FIRSTGLANCE Ministry Ministry is the international journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association and has been published since 1928.

Association Secretary James A. Cress Prayer: a theological refl ection 5 Editor Nikolaus Satelmajer What does prayer teach me about God? About myself? Assistant Editor Willie E. Hucks II Consultant to Editor Myrna Tetz What do my prayers reveal to the watching universe? Editorial Assistant Sheryl Beck Ángel Manuel Rodríguez Database Assistant John Feezer IV Professional Growth and Interchurch Relations Anthony Kent IN Refl ections on prayer Contributing Editors Jonas Arrais, Sharon Cress, EVERY 8 John M. Fowler, Clifford Goldstein, Anthony Kent, Peter ISSUE Since “prayer brings balance,” as this author states, the end Prime, Kit Watts of 2006 is a good time for personal assessment. International Editors French John Graz John Watts Inter-American Division Fernando Zabala Letters South American Division Zinaldo A. Santos 3 Consulting Editors Ben Clausen, Raoul Dederen, Ron Flowers, Michael Hasel, Roland Hegstad, Gerry Karst, Called to preach: an interview Kathleen Kuntaraf, Ekkehardt Mueller, Jan Paulsen, 11 Robert Peach, Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, Penny Shell, with E. E. Cleveland and Benjamin William Shea, Russell Staples, Richard Tibbits, Sigve Editorial Tonstad, Ted Wilson, Edward Zinke Reaves Pastoral Assistant Editors John C. Cress, Fredrick 4 Two great preachers discuss the importance of preaching, Russell, Maylan Schurch, Loren Seibold International Advisors Alejandro Bullón, Russell Burrill, preparation for preaching, and making an appeal at the Daniel Duda, R. Danforth Francis, Passmore Hachalinga, John Kakembo, Ilie Leahu, Miguel Luna, Hector Sanchez, end of the sermon. Houtman Sinaga, Bruno Vertallier, Gary Webster, Dateline Measapogu Wilson Derek J. Morris 28 Pastoral Advisors Leslie Baumgartner, S. Peter Campbell, Jeanne Hartwell, Mitchell Henson, Norma Osborn, Leslie Pollard, Dan Smith, Steve Willsey 14 Overcoming ministry mediocrity: Advertising Editorial Offi ce Pastor’s Pastor Ministerial Association Resource Project three steps to a wholesome Coordinator Cathy Payne 30 ministry Cover Illustration Harry Knox Layout 316 Creative Pastors, like athletes, occasionally fi nd themselves in a rut. Subscriptions 12 issues: United States US$29.99; Here are some suggestions to get out of that rut and recover a Canada and overseas US$31.99; airmail US$41.75; single copy US$3.00. To order: send name, address, and vibrant ministry. payment to Ministry Subscriptions, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. Arthur D. Canales Web site www.ministrymagazine.org Queries/renewals/address changes [email protected] (email); Effective committee meetings: a 301-680-6512 (phone); 301-680-6502 (fax) 17 To Writers We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. guide for congregations Editorial preference is to receive manuscripts on diskette with name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and A “must read” primer in leadership and administration, Social Security number (if U.S. citizen or possessing a U.S. Social Security number). Send editorial correspondence especially for pastors who are starting ministry. to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904- 6600 U.S.A. 301-680-6510 (phone); 301-