ourselves Despair is made up of depletion others), pastoral issues or concerns up to be measured by the standards and depression. The depletion refers (uniquely theological, spiritual, and of those who understand our work to the loss of inner resources for religious), and pastoral response less than we do. coping with life situations. Depres­ (what I intend to do in response to The purpose in setting goals for sion involves feelings of help­ the concerns). pastoral care, in addition to a more lessness and hopelessness. Pastoral For example, a male patient I am effective ministry to the patient, is care deals with the relief of despair working with entered the hospital to realize our own expectations and and offers a sense of fulfillment and for management of his diabetes. Dur­ to decide for ourselves whether we hope. It attempts not so much to re­ ing his stay, in one of our conversa­ have accomplished what we in­ move despair as to offer hope, but in tions, he revealed that his five-year- tended to accomplish with a partic­ offering hope, that is exactly the old son had died of a brain tumor in ular patient. Setting of pastoral goals outcome. 1979. Somehow little attention was for patient care frees us to minister Other general goals of pastoral given to this fact by the medical and rather than to be ministered to by care can be described as falling into nursing staffs. His disease was dealt the praise of others. the somewhat arbitrary categories of with in isolation from his grief ex- ! Let me define the word “goal” as theological, spiritual, and reli­ perience. This is not to be critical of that which we aim to accomplish. I gious, three different facets of pas­ those professions, for it is our task, would define “objective” as the toral care. The theological goals for and not theirs, to deal with grief. Be­ means we use to reach our goal. pastoral care have to do with the pa­ cause of the depression of patholog­ Goals of pastoral care are unique. tient gaining a sense of holy per­ ical proportions, the psychiatric There may be a temptation to take spective on his situation and placing “listen team” was called in. The pa­ the goals of the medical profession that situation into the context of his tient told them about our visits. He entire life to that point. This per­ said that he preferred to deal with spective has the note of eternity in the pastoral care minister, since his it, although it must focus on the search was for meaning, and his own practical necessity of life rather than resources were deeply spiritual. death. The spiritual goals of pastoral The objective data is that his son care have to do with the spirit of a had died, his marriage had not been person, which responds to the Holy going well, and his experience with Spirit in faith or doubt, love or hate, Christianity during his son’s illness hope or despair. Religious goals of had resulted in disappointment. pastoral care deal more with the (Continued on page 45)

16 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE ew things are more troubling the thousands that go away from their than hearing television “healing services” without healing. F preachers promoting their Even “faith healers” confess that gift of “healing.” Multitudes travel healing does not always occur. Ac­ great distances to attend one of their cording to an article in Health, there special healing crusades. We see have been no “healings” ever re­ lines of people going to the plat­ ported from Faith City Oral Roberts’ form with crutches and canes. The H organization. Nor have there been “healer” speaks to each one momen­ any reports of the effects of prayer tarily, then places his hands on the on healing.2 person and yells out, “In the name E Does healing depend on the faith of Jesus Christ, be healed!” of the sick person? What role does Suddenly the pilgrim opens his healing have in faith experience? eyes with a look of astonishment How should healing be handled in and proclaims, “I’ve been healed!” A view of Scripture? At this point the healer takes the First, does healing depend on the newly healed believer through a se­ faith of the ill person? Let us look to ries of exercises to prove the au­ L the Scriptures to see what role faith thenticity of a healing. has in healing. In Mark 2:5, a para­ What troubles us is that it does lytic is lowered through the roof of not always work this way in real life. Peter’s home. In the encounter with With faith and obedience, the pastor I Jesus the man is healed. Was it the of the local church calls for the in­ paralytic’s faith that healed him? Ac­ firm to come to the altar for anoint­ cording to the passage, if anyone’s ing and prayer. With care, oil is ap­ N faith was instrumental, it was the plied to the forehead of the seeker. A faith of those men who lowered him prayer for healing ascends to heav­ through the roof. en. Coming to the pastor to be freed In Mark 5:22-23, 35-43, Jairus from his ailment, the believer looks G comes to Jesus for healing of his up at the pastor with an expression daughter. Along the way, Jairus is no­ that says, “Well?” He returns to his tified that his daughter has died. seat unchanged. Jesus proceeds to his home where The problem of the unhealed per­ and He brings her back to life. In a simi­ son has prevented many pastors and lar event, Jesus is told that His believers from praying for healing friend, Lazarus, is dying (John 11). because it is so unpredictable. It is Along the way Jesus is informed that disheartening to pray for an ill per­ Lazarus has died. Arriving at the fam­ son only to see him die. The prob­ FAITE ily home, Jesus raises Lazarus from lem is compounded when preachers the dead. These two cases clearly pass the blame along to the seeker. show that it was not the faith of the They insist that the failure to be by John W. Dally ill person that brought about heal­ healed is due to the person’s lack of Burbank, Calif. ing. Both persons were dead when faith. This is the easy way out, but it the healing was initiated. In Acts 3 is not consistent with Scripture. the paralytic was sitting at the gate Though it takes the heat off the pas­ called Beautiful. It was not his faith tor, the person is left still sick and that brought about his healing. He now burdened with false guilt. was expecting a handout from the Science Digest magazine had an disciples. In each of these cases, article on faith healers.1 I expected healing was not the result of the ill to read some secular explanation for person’s faith. If anything, the faith healing brought about by Christian of the “healer” brought about the faith healers. To my surprise, they miracle. confirmed healing, but the healer Healing has occurred when the on whom the article centered was faith of the ill person was involved. neither a Christian or even religious! Although these passages do not Olga Worrell used a form of medita­ prove that healing is by faith alone, tion she calls “shifting into neutral” there is an interesting element in to bring about healing. Communicator's these healings. In these cases, be­ There are religious figures who sides physical healing, there appears claim that God heals through them Sermon Contest to be an additional element, a sec­ and that they can perform healings See page 51. ond level of healing. Greek words just as Jesus did during His earthly used in passages addressing healing ministry. They fail to tell us about give us insight.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 17 Three words are translated “to son. At the same time, when faith is Another element of healing is the heal” in the New Testament: ther- involved, there are greater benefits exercise of faith. It takes faith to ask apeuein, iasthai, and sozein. Ther- afforded than only physical healing. for healing. It takes faith to seek apeuein comes from the idea “to There is much more to scriptural healing for others. It takes faith to serve.” It carries the idea of nursing accounts of healing than freedom recognize healings. Healing is a faith someone to health. Iasthai means from illness. Even though healings experience. We act in faith and take “to heal” in the physical sense, to may not always occur, healing plays the results by faith. Healing provides make well. Sozein has the meaning an important role in our faith ex­ us with a genuine faith experience. Healings are meant to encourage “to make whole.” It is also translated perience. us to faith— faith that God’s king­ “whole” and “well.” There is more Let us look at Jesus and His minis­ dom has come through Jesus Christ attention to the complete person in try of healing. When John the Baptist and faith as part of our life experi­ the use of sozein, as indicated by was in prison, he began to wonder if ence. the fact that sozein means “to save,” his mission had been completed. He How, then, should we view heal­ even in the spiritual as well as phys­ sought proof that Jesus was the Mes­ ing in the Scriptures? Should we ical sense. siah. He sent his disciples to ask view healing as a model for us to­ Jesus if He were “the Coming One.” day? In the later development of the Jesus responded with a messianic New Testament, the healings in the passage from Isa. 35:5 f. and 61:1: Gospels are not reflected in the life Go back and report to John experience of the Early Church. Does healing what you hear and see: The blind The ability to heal is passed on to receive sight, the lame walk, those the apostles in the Book of Acts. In depend on the who have leprosy are cured, the fact, healing is reported to be a com­ deaf hear, the dead are raised, and mon occurrence among the apos­ faith of the the good news is preached to the tles: “Crowds gathered also from the poor (Matt. 11:4-5). towns around Jerusalem, bringing sick person? Here the healings are signs. Mat­ their sick and those tormented by thew viewed healing as evidence of evil spirits [to the apostles], and all Jesus’ Messiahship. In 8:17, he of them were healed” (Acts 5:16). points to healings as fulfillment of Yet, the apostle Paul never nar­ When faith is involved, the term the prophecy of Isa. 53:4— “He took rates a healing in his letters. His sozein is most commonly used. In up our infirmities and carried our only reference to healing was in his Mark 5:29, the woman with the is­ sorrows.” Jesus’ healings found in first letter to the Corinthians ( a .d . sue of blood is healed (iasthai) Matthew’s Gospel are Kingdom 55) in which he speaks of healing as when she touches the hem of Jesus’ signs. a spiritual gift (12:9). No longer was robe. When Jesus turns around and In Matthew, following the Sermon the miracle of healing available to addresses her, He said that her faith on the Mount in which Jesus pro­ had made her whole (sozein). In claims the coming of the Kingdom, Luke 17, 10 lepers call out to Jesus there are a series of healings. The for mercy. He tells them to go show first involves a Jew with leprosy. Besides physical themselves to the priest. Along the Leprosy was a sign of judgment to way, they were cleansed. One leper the Jew. In healing the Jew, Jesus healing, there returned to thank Jesus for the mira­ shows that the Kingdom is present cle of being healed (iasthai). Jesus and the Jew a recipient. appears to be a says that his faith had made him The next healing is that of a Gen­ whole (sozein). tile, showing the openness of the second level of Yet a person could be made whole Kingdom to Gentiles. even when he was not ill. Luke tells In healing Peter’s mother-in-law, healing. of the sinful woman who anoints Jesus affirms the inclusion of Jesus’ feet. Jesus said, “Your faith has women, who were considered saved [sozein] you; go in peace” second-class citizens in that culture. (Luke 7:50). Then follows the quote from the Ser­ all the followers of Jesus, but only to It appears that whenever healing vant Song, Isa. 53:4, showing that a select few. Only in Acts, written includes the faith of the ill person, a Jesus’ healings were fulfillment of later by Luke ( a .d . 7 0 ), do we find second level of healing takes place prophecies showing Him to be the any instance of healing in Paul’s — a spiritual healing or “whole­ Suffering Servant who justifies many. ministry (e.g., 19:12). ness,” as the word is elsewhere trans­ Jesus’ healings showed the audi­ James reflects a period after Paul.3 lated. This “wholeness” is not neces­ ence who listened to Matthew’s ac­ In his account, healing is delegated sarily linked to healing. A person count that the long-awaited king­ to the elders of the church. He sug­ can be made whole spiritually with­ dom of God had truly arrived in the gests that only the leaders of the out need of a physical healing. person of Jesus. Therefore, these church with the aid of ritual were Then what can we derive from healings provided a basis of faith to able to effect healing. these cases? First, healing does not the Early Church that the Kingdom Continuing beyond the period of depend on the faith of the ill per­ had come. ( Continued on page 41)

18 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Divine Healing: The Lost Estate? by Greg Crofford Sedalia, Mo.

We believe in the Bible doctrine iceberg. Saints across the ages testify song “He Is Able” tells of the heal­ of divine healing and urge our to the power of God to deliver from ing ministry of Jesus, yet frames the people to seek to offer the prayer physical ailments. Holiness tradition story entirely in the past tense: of faith for the healing of the affirms their testimony through He healed the brokenhearted, sick. Providential means and creedal statements and through the and He set the captive free! agencies when deemed necessary practice of anointing with oil. But if He made the lame to walk again, should not be refused. God’s messengers are to practice and He caused the blind to see. — Article of Faith XIV, what they preach when it comes to Our Wednesday prayer meeting “Divine Healing,” 1989 Manual, divine healing, are we in danger of crowd held a pitched discussion on Church of the Nazarene failing to preach what we practice? miracles after half the people sang Following a recent healing service “He Is Able” in the present tense. To ack was a lovable three-year- during which I preached on anoint­ tell of God’s working among us in old, well-adjusted and per­ ing with oil, a visitor cornered me the here and now is the natural de­ fectly healthy Then came the in the lobby. “Pastor,” she lamented, sire of every believer. On the other J lumps. His physician father “I have been a member in our de­ hand, we hesitate to push a leash on first discovered them protruding un­ nomination for 37 years. Today was the Divine and insist that God re­ der the boy’s jaw. Two months and the very first time I have ever heard spond to our wishes every time we three specialists later, they delivered a sermon on divine healing.” I pull the chain of prayer. to Jack’s parents a dreaded diagnosis: walked away from that conversation Why Are We Nervous? Hodgkin’s disease or lymphoma. with a nagging question: Is her testi­ The apparent dearth of preaching Immediately, church members re­ mony an isolated incident or do ho­ on divine healing can be traced di­ sorted to prayer. Days of fervent liness preachers need to rediscover a rectly to several issues. First, careful prayer for divine intervention cli­ crucial part of the full counsel of Christians want to avoid a magical maxed with an emotional healing God? approach to faith. Charles R. Gailey service for young Jack. With dozens Squeamish over draws a critical distinction between of believers keeping a prayerful Divine Healing the practice of magic versus reli­ vigil, the family’s longtime pastor gion. Magic attempts to manipulate anointed Jack with oil in the name Dunning’s Grace, Faith, and Holi­ the supernatural for human ends; re­ of the Lord. ness, a Wesleyan systematic theol­ ligion submits self to the Divine, to Father, mother, and son soon re­ ogy, seemed like a natural starting fulfill divine purposes. Broadly turned for a checkup. Amazed, the point for research. Surprisingly, di­ speaking, this magical orientation oncologist confirmed the shrinking vine healing is never mentioned in of the swollen lymph nodes. A its 671 pages. The Beacon Dictio­ month later, the swelling had com­ nary of Theology yielded a one- pletely vanished. For medical spe­ page entry. Apart from this, I could cialists, Jack’s recovery was a curious find nothing in my library on divine case indeed. But to his thankful par­ healing from a Wesleyan-Arminian ents, it was much more. It was a perspective. miracle. Theological misgivings show up not only through loud literary si­ Preach What You Practice lence but also in the lyrics of popu­ Jack’s healing is but the tip of an lar Christian choruses. Paul Paino’s

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 19 shows up in the concept of “seed- lous, a Christian may wonder wheth­ king to the Pool of Siloam, the blind faith giving” and other angles of the er an incident is o f the Lord. Paul man publicly demonstrated his faith so-called prosperity gospel. In rela­ does not specify whether “counter­ in Jesus’ ability to heal. John 9:8 tion to the miraculous, magical feit miracles, signs and wonders” in­ records the surprise of onlookers, thinking creeps in through some in­ clude healing, but Rev. 13:3 hints as each of whom knew the genuine­ terpretations of Isaiah 53 and the much when describing the healing ness of the man’s blindness. Great idea of “healing in the Atonement.” of the beast’s fatal wound. glory went to Jesus because the By comparison, Jesus’ prayer “Thy While these three reasons caution stricken man cooperated with the will be done” uttered in Gethsema- a preacher away from addressing di­ Lord in a public act of obedience. vine healing, a fourth reason is para­ ne is a more mature stance, epito­ Jesus demanded public faith de­ mount. Healing is sometimes with­ mizing Christian faith and submis­ monstrations not only of the blind held. For every recovery of a three- sion. but also of the lame. Mark 2 pictures year-old Jack, there seems to be the A second explanation for the pau­ the four faithful friends of a paraly­ death of a two-year-old Jill. Even lay­ city of sermons on God’s healing tic, stubbornly digging their way power is the problem of religious ing on of hands and anointing with oil fail to bring physical healing in through the roof of a stranger’s charlatans. Every profession has its crowded house, and lowering their quacks, so we should not be sur­ every circumstance. In our most honest moments, we acknowledge helpless companion before the Lord. prised when the field of Christian the biblical balance: “There is a In response to the foursome’s faith, professionals yields its share. Huck­ time for everything, and a season for He pronounced forgiveness of sins sters peddling their fabricated brand every activity under heaven: a time upon the paralytic. Jesus spelled out of divine healing is nothing new. to be born and a time to die” (Ec- the condition of the man’s healing: Television is ready to broadcast the cles. 3:1-2). The classic example of “Get up, take your mat and go home” latest gossip on faith healers. Book­ healing refused by God is Paul’s ex­ (v. 1 1 ). W ithin fu ll view o f the stores carry exposes of their tricky perience. His thorn in the flesh re­ crowd, the lame man made a public mained, despite his earnest requests for God to remove it (2 Corinthians 12). Divine Healing in the Gospels Because of contro­ Saints across the A discussion of divine healing must address the miracles of Jesus versy surrounding ages testify to Christ. In our time, attempts to ex­ plain away the reality of the miracu­ healing, many God s healing lous have been put forth by Bult- mann and others. Believers and un­ preachers ignore power. believers are gripped by the pro­ found simplicity of the miracle nar­ the issue altogether. ratives in the Gospel accounts. The pages of the first four books of the New Testament ring with authority. methods. Because of controversy A common thread runs through demonstration of faith. Obediently, surrounding healing, many preach­ many of the miracle stories: Jesus so­ he followed the Lord’s command ers prefer to ignore the issue alto­ licited cooperation of the one who and walked out of the house. The gether. would be healed. John 9 recounts throng reacted. “This amazed every­ Occult manifestations present Jesus healing a man blind since one and they praised God, saying, preachers with a third challenge. birth. Jesus spit on the ground, made ‘We have never seen anything like Christians have always recognized mud, then placed it on the blind this!’” (v. 12). that the miraculous does not exclu­ man’s eyes. He ordered him to go Anointing: A Public Act sively originate from God. A mea­ and wash in the Pool of Siloam. The of Faith sure of power has been accorded to end result is faith-inspiring: “So the Satan. In Exodus 7, Pharaoh’s sor­ man went and washed, and came James 5 is the locus classicus for cerers and magicians duplicated Mo­ home seeing” (v. 7). the doctrine of divine healing. As in ses’ initial miracles. Later chapters Why did Jesus require the blind the Gospels, the principle of coop­ reveal their inability to copy God’s man to wash before he was healed? erating with God through public greater feats. Demonic elements Certainly our Lord was capable of obedience is evident. The sick be­ were confronted in the Acts of the restoring his vision without this liever is urged to call the elders of Apostles, notably Simon the Sor­ seemingly superfluous act! Mark 8 the church, a public setting. When cerer. Paul’s eschatology foretells tells a similar story, except a man re­ the elders arrive, they are instructed the coming of the “lawless one,” ceived his sight without first going to “pray over him and anoint him whose power includes the display of to wash. We conclude that Jesus re­ with oil in the name of the Lord” (v. “counterfeit miracles, signs and quired a degree of cooperation from 14). In this way, the sick person and wonders” (2 Thess. 2:9). Because the one who would be healed. Trek­ the elders are all cooperating with healing has earmarks of the miracu­ God. Anointing with oil becomes an

20 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE outward declaration of personal be­ promise is hope-inspiring: “The may bring relatives to pray with lief in God’s ability to restore phys­ prayer of a righteous man is power­ them if desired. Candidates may ical well-being. ful and effective” (James 5:16). kneel at the altar if health permits. The Manual of the Church of the Otherwise, encourage them to sit Preaching on Divine Healing Nazarene, Article of Faith XIV, makes comfortably on a front pew. it clear that assistance by medical When doubts have been prayer­ Since James 5 requires the “el­ science in bringing about healing fully confronted, the time for action ders” to gather around the sick be­ must not be refused. In light of our arrives. No matter what abuses have liever, use your church board to fill discussion, a visit to the doctor’s of­ grown up around the theology and this role. Following Jesus’ example, fice may be seen as the modern practice of divine healing, holiness exercise laying on of hands. equivalent of the blind man’s trip to preachers owe it to themselves and Before beginning your group wash in the Pool of Siloam. We must to their people to impart a proper prayer, conduct a short interview use all the tools at our disposal understanding. with the candidate. Publicly ask when it comes to cooperating with Preparing your sermon on divine questions, such as “(Name), what is God for our divine healing. Re­ healing, you will want to dig deep your ailment?” “Have you been to a leasing the sick into the care of com­ and wide for a better understanding. doctor about this?” “Do you know petent medical professionals does Emphasize that while God is fully Jesus as your Savior?” “Do you be­ not negate Christ’s role as Source of capable of healing, in His wisdom lieve God is able to heal you?” By re­ all recovery. He may withhold it. On the other sponding to these queries, the can­ hand, this does not negate our re­ didate’s faith will be heightened. Requirements for sponsibility to be obedient to His Newcomers in the congregation will Divine Healing Word in passages like James 5. A better understand what is taking The first requirement for divine beautiful balance between human place. healing is that the candidate must faith and divine willingness to heal When the interview is finished, be in saving relationship to Jesus is seen in Matthew 8, where Jesus anoint the candidate with oil. You heals a man with leprosy. Thorough study will uncover other biblical paradigms for divine healing. When doubts have As you study, your understanding will be sharper, but do not be afraid been prayerfully to be transparent with your people. Admitting where you fail to under­ Are we failing to confronted, the stand the mind of God clearly is not a sign of weakness, but strength. preach what we time for action Finally, emphasize that divine healing calls for our obedience to practice? arrives. the Word. With clear authority, the Bible prescribes anointing with oil. Can we ignore the precedent that Jesus’ own disciples set? (Mark 6:13). Christ. James repeatedly addresses may follow the guideline of James his readers as “brothers” (cf. 1:2, 19; The Rite of Anointing 5:14 by saying, “(Name), I anoint 2:1, 5, 14; 5:7; etc.). When James To protect the sacredness of the you with oil in the name of Jesus asks, “Is any one of you sick?” it is anointing service, pastors should Christ our Lord.” As you say this, in­ understood that he addresses Chris­ screen candidates before the ritual. scribe a cross with oil on the candi­ tians. At any given time, there is bound to date’s forehead. Through an extem­ Calling the elders of the church be someone in the church with a poraneous prayer, affirm God’s love (5:14) is a second requirement for serious ailment that has not re­ for the person, as well as the con­ divine healing. Elders must anoint sponded to medical treatment. Pas­ gregation’s support and concern. with oil, offering faithful prayer. toral prayers often become a litany Anointing should be a time of great God’s response is not delayed: “The of the “sick list.” Why not contact encouragement! Lord will raise him up” (5 :1 5 ). those who have exhausted medical Finally, the candidate for divine options to see whether they desire Stretch Yourself healing must “confess [his] sins to anointing with oil? Do we practice the rite of anoint­ each other . . . so that [he] may be During your appointment with ing with oil as much as we should? healed” (5 :1 6 ). Jesus’ lesson to His the candidate, review the require­ When we anoint, are we “preaching disciples in the first part of John 9 is ments listed in James 5 for divine what we practice”? Sound doctrine that sin is not the sole cause of suf­ healing. Make sure they understand comes alive through sound practice fering. That it may be a cause is sug­ what they must do to cooperate and solid preaching. By concerted gested when Jesus pardons sin be­ with God in this venture. effort, we can clear away theological fore healing in some instances (cf. Following your sermon, invite cobwebs from a neglected tradition. Mark 2). Sin may hinder divine heal­ your prescreened candidates to come Together, let us recapture the lost ing, as advised by James. The final to the front of the sanctuary. They estate. if

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 21 Helping Congregants After a Disaster by Jay Levinson Jerusalem

an Am 103 plummeted over Several weeks before the Pan Am reaved family must be acquainted the unknown Scottish vil­ crash, a high-intensity earthquake with the phenomenon of PTSD after lage of Lockerbie. Since that struck part of Soviet Armenia. As in­ a disaster. He must realize that if a Pshocking incident, the dead haveternational television crews record­ scene is unpleasant, it is perfectly been eulogized and buried, but for ed in vivid detail, rescue teams from normal for people to react. People the many living family members the all over the world inundated the must be reassured. People must real­ battle to come to grips with reality stricken area. One of the most mov­ ize that their reactions, whether ex­ still goes on. They still have not to­ ing sights recorded was the somber pressed in fears, sleepless nights, or tally readjusted. demeanor of one parent standing psychological numbness, are not A key person caught in the psy­ motionless as an extrication team re­ unique to them alone. Although we chological struggle is the local cler­ trieved the lifeless body of his small have a culture where reactions are gyman. He is expected to come up daughter. Without a visible tear or supposed to be internalized under with correct answers, even under emotion, the father walked off, hold­ most circumstances, those vivid re­ the most trying circumstances. In ing the body of his child. Had this actions are quite normal. the immediate period after the trag­ man lost all sense of love and human For almost every ailment there is a edy, Pan Am assigned a psycho­ compassion? No! cure. What is the cure for PTSD? Let logical caseworker to each bereaved A true understanding of the tragic the person talk out his feelings. The family. That professional helper has situation was that the man had be­ clergyman should let his parishioner now gone, although many of the come psychologically numbed by talk while he must listen to the grief problems still remain. In many the vast scope of death and destruc­ the parishioner expresses. Consol­ cases, only the family’s pastor or tion he had witnessed. In technical ing the parishioner with prede­ priest is left. terms, he was suffering from post- termined and well-polished lines or The clergyman has a role in help­ traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a favorite biblical verses provide the ing, but it goes well beyond the formal name given to the entire clergyman with an easy script, but standard function of providing gamut of normal reactions to mass this approach does not always solve words of religious comfort to a catastrophe. the problems of catastrophic be­ shocked parishioner. Before he can Those families who traveled to reavement. assist his congregant, he must come the scene of death in Lockerbie were There are steps a clergyman can to a firm and perceptive understand­ not the only ones affected by the take to assist his congregants when ing of the real problems. awesome tragedy. Modern television disaster strikes their families: Sudden and unexpected death of brought vivid pictures of blood and 1. Avoid having the family view a close relative is not an easy experi­ destruction into many households. the body. Looking at a lifeless victim ence, as every clergyman knows. At the same time, television did not can be very disturbing, particularly There are always the standard ques­ provide viewers with the social ser­ if there has been physical damage to tions of “Why?” When the circum­ vices trained to help people cope the body. Save the family that agony stances of death, however, are part with the scenes they were being if possible. Try to have identifica­ of a major disaster, such as the air shown in their own homes. For the tion done by other methods. crash in Lockerbie, an entirely new general public it was difficult 2. Help the family identify the situation is created. enough. For the family who had lost body if there is a problem. Sit with a member, the situation was cata­ the family and obtain a full descrip­ strophic. tion of the victim and his clothing. Not all persons affected by Lock­ Get his dental records from his den­ erbie expressed themselves in stony tist and his medical charts from his silence. Others expressed an op­ physician. Determine if he ever had posite PTSD reaction— a violent ex­ been fingerprinted, perhaps in con­ plosion, whether by incidents of junction with government employ­ physical violence or by legal ac­ ment; if not, a local police tech­ tions, even against family members. nician can check personal effects for The clergyman summoned to a be­ ( Continued on page 25)

22 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Helping Children Cope with the

by Victor M. Parachin Reality of Death Elk Grove, III. n the way to school one morning, two youths, aged 14 and 15, Two to Six Years— begin to cross an intersection as they have done on many pre­ Death Is Reversible vious days. This morning will be different— they are struck and Most children in this age range Okilled by a hit-and-run driver. live in the present tense with little During summer vacation an eight-year-old experiences increasing understanding of future time. Also, pain in his leg. Tests reveal that he has leukemia. What follows magic and fantasy play a significant is a two-year struggle against the disease, but eventually role in their thinking. Consequently, the child dies, leaving behind his parents and an they perceive death as temporary older brother. and reversible. A fire breaks out in a suburban apartment. For example, our family kitten The baby-sitter is able to escape with the was accidentally crushed when the five-year-old but is unable to save the two- garage door was activated. The first year-old sister, who dies of smoke in­ one to find the kitten was our four- halation. year-old. When it was explained that Fortunately, most families will be the pet was in an accident and had spared the direct pain of losing a died, our daughter innocently pro­ child. However, many parents and tested, saying: “Just throw water on their children will experience death her, and she will come alive.” indirectly as other relatives, friends, and schoolmates lose a loved one to Six to Nine Years— death. Death Is Frightening Whenever there is a death, whether Children are aware that death it is the death of a pet, parent, grandpar­ takes some people but not others. ent, friend, or sibling, children are affected Still in a transitional stage, these and need help in order to cope with the loss. children begin to accept the finality In fact, various studies show that almost 80 of death but don’t understand that percent of children do think about death. all will die eventually. One young Before parents can help their children, it mother responding to her son’s is important to know how young people of questions about death received this various ages and stages comprehend response from him: “It will happen death. Here is a flexible guide out­ to Sister and Daddy, but it will not lining common perceptions happen to you and me.” that children have Also, children in this age often about death. fantasize that they can escape death by running fast enough or by finding good places to hide. It is important to know that children in this age range are particularly vulnerable be­ cause, while they have some under­ standing of death’s ramifications, their coping capacities are under­ developed. J. William Worden, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, states that in this age range “social skills are insuf­ ficiently developed to enable them to defend themselves. This particu­ lar group should be singled out for special concern.”

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 23 Nine to Twelve— mother then looked me squarely that Daddy’s death had nothing to do in the eyes and said, “At one with his behavior. Daddy would Death Is Disruptive o’clock this morning, your sister never have left him if he had a Understanding the finality of was killed in a car accident.” choice. Daddy loved him just the death, children in this age range fo­ When hearing this and seeing way he was, and I loved him just the cus upon the disruptive changes the looks of disbelief on the other way he was.” forced by death. It is common to members of my family, I knew that The young mother went on to hear statements and questions such this wasn’t a sick joke. I felt a state: “It is excruciatingly difficult as these: “Grandpa won’t be able to growing weakness in the back of to see your child struggling with go fishing with me anymore.” “Will my knees, accompanied by a sharp such feelings, but you must allow we have to move out of the house pain in my chest. For the first 5 to them to express these thoughts, or because Daddy has died?” “Who is 10 minutes I didn’t say or do any­ they will never be able to resolve going to take care of us now?” thing. My memory was carving a their guilt.” If a young person does Teenagers— clear picture of the scene in my not initiate a discussion, one can be Death Is Painful mind. Then I had a deluge of stimulated by parents using invita­ mixed emotions racing through tional statements such as: “I’m sure Generally, from junior high on, my head. your friend’s death upset you.” “How the concept of death is comparable At the time, my family and I did you feel after the funeral?” were living at the lake. I got a dis­ “Death is very difficult.” Also, if tinct surge of energy. I wanted to there are noticeable disorders in eat­ Children need scream obscenities to the world. ing or sleeping, one can raise the Then I wanted to swim the length question: “Are you having trouble help to cope of the lake. I had a combination of sleeping/eating because of the thoughts and energies that frus­ death?” with death. trated . . . me. There was no way Be Honest to funnel them into an act or words. I could go on forever, but I Children are very intuitive and think I’ve made my point. The sensitive to body language and other to that of adults. Young people ex­ overpowering feelings of loss and nonverbal signals. They will know if perience pain and go through grief frustration made this, without a words do not match emotions and when a loved one dies. Here is an doubt, the worst experience of my physical expressions. Nancy O’Con­ example from a youth who was 16 life. nor, Ph.D. and author of Letting Go when his sister died. Four years later It is important to be aware that with Love: The Grieving Process, he wrote an essay in response to an these stage and age developments states that children as well as adults assignment that asked students to should not be viewed rigidly. Chil­ want “reality and truth, sincerity write about the best or worst experi­ dren will move back and forth and honesty. Phoniness is confusing ence they had. The following ex­ among them, at times demonstrating and energy-draining.” cerpt shows vividly the depth of profound maturity and at other pain and grief that teens feel when Be Specific times slipping into magical and fan­ someone they know and love dies: Answer only those questions that tasy thinking. The experience I am about to the child actually asks. Volunteering How then can families help chil­ write about was without a doubt unsolicited information about death dren understand and cope with the worst experience I had ever can overwhelm a child. Use the de­ death? Here are six suggestions. dealt with in my life. I would not ceased person’s name when refer­ wish this experience on my worst Encourage Talking ring to him, and use the basic words enemy. . . . I am speaking of the Children, like adults, need help to death of my oldest sister, Mary. I identify and express feelings about a am not looking for pity because loss. Unlike adults, children can de­ it’s over with, and I have no prob­ velop strong feelings of guilt and What sustains an lem talking about Mary or her self-blame for a death. One mother, adult can also death. widowed suddenly and left with two I was sound asleep, warm and children aged two and four, encour­ help children. comfortable, probably dreaming aged the four-year-old to share his about a very pleasant experience. feelings. She writes: “To my horror I All of a sudden my pleasant dream learned that my son felt his father was interrupted by a real-life died because he was ‘naughty.’ I like “die” and “dead” to convey the nightmare. My mother asked me held him in my arms and told him message. In his book, How Do We to come out to the living room. At Tell the Children? New York City fu­ that time I had no idea what was neral director Dan Schaefer suggests going on, although I did know speaking this way to a younger child there was something drastically Communicators whose grandfather died of old age: wrong when I heard the ear- A very, very sad thing happened piercing, heart-stopping cries of Sermon Contest to Grandpa. He was very, very, very agony from my younger sister. My See page 51. old, so old that his body wore out

24 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE and stopped working. Sometimes people who have faith often are much God “taking” someone, it is much when a person is as old as Grand­ better able to deal with their grief better and more theologically accu­ pa was, his body doesn’t get better and feelings of loss than those who rate to convey that God accepts and like ours do when it gets sick. It’s don’t.” What sustains you as an adult receives those who have died. Here not as strong as ours are. So it can also support children as you are two examples: “Now that Daddy stops working, and the person share your convictions with them. has died, he is with God,” or, “God dies, and it can’t be fixed any­ When sharing faith with children, receives and welcomes all those more. That’s what happened to there are two guidelines to follow. who die.” These statements shift the Grandpa. That’s why everyone is The first is simplicity tempered by responsibility from God initiating love. Theological concepts can be so sad. death to His responding in love to a extremely abstract and confusing, sad event. Avoid Euphemisms even to adults. Thus, Dr. Alan Wol- Read Together In the attempt to soften the blow, felt, Ph.D. and director of the Center Selecting a book or booklet ap­ adults are tempted to refer to one for Loss and Life Transition in Fort propriate to the age level of the who has died as “sleeping,” “gone Collins, Colo., states: child is an exceptional way to en­ away,” “lost.” Adults can only share with chil­ rich understanding for both the While adults are able to decipher dren those concepts they truly be­ reader and the listener. Most public such messages, children are only left lieve. Any religious explanations libraries carry a wide variety of ma­ confused and even frightened. If a about death are best described in terials on death and can be found in loved one is sleeping, a child fully concrete, practical terms: chil­ both children and adult sections. expects him to awaken. When the dren have difficulty understand­ Allow time for discussion and deceased does not, the child may be­ ing abstractions. The theological questions following the reading. Be come afraid to sleep for fear that he correctness of the information is careful not to read several books on will not awaken either. If one who less important at this time than the subject at one time lest the child has died is “gone away” or “lost,” the fact the adult is communicat­ be overwhelmed. Carefully select­ the child will eagerly anticipate the ing in a loving way. ing one book or booklet and reading time when the person returns or is Second, adults should avoid it several times over is the better ap­ found. Thus the reality or finality of making God responsible for the proach. death is further delayed. death. For example, many well- One final note should be most en­ One woman, who was nine when meaning people will say to chil­ couraging to all parents. It is quite her aunt died, recalls listening to dren: “God loved Daddy so much rare for children to be seriously the eulogy where death was de­ that He took him to heaven.” What traumatized and immobilized by scribed as the “passing of a season.” appears to be a religious idea to an death. Careful parental attention to Throughout winter the little girl adult is heard quite differently by a children’s feelings, along with culti­ waited patiently and expectantly for child who may receive this message: vating and providing “space” for her aunt to return in the spring. Un­ “God loves Mommy and me too. Will children to talk, is generally enough derstandably she was most upset we be taken away like our daddy?” for them to deal with death and when her aunt did not return. In fact, rather than speaking of move on. $ Show Feelings It is advisable and healthy for adults to express love and sadness, (Continued from page 22) hope and loss, joy and pain. Adults Helping Congregants are role models for children. If adults show their grief, children prints. Although these tasks are gen­ has experienced disaster. A positive will feel free to express their feel­ erally performed by police, the as­ function that he can serve is to act as ings as well. Based upon personal sistance of a clergyman is often com­ an intermediary and bring families experience, one mother states: forting to a bereaved family. together who have suffered in the “Don’t be afraid to cry in front of the 3- Be honest. If there is a prob­ same disaster. They have a common children. They must know that it is lem, tell the family. If, for example, experience that binds them. In fact, all right to cry. After all, we cry for their relative is among the missing, victims’ families often provide each those whom we loved very much. do not hide the truth from them. other with the most critical emo­ Our tears are a tribute to the depth Concealing facts eventually casts tional support. of that love. If we do not love, we doubt upon the integrity of the con­ 6. Help is not short-term. It is in­ would not feel the need to cry. It cealer. sufficient to visit a family immedi­ may help to cry together, hold each 4. Listen. Listen to the bereaved ately after a disaster and then con­ other, but don’t pressure the child to family as they talk. Signs of ag­ clude there is no remaining prob­ express his feelings.” gression and attempts to fix blame lem. Many problems surface only on others can be caught early as you with the passage of time as the fam­ Share Faith listen to the family sort through the ily tries to readjust. Your belief in God can become a tragic circumstances. There are no easy solutions to ex­ powerful anchor during times of 5. Provide emotional support. A plaining disaster to a stricken family. loss and grief. Dan Schaefer, states clergyman should provide as much The clergyman stands by, represent­ that faith “is a wonderful gift, and support as possible to a family that ing the caring heart of Jesus. $

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 25 The Limitations of a Holistic Therapy ince I do not pose as an expert by Richard S. Taylor not. His emotional life includes feel­ in psychotherapy, I approach Former editor ings o f love, joy, fear, depression, this discussion with some of the “Preacher's Magazine" sorrow, nostalgia, shame, and guilt. trepidation.S It is as a theologian that Milwaukie, Oreg. Now as such a being he gets him­ I come to you, for I believe that self all fouled up, just as a boy eats there are theological concerns bear­ the medical profession. For we are green apples and gives himself a ing on your profession as Christian assuming that irregular emotions stomachache. But now the compli­ counselors that we have in common. and erratic behavior are solely some cations are of a different kind, and as Let us review the obvious. A per­ kind of illness that at bottom is such are not, strictly speaking, in son is a body. As a body he can be­ physiological. the medical doctor’s domain. The come ill and need the help of a med­ Then where do you as Christian doctor has medications for the stom­ ical doctor. The body includes the counselors come in? You are not achache, but has no medications for brain. To the extent that aberrant be­ medical practitioners. a broken heart. For the person is not havior or illness is due to a diseased Your profession is valid only on really a patient, since he is not clin­ or damaged brain, to that extent the the assumption that the counselee ically ill. Taking out his appendix disorder remains in the medical who comes to you has needs that the won’t help. sphere. medical doctor, as a medical doctor, Therefore as dependent as we are But a person is also a soul. With cannot meet; that your “patient” is in this life on a healthy body, this so­ varying shades of meaning, this soul more than the biological life that an­ cial and moral dimension represents may be defined as the ego, or self. As imates nerves and cerebral cortex; a higher level of life. As such it is such it is the timeless identity of an that the physical man, including the more crucial for happiness at a truly individual. Alternatively it may be brain, is not the whole man. In human level, a level that transcends defined as an immortal spirit. Or, it short, your profession assumes that the animal. The happiness of a bride may be defined as biological life mind is not epiphenomenal. There or of a new father or a new believer that animates the body and in turn is is a dimension to human existence is far different from the happiness of animated by the body. It is that that is not defined by blood and a frisky calf gamboling in the spring which a live body has and a dead nerves and cells. It is the dimension sunshine. The difference is not just body does not have. The Hebrew of personal agency. Rather, it is the in degree but in kind. The emotions nephesh in the Old Testament and dimension of the person as an agent, relate to a different world of reality; the Greek psuche in the New carry who not only thinks but knows that as such they are impregnated ines­ these various possible meanings.1 he thinks; not only feels hungry but capably with an awesome sense of It is as a soul that one thinks, knows that he feels hungry; who is the holy. feels, loves, and acts. While to say aware of other persons and of his re­ This leads me to say that your jus­ that these are activities of the whole lationship to them; who is attached tification as Christian counselors de­ person is not quite precise (the big to them in ways that make him mands a third dimension. It demands toe may have little to do with decid­ happy or make him sad, that make the belief that this human being be­ ing to go to church), yet these func­ him proud or make him ashamed. fore you is also spirit. There is not tions depend on the body as well as Here is a being who does not just only the category of the soulish, em­ the mind, since one needs the inte­ feed and breed like cattle, but lives bracing mind, feeling, and will, but grative cooperation of his vital or­ in a moral dimension, knowing that the category of the spiritual, which gans to do any of these things. For some behaviors are approvable and includes a capacity for God. More­ we have to eat material food and some are not approvable. He carries over, when awakened by the Spirit, breathe oxygen-laden air to create with him a sense of ought and ought this spirit becomes sensitized to the blood to supply the brain with nu­ objective realities of angels, Satan, trients enabling it to function as a demons, heaven, and hell, and the thinking tool and to signal the hand subjective realities of sin, redemp­ to get out of our pocket. In many tion, and holiness. The fact of man’s cases, very likely, twisted thinking is spiritual nature means that the soul­ the product of an undernourished ish functions of thinking, feeling, brain. and willing are not only outward in So far I am talking like a behav- orientation but upward. They are in­ iorist, implying that all we need escapably operating every moment when something goes wrong is still as truly in the spiritual range of reali­

26 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE ty as in the material. Persons as spir­ dle with triple sensitivities. Because them in time to prevent the situ­ its are unavoidably in a relationship he does not confuse the three dimen­ ation from deteriorating either into with God, either of alienation, sions, he is capable of distinguishing a full-blown illness or into out­ double-minded tension, or loving between them. He can sort out the broken sin. devotion. problem that at root is physical and Of course, if people knew how to Now the human situation is sud­ refer the counselee to the appropri­ pray through their problems and get denly much more complicated. A ate medical specialist. He can also divine insight and guidance, they world is opened up that the one­ sense, at the opposite pole, when could in many cases come out of dimensional practitioner, or even sin is at the bottom of his coun- “the pits” without professional the two-dimensional practitioner, selee’s emotional and interpersonal help, for, after all, there is no coun­ does not understand. In its presence selor equal to the Holy Spirit. But disruptions. When this is the case, he stands helpless. For not only do the “if” is a big one. Unfortunately his position as a Christian will little boys eat green apples and have the people most apt to get into these prompt him to evangelize (in other stomachaches, and not only do predicaments are not generally the words, turn preacher!) and direct grown people foul their relation­ ones who know how to let the Spirit his counseling energies toward per­ ships and develop neuroses and part their Red Seas. suading the person to repent, be­ complexes and phobias and domes­ Admittedly many pastors are help­ lieve, and obey.2 But he will be cau­ tic tangles, which send them to a ful in dealing with the soulish di­ tious in this case about calling the counselor, but they find themselves mension, and a few doctors are also. counselee a “patient” and talk about out of adjustment with God. This is But the pastor’s grasp of the com­ “treating” him. We treat people sick the most profoundly destructive dis­ plex psychological dynamics may with the flu; we don’t treat sinners. location of all, so deep and radical not be deep enough. The physician’s We point them to Calvary. And the that directly or indirectly it lies at concern for the soulish may be su­ Christian counselor will never the bottom of all other dislocations. perficial because too often the phy­ knowingly assuage guilt feelings This is the ultimate kind of human sician is dull to the reality of the without first probing for real guilt spiritual realm and scarcely aware of and helping the counselee deal with the subtle but powerful inter­ that at the Cross. penetration. A dimension to But, because the Christian coun­ Finally we get back to our topic, selor is oriented to the threefold di­ “The Limitations of a Holistic Ther­ human existence mension of the whole person, he is apy.” The holistic concept is sound in a better position than either the in certain respects. We are always is not defined by doctor or the preacher (unless the facing the whole person, and we preacher is also a trained counselor) know that his diverse dimensions of blood and nerves to understand that some problems body, soul, and spirit interact on are neither primarily physiological each other. There is no emotional and cells. nor primarily spiritual, but just problem that does not have its effect plain soulish. They develop and en­ problem. And no human counselor large out of immaturity, ignorance, can do a thing about such problems, poor judgment, and temperamental except as he is willing to be a mid­ quirks. Life just gets to be too much Some problems wife. There is no medicine that can for some people, and they need put a soul right with God. There is help. They do not understand their are just plain no behavior modification technique children, their spouses, or them­ that can transform a sinner into a selves. Their perceptions are often "soulish." saint. Psychiatrists and counselors cockeyed and their emotions in can alleviate guilt feelings but can­ knots. on the body, and no physical prob­ not remove guilt. To attempt to do In many cases the “bottom line” is lem that does not become a chal­ so is only to criminally compound neither meanness nor mental illness, lenge to the spirit. Holism acknowl­ the problem. but fatigue. People do not cope well edges all facets of the person in As Christians we believe that God when fatigued. Since they are not their interacting complexity. A wise has acted in Christ, His Son, to pro­ coping well, frustrations build up, counselor seeks to be aware of these vide the answer for every spiritual tensions mount, and sticky situ­ facets and seeks to help the total level kind of problem. Therefore, ations become stickier. Then things person to the extent of his expertise where human disorders are caused are said, tears are shed, and actions and authority. by rebellion against God and vio­ are taken that entangle the threads Yet the Christian counselor will lations of His law, there is no help still more, and every day makes it ever be aware of the pitfalls of a ho­ except on the spiritual level and on harder for the skein to be untangled. listic therapy. He will not be drawn God’s terms. The need now is nei­ This is where counseling comes in. into a methodology that, in effect, ther the physician nor the counselor Such problems can merge into the denies the qualitative distinctions of but the preacher. physical, and they can also merge the three dimensions and is reduc­ The Christian counselor is in a into the spiritual. The Christian tionist in anthropology. Those who unique position, qualified to fulfill counselor can render an incalcu­ see man essentially as animal only a unique role. He stands in the mid­ lably important service if he catches will reduce all disorders, including

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 27 social pathologies, to the illness cat­ Platonic concept of body and spirit Holiness is rightness with God, egory. I actually heard a professional as antagonistic entities, we do not which may exist with many ongoing speak the other day about a certain have to burn down the forest in or­ infirmities. Emotional and physical young criminal who had been un­ der to rid ourselves of this under­ problems may beset the sanctified. dergoing “treatment,” who was, in brush. There are many sick saints, just as the professional’s words, “in re­ Humans “are a composite unity of there are many comparatively well mission”! spirit and matter” (Koteskey).7 sinners.8 But this reflects a monistic an­ While matter seems to dominate, The Christian counselor’s stance is thropology. According to it, the tran­ the domination is more apparent that of the apostle Paul. In our than real, and also is temporary, not scendental side of human life is illu- Christian pilgrimage, “Where the ultimate. We are a kind of being sionary/ but may be used in therapy Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. that, in this life, functions through on a pragmatic basis. The healing But we all, with unveiled face be­ matter but, in the next order of exis­ values of prayer and faith are widely holding as in a mirror the glory of tence, will function some other way. acknowledged, but not their meta­ The spirit’s present dependence on a the Lord, are being transformed into physical basis. Salvation is seen healthy cerebral cortex is not the the same image from glory to glory, solely as the cure of an illness, last word. It is this ultimate destiny just as from the Lord, the Spirit” (2 whether alcoholism, drug addiction, that is man’s true greatness. It is this Cor. 3:17-18, NASB). This is the spir­ fears and guilt feelings, or even re­ eternal potential that invests your itual man. But we are also Pauline ligious delusions. But it is not seen profession with such awesome re­ respecting the natural man: “There­ by these practitioners as a salvation sponsibility. fore we do not lose heart, but from sin or eternal lostness. The rap­ Therefore we must refuse to allow though our outer man [natural] is de­ prochement of religion and psychol­ a holistic therapy to become a re- caying, yet our inner man is being ogy is grudgingly attempted, but on ductionistic or unidimensional ap­ renewed day by day. For momentary, humanistic terms— the religious proach, in which we drift into a B. F. light affliction is producing for us professional will be accepted into an eternal weight of glory far be­ the team as long as he leaves the su­ yond all comparison, while we look pernatural in the archives.4 Holism not at the things which are seen, but Wholeness, even in secular ther­ at the things which are not seen; for apy, may be defined as a functional acknowledges all the things which are seen are tem­ integration, or homeostasis, of the poral, but the things which are not whole person. H. L. Parsons says, “A seen are eternal” (4:16-18, NASB). glance through the psychiatric liter­ facets of the ature will make it clear that this drive for integration ... is funda­ person. 1. See John Laidlaw, The Biblical Doctrine of Man (Printed by Klock and Klock in the U.S.A., 1983 mental to the human organism and reprint). is the one resource which the ther­ Skinner type of monism and amoral 2. Ronald L. Koteskey says: “In a very real sense, apist can count on in his attempts to determinism. Let us keep the cate­ every Christian counselor is an evangelist who at­ tempts to bring the counselee to Jesus Christ,” in help render the broken individual gories distinct. Bodily, mental, emo­ General Psychology fo r Christian Counselors whole again.”5 What must be re­ tional, moral, and spiritual disorders (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1983), 68. sisted by the Christian counselor is may often overlap, but they are not 3. Many therapists, Koteskey points out, have “abandoned the ‘God-hypothesis’ in the transcen­ (1) the presupposition that this all of one piece. They require not dental sense.” And he adds: “If there is no transcen­ “whole person” is composed of only different handling but often dent God, there can be no sin against him” (61). 4. H. L. Parsons says: “Psychiatry is part and parcel earthly elements only, which can be different handlers. Some are primar­ of the revolt against the ‘medieval synthesis of super- adequately treated by humanistic ily terrestrial and temporal, while naturalism.’ ” “Theology and Therapy,” in Wholeness means, and (2) the intimidating others are either actually or poten­ and Holiness, ed. H. Newton Malony (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983), 246. dogma that, in attempting to “render tially transcendent and carry eternal 5. Ibid. the broken individual whole again,” baggage. 6. Murray J. Harris denies “the immortality of the the therapist must not resort to su­ Let us not confuse holiness with soul,” claiming it to be a pagan notion. The person survives death, he says, not the “soul.” Raised Im­ pernatural aids. Such dogmas betray wholeness, which is health in all mortal: Resurrection and Immortality in the New an antibiblical anthropology and a possible areas— the body, the mind, Testament (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1985), 140 (reviewed by Karl B. Hoch, Jr., fournal of the philosophical positivism respecting the emotions, the subconscious, and Evangelical Theological Society, December 1986, the nature and objectives of coun­ the spirit. Holiness is conducive to 497). If the person survives death, then the objec­ seling. In this view, health is the wholeness but cannot be equated tion to the term “soul” is beside the point. Immor­ tality is still affirmed. The problem here seems to be goal, not salvation; and the health with it. Conversely, sin should not a trichotomic anthropology. sought is functional only, not spiri­ be confused with infirmities, weak­ 7. General Psychology for Christian Coun­ tual. nesses, illness, ignorance, mistakes, selors, 26. 8. Speaking of the various meanings and theories Such secular provincialism won’t poor judgment, behavioral irregu­ of health, Seward Hiltner says: “In principle, the do for the Christian counselor. His larities caused by disease such as ar­ views of health with which Christianity cannot be reconciled are those which, either by secularization foundations are biblical, not Freud­ teriosclerosis, or any other defect or imperialism, render the need for salvation irrele­ ian; supernatural, not positivistic. In that is amoral per se and is the di­ vant. . . . But health in any modern sense is not to be spite of some “gray” notions afloat, rect, unavoidable product of a na­ equated with salvation; it does not substitute for sal­ vation; and it does not guarantee salvation.” “Salva­ the biblical doctrine of man is dual- ture that is not only finite but dam­ tion’s Message About Health,” in Wholeness and Ho­ istic, not monistic.6 In rejecting a aged by the Fall. liness, 164.

28 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Communicators Sermon Contest See page 51.

How Does It Happen? by William Goodman Leavenworth, Kans.

n Chicago attending a special Christian is the most thal alcohol is. The federal drug czar meeting, a minister related to fantastic life on earth?” has to restate the enslavement and me his heartbreak: his son is in “You’ve got to be crazy!” misery of drugs. Psychologists an­ Ian “acid rock” band. He asked me, Something was missing. The teen­ nounce the mental distresses of por­ “Bill, with all your counseling ex­ agers had missed the good news of nography, nudity, and obscenity. perience, tell me, how does it hap­ Jesus entirely, even though attending Medical professionals warn of homo­ pen?” Spirit-filled churches and being in sexual involvement and AIDS. Ho­ One hundred fifty teenagers disin­ Spirit-filled homes. mosexuals account for 79% of the terested in the things of God, even “Where does Jesus fit AIDS victims, yet people insist on though raised in a Christian home— into all of this?” their rights to be involved in spite of some of them pastors’ children— “He died for our sins so that we warnings of danger. Knowing God is responded to the following ques­ could go to heaven.” the basis of moral decision making. tions: “Can you be sure you Sin is the breaking of the law of God “What happens when you will go to heaven?” (1 John 3:4-9). The Tobacco Insti­ become a Christian?” “Only if you try real hard to tute wants our youths to develop please God!” their own values and morals. “Hu­ A girl: “You can’t wear miniskirts, All of these teens had parents who man Sexuality” wants to teach ado­ makeup, or earrings.” had tried “the old life of sin.” In lescents how to deal with por­ A boy: “You can’t smoke ciga­ their present lives by the grace of nography. Society declares that rettes, drink alcohol, swear, tell God, they had given up the old life. homosexuality is an alternate life­ dirty jokes, listen to rock music, These parents didn’t want their chil­ style, but God calls it sin, an abomi­ or read Playboy." dren to experience the old life as a nation. (Note: They have only mention­ slave to sin. The old life was ad­ In Spiritual Burnout, Malcolm ed what Christians don’t do.) dicted to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, Smith relates story after story of pas­ “How do Christians pornography, obscenity, lies, gam­ tors leaving their churches, leaving spend their time?” bling, nakedness, perversion, “The their families, of pastors’ wives leav­ “They don’t do much!” “Go wild nightlife,” swearing, cheating, ing their families and the church. He bowling Monday night while par­ infidelity, etc. What had been God’s retells the hypocrisy in the church, ents watch.” “Go to church all day grace to the parents in the beginning how people wear church masks but Sunday and Wednesday night.” — that which set them free— had are as miserable as the outright sin­ “Read a lot of the Bible and always now become law (don’ts) to their ner. He relates the bickering, gos­ pray at the table!” children. Their children see the laws siping, and backbiting in the “What motivates Christians and rules, and they want to go out to church. He tells of the failure of the to do those things?” experience the misery and heart­ church, church doctrine, and pas­ “You have to try very, very hard.” ache of sin. Sin becomes very allur­ tors who can’t help themselves or “You have to pray a lot to do it.” ing to children of Christian parents. their families. Whew! I knew all “You have to listen to Christian ra­ For the children to change, they that! We have all exchanged stories dio.” need to meet Jesus. They need to ex­ of church failures. With the teens in perience God’s grace. the interview, we can all rehearse “Does anyone live like this?” Adults rebel against laws, even the “don’ts of the church”! “Most backslide a lot, but they laws for their own good. Didn’t the Jesus did not come merely to for­ rededicate their lives and try surgeon general tell us the dangers give us for our trespasses and sins again.” of tobacco? Mothers Against Drunk and send us on our ways with the “Do you think that being a Drivers has to inform us of how le­ don’ts. He came to live within us

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 29 Pastor, Be Encouraged (John 3:15-16, 26; 5:40; 8:12; 13: 34-35; 17:17). The Christian life­ style has Christ at the heart of the believer. Everything He says is “do God Has and you will have inner peace.” He said: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all the Last Word these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33, KJV). Spiritual burnout is caused by the by C. Neil Strait believer’s failure to rest in and re­ Grand Rapids, Mich. ceive the continual flow of Jesus’ Spirit. The life-style of a believer is had the privilege, a few months But God was at work in the midst supernatural (Gal. 5:22-23; Phil. ago, of attending homecoming of sorrow. I saw the comforting pres­ 1:21; Col. 3:4). We have one func­ at my alma mater, Olivet Naza­ ence of Christ bring the students to­ tion in life: To glorify God. We do I rene University. A number of peoplegether and bond them in their mo­ this with Christ living in us. We are and events were impressed upon me ment of sorrow and grief. The helpless, but Christ strengthens us that were encouraging. Let me share coronation ceremony became a mov­ as He lives in us. All that I do, I do them with you. ing witness to the power of grace by Christ who lives in me. I live to I was encouraged to realize, again, and Christian healing. One of the glorify God, to do His will, to live a that failure is not the last word. I victims of the crash had been righteous and holy life, and I have met an old college/seminary friend elected to the queen’s court. Her His inner peace. who had, years ago, gone through a Christian testimony made a pro­ Malcolm Smith says, “Exhaustion crushing experience in his marriage. found impact. The tragedy, all of a comes from trying to make God do His ministry was ripped from him. It sudden, had put the value of life and our will and leaves us burned out, was the lowest moment of his life. death in Christian perspective. It disillusioned, and bitter. Many feel His future was blurred, uninviting, was encouraging to know that trag­ God did not honor the currency scary. edy is never the last word. they laid on His counter.” Thus we Then God began putting the I was encouraged to realize, again, have people who leave Christ and pieces of a ministry together for my that defeat is never the last word in the church and claim: “I tried ‘it’ friend. Today, he serves as pastor of life. Olivet lost both its home­ and ‘it’ didn’t work!” one of the fastest-growing churches coming football and basketball When we have the Spirit of God in America! From failure to fantastic! games. I was reminded, however, within us, even in the midst of the As I talked with him, I mentioned that both teams will regroup and hurts we can praise Him. Our inner how beautiful it was to see how God will play again. Their coaches will peace is founded upon who God is, had shepherded him through the take their teams back to the drawing not upon how we may feel about dark hours and had given him such a boards; they will review their de­ Him. Jesus came to deliver us from a great ministry. He gave God all the feats, but only with a purpose of sense of well-being based merely on credit! It was encouraging to know winning the next game. Defeat was outward circumstances. that failure is never the last word! not the end of the journey for either We can praise God for victory, I was encouraged to realize, again, team. It was encouraging to know well-being, inner peace, assurance, that tragedy is not the last word. The that defeat is never the last word. and life— in Him. In the release of university had witnessed the tragic So, Pastor, be encouraged! Failure, praise in the face of difficulty and deaths of 3 of its students in a van tragedy, and defeat are never the last confusion, we have God’s deliv­ accident. Orpheus Choir was en words for the Christian. They are oc­ erance. But this will never be found route to Indianapolis to participate casions for God to speak to us, to in the don’ts so many church youths in the Gaither Praise Gathering nurture us, to comfort and guide us, think they are missing out on. The when a van with 11 choir members to begin writing the chapters of believer who faces life’s problems overturned, killing 3 of its pas­ hope that put life back to its task. with the Spirit of Christ in his heart sengers. The tragedy left the campus Perhaps you are going through a will not burn out. numb, overwhelmed, grieving, and low moment, a down time, a tragedy, When you have a personal rela­ sorrowful. a defeat, a crushing experience. Do tionship with Jesus, there will be not let these be the final chapters of great joy in doing the dos of God a ministry or a life. Wesley, at a low and avoiding the don’ts. moment in his life, wrote, “I con­ So we must lead our youth to ac­ sulted God in His Word.” God has a cept the cleansing blood of Jesus word for you, and it is a word of and to receive the sanctifying power hope, a word about going forward, a of the Holy Spirit. They will find joy word about picking up the pieces, in Jesus, not in the dos and don’ts of and a word about resting in the religion. Only when they know Jesus grace of God. Whatever word it is, it do the rules have meaning. Above is a good word and the best word for all, get them to Jesus! $ you. $

30 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Hinderina Han __

ime is important to us all. Our lives are dictated by the clock and the calendar. We Tare slaves of both. Our culture is so The Hang-up geared to appointments, time sched­ ules, and date setting that un­ scheduled events either go by de­ fault or upset the status quo. of Busyness The Bible emphasizes the im­ portance of time and admonishes us by Raymond C. Kratzer to redeem it by a thoughtful use of it. Yakima, Wash. However, stewardship of time does not tell us to become tense and ner­ he is likely to be overwhelmed by use of his power or acceptance of vous in the performance of our activ­ their multiplicity, and often little is his fair share of the load in extracur­ ities, as though our allotment of time accomplished. The need to develop ricular activities. is insufficient to accomplish them. two or three sermons a week, the One man was prone to say no to Success in any career depends upon many personal calls to be made, and added responsibility and gave for his a proper use of time. Each of us is the necessary administrative duties reason that he “did not feel well.” given 24 golden hours daily. We are to be done, plus unexpected things On one occasion someone respond­ equally endowed. What we do in each that happen daily, can all over­ ed to him: “Sir, most of the work in 24-hour period depends on us. The whelm the hardiest soul. When this the world is done by people who investment of these hours may accrue happens, many pastors become sty­ don’t feel too well.” If we waited un­ valuable dividends, or it will be dissi­ mied on the “hang up of busyness.” til we felt like it, we would scarcely pated by a thoughtless expenditure. This “hang up” can become like a get anything done. If we are alert, there comes to us a disease that saps creativity and In any place of leadership one gentle pressure from the Great In­ thwarts the growth of a potentially needs to develop a cruising speed. vestor to guard the moments as they productive leader. There is a cure! He must learn to increase the rate of pass and to use discretion and disci­ There is a solution to this dilemma! his productivity without going to pline in all we do. Not that God is a It involves the familiar formula pieces. Usually an automobile is so hard taskmaster, but He is eager that given by Jesus: “Ask, and it shall be constructed that it runs best at a cer­ we live up to our potential for His given you; seek, and ye shall find; tain speed. On the average this is not glory and our good. knock, and it shall be opened unto in the slower registers but is beyond As m inisters o f the Most High you” (Luke 11:9, KJV). If the Maker the 50-mile-an-hour speed. When God, we are partners of privilege as of this promise has called you to be this is reached, the car appears to “workers together with him” (2 Cor. His minister, He w ill also furnish the move effortlessly down the highway 6:1, KJV). We should be challenged grace and strength to fulfill it. Our to the thrill of the driver. It would daily to share our energies in the most problem is to appropriate His grace appear that if the automobile were productive manner possible out of and seek His guidance for ways and designed perfectly with every part love for Him with whom we labor. means to accomplish our assignment. working with precision and without The minister finds himself in a It has been said: “If you want to vibration, sustained high speeds unique situation concerning his use get a job done, ask a busy pastor.” would do it no damage. Likewise, of time. Until he takes his first pas­ Why? Because he has learned the the individual who has inner peace torate, his time must be accounted secret of productivity through a and is eager to perform to his max­ for to his employer, his school, or to proper use of time. Often the busi­ imum capacity may find a “cruising some other agency. Suddenly he est pastors accept added responsibil­ speed” within the will of God, en­ finds himself on his own. As a con­ ities without complaint, while men hanced by the power of the Holy sequence, he may fall into the temp­ with much less to do beg off. Or, Spirit, without damage being done tation to run his church with a loose when such men do accept an addi­ to body, mind, or spirit. hand, or he may be overwhelmed tional task, they often neglect it be­ You have watched people at work with the obligations incumbent cause they are hung up on the snag in various occupations and have ob­ upon his calling. If he succumbs to of busyness. served their skill or ineptitude at the former, he will be prone to let his As a minister grows in his years of their task. I was work slide, which will be detrimental service, he will discover many du­ in a resta u ra n t to the cause of Christ and corrosive to ties he had not expected. Besides where several his own spirit. If he becomes super­ the full-time work as pastor of his cooks and a plen­ sensitive concerning his task, he may own flock, of necessity he must be tiful supply of become tense and frustrated because involved in the community, on his waitresses seemed he cannot get everything done. district, and in many other areas of to be at odds with The psychology of the minister’s service. It is paramount that he set each other. Orders use of time does strange things. up priorities. He dares not allow a ( Continued on When he looks at his many duties, facade of busyness to inhibit the full page 3 8 )

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 31 Stewardship The Preretirement Years: Financial Planning

he preretirement stage of life Some ministers are fortunate can cover the years from age enough to have extra sources of in­ 50 to 65. During this time of by Dr. Dean Wessels come from their own assets. These Tlife, many parsonage families be­ Director may have come from an inheritance come “empty nesters” and become Board of Pensions and Benefits, USA or from personal savings and consist very aware that the years have Church of the Nazarene of investments in stocks, bonds, real passed quickly and that retirement estate, and other assets. All of these is on the horizon. For far too many need to be figured into your retire­ parsonage families, their first seri­ consist of the following items: your ment planning schedule. ous efforts at financial planning for Social Security benefits; your pen­ If your planning indicates a sig­ retirement begin during these years. sion benefits, including tax-shel­ nificant gap between retirement There is great truth in the principle tered annuity benefits; interest and needs and income, you need to plan that it is “never too early to begin dividend income from personal sav­ carefully how you are going to cope planning your retirement finances.” ings; and postretirement earnings. with this retirement gap. If the gap Most of us are encouraged by the Your denominational pension board is too large, you or your spouse may news that ministers generally live generally can assist in estimating need to continue working, at least longer than any other professional projected benefits from your retire­ on a part-time basis, beyond the group. However, the reality of this ment plans. Many ministers find that time of your retirement. A minister longevity requires us to do a more during the “empty nest” years, they often has opportunities to increase careful job of financial planning are able to contribute substantially income at retirement by continuing than any other group. The following to their tax-sheltered annuity plan, to serve as a supply pastor in a questions are those most frequently which not only reduces their taxes smaller church or by turning other asked or should be asked in the pro­ but also provides for the tax-de­ skills and hobbies into paying prop­ cess of preretirement financial plan­ ferred compounding of interest on ositions. ning. the assets. Generally, benefits from your church’s pension plans can be “What about unforeseen “How much money will I need in declared as housing allowance at re­ emergency expenses?” retirement?” tirement and substantial amounts re­ Few of us in our retirement years Most of us will need to plan on ceived as tax-free benefits. will not face a financial emergency. living on less money in retirement. Your local Social Security office As a part of preparation, you should Fortunately, many expenses also will can assist you in estimating your fu­ attempt to have from $10,000 to be reduced. Needing to maintain ture Social Security benefits. It is $15,000 in an interest-bearing ac­ only one automobile, reduced needs very important that you check the count that is accessible to you. It for new business attire, and fewer accuracy of your Social Security in­ should be predetermined that the entertainment expenses can signifi­ come records every three years. If no purpose of these funds is for a real cantly reduce expenses. questions are asked within a three- emergency. Small consumer loans As a general rule of thumb, a goal year period, the record becomes a and credit cards may be convenient should be established of having a permanent and unchangeable part sources of emergency funds, but minimum of 70 to 75 percent of of your Social Security history. By they carry a very high cost. Your ade­ your preretirement salary coming in calling a Social Security Adminis­ quate emergency fund can eliminate this additional expense. The basic at retirement. Your calculation of tration number (1-800-SSA-1213), preretirement income should in­ you may request a form to check your rule should be that this fund is to be clude the rental value of the parson­ record at no cost. used only as a last resort, and every age provided during your ministry. You also will want to check care­ effort should be made to replace the Planning to live on less should be­ fully with the Social Security office fund with monthly additions. gin 3 to 5 years prior to retirement. to determine the amount of income “What about the impact o f Finding comers that can be cut that you may earn prior to age 70 with­ inflation?” will not reduce the quality of life out jeopardizing your Social Secu­ Inflation is a significant problem can be a probable and beneficial ad­ rity benefit. It is important to re­ for retirees on fixed incomes. Al­ venture in preretirement planning. member that the fair market rental though Social Security has a cost-of- “How can I project my retirement value of any parsonage provided living factor in it, its future may be income?” plus utilities paid counts toward the subject to some question in light of Generally, retirement income will Social Security earnings test. the federal deficits and future Social

32 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Security tax increases to support the nation’s health plan can continue portant part of your retirement fi­ system. As a practical matter, long­ your coverage after retirement. Many nancial planning. term inflationary trends are very dif­ other “medi-gap” policies are avail­ “What can we do about housing in ficult to project, but their reality able and generally are offered by retirement?” cannot be ignored. The practical im­ mail. Care should be taken in en­ The reality for most ministers is plication is simply to put as much rolling in these plans. While some that they will live in a parsonage money aside as possible for retire­ of them provide adequate coverage, throughout their ministry. While the ment income before you retire. Few many others provide very little cov­ parsonage is a significant part of ministers have ever told me that they erage and charge a relatively high their income, it is left behind when had “too much” retirement income. premium. Due to scare tactics, many they move and finally left behind “How can we project our living elderly people have been talked into when they enter retirement. You expenses in retirement?” taking out multiple supplemental will need to plan your housing ar­ Planning for retirement living ex­ policies. These policies may effec­ rangements carefully in light of the penses begins with the fundamental tively cancel each other out. Other amount you have been able to save financial planning step of establish­ policies may cover only specific ill­ and set aside for this purpose. It may ing adequate records to determine nesses, such as cancer, and others may pay only direct cash payments how you are spending your current ------0 ------income. Only by the careful mainte­ to the person who is hospitalized. nance of records can you discover Generally, those on limited incomes Nearly 30 percent expenses that can be reduced in re­ should purchase medical coverage tirement. For some, the maintenance that will provide indemnity in the of one's lifetime of adequate records may seem easy, event of any illness rather than pro­ but for many others, it seems to be a tection from a specific illness. is spent after time-consuming and frustrating task. Life insurance needs also change. As frustrating as it may seem, with­ The primary purpose of purchasing retirement. out this basic information, which life insurance in its many forms is to protect your dependent survivors categorizes your living expenses ------0 ------prior to retirement, it is nearly im­ from the loss of income between the time of your death and the time your possible to predict your living ex­ mean renting, purchasing a mobile income would have ceased at retire­ penses after retirement. home, or moving into a retirement ment. The purpose of income pro­ community. Some ministers have “What about insurance needs after tection no longer exists. If adequate been able to purchase small homes retirement?” cash resources are available to pro­ during their years of active ministry Insurance needs change signifi­ vide for final expenses and burial, and rented them and paid for them cantly with age. It is not surprising then little if any life insurance may with rental income. Still others have be needed. Careful examination had conscientious churches that should be made of whole life insur­ ------o ------have placed “retirement equity ance policies that may have been funds” into a tax-sheltered annuity taken out long before retirement. Good stewardship account for them in order to assist Check to see if the monthly pre­ with retirement housing. miums must be paid until death, or demands that you Some ministers have a significant if it could be converted to a paid-up tax advantage in retirement housing policy with no future obligations. protect your assets. in that their denominational pen­ Also check to see if dividends have sion plan benefits may be desig­ been accumulating in the policy nated as tax-free housing allow­ that could be withdrawn to meet re­ ------0 ------ances. tirement needs. In addition, if sub­ that surveys confirm that one of the Retirement housing plans also stantial cash values are built up in retiree’s primary concerns is having need to involve a great deal of com­ the policy, these also may be with­ a major illness with inadequate hos­ mon sense. At retirement, it may drawn on a tax-free basis to supple­ pitalization benefits. seem appropriate to retire in the ment retirement income. Continu­ It is important to understand the community of one’s last pastorate, ing large insurance premiums dur­ two levels of coverage provided but hindsight may show that this ing retirement years can be a signifi­ through Medicare: hospitalization was not the best idea. Living next cant drain on available finances. insurance and medical insurance. door to married children may seem Careful rethinking of your insur­ The medical insurance portion is appealing if you enjoy the grand­ ance needs with the assistance of a optional, and you pay a monthly children, but it may also limit per­ trusted insurance adviser is an im- premium for it to Social Security. sonal freedom. Climate may be a sig­ Medicare does not pay for every­ nificant factor, but moving to a new thing, and the plan has undergone, area may be difficult if you do not and w ill continue to undergo, many Communicator's make friends easily. No one can changes. make these decisions for you, and Check with your denominational Sermon Contest careful planning can bring you pension board to see if your denomi­ See page 51. ( Continued on page 45)

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 33 Preaching When the Well Runs Dry by Charles Warnock III Greensboro, N.C.

aturday night has arrived, but Pinpointing the Problem In a sampling of the many books your sermon hasn’t. Last Wed­ When I realize that this Sunday I on preachers and preaching in my li­ nesday when your secretary really don’t have anything to say, I brary, I found that most are written askedS you for sermon titles, you told in the “ought” voice. The authors try to figure out why I feel that way. her, “Just leave them out of the bul­ After all, it is primarily a feeling are almost unanimous in their opin­ letin this week.” Thursday and Fri­ problem. I haven’t lost my memory; ion that the preacher ought to be a day other commitments filled up all of my theological training still man of prayer, that sermons ought your days. This morning you cut the sits intact in my brain. I still know to be authentic, that preparation grass, and this afternoon you watched the same things I knew last Sunday ought to be guided by the Holy your son, Billy, play soccer. when I preached what I thought was Spirit, and that preaching ought to Now it’s Saturday night, and the spring forth from the life of the inevitable can’t be put off any lon­ a great sermon. But unlike Jeremiah, nothing feels like a “fire . . . in my preacher. ger. Maybe I’ll be sick in the morn­ I really don’t have a quarrel with ing, you think. But you know that bones” (20:9). Sometimes I know why the fire these oughts, but what happens Sunday morning will come, you’re when a gap exists in the preacher’s has gone out. I’m tired. The previous going to be well, and you have to life between the “is” and the week has been one of those weeks preach at eleven o’clock, ready or “ought”? While our goal in ministry — too many hospital calls, too many not. Your problem is, you don’t have is the ideal, we live in the reality of anything to say. committee meetings, too many the less-than-perfect. Besides, is it Most preachers have lived through phone calls, and too many coun­ always the preacher’s fault when he at least one Saturday night like this. seling sessions. Add family functions doesn’t have anything to say? While running out of time for ser­ to those demands, and the explana­ Not having something to say for mon preparation is unnerving, more tion for having nothing to say is one Sunday is scary enough, but disturbing is running out of some­ apparent— exhaustion. Rather than what do you do when that empty thing to say altogether. Like many having to wake up bright and early feeling sets in for two weeks, a preachers, I’ve preached when I was on Sunday morning, I’d like to sleep month, or longer? How do you sick, when I was tired, when I was in. But I can’t. That’s not an option preach then? discouraged, and when I was un­ for pastors. Knowing that doesn’t Again I look for causes. If you can happy But it’s really hard for me to make me any less tired, however. get tired in one week of frenzied ac­ preach when I have nothing to say. Guilt is another good reason I tivity, several weeks in a row can Of course, having nothing to say don’t have anything to say on occa­ wear you out. Church conflict that isn’t just a preacher’s problem. Writ­ sion. If I haven’t managed my time in saps emotional energy also can sap ers call it writer’s block— the inabil­ textbook fashion or practiced spiri­ spiritual vitality. Concerns you have ity to think of anything to put down tual disciplines like the desert fa­ for your own family— time de- I on paper. Actors who draw a blank thers, I feel a little guilty. The guilt mands, money problems, communi- ! in performance call it “going up on tapes that play in my head sound cation— all these can divert thought your lines,” and uninspired artists something like this: “If I can’t do from sermon creativity. say that the “muse has left them.” what I’m preaching, how can I ex­ Preachers don’t have an official la­ pect others to?” We sometimes ex­ Taking Action bel for the same phenomenon, but pect more of ourselves than our con­ If you can pinpoint the causes for it’s just as real. What do you do gregation does. your sermon drought, decide what when the sermon well runs dry? Books about preaching and the can be done to cure them. Can you In my 21 years of pastoring, I’ve preacher often add to our unrealistic take an hour or an afternoon off? Is had my share of “dry days.” Few of us expectations and leave us sus­ it time to pull out the jogging shoes have the luxury of just not preach­ ceptible to what I call the Superman again or finish that woodworking ing on those Sundays. But how do syndrome— preachers really are not project you began last fall? If you you say something when you have human but are “strange creatures don’t have a hobby, is there one nothing to say? Here are some of the from another planet with powers be­ you’ve always wanted to start? Why ways I cope when the well goes dry. yond those of mortal men.” not now? Doing something unrelated

34 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE to ministry can clear your head and Priming the Pump ment, that can be a fresh source of give you a new perspective. No matter what reasons you pin­ study and learning for you. Preach­ Of course, some problems aren’t point or how you deal with them, ing through a book gives the solved by simply diverting time and Sunday is coming again soon. You preacher an automatic text, outline, interest. You may be struggling with still have to find something to and topic for each of several Sunday your own spiritual journey. Many preach. When I’m staring down the sermons. times we feel unable to point others dry well of sermon preparation, I Jonah, Hosea, 1 John, and Gala­ down the right spiritual path when have done five things, at various tians are some of the short books we ourselves are stumbling. times, to prime the pump. I’ve preached through when my ser­ Most of us have lived through at Take a Sunday off. I need at least mon bucket has come up empty. I least one of those dark moments in one Sunday off each quarter. Vaca­ push myself to dig for new nuggets ministry when we question our call tion takes care of that in the summer in the text, and then present those or feel like a failure. In his book The when I take two in a row. But during truths in ways that are fresh to me Centrality of Preaching in the To­ the fall and spring, my wife and I and my congregation. Usually these tal Task o f the Ministry, John Kill- schedule a weekend vacation for just aren’t verse-by-verse sermons, but the two of us. Debbie enjoys these inger reminded preachers that “our messages that tackle chunks of text, times away as much as I do. Fortu­ lives are always more than the sum focusing on one big idea in each ser­ nately, our church members under­ of our present thoughts and feel­ mon. stand that we need a break and allow ings.”1 Killinger’s advice to the strug­ Glean ideas from the sermons of gling preacher is to “wait and watch, us to get away. I’m fresher when I re­ others. If you’re like me, you can’t watch and wait, in hope that what turn, my congregation has missed me, and I’m ready to get back in the preach another preacher’s sermon once tenanted our beings and made just as he did. But you can get ideas pulpit the next Sunday. them alive with daily joy and ex­ for your own sermons from some­ pectancy will one day come back.”2 Go back to familiar themes. When body else’s. A fresh insight, a new il­ Then again, waiting and watching I find myself with nothing to say, I lustration, a verse you’ve never sometimes isn’t enough. When you often go back to some spiritual well- springs. Familiar doctrines that I preached before— all these can be don’t have anything to say from the jumping-off places from another pulpit, the encouragement of some­ pastor’s sermon to yours. One of my one who understands can help. The favorite resources for this is Twenty phone rang at our home one Thurs­ Centuries of Great Preaching, by day night. Dwight Thomas, our Sun­ Fant and Pinson (Word Books). day School director, was on the line. How do you say Rew ork a previous sermon. “I have a gift certificate for an eve­ What’s the difference in a “used car” ning at Giovanni’s. Susan and I something when and a “previously owned auto­ would like for you and Debbie to mobile”? Usually just the label. And join us.” That Saturday night at din­ you have nothing an “old” sermon that inspired once ner we didn’t talk church at all. But can do so again, if it is worked over, that meal was Dwight’s way of say­ to say? not just warmed over. Look for a new ing, “I know what you’re going angle, dig for new illustrations, re­ through.” word the title, and express your ma­ A fellow pastor or a denomina­ jor headings differently tional leader may be able to provide So there you have it— five ways I an empathetic ear, even if they can’t know I believe, familiar scriptures look for something to say when at provide an easy answer. Sometimes that I love to read, and familiar ex­ first glance I don’t think I have any­ just having someone to talk to is periences that are a part of my spiri­ thing to say. I have used all five helpful. tual journey are natural starting methods before, and I’m sure that During one particularly gloomy places for sermon preparation. I’ll call on them again. period in my early ministry, a pastor- These aren’t ax-grinding messages. Preparing sermons demands a del­ friend encouraged me by saying, Instead, they are positive, warm­ icate blend of the inspiration of the “Remember, God hasn’t brought you hearted visits to my spiritual roots. Holy Spirit and the preacher’s best out here to abandon you now.” For the nation of Israel, the Passover effort. With confidence in God’s Somehow that assurance had never meal was an annual reminder of guidance and purposeful planning, occurred to me. But it made sense. where they had been and of what the next time you go to the sermon Had God brought me to my place of God had done for them. Remem­ well, I hope you’ll find it filled to service? I believed that He had. If bering your conversion or another overflowing. $ that was true, then He wasn’t about significant spiritual experience to leave me alone. My ministry might be your link to your spiritual 1. John Killinger, The Centrality o f Preaching in wasn’t miraculously transformed by heritage. There’s nothing like going the Total Task of the Ministry (Waco, Tex.: Word Books, 1969), 108. that statement, but it was mar­ back home when you’re homesick. 2. Ibid. velously strengthened. For the first Preach through a short Bible time, I had a bedrock confidence book. Don’t pick Genesis or Revela­ From Proclaim, April—June 1990. Copyright 1990 The Sunday School Board of the Southern Bap­ that God would see me through my tion for this particular assignment. tist Convention. All rights reserved. Used by permis­ own spiritual desert. Pick a short book, Old or New Testa­ sion.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 35 Christian Holidays

Sunday: Jesus left behind as monuments a rugged cross, an empty tomb, and a living Church.

by Don M. Aycock Lake Charles, La.

have stood at three graves that awful days of the German bombings. grave. The only things Jesus left be­ point out much of man’s gran­ Truman served as president of the hind as monuments were a rugged deur and his folly. Two of the United States after the death of cross, an empty tomb, and a living Igraves belonged to men who, inFranklin Roosevelt. He made the Church. their time, were two of the most decision to use atomic weapons on No one who saw the Resurrection powerful men in the world. The first Japan. Two powerful men— Truman occur wrote about it. Some of Jesus’ remembered Winston Churchill. His and Churchill; two small and ordi­ followers saw the signs of it— an grave is a short distance from Blen­ nary graves! empty tomb, graveclothes, an an­ heim Place near Oxford, England. The third grave that so impressed gelic vision, and later appearances My wife and I visited the Palace and me commemorated a man known for by the risen Lord. No eyewitness were impressed with its magnitude his fried chicken business. His huge went public when it happened, and elaborate decor. Based on that, I monument seemed to stand guard however. Despite that fact, gener­ had expected that Churchill’s grave over his tomb. A casual observer ations of Christians have believed would be something equally mag­ who did not know better might have the reports and have endeavored to nificent. When we found it, 1 was mistaken him for a president or at follow the living Christ. Curiously, both surprised and a little disap­ least a governor. But a chicken en­ for even the most devout Christians, pointed. What struck me about it trepreneur? the major holiday of the Church is was the fact that it was so small and The contrast between the final not Easter but Christmas. Good Fri­ unpretentious. It looked fairly ordi­ resting-places of the two world lead­ day and its grisly reality plus the nary— nothing like what I expected. ers and the businessman seems both mystery of Easter Sunday are not as It rested in a small plot with just a striking and instructive. Two were personal and inviting as Christmas. few other graves around and looked content to let their actions serve as Jesus’ death on a cross, His time much like the final resting-place of their monument. The other wanted spent in a dark tomb, and the sur­ any other man. to have something more concrete— prise of Easter sunrise do not retain I visited the grave of Harry S. Tru­ literally. Which will actually live in the same emotional levels as bright man in Independence, Mo. Like that the minds of others longer? Only lights, annual carols, gift giving, and of Churchill’s, Truman’s grave is not time will tell, but I am sure that very elaborate or large. Located on Churchill and Truman will outlast the grounds of his presidential li­ the chicken king. brary, it is well kept but not ornate. Many people want to point to the Again, I felt a sense of letdown final resting-place of their leader when I saw it. After all, Truman, and say, “This is his monument. Isn’t along with Churchill and Joseph Sta­ it magnificent?” Elvis lovers have lin, were three of the most powerful Graceland, for example. But what men during the end of World War II. do followers of Jesus have? Easter Churchill led England during the Sunday was a day of the unmarked

36 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE eggnog by the fireplace. So what is “No one ever told me that grief place. From her tone and the move­ Easter really? felt so like fear.” With these words ment of the conversation, we can C. S. Lewis opened his book about The New Testament Witness surmise that she did not know they his wife’s death, A Grief Observed. were angels. They asked why she Easter changed everything. The Followers of Jesus, especially Mary was crying. Her reply is poignant account of this day in the New Testa­ Magdalene, could have supplied and moving: “Because they have ment is presented as a witness by that line. They knew personally that taken away my Lord, and I do not people who were changed because grief and fear are Siamese twins. know where they have laid him” of Easter. Paul gives his account of Mary came early on Sunday morn­ (John 20:13, RSV). the meaning of the Resurrection. He ing to the tomb where Jesus had Mary’s dashed dreams and hope­ summarizes: been laid. John 19 indicates that less outlook had not yet been changed For what I received I passed on Jesus’ burial in the tomb of Joseph by an encounter with the One for to you as of first importance: that was temporary. The Jewish Passover whom Easter is remembered. She Christ died for our sins according began at sundown on our Friday, so still thought that the Son of God was to the Scriptures, that he was authorities were anxious to get rid dead! In the 1960s a movement buried, that he was raised on the of the bodies from public view. Jo­ swept across the Western world that third day according to the Scrip­ seph and Nicodemus took Jesus’ proclaimed confidently, “God is tures, and that he appeared to Pe­ body and laid it in a tomb after dead.” That movement is now dead. ter, and then to the Twelve. After quick preparation (w. 38-42). Jo­ People still look to Easter as a light­ seph sealed the tomb with a large that, he appeared to more than house of hope in life’s storms. five hundred of the brothers at the stone. Roman authorities then placed a guard at the tomb. God of the Breakthrough same time, most of whom are still Mary came to the tomb before living, though some have fallen On Easter Sunday, Jesus broke out daybreak on the first day of the asleep. Then he appeared to of the seeming permanence of James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born (1 Cor. 15:3-8). In the rest of the chapter, Paul Easter is a lighthouse of hope spells out what Jesus’ resurrection means to us. The assurance of Easter in life's storms. gives power for living now and the promise of eternal life with Christ later. In a sense, followers of Christ gamble all on His resurrection. We stand or fall with Him. Paul wrote, week. Sunday for the Jews was like death. That breakthrough signaled “If only for this life we have hope our modern Monday. Why did she what lies in store for anyone who in Christ, we are to be pitied more go? We cannot be certain, but there comes to Him as a follower. It was than all men” (v. 19). The apostle are several good possible answers. also a sign of God’s ability to break was convinced that Easter Sunday Because she was personally devoted through every barrier, hindrance, changed everything. Because of to Jesus, His death on the previous and grave that stands in His way. what God did in Christ, life and Friday had shattered her emotion­ This happens to us when we accept eternity would never be the same. ally. She went back to the grave as a the Lord. It happens when God gets Mark Twain tells of the night the symbol of her love and devotion. under the skin of even the most out­ Mississippi River cut through a nar­ Whatever else she might have brought ward pagan. row neck of land and changed with her, Mary surely brought deep When George Bush served as vice courses. A black man went to sleep feelings of grief and hopelessness. president of the United States, he as a slave in Missouri. He awoke to Death is never a pleasant subject, es­ represented America at the funeral discover that, because of the river’s pecially when it comes in such a of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. change, the land on which he stood gruesome fashion as on that Friday. The entire funeral procession was was Illinois, and he was a free man.1 On the first Easter, Mary stalked marked by its military precision. A One day changed everything for death. Arriving at the tomb, she saw coldness and hollowness enveloped him. This is true of Easter. Because that the stone Joseph had placed at the occasion. Since the Soviet Union of that day’s events and the meaning the entrance was rolled back. This is officially atheistic, no comforting God attached to them, everyone was insult added to injury. Not only prayers or spiritual hymns were who would say yes to Jesus would be had Jesus’ enemies killed Him, but sung. Only the marching soldiers, different. did they also have to steal His body? steel helmets, and Marxist rhetoric The Gospel accounts of the Resur­ Mary was sad, despairing, and con­ were offered. No mention of God rection give more details about that fused about the whole affair. was made. Mr. Bush stood close to Resurrection event. John 20 gives a We can understand Mary Mag­ the casket when Mrs. Brezhnev came clear picture of the surprise and joy dalene’s turmoil as she found that for her last good-bye. Bush says, “She of Easter. The day did not begin with the tomb of Jesus was empty. Mary walked up, took one last look at her joy, however. conversed with two angels at that husband, and there— in the cold,

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 37 gray center of that totalitarian state leader, but God used him anyway. Ja­ — she traced the sign of the cross on cob was a trickster and manipulator, The Hang-up her husband’s chest. I was stunned. but God worked out His plan of Business through him. Moses murdered and In that simple act, God had broken ( Continued from page 31) through the core of the communist his people murmured, but God brought good out of it. system.”2 were mixed up; service was inade­ The Bible’s personnel file does That act stuns me, too, but I real­ quate. One waitress actually turned not contain “supersaints” who are ize that no system can wall God out, a plate of food upside down on the flawless, but genuine flesh-and- and no tomb can wall God in. Evil counter, necessitating a reorder. They blood people with glaring faults. celebrated its day on Friday— but Sun­ were busy but seemed to be hung up Through them, God works out His day was coming! The empty tomb on an appearance of superactivity. On grand scheme. What He began in the symbolizes our hope that comes when another occasion my wife and I went Garden of Eden, He brought to fru­ to a restaurant called The Skipper, we live as part of the family of God. ition by way of an empty tomb that where just one young man worked quietly proclaims His control. Results of His Sacrifice behind the counter. He took the or­ On Easter, God said, “I forgive. I have a catalog of “Christian cos­ ders courteously ran the cash regis­ Now you may forgive too.” We Chris­ tumes” for use in church dramas. ter, cooked the food, and served it tians are sandwiched in between the This catalog lists under the Easter amazingly quick without an appear­ open hand of God on one side and heading, “Whip scars: six assorted- ance of busyness. He knew how to the closed fist of people on the length scars.” Also listed are “hand make every motion count. We ate other. The trick is to find ways of scars” and a “crown of thorns.” All of delicious food, well cooked, in an opening those fists and putting these come complete with cement atmosphere of unflustered fellow­ them into the open hand that awaits that will attach these rubber “scars” ship and pleasure, and we left with a them. So we learn forgiveness and to an actor. Jesus had no make- warm feeling of goodwill. reconciliation. believe welts, nor did He bleed Ministers should learn the art of Easter indicates that good things stage makeup. What Jesus offered on getting their work done with dis­ come from a crucible. Evil forces the Cross was fully and essentially patch and skill. Their ingenuity can combine, attempting to exile God himself. What was raised on Easter be improved by observing those from His world. But out of the cruci­ was fully and essentially himself who are proficient. This may mean ble of the Cross and the grave arises also. the elimination of some useless ac­ a new life and a new word. The an­ This genuine sacrifice and Resur­ tivities and a concentration upon gel at the empty tomb said, “He is rection has a profound effect: we are the most important things. The not here; he has risen” (Matt. 28:6). now reconciled— brought together temptation to say no to a request be­ Because that is true, people are — with God. Paul says, “God made cause of the hang up of busyness brought together with others and him who had no sin to be sin for us, should be shunned like a plague. with God. The eight days that so that in him we might become the We need to be spiritual frontiers­ changed the world began with Jesus’ righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). men in the greatest enterprise in the entry into Jerusalem and ended with Out of Jesus’ brokenness came life, world. Building the kingdom of God His exit from a stuffy tomb. Because not only for himself that Easter but through the investment of all of our of Jesus’ triumph, we who love Him also for all who take His promise as energies is the most worthwhile task need not fear the stranglehold of their own. available. We dare not shirk our re­ doubt and death. After World War II much of Berlin sponsibilities nor dodge our oppor­ Peter wrote, “We have the word of stood in ruins. The Germans de­ tunities behind the facade of being the prophets made more certain, cided to pile the shattered bricks, overworked. and you will do well to pay atten­ twisted steel, and broken stones in The great soul prays, “Lord, make tion to it, as to a light shining in a one place and made a huge moun­ me as big as my problems.” dark place, until the day dawns and tain out of it. They laid topsoil over The little soul prays, “Lord, let me the morning star rises in your the pile and seeded it with grass and off.” hearts” (2 Pet. 1:19). That Morning planted trees. Today families can en­ The giant soul asks, “Lord, give Star arose from the grave and now joy picnics on its glens, and in win­ me strength sufficient for the hard rises in the hearts of those who love ter people sled down the slopes. day.” Him. The inscription in the crypt of They built something good over the The small soul begs, “Lord, let me the Allegheny Observatory at the ruins of destruction. ' have a lighter load.” University of Pittsburgh is in­ Easter does that. God took the The great heart prays, “Lord, let structive for us: “We have loved the worst that men could do, and He me stand firm when the fight is the stars too fondly to be fearsome of brought something wonderful out of hardest.” the night.” it. Considering this great reversal, I The irresponsible soul prays, Yes, we have. jf remember that the Bible is full of “Lord, let me escape.” that sort of irony Adam and Eve 1. This story comes from Dr. Joe E. Trull, Pro­ Jesus said, “Lift up your eyes, and made a mess of things, but God pro­ claim, July— September 1988, 36. look on the fields; for they are white tected them. Abraham wavered and 2. George Bush, quoted in Christianity Today, already to harvest” (John 4:35, KJV). October 16, 1987, 37. Sarah laughed, but God guided them, 3. This story is told by Roy L. Honeycutt in the Tie, them. Isaac proved to be a weak July— August 1987, 16.

38 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Minister's Mate

% / T ’hen our family moved in- He lost his fear when % « / to a new neighborhood, he found the One who ▼ ▼ we found ourselves liv­ said, “I am going there to ing next door to an old man who ap­ prepare a place for you” Choosing peared to spend most of his life on (John 14:2). his front porch. We would see him Aha! I thought, remembering the there day after day in the warm sum­ two teenage boys and the girl in my mer weather as soon as his daughter Sunday School class who were to­ the left for work. He looked so lonely tally indifferent to their own spiri­ that I fell into the habit of running tual welfare. I was sure I’d discov­ over to chat with him for a few ered a great secret: “It’s the fear of minutes when I had time. death that drives people to the Lord. He was 84, I learned. The cynical I’ll bear down on this from now on.” Bait downward curve of his mouth But my three problem young peo­ should have prepared me for his dis­ ple yawned in my face when I by Marjorie Zimmerman mal attitude. No, he wasn’t inter­ stressed the danger of being cut off Gresham, Oreg. ested in going to church; it was full suddenly in life. Their attitude was of hypocrites. No, he never listened that they had years to live, plenty of to religious broadcasts; all that those time to think about eternity. Death fellows cared about was money; they simply wasn’t real to them. Death were always begging. The Bible? happens to their grandmothers or Who could understand it, with all the old lady in the next block. those “thees” and “thous”? A modern The church showed a film one translation? What was the use? The night on the Rapture, the coming of Bible was full of contradictions. Jesus for His own, depicting the fate It was impossible to make a dent of those left behind. That did it for in his armor, I thought, until I re­ Grant and Alice, and later for Ben. marked one September day, as we sat They saw their danger. Why, Jesus watching the leaves drift to the side­ could come back that very night, walk, “The end of the summer. Ev­ finding them unprepared, not be­ erything’s dying.” longing to His family. It was essen­ He grimaced. “Do you have to put tial to settle the question immedi­ it like that?” ately. They wasted no time. “Like what? Oh, you don’t like the I’m learning not to appeal to all word death’?” old people on the ground of the fear “Does anybody?” of death, nor to all young people on “Not if they’re not ready to meet the shattering possibility of being God,” I admitted. There was sarcasm left behind when Christ returns. It’s in his glance. “And how does a per­ wiser to spread the table with the son get ready, since you seem to heavenly food and let the banquet know all about it?” guests fill their own plates. I said bluntly, “It’s certainly time As for children, in my spiritual you found out, at 84.” He listened cafeteria that’s a whole new feast while I told him about the Christ of day. Being without prejudices or bi­ the Cross and the empty grave. ases, or the more sordid forms of The chink in the old man’s armor self-interest, they respond to chal­ was his fear of death. Because he was lenges to faith, to trust, and oh, how so frightened, he let me talk about the quickly, to the love of Jesus Christ. One who delivered those who, be­ Helen, a children’s Bible club cause of fear of death, lived all their teacher, tells of Lissy, a tough little depicted Jesus as the Shepherd who lives as slaves to constant dread. He eight-year-old who wandered into found the lost sheep and brought it was much impressed as he read the her Bible club one afternoon. home on his shoulders, Lissy surren­ words for himself Stringy hair dangled from beneath dered to Him. She hoisted her white in Hebrews: “and her dirty, knitted cap. She smacked flag— her upraised hand— at the free those who all her gum loudly throughout prayer teacher’s invitation and remained their lives were time, scuffled with the other kids, behind to talk further. held in slavery by and asked unanswerable questions “Would you like to say something their fear of death” in a gruff voice during story time. to Jesus, now that He’s your Good (Heb. 2:15). In Lissy’s home the names God Shepherd?” Helen asked. “That’s me, all and Jesus were simply cusswords. Lissy’s prayer, when it came, was the right,” he said some­ She came back, week after week. sweetest Helen had ever heard. “I what sheepishly. On the day the flannelgraph story love You, Jesus,” Lissy whispered. $

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 39 Pastor's Personal Growth ______I Dealing with Discouragement by Larry T. Allen Catlettsburg, Ky.

ealing with discouragement However, we just can’t buy every­ immensely enjoyed. However, when can be a continuing task. thing. We try to pay cash for pur­ we get low, we need more than fel­ Discouragement is one of chases and avoid as much interest as lowship. We need friendship. Some­ DSatan’s most effective tools. possible. We have been out of debt times my wife and I need another There was a time in my ministry for several years. couple whose friendship goes be­ that I suffered from the scourge of Faults Without Fixes yond the surface level, the kind of discouragement. Though never so friendship in which two couples can low as Elijah, wanting to die, I have Some of my lowest times came share and pour out their hearts. identified with the fellow who was when I faced problems and saw no Such depth of friendship is diffi­ down. He felt so low he had to reach solutions. Now I believe there are cult, since pastors get so busy Some­ answers out there somewhere. If I up to tie his shoes. times we don’t bond with others. Here are some of the sources of ask enough people, someone will And Murphy’s Law goes into effect: my discouragement and some of the help me. Recently, a fellow pastor once you get close to another cou­ ways the Lord has helped. encouraged me by taking time to ple, one couple w ill surely move to share his church’s stewardship cam­ Frustration with Finances another church far away. My wife paign with me. As a result, our and I have tried to cultivate deep For a long time I was discouraged church has begun that program. friendships as an aid to discourage­ over our personal finances. It Even though it will take a while to ment. seemed I was always coming up a see it turn around, we have a plan dollar short each week. Suddenly I that will help us. Fighting the Flesh had a simple revelation: the only dif­ Facing the Foes Spending time behind a desk and ference between coming up a dollar hesitating to say no at afterglows can short and a dollar to the good is I learned something about foes: produce an out-of-shape pastor. But, $2.00! So I began to make every ef­ “You can’t win ’em all!” However, I I reasoned, I can still hold my own fort to spend $2.00 less per week. determined that if I have any foes, on the basketball court or in the bat­ Soon our finances began to look bet­ it’s on their part, not mine. I’ll en­ ting cage. I also noticed that there ter. deavor to be open to them. I’ll try to are very few perfect bodies. First, I We have found that we can wish, understand and love them. Having had to admit that I needed to disci­ dream, and hope for everything. done all I can do to be a peace­ pline my physical condition. So I maker, I must stand strong and tall. lost weight, decaffeinated myself, Promises from God’s Word give me went on medication for hyper­ strength. For instance, in Joshua 1, tension, and began to lift weights to God told Joshua three times to “be tone muscles I needed to rediscover. strong.” Even slender people need to take Fellowship Without care of their bodies lest Satan would Friendship use it to his advantage. My wife and I have never been Fretting over Failures without fellowship, which we have Not all the goals I have set have

40 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE Spring 1992 $4.00

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship

AMAZING WOMEN MINISTERS

Exciting Outreach At Indianapolis And Westside Church see pages 19-24 Next Issue: More News About Women Preachers THE FRONT LINE

Your... Daughters Will Prophesy"

ome denominations argue Pearl Keeton. I could go on. But, to over the right of women to borrow a phrase from the writer of preach and pastor Hebrews, "time would fail me" to Schurches. Not the Church of the tell of all the w om en w ho have pas­ Nazarene. We've never had any re­ to re d s tr o n g c h u r c h e s in our luctance about the right of women denomination across the years. to be ministers. Of course we sel­ dom call them to pastor our An increasing number of women churches. We give them the right to are responding to the call to be pastors but not the opportunity! preach. They are preparing them­ Hopefully this will change—and selves for ministry in the Church of soon! Women have effectively the Nazarene. Churches will be served as pastors across the years. well served by these women—if I'm thinking of Agnes White Diffee they are given an opportunity to who pastored Little Rock, Arkansas, fulfill their call. First Church with an attendance of Women deserve more than the well over 500. For years Odessa, right to preach. They need the Texas, First Church had the largest opportunity to pastor our churches. Nazarene Sunday school in the state of Texas, and it was pastored by a wonderful woman preacher,

To contribute to the advancement of God's kingdom by fostering growth in the Church of the Nazarene.

To promote aggressive evangelism in all its many Mission forms throughout the denomination. of Church To create an awareness throughout the church regarding Growth the necessity for planting new churches, including the Division mission potential among cultural minorities.

To increase participation and effectiveness in a repro­ ductive ministry that is engaged in Christian mission.

GROW/Spring 1992 LADIES OF THE CLOTH LEAD NAZARENE

etails of impress­ BEGINNING PASTOR satisfy her inquisitiveness, she at­ ive ministries by RELOCATES DECLINING tended a mid-week service early in September 1987 where she Dthese women Nazarene CHURCH found a small, faithful group com­ pastors come from per­ While employed as a day-care posed mostly of older members. sonal correspondence teacher at a time when she had and phone conversations. stopped-out from seminary stud­ God's timing drew seminary ies, Sonia Jones discovered student Sonia Jones to that first Taken together, these Asbury Church of the Nazarene Wednesday visit just seventy-two extraordinary stories are in Jackson, Mississippi. Her first hours after the pastor had re­ mostly new information curiosity about the church started signed on the previous Sunday for the editor and proba­ when she drove through night. Two or three weeks later on September 27, 1987, she began bly for most GROW read­ Asbury's changing neighborhood with her day-care children on a serving as supply pastor and the ers. Like many Nazarene field trip. congregation soon invited her to ministries, these awe­ continue as their pastor. inspiring accomplish­ To everyone's amazement, the ments in spite of property sold in two months after formidable obstacles rep­ years of trying to relocate. And on resent impressive attain­ December 6, 1987, the con­ ments for Christ. gregation moved services to the Therefore, for the parsonage where more than twenty-five people sometimes at­ Church Growth Division tended. and for the GROW maga­ Pastor Sonia Jones zine staff, I say, “Straight In August, 1989, the church pur­ chased three acres in Madison, ahead, ladies, for the sal­ Initially, a "For Sale" sign in the church yard grabbed her atten­ changed their name to Madison vation of souls and the tion. She wondered about their First Church of the Nazarene—the glory of God.”—The editor reasons for selling the church. To first in Madison County since the

A lonnml of Church Growth, Evangelism mill Disciplcsliip J 1950's—and began construction has increased from three regulars in November, 1989. Services to almost half the adult congrega­ started in the new building in tion. We sense God's dynamic March, 1990, and the dedication leading in concrete ways." was held on April 18, 1990, with LADIES OF General Superintendent Jerald Johnson. THE CLOTH DISTRICT OFFICE MANAGER Ordained in 1989, this thirty- OPENED CLOSED CHURCH four-year-old unmarried pastor Auburn Church dates back to recalls the building efforts: "My 1906, the oldest Nazarene church role was unique. With no prior on the Illinois District. But the building background, I worked church was closed. with the architect in designing the building, helped supervise con­ Eleven years ago, Estella R. struction, and actually took part Jones started thinking something in every phase I could handle. It should be done about the sad situ­ was special to work side by side CHURCHES ation. But she doubted her with church members on the involvement because her office building." manager duties for the district su­ perintendent kept her extremely Pastor Jones shows her heart for May, 1991, at Fillmore. Litten is busy. What could be done? outreach when she dreams, "We married to Wallace, a general en­ hope to see more Nazarene gineering contractor, and is the Having served in pastoral min­ churches in various parts of this mother of two grown children. istry for forty years with her country in the future." deceased husband, she was Fillmore, located less than an pained by the closed church. And hour from the center of Los An­ the building appeared so forlorn geles, is like a time capsule buried PATRICIA LITTEN TAKES across the street from the post of­ in progress-driven Southern Cali­ fice for all to see. What could she FIRST PASTORATE AT AGE 47 fornia. Both the town and church do? Fillmore, California, Church of seem almost oblivious to sur­ the Nazarene, organized in 1936, rounding suburbia reaching Office Manager Estella Jones now led by Pastor Patricia Litten, hungrily in their direction. shared her anguish with District serves a population of 11,000 in a Superintendent James Hunton Pastor Litten describes the pos­ town that boasts of one supermar­ and offered to help someone start sibilities: "Like the sleepy little ket, two gas stations, no hospital, the church again. In a few days town, the church, alive but dor­ a volunteer fire department, and Brother Hunton suggested, mant for decades, now faces the future. Our challenge is to get ready."

She continues, "We've made a start. My major goal upon coming as pastor was to inspire new hope, instill a vision, and instigate pos­ sibilities for progress. In the midst of this preparation, we see Pastor Patricia Litten fruit as three new families and Pastor Estella R. Jones two new individuals have be­ twenty-four churches. Pastor Lit­ come regular attenders in the past "Estella, why don't you reactivate ten started her first pastorate in few months, and male attendance the Auburn church?"

GROW/Spring J992 She remembers her reaction: Pastor Estella Jones, who lists purchased across the street from "My only experience as pastor her age as nearing retirement, the new property. Last fall Car­ had been two years I filled in for concludes her report: "We have thage Church averaged 44 in my husband who had suffered a added over 200 to our respon­ Sunday school and had more than tragic heart attack; the two of us sibility list and are amassing the 50 during another month. continued in those years because troops to the fields, for they are he hoped to be well enough to 'white unto harvest.'" She adds an A notable spiritual victory return to the active ministry. But appreciation postscript to District came last summer when the in spite of my short experience, Superintendent John Hancock, Hickmans' son was gloriously God had been talking to me about "Except for his willingness to al­ converted and delivered from a Auburn and I dared not refuse." low me to work on Auburn fifteen-year drug addiction. His Church when I am not busy doing return to the Father started with Interestingly, her formal train­ district work, I would not be able the conversion of his five-year- ing had come in small doses over to get everything done." old girl one Sunday morning. many years. In college, when With joy his pastor mother re­ younger than twenty, she studied joices, "His family is all together Greek I and II, Rational Theism, now !" and Philosophy—heavy subjects SELF-EMPLOYED HUSBAND for a late teenager. Later she com­ HELPS FUND MINISTRY About her experience as a pleted requirements to become a Though it is a fact of ministry woman of the cloth, Pastor Ruth director of Christian educa­ that pastors' wives frequently Hickman, age 63, reflects: "Being tion,and she taught in the public work to support their husbands' a woman preacher has sometimes schools for an eight-year interval. ministry, a role reversal is in place been difficult, but we have more Along the way she earned a in Carthage, Texas, Church of the acceptance now. The most recent master's degree in counseling Nazarene on the Dallas District. advance for me happened last fall and guidance. Consequently, lit­ This church is served by Rev. Mrs. when the Ministerial Alliance se­ tle additional educational work Ruth Hickman and Horace, her lected me to bring the message for was required for graduation from husband. Because he is self-em- the community Thanksgiving the minister's course of study. ployed, they can move wherever service." God leads them and are able to­ She commenced at Auburn with gether to serve churches with a massive redecorating/clean-up small salaries. Pastor Hickman observes about project assisted by three adults potential growth in her church, and two children she rounded up; "The days ahead look very prom­ zone pastors and members of ising." their churches gave their full sup­ port.

Some of the record is now in. MOTHER AND DAUGHTER During the intervening years, the INVEST FIFTY YEARS IN church has been remodeled, new furnaces and air-conditioning ONE CHURCH have been installed, new pews Pastor Ruth Hickman Pastor Rose M. Hoffman purchased, a new kitchen built, launched her ministry in January and 110 pieces of paneling were For three and a half years Pastor 1974 as the second generation installed to make the basement Hickman has served this church woman pastor from her family to usable. Two rooms, a bath, and a which had been closed for eight serve the Schuylkill Haven, Penn­ garage have been added to the years prior to her coming. God sylvania, Church of the Nazarene. parsonage. And additional prop­ assisted with amazing miracles to This two generational service to erty for building a fellowship hall reopen the work—a church building the same congregation spans fifty has been purchased. was bought and a parsonage was years of continuous service.

A journal of Church Growth, Evangelism anil Disciflcship .3 LADIES OF THE CLOTH LEAR

Likely a first for Nazarenes, this now totals 72. These new converts story is probably unique in all came to Christ through one-on- Christian organizations. Mother one or group counseling among a and daughter have served this population deeply bruised by ur­ church for its entire fifty year his­ ban sin and big city burdens. tory. Rose learned passion for CHURCHES ministry and skills for ministry at Wilmington, an unincorporated area within the Los Angeles Har­ her mother's knee. bor area, consists of an This church started in 1942 ever-changing ethnic community when Rose Hoffman's mother riddled by street violence, drug dug the work out without support property valued at $450,000 in­ trafficking, and gang warfare. from the district or the general cluding a beautiful sanctuary, These conditions force the church church. The Hoffman family, in­ annex, two parsonages, and two to minister in a perpetual state of cluding four children and parking lots. Hoffman summa­ transition. father/husband who worked for rizes the years in an emphatic the Reading Railroad, assisted sentence, "Miracles—miracles— Pastor Sandra San Paolo, their housewife/mother/pastor all the way." mother of six and grandmother of in planting the church and con­ four, began serving this church on When queried about evangelis­ structing the building. The February 7, 1990, along with her tic vigor in the church, Pastor children even hauled stone for the husband Carlo. He uses his musi­ Hoffman explained, "We get folks foundation walls. cal talents and personal started and they move on to other evangelism gifts to strengthen her This uncommon record permits places. The extravagant record of ministry. Pastor Rose to observe, "I literally what God has helped us do will She testifies about her personal pastor the church I grew up in." only be revealed in eternity. M any churches in bigger towns and far­ faith journey: "I stand amazed at Within a few weeks after the away cities are stronger because the power of Christ to heal and founder's 1973 Christmas Eve of the people we have won." cleanse the past; and I am awed by death, the congregation invited grace which restores beyond my Rose to become pastor. She con­ fondest, greatest imagination." tinues to the present, viewing the whole town as her parish. Of her GRANDMOTHER MINISTER Pastor San Paolo resolutely ver­ ministry to townspeople Pastor ADDS FIFTEEN NEW balizes her conviction, "Women pastors have an opportunity to be Hoffman asserts, "I go whenever MEMBERS AT WILMINGTON all they can be and to restore the and wherever I am called. I do my Pastor Sandra San Paolo, a bi- best to be faithful to every need." model of women. A woman's vocational minister, reports most important right is sitting at Schuylkill Haven Church, fifteen new members added to the the feet of Jesus—the most presti­ located in a small town with 69 Wilmington, California, Church gious of all positions in the members, occupies debt free since May, 1990. Membership w orld."

E GROW/Spring 1992 DID you KNOW*.. O Nazarene pastors in developing countries often receive a salary of little more than $35.00-$50.00 a month? O Public education in many countries is not free and often includes expenses such as tuition, school uniforms, textbooks, and supplies? O Many Nazarene pastors' children are in need of financial assistance in order to pay for their education expenses? HOW YOU CAN HELP... O For $18.00 a month, you can sponsor a Nazarene pastor’s child and help send him to school. O Your support will lift a great burden from Nazarene pastors and thei families in developing world areas who desperately need this help. O You will receive a picture and biographical profile of the child you are sponsoring, as well as the opportunity to correspond with and pray for your child. O Your local church will receive 10% Mission Special credit.

1 THE PASEO KANSAS CITY, MO 64131 816-333-7000 EXT. 2530 Yes! I want to make a difference! APPROVED 10% MISSION SPE □Please begin my sponsorship today o f_____ Nazarene pastors’ children at $18.00 Mail check and application to: U.S. ($21.00 Canadian) a month per child. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries □ I am unable to make a monthly commitment at this time, but I am enclosing a World Mission Division one-time gift of $______6401 The Paseo Individual/Group Name:______Kansas City, MO 64131 Street Address:______In Canada: Church of the Nazarene Canada City:___ No. 7,3800-19th St N.E. Phone: ( . Local Church:. Calgary, ABT2E6V2 NTENT

DEPARTMENTS Ladies of the Cloth Lead Churches Your Daughters Will Prophesy 8 by Maine Church Gains 28 Members Bill M. Sullivan 11 Inside Front Cover Hispanic Woman Pastors Navajo Church

12 Growth Markings and Main Points Mary Paul Starts Pastorate Near Boston

16 Sunday School Woman Serves As Correctional Chaplain

Evangelist's Directory ______19______29 Westside Church Reaches Out to Plant New Works

______20______Research and Trends Avon Community Church Organizes With 87 Members by Dale E. Jones ______22______Historic Property Houses Shepherd Community 53 ______26______Vision 91—Evangelism Conference Highlights Rooted in Christ by C. S. Cowles ______33______Daughter—Your Father Is Rich by Janet S. Williams 57 ______37______Pressley Serves Forty Years in One Church by Nina Beegle Love Energizes Church Growth ______43______by Neil B. Wiseman With Hearts Set on Pilgrimage—Together by Phyllis Perkins

Inside Back Cover ______46______A Brief Theology of Women in Ministry by Rebecca Laird

GROW/Spring 1992 Growth Markings & Main Points

Evangelizing over 24 million American Blacks is not an option; it is the whole church’s privilege and responsibility. Roger Bowman

It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can seriously help another without help­ ing himself. Ralph Waldo Emerson

D/laterialists come in every economic bracket. A “Pastor Evelyne Gork fails to impress the newly-formed senior poor preacher can be caught up by materialism as much adult outreach group with her attempts to name the group.” as a wealthy man. Kent Hughes

Behind all successful work for the lost is an inwai spiritual impulse; and behind the impulse is the Holy Spirit who reproduces Christ in us. Roy J. I

O n e reason why so many churches stay at about 90 is that is about the number of people that one person can pastor without organizing the workers, establishin; the discipline of office hours, or planning programs. David A. Won

Expectations influence performance. Lyle E. Schi

In any given group of occurrences, a small number of causes will tend to give rise to the largest proportion of results. Louis A. Allen

* eople love the excitement of growth and the conversion of new people. Bill M. Sullivan

D eciding to change is only half the battle. We have to know what to change to. Leith Anderson Excuse me, I’m conducting an evangelism outreach survey. Would you mind answering a few quick questions?

A Jounal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship MAINE CHURCH GAINS 28 MEMBERS IN 30 MONTHS

Evangelist Doris M cDow ell Impacts Pastor Diane Cunningham

H M y interview with this l l f f l church board in April I W 1 1989 felt like a mar­ riage made in heaven." That's how Pastor Diane Cunningham de­ scribes her first contact with the Nazarenes at Berwick, Maine. At that time, Cunningham was concluding her senior year at Nazarene Theological Seminary and did not expect many opportuni­ ties for women graduates. But God used Maine District Superintendent Clarence C. Hildreth to initiate a link between this small congrega­ tion and beginning Pastor Cunningham. Berwick Church of the Nazarene, originally organized in 1967, experi­ enced growth at the start, but by 1984 the congregation had dwin­ dled to only one person. Thus the church had to start again, and by 1989 it had grown back to 20. That is when Cunningham started. The situation has changed. Morale is high, and the church hopes to re­ locate on a three-and-one-half-acre site which includes a building that when remodeled could seat 500. The

8 GROW/Spring 1992 pastor describes church members listening skills. I have found being a relationships at district or general and potential in glowing terms, woman gives me exceptional open­ church levels." "Our people have real vision for the ings to do pastoral care and Cunningham feels strongly that present and for the future. I am counseling with tough issues in women will be effective when given blessed to work with incredibly tal­ women's lives like abuse, abandon­ an opening. She voiced her earnest ented lay people who are motivated ment, incest, and abortion. I have a conclusion, "When women are to do just about anything for the thousand percent support in the lo­ given an opportunity to minister, it church." cal church as if they are blind to will be amazing what they can ac­ Cunningham explains possibili­ gender. Problems are more likely to complish by the grace of God." ties for future growth, "Berwick is come in ministerial associations, Based on their own experience, unique because you can go one mile community contacts like doctors the laity at Berwick wholeheartedly and be in the country. But go over and hospitals, and denominational agree. M the state line a half mile from here, and you will be in the suburbs of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Fifty thousand people live within a fif- teen-mile radius of Berwick even though our town's population is only 7,000." Cunningham's call to the Chris­ tian ministry was sparked by Evangelist Doris McDowell. Cun­ ningham dates her conversion at age five to a revival series McDowell held in her home church in Gaithers­ burg, Maryland. Later the evangelist served the same church as associate pastor for two years when Diana was ten. When asked to evaluate distinc­ tive strengths of a woman in ministry, Pastor Cunningham re­ plied, "Way back during college I read a study of traits congregations seek in a pastor. The list included typical female qualities such as nur­ turing, caring, sensitivity, and

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism anil Discipleship 9 WORLD MISSION districts 192

EASTER OFFERING FOR WORLD EVANGELISM CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE • STEWARDSHIP SERVICES HISPANIC LYDIA BARRON PASTORS NAVAJO CHURCH

od's renewed nudge into ministry for Lydia Bar­ In their search over months, they traveled from Cali­ ron started in 1986. After seven years as Western fornia to Oregon; to Vancouver, Canada; back to Lynden, Latin American District NWMS president, Bar­ Washington; east to Denver; south to Grants, New Mex­ ron felt prodded to pursue a call to preach which ico;she then to Carlsbad and Truth or Consequences; on to attempted to ignore for years. Pinehill, Sandmountain, and finally to Ramah. In each GWhile rejoicing for recovery from a serious illness, place doors were closed or the Barrens felt a "no" from Barron prayed, "I'm ready to be sent wherever You need God; they were puzzled. Then they came to Ramah. me." In response to prayer, she soon felt God wanted her As they drove past the Ramah Navajo Church of the in New Mexico. Nazarene, Lydia Barron informed her husband, "This is the place." It seemed a harmless location where she But she had many questions. How could a mature would not have to preach inasmuch as the church had a woman minister in New Mexico when her husband, pastor and Lydia could only preach in Spanish, never in Raul, had a long-time position with the Rohor Corpora­ English or Navajo. But God had other plans. tion? What about the home where they had lived for 20 Soon the pastor moved, and in December 1989, the years? What about acceptance of a woman minis­ native American congregation requested Lydia to be­ ter? And what about the cultural dissimilarity between come their pastor. With God's help, she learned to urban California and frontier-like New Mexico. preach in another language and adjusted to rural tribal At once unexplainable events began to happen. culture. And last year, she added nine by profession of Within a year, husband Raul took early retirement, their faith to the church's membership, a 14 percent gain. house sold for cash and two-week occupancy was re­ When questioned about the future, Pastor Barron re­ quired, and then they purchased a recreational vehicle plied, "My dream is to see this church grow seven times with the intention of finding the location of God's will more—not only in numbers, but in strength, spirit, and for their future. prayer."

.A journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship MARY PAUL STARTS PASTORATE NEAR BOSTON

Second Generation Woman Minister Serves Church

ary and Bruce Paul moved last summer to their first pastorate at Lynn, Massa­ chusetts. Like thousands before them, they encountered all the cus­ tomaryM misgivings and the gratifying satisfactions of sharing their ministry quest with this new group of people. Lynn Church of the Nazarene, located in an urban set­ ting in greater Boston, worships in a traditional New England edifice, and the Pauls live next door in a typical white frame parsonage with their baby son. Everything appears predictabil­ ity conventional with one notable difference—Mary is the pastor and Bruce is a professional social worker. And there are reasons for rejoic­ ing. Church members say she is an exceptional pastor, and District Su­ perintendent Neale O. McLain praises her sensitivities to needs and commitments to ministry The church has already grown both nu­ merically and spiritually—starting with 27, nearly 50 attended one Sun­ day And a shift in the atmosphere has taken the church from focus on survival to service to each other and the community.

12______GROW/Spring 1992 Rev. Mary Paul's call to the minis­ the possibility of the church closing women ministers from other gener- try was kindled most through the opened thinking to new styles of ations. One lady told me her local and district lay ministry of her leadership and to a pastor who looks husband came to Christ through the mother, Ann Rearick, now an or­ ministry of a woman evangelist. dained elder. Visiting women Another's grandmother planted missionaries quietly influenced A shift in the churches in Maine. Then history Mary, too, as did participation in a atmosphere helps because our mother church at district children's missionary essay Malden was planted more than one contest when she wrote about her has taken hundred years ago by a woman longing to serve people. Her theme the church minister." concluded with the testimony, "I Pastor Paul, when asked to sum­ have that kind of call," and she won from focus on marize her reactions to her present a velvet painting as a prize. assignment, replied, "I am thankful The call ripened during her stu­ survival to for an opportunity to serve a congre­ dent years at Eastern Nazarene service gation who is open to me and even College when Mary and Bruce, even celebrate my call to ministry. Each before their marriage, had long talks different. Another important reality time I visit or preach, I am grateful dreaming what it would mean to is also at work—some of our congre­ for this gift of ministry the church work together in a church. Then fol­ gation cherish fond memories of has given me." 13 lowing college and before seminary, she served one year as an intern at the Lambs Church of the Nazarene near Times Square in New York City. In the fund-raising process for that undertaking, Mary preached in several churches and heard the in­ ner voice say, "This is what I want you to do." Years later, she sharpened skills for ministry at Quincy Bethel Church of the Nazarene as a staff member. Regarding her wholehearted ac­ ceptance in the pastorate at Lynn, Rev. Paul reports, "This group of MOTHER ANN REARICK AND DAUGHTER MARY PAUL SHARE people have been wonderful. I think IDEAS ABOUT MINISTRY.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism anil Disciplcship 7,3 BENEFIT

a x e d

Why pay more taxes when you could owe less? Here are five appropriate and effective ways for a minister to minimize tax obligations:

1. The local church employer may provide reimbursement for all business and professional expenses under a “qualified” reimbursement plan so that the ministerial employee need not be taxed on money spent for church or professional expenses.

2. The church may provide a tax-free housing allowance. Ministers who are buying or renting their home may use the allowance to pay housing related expenses. Those living in a parsonage may be eligible to use the allowance for furnishings, linens, etc. 3. Deferred compensation in the form of contributions to the minister’s Nazarene Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) account is not reported as income. This money is left to accrue tax-free interest for the minister’s retirement income. Withdrawals can be designated as housing allowance. 4. The local church may provide medical coverage through the Nazarene Health and Hospitalization Program on participating districts. By self-insuring the deductible and coinsurance through a qualified medical reimbursement account, the church can reduce the amount of taxed income necessary to provide this coverage. 5. Group term life insurance is another employee benefit which the church may provide tax-free to the minister when premiums are paid according to IRS guidelines.

For information on any of these ideas, write Board of Pensions and Benefits USA 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131-1284 FEBRUARY— MARCH 1992

THE BIBLE Charles "Chic" SPEAKS TO Shaver addresses ME ABOUT these issues in MY WITNESS a warm and engaging manne Many Christians Using stories of are reluctant to everyday witness. believers who Overcoming fear, are learning to and knowing share their faith what to say, are SPEAKS TO ME Shaver some of the ABOUT incorporates intimidating valuable ideas i barriers that MY WITNESS help others keep us from learn to witnes sharing freely all that God has done for us. CHARLES "CHIC" SHAVER

essential resource for pastors and laity. Each chapter is followed with relevant questions for discussion. A study guide is available. "I Can Halp Women Find God"

Years ago missionaries to Sybil took her chances Guyana and other Latin SUNDAY SCHOOL like everyone else. But American areas came to while standing in line, know a young believer the little girl from the named Sybil Harris. WOMAN SERVES Rosignol Sunday school Through their influence, she class, now grown and em­ received ministerial train­ AS NEBRASKA ployed as secretary to the ing at the Caribbean Ambassador, spotted Nazarene Theological Col­ Sybil in the line and recog­ lege in Santa Cruz, Trinidad. CORRECTIONAL nized her happy laughter. After three years of college, The secretary took Sybil to she returned to her native CHAPLAIN meet the Ambassador Guyana to be a Christian who concluded she was a worker where she helped worthy immigrant; he or­ with various ministries and GOD'S dered the necessary survived on a small salary papers issued. amounting to about $8.50 God had ministry at Ne­ per month. Part of those PROVIDENCE TAKES braska Women's Center in years she lived with mis­ His plans for Sybil. And sionaries, but she was SYBIL HARRIS her ministry started as a always immersed in sup­ correctional officer in portive ministry. Much of FROM GUYANA TO 1977, grew into an offic­ the time she visited in the ially recognized ministry villagers' homes and con­ NEBRASKA assignment in 1988, and ducted Sunday school continues today. Though classes under the houses she started as a prison ma­ built on stilt-like pillars because of recurring flood con­ tron, she soon became salt and light to the prison like ditions. In one of those Sunday schools at a village called Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount. Because of Rosignol, she taught a young East Indian girl who her positive spiritual influence through voluntary min­ would greatly influence Sybil's future. istry in the prison, she was invited to be chaplain. For years Harris envisioned herself serving God in the Chaplain Harris' ministry at the Nebraska Center for United States. Today she ministers as chaplain at the Women includes chaplain's functions such as teaching Nebraska Center for Women located in York, Nebraska. Bible studies, leading worship services, and counsel­ In 1970, Sybil Harris immigrated to the United States ing prisoners on a one-on-one basis. Ordained in 1990, where she was employed for a short time as a domestic Harris calls herself "a full-time part-time chaplain," which means she is paid part time as a prison matron in New York City. Then on a visit to old missionary and part time as a religious counselor. Since the facility friends, Rev. and Mrs. William Shipman, then pastors is only four miles from her home, she keeps herself on in York, Nebraska, the Lord opened her heart to work call twenty-four hours per day. Whenever a chaplain with troubled children at the Epworth Village; in a short is needed, she is called. The Nebraska Center for time she became the first black woman to serve on that Women, with a population of 150 prisoners, is the only staff. While working at Epworth, Sybil met Lucille state women's facility in Nebraska. Hence Nazarene Splinter, assistant superintendent of the women's cen­ Sybil Harris provides spiritual impact for most ter. Splinter later introduced her to Donna Borgan, the women who commit crimes in her state. new superintendent at the center. Summarizing her ministerial journey, Chaplain Har­ When more security guards were needed at the prison ris declared, "The most meaningful part of my work is facility, Sybil Harris was offered a job as a correctional on a one-to-one basis where I can help women find God matron. and help them know there is hope. I tell them God can But this could not have taken place without the girl at help them get back to a normal life." Rosignol. Here's the story: When Sybil decided to try to Sybil Harris' amazing ministry demonstrates that ful­ come to the United States, she went to the U.S. Embassy fillment in God's will always starts with faithfulness. to take her place in the long line of people seeking For Sybil, the will of God took her from tropical ministry entrance to everything the United States represented. It among impoverished people in Guyana, to training in was common for crowds to stand in line for days only Trinidad, back home to Guyana, then to New York, and to be turned down because they lacked specific docu­ now to Nebraska. There are many happy surprises ments. along the holy way.

76 GROW/Spring 7992

MIINia I HI

______Resources from Pastoral Ministries

------

Wilbur Brannon has synthesized the work of Mike Cork, Bill Green, and Barry Swanson — outstanding Ministers of Music— in an ex­ ceptional resource for churches of all sizes. "Perspectives" define the purpose of music ministry and give 10 functions of church mu­ sic. A focus on the unchurched is discussed. Concepts of "worship" are explored from a biblical viewpoint with workable ideas. An entire section is devoted to "adminis­ tration" of the music ministry. "Special Events" are covered with detailed suggestions; e.g., concert series, musical productions, and out­ reach musicals. The two final sections are "Practical Helps" and "Resources." A book you will refer to often because of the valuable in­ formation it contains. GM M B-639 $17.95

A manual that offers three prayer retreat models with directions and work sheets. Formats and suggested schedules are included. Guide ques­ tions for meditation and discussion help to bring your ministry into per­ spective and the mission of your church into focus. Follow-up steps are offered to in­ clude the decision makers and the en­ tire church to develop a new vision for renewal and effective evangelism. GM S-202 $14.95

GUIDELINES and PROCEDURES ---- ;--- -

WESTSIDE INDIANAPOLIS CHURCH STARTS NEW CHURCH

Avon Community Church Organizes With 87 Members

t press time Avon Com­ When the membership charter schools, and a community-wide de­ munity Church of the closed on October 27,1991, the new sire to incorporate as a city in the Nazarene, after being in church had received 87 members— near future. existence for fourteen Sundays,47 were av­ new Nazarenes. The appealing aim of this church eraged 151 in worship and 103Avon in Community Church was is very clearly expressed in their lit­ SundayA school. Near Indianapolis, inaugurated as an intentional out­ erature: "To bring glory to God, to this baby church, half grown by reach ministry of Westside Church. share His love with one another and some standards, was organized at For several years Avon Pastor Doug with the world." the altars of Westside Church on Litsey served on Westside Church's GROW congratulates Westside July 21, 1991 — the sponsoring ministerial staff, and in more recent Church and Avon Community congregation's 75th birthday. times he was involved as a lay Church. leader, teaching one of the largest adult Sunday school classes. People involved in this outreach adventure quickly inform you that their trust in Doug and Judy Litsey helped them decide to be Avon Church planting pioneers. Under Pastor J. K. Warrick, the Westside Church prayed and planned to plant Avon Church for several years. The mother church reports attendance and finances have gained back to the same level or above where they were when the beginning church was started. Now Pastor Warrick and the Westside congregation are consid­ ering planting another church in about two years; they are praying about another nearby community. The new church meets in Pine Hill Elementary School, built in 1989. This impressive near-new school provides the church with high visibility, location recogni­ tion, and spacious facilities. The Avon community, a fast-growing area west of Indianapolis, has many new residential areas, good

20______GROW! Spring 1992

I \ Joiminl of Church Growth, Evangelism awl Discipleship 21 HISTORIC NAZARENE PROPERTY HOUSES SHEPHERD COMMUNITY

Indianapolis Congregation Wed To Compassion Ministry

od is at work in remark­ supplies a sense of worth and be­ able ways on East longing to the poor, homeless, and Washington Street in In­ despairing of their neighborhood. dianapolis. Community, a bigThe word riveting story starts with deci­ The property, former home of In­ in this ministry, is bigger at itssive heart. biblical devotion to worship, dianapolis First Church, a place InG Jesus' name and with deliberate evangelism, discipleship, and com­ where church musician Haldor attention, Shepherd Community passion based on Acts 2 and 4. Lillenas once pastored, has been in

22 GROW/Spring 1992 with a Sunday attendance of more than 100. The staff, led by Pastor John Hay, Jr., are all members of the Church of the Nazarene, having graduated from our church colleges and seminary. Unlike a rescue mission, Shep­ herd Community works to provide a supportive community of faith to help people work through difficult situations. The mind-boggling list of ministries includes crisis coun­ seling, nutritional food, clothing, on-site medical evaluations, show­ ers, laundry facilities, monthly community dinners, justice inter­ vention, employment education and referral, recovery and support groups, plus three church services per week on the traditional Nazarene schedule of Sundays and Shepherd Community—An Urban mid-week. Ministry of the Church of the The promise of Jesus is being ful­ Nazarene. filled at Shepherd Community when He said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers Cooperation Among Churches of mine, you did for me" (Matthew Indianapolis District has sup­ 25:40, NIV). f® ported the work from the 1986 beginning and made it possible for Shepherd Community to purchase an adjacent 12,000-square-foot building in 1988. Remodeling of this recent addition of space was made possible by the Builders As­ sociation of Greater Indianapolis and the Lilly Foundation. Indianapolis Westside Church paid the director's salary for the first year and continues generous an­ nual support. Nazarene churches in the city and across the district give money, send volunteers, and donate food, clothing and love. And the Day Center for the homeless is a cooper­ ative project with the Salvation Army.

Balanced Ministry our denominational family since its With such pressing social needs it original construction. After First might be easy to neglect spiritual Church, the building housed Cen­ needs. This work, at its heart, has a tral Church and is now the home of fully organized Nazarene church

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Disciplesliip SHEPHERD COMMUNITY

A VOLUNTEER'S SURPRISE

by Ruth Hall

What an eye-opener! I had no first-hand experience with people who are homeless, hungry, and have no one to care for them. B H O '- j m m M I first learned about Shepherd Community two years ago. One Sunday morning, my challenge came when Pastor Jack Bimber ap- pealed for volunteers to work at j Shepherd Community in India- |______I napolis. As our minister spoke, my heart burned within me and I turned to my husband and said, "I want to do that." Since I come from Spiceland, Indiana, population 800 and no urban problems, this was a life-changing event for me. The week after our pastor's call to practical compassion, I joined a group from our church to take training at Shepherd Community, and we volunteered to begin the following Monday. Several have helped nearly every week since then. Later in April 1990, Spiceland Church of the Nazarene fixed and served our first community dinner at Shepherd; 27 church members served 150 needy people. What a blessing! It is difficult to explain how the situation affected us. Our congregation, in the weeks following the dinner, decided to purchase food for us to take to Shepherd each week. During Sunday school the offering plates are passed and everyone gives. Then I buy the groceries on Friday we will serve on Monday. Between Friday and Monday, three dedicated women—Edna Mae Green, Mary Smith, and Katherine Kissick—help me cook the meal. Early Monday morning we four load the car and drive 50 miles to Indianapolis. We stay most of the day to serve food, get acquainted with the homeless, and share our faith. The Lord prospers this ministry. Even Spiceland neighbors with no connection with our church bring food and clothing to my house. And the church fills a basket each week for the Shepherd pantry. The results amaze me. This venture has enriched my life, and com­ passionate ministry has made us a giving church. And our joy expands even more when we remember the needy are being pointed to Jesus.

E GROW /Spring 1992 CHURCH GROWTH Church Size Strategies 0 TO 9 9 — SMALL CHURCH INSTITUTE 1 0 0 TO 2 4 9 — INTERMEDIATE CHURCH INITIATIVE 2 5 0 AND UP---- K-CHURCH PROJECT

T h e r e is a s p e c i a l c h u r c h g r o w t h s t r a t e g y FOR EACH SIZE CATEGORY:

SMALL CHURCH ^ STITUTE^ The Small Church Institute CHURCH SIZE STRATEGIES for churches of 0-99

INTERMEDIATE CHURCH

The Intermediate Church Initiative for churches of 100 to 249

The K-Church Project for churches of 250 and up

NOTE: Categories are based on church membership in 1991. Church Growth Division, Director Bill M. Sullivan VISION

UNITED STA11 QUADRENNIAL CONF V ISIO N ’91 ON EVANGELIC l c r g T7T"TTI) I INil'i'I'1 'i'- III 1 4 IN OPENING CHALLENGE, D R. V. H. LEWIS CALLS THE CHURCH TO RENEWAL AND OUTREACH.

COMPOSER ► STEVE ADAMS IN SPIR ES EVANGELISM CONFERENCE WITH MUSIC.

Entering the decade witi

4 CHURCH GROWTH DIVISION DIRECTOR BILL M. SULLIVAN PRESENTS LARGE CHURCH MANAGEMENT SCHOOL GRADUATES TO GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT WILLIAM J. PRINCE.

SIXTY-FIVE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS ALONG WITH LAUREL MATSON, ED NASH, GENE FULLER, AND ROY FULLER SHARE DETAILS OF CHURCH SIZE GROWTH STRATEGIES AND THE LAUNCHING OF THE SMALL CHURCH INSTITUTE. ▼ THE OCTOBER UNITED STATE QUADRENNIAL CONFERENCE ON EVANGELISM

SCHOOL OF ^ LARGE CHURCH he harvest in view MANAGEMENT PARTICIPANTS ON TH EIR WAY TO VISIT PRESTONWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH, A MEGA CHURCH IN DALLAS. CHURCH GROWTH DIVISION DIRECTOR BILL M. SULLIVAN 3ENERAL SUPERIN TEN D EN T RAYMOND W. AWARDS 62 IURN RECEIVES OFFICIAL WELCOME FROM CERTIFICATES TO K ORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL.▼ CHURCH GRADUATES. ▼ That the World May Know — GO!

DISTRICT GOAL Sept. Oct. Nov. DISTRICT GOAL Sept. Oct. Nov. Akron 513 2 0 16 New England 725 3 5 0 Alabama North 466 3 0 20 New Mexico 312 15 16 10 Alabama South 275 NR 0 16 New York 761 0 NR 26 Alaska 200 9 0 4 North Arkansas 320 5 23 11 Anaheim 650 24 1 17 North Carolina 500 12 6 58 Arizona 700 66 NR 14 North Central Ohio 546 5 0 40 Canada Atlantic 100 NR NR 0 North Florida 500 33 0 4 Canada Central 218 0 0 0 Northeast Oklahoma 533 57 29 2 Canada Pacific 103 0 4 0 Northeastern Indiana 600 27 18 71 Canada Quebec 200 NR NR 0 Northern California 600 4 2 35 Canada West 400 2 4 2 Northern Michigan 128 2 6 1 Central California 500 24 4 NR Northwest 555 7 46 34 Central Florida 1,000 105 37 174 Northwest Indiana 433 27 0 0 Central Latin American 114 6 0 NR Northwest Oklahoma 558 2 52 8 Central Ohio 912 11 11 53 Northwestern Illinois 610 4 3 0 Chicago Central 700 0 0 0 Northwestern Ohio 450 0 0 0 Colorado 700 46 63 46 Oregon Pacific 902 6 8 8 Dakota 200 0 9 5 Philadelphia 600 0 0 1 Dallas 525 25 16 6 Pittsburgh 380 6 27 7 East Tennessee 329 10 4 9 Rocky Mountain 195 2 0 7 Eastern Kentucky 308 0 0 7 Sacramento 600 20 46 13 Eastern Michigan 750 0 0 0 San Antonio 471 16 0 6 Florida Space Coast 400 7 3 8 South Arkansas 264 0 0 1 Georgia 500 0 3 0 South Carolina 587 37 55 54 Hawaii Pacific 157 0 4 0 Southeast Oklahoma 300 11 2 9 Houston 400 11 30 33 Southern California 441 13 0 3 Illinois 600 15 5 12 Southern Florida 1,100 41 4 47 Indianapolis 400 8 9 10 Southwest Indian 56 NR 0 NR Intermountain 471 0 0 0 Southwest Indiana 600 9 26 0 Iowa 311 0 12 5 Southwest Latin American 80 0 0 0 Joplin 462 7 20 4 Southwest Oklahoma 601 0 2 33 Kansas 473 0 0 0 Southwestern Ohio 644 38 49 14 Kansas City 633 55 37 19 Tennessee 602 12 22 15 Kentucky 500 13 15 25 Upstate New York 500 11 0 2 Los Angeles 1,406 33 12 37 Virginia 325 11 12 5 Louisiana 300 13 19 8 Washington 497 4 30 11 Maine 112 0 0 NR Washington Pacific 700 16 140 95 Michigan 450 3 24 3 West Texas 825 26 78 54 Minnesota 165 2 4 0 West Virginia North 605 14 17 2 Mississippi 308 2 23 17 West Virginia South 315 7 27 3 Missouri 477 21 32 2 Western Latin American 172 0 13 0 Navajo Nation 100 NR NR NR Wisconsin 329 5 0 1 Nebraska 300 1 11 0

TOTALS FOR U.S.A./CANADA 39,610 1,032 1,180 1,263

REGIONS Africa 11,580 NR NRNR Asia-Pacific 5,500 NR 6,136 NR Caribbean 14,904 77304298 Eurasia 3,540 NRNRNR Mexico and Central America 6,500 NR NRNR South America 10,000 NRNRNR

TOTALS FOR WORLD REGIONS 52,024 77 6,440 298 vCHRISTOPHER, CHRIS C. 2251 29th St. S.W, No. 8, Wyoming, Ml 49509-2562 CLACK, ROBERT J. (R) 1547 Dublin Ln, No. 2, Escondido, CA 92027 CLARK, RON. (R) 916 N. First St, Boonville, IN 47601 VCLAY D. E. 400 S. Edgewood Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 vCLAY M. E. P.O. Box 526, St Marys, OH 45885 CLEGG, DARRELL. (R) 12573 Salem-Warren Rd, Salem, OH 44460 VCLIFT, NORVIE O. 344 Guitta Ct, Hemet, CA 92544 •COBB, BILL t TERRI. (R) P.O. Box 761, Bethany, OK 73008 ♦COFFEY REV. t MRS. RUSSELL E. (C) 1841 128th Ave, Hopkins, Ml 49328 CONDRY, CONNIE. (R) 1732 Fish Hatchery Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169 CONGER, DELOSS. (R) 4737 Dresden Ct., Jacksonville, FL 32257 CONRAD, BYRON. (R) 7151 Franusich Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828 COOK, DANNY. (R) 506 N. 6th St, Weatherford, OK 730964710 COOK, DAVID. (C) 757 S. Bosart St, Indianapolis, IN 46203 vCOOK, LEON G. 2418 Maple, Wichita, KS 67213 COOPER, DALLAS. (R) P.O. Box 5806, Farmington, NM 87499 •COOPER, DONALD & DOLORES. (R) 905 State St, Pekin, IL 61554 •BOICOURT-SHANK, MARLA. (R) 882 E. 56 Hwy, No. 601, Olathe, CORESON, KEN k PATTI’S MINISTRIES. (R) HCR 62, Box 26A, KS 66061 Enterprise, OR 97828 •ABRAMS, KATHY (R) Rte. 1, Box 126, Rose Hill, IA 52586 ♦BOND, GARY & BETH. (C) 410 S. Clay St, Sturgis, Ml 49091 COVINGTON, NATHAN. (C) 724 W. Knollwood, Broken Arrow, OK •ADAMS, JERRY I ALLENE. (R) 31 N. Tremont St., Indianapolis, IN BOND, RICHARD D. (R) P.O. Box 4444, Overland Park, KS 66204 74011 46222 BOOUIST, DOUG i DEBBIE. (R) c/o 16001 Glen Rd, Mount Vernon, vCRABTREE, J. C. 3436 Cambridge Dr, Springfield, OH 45503 ADAMS, VERNON R. (R) 2731 Clintonville Rd, Paris, KY 40361-9053 OH 43050 CRANDALL, V. E. & BARBARA. (C) 11177 S. Indian Lake Dr. E„ ADKINS, JEFFREY A. (R) 108 Janet Rd., Marrietta, OH 45750 VBOSHELL, T. JAMES. 318 S. 7th Ave, Paden City, WV 26159 Vicksburg, Ml 49097 VAGNER, J. C. Rte. 1, Box 2570, Lee, FL 32059 •BOUGH, ALICE. (R) 618 Old Fordge Rd, Valparaiso, IN 46383 ♦CRANE, BILLY D. (C) Rte. 5, Box 447, Parkersburg, WV 26101 ALBRIGHT, WAYNE L (C) RO. Box 184, Chapman, KS 67431 BOWDEN, AL (C) 6760 Belfast Ave, Cocoa, FL 32927 CRESAP, THOMAS. (R) 507 Ohio Ave, Martins Ferry, OH 43935 vALDRIDGE, DAVID J. 8079 Elmlawn St N.E., Louisville, OH 44641 •BOWERS, LUCILLE. (C) 701 N. Buchanan, Little Rock, AR 72205 vCREWS, H. F Box 180302, Dallas, TX 75218 VALLEN, ARTHUR L 2440 Castletower La, Tallahassee, FL 32301 BOYNTON, RICHARD. (C) 6312 E. 98th St, Fishers, IN 46038 •CRIDER, JAMES & JANET. (R) P.O. Box 284, Shirley, IN 47384 •ALLEN, JAMES. (R) 2803 Jonathan, Texarkana, TX 75503 BRAATEN, DANIEL W. (C) Braaten Family Ministries, 1803 S.E. 5th, •CROFFORD, DON. (R) 151 Pond Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 vALLEN, JIMMIE A. 205 N. Murray, No. 244, Colorado Springs, CO Lees Summit, MO 64063 •CROFFORD, TODD, (R) Crofford/Parker Ministries, c/o Sarah 80916 •BRADFORD, KIM. (R) 3103 Oak Hill Rd, Carrollton, TX 75007-3516 Parker, Box 42, Bath, NY 14810 vANDERSON, GEORGE R. 3335 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803 •BRALEY PAUL (R) 1878 Lake Hill Cir, Orlando, FL 32818 •CROSWAIT, MILDA. (R) 2843 Kinnett Rd, A, Bethel, OH 45106-9464 APPLE, DALE. (R) 1128 S.W. 32nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 BRANHAM, KEITH W. (R) 1923 Ranwild Ct, Orlando, FI 32809 CUMMINS, JIM E. (R) 3520 Bocage Dr, No. 711, Orlando, FL 32812 APPLEBY ROBERT. (R) 13413 Pierce Arrow N£, Albuquerque, NM •BRAUNIG, LUTZ t DEBBIE. (R) 1724 Independence Ave., Urbana, vCURTIS, H. M. 1709 E. 17th, Ada, OK 74820 87112 IL 61801 ARCHER, ALFRED N. (R) 1505 N. Under, Chicago, IL 60651 ♦BRISCOE, JOHN B. (C) Box 78, Canadian, OK 74425 D ______•ARCHER, RONALD E. (R) 4304 N. Peniel, Bethany. OK 73008 BROUGH, NICOLAS (C) 3816 Skyline, El Paso, TX 79904 •DAFOE, RAY. (R) 7873 Hickory, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 AREY DONALD. (C) Arey Evangelism Ministries, RFD 1, Anagance •BROWN, LOWELL. (R) 4618 Bostick Cir, Tampa, FL 33634 v DAGGETT, TROY J. 189 Edgewood Dr, Hendersonville, TN 37075 Ln., Wolfeboro, NH 03894 BROWN, MARK. (C) 6209 W. McArthur Ln, Muncie, IN 47304 VDALE, BENNIE. 717 Proctor PI, Midwest City, OK 73110 ♦THE ARMSTRONGS, LEON t LINDA. (C) c/o 517 McGeorge Dr., •BROWN, ROGER N. (C) Box 724, Kankakee, IL 60901 ♦DALE, TOM. (C) 911 Florence, Nampa, ID 83686 Vinton, VA 24179 BROWN, RON. (C) Rte. 2, Box 232-B, Ironton, OH 45638 V DANIELS, DR. M. BERT. P.O. Box 75412, Oklahoma City, OK 73147 ARMSTRONG, ROBERT W. (R) P.O. Box 187, Skowhegan, ME 04976 BRYANT, GROVER. (R) P.O. Box 200, Carthage, MO 64836-0200 V DANIELS, M. HAROLD. P.O. Box 470, Littleton, CO 80120 ARTECHE, JR., CARLOS. (R) 12909 Morning Ave., Downey, CA 90242 vBUDD, JAY B. 1385 Hentz Dr, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 V DARNELL, H. E. P.O. Box 929, Vivian, LA 71082 ATKINSON, DEAN t PAT. (R) Atkinson Family Crusade, P.O. Box 517, vBURKE, OWEN. 3400 S. Ironwood Dr, No. 196, Apache Junction, VDAWS, LEONARD. 3286 Wyoming Ave, Xenia, OH 45385 Newcastle, OK 73065-0517 AZ 85220 DAWSON, JAMES A. (R) R.R. 1, Box 189, Wapakoneta, OH 45895 ATKINSON, JOSEPH D. (R) P.O. Box 699, Alvin, TX 77511 ♦ BURKHALTER, PAT 1 DONNA. (C) P.O. Box 801, Atlanta, TX 75551 DAY, JOHN. (R) 475 Covered Bridge Rd, Greenwood, IN 46142 •BURNEM, ANN. (R) 103 New Hampshire Dr, Ashland, KY 41101 vD/WTON, WEBSTER. 704 Lafayette Ave, Colonial Heights, VA B ______BURNES, DONALD E. (R) 1105 Darla Ave, Altus, OK 73521 23834 vBAGGETT, DALLAS. 1313 Fletcher Ave. S.W., Decatur, AL 35601 VBYERS, CHARLES & MILDRED. 2121 S. Ingram Rd, Apt C, vDEBOLT, TED & DOROTHY. 203 Swan Lake Dr, North Fort Myers, Springfield, MO 65804 •BAILEY, TONY & TRICIA. (C) 207 Edgewood Rd., Eureka, IL 61530 FL 33917 BAKER, HOWARD. (R) 5402 E. 19th St, Indianapolis. IN 46218-4809 BYERS, JOSEPH D. (R) 104 Oak Tara Angus Ct, Charlottesville, VA •DECKARD, KENNETH. (R) Gloryroad Quartet, 3229 Washington ♦BAKER, RICHARD C. (C) 3590 Coal Fork Dr., Charleston, WV 25306 22901 Ave, Bedford, IN 47421 BAKER, SAMUEL (R) 322 E. Harris, Raymondville, TX 78580 DELBRIDGE, GENE. (R) 3340 A St, Washougal, WA 98671 BALIS, DONALD E. (R) 120 S. Roberts, El Reno, OK 73036 c ______♦DELL, JIMMY. (C) 4802 E. Mitchell Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018 v BALLARD, DON. 7231 German Creek Park, Memphis, TN 38125 CANEN, DAVID. (C) Rte. 2, Box 12B, Adrian, GA 31002 DENNIS, JAMES A. (JAMIE). (R) 166 N. Sugar St, Chillicothe, OH JUNE BALLARD. (R) Ballard Ministries, 581 Pinecrest Dr., Chadron, CANFIELD, DAVID, EVANGELISTIC MINISTRIES. (C) 503 Short White 45601 NE 69337 Oak, Russell, KY 41169 ♦DENNISON, MARVIN E. (C) 1208 S.E. Green Rd, Tecumseh, KS v BALLARD, OLIVER H. 7113 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK V CANNON, DURWOOD. P.O. Box 38. Gallion, AL 36742 66542 73159 V CARPENTER, R. W. (BOB). P.O. Box 134, Lamar, CO 81052-0786 VDEPASQUALE, JAMES. P.O. Box 5462, Bellingham, WA 98227 BAPTISTE, MATHIEU-JEAN. (R) 3715 Eastview Ave, West Palm CARPENTER, VERNON. (R) 5260 Meadowgreen Dr, Colorado DESKINS, GROVER C. (R) 35 Gill Dr, Newark, DE 19713 Beach, FL 33407 Springs, CO 80919 DEWEY KENNETH. (R) 4986 Ash Hill Rd, Spring Hill, TN 37174 BARNES, JACK. (C) Rte. 1, Box 150-A, Chapel Hill, TN 37034 •CASWELL, GERALD. (R) 2258 Wise Rd, North Canton, OH 44720 ♦DICKSON, RICHARD J. (R) Living Way Gospel Team, 821 Lonsvale BASS, WARREN G. (R) P.O. Box 36, Roanoke, AL 36274 vCAYTON, JOHN. 16 Southworth St., Lakeville, MA 02347 Dr, Anderson, IN 46013 •BEHA, LUCILLE A. (R) 3908 Ninth Ave., Parkersburg, WV 26101 CERRATO, R. J. (R) 11210 Cherry Ct, No. 52-C, Palos Hills, IL 60465 DIEHL, STEVEN. (R) 500 S. Louisiana, Mangum, OK 73554 BELL, THOMAS. (R) 6400 W. Markwood Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46241 vCHALFANT, MORRIS. 860 Bunker Hill, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 VDISHON, CLARENCE. 4309 Lake Haven Blvd., Sebring, FL 33872 BELZER, DAVE & BARBARA. (C) Box 32, Miller, SD 57362 vCHAMBERLAIN, DOROTHY H. Rte. 21, Box 28, Mobile Park, vDISHON, MELVIN. 936 Shive Ln, Lot 184, Bowling Green, KY 42101 BENDER, TIM. (C) The Tim Bender Family, 1278 Smith Chapel Rd, Carmichaels, PA 15320 VDIXON, GEORGE I CHARLOTTE, c/o Evangelism Ministries’ Shelbyville, TN 37160 vCHAMBERS, LEON J MILDRED. 218 Regan Dr, Magnolia, MS DOCTORIAN, SAMUEL (R) 2020 Kinclair Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107 •BENNETT, ROBIN. (R) 2899 Eldon Dr, Uniontown, OH 44685 39652 DODDS, JOHN. (R) 272 Jack Oak Rd., St Marys, OH 45885 vBERRIAN, HAROLD F. 186 Highland Ave, Pennsville, NJ 08070 vCHANDLER, WILLIAM. 705 Meadow Lark Ln, Durant, OK 74701 •DODDS, LARRY W. (R) Rte. 5, Box 385, Burlington, IA 52601 •BERRY, CHARLES (CHUCK). (R) 2524 Brierwood Dr., Albany, GA •CHANEY, BARBARA. (C) 4070 Monza Dr, Richmond, VA 23234 DODGE, KENNETH L. (C) 1150 W. Winton Ave, No. 221, Hayward, CA 31705 VCHANEY REEFORD. 4070 Monza Dr, Richmond, VA 23234 94545 vBERTOLET, FREDERICK & GRACE. (C) 2770 S. Garden Dr, Bldg. vCHAPMAN, W. EMERSON i LOIS. Rte. 1, Box 87, Miltonvale, KS •DOLE, VERA. (R) 22210 Salt Fork Rd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 21, No. 308, Lake Worth, FL 33461 67466 •DOOLITTLE, KEVIN. (C) 886 N. Main St. Ext, Meadville, PA 16335 •BICKFORD, BERNADETTE (R) 1521 S. Harrison St.. San Angelo, CHASE, FRANK. (R) 25 Lake Country, Mannford, OK 74044 DOROUGH, JAMES D. (C) 4901 N. College Ave, Bethany, OK TX 76901-4322 ♦CHEATWOOD, HENRY & PHYLLIS. (C) Five Star Evangelistic 73008-2652 BIRD, LANCE. (R) 1001 Laurel Hills Ct„ Haines City, FL 33823 Ministries, Rte. 4, Box 96, Kissee Mills, MO 65680 DOROUGH, WILLIAM M. (R) 219 Oak Hills Dr, Mabank, TX 75147 ♦BLUE, DAVID I DANA. (C) P.O. Box B, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 CHENAULT, WILLIAM D. (R) 6980 Woodcrest Dr, Greenfield, IL 46140 •DOWNING, ANN. (C) Box 767, Hendersonville, TN 37075 BLYTHE, ELLIS G. (R) 7731 S.W. 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607 •CHILDS, WAYNE 8. CHERI. (R) 244 Buddy Ln, Camby, IN 46113 DOWTY PAUL. (R) Rte. 3, Box 741, Broken Bow, OK 74728 BOCK, DON. (C) Box 412, Washington Court House, OH 43160 •CHIZUM, DENNIS. (R) 53569 C.R. 7 N„ Elkhart, IN 46514 DRYE, J. T. (C) 5130 Trinity Church Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28081 •BOGGS, JERRY (R) 203-A Linden Ave, South Point OH 45680 CHOATE, KIRBY. (R) 201 S. Reagan St, San Benito, TX 78586-3880 DUNCAN, HERSCHEL (R) 350 Birch Dr, Charlestown, IN 47111 BOHANNON, WILLIAM. (R) 542 Maple St, East Alton, IL 62024 CHRISTNER, JACK. (R) 1560 Newark Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 DUNLAP, BARRY L (R) 5768 Tucker Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458-3459 •DUNMIRE, RALPH & JOANN. (C) 202 Garwood Dr, Nashville, TN 37210 (C) Commissioned (R) Registered ♦Preacher & Song Evangelist »Song Evangelist DUNN, DON. (C) P.O. Box 132, Bartlett, OH 45713 VRetired Elders in Evangelism DUTTON, BARRY i TAVIA. (C) P.O. Box 119, Clarksburg, MD 20871 ‘Evangelism Ministries, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131 E ______An adequate budget for evangelism at the beginning of each church year is imperative for each congregation. •EBY, PAUL t MARTHA. (R) P.O. Box 100924, Nashville, TN 37224 A revival savings account is useful in building toward adequate support for the evangelist. •EDWARDS, BOBBY (R) 1080 Jameson Ct, New Castle, IN 47362 EDWARDS, CHARLES. (C) 19924 Teresa Way, Cerritos, CA 90701 ♦EDWARDS, TERRY k JANICE. (R) P.O. Box 1393, Bethany, OK V HAWKINS, RAY. 1615 Kickapoo, Pueblo, CO 81001 73008 HAYES, ALVIN a (R) 15812 W. 129th St, Olathe, KS 66062 L ______•EIFERT, FRANK k JO. (R) 18424 Dakota Rd., Odessa. FL 33556 HAYNES, CHARLES k MYRT. (C) P.O. Box 3563, Cleveland, TN LAFORCE, N. WAYNE. (R) 2009 Wyandotte. Olathe, KS 66062 vELLER, OSCAR H. 312 Beck Ridge, Wilburton, OK 74578 37320-3563 LAING, GERALD k MARCINE. (C) 11436 East St, Vicksburg, Ml V ELLIOTT, CLELL B. Rte. 2, Box 90A, Franklin Furnace, OH 45629 HEATON, K. D. (C) 14 Martinsburg Rd, Apt. A, Mount Vernon, OH 49097 vEMRICK, C. ROSS. 8000 M-68, Alanson, Ml 49706 43050 VLAMBERT, J. WILMER. 710 Chaffin Ridge, Columbus, OH 43214 •ESSELBURN, MIRIAM. (C) 28241 S.R. 60 N„ Warsaw, OH 43844 HECKATHORN, JIM. (C) 713 Lake Lowell Ave, Nampa, ID 83686 LAWSON, JUDE. (R) 837 Main St, Lynden, WA 98264 EVERMAN, WAYNE. (R) 109 Cox St., Stanton, KY 40380 •HELMS, GLORIA. (C) 305 S. First St, Box 384, Van Buren, IN 46991 LAWSON, WAYNE. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' VHENDERSHOT, HARVEY. 629 Lakeview Cir, Mount Juliet TN 37122 LAXSON, KIP. (C) 2004 Callaway Dr, Columbia. MO 65202 F ______vHERMON, THOMAS M. 936 Ave. T S.E, Winter Haven, FL 33880 •LAXSON, WALLY S GINGER. (C) Rte. 3, Box 122, Athens, AL 35611 v HESTER, JAMES C. 1 Red Oak Ct, Mansfield, TX 76063 LEAF, JOHN D. (R) Rte. 1, Box 300, Dover, OH 44622 ♦FADER, WES k MARY. (C) Rte. 17, Box 310, Quail Ridge Dr., vHICKE, S. F. 4923 Forest Ct, Oak Forest, IL 60452 ♦LECKRONE, LARRY (C) P.O. Box 71, Morenci, Ml 49256 Salisbury, MD 21801 HICKS, JOHN DAVID. (C) 240 Daniels St, McMinnville, OR 97128 LEIDY, ARNOLD G. (C) P.O. Box 124, Moriarty, NM 87035 vFARLOW, T. J. Box 1145, Robertsdale, AL 36567 ♦HIGGINS, CHUCK k MARGE. (C) 8471 N. 54th Ln, Glendale, AZ V LEONARD, J. C. 1410 Armory, Chariton, IA 50049 v FARRIS, A. A. 1503 Orchard Ct, Science Hill, KY 42553 85302 FARRIS, GARY E. (R) 113 Christian Ave.. Corbin, KY 40701 ■teONARD, LARRY L (R) 2761 Environs Blvd., Orlando, FL 32818 VHILDIE, DWAYNE W. 3323 Belaire, Cheyenne, WY 82001 V LESTER, FRED R. 7404 E. Ed Rice, Mesa, AZ 85208 v FAULK, A. RAY. HC 67, Box 872, Many, LA 71449 vHILL, WILLIAM G. 4 KATHRYN. 480 Lancaster Pike, No. 133, •FELKNER, MR. k MRS. BUTCH. (R) 173 Heartz, Coppell. TX 75019 ♦LIDDELL R L. (C) 3530 W. Allen Rd, Howell. Ml 48843 C ircle *, OH 43113 VUSTON, CLARENCE D. P.O. Box 23576, Tuscon, AZ 85734 •FIGHTMASTER, ANTHONY. (R) 198 Convent Bourbonnais, IL HINES, RAYMOND L (R) Box 114, Nocatee, FL 33864 60914 V LITTLE, HAROLD N. 7045 S.W. Hyland Way, Beaverton, OR 97005 vHINKLE, FRED C. Rte. 1, Box 102, Tishomingo, OK 73460 V LIVINGSTON, W. B. P.O. Box 1177, Bristow, OK 74010-1177 vFILES, GLORIA R. k DOROTHY ADAMS. 1102 N. Peniel Ave, Avon HINNEN, WILLIAM. (R) Bill Hinnen Ministries, 306 Webster, Chilli- Park, FL 33825 VLOCKARD, W. DAYTON. Rte. 2. Box 250, Charleston, WV 25314 cothe, MO 64601 LOHR, DONALD. (C) P.O. Box 7056, Charleston, WV 25356 vFISHER, CLAIR H. RD 1, 103 Valley View Rd, Phoenixville, PA •HISE, RON. (R) 2035 Hancock, Demotte, IN 46310 19460 LOMAN, LANE. (C) 137 Timber Ridge Dr, Nashville, TN 37217 HOECKLE, WESLEY W. (R) 642 Vaky, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 ♦LORD, RICHARD. (R) 830 Koln Ct, Palm Bay, FL 32907 FLEMMING, FLOYD O. (R) 1192 Roosevelt Dr, Sherrodsville, OH HOLDER, SYBIL (R) 249 Winthrop St, Brooklyn, NY 11225 •LORENZEN, LINDA. (C) Rte. 3, Box 231A, Blanchester, OH 45107 44675 HOLLOWELL JERRY. (R) P.O. Box 2, Paris, TX 75460 FLETCHER, RAY (R) Box 6225, Elgin, OK 73538 LOUGHRIDGE, WILLIAM. (R) Rte. 2. Box 38, Wister, OK 74966 V HOLLOWAY, WARREN O. 657 Woodstream Rd, Effingham, SC LOVE, ROBERT. (R) 6425 Nanette, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 FOSTER, A. D. (R) 1017 N. 20th St, St. Joseph, MO 64501 29541 VFOSTER, HALLIE k MARTHA. P.O. Box 375, Stonington, IL 62567 •LOVING, BECKY. (R) 500 N. F St, Muskogee, OK 74003 HOLSINGER, MARK. (C) 9231 E. Aero Dr, Pico Rivera CA 90660 LYBARGER, EVERETT. (C) P.O. Box 1534, Conway, AR 72032 vFOSTER, J. R 1805 N. Union, Decatur, IL 62526 vHOLSTEIN, J. TEO. 11619 Hanover Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45240 •FOSTER, MARY. (R) 1805 N. Union, Decatur, IL 62526 HOOTS, BOB. (C) 309 Adair St, Columbia, KY 42728 VFOWLER, IRA E. Rte. 3, Box 345, Hollywood, MD 20636 •HORNE, ROGER k BECKY. (R) P.O. Box 17496, Nashville, TN 37217 FRANK, RICHARD A. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' vHOUSE, JOHN. 2503 Division St, No. 200, North Little Rock, AR M ______•FRASER, WILMA. (R) 305 High St. Brilliant, OH 43913 72114 MACK, WILLIAM M. (C) 106 Youpon Dr, Hubert, NC 28539 FREEMAN, MARY ANN. (R) 1527 E. 37th, Marion, IN 40953 v HOWARD, DICK. 7901 N.W. 28th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 MADDEN, JOSEPH. (R) 704 Golden Arrow Dr, Miamisburg, OH 45342 •FREY, DONALD. (R) The Frey Family, 509 Sturgis Ave, Sturgis, Ml vHUBARTT, LEONARD. 8612 Timbermill PI, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 •MADDOX, HOMER k MARTHA. (R) 1917 Wilkens St, Indianapolis, 49091 HUBBARD, JEFFIE. (R) 3213 W. Ave. T, Temple, TX 76504 IN 46221 vFRODGE, HAROLD. 3109 Blackberry, Mount Vernon, IL 62864 HUGHES, JOYCE. (C) 4524 Ashland City Hwy, Clarksville, TN 37043 •MAHANEY PATRICIA. (R) 511 Hollyhock Cir, Patterson, CA 95363 v FULTON, CECIL 6413 Gateridge Cit, Garland, TX 75043 HUNDLEY, JOHN D. (C) P.O. Box 764, Nashville, GA 31639 MANER, ROBERT E. (C) P.O. Box 675, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 VHURRY, CECIL P. P.O. Box 667, Lynn, IN 47355 VMANGUM, PAUL D. 416 Ivy St, Nampa. ID 83686 G ...... HUXMAN, MILTON. (R) 215 Iris St, Broomfield. CO 80020 MANLEY, STEPHEN k DELPHINE. (C) Box 522, Upland, IN 46989 •GABEL, JIM. (R) 5028 Burma Rd. W, Mobile, AL 36693 ♦MANN, THURL k MARY KAY. (C) 90 Sycamore Ln, Route 24, Fort vGADBOW, CLINTON. 49 Julie Ln, St. Peters, MO 63376 I ______Myers, FL 33908 GADBOW, DONALD C. (R) P.O. Box 1403, St Peters, MO 63376 VICE, CHARLES k BETTY. 702 S. Malcolm, Chanute, KS 66720 V MARLIN, BENJAMIN F. P.O. Box 5572, Deltona, FL 32728 v MARSH, A. MILTON. 11089 Ancient Tr, No. 33, Brooksville, FL GALVEZ, MARCO. (R) 316 N. Lincoln (Rear), Barnesville, OH 43713 VIDE, CHARLES. 1796 52nd S.E, Grand Rapids, Ml 49508 GAMBLIN, C. LEE k WILMA. (R) P.O. Box 1245, Ottumwa, IA 52501 INGLAND, WILMA JEAN. (C) 1170 Princeton Rd„ Monroeville, PA 34601 v MARTIN, LEON. Rte. 3, Box 242A, Bonham, TX 75418 GARDNER, JOHN M. (C) 4102 Carlisle Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813 15146 GAWTHORP, WAYLAND. (C) Rte. 1, Box 97AA, Crowley, LA 70526 MARTIN, W. DALE. (C) 1830 Indian Hill Rd, Lebanon, TN 37087-3022 vGERBIG, BERNICE ROEDEL. 315 N. 8th St, Boonville, IN 47601 J ______MARTINEZ, JOSE M. (R) 4794 Poseidon PI, Lake Wbrth, FL 33463 MATTER, DAN k ANN. (R) 2617 Carew St, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 •GESSNER, DON k SHIRL (C) P.O. Box 369, Salem, IL 62881 JACK, GLORIA JEANNE. (R) 2009 Fort Harrod’s Dr, Lexington, KY vMAX, HOMER L Rte. 3, Box 217, Knoxville, IA 50138 vGHOLSON, LAWRENCE. 2918 Berkshire Dr, Mesquite, TX 75150 40513 vMAY, JOHN. Rte. 1, Box 17-SG, Colliers, WV 26035 GINTER, TIMOTHY. (R) 60 N. Huron St, Belleville, OH 44813 •JACKSON, PAUL k TRISH. (C) Jetstream Ministries, Box 739, MAYO, CLIFFORD. (C) HCR 1, Box 13, Dumont, TX 79232 GOLAY, GEORGE. (R) 4450 Midway Dr. N.W, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 Meade, KS 67864 vMAZE, KENNETH. Rte. 9, Box 102, Parkersburg, WV 26101 vGOODLETT, NELSON C. Rte. 2, Box 400, Sallis, MS 39160 JACKSON, THOMAS. (R) 3120 Warren Dr, Wurtland, KY 41144 McADAMS, DOUGLAS D. (R) 101 Summers Rd, Rogers, AR 72756 GOODWIN, LESLIE. (R) 12181 Rich, Loveland, OH 45140 VJAGGER, MARVIN W. 29446 Country Rd. P5, Deloris, CO 81323 McCAFFRY JOSEPH R (R) 336 N. Red Bank Rd, Evansville, IN •GORDON, BOB. (C) 5307 Willow Cliff Rd, No. 117, Oklahoma City, vJAMES, R. ODIS. 323 Winter St, St. James, MO 65559 47712-3746 OK 73122 JANTZ, ORLANDO. (R) HCR1, Box 185, Minneola, KS 67865 ♦McCALLIE, JAMES. (R) Rte. 6, Box 254, Columbus, IN 47201 •GORMAN, CHARLES AND ANN. (R) 12104 Linkwood Ct, Louisville, ♦JANTZ-OWENS, MARJORIE. (C) P.O. Box 6864, Kokomo, IN McCANDLESS, MARION L (C) P.O. Box 97, Midway City, CA 92655 KY 40229 46904-6864 MCDONALD, CHARLIE E. (C) 920 W. Olive St, West Monroe, LA GOULD, LOREN W. (C) 4479 Hialeah Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 JAYMES, RICHARD W. (R) 617 W. Gambier, Mount Vernon. OH 43050 71291 ♦GRABKE, RONALD k MARTHA. (C) 225 Pleasantview Dr, Brain­ •JEFFRIES, JEFF k JAN. (R) Faith Lifters, 21308 120th St. E, Apt vMcDONALD, G. RAY 1624 B Gary Ct, Gretna, LA 70054 tree, MA 02184 B, Bonney Lake, WA 98390 vMcDOWELL DORIS M. 540 Sierra Madre Blvd.. No. 6, Sierra vGRANT, COOUDGE. P.O. Box 31, Glens Fork, KY 42741 VJENNINGS, LEON. 7107 N.W. 30th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 Madre, CA 91024 vGRAY, C. PAUL. 4016 Riverside Dr, Bethany, OK 73008 vJENNINGS, PAUL R. 722 N.W. 32nd, Lawton, OK 73505 vMcELVEEN, ROLAND T. 667 Powell St, Rock Hill, SC 29730 ♦GREEN, JIM k ROSEMARY. (C) Box 385, Canton, IL 61520 •JEWETT, LARRY k PATRICIA. (R) 1441 Robin Hood Dr, Seymour, McGUFFEY, JAMES. (R) 1580 Cape Charles a , Cicero, IN 46034 •GREEN, SHARON. (R) The Gospel Sounds, P.O. Box 66, Lithopolis, IN 47274-1949 •McKINNON, JUANITA. (C) Box 126, Institute, WV 25112 OH 43136-0066 JOHNSON, ALBERT. (R) Rte. 2, Box 217, Kenbridge, VA 23944 McMAHON, MICK k HELEN. (R) Victory Ministries, c/o Evangelism GREENE, KYLE L (R) Rte. 1, Box 260, Evansville, IN 47712 JOHNSON, BOB. (R) P.O. Box 499, Woodland Park, CO 80866 Ministries' GRIBBEN, GEORGE. (R) 1 Parkview Dr, Mount Vernon, OH v JOHNSON, COMER. P.O. Box 668, Excel, AL 36439 •McNISH, PHYLLIS. (R) 4527 N.W. Geronimo Tr, Topeka, KS 66618 43050-1972 JOHNSON, DONALD EUGENE. (R) Box 196, Ogden, IL 61859 McWHIRTER, STUART. (C) P.O. Box 458, Corydon, IN 47112 •GRINDLEY, GERALD k JANICE. (R) 206 E. North St, Owosso, Ml VJOHNSON, EVERETTE A. 410 Pargoud Dr, Monroe, LA 71202 vMEADOWS, NAOMI C. 2626 Washington Ave, Lot 65, Vincennes, 48867 ♦JOHNSON, RON. (C) 3208 Eighth St. E, Lewiston, ID 83501 GRINDLEY RONALD E. (R) 1910 Trailwinds Ct, Grove City, OH 43123 vJONES, BERT. 1926 Lakeside Dr, Erie, PA 16511 IN 47591 vMEEK, WESLEY E. 5713 S. Shartel, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 GROVES, C. WILLIAM. (C) 3986 Cypress Ave, Grove City, OH 43123 JONES, GRACE L (C) P.O. Box 251, Leming, TX 78050 ♦JONES, TERRY & LAQUITA. (C) 2002 Judy Ln, Pasadena, TX MEENACH, CHRIS. (R) Rte. 2, Box 80A, Franklin Furnace, OH 45629 H ______77502 •MEHR, BETHANY. (R) Box 37, South Lyon, Ml 48178 •MELICK, RANDY (R) P.O. Box 136, Lincoln, MO 65338 •JONTE, JOHN. (R) 3905 N.W. 56th PI, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 •HAAS, MR. k MRS. M. WAYNE. (C) 3508 S. 10th St, New Castle, MELVIN, DOLORES. (C) HC 60, Box 224, Greenup, KY 41144 JORDAN, JOSEPH R. (C) 42 W. Hunter St, Logan, OH 43138 IN 47362 •MEREDITH, DWIGHT k NORMA JEAN. (C) 315 E. 8th St, Box 1, ♦HAINES, GARY. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' JORDAN, RONALD. (R) 5522 Shady Tr, Old Hickory, TN 37138 JUNEMAN, JOHN 8, TRINA. (R) 11125 E. 27th St, No. 3, Indepen­ Harper, KS 67058 •HALBERT, KIRK k JOYCE. (R) 242 W. Main St, Henderson, TN vMEYER, VIRGIL k DOROTHY. 3112 Willow Oak Dr, Fort Wayne, IN dence, MO 64052 37075 46809 ♦JUSTICE, MEL k DONNA. (C) 2253 Bristol Rd, Columbus, OH HALL, CARL N. (R) 2009 Cindy Cir, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 MICHAEL RANDOLPH. (R) 2001 Sunvale Dr, Olathe, KS 66062 43221-1203 HALL, DAVID. (R) 3220 N. Wildan, Springfield, MO 65803 vMICKEY, BOB. 504 N. Sixth, Umar, CO 81052 vHALL, HADLEY A. 2105 Juniper Dr, Plant City, FL 33566 MILBURN, GARY (R) 6496 Poling Ln, Frederick, MD 21702 HANCE, LAWRENCE R. (R) RR 1, Box 182, Lewistown, IL 61542 K ______MILEY, TROY J. (R) 102 Nazarene Dr, South Charleston, WV 25309 HANCOCK, TIM. (R) 416 S. Edgewood Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 KEENA, EARL (C) 2160 D St, Oroville, CA 95966 MILLENSON, CAROL J. (R) 7825 Autumn Wood Dr, Orlando, FL •HANKINS, GEORGE W. (C) 3 E. Buttonwood St, Wenonah, NJ KELLER, GREG k SUE. (R) Keller Evangelistic Ministries, c/o Rev. 32817 08090 H. O. Grimm, 121 Gardendale Cir, Chester, SC 29706 VMILLER, NETTIE A. 131314tti St, Apt 801, Columbus, GA 31994 vHARCOURT, HAROLD C. 1301 Newbury Dr, Norman, OK 73071 VKING, J. HARMON. 3001 24th Ave, Valley. AL 36854 vMILLER, PAULINE 0 .307 S. Delaware St, Mount Gilead, OH 43338 HARRINGTON, MILTON. (C) 4005 Little Rock Dr, North Highlands, CA ♦KIZZEE, JOHN. (R) 801 Kingsbury Dr, Junction City, KS MILLER, RICHARD S. (R) 10070 W. Rudasill Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743 95660 66441-3955 MILLHUFF, CHUCK. (C) Box 160, Olathe, KS 66061 vHARRISON, JOHN L 2900 W. Baker Rd, No. 2101; Baytown, TX KONKLE, MICHAEL C. (R) 2576 E. 200 S., Anderson, IN 46017 MITCHELL CUNT. (R) 1516 E Grayson, Sapulpa, OK 74066 77521 vKRATZER, RAYMOND C. 4305 Snow Mountain Rd, Yakima, WA MITCHELL MARCIA L (R) 835 Valencia, Walla Walla, WA 99362 HARRISON, ROBERT. (R) 7215 Acacia, Leander, TX 78641 98908 •MOATS, MARILYN. (R) 617 W. Oak St, Carmi, IL 62821 MINISTRIES

♦MONCK, JIM. (C) 971 Madrone Ave., Chico, CA 95926 VROBERTS, S. J. 2118 Choctimar Tr, Fort Wayne, IN 46808 vTAYLOR, MENDELL. 1716 N. Glade, Bethany, OK 73008 MONK, GARY W. (R) 279 Bossieux Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32904-4903 vROBERTSON, JAMES H. 1516 W. Pioneer, Arlington, TX 76014 TAYLOR, RON. (C) Rte. 1, Box 265, Johnson Rd, Chickamauga, GA •MOORE, GARY H. (R) 14915 Quivira Rd., Olathe, KS 66062 ROBISON, ROBERT. (R) Heaters. WV 26627 30707 MOORE, NORMAN. (C) Box 1630, Chandler, AZ 85244 vROEBUCK, L H. 1280 Lakeview Rd, Lot 241, Clearwater, FL 34616 vTHOMAS, HOYLE C. P.O. Box 72, Nampa, ID 83653-0072 MOORE, RUDOLPH. (C) P.O. Box 56, Fortville, IN 46040 vROGERS, WARREN A. c/o Josephine Dukes, 3215 Adeline, Oak­ THOMPSON, L DEAN. (R) 508 Timberlane, Carl Junction, MO 64834 vMORGAN, EARL L 494 Meadows Rd. S., Bourbonnais, IL 60914 land. CA 94608 •THOMPSON, ROBERT k TERESA. (R) P.O. Box 21467, Chat­ MORGAN, GERALD L. (R) P.O. Box 495, Eaton, OH 45320 ROSE, WAYNE. (C) 16504 W. 150th Terr, Olathe, KS 66062 tanooga, TN 37421 MORLEY, FRANK. (C) 4080 Pedley Rd., No. 151, Riverside, CA 92509 ROSSITER, LARRY (R) 9867 Shellbark Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45231 ♦THORNTON, REV. k MRS. WALUCE. (C) 1200 Grundy Rd, v MORRIS, CLYDE. P.O. Box 938, Eleanor, WV 25070 ROWE, GENE. (C) P.O. Box 1022, Cherokee, NC 28719 Somerset, KY 42501 MORRIS, JAMES (R) 4028 Crede Dr., Charleston. WV 25302-4709 ROWE, RAYMOND. (R) 734 Fairston St, Pittsburgh, PA 15204-2510 vTHRASHER, OREN D. 2414 High Pine Dr, Louisville, KY 40214 MORSCH, J. V. (R) 1027 Featherstone Cir., Ocoee, FL 34761-3411 ♦ROYSE, C. E. (R) 2105 Taylor Ave, Racine, Wl 53403 VTOLBERT, WILLIAM A. P.O. Box 85-7935, Port St Lucie, FL 34985 MOSER, THOMAS W. (R) 555 Barts Church Rd, Hanover PA 17331 RUARK, JAMES. (R) 2014 Northcliff Dr. N, Columbus, OH 43229 TOLER, WARREN F (C) 99 Old Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY 40336 ♦MURPHY MARK. (R) 433 Highland Ave, Burr Oak, Ml 49030 RUNYAN, DAVID W. (C) 419 Butcher. Bethalto. IL 62010 ♦TOOLEY, JIM. (C) 4712 Virginia, No. 3A, Omaha, NE 68157 vMURROW, ROBERT L 1901 Janeen, Yukon, OK 73099 VRUSSELL J. REYNDAL 3809 San Ramon Dr., Arlington, TX 76013 •TRAMMEL JERRY. (R) 21 Stanwood Loop, North Little Rock, AR ♦MYERS, HAROLD k MRS. (C) 575 Ferris N.W, Grand Rapids, Ml 72118 49504 s ______vTRUE, IRA L. 500 W. Santa Maria, No. 77, Santa Paula, CA 93060 N ______SCHMELZENBACH, DENNIS R. (R) 1713 N. Glade Ave, Bethany, OK TSO, ALVIN. (C) P.O. Box 1541, Page, AZ 86040-1541 73008 TUCKER, RALPH WILLIAM (R) R.R. 1, Box 55, Woodbine, IA 51579 vNAJARIAN, BERGE 4 DORIS. P.O. Box 50904, Fori Myers. FL vSCHMIDT, MILFORD A. Rte. 3, Box 268, Clinton, MO 64735 TURNER, BEVERLY (C) 709 Holbrook, Lebanon, OH 45036 33905*0904 •SCRIVNER, VICKIE. (R) 6527 Garfield Dr, Kansas City, KS vNASH, FORREST. 725 W. Cedar, Olathe, KS 66061 66102-1036 u ______NASH, JACK W. (R) 8840 Oakdale Ave, Northridge, CA 91324 vSELF- ERWIN. 11397 Main St, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 VULMET, ALECK. 63 Hope Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72714 •NAYLOR, EDWARD. (R) 6 Rubydale Gardens, Weston, ON M9L1B3 SEXTON, JACK A. (R) 2615 Ontario St., Cincinnati, OH 45231 UMSTEAD, CLAIR E (R) P.O. Box 7, East Charleston, VT 05833 CANADA •SEYMOUR, KERRY (R) 434 Tresham Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230 USERY, JIMMIE D. (R) 6900 E. 98th Terr, Kansas City, MO 64134 VNEES, L GUY 181 Lawrence Ln, Kalispell, MT 59901 •SHADE HAZEL (R) P.O. Box 24368, Huber Heights, OH 45424 •NEFF- LARRY I PAT. (C) 4294 E Amherst Hernando Beach, FL •SHARR ALBERT. (C) 8760 W. Adams Rd, Elwell, Ml 48832 V 32642 •SHEPHERD, WILEY (R) 1324 Gen. MacArthur Dr., Brentwood, TN vVARCE, PAUL H. 621 2nd Ave. N.W, Waverly, IA 50677 NEWTON, DANIEL (R) P.O. Box 323, Fairland, IN 46126 37027 VAUGHT, DARRYLE L (R) 205 Country Club Ln, Selmer, TN 38375 •NORMAN, DAVID. (R) 12206 Chicot Rd, Mabelvale, AR 72103-2813 •SHIREY, DWIGHT. (C) 38092 Butcher Rd, Leetonia, OH 44431 SHORT, EMORY. (R) P.O. Box 549, Parker, AZ 85344 •VERTREES, MARK S. (R) Rte. 1, Box 152, Cunningham, TN 37052 VIARS, V. DALE (R) 2896 Karen Ave, Largo, FL 34644 0 ______SICKENBERGER, ARDEN. (R) 3803 W. Walnut Yakima, WA 98902 vOLIVER, L S. 5115 N. Carefree Cir, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 •SIMMONS, IRVIN. (R) 3216 N. Peniel, Bethany, OK 73008 VOLIVER, W. CHARLES. 4927 Dawnview Ln, Lakeland, FL 33811 SIMPSON, EDWIN C. (R) 10 Wimbeldon Way, Vincetown, NJ w ______ONEY, HOBERT. (R) 3832 Chah Dr, Zephyrtiills, FL 33541 08088-9220 •WADE, E BRUCE. (R) 3029 Sharpview Ln, Dallas, TX 75228 OWENS, DENNY G. (C) PSC #79, Box 23453, APO AP 96364 vSISK, IVAN L. 4327 Moraga Ave,San Diego, CA 92117 ♦WALKER, BRIAN k DEBI. (R) P.O. Box 25964, Colorado Springs, ♦OYLER, CALVIN i VIRGINIA. (C) P.O. Box 727, Wellsville, KS 66092 VSKILLERN, R. FRANK. 8300 N.W. 10th, No. 40, Oklahoma City, OK CO 80936 73127 •WALKER, GENEVA A. (R) 3650 Roswell Dr, Columbus, OH 43227 P ______VSMITH, C. HASTINGS. Box 937, Bethany, OK 73008 VWALKER, LAWRENCE k LAVONNA. Rte. 1, Box 368 B, Interlachen, V SMITH, DOYLE. Rte. 2, Box 1050, Wrightsville, GA 31096 FL 32148 PALMER, NORMAN. (C) 200 W. Branigan Rd, Franklin. IN 46131 ♦SMITH, DUANE (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' vWALLACE, J. C. P.O. Box 2183, Plant City, FL 33566 V PARIS, WENDELL O. P.O. Box 159, Henryetta, OK 74437 SMITH, GEORGE E. (R) 9378 Watson Rd, Wolverine, Ml 49799 WALTON, JAMES. (R) 203 E. Bond, Patoka, IL 62875 vPARSONS, T. O. 4025 Gossett Dr, Wichita Falls, TX 76308 VSMITH, HAROLD k ORPHA. 3711 Germania Rd, Snover, M l WARNER, C. LEROY. (R) 926 Summit Ridge Dr, Brandon, FL 33511 vPASSMORE A. A. Passmore Evangelistic Party, P.O. Box 202, 48472 vWATKINS, FRANK. P.O. Box 715, Banning, CA 92220 Snydertown, PA 17877 ♦SMITH, JERRY k BETH. (R) 1603 Fatherland St, Nashville, TN vWATSON, LOY. 3412 N. Flamingo Ave, Bethany, OK 73008 •PASSMORE, DOROTHY. (C) P.O. Box 202, Snydertown, PA 17877 37206 WEBB, SHARON. (R) P.O. Box 61, Waco, KY 40385 PATTERSON, ROBERT k FRANCES. (R) 373 Richlandtown Pk„ ♦SMITH, LARRY. (C) 547 Kiely Blvd., No. 4, San Jose, CA 95117 WEBSTER, KENNETH. (R) 5848 Eagle Cir, G, Montgomery, AL 36116 Quakertown, PA 18951 vSMITH, EUGENE k LANORA. The Singing Smiths, 205 Drayton St, •WELCH, MRS. DARLENE. (R) 8302 Laverne Dr, Louisville, KY 40299 •PAUL CHARLES. (C) Rte. 11, Box 238-C, Crossville, TN 38555 Winnsboro, SC 29180 V WELCH, FRANCES M. 10338 Carreta Ct, Santee, CA 92071 PEAL DONALD. (C) P.O. Box 518, Rowlett TX 75088 v SMITH, OTTIS. 60 Grant St, Tidioute, PA 16351 WELCH, ROY A. (R) 111 Fitzgerald St, Charleston, WV 25302 PEARCE J. STEVE. (R) Rte. 1, Box 29T, West Lebanon, IN •SMITH, RICKY STERLING * JOANN. (R| Rte. 2, Box 786, Hawkins, WELCH, WILLIAM B. (R) 5328 Edith St, Charleston Heights, SC 47991-9801 TX 75765 29418 ♦PENDLETON, JOHN. (R) 1116 S.W. 72nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73139 SNELLGROVE, HENRY G. (R) P.O. Box 713, Lake City, FL 32056-0713 ♦WELLS, GENE k NANCY (C) Rte. 1, Box 174B, Thompson*, IL PERDUE NELSON. (C) 1559 Grimes Ave, Urbana, OH 43078 SNYDER, BILL G. (R) 9935 Columbus-Cincinnati Rd, South 62890 PETTIT, ELAINE. (R) 2110 Banbury Rd, Kalamazoo, Ml 49001 Charleston, OH 45368 WELLS, LINARD. (C) P.O. Box 531527, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-1527 PFEIFER, DON. (C) 661 S.R. 220, Piketon, OH 45661 SOMMER, MICHAEL. (R) Mesa Ministries. 6416 Harris. Raytown. MO WESLEY, E. RUTH. (R) Rte. 1, Box 143, Springport IN 47386 vPHILLIPS, JACK. P.O. Box 193241, Little Rock, AR 72219-3241 64133 vWEST, EDNA M. 130 S. Front St, No. 1512, Sunbury, PA 17801 v PHILLIPS, W. D. 1372 Cardwell Squares, Columbus, OH 43229 SOUTHERLAND, SAMUEL (R) 4404 Clinton Ave, Jacksonville, FL WHEELER, CHUCK k WILLY. (R) Wheeler Family Ministries, R.D. 1, PHILPOT, LARRY. (R) 117 Kay Dr, Middletown, OH 45042 32207-6657 Box 39B, Templeton, PA 16259 PHIPPS, PAUL M. (R) 3125 Sycamore Ave, North Terre Haute, IN •SPEER, BROCK. (C) The Speer Family, 5318 Anchorage Dr, vWHITE, J. T. 8206 Hermitage Dr, Fori Smith, AR 72903 47805-1817 Nashville, TN 37204 •WHITE, JANIE. (C) Rte. 2, Box 775, Hawkins, TX 75765 vPHIPPS, TILLIE. 301 S. Lamar Blvd., Oxford, MS 38655 vSPORTS, LALA L. Rte. 1, P.O. Box 34, Odum, GA 31555-0034 vWHITWORTH, ARTIE H. P.O. Box 38, Albany, OK 74721 •PIERCE CATHERINE. (C) 1427 Meitzler St, Danville. IL 61832 SPRAGUE, VERNON F. (C) Sprague Evangelistic Family, c/o Evan­ •WHITWORTH, MARCUS k DONNA. (C) 2824 Herblo Dr, Burlington, PINO, ANNABELLE. (R) Box 477, Ramah, NM 87321 gelism Ministries' IA 52601-2108 vPITTENGER, CLAUDE E. 2027 Woodhue Dr, Spring, TX 77386 SPURLOCK, W. EARL (R) P.O. Box 1922, Interlachen, FL 32148 WILDER, EDD. (R) 3859 Hazelwood, Muskegon, Ml 49444 VPITTENGER, TWYLA. 413 N. Bowman St, Mansfield, OH 44903 STALLINGS, RICHARD. (R) 605 The Meadows Pkwy, Desoto, TX vWILKINSON, LLOYD. 2840 1 8th St, Columbus, IN 47201 v POTTER, HAROLD J. 2926 Randa Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34235 75115 •WILKINSON, MARGARET. (R) 2840 1 8th St, Columbus, IN 47201 ♦POWELL FRANK. (R) 13579 Colter Rd, Caldwell, ID 83605 STALLINGS, R. WAYNE. (R) P.O. Box 224806, Dallas, TX 75222 WILLIAMS, C. PHILIP (R) 259 W. 5th St, Winona, MN 55987 V PRICE JACK L P.O. Box 395, Waxhaw, NC 28173 STANIFORTH, KEN. (C) 44313 Beech Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534-4303 WILLIAMS, D. EDWARD. (R) 7120 N.W. 46th St, Bethany, OK 73008 vPRICE, ROSS E. 1540 Hiawatha Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80915 VSTANLEY, HARRY T. 1111 Highgate St, Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 vWILLIAMS, E. VERBAL. 39 Bay Crest Dr, Brampton, ON L6Z1H5 •PRINTUP, JUANITA. (R) 1601 E. McGalliard. Bldg. 4. No. 105. •STANTON, TED k DONNA. (R) P.O. Box 722, Sarasota, FL 34230 CANADA Muncie, IN 47303 STARK, EDDIE. (C) 6906 N.W. 36th, Bethany, OK 73008 •WILLIAMS, EILEEN. (R) 21 Robert E Lee Ln, West Chester, OH PURSLEY, PHILIP. (R) 229 Twin Creek Est, Glasgow, KY 42141-8467 STEENSLAND, JUDITH. (R) 1608 Clark, Ames, IA 50010 45069 v PUTNAM, ROBERT E. 319 Humphrey St, Dracut MA 01826 STEVENSON, S. C. (R) 6276 Warren St, Groves, TX 77619 vWILLIAMS, JANET S. 1308 Wooten Rd, Colorado Springs, CO •STONE, LOIS. (R) 10510 Southwest Hwy, Worth, IL 60482 80915 Q------♦STONE, PAUL. (R) Lakeland Manor, Shell Lake, Wl 54871 WILLIAMS, LAWRENCE. (C) 6715 N.W. 30th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 •QUALLS, MAE. (R) 5441 Lake Jessamine Dr, Orlando, FL 32839 STREET, DAVID. (C) Rte. 1, Ramsey, IN 47166 WILLIAMS, R. T„ JR. (C) 326 Elmington Ave, Nashville, TN 37205 STREET, GERALD. (R) 2811 Harriette Ct, Nashville, TN 37206 WILSON, ARNO. (R) Higher Ground Retreat Center, 3918 State Rte. R ______STRICKLAND, DICK. (C) 1141 Woodhaven Ct, Springfield, OH 45503 46, West Harrison, IN 47060 STROUD, GLENDON D. (R) P.O. Box 638, Auburndale, FL 33823 •WILSON, CHARLES. (R) 909 S.W. 45th, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 VRAKER, W. C. k MARY. Rte. 1, Box 213, Lewistown, IL 61542 STROUD, J. EUDELL (R) 711 Olive, Jonesboro, AR 72401 WILSON, DAVE k SANDRA. (R) 516 W. Main St, Elkton, KY 42220 RATHBUN, ALWIN. (R) 4015 N.E. Indiana, Bartlesville, OK 74006 SULLIVAN, DAVID R (R) 3712 Blackburn Ave, Ashland, KY 41105 WILSON, ROGER. (R) 14 Morningside Dr, Conway, AR 72032 VREAZIN, LAURENCE k LEONE. P.O. Box 130162, Tyler, TX 75713 v SUMNER, ROBERT L 3005 St. Charles Dr, Tampa, FL 33618 VWOLFORD, JAMES E. 3660 Grace Dr, St Mary’s OH 45885 REED, DOROTHY. (C) P.O. Box 814, Hannibal, MO 63401 •SUMWALT, JOSEPH k VIRGINIA. (R) Box 8, Warren, IN 46792 WOMACK, PAUL W. (R) 2831 Harrison. Quincy, IL 62301 REED, SHERMAN R. (C) 1232 Oakwood Trail. Indianapolis. IN 46260 v SWANSON, CARL 4104 Azalea Dr, Morehead City, NC 28557 WOMACK, ROBERT. (R) 14 Dunham, Texarkana, TX 75503 REID, JR., DOUG. (R) 15453 Landon Rd, Gulfport MS 39503 v SWANSON, ROBERT L 1102 Glenwood Dr, Yukon, OK 73099 vWOOD, DENVER. 3 E. 41st St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 REID, WILLIAM D. (R) 1531 12th St, Tell City, IN 47586 vWOOLMAN, J. L. P.O. Box 616, Tuttle, OK 73089 •REISS, MARK. (R) 2000 NSR 23, No. 60. Delaware. OH 43015 WOOTEN, D. J. (R) P.O. Box 262, Cambridge, MD 21613 •RICHARDS, LARRY k PHYLLIS. (C) 2310 Appleton Dr, Indianapolis, T ______IN 46227 TARTAGUA, JANINE. (C) 420 Fairview, No. 205, Arcadia, CA 91006 vWRIGHT, AUSTIN. 1198 Jamaica Rd, Venice. FL 34293 WRIGHT, E. GUY k LIL (C) 1531 Cranbrook Dr, Charleston, WV RICKEY, HOWARD. (C) 1827 Stone Rd, Xenia, OH 45385 TAYLOR, BOB. (C) Box 293038, Dayton, OH 45429-9038 VRIFFLE BRADY 0 .4154 Bowman Hill Rd, Huntington, WV 25701 TAYLOR, BOBBY L (R) Evangelistic Team, Rte. 1, Box 477-B32, South 25311 vWYRICK, DENNIS. 603 Reed Dr, Frankfort, KY 40601 RIGGS, PETE. (R) c/o Nazarene Indian Bible College, 2315 Markham Shore, KY 41175 Rd. S.W., Albuquerque, NM 87105 TAYLOR, CLIFE (C) Family Evangelist, E 619 32nd Ave, Spokane, WA RIGGS, TIMOTHY. (R) P.O. Box 780562, Sebastian, FL 32978-0562 99203 V RISNER, SUSAN L (R) No. 28 Rae Ct, Willard Villa, Willard, OH 44890 vTAYLOR, EMMETT. 7621 N.W. 25th, Bethany, OK 73008 YOUNG, DALE H. (R) 30 Cain Rd, Chelsea, AL 35043 CHURCH GROWTH Available for the Intermediate Church Initiative J, - J 17 i \ I ^

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Give Up the Anger and Get to Work

by Janet Smith Williams

hen the Church of Dr. Sharp shortly replied, the Nazarene was "Daughter of the King, if you very young, in 1924 don't like it, change it. Your Louise Robinson, later toFather become is rich." J W the wife of General Superinten­That correspondence sounds extremely dissimilar from the dent J. B. Chapman, embarked on words on a plaque someone gave her missionary service in Africa. me, "Whatever women do, they Soon after arriving, she was as­ must do twice as well as men. For­ signed the unbelievable task of tunately, that's not difficult." decide housing girls who ran away from Though some may argue the the min­ betrothals into which they had statement contains a kernel of istry is to be been forced or sold. Thirty-two truth, the conclusion is wrong. her occupation. This call is the girls soon lived in one small For our purpose, the issue re­ doing of God. He does the calling room. The building could not be garding women ministers is not and the church is charged with enlarged or improved because gender rights or competition, but responsibility to recognize and the mission had no funds, no the call of God. You see, almost nurture that call. Women go into building materials, and no secu­ everyone would agree that the ac­ ministry because God calls them. rity. The heartbreaking situation ceptance of women in ministry is looked hopeless to the beginning often difficult, sometimes preju­ Hearing such a sacred sum­ dicial. But in keeping with missionary. mons, devout individuals Nazarene biblical beliefs, no one regardless of gender respond with With understandable frustra­ volunteers to be a career preacher. an unshakable conviction that they tion, young Louise wrote to Dr. Nazarenes insist God calls whom must obey. And for 2,000 years of George Sharp, her supervisor, He wills. Christian history, the called "This whole setup is impossible. Consequently, the called wo­ minister has accepted the ramifica­ I just do not like it at all." man preacher does not impulsively tions, obstacles, and blessings of

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 33 Tackle Hard Assignments Many situations seem impossi­ Give Up the Anger ble to either men or women. But true change makers revitalize and and Get to Work even relish tough tasks. For years I have watched Nazarene Bible College gradu­ ates, both male and female, go to that call. Called women must proficient ways that are pleasing their first pastorates. Those initial have a comparable assurance if to her Lord and life-changing to assignments often appeared to be they are to survive the tests and people. bleak — someone called them disapproval with poise and piety. This requires that the woman of "mankillers." No one argued Their inner certitude of God's call God factually assess her gifts and against the need for these begin­ puts the issue beyond debate, graces and accurately identify her ners to have better places to start. apology, or prejudice. strengths and weaknesses. Then Better places simply were not she can exercise her abilities to available to them or else they their greatest potential in the were not called to more promis­ Kingdom of Christ. Abilities are ing situations. Legacy given by God to produce results. But faith, fasting, and tenacity The advocacy for women minis­ sometimes generate achieve­ ters has been a part of the holiness ments that surprise the members movement's heritage beginning in those churches, astound the with John Wesley. Convincing au­ faculty, and please the district su­ thority may be found in the work Like all Christian perintendents. They re-awaken of the Spirit, Scripture, religious churches using a variety of meth­ experience, and inspiring history. workers, the ods and lots of creativity. God And the accomplishments of clergywoman blesses all work done in His name. many clergywomen help verify Similar situations are some­ the validity of their calling. ultimately finds times open to women. No one claims those opportunities are acceptance in ideal or golden, but a ministry set­ productive ting exists where people need a Competent And Credible pastor. Though the rudimentary pur­ leadership and This demanding kind of King­ pose of a call to ministry is to do wholehearted dom work when done for love and something vital for God, it can with efficiency does more than never be accomplished without a involvement in make a reputation, even though a sincere sense of mission. But to good record usually gets out on fully realize this calling, the people’s lives. us. The challenge means more woman preacher must be compe­ than great gain. Rather, it means tent and credible. Skill must be meeting needs and enriching demonstrated in preaching, evan­ lives. It takes the Good News to gelizing, and pastoring. The woman minister pulls human sinfulness and assists the Like all Christian workers, the down barriers when she uses her Spirit of God to mend lives, for­ clergywoman ultimately finds creativity, faith, and nurturing give sins, and heal brokenness. acceptance in productive lead­ skills to build a strong ministry What needs to be done can be ership and wholehearted and a growing church. That is pre­ done. And we can do it with involvement in people's lives cisely what missionary Louise God's help. rather than in angry arguments Robinson did to change her situa­ Agnes Diffee represents an in­ about women's rights or in vocal tion in Africa and to set herself on credible ministry model. Though accusations of male counterparts. a lifelong pilgrimage of being a she started in a small struggling The woman minister serves best change maker for the glory of church, in her prime she pastored when her ministry is done in God. Little Rock, Arkansas, First

34 GRO W /Spring 1992 Church. Knowledgeable peers Mainstream Involvement of Nazarene Bible College, and he said she was known well enough has a way of nudging his col­ to have been elected governor of To be accepted, women must leagues to think about the heart of her state had she chosen to run. not isolate themselves from the an issue. I admit I have been jit­ Her vision to heal the broken church's mainstream. Instead, we tery about the proposed title, but hearted and preach to real needs must make ourselves visible and editors have the last word on prompted her and the church to put our energy into programs of these things. the church on the district and de­ own and operate radio station Though the statement may be nominational level as well as the KARK. In addition to her regular too strong, the message is vital local church. duties of preaching, pastoring, and discerning. No one, male or and hospital visitation, Pastor female, has time enough, however Diffee spoke on the radio five to long his life may be, to argue seven times each week. She ac­ about prejudices pointed at them quired an exceptional library and If we allow and nurse anger about inequity. testified to having read every book in it. Diligence to study and difficulties and passion for the lost made her a discrimination to respected preacher and honored Consider The Facts pastor. control us, they God calls, He keeps the records, become and He has the final word. And in the Father's wisdom, He invited insurmountable us into His holy service. His trust warrants unconditional devotion. Make Opportunities mountains. And His mandate obliges us to spend our energies to build His If no vacancy or opening is of­ church. fered, why not make one? I heard Women ministers stand at the Emma Irick, veteran pastor and Look Beyond Difficulties front line as the church and world evangelist, say about the early If we allow difficulties and dis­ approach the 21st century. If they days of Nazarene church plant­ crimination to control us, they will, clergywomen can generate ing, "We went to towns where become insurmountable moun­ new Kingdom vitality by doing they did not want us and stayed tains. Then we cannot see the work their work well in the name of the until they could not get along to be done or the victories to be Lord. Nothing can stop us, except without us." That might be an im­ accomplished. Why not recognize ourselves. pressive Magna Carta for the reality that there may always be "Daughter of the King—if you ministry. difficulties and then determine we don't like it, change it. Your Father will work in spite of them. is rich." Our early women Nazarene Then our energy will not be dis­ preachers did not wait for sipated by controversy regardless opportunities, but driven by zeal of how we feel about it. Then our for souls and righteousness, they The Writer God-given capabilities and com­ set out to change conditions as Janet Smith Williams, now a Nazarene petencies can be used to create a they found them. They were effec­ evangelist, enjoys a productive ministry positive outlook about ourselves tive pastors and evangelists, not that has included service as co-pastor with and our work. her husband, Roger; college teacher at because they lacked opposition, Nazarene Bible College, Southern but because their hearts flamed Nazarene University; and public school with godly ambition to apply the teacher. She served as a teen-age evange­ list and was ordained by Dr. J. B. Chapman gospel to life. They looked beyond Give Up The Anger And Get after having completed the home course every challenge because they felt To Work of study before she went to Eastern their chief objective was to bring Nazarene College. She holds degrees from people to Christ. In an ultimate GROW Editor Neil B. Wiseman Eastern Nazarene College, Nazarene Theological Seminary, and Denver Baptist sense, no one can keep another suggested these words as the title Seminary. Janet's extensive research on from telling what they know for this article. For several years Nazarene women ministers adds au­ about Christ. we worked together on the faculty thenticity to this article.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 35 Announcing School of Large Church Management Track II

) egistration is now open for the Second Session of the L School of Large Church Management. This three-year 66By far, the School of Large ool is designed for pastors in churches of 250+ members worship attendance. The goal of the Management School Church Management has o help pastors lead their churches to 1,000 in attendance the year 2000. been the most significant learning experience in my “ The School of Large pastoral ministry. Richardson First Church is well on its way to Church Management has || ministering to 1,000 persons. been a mind-enriching, vision-forming, and faith- Larry Dennis Richardson, Tex., Church of the Nazarene strengthening experience. rhe training in managerial skills has ^Invaluable to me and our I leen exceptionalV church' board at Oklahoma I David Graves City First Church and 1 Nashville Grace Church of the Nazarene transferable to my present 1 pastoral leadership here in I Gene Williams, pastor of Nashville^ Wichita, Kans., First Church (1,334 in membership) has Stan Toler served as a senior Nashville First Church of the Nazarene pastor consultant for the K-Church Project.

The School of Large Church Management is filling a great vacuum in our church structure. Every eligible pastor should take advantage of it." VIVIAN PRESSLEY SERVED FORTY YEARS IN ONE CHURCH

Pastor Pressley Led Family Ministerial Trio Team

by Nina Beegle with Wilbur W. Brannon

t all started forty-six years and the Sunday school ago in 1946 when a teenager superintendent in the walked into a small Nazarene West Main Church. church in Rock Hill, South Caro­Since God had called Vivian to preach the lina, and inquired, "I've come I gospel, Kelly asked here to see who Vivian Hinson is. her to fill the pulpit at For three weeks, my dad has been Rock Hill West Main walking the floor and praying for Church and be the in- a FAMILY MINISTERIAL TRIO: Rev. Marion Pressle] someone named Vivian Hinson, terim p astor "u n til associate pastor and Vivian's husband; Rev. Vivian and I had to see who she is." thpv rnnlrl rail a m i Pressley, senior pastor from 1946-1986; and Vermelle tney could call a pas- Hinson> n w MS president and Vivian's sister, The young man was Paul Kelly, tor. Now Kelly and the floor-walking, praying fa­ thought the church ther was Rev. Arthur E. Kelly, the might call her to be pastor, and In their search for a new pastor, South Carolina District Superin­ like many district superinten- the church considered several tendent. His perplexing dilemma dents in those days, he was not men including one all the way was a young woman named Viv­ anxious to have a woman pastor from New York. But when District ian Hinson, zone NYPS president on his district. Superintendent Kelly met with

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 37 VIVIAN PRESSLEY the church board to finalize their pastoral choice, he came out of the meeting and said, "Miss Vivian, you are the pastor of this church." Forty years later Miss Vivian, who had become Mrs. Pressley, was still pastoring Rock Hill West Main Church of the Nazarene in South Carolina. The 40-year marriage is a fasci­ nating story, too. After Vivian and Marion married, he trained for the ministry at Trevecca Nazarene College while she stayed to con­ tinue pastoring the church. When he returned to Rock Hill, he be­ came a part of the ministerial staff.

Unique Pastoral Journey ROCK HILL WEST MAIN CHURCH AT WORSHIP: Rev. Pressley served Mrs. Pressley reminisced about as pastor for forty years until 1986. her pastoral pilgrimage: "I was a charter member of the West Main Church. Though I had been saved "I knew I was called. Nothing Finger preached one evening on a little while earlier when I was was ever more certain. And I the text, "And Jonah paid the fare 19, I walked into Rock Hill First never told the Lord I would not thereof and went down." Church of the Nazarene from an preach; I always told Him I could Rev. Pressley continued her ac­ unchurched home and felt im­ not." count of the faithfulness of God, mediately that they were my "The Lord said, 'Vivian, you settle people. They have been my fam­ your call to preach tonight, or ily, my people, ever since." else.' It was that vivid. I said, About her conversion, Pastor “I knew nothing 'Lord, I'll do whatever you want Pressley said, "I suffered for three me to do. I'll preach.' The very weeks under the delusion that I about theology, but I next Sunday I preached at the was going to die. At the end of Chester Church of the Nazarene. three weeks I sought the Lord by knew I had to give I had a place to preach every Sun­ praying, 'Lord, don't let me die.' I day after that until I retired 40 didn't know how to pray, but the the Lord years later." lady kneeling next to me said, me— myself.” Vivian completed the ministe­ 'Just tell the Lord you want to be rial course of study, was licensed saved.' And the Lord gloriously and ordained. Two other women saved me that night." The change would later be ordained on the was profound. South Carolina District—Connie Swisher (nee Kelly) and Nina A few months later, at a revival Feelings Of Inadequacies meeting, Rev. R. T. McElveen Gunter. preached on Abraham's sacrifice. It was not because she was a Pastor Pressley never allowed Vivian said, "I knew nothing woman, and women preachers herself to be intimidated by those about theology, but I knew I had were almost unheard of in that who thought women were out of to give the Lord me—myself. day, but that she felt inadequate. place in the ministry or inferior. There I also laid the unknown It was a matter of fearful inade­ "Oh, I had some discouragements, bundle on the altar. My call to the quacy—that surely the Lord could but I did not let them deter me. ministry was in it. not use her. But Evangelist Maurice When people said women were

38 GROW/Spring 1992 tion. She eventually proved her­ self worthy of her calling and gained the respect of her fellow pastors. And she was eventually elected to most district boards." Chris Beard, now a math teacher in Rock Hill, was three years old when his parents were converted under Rev. Pressley's ministry. He says, "We knew she was a wonderful, tremendous pastor, and when my friends in the community made comments about our lady preacher, I just said, 'Don't pass judgment until you hear her.' She has established herself with a high level of credi­ bility through the years."

PASTOR VIVIAN PRESSLEY AND HER SISTER VERMELLE HINSON Another evidence of the DOING THEIR ANNUAL CANNING: Miss Hinson has been NWMS presi­ church's effectiveness is its dent since 1941 and has a 47-year perfect Sunday school attendance record. growth record. From an attend­ ance of about 50, West Main not supposed to preach, I just When critical remarks were Church had grown to a peak at­ said, 'The Lord called me, and I made, I just smiled and kept get­ tendance of 800 on its 25th will obey and preach His word.' ting the job done. I often quoted anniversary, with an average at­ "However, I never really felt the prophecy made on the day of tendance of 250-275. that I was not being treated with Pentecost, 'Your sons and your respect or equality or with fairness. daughters shall prophesy'; and I Integrity And Recognition had the promise the Recently, West Main Church Lord gave me in the celebrated its 50th anniversary in early days of my minis­ the fifth year of Rev. William try, which He also gave Ulmet's tenure as pastor. He re­ to Joshua, 'As I was ports, "I had instant credibility in with Moses, so shall I this community because of Rev. be w ith you. I w ill never fail thee nor for­ sake thee.' To this day He never has."

Testimonies About Effective Ministry Jack Brazzell, who grew up under Rev. Pressley's preaching, says, "She proved her­ self in the community. She had to. The church faced a lot of ridicule for having a woman pastor. There were de­ nominations who were PASTOR VIVIAN PRESSLEY IN THE very much against it, CHURCH WHERE SHE ACHIEVED WHAT REV. WILLIAM ULMET, PRESENT IS PROBABLY THE LONGEST PASTORAL and she was active in PASTOR OF ROCKHILL WEST TENURE BY A WOMAN PASTOR. the ministerial associa­ MAIN CHURCH.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 39 VIVIAN PRESSLEY

When we built the church, I helped with everything but the “I never told the Lord brick work; now I wish I could say ((l had a place to I would not preach; I I laid at least one brick." preach every Sunday To women called to preach to­ always told Him I day, Rev. Pressley recommends, after that until I "Always remember you are a could not” woman and people will respect retired 40 years later.” you as a woman. If I were starting out again today, I would just be­ lieve God to open the door and I Pressley's strong influence. This would enter the door wherever it reminded of what He had done. includes Marion, her husband, was and however humble. God And in place of my shyness, He who worked along beside her in opens the way, regardless of what gave me holy boldness so that I every phase of the work. But her others say, if you really are eager am not afraid anywhere under longevity in the ministry here is to fulfill His call." any circumstances." partly the result of impeccable character, faithfulness to her call­ Vivian Pressley closed the inter­ The Writers ing, and her commitment to holy view with a testimony: "I faced double jeopardy with the stigma living." Wilbur W. Brannon, veteran pastor and against women preachers and an When asked about the success evangelist, is director of pastoral minis­ at Rock Hill, Vivian Pressley will impediment of speech; but when tries in the Church Growth Division. the Lord sanctified me wholly, He Nina Beegle, free-lance writer and editor, tell you, "When we get to heaven took the speech difficulty away— and are given recognition for our is a pastor's wife who lives at Canon accomplishments, I well, He left enough to keep me City, Colorado. will have to step aside. The Lord will first call my husband and my sister Vermelle. They were my best support­ ers. Marion served as associate. I did most of the preaching and call­ ing, but he did those things, too. And Ver­ melle has always had a vital interest in mis­ sions— she still corresponds with 100 missionaries. The three of us worked together as a team. "I never tried to be anything but a woman, in or out of the pulpit. Marion and I made de­ cisions together. We shared as families do. I love to cook. I made my own clothes, painted, PASTOR VIVIAN PRESSLEY GREETS WILBUR W. BRANNON TO 50TH and hung wallpaper. ANNIVERSARY AT ROCKHILL WEST MAIN CHURCH.

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Order from: NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE, P.O. Box 419527, Kansas City, MO 64141 1-800-877-0700 Audrey observed, "It endangers team WITH spirit when you become obsessed with your own goal. It is not the HEARTS SET ON husband's work; it is not the wife's PILGRIMAGE work—it is our work. The goal is single- mindedness." —TOGETHER Mrs. Williamson went back to her girlhood farm days to illustrate what occurred with a perfectly matched with a much better plan than if they pair of horses: "Each seemed to sense ntinuous Growth were doing it all alone. what constituted half of the load. One When asked to give advice for min­ God's clergy couple teams are not did not plunge ahead and the other istry couples, Strait replied, "Pray tic. Just when I think I have it all did not pull back. They pulled the together and for each other. Share a irked out, something in our rela- load together in harmony. My father common dream of ministry and serv­ nship or situation changes. My worked a team that did not work well ice. Build a good marriage. Be excited sband grows in another way—or with any other horses. They were about ministry. Encourage each other. aven forbid, I seem to hear the Lord meant to be together. They were more Do not be afraid to seek help. Do not making to me about another area of effective because they were together." nistry. In seasons of our lives, our feel that failure is ever the last word. Draw strength from your dreams. Be irriages and ministries, God The Bottom Line ;aves the pattern of His will—using learners. Build a deep trust in God." ried colored threads of our circum- Think of the bottom line for couples inces. As Erlene Pearson explains in Family Strength A Team who team in ministry. We are both r article entitled Focus on Spouses, In my childhood home we quickly targets and recipients. We are targets >d gives us "a fluid relationship be- learned that it took all five of us— of criticism from our publics, pres­ een two unique, growing, three children and two parents—to sures from our materialistic society, mmunicating confidants who work maintain the team spirit, but any one and satanic assaults from the enemy vard the same goal." of us could destroy it. Teaming in min­ of our souls. istry became a priority to us as we On the other hand, we are recipi­ ents of love from many of those we try ird Work actively participated in the conse­ quences of Papa's call to be a pastor. to serve. We are recipients of opportu­ Teamwork in any area of life takes The five of us developed into a strong nities for creativity from the same rd work, practice, and diligence he­ unit—each aware of his/her roles materialistic society. We are recipients of abundant grace from our Lord and re it becomes "second nature." All with accompanying privileges and re­ iming takes perseverance in com- sponsibilities—within the team. Savior, Jesus Christ himself. We are itment, communication, and Oh, I saw the comedies and the still on a pilgrimage. God has pro­ mmunity. tragedies, the backstage skirmishes, vided more than enough strength for but I literally never got over the awe us to finish the journey—not alone, but together—not as underachievers, jnefits Of Teaming of watching God miraculously change but as overcomers "through the blood sinners into saints. District Superintendent Neil Strait of the Lamb and the word of our testi­ I am not sure exactly how she did ggests four benefits: "1) the privilege it, but Mother managed to connect in mony." fB being together in serving; 2) the our minds and hearts that we were nefit of dialogue and brain-storm- somehow more than spectators—that g; 3) the benefits a church receives each and all of us shared playing parts Dm seeing a couple involved in min- About the Writer in these real-life dramas. :ry together; 4) the opportunities of Dr. Phyllis H. Perkins, director of public ared ministry so the couple can en- relations and recruitment at Nazarene Bible urage and support each other—some Single-Mindedness Is The Goal College, Colorado Springs, also teaches my best lessons from the Lord have Recently I discussed teaming in missions, serves on the Nazarene Book Committee, and holds assignments on var­ me through my wife, Ina." ministry with Dr. Audrey William­ ious missions and national parachurch Among the most significant bene- son, widow of the late General organizations. Earlier in her ministry she :s of a team is that ideas and dreams Superintendent G. B. Williamson. served as a Nazarene missionary in Japan e pooled and the couple comes out Now well into her nineties, dear and general director of NWMS.

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For more information, call 1-800-233-8962. o wise person begins building a strong A house by trying to hang windows before the foun­ dation and framing are com­ BRIEF pleted. Yet that is often the approach taken when forming a so called biblical view of women THEOLOGY in ministry. Many people quickly parrot the phrase, "Women should keep silent in the OF churches" (I Cor. 14:33), or others like the idea and declare that God never intended for women to WOMEN preach, teach, or lead the church. But these New Testament verses should be seen as windows that give us glimpses into what was IN happening inside the walls of the early church; they reveal the struggles these churches faced in living and worshiping together. MINISTRY These verses serve most of all to remind us that our struggles to live harmoniously as sisters and brothers in Christ is nothing new. Yet the verses that seem upon first glance to disallow women the right to ministry fail to deal with four foundational truths upon fo u r Reasons which the Christian faith is built.

‘Women ShoutcC Equality in Creation Let us begin at the beginning. The first two chapters of Genesis Izacfi, Preach, recount two descriptions of how God created the world and human­ kind. The first account indisputably and Minister says that after God created the heavens and the earth, light and dark, plants and animals, He cre­ ated both man and woman in the by divine image. Rebecca Laird Both women and men are made to be like God. There is no hierar­ chy in this creation story. In the first story in Genesis, man and woman are created much like twins

46 CROW'/Spriitg 1992 are born. Together male and female "proof" that women cannot pro­ aptitude and calling than of gen­ share the honor of being God's chil­ vide leadership in the church is der. dren. And to these offspring God taken from the designation that gives the responsibility for caring women were made to be man's for every other living thing in cre­ "helper." Some think this means Equality in Redemption ation. This story ends with the that woman's role is to enable man Back at creation both Adam and reminder that God declares that to fulfill his work in the world and Eve disobeyed God and sinned. both man and woman are very his ministry in the church. Some­ And neither male nor female has a good. God does not declare that how this idea has been wrongly plausible case for innocence. But one is better or more suited to lead. interpreted to mean that women even though we all know deep in­ That idea is our own and not God's. are to be fulfilled by enabling men side that we have sinned, we often The second chapter of Genesis to succeed by doing all of the private, fool ourselves into feeling better by tells the story of creation in a differ­ ent sequence. God made the earth, then made man from the earth and breathed life into him. Then God made the plants and animals. Then God decided that man needed a 'What the creation accounts teach is "helper" and created the first woman. that zuomen and men were created Over the centuries many have tried to use this story as evidence equaCCy good zuith shared that women are subordinate to men because woman was created from responsi6Uities. and chronologically after man. To logically follow this argument, men must be subordinate to dirt because that is what they were formed from and after. domestic, and clerical work for thinking someone else is more to This story was never intended to men. But the word "helper" that is blame. set up a universal model that sub­ used here could be better under­ Now those same people that like stantiates the absolute leadership stood if translated as "counterpart" to say that Adam was created first of men. To focus on the fact that or "partner." Indeed this very word are quick to point out that Eve man preceded the woman in cre­ is used when referring to God as sinned first and somehow that ation by a short time is to enter into the "helper" of Israel. Israel needed makes women more prone to sin. It a squabble between twins that God's strength, guidance, and should be noted, however, that us­ because one was born four minutes leadership skills. Together, side by ing this logic has its traps. In before the other, he always gets to side, in life and in ministry, men Genesis 2, God tells the man not to go first, make every decision, and and women are one flesh, the eat of the tree of knowledge. This take the lead in everything for all whole of humanity. all happens before the woman was time. No family can exist under Finally, what the creation ac­ even created. If anyone should have that kind of tyranny; we were counts teach is that women and known better, it was Adam. God never meant to. men were created equally good gave him a direct, unequivocal Being first born was important as with shared responsibilities and command; Eve only heard it sec­ a Jewish means of determining the the task of helping one another ondhand. right of inheritance, but that is not care for every living thing. If this The real truth of sin is that both the gospel way of determining in­ is the teaching of creation, then man and woman disobeyed. heritance. All who are born through women share with men the divine Genesis tells us that Adam was Christ are joint heirs, equal inheri­ nature and responsibility for the with Eve when she took and ate of tors of God's love and God's church. Women are men's coun­ the forbidden fruit. He was stand­ mission. terparts and peers in ministry. The ing right there and did likewise. The other tidbit of this second one who does the decision-making Imagine, if you will, that two peo­ creation story that is used as and preaching is more a matter of ple walk into a grocery store and

A journal of Clnirch Growth, Evangelism anil Disciplesltip 47 domination over one another. Paul lived in a world where the (Some want to justify women's kingdom of God had been revealed THEOLOGY subordination by citing Genesis but was not yet a reality. We live in 3:16 after the Fall when God says to the same kind of world. OF the woman, "and he shall rule over Paul lived in the tension between you." But remember, this is after what he knew to be true and what WOMEN the Fall, after sin. God is outlining he found to be the present reality of the consequences of sin, not the the church. IN divine intention.) When the church at Corinth was For centuries groups of people fraught with divisions and fac­ MINISTRY have been jockeying for position at tions, he adjudicated the fracas. the expense of others. Whites have Lots of outlandish things happen in subordinated people of color. Men the church, then and now. have used physical strength to put In the church at Corinth, some­ women "in their places." That is one was sexually immoral and and always will be sin. people were squabbling about When Paul wrote the profound what should be done. Paul was credo of freedom and equality forced to make several judgment found in Galatians 3:28, he de­ calls (I Cor. 7). Women who became clared that redemption in Christ believers had unbelieving hus­ made change possible for the hu­ bands; what were their marital man heart and human society. Full responsibilities now that their lives redemption is both personal and had changed? Slaves who now knew social. themselves to be free in Christ agi­ Paul, for most of his adult life, tated for social freedom. Women had been a zealous Jew. were speaking in church and out­ siders considered that scandalous. Good Jewish men faithfully re­ Paul was called in to restore peace. cited the traditional morning He basically told people to accept prayer which gave thanks to God their previous stations in life so that "thou hast not made me a that the fabric of the church would Gentile, a slave or a woman." not be ripped apart. Paul, the man who became the He told women to cover their great missionary and apostle, spent heads according to custom when most of his life as a privileged, ed­ they prophesied. But he never told ucated, haughty, religious man women to stop prophesying in who accepted as fact the social re­ both steal a piece of fruit; is the one public. Disorder reigned in the Co­ alities of his day. He assumed that whose hand grabbed it first more rinthian church and in its worship. Jews were superior to Greeks, free guilty of theft than the other? People spoke in tongues. People citizens were more worthy than Men and women both stand with a prophesy stood up and slaves, and men were unquestion­ guilty of sin. That is the truth—the talked over each other. Women ably better than women. But Christ bad news. who had questions about what was seared his world view with the The equally true good news is going on asked their husbands, truth on the road to Damascus. His that Christ came to redeem us all who in a traditional setting would whole world view changed. He and to set the world aright. Christ have been seated across the room. then knew a deeper truth—he was came to restore a right relationship Paul told women to be silent in no better, no less than his sisters between God and humanity. Christ church and save their questions for and his brothers in faith. also came to restore a right rela­ home. It seems there was no order tionship between human beings, Once Paul knew the truth, he pro­ in their worship. Jew and Greek, slave and free, male claimed it. He preached Christ to be When Paul silenced the women, and female. the great equalizer, which He is. his words were meant to keep the One of the marks of sin is our Paul also tried to live it, but he, church from disorderly conduct. disunity, our categorizing, our like us, found it difficult. Paul's words were never meant to

48 GROW/Spring 1992 be taken out of this context and traveled with Him and the twelve and Joanna went to the tomb to made into a universal principle to disciples. Luke 8 tells us that Mary anoint His body. keep women out of public ministry. Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna But when the three women ar­ These words were and are pastoral went from city to village with Him. rived at the tomb, Jesus' body was wisdom given from an elder when Jesus talked to women in public. gone. Disappeared. called upon to try to settle disputes He talked to the woman with the An angel appeared to the women in a local church. hemorrhage and healed her. In do­ and they ran to tell the disciples. In this chaotic situation, Paul ing so Jesus broke the law. For a But the disciples did not believe the pleaded for unity and order. He religious leader to touch a bleeding women. Their stories sounded like made this proclamation for the woman was slanderous. But Jesus "nonsense" to them. common good of a local church was not afraid of proclaiming the The gospel of John also recounts during a very troubled time. good news of full liberation and the resurrection, and in this record When reading Paul's epistles, it is freedom to women. only Mary Magdalene stays at the helpful to recall his great themes, Jesus talked to the Samaritan tomb. The other disciples went and his great concerns reach well beyond what he found in the Corin­ thian church. Paul cared most about freedom and equality in Christ, justification by faith, and unity in the body of believers. Paul Jesus pCaced a high priority on proclaimed us to be joint heirs with Jesus. And joint heirs bear the touching, tattling to, and catting equally heavy burden of sin and can equally claim full redemption those zvho zuere e?(cCuded from and freedom in Christ. positions of Ceadership andpozver in the society o f !His day. Equality in Cadi Jesus changed everything for His followers when He walked into their lives and called, "Come and follow me." Jesus called the twelve woman at the well. A Jew would away in despair and disbelief. apostles and they left everything to not speak to a Samaritan and a man Mary wept when she saw Jesus' follow Him. would not speak to a woman, but body was gone. Angels appeared Jesus changed everything for His Jesus did, and He spoke to her in to ask her why she was crying. women followers, too. And there front of everyone. When she turned from them, there were many. It was no accident that Jesus af­ stood Jesus. Women in Jesus' day were not firmed women. Jesus placed a high allowed to study the Scriptures or priority on touching, talking to, Jesus said to her, "Go to my be instructed in the faith. Women and calling those who were ex­ brothers and tell them I am return­ were hidden behind veils and cluded from positions of ing to my Father, your Father, to my mostly secluded in their homes. leadership and power in the soci­ God and your God." Rabbis or church leaders did not ety of His day. Jesus came to Jesus, himself, gave the command publicly speak to women, not even proclaim a new way for Jew and and the privilege of testifying to the to their wives or daughters. Greek, men and women, slave and resurrection to a woman because she Women did not speak in public. free, to live together. remained faithful. But Jesus changed everything. Jesus bade Mary of Bethany to Jesus still calls woman to tell the come out of the kitchen and sit at Equality in Example story of resurrection, the story of freedom, the story of His God and His feet with the other disciples as In the gospel of Luke, the story is their God. He taught them. recorded that on the third day after Jesus had many women follow­ the crucifixion of Jesus, Mary Mag­ Jesus calls women to preach, ers who left their homes and dalene, Mary the mother of James, teach, and minister.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism ami Discipleship 49 not? Women did in the early Conclusions church. The house of God's truth about THEOLOGY Women can be found every­ women in ministry stands on four where between the lines of the bedrock truths: equality in creation, OF New Testament. In Romans 16 equality in redemption, equality in Phoebe the deacon is mentioned. call, and equality in empowerment. WOMEN (Many Bible translations desig­ A theology of women in ministry nate Phoebe as a helper or must be built on this foundation. IN deaconess and call the men dea­ Women are free and qualified to cons. However, the same word is preach, teach, and minister because MINISTRY used in original texts for all "dea­ God has created woman in the div­ cons." Phoebe and the male ine image and declared that she is deacons held the same position in good. God has provided a way to the early church.) fully redeem women and all of fallen Equality in Empowerment In the same chapter Mary, humanity. Jesus has called all who Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Persis, Ju­ witness to the resurrection in their On the day of Pentecost, Acts 2 lia, Nereus' sister, and Olympas lives to proclaim the amazing news of tells of the faith-changing events are listed as workers in the Lord. new life to others. And the Holy Spirit when the believers in Jerusalem Euodia and Syntyche worked side has been poured out to empower all and many international visitors by side with Paul, and be assured flesh, including women's flesh. were "all together in one place." The Holy Spirit was poured out that day on all flesh, not just male flesh, not just Jewish flesh. People from many nations, races, and lan­ ‘Women can be fo u n d everywhere guages were given the power to proclaim the truth of their experi­ between the Cines o f the ence. few ‘Testament. When Peter stood to address this diverse and noisy crowd, he re­ minded them and he reminds us of the Old Testament promise, "In the they were not just pouring tea The house that God has built has last days, God says, 'I will pour out (Phil. 4:2). Priscilla earned the title its doors thrown wide open to all my Spirit on all people. Your sons as Paul's "co-worker in Christ." who would enter in. Women have and daughters will prophesy. . . . Romans also records that she and always come to the house of God Even on my servants, both men and her husband "risked their lives" willingly to serve. But women are women, I will pour out of my Spirit for Paul and had a church in their free to preach and teach. Women in those days'" (Acts 2:16-18). home. In Acts 21 the four unmar­ can also minister and lead. Peter clearly announces the ried daughters of Philip are God's house is a house where truth—the Spirit is available to described as prophets. There are women and men are called to work empower all people to prophesy, many others. These were Spirit- together and learn to honor each to preach. Everyone on whom the filled women who preached, other as God's good creation. |gg Spirit is poured is free to prophesy, taught, prophesied, and risked to speak up about what God has their lives for the cause of Christ. The Writer done. The Christian church was born Rebecca Laird is a freelance editor and Some contemporary Christians on Pentecost, the day when the writer who specializes in spirituality Spirit was poured out. Those that and social justice. She is a columnist for like to qualify the freedom given the Herald of Holiness and a staff writer women to prophesy by making a believed and began to spread the of the San Francisco Peninsula Parent News­ distinction between prophesying word were from many nations, magazine. A graduate of Pacific School of Religion ana Northwest Nazarene Col­ and preaching. They concede that many races, and both genders. lege, Ms. Laird is a licensed minister in women might be free to speak up The equality of empowerment is the Church of the Nazarene. Along with her husband, Michael Christensen, and when so moved, but women still one of the characteristics of the daughter, Rachel, she makes her home in should not preach or lead. Why truly Spirit-filled church. San Francisco.

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TOLL-FREE ORDER NUMBER 1-800-877-0700 Sponsored by Evangelism Ministries Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City P.O. Box 419527, Kansas City, MO 64141 CHURCH GROWTH SOURCE OF MEMBERSHIP GAINS 1980 to 1990

Between 1980 and 1990, Nazarenes gained over Churches that ran 1,000 or more in 1980 gained 80,000 members in districts of the United States. 5,000 more members during the decade. But which churches gained these members? New churches begun during the 1980s con­ Recent studies of the Church Growth Research tributed 25,000 members to the Church of the Center identify how well different groups of Nazarene in the United States by 1990. churches grow. The chart above shows mem­ Working together, new and existing churches of all bership gains by size of congregation in 1980. sizes build Christ’s kingdom. Churches that ran under 100 in attendance in Data for your local church and district are available 1980 produced 13,000 additional members by through the Church Growth Research Center. 1990, or one-sixth the denominational gain in the United States. How may we serve you?

Church Growth Research Center 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131 Research

HOLY SPIRIT'S Church growth scholars all stress the im­ GUIDANCE portance of following the Spirit's guidance in making plans . . . but it is important to know what factors especially lend themselves to good growth in Nazarene churches. Recent study concentrated on growth experience from the 1980s.

GOOD GROWTH One-third of Nazarene membership gains in AMONG NEWEST the United States were in newly started AND OLDEST churches during the 1980s . . . 25,000 of the CHURCHES 80,000 gained. That's an average of over 40 members for every church planted during the decade.

A 13,000 gain came from churches at least 60 years old. That's an average of 24 new members per church for older churches. Those that were under 2 0 years old averaged 15 members per church.

The middle years . . . churches 20 to 59 years old . . . produced a 30,000 gain. With so many of our churches in that age group, that was an average of about 9 members per church over the decade.

POPULATION Best growth for U.S. Nazarenes in the 1980s G ROW TH was in growing counties . . . confirms earlier REMAINS A KEY studies. When new people arrive, they are open to the gospel message.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 53 POPULATION Average growth rate of U.S.A. was 10% in the GROW TH 1980s. Churches in our fastest-growing coun­ REMAINS A KEY ties (15% or more for the decade) produced 23 (continued) members per church. Churches in "average" counties produced about 10 to 15 members per church.

But even churches in counties that lost population had an average gain of 3 for the decade . . . good news, since nearly one-third of our churches were in non-growth counties last decade.

NON-ANGLO Nearly one-fifth of the decade's growth was CONGREGATIONS in non-Anglo congregations. American Blacks, PRODUCE Haitians, Koreans, and Spanish were strongest GROWTH . . . each produced many new churches during the 1980s and reported good gains in existing churches.

Smaller groups grew well, too . . . Arabs, Armenians, Cambodians, Chinese, Samoans, and Vietnamese all show promise . . . but Nazarene work among these people groups is still limited.

The overwhelming preponderance of Anglo congregations . . . still 90% of American Nazarene churches . . . means that multi­ cultural work must be supplemented by strong Anglo growth . . . as it was in the 1980s.

R

54 GROW /Spring 1992 PLANNED GIVING

PERCEPTION: REMIT* Cash is the only means Many people have of contributing to the found giving potential in financial needs of the their appreciated real church. estate, stocks, bonds, and other assets.

Let our staff of well-trained professionals help your con­ gregation maximize its giving potential. With sensitivity and integrity Planned Giving representatives will help your people utilize their hidden assets. Call today to schedule a visit from your Planned Giving representative. Call Toll-Free 1-8 0 0 -5 4 4 -8 4 1 3

NNED GIVING

6401 The Paseo • Kansas City, MO 64131 NATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER TRAINING CONFERENCE LOCATIONS AND DATES ANNOUNCED For the first time, the Church of the Nazarene is planning Sunday School Teacher Training Conferences on a national level. The Board of General Superintendents has approved 16 area conferences, beginning August 1992 and continuing through spring of 1993, in order to celebrate the final year of the denomination’s quadrennial emphasis, “That the World May Know— Teach.” Below you will find the location and date for each conference. The number in parentheses is the total number of Sunday School teachers who will be invited to attend. The districts listed below the location are those closest for the conference. The numbers in parentheses following each district name are the number of Sunday School teachers and officers reported to the District Assembly last year. The purpose of these conferences will be to place Sunday School teaching, once again, in a prominent position in the local church. The sessions, which begin on a Thursday night and conclude Saturday noon, will provide inspiration and information, but most importantly, practical “how to” assistance to teachers of each age-group. We hope that the more than 62,500 Sunday School teachers and officers in the Church of the Nazarene will attend these conferences.

FALL 1992

SEATTLE (4,060) Eastern Michigan (1,188) East Kentucky (825) August 20-22, 1992 Michigan (1,103) Southwestern Ohio (1,431) Alaska (245) Northern Michigan (260) West Virginia South (821) Canada Pacific (185) CHICAGO (3,239) Northwest (1,005) September 24-26, 1992 PITTSBURGH (4,743) Oregon Pacific (1,452) Chicago Central (896) October 22-24, 1992 Washington Pacific (1,173) Illinois (1,130) Akron (1,062) KANSAS CITY (5,871) Northwestern Illinois (861) North Central Ohio (991) August 27-29, 1992 Wisconsin (352) Northwestern Ohio (930) West Virginia North (840) Dakota (358) PHILADELPHIA (4,837) Iowa (964) October 1 -3, 1992 DENVER (4,510) Joplin (820) Canada Atlantic (192) October 29-31, 1992 Kansas (1,016) Maine (453) Arizona (841) Kansas City (1,201) New England (826) Canada West (505) Minnesota (323) New York (713) Colorado (1,154) Missouri (839) Philadelphia (985) Intermountain (954) Nebraska (350) Upstate New York (675) Navajo Nation (87) DETROIT (2,954) Washington (993) New Mexico (457) September 3-5, 1992 CINCINNATI (4,479) Rocky Mountain (352) Canada Central (332) October 8-10, 1992 Southwest Indian (86) Canada Quebec (71) Central Ohio (1,402) Southwestern Latin American (74)

WINTER 1993

INDIANAPOLIS (4,194) NASHVILLE (4,218) Northwest Oklahoma (773) January 7-9, 1993 January 28-30, 1993 South Arkansas (460) Indianapolis (1,027) Alabama North (606) Southeast Oklahoma (494) Northeastern Indiana (1,267) Alabama South (457) Southwest Oklahoma (582) Northwest Indiana (776) East Tennessee (706) Southwest Indiana (1,124) Kentucky (850) DALLAS (3,605) Mississippi (412) March 11-13, 1993 Central Latin American (159) RALEIGH (3,487) Tennessee (1,187) Dallas (846) January 14-16, 1993 ANAHEIM (3,762) Georgia (1,115) February 11-13, 1993 Houston (634) North Carolina (706) Anaheim (1,231) Louisiana (383) South Carolina (811) Hawaii (191) San Antonio (570) Virginia (855) Los Angeles (1,282) West Texas (1,013) Southern California (761) ORLANDO (2,333) SAN FRANCISCO (2,541) Western Latin American (297) March 25-27, 1993 January 21-23, 1993 OKLAHOMA CITY {3,505) Central Florida (838) Central California (737) February 25-27, 1993 North Florida (566) Northern California (859) North Arkansas (615) Southern Florida (813) Sacramento (945) Northeast Oklahoma (581) Florida Space Coast (116)

All pastors, Sunday School superintendents, teachers, and officers are encouraged to begin planning now to attend the conference nearest them. In the next two to three months, a mailing will be sent from the Sunday School Ministries Division in Kansas City to each church and Sunday School teacher. This mailing will include more detailed information on the 16 conferences. The National Sunday School Teacher Training Conferences will be events that could revive the Sunday School once again across our nation. Together, we can make it happen! R ooted

Personal Growth Helps for Leaders

by C.S. Cowles

who sits on the throne, the history perpendicular rock wall. Cradled in Through of mankind is written in blood. a crook of the branches, just a few The Storms Even Jesus, the Prince of Peace, feet from the raging torrent, was a could not escape conflict. From His small bird cuddling her chicks, fast first sermon in Nazareth where the asleep. Anchored to the rock she citizens tried to hurl Him over the had no fear. "In the world you will VEEK ONE city's precipice to His violent death have tribulation," warns Jesus, "but on Calvary, Jesus' life was lived at be of good cheer, I have overcome THE STORMY DEEP the vortex of a tornado. "Beloved, the world" (John 16:33). do not be surprised at the fiery or­ deal among you," counsels Peter, 'The earth was formless and "as though some strange thing were roid, and darkness was over the WEEK TW O lurface of the deep” (Gen. 1:2). happening to you" (I Peter 4:12). The good news is that storms are From the watery deep of prime­ neither the first nor the last word in DARK WATERS OF DEATH val chaos to the cataclysmic the Bible. Before the primeval chaos lpheaval of the battle of of the watery deep, God is (Gen. . . and th e Spirit of God was Vrmageddon, the Bible is a book of 1:1). Beyond the final judgment, moving over the surface of the itorms. Even paradise could not es- God is (Rev. 21 & 22). And between waters” (Gen. 1:1>2). :ape upheaval. M an's disobedience the beginning and the end, God is! ipset the equilibrium of the uni­ A painting caught my eye titled I did not get off to a good start in verse, disrupted the balance of "Peace." It portrayed, not a pastoral my relationship to the water. Decid­ xature, and unleashed sin and death scene of tranquility, but a turbulent ing that at seven years of age it was ipon all men. From Cain who killed waterfall thundering over a preci­ time I learned to swim, my aunt lis brother Abel in a rage of anger pice. My attention, however, was took me out to the middle of a river o the beast who will rise up in the drawn to a tiny, stunted tree some­ and threw me in. I sank like a rock, ;nd time and wage war against One how clinging to a crack in the gulping great quantities of water,

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 57 full human freedom to emerge ROOTED IN CHRIST Darkness keeps us from being ove] whelmed by the omnipotence of th light and thus gives us space t make genuine moral decisions some of which went down my wind­ WEEK THREE Only then are we able to enter int pipe. I was seized by a raw naked a true fellowship with God our Cre ator and Redeemer. Storms an terror known only to those who CREATION OUT OF upheavals neither frustrate God' have choked while under water. CHAOS purposes, nor are they necessaril After what seemed like an eternity destructive to our spiritual lift of utter panic, I felt her strong “And God said, ‘Let there be . . From chaos God created the hea\ hands reaching down, grabbing my and there was . . (Gen. 1:3). ens and the earth. Over chaos Go thrashing body by an arm and leg. I reigns. Out of the "watery deep" c surfaced sputtering, coughing, and In his book Chaos, James Glieck death God raised up Jesus. Wh< screaming hysterically. describes one of the most exotic God once did He continues to do. new branches of science. It is simply The Psalmist must have had a called "chaotics." Scientists have similar frightening experience, for long known that large areas of the he cries out, "M ay the flood of water observable universe, from the WEEK FOUR not overflow me, and may the deep movement of nuclear particles in not swallow me up" (69:15). Fre­ the atom to the motion of interstel­ quently, in the Scriptures, waters lar galaxies, do not always conform STORMS ARE GOOD FOR signify the realm of death. In Gene­ to the "cause and effect" laws of T H E S O U L sis the primeval watery deep was a Newtonian physics. There is a great place where no life existed, "void deal of randomness in our world be­ “And there arose a fierce gale c and nothingness" (1:2). The great yond predictable boundaries: the wind ... ” (Mark 4:35'41). flood of Noah's generation was a formation and movement of clouds, revisitation of the watery chaos of the flicker of a flame in a fireplace, It was the sixth day of a bad death. The exodus event centers in the flow of water molecules in a packing trip in the California Hig stream—turbulence which the Bible the miracle-story of God who Sierras. My boys and I set up cam calls the "watery deep" (Gen. 1:2). parted the waters for His people— beside Silver Lake, under a stand c Scientists who are studying waters in which the armies of gnarled old sequoias, in a rock chaos have made at least three pro­ Pharaoh were subsequently de­ high sub-alpine bowl at over 11,0C found discoveries: first, there is feet. After an invigorating swim, w stroyed. Jonah would have perished order and design to be discovered fixed an early dinner and watched in the watery depths if God had not even in the midst of the most cha­ storm roll toward us over a distar prepared a great fish to deliver him. otic phenomenon; second, chaos is ridge across a deep canyon. As th Jesus' death is described by Paul as always set within certain fixed ominous clouds boiled ever close a "descent into the deep" (Rom. boundaries; and third, the presence we began to count the seconds b< 10:7). In Revelation the sea will give of chaos allows for change and fresh tween lightning flashes and th up the dead which is in it (20:13). configurations to emerge. clap of thunder—14 seconds, 10 se< In the beginning God created out onds. At six seconds we scramble Here is the good news. "He who of "void and nothingness," but He to put up our flimsy plastic tut raised the Lord Jesus will raise us did not abolish chaos. The Spirit of tents. Then it was four second also with Jesus." The spirit of God God "brooded over the surface of three, two, one. By then the sun ha continues to brood over the surface the deep" but did not remove the set and thick darkness envelopec of our stormy deep, calling for cre­ "watery deep." God said, "Let there Fiery, jagged tongues of lightnin ation out of chaos, light out of be light," but darkness remained crashed around us. Ear-splittin darkness, and life out of death in (Gen. 1:3-4). thunder claps reverberated bac order that we might "walk in the Why? Chaos breaks up the autoc­ and forth among the rock-face clifi newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). racy of determinism and allows for that surrounded us on three sides.

58 GROW/Spring 1992 Sheets of rain engulfed us. The caught by a sudden gust of wind "Oh, I love to get together with round trembled under the impact which knocked him off his feet and God's wonderful people" must : lightning bolts. My heart raced put him on a nearly horizontal have been the song the disciples \d my skin crawled. Never have I plane while he hung onto his ice-ax were singing, following that great It so exposed and so utterly help- for dear life. worship celebration where Jesus fed ss. Nature's fierce power was A corresponding storm of anxi­ 5,000 men plus women and chil­ ileashed in full fury. And there ety gathered force in our hearts as dren. The Church is not called, as no place to hide. I confess that we wondered why the expedition however, to live out its life in splen­ y boys and I prayed with a desper- hadn't returned on their scheduled did isolation but in the midst of this ion borne of sheer panic. I can date. Growing impatient, I phoned turbulent world's life. The Greek npathize fully with the disciples Mt. McKinley National Park head­ word for "made His disciples get ho cried out in the midst of their quarters. They urged me to call the into the boat" is a strong one. It Drm, "Jesus, do you not care that ranger on duty at Wonder Lake means "to compel, to force." This is i are perishing?" Ranger Station located at the base of the only time this word is ever used Periodic storms are good for the the mountain. I-began to call early of Jesus. ul. They strip us of self-assurance, the next morning. No answer. We ley underscore how weak and called every half hour or so through­ The disciples were reluctant to ilnerable we really are. They out the day. Still no answer. Finally, launch out into the deep and get on ake loose "those things which can at about 10:00 p.m. we gave up and with the mission of the Church. shaken," as the author of He- went off to bed with troubled They knew what it was like out b w s reminds us, "in order that hearts. there. After all, they wrested a mea­ ger and difficult living from those ose things which cannot be At 1:30 a.m. the phone rang. As I treacherous waters. It was tough go­ aken may remain" (Heb. 12:27). stumbled down the stairs to answer ing; they were "straining at the >rms teach us the truth of that it, I wondered, "Who's had a heart oars." The old coal miner's song ;at hymn, "On Christ the solid attack? Who's been in an accident?" says it so well: :k I stand, all other ground is Rarely is it good news at that hour king sand." of the night. With sweaty palms and Sixteen tons and what do you wildly beating heart, I picked up get? the receiver to hear: "Hi Dad, this is Another day older and deeper Dean! I made it, all the way to the ;e k f iv e in debt. top!" Instantly the storm-clouds broke. The sun began to shine. The St. Peter, don't you call me, STORMY HEIGHTS birds started to sing. Peace came in 'cause I can't go, like a flood. I owe my soul to the company sus rebuked the wind and said I can understand why when Jesus store. the sea, ‘Peace, be still’” (Mark spoke "Peace, be still" on storm- 9). They also understood that this tossed Galilee that the incredulous present age is permeated by spir­ disciples exclaimed, "Who then is The University of Wyoming's ex- itual darkness ("the fourth watch of this, that even the wind and the sea lition, of which my son was a the night") and that it is no friend of obey Him?" (Mark 4:41). ticipant, was hit by a ferocious grace. Yet it is this dark, dangerous, m at 17,500 feet on the flank of and turbulent world that Jesus came ■th America's highest peak, Mt. to save and to which the Church Kinley (Denali). For six days must go with the gospel. ids blew in excess of 100 mph. WEEK SIX wind chill dropped the temper- The good news is that Jesus does "e to minus 100 degrees. During not abandon His Church. When the 11 in the storm, one of the climb- THE CHURCH’S MISSION winds are the fiercest and the hour ventured to scramble up the darkest, He always comes. His oot ice-barricade they built to promise is, "Lo, I am with you al­ “He [Jesus] made His disciples get Id their tents. He wanted to take into the boat and go ahead of ways, even to the end of the age" ok down the mountain. He was Him” (Mark 6:45). (Matt. 28:20).

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 59 who "placed His right foot on the ROOTED IN CHRIST sea and His left on the land" (Rev. 10:2). He is the One who "must reign until He has put all His ene­ mies under His feet. The last enemy WEEK SEVEN And I will dwell in the house that will be abolished is death" of the Lord forever (I Cor. 15:25-26). Sure enough, in St (Psalm 23, KJV). John's final vision, he sees "a new THE PROMISE OF JESUS’ heaven and a new earth; for the first PRESENCE heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no more sea" (Rev. WEEK EIGHT 21:1). ‘‘And teeing them straining at the So let the winds blow. Let the seas Dars. . . He cam e to them , walking on the sea’* (Mark 6:48). JESUS IS LORD OF THE rage. Let the storms roar. Jesus is STORMS Lord of the storms. And when He comes, there is victory. There is en­ Dean, our oldest son and now a couragement. There is peace. missionary in Kenya, just sent me a “He [Jesus] said to them, ‘Take copy of a letter he wrote to his little courage; it is I (literally in the Greek, “I AM”), do not be afraid’” sister, now in college. He was re­ (Mark 6:45*51). sponding to her announcement that W EEK NINE she was engaged to be married next Who is this Jesus who comes summer. After a mix of kidding, walking on the waters? He is the OVERWHELMING light banter, and some off-handed great I AM who spun the galaxies CONQUERORS advice—older brother talk—he con­ into space, who framed the worlds, cluded, "Now, if you're serious who—with the Father—fashioned “But in all these things we over about next August 8, we need to man out of the dust of the earth and know. We had planned to stay here whelmingly conquer through breathed into him the breath of life. Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:31*39) in Kenya through September. In this He is the great I AM who revealed case, however, I would stop the world Himself to Moses in a bush that The year was 1960. A federa to be at your wedding!" burned but was not consumed, who judge ordered the desegregation of By coming to His own, in their parted the Red Sea, who was a pillar New Orleans' schools. The whole darkest hour, Jesus was saying, "J of cloud by day and a pillar of fire city erupted in fear and anger. would stop the world to be by your by night leading God's people into Crowds gathered at the Frantz Ele­ side!" And He did! "And He got into the land of promise. mentary School. Agitation the boat with them, and the wind Who is this Jesus who strides tri­ increased as time for the main even! stopped; and they were greatly as­ umphant over the watery deep of neared. The front door opened. Ou! tonished" (v. 51). A great host have this world's chaotic existence? He is stepped one little black girl. Firs found it to be true that we never the great I AM who caused the deaf grader Ruby Bridges was flanked b) have to walk alone. The Psalmist im­ to hear, the blind to see, the lame to federal marshals. The peopli mortalized this great assurance leap, and the dead to rise. He is the started in. They called her horribl< when he wrote: great I AM: the Bread who feeds us, names. They screamed at her. The] Even though I walk through the Water who refreshes us, the Vine cursed her. They brandished thei the valley of the shadow of who nourishes us, the Good Shep­ fists. They said she was going to die death, herd who protects us, the Way who And they were going to kill her. N< I will fear no evil; for Thou art leads us, the Truth who guides us, one else came out of the school, no with me; and the Life who raises us up to live one other student. Thy rod and Thy staff, they with Him forevermore. Dr. Robert Coles, Harvard chili comfort m e... Who is this Jesus who descended psychiatrist, witnessed that evenl Surely goodness and mercy into the abyss of the waters of death He was amazed and puzzled b shall follow me all the days but who rose triumphant on the Ruby's composure as she walker of my life, third day? He is the Strong Angel the volcanic gauntlet. He visited he

60 GROW/Spring 1992 parents, many times. Poor and became a believer and began to John Muii, America's most influ­ illiterate, they were so proud of pray. He was liberated from a Ger­ ential naturalist, to whom we owe their Ruby who was going to be the man camp only to be branded as a our national park system more than first to get an education. He asked traitor—along with all the other to anyone else, revelled in storms. her how she could remain so calm in captured Russian soldiers—and Spying fierce thunderstorm clouds the midst of all those people who, sentenced to another long term at boiling toward him while hiking in morning and night, hurled such hard labor, only this time in Siberia. the Oregon Cascades, he quickly abuse upon her. She responded, "I Nevertheless, through contacts climbed the tallest Douglas fir he pray for them." with the prison network of other could find. From the vantage point "You do?" believers, his faith grew strong. of its uppermost branches, he had a "Oh yes. I have a list and I pray Upon his release in 1953, he was ring-side seat of the sky's pyro­ for them every night." baptized and began to preach. He technic display. Every nerve came "Why do you pray for them?" was arrested again in 1968 after his alive as he watched the dark heav­ Coles pressed. church refused to register with the ens split by the jagged lightning "Because Jesus told me to. He authorities. Four terms and twenty bolts and felt the force of the trail­ told us to love our enemies and pray years later, he was allowed to return ing thunder. for those who persecute us." Then from eastern Siberia and was re­ Then came the first blush of mov­ he learned that the minister of their united with his wife and his Odessa ing air, a whisper causing the Baptist church prayed for those peo­ Baptist congregation. Pastors and needles to whistle and the tree top ple. Publicly. Every Sunday. Christians traveled to southern to sway gently. With a rapid cre­ Ukraine for the long-awaited re­ And so the weak and fragile scendo, the winds picked up force, union. The service lasted for hours. Ruby Bridges of our country kept whipping the top of that tree back right on praying and forgiving until There were numerous sermons and and forth. Lashed now by stinging the raging passions of racial hatred testimonies and spirited singing. rain and gale-force gusts, accompa­ were calmed, until the screaming Pastor Boiko testified to the faithful­ nied by lightning bolts crashing all ness of God throughout all those :urses were stilled, until that dark around, Muir was treated to the long years of deprivation and lone­ ugly era in our national history wildest ride he had ever known. liness. The theme of their worship passed away, until 30 years later it Back and forth, up and down, round celebration was Christ's words, "I seems almost like ancient history. and round he rode, while his stom­ will build my church, and the gates 'More than conquerors . . ach raced to catch up. Fear that the of hell shall not prevail against it" fir would break in half, hurling him (Matt. 16:18). to an uncertain fate, only accented Neither the gates of hell nor the WEEK TEN his delight. "There is nothing on iron curtain of Communism can earth so calculated to enliven the prevail against the Nikolai Boiko's nerves, energize the soul, and pur­ of this world—as recent history has TRIED IN THE FIRE ify the spirit," commented Muir, so dramatically demonstrated — "like that of attacking—not flee­ whose trust and confidence is ‘In the world you have tribula' ing—a great mountain storm and placed in the One who has "over­ tion, but take courage, I have riding it for all it's worth." ivercome the world” (John come the world." 16:33). Well, why not? If storms are inev­ itable, if they sharpen our spiritual Dr. Kent Hill tells about pastor sensitivity, if they toughen our WEEK ELEVEN Mikolai Boiko, recently released moral fiber, if they cause us to lean rom a Siberian labor camp. Boiko harder upon our God, and most im­ lad been raised in a family of non­ CELEBRATING IN THE portantly, if Jesus is Lord of the believers, drafted into the Soviet MIDST OF STORMS storms, then why not enjoy the \rmy, captured by the Nazis and ride? "Consider it all joy, my :aken to Buchenwald. On a work de- brethren, when you encounter vari­ “Beloved, do not be surprised at :ail in Berlin he heard, for the first the fiery ordeal . . . which comes ous trials, knowing that the testing :ime, the Lord's Prayer through an- upon you . . . but keep on rejoic- of your faith produces endurance" )ther prisoner. Eventually he ing” (I Peter 4:12' 13). (James 1:2-3).

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 61 It’s Friday: tOOTED IN CHRIST Satan's doing a little jig saying, "I control the whole world." . . .but Sunday's Coming It’s Friday: /EEK TWELVE Through it all, Jesus carried him­ The earth shakes. The rocks self with the regal bearing and royal split. And tombs open. The cen­ dignity of a king. He, alone, was in turion screams in fear, "Truly He DARKNESS DESCENDS control. So much so that not even all was the Son of God!" the gathered "principalities and ... Sunday’s Coming powers of darkness in heavenly Crucify Him! . . . Crucify Him!” It’s Sunday: Mark 15:13-14). places" (Eph. 6:12) could finally snuff out His life. "No man takes The angel, like dazzling light­ [my life] from me, but I lay it down ning, rolls the stone away, All of the raging passions and of myself" (John 10:18). With a sim­ exclaiming, "He is not here! He olatile emotions which, through- ple child's bedtime prayer on His is risen!" ut His short ministry, had shaken lips, "Into Thy hands I commit my It's Sunday! It's Sunday! ssus like a leaf in a hurricane, came spirit," Jesus surrendered His life It's Sunday! d their fierce and violent apex dur- for our sakes (John 10:17-18). In (Dr. Tony Campollo)^ ng His last hours. Gethsemane's death as in life, Jesus is Lord of the ecret agony and desperate solitude storms. /as shattered by the temple guard The Writer nd a raucous mob, led by Judas, Dr. C. S. Cowles, a professor at Northwest 'hen something on the order of an Nazarene College, Nampa, Idaho, is a ruption of primeval chaos oc- WEEK THIRTEEN gifted writer and speaker. This is his eighth urred. Jesus was roughly arrested edition of the "Rooted In Christ" series. nd ignominiously dragged off to ace a midnight kangaroo trial. His A NEW DAY DAWNS lisciples panicked and fled into the larkness. Peter wilted under pres- “He is not here, for He has risen” ure, leaving the Master to walk the (Matt. 28:6). ast mile of His traumatic life all ilone. It’s Friday: Then everybody went crazy, Jesus is nailed to a cross, blood laiaphas, in a rage, ripped his gar- pouring from His body. nents. Pilate, in agitation, washed ... but Sunday's Coming. lis hands. The well-coached mob cooped up handfuls of dirt, threw It’s Friday: hem into the air as they cried out, Mary's crying her eyes out Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" Jesus 'cause her baby Jesus is dead. vas slapped, spat upon, mocked, .. .but Sunday's Coming. logged, humiliated, and finally :rucified. And still they hunted It’s Friday: iim down, like a wounded animal, The disciples are on the run, like o taunt Him as he hung helpless, sheep without a shepherd. rhe earth trembled under the fury ... but Sunday's Coming. )f the storm that was crushing His ife out. The sun hid its face from the It’s Friday: vretched spectacle. Rocks split. Pilate's strutting around 'cause 3odies of saints arose and appeared he thinks he's got all the power :o many. The massive temple veil and the victory. ■ipped from top to bottom. .. . but Sunday's Coming.

62 GROW/ Spring 1992 ou, as pastor, play a pivotal role in mission edu­ once or twice a year, and some churches go Y cation within your local church. Just as children a whole year without having a missionary model their parents' behavior, a church congrega­ speaker. tion will often hold in esteem the very things its pas­ ■ Missionary offering emphases are tor considers important. Significant research indi­ enough— Relying on information regarding cates that a congregation takes on a pastor’s mission offerings only gives the impression perspective after three years. that missions equals money only. Some of the misconceptions concerning mission To receive a well-rounded education on world evan­ education are: gelization, the local church is encouraged to regu­ ■ It’s boring—It doesn't have to be. Offer ad­ larly utilize the age-appropriate mission education re­ vice to your local NWMS president to add piz­ sources. These provide your church with biblical, azz to the monthly meetings. Help break out of theological, and practical applications of the Great the “hymn-prayer-lecture-prayer” rut. Commission in an exciting manner so your church may participate responsibly in the mission of God. ■ Missionary speakers will do— Missionaries on deputation provide a wealth of important in­ Pastor, your church needs your help. Let your con­ formation, but it is usually focused on their par­ gregation know the importance of mission educa­ ticular field. Also, the average church only tion. Your members are watching you for leadership. hears a “real, live” missionary approximately Volume 3, Number 1, Spring 1992 Issue, $4.00

WILLIAM J. PRINCE Responsible General wm Superintendent

BILL M. SULLIVAN Director, Church Growth Division

NEIL B. WISEMAN Editor

Contributing Editors

Curt Bowers Chaplaincy Ministries Wilbur W. Brannon Pastoral Ministries Michael R. Estep Church Extension Ministries M.V. Scutt Evangelism Ministries

Design

Bill Gray Art Director, Wellspring Rick Boucher Composition, Wellspring Michael Lewis Photography

GROW welcomes local and district reports of revivals, church plants, and church growth, but because of publishing deadlines, reports can­ not be acknowledged or returned. Manuscripts on related subjects are also welcome, but unsolicited manuscripts can be returned only if accompanied with a return self-ad- May it -no t be said that. M\o little dressed envelope and adequate postage. Reports and manuscripts may be addressed to Neil B. Wise­ italire loo late lor the c i t i e s man, GROW Editor, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. h l M i>e i we were so m m ied

GROW is produced quarterly, in March, June, September, and De­ cember by the Church Growth Division of the International Church of the Nazarene, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.

GROW is published by the tc^rrns asphalt ,unRlcs of Nazarene Publishing House, 2923 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Mis­ souri 64109. *« metro-America." ik

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64 LOVE ENERGIZES CHURCH GROWTH

ove and Profit, James A. Autry’s 1991 fascinat­ they are the reason Christ came. They are also valuable ing management book, uses 213 pages to con­ because they attract other people and they furnish finance L vince corporate trend-setters that business work, and facilities. Every person in every church need: thrives when employees know their company loves to be valued—even bizarre, off-the-wall folks. them. This cutting-edge theory claims esteemed Love in many churches is hindered by the order o things. Put affirmation first and evaluation second. Star subordinates accomplish their jobs more effec­ with caring, and institutional preservation will likely fol tively, enjoy going to work, and even increase pro­ low. Love now and improve afterward. ductivity among fellow workers. Apparently It is a universal human weakness that everyone wait: affirming employees is new to the corporate world, for someone to love them while at the same moment other: at least some of it. hold back waiting for their love. The result is a loveles: Yet Christian love has formed the foundation for win­ merry-go-round. Try making the first move. ning the world for Christ for 2,000 years and is the happy Leaders lead by loving — Because Christian love is sc practice of healthy churches now. compelling, leaders can transform their church environ But are we making the most of it? ment by sharing love. Love's potent vocabulary i; Love for God we know. Love for sinners we know. Love wonderfully simple: "Thanks," "Please," "I appreciate for new converts we know. But love among believers needs your efforts," "You always do your service for Christ sc attention. well," "I'm glad you came." We have a few problems with creating loving Loveless churches can be rapidly rejuve relationships in some places. nated by three to five leaders committed tc Has honor among brothers and sisters in changing a harsh atmosphere into a loving one Christ leaked out of our fellowship? Has trou­ Start next time you go to church, and you wil bling distrust taken its place? Can the church be surprised how the climate will change by the settle for indignant pulpit accusations about la­ end of the meeting. ziness and apathy? Will we accept toxic Love energizes the church like the sur suspicion between lay leaders and church warms the earth, grows the flowers, melts the members? snow, and wakes up the morning. No othe Must we stomach adversarial relationships place in the community offers everyone love. between clergy and laymen, pastors and pas­ Lovingly share God’s dream for youi tors, new converts and seasoned veterans, church — Shared in love, the Father's drean evangelists and pastors, or traditionalists and for your church attracts others. Deep in ou: innovators? Can we live in a love-starved fellowship and depths, the way of love prods us to abandon our self-cen still call it the body of Christ? And should we? tered, self-aggrandizement, bulldozing kind of ambition. Several spin-offs from Autry's book might be applied Surprising achievement flourishes in a climate of love to the church. and many will stand at your side to celebrate the dream'i Loving service offers personal spiritual growth — attainment. They are the same loving people who will helf For too long, we have considered work for God an obliga­ you gain the next milepost in your journey toward the tion. It is a privilege. In a twisted way of seeing things, a Kingdom together. little chore done for God seems like something He should I am coming to believe productivity flows from i appreciate when in reality we owe Him our total existence. leader's investment of love in a cause rather than from hi; Why not redesign ministry assignments so Christian brilliant oversight, captivating charm, or competent skill service is viewed as a love gift to Jesus, so it is fun like In God's methodology, genuine Kingdom achievemen giving one's sweetheart a dozen red roses or satisfying starts when the leader authentically loves those he leads delight like buying a bicycle for an adoring child. This sounds like those New Testament words, "Love an The more we stir devotion into our adventures for Christ, other deeply from the heart" (I Peter 1:22). the more effective our service becomes and the richer our Think of the potential. Love for God, love for believers life grows. love for new converts, love for neighbor, and love fo: Churches need a chief caring officer — Every church family all make life immeasurably rich for everyone, espe needs someone to lead expressions about how the church daily the lover. cherishes individuals. Ideally, it should be done by every Lead your church to triple its love and see how it pro member of the leadership team; it must be intentional, duces both quality and quantity growth. visible, and continuous to have optimum effect. — NEIL B. WISEMAT' People are the church's most precious resource because Editor, GROV

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C ^S'SS’ifc% -Si\ «*$£ S ^ e Sdeno^Ho« •£' largest ^e0pVc's S o c ^ church^,. , Y rtcpar'-m?’?irce revival £} erV- , XSr * 2 & * l Ogo^ett^ n s ° ^ d been reached. Not every sermon turned out the way I had planned. Healing and Faith Not all the converts I prayed with (Continued from page 18) stayed in the church. Sometimes I the New Testament, it is of interest our faith experience. They produce have fretted over failures. God has to note that the church changed its faith in the presence of God’s king­ shown me that I have seen some practice of anointing and prayer. dom. In addition, miracles of heal­ good things happen, some victories The rite, called unction, was ing help us exercise faith, making it won, and some progress made in the changed to extreme unction and part of our life experience. Finally, churches I have served. was moved to the point of death we should view all healings in the Also, there is a wise forgetfulness with an emphasis on forgiveness of Scriptures theologically. We should of those things that would discour­ sins, not healing. This could have look for the lesson being taught. We age us in our spiritual journey been in response to the real-life ex­ need to see the connections be­ Finding Fulfillment perience of the church. Therefore, tween narratives and healings. We Two things that can contribute to since the physical aspect of the rit­ must see the connection between discouragement are the amount of ual was not occurring, the spiritual events and miracles. In doing so, we nickels and noses we count every aspect was sought. shall see the rich proclamation of Sunday I serve in a healing ministry In Matthew, faith brings healing, God’s messages to us. in my present pastorate. God has but in John, healing produces faith. The subject of healing is part of helped in a wonderful way. How­ In John’s Gospel, Jesus said, “Unless our faith experience. Whether heal­ ever, the tally of nickels and noses you . . . see miraculous signs and ing occurs after prayer or anointing has not looked so good. If I depend wonders, . . . you will never believe” is not as important as exercising our solely upon the numbers for my (4:48). Later He says, “Believe me faith in seeking healing. Therefore, sense of worth, I would be devas­ when I say that I am in the Father our success in healing experiences tated. But, my sense of fulfillment and the Father is in me; or at least should not be judged by the fre­ has come from the belief that I’m believe on the evidence of the mira­ quency of healings, but the exercise doing the best job as pastor that I’ve cles themselves” (14:11). To John, of our faith in seeking the touch of ever done. God will reveal to you a miracles were intended to produce wholeness. ^ belief, the opposite emphasis of source of fulfillment in His work! 1. Iyaeri Koromvokis, “Faith Healers in the Labo­ Matthew. In either case, healings ratory,” Science Digest, May 1982, 92 f. Frightened About the Future were to produce faith in Jesus as the 2. B. J. Hurwood, “Healing and Believing,” Health, It has been said that men in their Messiah. June 1984, 15-21. 3. There are two tim e periods assigned to the w rit­ 20s should know where they want First, faith is involved in healing. ing of James, mid to late 40s (before Paul) or a .d . to go, men in their 30s need to be Even though faith cannot be re­ 125 (after Paul). If we take the early date, it places the establishment of ritualized prayer and anointing getting there, and men in their 40s quired of the ill person or the before the writing of the Gospels. This does not re­ must arrive there. We all dream “healer,” faith must enter into any flect the scene shown by Luke in Acts; therefore it about the future—and rightly so. request for healing. Either faith ini­ would be less likely If the latter date is taken, it would reflect a developed church with elders and Most of us have some degree of con­ tiates healing or healing initiates rituals. This would indicate that healings were not as cern, apprehension, and fear when faith. Second, healings are a part of common as in the period reflected in the Gospels. we think of the future. The un­ known future can discourage us. Three things have helped me regard­ ing the future. First, I have always tried to maintain a spirit of hope. I believe things can and will get bet­ ter. Second, I keep in mind that heaven is to be gained. My future? Heaven! Third, I hand it all over to God. Martin Luther had been warned that if he continued his course of ac­ tion, many of his supporters would leave him. He was asked, “Then where will you be?” He replied, “Then, as now, in the hands of God.” It has helped me to know I’m in God’s hands. Satan tries to discourage in order to defeat us. Whatever your cause of discouragement, take courage in our Heavenly Father! “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). $

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 41 Church Growth Helping the Small Church Break the 50 Barrier by William E. Stewart Moncton, N.B. here are a lot of small church­ grow? What positive factors must be just keep doing what they do, acting es. In fact there are far more introduced into the life and thinking the way they act, planning the way small churches than large of the small church to allow growth they plan, organizing the way they Tchurches. It is estimated that 28% of organize, leading the way they are to occur? all churches in North America have Some factors are peculiar to the leading, and programming the way less than 50 in average attendance. small church that, when understood they are programming, they will In holiness circles the percentage is and utilized, can help it grow. Small grow and grow until they become a even higher. The Church of the Naz- churches can grow. Most of them bigger church. It is wrong for a arene estimates that 38% of its should grow. small church to think that all the ba­ churches average less than 50 in To most people, any church with sic characteristics, functions, and Sunday morning attendance. an average Sunday morning atten­ structure of the church are much Most small churches sincerely de­ dance under 100 is considered a the same and that the only differ­ sire to grow. They really do want to small church. In this article I am ence between a small and a large win people and fold them into the talking about the many churches un­ church is size. Large churches are kingdom of God. Most pastors pres­ der 50 in Sunday morning atten­ not big versions of small churches. ently serve small churches, and they, dance. These are special churches. They are different creatures alto­ too, are anxious to see their church­ They think and operate in special gether. If a small church is to take es grow. It is not commonly recog­ ways. They need to see themselves the matter of growth seriously, it nized, however, that there are some as they are and know what they need must stop thinking like a small fish special factors involved in the to change into, if they are to grow. and start thinking like a tadpole. growth of a small church that are What special things do these church­ Every tadpole knows that if it is to not present in the growth of a larger es need to understand about them­ grow, then it will not just grow to be church. Often church growth prin­ selves if they are to grow? a bigger and bigger tadpole. A tad­ ciples have concentrated on the pole that is going to grow will larger churches and what has caused Do You Think like a Tadpole change into a frog. A metamorphosis them to grow. or a Fish? will take place. It will grow legs. Its The principles and dynamics that In a pond, small fish must think tail will disappear. It will hop on generate growth and make a church differently than tadpoles. In what land and breathe in air. A tadpole large are, no doubt, very real and ways do fish think differently than that grows up will become a differ­ very vital. The small church and the tadpoles? Small fish seem to be min­ ent creature altogether from what it small church pastor, however, are iatures of the large fish. They have started out as. sometimes left feeling that “it the same shape and characteristics Every small church that wants to doesn’t apply here. It can’t work for as big fish. They swim and operate grow will have to start thinking of it­ us.” Yet, small churches do want to like big fish. The only apparent dif­ self as a tadpole and not a fish. If it grow. ference is in their size. Thus, small is going to grow, it will grow into Are there special factors that a fish must think that if they look after something very different from what small church needs to take into con­ themselves and allow nature to un­ it is now. A metamorphosis will have sideration if it is to grow? Is there a fold as it should, then they will to take place. The spirit and dynam­ mind set peculiar to the small grow and grow until they become ics of large churches are quite dif­ church that must change if it is to large fish. When small fish grow, not ferent from those of small churches. much else changes except the size. They operate quite differently, live A foundational principle for differently, organize differently, and growth in the small church is that it lead differently. They thrive on dif­ starts to think like a tadpole and not ferent things. They live in a different like a fish. Many small churches atmosphere. If a small church is to view themselves as small fish in a grow, it must accept the sometimes large pond. Small churches must not unpleasant process of becoming think like small fish. They must not something different. assume that they are just small ver­ The willingness of a small church sions of large churches, and if they to be a tadpole rather than a small

42 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE fish is probably the most vital and Fellowship can become undisciplined People in small churches do not see fundamental decision that church and selfish. The enjoyment of fellow­ themselves as being unfriendly. In­ can make as fir as its growth poten­ ship can so dominate a group that it deed, they may view themselves as tial is concerned. The church that is becomes unbalanced. It begins to very friendly. They are sure that their ready to drop off some of its small neglect other aspects of the life and warm fellowship is a great strength of church characteristics as a tadpole ministry of a church. This precious their church. However, the warm drops off its tail and embrace some fellowship can get to be so close- friendship felt and enjoyed by those of the characteristics of a larger knit and so intimate that other peo­ in the inner circle is not expressed church is placing itself in a mind set ple find it hard to be included. to those outside the circle. that will allow growth to occur. Church growth has a name for this The small church must never lose Willingness to go through this meta­ overblown, undisciplined, and ex­ sight of the fact that one of the pri­ morphosis calls for courage and dar­ cessive fellowship; they call it “Koi- mary reasons people come to ing. Not all small churches are will­ nonitis.” It is unbalanced fellow­ church is their need for friendship. ing. Many, when they understand ship. Peter Wagner, in his book Your This is the very thing a small church what is necessary and what is called Church Can Grow, says, “The con­ excels in. People need to be ac­ for, will rise to the challenge. gregation has become almost like an cepted into a warm, loving friend­ Many churches under 50 develop extended family. They have grown to ship, and most small churches can characteristics peculiar to that size know and love each other so much offer this. In our lonely and abrasive church. Some of those characteris­ that they would feel extremely un­ society, friendships form a great part tics may, at first, seem to be very comfortable if an outsider were to of the church’s ministry. People in beautiful and desirable. The small penetrate the inner circle.” “Koi- our impersonal and technological church may indeed cherish them as nonitis” is a church disease that can age sense a strong, urgent need for a tadpole cherishes its beautiful grip and afflict any church, but the very fellowship the small church long tail or its shapely round head. small churches are particularly sus­ is experiencing. People hungrily Desirable though these things may ceptible to it. While people of the look for warm acceptance and lov­ be, the small church must make the ing care. They will go where they difficult and courageous decision ----- o ------can find it. The small church is well that these things will have to change equipped to share its fellowship if it is to grow. What are some of the The small church with others. It can fold outsiders common characteristics of a small into its group. The church that does church under 50 that will need to will soon find a demand for its min­ change if it is to break the 50 barrier pastor sometimes istry. But they may have to be like a and rise to a larger ministry? Let me tadpole and accept changes to the mention three tadpole characteris­ feels, "It doesn't present structure of their fellow­ tics that will have to change if the ship. Their present fellowship struc­ small church is to grow to be a frog. apply here." ture may be so tight and closed that Ingrown Fellowship: outsiders cannot get in. The old fel­ Too Much of a Good Thing ------0 ------lowship may have to open its ranks One of the beautiful, most pre­ so that new people can be included. cious characteristics of a small church may be quite unconscious of If not, then sadly and tragically, church is its intimate, close-knit fel­ this affliction, it is still very effec­ lonely people will go elsewhere, lowship. Because the numbers of tive in keeping new people out. and the God-ordained ministry of the church is lost. people are small, you can very Very quickly, strangers become readily get to know everyone and aware that they are not part of the Are You Going to Be a become involved with them and inner group and so feel unwelcome. Brick or a Building? they with you. When people say, “I New people threaten the balance of Lyle Schaller characterizes the love a small church,” usually it is the fellowship. Visitors demand at­ under-40 church as a “one-cell this sense of belonging that they tention normally given to church church.” It is a single fellowship cherish most. The atmosphere of friends. Outsiders require adjust­ group. It has been estimated that the many small churches is one of warm, ments that disturb the flow of our number of people that can form a accepting care. Everybody knows ev­ pleasant interaction with familiar single primary fellowship group and erybody You are missed when ab­ people. New people place obli­ be able to maintain the intimacy and sent. People know when you are gations on us to modify some of our closeness is about 35 to 40 people. sick. You are comfortable and ac­ social habits. In the small church For all of the good intentions and cepted with this small, caring group where fellowship is so important, deep spirituality exhibited in many of people. They know your name there may be an unwillingness to small churches, they find that the and can identify your children. This make adjustments. Outsiders soon kind of spirit and fellowship that knowledge and involvement with know this and go elsewhere. We they enjoy cannot be extended be- everyone is absent in a larger have formed our circle of friends, church. Yet, here is a danger. This and others find it hard to break into Communicator's warm fellowship, so vital to the life this circle. They soon move on to and dynamic of a small church, can find a place where they will be ac­ Sermon Contest get to be too much of a good thing. cepted and find friends. See page 51.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 43 yond 40 people. Once the group ex­ building, you think in terms of many or acting like that in a public office ceeds this number, intimacy of the bricks. Each brick is vital and essen­ or school. But at home, with your fellowship begins to dilute. The tial; each brick fills its intended role own folks, it is acceptable. closeness begins to weaken. but is only one among many. Build­ There is a danger for the small The reason so many churches stay ings are made up of many bricks, not church to start thinking like a family small and their growth levels off be­ just one brick. It is not that large and not like a public institution. fore they reach 50 is that they have churches do not have close fellow­ Since they cater only to the faithful successfully achieved a good, one­ ship groups; they do. The large con­ few, they get careless and sloppy. cell, primary group fellowship. gregation, however, like a building, They operate in ways they would be Since this cherished group cannot is made up of many of these fellow­ ashamed of if they were operating in function effectively with more than ship groups and not just one. These 50 people, there is a natural ten­ small groups could be a choir, an ac­ ------o ------dency for the group to stop growing. tive Sunday School class, a youth They enjoy what they are. They would be threatened if too many group, home Bible study cells, etc. Large churches are new people joined the group. Natu­ If a small church thinks like a brick, rally, when the fellowship group is then once its one basic fellowship not big versions of formed and members established, it group is formed, it is likely to stop increasingly resists being broken up growing. If it thinks like a building, small churches. and resents its cherished fellowship then it thanks God for the fellow­ being stretched beyond a com­ ship cell it already has, but it real­ ------0 ------fortable number. In this small pri­ izes that other cells must be formed a public institution. Growing church­ mary group church, the whole if a building is to be built. es, however, are not run like family church belongs to the one group, One of the most basic decisions hobbies. They are run like public in­ and the group is viewed as the for growth that a small church can stitutions. There is a sensitivity that whole church. make is to allow for and encourage they are presenting the gospel to the Larger churches also have good other fellowship groups to be formed. public, and they must do it well. strong fellowship cells within the To be content with strengthening There is an awareness that they are church, but there are a number of and nurturing only one group limits giving public witness to the holi­ them. Large churches provide peo­ growth to the size that one cell ness way of life, and so they wish to ple with small, intimate fellowship group can reach— about 40 people. excel in it. groups, but everyone is not ex­ If a church insists on one-cell life, it In the family hobby church, peo­ pected to go to all of them. Nor do will never break the 50 barrier. To ple are much more aware of regu­ they all know what is going on in all break the 50 barrier, you need to lars who are absent than visitors of the other cells. plan for, and form, new cells. You who are present. Growing public If the small church is to grow, it need to give them freedom and al­ institution churches make new peo­ must not be content to view itself as low leadership to emerge. A small ple and visitors the most impor­ a single brick. It must see itself as church thinks in terms of one cell; a tant people in the church. In family part of a building, made up of many larger church thinks in terms of hobby churches visitors are not part bricks. If you think like a brick, then many cells, but they are all part of of the family and are not expected you think in terms of being self- one building. It is absolutely essen­ to join. So they feel like nonfamily contained. You are complete and tial that any small church wishing to grow will start planning for and en­ members at a family gathering. This couraging new cells. lack of sensitivity in the family ------o ------hobby church tends to create a Family Hobby or growing carelessness: “Any old thing What must change Public Institution? goes because it is only for us, and Another characteristic of the we all understand. We don’t need to for a small church small, under-50 church that inhibits plan or organize things well because its growth is that it begins to think, we will all pitch in when we get to grow? Nobody ever comes but us. Since it there.” The care and effort put into is just us, we don’t need to bother so planning, performance, and deco­ ------0 ------much. Within the circle of your fa­ rum of the public services is often miliar church family, you can act determined by whether we think we sufficient within yourself. You have and talk and take liberties and as­ are a family hobby church or a pub­ all you need for a good brick exis­ sume postures that you would not lic institution. tence. A one-cell church is a brick, a dream of doing in public or in less- Sensitivity to the presence of the single, good, strong, fellowship familiar company. At home you can public in a church is characteris­ group. But bricks, while strong and take your shoes off, stretch out on tically different in the small church well shaped, will never get any big­ the couch, and tell everybody to than in the large church. This sensi­ ger or become part of something keep quiet because you want to tivity can often be judged by the more grand unless they start to think watch your favorite television pro­ level of service we offer from wash­ in terms of being part of a building. gram. You would not dream of talk­ rooms to nurseries. When a church When you start to think like a ing like that to important dignitaries thinks, plans, and operates as a fam­

44 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE ily hobby church, and some mem­ bers of the public visit, they soon Goals of Pastoral Care understand that this church is not ( Continued from page 16) for them. They are not being consid­ ered in its planning or its operation. From his successes and failures in vide and what it is that he bears re­ Since few people want to go where life, he had concluded that there is sponsibility for in the pastoral rela­ they are not wanted, they don’t nothing that matters more in life tionship. come back. The family hobby than to be at peace with the Lord. Objectives of Pastoral Care church needs to think like a tadpole. The subjective data is that he is If it is to seriously address the mat­ feeling helpless and hopeless. The objectives related to pastoral ter of winning people and folding Things look black to him, and he is goals come to my consciousness as pithy cliches: care, not cure in deal­ them into the church, then change faced with many relational prob­ ing with the patient; being versus is called for. lems, which at this time he needs to doing as an emphasis on unique­ block out. Conclusion ness; content versus feelings as the One of the basic laws for church The pastoral concern I have, and reminder of the level on which we growth is that a church must want to that he shares, is the sense of hope­ need to relate; minister of pastoral grow and be willing to pay the price lessness, the alienation from his care, not friend as a way of objec­ for growth. In many of the smaller of wife, and primarily the grief through tivity and effectiveness in meeting the small churches, the price that which he needs to work. the patient’s needs. Assuming we must be paid for growth is not more The pastoral response is, first of know who we are and what we are commitment, or more prayer, or all, to be present on a regular basis about, the setting of pastoral goals more devotion, or harder work. All and to allow him to experience me for patient care comes as second na­ these are usually very evident in as one who empathizes, who makes ture. If, on the other hand, we play small churches. The cost of growth a commitment to the relationship doctor, nurse, social worker, psychi­ in a small church is the cost of effect­ established with him, and who has a atrist, or friend, we are more likely ing a change of thinking and oper­ sense of hope for this man. My hope to sell out to other goals and deny ation and habit. It is the devotion of is real in that I believe he has the re­ our patients the uniqueness of pas­ being willing to sacrifice our com­ sources, if supported through his toral care. The goals of pastoral care fortable habits in order to accommo­ grieving, to deal appropriately with include dealing with such things as date the presence of new people. It his problems and to gain a holy per­ guilt, alienation, despair, isolation, is the commitment of making the ef­ spective in his life, thus discovering loneliness, hopelessness, and death. fort to share the joys of our fellow­ meaning once again in his faith. What we have to offer is hope in the ship with others. It is the price of The goal that he and I have set for face of despair, solitude in the face the extra effort called for in a qual­ our visits is to work through the of loneliness, presence in the face of ity gospel presentation to the pub­ grief of his son’s death. Other con­ isolation, reconciliation in the face lic. It is being willing to become a cerns may touch on this, but this is of alienation, life in the face of tadpole— to assume that change is our primary contractual agreement. death. We may touch on the same necessary, to undertake the some­ If, in six weeks or so, he makes symptoms of disease as do other pro­ times painful process of metamor­ progress in this area through the fessionals, but how we approach the phosis. But, in terms of people be­ support I am able to give him, I will patient and what we set as goals for ing won to Jesus and folded into the gradually withdraw my support un­ the patient are different because kingdom of God, any cost to us is til he is independent again. He and I they deal with theological, spiritual, well worth it. ^ will know what it is that I can pro­ and religious needs.

Preretirement: Financial Planning (Continued from page 33) greater peace of mind in making this of your estate can be recognized as percent of one’s lifetime is spent af­ important decision. an executor in the state in which ter retirement, and doesn’t 30 per­ “What about our wills?” you retire. Make sure that the lan­ cent of your life deserve adequate An updated will is always an im­ guage empowers the executor to de­ planning? portant part of a minister’s financial termine what should be done if it is By answering these questions, you plan, whether it is before or after re­ not covered specifically in the will. can plan for and anticipate a mean­ tirement. Rethinking your will at re­ The executor should have the power ingful period of life after your active tirement is important because con­ to pay all claims of the estate. Your years of ministry. Planning comes ditions change. There are many spouse and your executor should right down to you as an individual. unhappy stories of ministers and know where your will is kept. No one will do the planning for you. their spouses who did not think Copies of the will should be given You must do it yourself. Planning is about changing an obsolete will or to your executor and to your attor­ a process that should be ongoing. ignored making a will at all. Good ney. Any changes in your will should You and your spouse should review stewardship demands that you pro­ be made by your attorney to make your plan frequently to determine tect your assets and make certain sure they will be legally recognized. how well you are meeting your that your resources are left as you Proper financial planning for re­ plan’s objectives and to revise those desire. tirement may seem like a major objectives in light of your real-life Be sure to check that the executor task— and it is. But then, nearly 30 situation. $

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 45 Church Administration ______|

Is Your Church Open for Business? by Ray Bowman Church Facilities Consultant McCall, Idaho

with Eddy Hall Free-lance Writer and Editor Goessel, Kans.

erry awoke Monday morning building didn’t look worth trying. ner of the sanctuary off the plat­ with suicide on his mind. He’d Because of the car in the parking lot form. The youth pastor’s office was been thinking about it for two and the light on inside, Jerry tried in a windowless room off a dimly lit Jmonths. Today he was going to once more. He rattled several win­ basement hallway. None of the of­ do something about it. dows. No response. “Well, whaddaya fices were identified. He dressed quickly and, leaving know!” He pounded a window with The front door was kept locked the house unlocked, jumped into his his fist. “Not open for business.” even during office hours. When car. He’d already picked out the As he walked back toward the someone pushed the door buzzer, if spot— the 10-foot concrete wall at front of the building, he noticed the the secretary was in— which was the end of Eighth Street. “People church sign. “I suppose I could at less than half the time and not on will think it’s an accident,” he told least call the pastor.” But when he any particular schedule— she would himself. “Brake failure,” they’ll say. got to the sign, there was no phone come down from the bell tower and Six minutes later he turned onto number. Where the pastor’s name open the door. Otherwise, a person Eighth Street. Four blocks ahead belonged, he found only the shadow seeking help might never get in, loomed the wall. Tires squealed and left by the now-removed plastic let­ even if the pastors were there. the engine roared as he flattened the ters of some former pastor’s name. Not being open for business pedal to the floor. Twenty-five miles With an oath Jerry kicked the sign. doesn’t necessarily mean, then, that an hour ... 30 ... 40 ... 45 . . . just Back in his car he turned the key, no one is staffing the church office. two blocks to go. shifted into reverse, and backed into It may mean that the door is locked Then something caught the cor­ the road. As he pulled away from the during office hours. Or that the ner of Jerry’s eye. His foot came up, church, his car was headed for church office entrance is not clearly eased over on the brake. Only slowly Eighth Street. marked. Or that no emergency tele­ did it dawn on Jerry that what he While this story is fictional, the phone number is posted. had seen, what had prompted him to situation it illustrates is not. It’s not Fortunately, more and more lift his foot from the pedal, was a uncommon for someone seeking the churches today are consciously glimpse of the neighborhood church’s ministry at a time other working at being “open for busi­ church on Ninth Street where his than the church’s regular worship ness” seven days a week. How “open wife and girls had attended before services to find it “not open for for business” is your church? These they left him. business.” 20 questions can help you find out. A minute later he turned off the For example, a church in the engine in front of the church build­ Northeast asked me to help them de­ AN “OPEN FOR BUSINESS” ing. Aloud, Jerry said, “I don’t know velop a facilities plan. To reach the INVENTORY if this’ll do any good, but I guess it’s church secretary’s office, I had to worth a try. If it doesn’t help, well, enter the front door, pass through 1. Do you have an outdoor sign di­ that wall’s not going anywhere.” the auditorium, climb stairs, go recting people to the church of­ Jerry tried the front door of the through a balcony and, finally, open fice? Yes No building. It was locked. He walked the door into the bell tower. The 2. Is the door leading to the office around to the side. Locked there too. other offices were equally hidden. always unlocked during office Another door at the back of the The pastor’s office was in the far cor­ hours? Yes No

46 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE 3- Once a person enters the build­ 16. Do you offer more than one pared to serve? Which “no” re­ ing, is it obvious how to find kind of worship to minister to sponses point to ways your church the offices? Yes No different segments of your com­ could become more open for busi­ 4. Is the hallway leading to the of­ munity? Yes No ness? fice well-lighted? Yes No 17. Do you have small groups inten­ Because they wanted to correct problems like these, the church in 5. Is your church office open regu­ tionally structured to incorpo­ the Northeast asked me to suggest al­ lar hours? Yes No rate new people? Yes No 18. Do you run a weekly ad in the ternatives. After studying their 6. Are your office hours posted? church section of your local needs, I suggested several changes, Yes No newspaper? Yes No not only in use of facilities but also 7. Is the pastor normally available in design. Making a church facility 19- Do you place small but signifi­ specific hours during the week? more open for business almost al­ cant advertising in other sec­ Yes No ways involves design changes to tions of your local newspaper make the church’s ministries, and es­ 8. Do you have a comfortable wait­ that tell about specialized min­ pecially the church office, more ac­ ing area for visitors to your church istries of your church (for exam­ cessible to the public. office? Yes No ple, a divorce support group)? This particular church converted 9. Does the person who answers Or do you advertise on TV or on the parsonage next door to the your phone and receives your radio stations other than Chris­ church building into an adminis­ tian stations? Yes No visitors, whether paid or volun­ trative center with offices for the teer, make each caller and vis­ 20. Are the foyers of your building secretary and pastors. They installed itor feel like an important per­ designed so that people outside a handicap ramp, put up a church son, not an interruption? can see people inside and thus office sign, posted office hours, and Yes No see when you are “open for hired a full-time secretary/recep­ 10. Has the person who answers business”? Yes No tionist. your phone and receives visit­ A few months later the secretary ors, whether paid or volunteer, Now count your “yes” responses. told me, “I’m amazed at how many been trained to make referrals Include “yes” responses to 11 & and people both from within and out­ in crisis, for physical, emo­ 11 c as bonus points. If your church’s side the congregation come through tional, and spiritual needs? score is . . . this door, people who never came Yes No by before. The come to get coun­ 16-20 Your “OPEN” sign is shin­ seling, to request information, to 11 a. Does your church have a yel­ ing bright! share needs. I’m thrilled to get to low pages listing? Yes No 11-15 You’re usually open but serve all these people.” b. If so, does it include a map have room to improve. What made the difference? They that shows where the church 6-10 Anyone determined enough were open for business. building is? Yes No can probably find you— Imagine that on a business trip, c. Does it list your office hours? eventually. eager to reach your motel, you drive Yes No straight through till 9 p.m. Y o u check 0-5 Your church may be your into your room, then walk to the res­ 12. Are the pastors names on the town’s best-kept secret. church sign? Yes No taurant next door for your overdue dinner. The parking lot holds a sin­ The inventory measures how open 13- Is a 24-hour emergency tele­ gle car, and the dining room is dark. for business your church is in three phone number listed? As you reach the door, the manager situations. Yes No is leaving. “Can I help you?” he asks. • Questions 1 through 10 reflect “I’m hungry,” you say. “I’ve come 14. Does the church phone have an how available you are to a person to eat.” answering service or answering not well-acquainted with your “Oh, I’m sorry,” he says. “We’re machine that gives after-hours church who comes to the office only open Sundays and Wednesday callers a number for emergen­ seeking help. evenings. Come back then, and I’ll cies? Yes No • Questions 9 through 14 indicate be glad to feed you.” 15. Do those who cannot attend how well-prepared you are to re­ The church, of course, must feed Sunday services because of spond to someone trying to reach people not only during two or three work have an opportunity to at­ you by telephone, particularly in a publicized time slots each week, but tend a worship service at an al­ crisis. anytime they’re hungry. When your ternate time? Yes No • Questions 15 through 20 sug­ gest how much effort your church is church is accessible to hungry peo­ making beyond the usual worship ple seven days a week, 24 hours a services to reach out to people who day— then you’re open for business. might attend public meetings. Communicator's Notice where most of your “yes” and “no” answers fall. To which of This article is adapted from Ray Bowman with Sermon Contest Eddy Hall, When Not to Build: An Architect’s Un­ these three groups are you most conventional Wisdom for the Growing Church See p a g e 51. available? Which are you least pre­ (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1992).

MARCH/APRII /M4V 47 l oaay s h o o k s tor Today 's Preachers ...... -...... -...... FROM GRAVE TO GLORY: and theology at Trinity Evangelical TRULY OURSELVES, RESURRECTION IN THE NEW Divinity School. TRULY THE SPIRITS TESTAMENT Regardless of the reason for writ­ (Reflections on Life in the Spirit) by Murray J. Harris ing, this book is a welcome addition by Laurence W. Wood Zondervan to any library. It is in paperback and Zondervan PA031-051-9918, $19.95 is 46 3 pages plus the index. PA031-075-0512 This book for the serious student — Raymond Lane Paper, $9 95 of the Resurrection is a scholarly Dr. Wood’s book Truly Ourselves, study of nearly every issue that may THE COMING GREAT AWAKENING Truly the Spirit’s was shared by my­ be raised about the resurrection of by David L. McKenna self and 11 Mid-America Bible Col­ Jesus, the resurrection body of InterVarsity Press lege students as a springboard for Christ, of believers, and even the fu­ PA083-081-7352 discussion in a sanctification and ture “life” of a nonbeliever. 131 pages, soft cover, $8.95 holiness class. The 12 chapters In his introduction, Harris says, Asbury Seminary’s president, Da­ cover all the bases of the work of the “What more exciting topic is there vid L. McKenna, having a keen aware­ Holy Spirit in one’s life, from the in Christian theology than the resur­ ness of campus life and the potential “Waiting for the Holy Spirit” to the rection of Christ and its many con­ of America’s youth, writes a book concluding “Receiving the Holy sequences? Reflection on this lofty that stimulates one’s hope for a spir­ Spirit.” Professor Wood brings one theme— or rather this exalted Per­ itual revival in America. He boldly into focus with many aspects of the son— thrills the mind and elevates runs the risk of missing the projec­ Holy Spirit’s work. His writings pro­ the spirit. It broadens our spiritual tion for a great awakening, since he vide interesting life experiences and horizons, prompts our devotion to feels in his heart that events and time grapple with the many questions God, and strengthens our motivation are ripe for another end-of-the-cen- and problems one faces daily in pur­ for Christian living.” His zestful tury stirring in the spirits of God’s suit of holiness in Christ. treatment confirms his concept! people. He supports his rationale on The author’s approach is scholarly The author answers questions the basis of what history has taught with an interesting style that makes like: In what sense is the resurrec­ us about great awakenings and the abstract concepts come alive with tion body “spiritual”? What are its presence of a mood for a new up­ simplicity. Filled with notations other characteristics? Will the bodi­ swing in moral and spiritual values. from songs by Charles Wesley and ly resurrection of believers be pre­ Believing that students are a mi­ others, this book vibrates with tre­ cisely the same as the resurrection crocosm of American churches and mendous challenge to seek the min­ of Jesus? Is the glorified Jesus still culture, McKenna states succinctly istry of the Holy Spirit in all aspects “in the flesh”? The answers that Dr. that students will help lead the awak­ of living. He maintains a strong Harris gives are biblical answers giv­ ening. Affirming that students face all Christ-centered emphasis and a en without resorting to speculation the moral and cultural struggles that claim that only as one follows bibli­ beyond what the Bible has to say. face society and mature in their faith, cal principles spelled out in the In part one, Harris treats the “Res­ McKenna thinks they are best suited Word can one ever expect to live a urrection Before Christ.” He includes for a mighty religious awakening. Spirit-filled and joyful life. For any ancient writings and concepts as The chapters read like a great wor­ person seeking a balanced view of well as Old and New Testament in­ ship event happening as one turns the Holy Spirit and His work in the formation. Four chapters cover the the pages. From the prologue to a church and in individual living, this resurrection of Jesus, and nine chap­ student to the epilogue of a student, inspired book is top-shelf material! ters show what the Bible has to say the author gives one an exciting ac­ — Monty Neal about “Resurrection After Christ.” count of how America has experi­ The book frequently lists the enced awakenings and a scenario of REVELATION Greek text for the biblical passages those yet to come. He includes such (Holy Living in an Unholy World) being considered but always with issues within the dynamic of an by M. Robert Mulholland, Jr. English definitions for those un­ awakening as personal repentance, Zondervan familiar with Greek. The inclusion cell groups, prayer, spiritual lead­ PA031-051-7400, 1990 of a scripture index makes the book ership, and strategy for continuance. 336 pages, hardback, $21.95 very helpful for the pastor/teacher The reader is provided an oppor­ Another book on Revelation? Yes, or layman interested in deep study. tunity to celebrate the possibility and one that gives the reader a It is unfortunate that a book of for renewal as it unfolds gently in chance to see the interpretation this depth was written primarily to this optimistic projection for revival from both textual and spiritual refute accusations of unorthodoxy in our day. A realization that crucial meaning. A serious effort is given by in Dr. Harris’s belief system. The ac­ reform of the church and culture is Dr. Mulholland, professor of New cusations had been made by Dr. Nor­ within the framework of this gener­ Testament at Asbury Theological man Geisler of Liberty University ation comes as good news. This timely Seminary, to decode the historical, Graduate School of Religion. The book can become a key instrument symbolical, and linguistic work in author is a member of the Evangeli­ in making us aware that an awaken­ Revelation so as to get the meaning cal Free Church of America and pro­ ing is reachable this decade! for today’s reader. The introduction, fessor of New Testament exegesis — Monty Neal “How to Interpret Visions,” provides

48 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE the reader with a good background for grammatical analysis treating textual reading the text and its commentary. variants, vocabulary, and disputed ft I Dr. Mulholland allows the reader points of exegesis (providing, in ef­ * Preachers » fect, an index to standard reference an opportunity to walk carefully * p'— ~ * works); a translation and expanded through the writings of the Book of Exchange * Revelation with enough interpreta­ paraphrase; a list of exegetical and Wanted: i tive material so that each section biblical-theological topics for further „ Dr. Dennis Kinlaw’s message, * can be taken step by step. He does study; and homiletical suggestions * “The Purpose of God’s Call.” * an excellent job assimilating the designed to help the pastor move * This cassette was sent out * from the Greek text to preaching. content in an easily digestible man­ ^ by NTS several years back. $ A unique combination of serious ner. He skillfully presents the bibli­ $ Contact: 1 exegetical work and homiletical in­ 1 Gary L. Daud $ cal context in such a manner that tent, this book leads the reader into ft Overland 1 hard things are made easy and the an in-depth understanding of the Bible speaks for itself. New Testament Greek text by guid­ $ Church of the Nazarene $ By obtaining foundational source ing him through the processes of $ Box 2314 ft materials from the Early Church fa­ thorough exegesis flowing into ser­ ft St. Louis, MO 6 3 1 1 4 * thers and historical data, the author mon construction. As such, it will j 314-427-8059 j presents the commentary with a rea­ occupy a special place among litera­ 1 Wanted: Copies of the Ameri- $ soned, documented authority. He in­ ture on the New Testament. 1 can Holiness Journal, books $ corporates both academic and spiri­ MURRAY J. HARRIS is professor of New Testa­ * on holiness and the history of 1 tual aspects of salvation history that ment exegesis and theology at Trinity Evangelical Di­ vinity School, Deerfield, 111. He is the author of $ the holiness movement, and J makes this commentary extraspecial. From Grave to Glory: Resurrection in the New Tes­ ft books on John Wesley and his ft His concern for all readers and his tament and has contributed articles to the New In­ ft contemporaries. j, guarded work for clarity makes this ternational Dictionary of New Testament Theology and the International Standard Bible Encyclope­ Please Contact: the best book about Revelation that dia. He will be writing all of the volumes in the Exe­ Rev. Larry P. Stover 1 have read in this decade. The cost getical Guide to the Greek New Testament. P.O. Box 302 * of this book will soon be forgotten St. Bernice, IN 4 7 8 7 5 * when the reader dives deep into the THE PASTORAL EPISTLES heart of this great work. Revised Edition 317-832-3113 * ♦ by Donald Guthrie ft Wanted: Back issues of the $ EXEGETICAL GUIDE TO THE Tyndale New Testament Preacher’s Magazine from ft GREEK NEW TESTAMENT Commentaries ft Volume 1, Number 1, through ft (Colossians and Philemon) Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. « Volume 64, Number 3- » by Murray J. Harris PA080-280-4829, 1991 4 Please Contact: * Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Paperback, $7.95 ® William Thompson J PA080-280-375X, 1991 The Tyndale New Testament Com­ 9O Vr>rL-York Dr.nr f Paperback, $ 21.9 5 mentaries are designed to help the Shore Rd. This ambitious new series seeks to general reader understand clearly Belfast, B.T. 15, 30Y * bring together classroom, study, and what the New Testament text actu­ Northern Ireland * ally says and means. The authors pulpit by providing the student or For Sale: pastor with the information needed handle critical questions, such as ^ Two beautiful, life-sized dum- ^ to understand and expound the date and authorship, in introductory * mies in great condition, which “ Greek text of the New Testament. In sections and in additional notes. * could be used by child evan- * doing so, it closes the gap between Because times change, bringing * gelists or others. They are grammatical/morphological analysis new knowledge to light, the original ^ handmade out of California $ and translation/exegesis. series is in the process of being up­ $ and wear size 4 children’s $ This inaugural volume on Colos­ dated to better meet the needs of to­ $ clothes. We have a boy and a 1 sians and Philemon provides the fol­ day’s reader. With Leon Morris serv­ t girl. They will sell for $250 I1 lowing for each of these two biblical ing as revision editor, many of the 1 each. 1 books: a brief introduction (on au­ older Tyndale volumes have been ft Also, the Scene-O-Felt on $ thorship, date, occasion, and pur­ revised and others have been re­ 1 wool felt, hand painted with $ pose); an analytical outline of the placed by entirely new works. J oil paints, professionally done $ letter; a list of recommended com­ Donald Guthrie has adjusted the 1 from the Munn studios of $ mentaries; exegetical notes; a trans­ text of his commentary on the Pastoral ft Michigan. We have 25 bibli- ft lation; an expanded paraphrase; a Epistles, first published in 1957, to ft cal figure stories. This set ft comprehensive exegetical outline conform to that of the New Interna­ ft will sell for $200. ft tional Version of the Bible, making of the whole book; and a glossary of ft Please Contact: ft grammatical and rhetorical terms. minor changes in the interest of i Rev. Gloria R. Files * Harris’s exegetical notes, of greater clarity and including refer­ ft 1102 N. Peniel Ave. course, make up the heart and bulk ences to more recent commentators. * Avon Park, FL 33825 I of this work. For each paragraph in DONALD GUTHRIE, a noted biblical scholar, was formerly vice president of London Bible College. He J 813-452-5952 J Colossians and Philemon they pro­ is the author of many commentaries and a con­ vide the Greek text; a structural and tributor to several standard Bible reference works.

M ARCH/APRII /MAV AQ The Baby Boomers' "Our Father"

merdley’s all fired up these a bit too much edge in his expres­ SSIM. “But it is our Lord’s own an­ days. He’s “going after the sion. swer to the disciples’ question about baby boomers.” He keeps re­ “Prayer too!” said Smerd. “Indeed how to pray. However, let’s pass that ferringS to some stuff he’s reading so. Maybe especially so. We must by and simply ask if you would do about the behavior of amphibians in pray in language that folks readily any public praying with a bunch of hot water and seems to see some understand. That ‘thee and thou,’ boomers about.” transferable learning to be gotten ‘art and wert,’ ‘canst and wouldst’ “O f course,” said Smerdley. from it. And he’s all “het up” too be­ stuff has to go. And we must use care “And what do you say? How do cause he and the conference super in concepts as well.” you usually begin one of those went, at conference expense, to ob­ “How about the Lord’s Prayer, prayers?” serve some exploding mega-church then?” said Sir Skeptical, still a bit “I must admit, I’m something of a in the latest “Whereit’sat” for said tight in the throat. “I understand creature of habit,” said Smerdley. “I amphibian-analogs. They got to see that some of its expressions put begin ‘Dear Lord’ or, when the occa­ that transferable learning in action. moderns off, and others don’t mean sion is a bit more solemn, an ‘Al­ So, Smerdley’s favorite word these much to them— beginning at the mighty God’ is better.” days is “attractive.” A church must very beginning, ‘Our Father.’” “And what kinds of images do you be attractive to the baby boomers. “Really?” said Smerdley, who was believe the boomers have of lords— The music must be attractive, the now about half wary and half cagey. and dear’ lords at that?” Sir SSIM preaching must be attractive, the “What’s the problem with ‘Our Fa­ asked. “I should think the best they “atmosphere” must be attractive, ther’?” could do would look like something and all of the etceteras must be at­ “Not my problem,” said Sir Skep­ out of Robin Hood, a sort of celestial tractive. tical Stick-in-the-mud. “Your prob­ Richard the Lion-Hearted. And as for I asked what “attractive” meant, lem, given your principle of attrac­ ‘Almighty God,’ it seems to me that and the response was surprisingly tiveness. Surely you want to be con­ you have violated your principle of straightforward, for Smerdley. “It sistent enough to say that since the attractiveness or understandability means that the baby boomers can image of Father is such an unappeal­ almost completely. The baby boom­ feel that it meets their need without ing one in our culture, we need to er is taught from binky to bachelor’s having to do a lot of translation.” begin the prayer some other way. degree that all is relative, that Al­ “Translation?” said I. And even ‘our’ has its limitations, mighty’ is a fictitious quality, and “Yes. Translation,” Smerdley re­ given your principle, since baby that any pretensions to it must be plied. “The baby boomers simply boomers really don’t want to speak fought tooth and nail— the only Al­ don’t know Churchese or Chris- for anyone but themselves, and they mighty’ the boomer is allowed to ad­ tianese, even less Evangelicalese, don’t want anyone speaking for them. mit is the almightiness of his own and absolutely no Wesleyanese. So So, by your principle, the prayer has right to demand that all be kept rela­ we need to put everything into baby to begin either with ‘my’ or with tive. And as for the word ‘God’— ” boomer lingo first thing out of the some conventional statement that no Smerdley cut him off. There is, af­ box. Without that, we won’t be at­ one in our culture takes seriously, ter all, no tyranny like that of being tractive. And if we’re not attractive, like the ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ of a let­ asked to be consistent— especially they won’t come. And if they don’t ter to no one in particular.” when inconsistency can still count come, they’ll never find the self- Of course, Smerdley being Smerd­ its results in the jillions. But Smerd­ fulfillment that the Good News can ley, he was not without retort. ley is nothing if not sincere. The bring them.” Whether heat or light, it made no amphibian-in-hot-water principle I let the business of “self-fulfill­ difference to him. He was not about does present evidence of truth­ ment” go on by, thinking that maybe to let some conservative holder-back fulness. He would work on the pas­ I had missed the place in the Scrip­ of the True, Good, and Numerically toral prayer. But, he admitted, he tures, especially the Gospels, where Wonderful (True and Good BE­ did find it very difficult, for he felt that comes up. But I was not un­ CAUSE Numerically Wonderful) that about all he could say, attrac­ happy when our mutual friend, per­ have the last word. So, he said, with tively, understandably, consistently haps a bit too skeptically, raised a great assurance, “We’re not under with his principle, was, “To Whom less serious but more interesting obligation to pray the Lord’s Prayer (or What) it may concern . . .” question about attractiveness. publicly.” And all the people said, “Yeah, “How about prayer?” he said, with “True, absolutely true,” said Sir man!” ft

50 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE A Communicator’s Sermon Contest The Preacher's Magazine announces a written sermon contest. The judges will evaluate on the basis of communication and application of biblical truth. Written sermon manuscripts are to be double-spaced. Scripture references must all desig­ nate reference and version. Quoted material must include footnotes and permission letters from publishers of songs or poems. Among the judges will be a well-known pastor, a district superintendent and a professor of preaching. Nazarene Publishing House is sponsoring the awards for first and second place: 1 st prize receives $400 U.S. Gift Certificate 2nd prize receives $200 U.S. Gift Certificate The gift certificates are available only through the Nazarene Publishing House; however, winners may order items from most other publishers. The top three sermons selected by the judges will be printed in the Preacher's Magazine. All manuscripts must be postmarked before June 1, 1992. Winning sermons will be awarded and published in the March/April/May 1993 issue of the Preacher's Magazine. Please send submissions to: Communicator's Sermon Contest 10814 E. Broadway Spokane, WA 99206

WORSHIP & PREACHING HELPS

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 51 March/April/May 1992 Prepared by B. W. Hambrick

B. W. Hambrick INTRODUCTION

Love is the beginning, middle, and end of all we do as Christians. Henry Drummond said, The test of religion, the final test of religion, is not righteousness, but love. I say the final test of religion at that great Day is not righteousness, but love; not what I have done, not what I have believed, not what I have achieved, but how I have discharged the common charities of life. Yet, we seem so confused about love. Every person seems to have his own idea about love and judges others by that standard. Is there a standard of love? Can we capture a vision of love that will establish again the fact that “they’ll know we are Christians by our love”? If we caught a glimpse of God’s love, our love and lives would be different. Even our churches, families, and marriages would take on depth and splendor as they reflect God’s love. What would happen if God’s love would penetrate the highest and the lowest, the richest or the most vile of relationships? Can God’s love still transform? Our goal must be to fully comprehend what Jesus meant when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Therefore, this series is about God’s love, but it is also about you and me and what we have done with the love we have received. Therefore, as I prepared, planned, and preached this series of sermons, it was not just for others, it was for me! Two books guided my study and my devotional life during my personal study of “The Love of God.” The first book was Henry Drummond’s classic little book, The Greatest Thing in the World. The second was Testaments of Love, written by Leon Morris. Morris draws biblical truth out into comprehensible realities to be seen, admired, examined, appropriated, and established as personal spiritual principles. Drummond assumes a fair understanding of love. He inspires us to freely and generously apply love and to take love where it belongs— into the streets, market­ places, and secret places of our lives. It would be a good idea for preparing to preach a series on love to study Morris’ book. His study of love in the Bible will bring you, the reader, to a greater appreciation of love, its meaning, its application, and its power wher­ ever found in Scripture. He reveals his own depth of feeling in concluding his study of love. He writes: Our survey of the Bible’s teaching about love has brought our one great overriding theme— namely, that the love of God is a love for the completely undeserving. Using a variety of words and images, the many authors of the Bible emphasize this truth. God does not love men because he finds them wonderfully attractive. His love is not limited to the beautiful, the good, the pious, the prayerful, or the kind. In fact, nothing in men can account for God’s love; he loves because it is his nature to love. John expresses this overwhelming idea by saying simply, “God is love.” Is there any better way of putting it?1

Presenting the Sermon Series The selection and arrangement of messages for this series was coordinated with Rev. Kenneth Higginbotham, our minister of music, and Rev. R. E. Snodgrass, our associate minister. This coordination allowed the choir to pre­ pare for the presentation of the musical This Is Love, by R. W. Stringfield, and arranged for choir by Dick Bolks (published by Lillenas Publishing Co., Kansas City), and for Sunday morning worship at the same time. At the end of the series, the choir presented the musical on a Sunday evening. It was a great time of celebrating the love of God! Rev. Higginbotham suggests that if the musical arrangements are too difficult, then use another arrangement, but by all means have a celebration of the love of God! Rev. R. E. Snodgrass and I worked together over the 14 weeks of the series. I preached 12 of the sermons, and he prepared and preached 2, that is, “Love That Does Not Let Go” and “Love Renews Us.” The theme for all the messages is that found in Isa. 54:10: ‘“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” It was the intent of each participant in the services throughout the 14 weeks to convey the unconditional love of God that draws sinful man and transforms him into a forgiven child of God. May God bless your endeavor as you declare His great love!

1. Leon Morris, Testaments o f Love (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1981), 271.

52 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE LOVE’S FULL PLAN by B. W. Hambrick Isaiah 55; text 54:10 March 1, 1992

INTRO: B. God’s love is unshakable. There is no need to tell our generation that love is 1. “[God’s] love is patient, [His] love is kind. It does the “greatest thing in the world.” Christian and non- not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, Christian alike, we take that for granted. We write it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no about it, talk about it; preach about it; we praise it and record of wrongs. [God’s] love does not delight in evil appraise it; we emblazon the word on T-shirts and pro­ but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always test banners. We see ourselves a loving people, and it trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. [God’s] love distresses us when others don’t love as they should. never fails” (1 Cor. 13:4-8«). Since the importance of love is so obvious, why doesn’t everyone love as we? (Morris, 1981). 2. “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills We all agree that love is important, yet we are some­ be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be what surprised that there are many unloving people. Atti­ shaken” (Isa. 54:10). tudes run the spectrum. Some find intolerable the puri­ II. God’s Love Is Winsome (vv. 1-5) tanical types who contend for upright living in a way that denies others the right to live promiscuously. The con­ A. God knows our need and invites everyone: ventionally moral person is seen as less than human. Even “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters” (Isa. the promiscuous do not escape. They usually insist that 55:1). they’re truly loving, only to meet the criticism that they B. God offers His love without cost to the needy: are mistaking lust for love and confusing their personal “You who have no money, come, buy and eat! . . . Why pleasure with concern for the well-being of others, an spend money ... on what does not satisfy?” (w. 1-2). integral part of real love. Even Christians are not guiltless. We utter the word more often than we give thought to C. God’s love provides eternal life: “Give ear and what it means. come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make How do we harmonize the assurance that “God is love” an everlasting covenant with you” (v. 3). (1 John 4:8, 16) with the assertion that “our God is a III. God’s Love Is Beyond Description consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29)? Actually, most of us never Isaiah proclaims, “The Holy One of Israel . . . has en­ think of such problems. In the end, our idea of love is dowed you with splendor” (v. 5). indistinguishable from that of the world around us. The entire Bible is a book about the God who loves. He A. That “God is love’’ is an incomprehensible fact, loves those He has made. His every action is an effort to yet a true contradiction o f terms. This contradiction is reach out to them and their needs (Morris, Testament of recorded: “[Herein, KJV] This is love,” wrote John, “not Love, 133). that we loved God” (we will never understand what love Although we more easily recognize our concepts of means if we start with human response), “but that he love and God’s love for us from a New Testament perspec­ loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice [to be tive, I have chosen to deal with the subject of love from the propitiation, KJV] for our sins” (1 John 4:10). the prophet Isaiah. Out of his anguished spirit over the ILLUS. One verse of the song “The Love of God” says: sins of his generation, Isaiah was able to see God’s Revela­ Could we with ink the ocean fill, tion of love that was to come centuries later in the person And were the skies of parchment made; of Jesus Christ. Were ev’ry stalk on earth a quill, I. God’s Love Is Summarized by Isaiah And ev’ry man a scribe by trade; The summary statement of God’s love is Isa. 54:10: To write the love o f God above “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be Would drain the ocean dry, removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be Nor could the scroll contain the whole, shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says Though stretched from sky to sky. the Lord, who has compassion on you. The story of this verse was told in W. Shelburne Browne’s book, Lovest Thou Me? It was written upon the A. God’s love is an unfailing love. His love is freely walls of a cell in an asylum. How did it get there? One given, even when there is no response or sense of obli­ can only speculate. There is no question that the writer gation. had astounding clarity of understanding of God as the 1. God’s love is given to saints and sinners. words were written! In a devotional book Dr. E. Stanley Jones wrote con­ 2. God’s love is not drawn from Him by the virtues cerning the stanza, “It would exhaust man’s capacity to of an individual or of a group. describe it [God’s love]. True. For any method used to 3- God’s love comes not because of who we are or describe the love of God would be an inadequate | what we do, but because He is a loving God. His love is method. Reality is that the Word of love became the based on what He is rather than what we are. Word. And no matter how vivid the rhetoric may be, it is

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 53 futile, for it can’t be done by any method. You cannot describe this love— you have to see it— see it in ac­ tion.”1 CONCLUSION: Even as we begin with this glimpse of the majesty of God’s great love, we are overwhelmed by His self-giving, unconditional love poured out upon us. Unworthy and unable to repay or adequately respond to God’s love, we simply can only love Him who first loved us and gave himself for us.

1. E. Stanley Jones, The Word Became Flesh (New York: Abingdon Press, 1 9 6 3 ), 38.

SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Organ Prelude Hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” Hymn “Redeemed” (2 verses) Fellowship Choir Special “The Love of God” Tithe and Offerings Prayer Chorus “Oh, How He Loves You and Me” Pastoral Prayer Scripture Isaiah 55 Special Song “More than Wonderful” Message “LOVE’S FULL PLAN” Closing Hymn “The Love of God” Closing Prayer/Benediction

Pastoral Prayer Focus on God’s majesty and His personal care for each of us His children. Creative Worship Ideas Offertory Idea “Let us join in giving our tithe and offerings as a re­ flection of love to our God.” Scripture Reading I use longer passages of Scripture, more than 15 verses, very frequently. After all, the Word of God brings us together for worship. Long passages of Scripture become a focus in the service. At times I will ask a layman a week ahead to be ready to lead in worship through a meaningful reading of the passage. At other times I will have them read it responsively. Benedictory Prayer The sentence, “Whoever you are and wherever you go in God’s wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or ill, Jesus is Lord!” is incorporated into my benedictory prayer every Sunday morning. For the

first few months, I received questions about it, humor­ (£>^cartoons by I ous remarks, and chides. Then for the next several months no comments at all. Then after about a year, meaningful responses began to come. Hardly a week goes by that someone doesn’t say, “It’s like you say in TH&K&& STAN7DJts)6r KpoM owtv itJ I R E ClJUFZCUf your prayer. . . Jesus is Lord.” Through my repetition, this concept has moved into the heart of everyday liv­ TUB COLLECTION PLATS' 15 OVERFLOW S- AVD ing. 0BHVok1B's SltJ&lMGr O M

54 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE LOVE GIVES PURPOSE by B. W. Hambrick Isa. 43:1-13 March 8, 1992

INTRO: wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not I love old cemeteries. I enjoy visiting them, exploring hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. the names and histories, the epitaphs that reveal so When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, much about people, lives, times, and attitudes of an­ your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days or­ other day. dained for me were written in your book before one of The epitaph of Grace Llewellen Smith of San Antonio them came to be. How precious to me are your has no birth date, no date of death, just these words: thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I Sleeps, but rests not. to count them, they would outnumber the grains of Loved, but loved not. sand. When I awake, I am still with you. . . . Search Tried to please, but pleased not. me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my Died as she lived, alone. anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Ps. 139:13- — Max Lucado, Six Hours One Friday (Portland, Oreg.: Multnomah, 1989), 36. 18, 23-24). What futility! What kind of life Grace Llewellen Smith B. As we look at God, we discover who He is, what must have had! There must have been pain, lots of pain He has done, and how we fit into His plan. Our reac­ in a life like that. What went wrong? Why was her life so tions to grasping these powerful truths are penitence, futile, so empty, so tiring, so lonely? praise, and adoration. Restless nights, activity-filled day; hands extended to others, but never reciprocated. C. God is never finished with His creation. He is cre­ “Tried to please, but pleased not.” I can feel the hurt atively at work today. and disappointments in those words. Doing the best she D. In our self-incriminating ways, we often forget could, but it was never good enough. “How many times what Mother Teresa expressed: do I have to tell you?” “You’ll never amount to anything.” In our efforts to listen to “God’s words” to us, we “Why can’t you do anything right?” Painful words easily often neglect what might be called his “first word” to spoken, but daggers to the self-esteem of a child, teen- us. This is the gift of ourselves to ourselves: our exis­ ager, or a hurting spouse. tence, our nature, our personal history, our unique­ I Tragically, Grace Llewellen Smith really neither lived ness, our identity. All that we have, and indeed our alone nor died alone. How many Grace Llewellen Smiths every existence, is one of the unique and never-to-be- are there? I don’t know, but I do know I have worked repeated ways God has chosen to express himself in with many of them— broken, rejected, hurt, defeated, space and time. Each of us, because we are made in and dejected. Max Lucado says she is the homeless in God’s image and likeness, is yet another promise that i Atlanta, the happy-hour hopper in Los Angeles, a bag he has made to the universe that he will continue to lady in Miami, the preacher in Nashville, any person love it and care for it (Mother Teresa, Leadership, Fall who doubts whether the world needs him, any person 1989, 137). I who is convinced that no one really cares. If you are like Grace Llewellen Smith, hold on, for I II. The Lord Speaks in a Loving Voice of As­ ! have good news for you. surance (v. 1) The Scripture begins by telling you who you are and A, “Fear not” (v. 1). where you have come from! 1. Have you ever been afraid, really afraid? Have you ever felt the death grip of fear that would not let you go? I. The Love You Feel This Day Comes from It is a horrifying experience! Your Creator 2. The most powerful traps Satan offered are sin, “He who created you ... he who formed you” (v. 1). guilt, and death. Fear held men in a death grip, but faith Perhaps Isaiah had been sleeping on a philosopher’s touches the redemptive grace of Jesus. Isaiah recorded I stone— a rock under your sleeping bag that won’t let God’s words, “Fear not . . . I have redeemed you.” I you sleep— and he was lying awake, thinking about his [ own value. We don’t have to look far in Scripture to see 3- God is never finally defeated. God is never at His I that he was not alone. last resort, without some way to assist us in our crisis. B. “I have redeemed you” (v. 1). A. /4s David thought about God’s love, he caught a 1. Our redemption, and theirs, was a part of God’s glimpse of what His creative power meant to him and plan from the beginning. ! to us. He wrote: For you created my inmost being; you knit me to­ 2. In an ever-present tense, the words of God gether in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I through Isaiah declare this message of hope and expecta­ am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are tion!

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 55 C. “I have summoned you by name; you are mine" The body of (v. 1). Benjamin Franklin, printer, 1. God’s call is not a general invitation. He is spe­ (Like the cover of an old book, cific. His summons is given to individuals. Its contents worn out, And stript of its lettering and gilding) 2. As Jesus ministered, He demonstrated God’s per­ Lies here, food for worms! sonal care as He abandoned crowds to meet the needs of Yet the work itself shall not be lost, individuals. For it will, as he believed, appear once more, III. You Can Feel God’s Loving Hand of In a new and more beautiful edition, Protection (vv. 2-13) Corrected and amended A. You can know God’s love in life’s uncertain cir­ By its Author! cumstances. — C. R. Swindoll, Old Testament Characters (Fullerton, Calif.: Insight for Living, 1. “When you pass through the waters” refers to the 1 9 8 6 ), 47. Red Sea and the Jordan River, through which the children of Israel passed on dry ground. 2. “When you walk through the fire.” SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER ILLUS. A man from Logan, WVa., was rescued from a Organ Prelude Hymn fire as a child. He was badly burned and required months “Arise, My Soul, Arise’’ Hymn “He’s a Wonderful Savior to Me” to heal. He has now become a fire fighter and volunteers Fellowship to go into unbelievable places to rescue others from Choir Special “This Love Is Mine” burning flames. Tithe and Offerings B. Against your enemies God says, “I will . . . bring Prayer Song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the Pastoral Prayer earth” (w. 4-6). Special Song “You Gave Me Love” Message “LOVE GIVES PURPOSE” IV. Why Does God Give Care, Protection, and Closing Hymn “Ho, Everyone That Is Thirsty” Intervention? Closing Prayer/Benediction Organ Postlude A. Because you are precious and honored in God’s sight (v. 4). Pastoral Prayer Idea B. Because God loves you (v. 4). This is a mystery of Focus prayer on the personal presence of God, His in­ mysteries. tervention in the lives of those who serve Him, and His C. Because God has invested in us: “Whom I created personal call that gives life eternal value. for my glory, whom I formed and made” (v. 7). Creative Worship Ideas Tithe and Offerings D. Because of the integrity of God’s name: “Every­ Giving is a celebration of praise for His blessing one who is called by my name” (v. 7). upon our lives. We come to return the tithe and give V. God Promises to Use Us our offerings. “I am doing a new thing! . . . I am making a way in the Open Attar Versus Prayer Time The concept of “open altar” became a problem desert and streams in the wasteland . .. to give drink to when the same people would come again and again. my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself For a time no mention was made of open altar. Now that they may proclaim my praise” (w. 19-21). that we have reinstituted it, the minister of music “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams makes an appeal for those who have special prayer on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your requests, needs, or concerns to unite together around offspring, and my blessing on your descendants” (44:3). the altar for special prayer. The results have been wonderful! CONCLUSION: Closing Prayer/Benediction Celebrate God’s loving involvement with you today. He “Lord, remind us that whoever we are, and wher­ knows who you are. He is aware of your needs. He is using ever we go in God’s wide world, and whatever hap­ you to His glory this very minute. pens to us of good or ill, we should remember that Benjamin Franklin knew God’s loving involvement in God’s love goes with us and that Jesus is Lord!” his life. He wrote his own epitaph:

56 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE LOVE’S CALL by B. W. Hambrick Isa. 6:1-10 March 15, 1992

INTRO: can never be the same. Only then can we understand the Have you ever had an event that precipitated signifi­ words of the heavenly beings who sang, cant change in your life? Can you think of some events “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; that are so embedded in your mind that you know where the whole earth is full of his glory” (v. 3). you were and what you were doing at the time they oc­ curred? Americans remember where they were, what B. Jesus spoke o f our need to lift Him up fo r all the they were doing, and who told them about the death of world to see and know, when He said: The Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone President John F. Kennedy. For those who had not “dis­ who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so covered the world” in the early 1960s, what about the loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, Challenger explosion? Marker events like these often that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have precipitate change! eternal life (John 3:14-16). The death of Uzziah was that kind of event for Isaiah and the nation of Israel. During the time of Uzziah, Israel II. Isaiah Made a Revealing Confession (v. 5) had known prosperity and prestige like none they had known since the time of Solomon. Uzziah had ascended A. “Woe to me! ... I am ruined!” the throne of Israel when he was 16 years old. Faithfully 1. What a graphic description of Isaiah’s feelings. he followed the footsteps of his father and had lived in Isaiah was definitely aware of his failure, his inability, the fear of God. Blessed financially, socially, and mil­ and how destitute he was compared to God’s majesty! itarily, he was good to his men, and he had quite an army, 307,500 men! ILLUS. Job, who had defended himself and his rela­ tionship with God, confessed: My ears had heard of you The Scripture records some sad words: but now my eyes have soon you. Therefore I despise But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, myself and repent in dust and ashes (42:5-6) and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on B. “I am a man of unclean lips,” as Scripture re­ the altar of incense. . . . While he was raging at the minds us over and over. What comes out of the mouth is priests in their presence before the incense altar in a reflection of what is in the heart! the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead. . . . King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died (2 C. God help us. Chron. 26:16, 19, 21). 1. By revelation, God shows us His power and con­ In that year the significant event marked the greatest trol. occasion of his life, Isaiah was in the Temple. Through 2. By self-discovery, we become aware of our inabil­ direct intervention of God and through the power of His ity to do much for ourselves or for others. love for Isaiah and his people, God gave Isaiah his most significant life-changing experience. 3- By self-abhorrence, we feel guilt or shame, our emotional reaction to inadequacy. I. Isaiah Had a Glorious Vision of God and 4. By self-abandonment, we can look beyond our­ His Love (vv. 1 -4) selves to others or to God

A. “I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and ex­ III. Isaiah Experienced an Astounding Trans­ alted, and the train o f his robe filled the temple” (v. 1). formation “Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal 1. Seeing the Lord enthroned was an awesome sight! in his hand ... he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this Can you imagine it? Seeing God seated on His throne has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your would be a life-changing experience for anyone! sin atoned for’” (w. 6-7).

2. Jesus himself said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, A. The seraph represents the work o f the Holy Spirit, for they will see God” (Matt. 5:8). What does that reveal who has taken our brokenness and applied the substi­ about Isaiah, who was privileged to see God? Doesn’t it tutionary work of Christ to our hurting and unclean tell us about his motives, his attitudes, and his obe­ lives. dience? B. The transformation is twofold: 3- We, too, must be able to see God “high and ex­ 1. We have forgiveness: “This has touched your lips; alted” if we would be significantly changed by His glori­ . . . your sin is completely atoned for and forgiven” ous power. Otherwise, Bible stories are only stories, sto­ (Amp.). God divinely intervenes for sin. In the Atone­ ries about a man named Jesus, people who lived good ment, the blood of the Lamb covers sin, even as the coal lives, and miracles done a long time ago. When Jesus is of fire covered the mouth of Isaiah. “high and exalted” in our hearts, we are awestruck and 2. We have purity-, “iniquity” (KJV) or “guilt is tak­ en away.” Not only is sin covered, but the cause of sin­ CONCLUSION: ning is cleansed. The iniquity— lack of equity in the When God has gloriously changed us, we will become nature— toward God and man is taken away. You are re­ involved with His kingdom’s work. We will find a place newed in your mind and morally straightened. of service. No one will have to recruit us! C. When sin is forgiven, and the heart is made pure, God has a place for you to serve. we are then empowered to begin our service for God. IV. Isaiah Heard and Responded to God’s Call (vv. 8-10) SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Organ Prelude A. With his heart made pure, Isaiah could now hear Hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” God’s voice: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for Hymn “I Am Resolved” us?” Fellowship 1. This was not a voice of command! It was a voice Choir Special “My Savior’s Love” of revelation, of drawing, and of challenge toward lov­ Tithe and Offerings ing involvement in the continued work of God. Prayer Chorus “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus” a. God wanted Isaiah to celebrate what he had Pastoral Prayer seen and received with the nation of Israel. Special Song “O Glorious Love" b. God wants us to serve Him through the big Message “LOVE’S CALL” and little things we do. Even a “cup of water” given in Closing Hymn “Stand Up for Jesus” Christ’s name He will bless and use to His glory (Mark Closing Prayer/Benediction 9:41). Organ Postlude 2. God does not build His army with a forced draft. He uses a volunteer army that has seen Him for who He Pastoral Prayer is, has felt His transforming power, and who is anxious This prayer should focus on the many needs, the di­ to share the Good News. versity of circumstances, but the sufficiency of Christ as B. Isaiah’s response was definite: “Here am I. Send the congregation puts into practice “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus.” me!” 1. Not only did Isaiah respond to God’s call, but Creative Worship Ideas also his response indicates that he knew the importance Tithe and Offerings of what he was about to do for God. Love moves us to action. As the apostle Paul said, “Just as you excel in everything— in faith, in speech, 2. Isaiah’s response was commitment: “Send me!” in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your That’s total availability! Isaiah withheld nothing. He was love for us— see that you also excel in this grace of unlike those who came to Jesus: one had to care for his giving" (2 Cor. 8:7). father, another had to plow his field, and another had to Benediction care for his wife. Isaiah made no excuses. He was ready “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God's to serve! wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or 3. It is time for us to respond to God’s voice: “I’ll go ill, Jesus is Lord!” where You want me to go.”

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58 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE LOVE’S FINAL TEST by B, W. Hambrick Isa. 38:9-20 March 22, 1992

INTRO: the leader of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God “Put your house in order, because you are going to of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and die; you will not recover” (38:1). “You are going to seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from die”— those are difficult words to hear whatever your now you will go up to the temple of the Lord’ ” (v. 5). age, state of success, attitudes, or physical condition. C. Isaiah used a medical treatment to accomplish Hezekiah was 38 years old, king of Israel, and had no God’s miracle: “Prepare a poultice of figs” (v. 7). children when Isaiah was instructed by God to go to him and give him this poignant message. Hezekiah was 1. They prepared the poultice and Hezekiah recov­ deathly ill with a huge boil obviously poisoning his sys­ ered. tem. God’s prognosis was “death”! 2. Prayer is important. God is able, but He uses I. Hezekiah Confronts His Own Death what He chooses to accomplish His purposes. 3- We believe medical means should never be re­ A. Putting his house in order, Hezekiah turned his jected but used as given to accomplish God’s miracle. face to the wall and prayed. His reflection (w . 10-20) 4. A sign in a French surgical school says, “We bind tells us what took place in the few minutes that he them up; God heals.” turned his back to others and faced God. 1. Hezekiah questioned the decision based on what D. Even as he was improving, Hezekiah asked fo r a he saw in the present. “In the prime of my life must I go “sign" that he would “go up to the temple ... on the through the gates of death and be robbed of the rest of third day" (v. 8). my years?” (v. 10). 1. This was not necessarily a sign of weakness on 2. He faced death emotionally, using analogies to Hezekiah’s part. It was a long way from his fevered suf­ deal with his own feelings of what death means: fering to the Temple— in only three days! a. He faced the question of death’s finality: “I 2. God granted Hezekiah’s sign. The shadow from will not again see the Lord ... no longer will I look on the sundial did not go forward as it should but went mankind, or be with those who now dwell in this back, contrary to the natural scheme of time (v. 11). world” (v. 11). III. Hezekiah’s Greatest Trial Was Success! b. He faced his own helplessness: “Like a shep­ herd’s tent my house has been pulled down” (v. 12). A. How do you handle the tragedies, successes, c. He faced the reality of separation: “Like a miracles, and changes in your life? weaver I have rolled up my life, and he has cut me off 1. When either tragedies, great successes, or mirac­ from the loom; day and night you made an end of me” ulous blessings come, we are most vulnerable. (v. 12). 2. Unfortunately, the enemy of our souls knows this d. He faced the exhaustion of all his resources: “I better than we do! waited patiently till dawn, but like a lion he broke all B. God’s apparent reprieve became Hezekiah’s my bones” (v. 13). downfall (Isa. 39:1-2). 3- He bargained with God: “I cried like a swift or 1. Merodach-Baladan, the son of Baladan, king of thrush, I moaned like a mourning dove. My eyes grew Babylon, heard of the illness of Hezekiah and sent an en­ weak as I looked to the heavens” (v. 14). voy bearing gifts and greetings from the king (v. 1). 4. He resigned himself to accept the outcome 2. In his excitement, King Hezekiah “received the whatever it would be: “I am troubled; O Lord, come to envoys gladly and showed them what was in his my aid! But what can I say? He has spoken to me, and he storehouses— the silver, the gold, . . . and everything himself has done this” (w. 14-15). found among his treasures. There was nothing in his pal­ 5. He found fulfillment: He recognized that he had ace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show done all he could do: “I must go softly” (Amp.). God them” (v. 2). was in charge: “Lord, by such things men live.” Finally 3. When Isaiah heard what had taken place, he im­ he was “restored . .. to health” (v. 16). mediately confronted Hezekiah, reminding him, “The II. Hezekiah Received a Reprieve from His time will surely come when everything in your palace, Death Sentence and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says A. God heard his prayer! “Before Isaiah had left the the Lord” (v 6). middle court, the word of the Lord came to him” (2 C. Hezekiah’s false presumption was that since God Kings 20:4). had delivered him once from death’s door, God would B. God healed Hezekiah. “Go back and tell Hezekiah, do anything to care for him. 1. Isaiah’s warning continued, “Some of your de­ but destruction will come. So guard your hearts, in the scendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born good times and in the bad, realizing there is no time to you, will be taken away, and they will become eu­ when Satan is not on a “seek-and-destroy mission.” What nuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon” (v. 7). a terrible price when even our children pay for our sin! 2. Hezekiah gave a twisted reply: “The word of the ILLUS. Satan attacks homes as children move into Lord you have spoken is good [ ? ] ... There will be peace their teen years. If there is any point at which families and security in my lifetime” (v. 8). tend to drop out of church, it is at this time. Separation, 3. Hezekiah was saying literally, “This is wonderful! divorce, or reconciliation may follow, but by this time, God is going to judge, but it will be after my lifetime! the children are grown and gone from home. Since Let my children pay the price! I don’t mind if they suffer; about 67% of all Christians are won to God when they it’s all right with me.” are teens, most of the children from these homes are lost forever! God help us! D. That is the tragic philosophy from which this We need God’s forgiveness and God’s restoration of generation operates. our homes and lives today! 1. We have already spent the tax revenues for at least another generation, but no one seems to care or to be able to take a stand strong enough to do anything SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER about it. Organ Prelude 2. Couples divorce, saying, “We’ll be happy. Never Hymn “Praise Him! Praise Him!” mind that it will destroy our children’s sense of be­ Hymn “Jesus Loves Even Me” Fellowship longing and security for the rest of their lives.” Choir Special “This Love Is Mine/Such Love’’ 3- Husbands and wives have extramarital affairs. Tithe and Offerings Heterosexuals and homosexuals bring home all kinds of Prayer Chorus “My Wonderful Lord” sexual diseases, including AIDS, to unsuspecting spous­ Pastoral Prayer es and children. Special Song Message “LOVE'S FINAL TEST” 4. For the most sick, selfish gratification of all, par­ Closing Hymn “There Is Power in the Blood” ents sexually abuse their children with no sense of un­ Closing Prayer/Benediction derstanding of the tremendous destruction being Organ Postlude brought upon their children. 5. Teens and young adults continue to use drugs Pastoral Prayer and alcohol for pleasure without regard for the destruc­ Make this a prayer of celebration! Jesus has changed tion that their actions bring to families, friends, and so­ us, our attitudes, our actions, and our desires. He de­ ciety. serves our praise! E. Hezekiah was right. When God’s wrath began to Creative Worship Ideas come on him, he was able to see a change in his life­ Tithe and Offerings time. However, it did not spare the generation that was “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will to come. be poured into your lap” (Luke 6:38). “Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond Music to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath In an effort to make the great hymns of the church was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. Then Hezekiah be more than “old songs we sing,” I consistently quote repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of hymns, gospel songs, or choruses in my messages to Jerusalem; therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come upon make them come alive as words with real meaning them during the days of Hezekiah” (2 Chron. 32:25-26). and application. Benediction CONCLUSION: “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God’s God loves us! However, we should not presume upon wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or His love. He holds us accountable for sin. Sin brings de­ ill, Jesus is Lord!” struction. We may escape sin’s immediate consequences, Pontius' Puddle

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60 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE LOVE THAT DOES NOT LET GO by R. E. Snodgrass Isaiah 50 March 29, 1992

INTRO: II. God Answers a Rebellious People (vv. 1 ff.) The people of Israel had accused God of forsaking A. “Because o f your sins you were sold; because of them and having “divorced” their mother, Zion. Now your transgressions your mother was sent away” (v. before Isaiah and God, they are pointing their fingers and blaming Him for their sin. !)■ An overview of the passage shows (w. 1-3) a rebuke to B. “Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the exiles for perceiving themselves entirely rejected by the strength to rescue you?” (v. 2). their God and refusing to rise to the occasion when God 1. Our own answers to these questions show how sends news of their coming deliverance. An account of we feel about God and how much we trust Him. the servant of the Lord is given (w. 4-9). Exhortations to the weak believers contain encouragement and warning 2. Does God have a short arm? Do we think our­ (w. 10-11). selves out of the reach of His help? God wants to know from you, “Is that how you feel about Me? Do you feel I I. God Questions Backsliders am too far away to reach you either in your everyday life or in your time of trouble?” A. “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce . . . ?” (v. 1). 3- Does God lack strength? ILLUS. As a boy of eight years, I worked with my dad, 1. The people of Moses’ day had encouraged their who was a carpenter. Part of our work was pouring con­ leader to allow them to divorce their present wives and crete walls. With wood, we formed a wall eight inches write them certificates of divorce. “If a man marries a wide and used struts to hold the forms apart until they woman who becomes displeasing to him because he could be filled with concrete. These walls were over 10 finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a feet high. Sometimes someone would drop a tool into the certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from form. Dad would lower me down into the form and then his house” (Deut. 24:1). lift me up with his right arm. I trusted him, or I would not 2. Jesus faced this question by stating that it was not have gone into the form at his request. I knew his right God’s plan, but permission was given because of the arm was strong enough. hardness of the people’s hearts. He said, “Moses permit­ 4. Do you know that God’s arm is strong enough to ted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were lift you from your sins and out of the difficulties of life? hard. But it was not this way from the beginning” (Matt. 19:8). III. What Is the Response of the Backslider? 3- By Isaiah’s day, many husbands were writing a bill A. Two areas that deal with sinners are addressed of divorce for any small repugnance they felt for their in 50:10: wives. 1. “Who among you fears the Lord . . . ?” (v. 10). A 4. The people of Israel were now asking God, “Why sinner is one without reverential fear, which can be de­ have You divorced or forsaken the people of Israel who fined as a dread of displeasing God. Sinners or back­ You had promised to treat as a wife?” sliders have willfully chosen to treat God as if He were weak, far away, and unconcerned with their situations. 5. God responded, “Where is your certificate of di­ 2. Those who walk in darkness have no light: “Let vorce?” God had not divorced the people of Israel; they him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the had abandoned Him. name of the Lord and rely on his God” (v. 10). B. God continued, “To which of my creditors did I a. “But the way of the wicked is like deep dark­ sell you?’’ (v. 1). ness” (Prov. 4:19). 1. The father in debt had a right under the law to sell b. “When . . . your eyes ... are bad, your body his children to his creditors until he could pay the bill also is full of darkness” (Luke 11:34). (Exod. 21:7; 2 Kings 4:1; Neh. 5:5, 8). c. “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because 2. The people of Israel had accused God of “selling” their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). them into captivity by the Babylonians. B. What is a backslider to understand? (vv. 10-11). 3- God responded: “To which of my creditors did I 1. To come to Jesus, he must fear the Lord and obey sell you?” To whom does God owe anything? God has no His servant. creditors; He has only debtors. a. “Come to me, all you who are weary and bur­ C. God, who is clearly in charge o f all things, chal­ dened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you lenged the accusations of the people. and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,

MARCH/A PR 11 /MAV R1 and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy had requested, the Bible. One bony finger pointed to and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30). Matt. 16:26: “What good will it be for a man if he gains b. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wis­the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” dom” (Ps. 111:10). Each one must answer that. 2. To be a Christian, he must walk in the light. a. Jesus is light. “In him was life, and that life was the light of men” (John 1:4). “The true light that SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER gives light to every man was coming into the world” (v. Organ Prelude 9). Hymn “O for a Thousand Tongues” b. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, Hymn “Grace Greater than Our Sin" we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Fellowship Choir Special “God’s Great Grace” Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Tithe and Offerings CONCLUSION: Prayer Chorus “O Come, All Ye Faithful” If you are a sinner (one who practices doing what he Pastoral Prayer knows God does not approve of), there is help and for­ Special Song “Bring Back the Glory” Message “LOVE THAT DOES NOT LET GO” giveness for you today. If you are a backslider (one who Closing Hymn “Just as I Am" has once known the forgiveness of God but who has Closing Prayer/Benediction turned again to his own way), Jesus calls you to come Organ Postlude back home today. ILLUS. Roman emperor Charlemagne was a famous Pastoral Prayer king. Legend has it that he asked to be entombed sitting In today’s prayer use a Scripture base for praise like upright on his throne. He asked that his crown be placed Psalm 23. Declare God’s powerful love and leadership on his head and his scepter in his hand. He requested for our lives and our church around the world. that his royal cape be draped around his shoulders and Creative Worship Ideas an open book be placed in his lap. Tithe and Offerings That was a d . 814. Nearly 200 years later, Emperor We give thanks today because “he first loved us" (1 Othello determined to see if the burial request had been John 4:19), and loving does not let us go. carried out. He allegedly sent a team of men to open the Benediction tomb and make a report. They found the body just as “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God’s Charlemagne had requested. However, the crown was wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or tilted, the mantle moth-eaten, the body disfigured. ill, Jesus is Lord!" Open on the skeletal thighs was the book Charlemagne

62 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE PRAISE, OUR RESPONSE TO LOVE by B. W. Hambrick Isa. 26:1-15, 19-21 April 5, 1992

INTRO: tual successes like a quarterback, we know God gets all As Christians, we come today to celebrate. We are not the credit. here to celebrate a crucifixion, but a resurrection! We do ILLUS. Corrie ten Boom was once asked how she han­ not bow before a crucifix, for Jesus is not on the Cross. He dled all the compliments she received. Her answer re­ has risen! Because He has defeated death and the grave, veals her understanding of her relationship to God. She we rejoice at the promise of eternity. said, “I see them like flowers. I smell them all day long. Isaiah pictures the feeling of God’s people as they When evening comes, I give them all to Him.” After all, glory in the strength of “the city of God.” It is a strength, God is the One who deserves them. not of material bulwarks, but of salvation, with its atten­ dant peace and blessedness. Here, too, the prophet de­ 2. When we walk in the ways (laws) of the Lord, His clares a faith that is mightier than death. “Death” is not name and His will are the desire of our hearts. When we the final word for the heroes of the faith. That word is truly love someone, we will do things we would not “resurrection.” otherwise be able to envision ourselves doing for that beloved one. I. The Song of Two Cities (vv. 1-6) Is an Alle­ gory of True and False Salvation 3. As spiritual people, night and day we long to see the Lord’s leadership that directs our lives and teaches A. There is the city o f our defense (vv. 1-4). people of the world about His righteousness. 1. We have a strong city. B. Isaiah describes the path o f the wicked. a. Its bulwarks are salvation (v. 1). Its walls and 1. “The wicked ... do not learn” (v. 10). Even fortifications are not dead stone but dynamic, inex­ though God’s people pray, fast, and reach out, and al­ haustible salvation. though God is constantly showing His majesty and b. Its gates are open to the loyal, righteous nation power, men and women do not all seek Him. God has who keeps faith and fidelity (v. 2). given everyone a free will. They can, and often do, choose c. The Lord is the Rock of Ages, the Rock eternal. to go on in their sins and disregard the majesty of the 2. It is a city of personal peace (v. 3)- Lord. a. The Lord himself guards with constant peace. 2. “Your hand is lifted high, but they do not see it” When the inmost nature is free from all equivocation, (v. 11). We would like to know how to cure this spiritual then a perfect peace ( sh a lo m ) abides. blindness. b. The inhabitants of the city enjoy perfect peace 3. Though it makes no sense to us Christians, people by trusting in the Lord in a troubled world. often choose to remain in their sins. c. The city of salvation is eternal (v. 4). III. Praise God for the Mighty Blessing of the B. Contrasted to this is the self-righteous, proud, Lord (vv. 12-15) a n d lofty city ( vv. 5-6). A. Give praise for what God has done. 1. “He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it 1. “You establish peace for us” (v. 12). down to the dust” (v. 5). Salvation is always false when it a. Peace is the missing ingredient in the sinner is proud and seeks selfish gain. God saves us to reach and because nothing satisfies. serve others, not for what we can get or gain. The many b. The Christian knows peace! “Not as the world benefits of true salvation are a by-product of living in the giveth” (John 14:27, KJV), but deep, quiet, and blessed city of salvation, not a result of our efforts or for our peace in our hearts. aggrandizement. 2. “All that we have accomplished you have done 2. Amazingly, God uses the oppressed and the poor for us” (v. 12). God is active in the Christian. He works to accomplish His task. Those who were once abused and in and through the believer until he can truly say, “All oppressed now trample the false city! that I have accomplished, You have done for me!” There’s no room for personal pride! II. The Song of the Soul’s Desire Is a Medita­ tion on the Ways of the Righteous and the 3- “Other lords besides you have ruled over us, but Wicked (vv. 7-10) your name alone do we honor” (v. 13). a. Only the truly repentant is willing to admit A. Isaiah describes the path o f the righteous. sinful obedience to “other lords” as the error of his way. 1. The path is level: “You make the way of the righ­But what praise it is to God when we can say, “I’ve been teous smooth” (v. 7). there, but I choose Jesus!” a. Like blockers on a football team, God runs in­ b. “They are now dead” (v. 14). God brings vic­ terference for us. While we may be cheered for our spiri­ tory over whatever ruled and controlled us. All lesser

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 63 gods will die. If materialism, sensualism, pride, greed, CONCLUSION: etc., all these will pass away! God, through His glorious love for us, has penetrated c. All lesser gods must die if we are to enjoy the our indifference, canceled the power of sin, and set us Lord’s peace. Since they cannot satisfy, since they will soon die, since they conflict with God’s will for us, they on the road to glorious victory leading to eternal salva­ tion! “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, must be destroyed by God’s power working in us to com­ pletely deliver us from their strong hold. is your sting?” (1 Cor. 15:55). d. The victory has already been won for us. “You punished them and brought them to ruin; you wiped out SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER all memory of them” (v. 14). Organ Prelude IV. There Is the Certainty of Eternal Life (vv. Hymn “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty” 19-21) Hymn “Love Lifted Me" From verse 14 it seems clear that Isaiah had little un­ Fellowship derstanding of eternal life. Yet, as his faith soars, he de­ Choir Special “It’s Just like His Great Love” clares: Tithe and Offerings Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who Prayer Chorus “Oh, How He Loves You and Me” Pastoral Prayer dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew Special Song “My Tribute” is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give Message “PRAISE, OUR RESPONSE TO LOVE” birth to her dead. . . . The earth will disclose the Closing Hymn “I Will Praise Him” blood shed upon her; she will conceal her slain no Closing Prayer/Benediction longer ( vv. 19, 2 1 ). Organ Postlude A. Isaiah’s hope pierces the confines o f death! He is convinced, having reviewed the power and majesty of Pastoral Prayer God, that this salvation is for all eternity! For the opening of the prayer, invite two or three spiri­ tual leaders to come to the microphone and give a two- B. Isaiah’s vision o f eternal salvation is harmoni­ sentence prayer for the needs of the church from their ous without expectations. service perspective, that is, youth leader would pray for 1. The dead will live again. the youth, etc. Conclude the prayer with the words of 2. There will be a bodily resurrection. “Jesus Loves Me.” 3. The resurrection will be accompanied with the Creative Worship Ideas shout of victory. Tithe and Offerings No single act we do more clearly reflects our atti­ 4. The grave is only the temporary dwelling place tude toward God than how freely we give. of the dead. Benediction 5. Resurrection will be a time of revelation, since “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God’s “the earth will disclose the blood shed upon her; she wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or will conceal her slain no longer” (v. 21). What horror ill, Jesus is Lord!” for the sinner! What victory for the saint!

6 4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE LOVE’S COMPLETE CARE by B. W. Hambrick Isaiah 53; John 19:17-30 April 12, 1992

INTRO: C. In the Upper Room Jesus showed His compassion Max Lucado, in his book No Wonder They Call Him fo r His disciples. Savior, writes of the beauty and grandeur of God’s dra­ As Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples matic display of love on the Cross: in the Upper Room, Satan was waiting to enter into Judas Nearing the climax of the story, God motivated by (John 13:27). The brow of Jesus was knitted; His eyes, love and directed by divinity, surprised everyone. He intense. A hush fell over the room as He spoke: “I tell became a man. In an untouchable mystery, He dis­ you the truth, one of you is going to betray me” (v. 21). guised himself as a carpenter and lived in a dusty Ju­ The group of men winced. Then Jesus added His in­ dean village. Determined to prove His love for His cre­ dicting words to Peter: “I tell you the truth, . . . before ation, He walked incognito through His own world. the rooster crows, you will disown me three times” His calloused hands touched wounds and His compas­ (Matt. 26:34). sionate tongue touched hearts. He became one of us. The disciples were stunned! Their Leader was about to be betrayed— and denied— with the betrayal and denial But as beautiful as this act of incarnation was, it was coming from within the ranks of those closest to Him. not the zenith. Like a master painter God reserved His No wonder they were deeply troubled. masterpiece until the end. All the earlier acts of love Jesus’ words of comfort flow: had been leading to this one. The angels hushed and Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; the heavens paused to witness the finale. God unveils trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; the canvas on which the ultimate act of creative com­ if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going passion is revealed. there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and pre­ God on the Cross. pare a place for you, I will come back and take you to The creator being sacrificed for the creation. God be with me that you also may be where I am. You convincing man once for all that forgiveness still fol­ know the way to the place where I am going (Joh n lows failure. 14:1-3). Matthew tells us that the Upper Room discourse was — Max Lucado, No Wonder They Call Him Savior (Portland, Oreg: Multnomah j Press, 1 9 8 6 ). 5 7 -5 8 . closed with a hymn. After the hymn, they went to the Mount of Olives to pray and to await the betrayal I. Death Was Jesus’ Constant Companion (26:30). “Born to die” has been a phrase used to speak of the After the hymn, Jesus spoke again. This time His words violent and rebellious of our generation and others. The were comprehensive: “This very night you will all fall phrase describes Jesus, who lived in the shadow of the away on account of me, for it is written, ‘I will strike the Cross. By the time He was two, an assassination attempt shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered’ ” by Herod sent His family to Egypt. Learning to read from (v. 31). the Old Testament, He no doubt learned the prophecies Peter verbalizes his undying loyalty: “Even if all fall of His death, and at 33, when most men were beginning away on account of you, I never will” (v. 33). “Even if I their careers, His ended. have to die with you, I will never disown you” (v. 35). All the others echoed Peter’s resolve. But Jesus’ words A. Jesus came to die. would stand. The Shepherd would be struck down; the sheep would be scattered. 1. The purpose of Jesus’ death is recorded in the obituary of Isa. 53:3-7. II. Jesus Moves Toward the Cross

2. Jesus was a baby born to die. A. Jesus led His disciples to the little garden spot known as Gethsemane to pray. He would have the oth­ B. Of how much o f His destiny was Jesus aware? ers sit and wait while He took Peter, James, and John with 1. Following the incident in which Peter acknowl­ Him. Jesus stood on the dark precipice overlooking the edged Jesus to be the Messiah, He began to prepare His valley of death. For the world to have light, He would disciples for His suffering and His death. have to suffer the darkness of death: “From that time on Jesus began to explain to His disci­ Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with ples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer . . . be sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may said. ‘This shall never happen to You!’ Jesus . . . said . . . this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ ” (Matt. 16:21-23)- will” (vv. 38-39). The vigilante mob arrived (v. 47). The kiss of Judas 2. Jesus spoke of His death on the Cross several sealed the betrayal (w. 48-49). The Shepherd was taken times: Matt. 17:22-23; 20:17-19; 26:1-2; and 26:10-12. captive (w. 50-55), and the sheep were scattered (v. 56).

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 6 5 B. The trials of Jesus were a terrible miscarriage of only to His suffering but also to His task— to save people ju stice. There were a total of six trials that sleepless from their sins (Matt. 1:21). night: The first three were conducted by Jewish author­ D. It was a cry of victory, a cry o f accomplishment, ities and concerned religious questions. The final three and a cry o f relief. Jesus would exchange His thorns for concerned civil questions and were conducted by Roman a crown, His nakedness for a robe, His disgrace for glory, authorities. and His wounds for worship. The Jewish trials were as follows: (1) Annas, father-in- law of Caiaphas the high priest, examined Jesus (John CONCLUSION: 18:12-24); (2) Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin quickly con­ The message of the Cross focuses on the triumphant act demned Him, found Him guilty of blasphemy, then of Jesus, whose blood alone is adequate to cover our sin. mocked and beat Him (Matt. 26:57-68); (3 ) the San­ hedrin “sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death” (Luke 22:66-71). SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER The Roman trials were as follows: (1) Pilate, governor of Judea, found Jesus innocent, but passed the buck to Organ Prelude Herod because Jesus was from Galilee (Luke 23:4-7); (2) Hymn “Fairest Lord Jesus” Hymn “My Wonderful Lord” Herod found no guilt in Jesus and sent Him back to Pi­ Fellowship late’s court (w. 14-15); and finally (3) Pilate again de­ Scripture Reading Isaiah 53 clared Jesus innocent (v 14). Facing a riot, Pilate suc­ Choir Special “Love Divine” cumbed to the pressure of the crowd, washed his hands Tithe and Offerings from the guilt of shedding innocent blood, and gave Jesus Prayer Chorus “0 to Be like Thee” over to be crucified (Matt. 27:24-26). Pastoral Prayer Special Song “There Is a Savior” III. The Crucifixion Followed a Sleepless Night Message “LOVE'S COMPLETE CARE” of Indignities Closing Hymn “Jesus Paid It All" A. False witnesses, slandering, beatings, thorns Closing Prayer/Benediction Organ Postlude placed on the King o f Kings’ head, a robe and scepter o f mock royalty, more scourging, more mocking. By 9 am, His hands and feet were nailed to a rough-cut cross Pastoral Prayer that was lifted up and dropped with a dull thud into Gol­ The prayer for this morning should be one that re­ gotha’s brow. From noon to three, darkness fell over the flects our desire to be like Jesus. Mention specific needs earth— truly the darkest hours of human history. John like attitudes, actions, dealing with our hurts, and fail­ records the final minutes of this tragic event: ures. Personalize it to the needs of the congregation. Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so Creative Worship Ideas that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am Tithe and Offerings thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked May our joy in giving today be like that of the a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop Macedonians, who “urgently pleaded . . . for the privi­ lege of sharing in this service to the saints” (2 Cor plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had re­ 8:4). ceived the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, Palm Sunday he bowed his head and gave up his spirit ( Jo h n On Palm Sunday, the children enjoy waving palm 19:28-30). branches and marching during the service. Their B. Jesus takes a drink, as if to clear His parched march would be a great complement to the singing of throat so that His clarion call could be heard by all: "It “My Wonderful Lord.” Benediction is finished.” “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God’s C. It may have seemed like the darkest moment in wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or history, but these words pierced through the darkness ill, Jesus is Lord!” with the brilliance of sunlight! These words refer not

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66 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE LOVE BRINGS JUSTICE by B. W. Hambrick Isa. 59:9-21 April 19, 1992

INTRO: strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Today the effects of sin are labeled as social injustices. him” (2 Chron. 16:9). They are seen everywhere: homelessness, alcoholism, drug addiction, abuses, drunk driving, starvation, cruelty, 2. “He was appalled that there was no one to inter­ diseases, and more. The situations of our world today vene” (v. 16). Through God’s direction, the law, self-will, seem overwhelming: women are attacked on our streets; and human effort, they had established the priesthood, lives are taken unnecessarily at the hands of a drunken officials to settle disputes, judges, prophets, and even a driver; AIDS victims willfully, maliciously, and viciously king. But as God spoke through Isaiah, there was no one infect others; greed controls financial marketplaces; and to intercede for the people! the list is endless. II. God’s Love Established His Own Justice Is there no justice? What is to become of society? If System God loves mankind so much, why doesn’t He intervene? It is based upon what Jesus has done for us on the We can certainly identify with the words: Cross: Justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for A. “His own arm worked salvation for him ” ( v. 16). brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. . . . We look for justice, but find none; for deliverance, but it is far 1. “He put on the garments of vengeance” (v. 17). away ( vv. 9, 11). This was the scarlet robe for mockery (Matt. 27:28), as He was brought to man’s judgment: “Crucify him!” I. Love Sees the Big Picture 2. He “wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak” (v. A. God realistically sees m an’s sinful condition, one 17). His zeal caused Him to give His life that we may re­ with which Isaiah and we can identify. God sees what ceive salvation. Jesus determined that He must go to Jeru­ we already know. salem (Luke 9:51). 1. “Our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins B. “His own righteousness sustained him ” (v. 16). testify against us” (v. 12). Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, me?” (Matt. 27:46). nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have 1. “He put on righteousness as his breastplate” (v. separated you from your God; your sins have hidden 17), but it did not stop the spear jabbed into His side. his face from you, so that he will not hear ( vv. 1-2). God knows us well. He sees our failures and sins as they 2. “The helmet of salvation on his head” (v. 17). testify against us to separate us from His presence. Jesus had nothing more than a crown of thorns. 2. “Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowl­ ILLUS. In the book Six Hours One Friday, Max Lucado edge our iniquities: rebellion and treachery against the tells the haunting memory Franciszek Gajowniczek has of Lord, turning our backs on our God, fomenting oppres­ Maximilian Kolbe. Kolbe truly exemplified the gentle­ sion and revolt, uttering lies our hearts have conceived” ness of Christ in the German camp of Auschwitz. He was (w. 12-13). actually known as the “Saint of Auschwitz.” After a prisoner had escaped the guards, following B. While we try to rise above sin, God understands their normal custom they vowed to randomly select 10 the need o f our hearts and recognizes the helplessness from the roll book who were to be sent to a cell where o f our situation. they would starve to death. The 10th name the com­ 1. Everything man tries fails: “So justice is driven mandant called was that of Gajowniczek. Gajowniczek back, and righteousness stands at a distance” (v. 14). began to cry aloud, “My wife and my children!” The officers raised their rifles as movement occurs 2. Everything we believe in will not work: “Truth is among the prisoners. It is Kolbe. They shout for him to nowhere to be found” (v. 15). stop or be shot. “I want to talk to the commander.” Kol­ 3. We become the object of scorn: “Whoever shuns be stops a few feet from the commandant and says, “Herr evil becomes a prey” (v. 15). Kommandant, I wish to make a request, please. I want to die in the place of this prisoner,” as he pointed at Gajow­ C. God accurately assesses the problem. “The Lord niczek. “I have no wife or children. Besides, I am old looked and was displeased that there was no justice” (v. and not good for anything. He’s in better condition.” 15). The request was granted, and the Saint of Auschwitz 1. “He saw that there was no one” (v. 16). We func­outlived the other nine. He didn’t die of starvation, but tion better and have strength when we don’t have to stand of phenol injected into his heart by the camp doctor on alone. God still seeks us: August 14, 1941. “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to Gajowniczek survived the Holocaust and returned to

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 6 7 his own hometown. Every year he goes back to Ausch­ CONCLUSION: witz on August 14 to say thank you to the man who died God understands you and your need today. He offers in his place. In his own backyard there is a plaque he you salvation through His mercy, love, and sacrifice. Re­ carved with his own hands. It is a tribute to Maximilian ceive Him now. Enjoy His blessings forever! Kolbe— the man who died so that he could live. C. The result of Jesus’ action is that men have come to revere His name. “Men will fear the name of the SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Lord” (v. 19). Organ Prelude 1. According to what men have done, so will he re­ Hymn “Arise, My Soul, Arise" pay (v. 18): Hymn “Under the Atoning Blood” a. “Wrath to his enemies” Fellowship b. “Retribution to his foes” Choir Special “There Is a Fountain/Amazing Grace” c. Each will receive his just due. Tithe and Offerings Prayer Chorus “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus” 2. “Men will fear the name of the Lord . . . they will Pastoral Prayer revere his glory” (v. 19). The Lord will protect His Special Song “Jesus, Lord to Me” name. Ezekiel said: Message “LOVE BRINGS JUSTICE” Therefore say to the house of Israel, “This is what Closing Hymn the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, O Closing Prayer/Benediction house of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but Organ Postlude for the sake of my holy name, which you have pro­ faned among the nations where you have gone. I will Pastoral Prayer show the holiness of my great name, which has been Lift to the Lord the local needs, praise, and adoration. profaned among the nations, the name you have pro­ Close the prayer by having the congregation join in the faned among them. Then the nations will know that I Lord’s Prayer. am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I show Creative Worship Ideas myself holy through you before their eyes” (E zek. Tithe and Offerings 36:22-23). “All this abundance . . . it comes from your hand, 3- “He will come like a pent-up flood that the and all of it belongs to you” (1 Chron. 29:16). We give breath of the Lord drives along” (v. 19). today because of the abundance of God’s gifts to us! Invitation III. All Will See the Majesty of Christ Many people only attend church on Easter and Christmas. Therefore, this service is planned for an in­ A. He will come to the holy place “Zion" ( v. 20). — vitation at the close of the Easter Sunday message. It B. He will come to those who repent o f their sins (v. is a tragedy that many of those who say, “I have never 20). seen an invitation given in my church," are also those who attend on special days when we think it unfitting C. He will establish His covenant with them forever! to invite them to accept Christ as their personal Sav­ (v. 21 ). ior. “My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have Benediction put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God’s or from the mouths of your children, or from the wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or mouths of their descendants from this time on and for­ ill, Jesus is Lord!” ever,” says the Lord (v. 2 1 ).

BEYOND BELIEF

Max Lucado, Six Hours One Friday (Portland, Oreg.: Multnomah Press, 1989), 65-68.

68 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE SALVATION BY G O D’S LOVE by B. W. Hambrick Isa. 1:10-20 April 26, 1992

INTRO: and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hun­ Imagine the scene. It is one of the great Hebrew festi­ gry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all vals. The Temple courts are filled with the jostling, that is in it. Do I eat flesh of bulls or drink the blood clamorous crowd. The air is filled with the sound of the of goats? Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your lowing cattle, the bleating of sheep. It is thick with the vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of smoke of burnt offerings, heavy with the scent of in­ trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me cense. Worshipers assume the postures of prayer. They (Ps. 50:8-15). have the appearance of piety. They show scrupulous at­ tention to liturgical detail. It is a spectacle to move one C. Their worship was empty. to admiration of a devout people who spare no pains to 1. They had become guilty of seeking to worship make this worship magnificent in its fervor and in its God as though approaching an idol. He responded as He setting. was treated, as an idol. An idol could not open its eyes, Isaiah seems to agree that it was, indeed, a spectacle. so He would not open His eyes. The idol could not hear, But he sees the judgment that is in the eyes of God as He so He would not hear their multiplied prayers. views this hollow mockery. His message is that no splen­ dor of worship can compensate for the complete dis­ 2. In closing His eyes and ears, God was rejecting regard of His moral demands in social relationship. He the worship even as He prepared to bring judgment sees, in the ostentation of the service and the assumed upon the worshipers. piety of the people, sheer hypocrisy; for this congrega­ 3- The prophet points out to the nation that God is tion, so vocal in praise, so fervent in response, is made far more concerned with right relations between people up of people whose hands are bloodstained, whose eyes than with scrupulous regard for public demonstrations are hot with lust and greed, whose fortunes are built on of worship. crimes, and whose hearts have hardened against justice. They had shut their ears against the tears of little chil­ D. Isaiah dreams a vivid picture o f the violent con­ dren and brokenhearted women. Against this, cries Isa­ trast between what men do in church and what they iah, the anger of God is kindled. To use the hearty lan­ are in daily life. God forced them to look at their own guage of the street, God is fed up with this meaningless miserable conditions. display of hypocrites aping piety. II. God Gives Responsibility to Every Man (vv. To that crowd of misguided, hypocritical people, Isa­ 16-17) iah speaks. A. God holds all people accountable. Not until the I. Isaiah Describes Man’s Despicable Condi­ lost one is found in his unhappiness, shame, and need, tion (vv. 10-15) can he be taken home again, forgiven.

A. Isaiah sees the condition as deplorable. Isaiah lik­ ILLUS. Recently I had a call at 2:30 a .m . on a Sunday ened the rulers to the rulers of Sodom and the people to morning. The voice on the other end of the line was of a those of Gomorrah. young man who attends the church from time to time, 1. Sodom and Gomorrah were offensive names to especially when he needs something or is in trouble. He Isaiah’s hearers. said, “Pastor, can you talk to me? I’m lonely.” “Is there something wrong?” I questioned. 2. Isaiah was pressing home his point of their offen­ “No, I’m just lonely and wondered if you would talk to siveness toward God. me.” B. Isaiah implied that there is an abundance o f sac­ Calling him by name, I said, “You’ve been drinking rifice beyond the divine requirements. again. You’re lonely, and it’s the middle of the night, but I can’t help you. If your need was spiritual, or physical, 1. God was nauseated by their attitudes and ac­ or if you were sober, we might be able to talk about tions. some important things. However, you’ve asked me to do 2. Their worship was a ritual divorced from peni­ something I can’t do on a Saturday night, when I know tence— actions that God hates. that I must be at my best for the people who will be in church tomorrow. Sorry.” 3- They offered their sacrifices as if God needed to As God’s representative, we, too, must hold people ac­ be fed by them. God clearly sets the record straight: countable. If a person is ready to change, we can help I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt him. Beyond that need, I find that I am limited! offerings, which are ever before me. I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for 1. Isaiah instructs them to take action, not as a dis­ every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a play for others but for themselves! “Stop doing wrong!” thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, 2. Isaiah’s rapid-fire style in these two verses under­

M ARCH/APRIL/MAY 6 9 scores the authority and urgency of God’s commands to His will. Rejection and rebellion lead to an end: you His people. However, sinful man has a tough time ac­ write your own death sentence. cepting the truth. A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages CONCLUSION: against the Lord ( P rov. 19:3)■ By His love, God guides us in spite of our rebellious nature until He has safely guided us into the experience B. If public action is to be taken, it is for social rea­ of full salvation. Do you know the Lord’s forgiveness to­ sons like justice and defense of the fatherless. What day? Isaiah says of them can be said of our service today.

C. Isaiah helps Israel see that the only worship SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER worthy o f God, the only worship He seeks from men, is Organ Prelude the praise o f lives that in justice, righteousness, unself­ Hymn “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” ishness, and purity reveal His character and will. This Hymn “Love Lifted Me” cannot be done through worship alone, through preach­ Fellowship ing alone, or by any institutional method, but only Choir Special “Oh, What Love” through lives that reflect His Spirit and do His will. Tithe and Offerings Prayer Chorus “O to Be like Thee” D. God honors man by giving him a part to play in Pastoral Prayer his own salvation. Love wins its victory through pen­ Special Song “Only Jesus/Calvary Love’’ itence and forgiveness finding its completion in obe­ Message “SALVATION BY GOD’S LOVE” dience. Closing Hymn “My Wonderful Lord” Closing Prayer/Benediction III. God Provides for Solvation (vv. 18-20) Organ Postlude

A. S a lv a tio n is r e a s o n a b le . The word used here means to state opposing cases as in a courtroom trial. Pastoral Prayer Begin prayer by quoting or reading Ps. 84:1-4. Con­ B. Salvation is transforming. “Like scarlet . . . as clude the prayer with the needs of the local, general, and snow” and “red as crimson . . . like wool” (v. 18). international situations of the week. Close with praise for God’s great love. C. Salvation is conditional. “If you are willing and Creative Worship Ideas obedient” (v. 19)- The assurance of mercy must always Tithe and Offerings be preceded by a penitent’s cry for mercy. Forgiveness is Quote the chorus of “Oh, What Love,” and invite the the divine possibility. “If we confess our sins, he is faith­ congregation to share their love through their tithes ful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us and their love gifts to God. from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Benediction “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God’s D. Salvation is consequential. “But if you resist and wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or rebel, you will be devoured by the sword” (v. 20). God ill, Jesus is Lord!” calls each of us to show our repentance in obedience to

7 0 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE LOVE’S HOLY STANDARD by B. W. Hambrick Isa. 28:16-26 May 3, 1992

INTRO: II. Jesus Is a Righteous Plumb Line (v. 17) The Tacoma Narrows Bridge was constructed years God promised, “I will make justice the measuring line ago. It was considered an engineering wonder. Its suc­ and righteousness the plumb line” (v. 17). cess was such that an insurance company made it their A. Israel viewed righteousness: “If we are careful to corporate symbol. However, a powerful wind began to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has com­ blow through the narrows. The bridge began to sway and manded us, that will be our righteousness” (Deut. finally fell into the water below. Why? The bridge was 6:25). too rigid. There was no room for give-and-take in its de­ sign. Under the constant pressure of the wind, it could 1. Righteousness was based on the law and their only fall. ability to keep it. The failure of the bridge is much like the contrast be­ 2. They strove to keep this righteousness based on tween law and love. Law sets a standard, an all-encom- law: “I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I passing standard. All actions will be uniform. All par­ will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my righteous­ ticipants will know the bottom line and have equal op­ ness and never let go of it; my conscience will not re­ portunity to keep the law! On the other hand, love has proach me as long as I live” (Job 27:5-6). as its objective the needs of the person. Uniformity is 3- A few in the Old Testament were able to break replaced by compassion. Equal opportunity is replaced out beyond this limited view of righteousness. Most peo­ by equal access. The emphasis shifts from keeping a ple lived in bondage to the law and its ability to give standard to maintaining a relationship. righteousness until Jesus came. According to Jesus, this This is a difference between the Old Testament and righteousness was inadequate to bring salvation: “unless the New Testament view of righteousness. This differ­ your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and ence makes the words of Isaiah an exciting new revela­ the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the tion from God. He introduces us to a love relationship kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). with Jesus: I. A Precious Cornerstone; II. A Righteous Plumb Line; and III. A Full Exposure of Our Need. B. The standard of righteousness introduced by Jesus and maintained in the New Testament is a righ­ I. Jesus Is a Precious Cornerstone (v. 16) teousness based on a right relationship to the person This verse refers to Jesus Christ. He is presented here o f Jesus Christ. “Seek first his kingdom and his righ­ and elsewhere as: teousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33). A. Jesus is a tested stone: “We have one who has been 1. Paul says, “For in the gospel [Good News] a righ­ tempted in every way, just as we are— yet was without teousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is sin” (Heb. 4:15). He identifies with us. by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righ­ teous will live by faith’ ” (Rom. 1:17). “A righteousness B. Jesus is a precious cornerstone. from God, apart from law, has been made known, to 1. Paul says, “Christ Jesus himself as the chief cor­ which the Law and the Prophets testify” (3:21). nerstone” (Eph. 2:20). 2. The failure of the past standard versus the present is found in Gal. 2:21: “I do not set aside the 2. Peter quotes the following passage, separating grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained those who view Jesus as “precious” from those who re­ through the law, Christ died for nothing!” ject Him, declaring that as you come to him, the living Stone— rejected by C. As a result o f giving himself as a fulfillment of men but chosen by God and precious to him— you the law and the plumb line of righteousness, the also . . . are being built into a spiritual house to be a words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount take on holy priesthood (1 Pet. 2:4-5). exciting new revelation and meaning. His words do It is the value that we assign Him that determines His not give a new list of regulations, but a description of work through us to make us His holy people. our rich, full, and miraculously satisfying relationship with Jesus Christ himself, in attitude (Matt. 5:3-12), in C. Jesus is the sure Foundation. relationship to the needs of the world around us (w. 13-16), in relationship to the law of God (w. 17-42), in 1. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of service (5:43— 6:18), in our reward (6:19-24), and in your throne; love and faithfulness go before you” (Ps. simply being and doing (6:25— 7:27). 89:14). D. /4 s the embodiment o f Love, Jesus’ love inevitably 2. “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a leads to obedience. Obedience is evidence of love. As rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the John said, “In him verily is the love of God perfected: fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure” (Isa. 33:6). hereby know we that we are in him” (1 John 2:5, KJV). III. Jesus Brings a Full Exposure of Our Need (vv. 17-26) SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER The remaining verses of the passage express the many Organ Prelude ways in which our self-righteousness, legal codes, and Hymn “0 God, Our Help in Ages Past’’ keeping of the law are exposed. Hymn “Sound the Battle Cry” Fellowship A. Isaiah gives a warning. Notice the power of these Choir Special phrases from verses 17-18, 20: “God of Our Fathers/When I Survey/The Love of God” Hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie ( v. 17). Tithe and Offerings Water will overflow your hiding place (v. 17). Prayer Chorus “He Is Lord” Your covenant . . . will be annulled ( v. 18). Pastoral Prayer Your agreement with the grave will not stand ( v. Scripture Reading Isa. 28:1-26 18). Special Song “Because of Who You Are” When the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you Message “LOVE’S HOLY STANDARD” will be beaten down by it ( v. 18). Closing Hymn “Lead On, O King Eternal” Closing Prayer/ Benediction The bed is too short to stretch out on, the blanket Organ Postlude too narrow to wrap around you ( v. 20 ).

B. Isaiah encouraged Israel in the common lan­ Pastoral Prayer guage o f the day as he describes faith with great sim­ Pray for the saints who have faithfully gone before. plicity: Express praise for those who give themselves today in Now stop your mocking. . . . Listen and hear my service around the world and for those whom God will voice. . . . God instructs him and teaches him the right call to be leaders in His Church of tomorrow. way ( vv. 22-23, 26 ). Creative Worship Ideas 1. A farmer does not plow continually (v. 24). Tithe and Offerings 2. When the farmer has leveled the surface, he In the offering today, “Each man should give what plants his seed (v. 25). he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And 3- When the seed is planted, the farmer awaits the God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that harvest. in all things at all times, having all that you need, you C. When we have received Jesus, we receive His lead­ will abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:7-8). ership and wait for Him to bring His results! Benediction “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God’s CONCLUSION: wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or It is time to celebrate a rich, powerful, and glorious ill, Jesus is Lord!” relationship with Jesus that truly changes our lives!

7 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE LOVE INCARNATE by B. W. Hambrick Isa. 9:2-7 May 10, 1992

INTRO: C. Jesus was undiminished Deity, the eternal Son of Military occupation is a terrible thing! It is tragic at God given to redeem man from the Fall. every point of history when one people have controlled Jesus spoke creation into existence, shaped humanity another. The Germans occupied Mons, Belgium, for four from the dust of the earth, and breathed into us His and one-half years prior to the night of November 11, breath of life. 1918. Throughout that night, the darkness had been shot through with the lurid flash of gunfire. The stac­ III. Here Is Inherent Royalty cato chatter of machine guns echoed through deserted A. “And the government shall be upon his shoulder’’ streets. But at dawn, the last German outpost withdrew. (v. 6, KJV) is a poetic way o f saying, “He’s going to From barred and shuttered homes, the people streamed rule.’’ out into the streets. Down the street sped the cry, “Hang “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: / ‘God is out your flags.” The sun rose on Mons, a city of banners, not dead, nor doth He sleep; / The wrong shall fail, the and illuminated the joy of those who for four and a half right prevail, / With peace on earth, goodwill to men’ ” years had dwelt in darkness. They walked free! (Longfellow). Isaiah saw in his vision the future of a great deliv­ erance. The enemy has gone, the captains and kings have B. The Lord’s promise to rule will not be fully satis­ departed. Gone was the threat of slavery; the agents and fied until Jesus carries the responsibility o f all govern­ instruments of destruction, bloodstained tunics, broken ment in the 1,000-year reign o f peace. swords, and the boots that trampled roughshod over a shaking land. The people were in the fire. The smoke of IV. Here Is Unique Identity their burning proclaims the blessed peace that had “And his name shall be called” (v. 6, KJV). The an­ fallen on the delivered people. gelic messenger to Joseph instructed, “Name him Jesus The King was coming! He was to come as a child, but (meaning ‘Savior’) for he will save his people from their with “healing in his wings” (Mai. 4:2, KJV). “The peo­ sins” (Matt. 1:21, TLB). ple walking in darkness have seen a great light. . . . For A. Here is faultless discernability. “And he will be to us a child is born, to us a son is given” (w. 2, 6). called Wonderful Counselor’’ (v. 6). I. Here Is Perfect Humanity: “To Us a Child Is 1. The name “Wonderful Counselor” should not Born” suggest the imagery of a clergyman, lawyer, psychol­ ogist, or other professional in an office conferring coun­ A. God had promised a sign to identify the righ­ sel on a searching inquirer. Rather, it speaks of one of teous One when He appeared on the stage of human the Lord’s characteristics while governing during the history (7:14). Kingdom age. B. God prom ised the sign to identify the appearance 2. The prophet wrote, “The Spirit of the Lord will of the Son o f God among men: “a virgin shall conceive, rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understand­ and bear a son” (7:14, KJV). ing, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. . . . He will not 1. Jesus was born of a virgin. judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what 2. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. he hears with his ears” (11:2-3). 3- Because the Lord is omniscient, He will intu­ C. The result was a holy child—perfect humanity. itively know right from wrong. Man could have been perfect had sin not entered the hu­ man race in the Garden of Eden. Yet, Jesus was infinitely B. Here is absolute authority: “He will be called . . . more than perfect humanity. Mighty God." In the Old Testament, there were times that the best intentions turned sour and the people’s II. Here Is Undiminished Deity: “To Us a Son Is rebellion often frustrated the plans of God. Given” As “Mighty God,” He has absolute authority. He is not limited by time, space, or need! A. Jesus experienced physical birth. C. Here is endless longevity: “He will be called . . . B. Jesus existed before His physical birth. Everlasting Father.” “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me 1. On occasion, a good king ascended to the throne one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are of Israel, like David, Solomon, Hezekiah, and Josiah. But from of old, from ancient times” (Mic. 5:2). these good kings died. Inevitably government would Jesus himself declared His preexistence: “Before Abra­ ebb and flow, as governors came and went. ham was born, I am!” (John 8:58). 2. Since Jesus and the Father are eternally one,

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 7 3 Jesus will not die. There is no ebb or flow of His mercy fess” (Phil. 2:9-11, TLB). His peace is for whosoever or of His benefits. He is the “Everlasting Father.” will! 3. Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and for­ ILLUS. Evangelist Don Lohr told the story from En­ ever! (See Heb. 13:8.) glish history of the wealthy baron named Fitzgerald who had only one son. The son went off to war, where he D. Here is enduring tranquillity: “He will be called died. Fitzgerald never got over the loss of his son, his . . Prince o f Peace." only heir. As his wealth increased, Fitzgerald continued 1. Peace comes in two dimensions: vertical rela­ to invest in paintings by the masters. At his death, his tionship is between God and man; horizontal rela­ will called for all his paintings to be sold. Because of the tionship is between man and man. The latter builds on quality of the art in his holdings, a message was sent to the former. Jesus came to reconcile both. collectors and museums. A great crowd gathered for ILLUS. Occasionally we receive a package carrying what was to be an auction. the message: “One of two.” It is the shipper’s way of say­ When the day of the auction came and the large ing, “You have not received everything. Another package crowd was assembled, the attorney read from the will of is to follow.” Fitzgerald. It instructed that the first painting to be sold When the second package comes, it is usually marked, was the painting “of my beloved son.” The painting was “Two of two.” That means, “You got it all. There is no of poor quality from an insignificant painter. The only more to come.” bidder was the old servant who had known the boy and One day God sent a package to earth— a very special had loved him. For a small sum of money he bought it gift. It was Deity wrapped in the package of humanity. for its sentimental value and the memories that it held. Jesus was “Immanuel”— “God with us” (Isa. 7:14, mar­ The attorney again read from the will, “Whoever buys gin; Matt. 1:23). But His glory was veiled within His my son gets it all. The auction is over.” flesh. He came to taste death for every man. God’s pack­ That’s the way it is with Jesus. Whoever chooses Him age, however, contained the message, “One of two.” For gets all that God has— His only Son, loved of the Father, as wonderful as the First Advent was, God has promised a gift to broken people. a Second Advent— another package. When it arrives, it will carry this thought: “Two of two.” It will signify; “You’ve got it all. There’s no more to come. Nothing can SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER be added.” The coming of Jesus as a Babe in a manger is the first Organ Prelude package. The second is yet to come, for Jesus will return Hymn “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” again. The next time, He will be wrapped in glory to Hymn “How Great Thou Art” rule and reign with perfect wisdom and omnipotent Fellowship power. Choir Special “Reaching” Although the second package has not yet arrived, its Tithe and Offerings Prayer Chorus “His Name Is Life" coming is certain, a matter of divine timing. However, Pastoral Prayer God has been pleased to give some previews of coming Special Song “Shepherd Boy" attractions, revealing what it will be like when the sec­ Message “LOVE INCARNATE” ond package arrives. Hear the inspired penman: Closing Hymn “Follow On” The government will be on his shoulders. And he Closing Prayer/Benediction will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Organ Postlude Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6).

2. The great Day of the Lord shall come in fullness: Pastoral Prayer The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the Read or quote Rom. 11:33-36. Praise God for His care leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and for His people, His mercy on the sinner, and His grace the young lion and the fatling together; and a little that reaches us all. Make the prayer time a special decla­ child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall ration of His greatness. feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the Creative Worship Ideas lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child Tithe and Offerings shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child Prayer for the offering is linked to the choir special shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall “Reaching,” God’s reaching and ours. not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the Incarnation Message earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the A message on the Incarnation and the important waters cover the sea (Isa. 11:6-9, KJV). role Mary fulfilled in giving Christ birth and in His life and ministry is not an accident! There is no greater CONCLUSION: model of surrender for the greater will of God in all Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Christianity than that of Mary and Jesus’ incarnation. Everlasting Father, He is the Sar Shalom— the Prince of Benediction Peace. While people talk of peace, Jesus comes in love “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God's to each of us, making peace a reality. There is coming a wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or day when His peace will be lived out by all men, when ill, Jesus is Lord!” “every knee shall bow . . . and every tongue shall con­

7 4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE LOVE RENEWS US by R. E. Snodgrass Isa. 41:17-29 May 17, 1992

INTRO: 2. Can they predict coming events? John had partied all night. When he looked in his wal­ 3- If the idols can do this, they are God’s equals and let and realized what the night before had cost him, he can be trusted to predict the future. Then God says, “Let knew something had to change. He, his wife, three- them show themselves.” month-old baby, and three-year-old child were having a tough enough time living on military pay. When his B. The idols were challenged to do simply anything. mind flashed back to the night before, going out with 1. Do something good for your people. his buddies drinking and his money spent, he knew it wasn’t worth it. In that moment, away from home at a 2. Do something bad toward your enemies. six-week military school, he committed his life to God. 3. Do anything to prove you have any power. His life has been different since then. On the third Sunday after his conversion, he stood be­ C. God declares idols to be nothing (v. 24). fore the entire congregation and gave his testimony of 1. Listen to the wise man of old: “Of what value is how God wonderfully had cared for him, protected him an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that through the years, and now had brought him back to the teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own cre­ “faith of his childhood.” His mother reports that he ation; he makes idols that cannot speak” (Hab. 2:18). sounds like he’s been a Christian for years! That’s a 2. Today’s idols are the same as idols of old. They changed life! are the images of man’s own making— success, power, God’s people were in Babylonian exile. They felt things, control— anything that occupies man’s interest alone, rejected, and lost. They felt their God had be­ so that it pushes God out of His supreme place in man’s trayed and abandoned them. But God hadn’t moved; they affection and service. had! Yet, they felt the loss: “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched III. God Summarizes the Evidence (vv. 25-29) with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them” (v. 17). A. God raised up Cyrus the king to come from the north and the east. It was thought that Cyrus may have I. God Deals Mercifully with His People (vv. come to believe in God. Perhaps as a believer, he had 17-20) allowed the building of the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:2). A. The thirsty receive abundant water (v. 18). B. Nebuchadnezzar became God’s tool to punish 1. The Bible instructs us that the wilderness His own rebellious people (2 Chron. 36:15-21). through which we travel is being unaware of God’s pres­ 1. Let this be a lesson to people of our day. If we ence. forget God, God will use another people to be a thorn in 2. God is always with us, whether we are in the our side or even to defeat us. land of exile or at peace in our hometown. 2. Which idol foretold that would happen? (v. 26). 3- If God resides in our own hearts, we can be joy­ The answer is none. ful anywhere. C. God announces that He is the first to tell the B. God promises days o f refreshing. To the traveling message o f victory. Israelite, happiness was determined by the abundance of 1. All others only counterfeited God’s message. His streams among the barren hills and the highland plains. foreknowledge made him “the first” or the divine (v. The sight of an oasis with trees and watered lands gave 27). assurance that God still cared (w. 18-19). In the Orient, water equals relief from suffering and deliverance from 2. The idols are nothing, pathetically lacking in death— with gladness, salvation, and life itself. strength to aid their worshipers (w. 28-29). D. God alone is worthy of our confidence, trust, C. God still has days o f refreshing for us. and regard as the true God, Protector, and Guide. In 1. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out mytimes of deepest distress, God can raise a deliverer like Spirit on all people” (Acts 2:17). Cyrus. In His own way and time, God will rescue His people from all their calamities. II. God Challenges Their Idols (vv. 21-24) CONCLUSION: A. Instead of Satan and his idols challenging God, Are you depending on the wrong things for meaning God him self steps out and places a challenge to them and purpose? Are you away from the God who loves you (vv. 21-22). and gave himself for you? Christian, do you sometimes 1. Do idols have insight into the future? feel alone? empty? barren? God wants you to know today

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 7 5 that He is able and willing to run a river of joy through your spirit. Are there times of defeat and discouragement? God wants you to be renewed and refreshed. Take new cour­ age in who He is and what He can do.

SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Organ Prelude Hymn “How Firm a Foundation" Hymn “Grace Greater than Our Sin” Fellowship Choir Special “He Giveth More Grace” Tithe and Offerings Prayer Chorus “Oh, How He Loves You and Me” Pastoral Prayer Special Song “Touch Your People Once Again” Message “LOVE RENEWS US” Closing Hymn “Softly and Tenderly” Closing Prayer/Benediction Organ Postlude

Pastoral Prayer Invite three young Christians to pray sentence prayers. As pastor, thank God for changing lives today. Creative Worship Ideas Tithe and Offerings God said, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God” (Deut. 8:10). As we give, it reflects our praise to the Lord. Benediction “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God’s wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or ill, Jesus is Lord!”

Todays sq^ aoN:

TH6 Fo LLY o f ATHeiSN\

“In spite of all you said, Pastor, I still believe there is a God”

7 6 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE PERFECT LOVE ON THE HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS by B. W. Hambrick Isa. 35:1-10 May 24, 1992

INTRO: III. When Forgiveness of Sin Has Come, God’s How do you describe life? “Rough.” “Wonderful.” Perfect Love Is Opened to Us on the Highway “Dreadful.” “Blessed.” “Trying.” Life has been described of Holiness! (v. 8) by poets, priests, writers, and many others in as many ways as there are ideas! For all of us, life is most often seen A. “And a highway will be there; it will be called the in its contrasts. Way o f Holiness” (v. 8). This kind of contrast marks Isaiah 35. In chapter 34, he 1. References to holiness in the Old Testament are has reviewed the judgment against the nations. (Read almost exclusively references toward God. However, in verses 2-3, 5, and 8.) What a terrible picture of God! He the New Testament they usually refer to our spiritual renders judgment for disobedience. One can hardly help relationship with God. For example, but ask, “Is this the way it is with everyone?” “Are there Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us none righteous?” “Will anyone escape God’s judgment?” purify ourselves from everything that contaminates After these questions, Isaiah 35 bursts forth on the body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence horizon. for God ( 2 Cor. 7:1). I. Isaiah Sees the Vision of Hope and Help Make every effort to live in peace with all men and (vv. 1-4) to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14). A. The hope is that the desert will be transformed 2. This highway is absolutely and completely ful­ ( vv. 1-2). Isaiah’s vision sees the people who had been filled in the New Testament promise of a holy life. taken off to Babylon making their way back across the dry desert place. What a difference! They no longer are leav­ B. “The unclean will not journey on it” (v. 8). ing Israel but are returning to the Promised Land. Their vision is quite different! As they return, God’s promise to 1. The Psalmist David describes those who qualify them is renewed, and the desert blossoms with hope and to walk this way of the holy. anticipation of His great leadership. Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and B. The help they need is prom ised ( vv. 3-4)■ who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who 1. “Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his that give way” (v. 3). fellow man, who despises a vile man but honors those 2. “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it not fear; your God will come, . . . he will come to save hurts, who lends his money without usury and does you” ’ (v. 4). not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken (Psalm 15). II. Isaiah Sees Acts of Divine Intervention (vv. Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may 5-7) stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a In the language of the desert, the writer describes the pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or marvelous change that takes place when God intervenes. swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior (Ps. A. Obvious miracles are from God. 24:3-5).

1. “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and C. “It will be fo r those who walk in that Way” (v. 8). the ears of the deaf unstopped” (v. 5). These are miracles! 1. It is a walk in the holy light of Jesus-. 2. When a person comes to Jesus, his eyes are This is the message we have heard from him and de­ opened to see what God can do. His ears are unstopped to clare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness hear the marvelous Word of God be applied to his own at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet life. walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, B. There is a delightful response: “the lame leap like we have fellowship with one another, and the blood a deer, and the . . . tongue shout for joy ” (v. 6). of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin (1 Jo h n 1. Isaiah uses the desert animals to describe the ab­ 1:5-7). solute delight felt in every changed heart! 2. Because of this purification, we find ourselves 2. Those who have experienced the glorious trans­ “putting off” the things of the earthly nature. formation of Jesus Christ know the absolute joy of know­ Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your ing that the chains of sin are broken and that they are free! earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 7 7 desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, Amazing love! How can it be the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, mal­ CONCLUSION: ice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not The words of the song “Cleanse Me” are a fitting con­ lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self clusion. with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator ( Col. 3-5-10). SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER 3- It means “putting on” the things of God. Organ Prelude Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly Hymn “I Want to Be like Jesus” loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, Hymn “The Cleansing Wave” humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each Fellowship other and forgive whatever grievances you may have Choir Special “And Can It Be?” against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Tithe and Offerings And over all these virtues put on love, which binds Prayer Chorus “Spirit of the Living God” them all together in perfect unity ( Col. 3:12-14). Pastoral Prayer Scripture Reading Isaiah 35 ILLUS. There are many products that bear the R with a Special Song “Enter In” circle around it. This symbol is used to indicate that the Message trademark is an officially registered trademark and can­ “PERFECT LOVE ON THE HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS” not be used by anyone other than its owner. The regis­ Closing Hymn “I Surrender AH” tered trademark of holiness people is the mark of per­ Closing Prayer/Benediction fect love, which binds us together in perfect unity. Organ Postlude

IV. Joy and Gladness Are Our Constant Com­ Pastoral Prayer panions Along the Highway of Holiness (v. 10) Pray for the special spiritual needs of your people. “They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy Make your prayer one of hope for a God who can will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake change our direction and put us upon His “Highway of Holiness.” them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away” (v. 10). Holy people are a singing people. Joy is the spiritual Creative Worship Ideas marker of their lives. Tithe and Offerings A favorite song describes the joy you feel in your heart The apostle Paul taught us that “on the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum for the holy life you are privileged to live— “And Can It of money in keeping with his income” (1 Cor. 16:2). We Be?” give today that portion of our income, as God’s Word Long my imprisoned spirit lay, has said. Fast bound in sin and nature’s night. Benediction Thine eyes diffused a quick’ning ray. “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God’s I woke; the dungeon flam ed with light. wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or My chains fell off; my heart was free. ill, Jesus is Lord!” I rose, went forth, and follow ed Thee.

“You know, there’s some­ thing to be said for being weak-willed and unable to resist temptation.’’

78 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE LOVE’S FINAL REWARD by B. W. Hambrick Isa. 66:1, 22 May 31, 1992

INTRO: perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, As I drove toward our community the other day, I and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable looked up and saw a hot-air balloon. It was high in the has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mor­ air. From my perspective, I thought, This balloon is one tal with immortality, then the saying that is written of the highest I’ve ever seen. However, when I got nearly will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in vic­ home, I realized that it was not that high at all. In fact, it tory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O was floating along much closer than many of the bal­ death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the loons I’ve seen. power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives What made the difference? Perspective! At a distance us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. of three to four miles it was hard to see how close to the 15:50-56). ground the balloon really was. But the closer I got, the more accurately I could see the true location of the bal­ III. How Do We Get to Heaven? loon. That’s often how we view heaven. For many of us, A. The disciples didn’t understand about heaven ei­ heaven is a distant reality that looks far removed and ther. Thomas asked, “ ‘Lord, we don’t know where you hard to grasp. However, when a friend or a member of are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus an­ our family dies or approaches death, then heaven be­ swered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes very important to us. We realize that neither comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:5-6). death nor eternity are very far away. B. W here is G od the Father? “Look down from heaven What about heaven? What do we know about it? and see from your lofty throne, holy and glorious” (Isa. I. Heaven Is a Real Place 63:15). God is on His throne in heaven! C. Jesus is our transport to heaven, where we will ILLUS. The Russian cosmonauts circling the earth ra­ spend eternity in His glorious presence. dioed back, “If there is a God and there is a heaven, then why can’t we see them?” IV. Heaven Is Not Only a Place Nor Only Our They represent many persons who have not seen and Release from Death’s Power but a Place cannot believe. Where We Shall Live and Be like Jesus

A. When John sat on the isle o f Patmos, he was able A. "Dear friends, now we are children o f God, and to see heaven. He recorded what he saw in Revelation what we will be has not yet been made known. But we 21. Read select verses: 1-4, 10-11, 15-21, 23, and 25- know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we 27. shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

B. Even in the Old Testament, Ezekiel saw the activ­ ILLUS. The phone rang at 3:17 a .m . the morning of ity o f heaven. “The heavens were opened and I saw vi­ December 11, 1985, as I was sleeping deeply. Rallying sions of God” (Ezek. 1:1). my senses, I answered to hear a strange voice say, “Hello, I am the nurse attending Woody. He wants to talk to you. C. John wrote o f the prom ise that we will go to hea­ Do you mind?” ven: “No,” I assured her. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; Half screaming, he said, “Tell them I’m alive, Pastor, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; tell them I’m alive! I know you will tell them the truth; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going tell them I’m alive.” there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and pre­ After reassuring him that I would, I went back to pare a place for you, I will come back and take you to sleep. Within hours, Woody Sigmon died. It was easy for be with me that you also may be where I am (Jo h n me to preach his funeral. I used his own words to begin 14:1-3). his service. He had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in his home over a year earlier. He had come to II. Heaven Is Where Death Gives Way to Final church as a 71-year-old man, suffering from cancer. He Victory had been baptized on July 29, 1984. He had often ex­ I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood can­ pressed his trust in his heavenly home, when the awful not inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perish­ pain of cancer would almost take his breath. He would able inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mys­ regain his composure and would say, “I’d rather die than tery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed live like this.” — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last To which I’d usually say, “Heaven is a brighter hope trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be because of your pain, isn’t it, Woody?” raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the “Sure is, Pastor, sure is,” he would reply

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 79 CONCLUSION: Heaven is our eternal hope today. For some people it is distant and far removed. For others it’s very near. The reality of pain, your own or that of someone close to you, has made heaven very much a reality! Heaven is ours to claim through Jesus Christ our Lord!

SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Organ Prelude Hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” Hymn “And Can It Be?” Communion Choir Special “He the Pearly Gates Will Open" Tithe and Offerings Prayer Chorus “I Love Him” Pastoral Prayer Special Song “Find Us Faithful” Message “LOVE’S FINAL REWARD” Closing Hymn “There’s a Great Day Coming” Closing Prayer/Benediction Organ Postlude

Pastoral Prayer Lead your people to prayer. Allow your example to set the tone for humility and hunger for God’s outpouring on the spiritual needs of the church. Creative Worship Ideas Tithe and Offerings ‘“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it’” (Mai. 3:10). Communion Communion should be a great celebration. Place the Communion elements on tables at the front of each aisle. As the congregation joyfully sings, have each person march by the Communion table and re­ ceive his elements “self-service style.” When all are served and back in their seats, remain standing and take Communion, using an abbreviated version of the ritual. Pray a prayer of glorious celebration for the hope of heaven that Communion has brought. Close the Communion service with a repeat of verse 1 of “And Can It Be?” Benediction “Whoever you are, and wherever you go in God’s wide world, and whatever happens to you of good or ill, Jesus is Lord!”

“Do you promise to contribute generously to the new building fund?”

8 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Personal Evangelism Training II by Beverly Burgess

n the first edition of Personal Evangelism Train­ ing we learned how and what it means to lead a person to lesus Christ. NowI in this second edition, teach your laypeople and staff how to lead new converts into the second work of grace— sanctification. Special features include: nurturing new converts, as­ sistance for dealing with objections, and a presenta­ tion for winning children to Christ. PA083-4H-4100 Study Guide $9.95 pas-1991 Leader's Manual $29.95

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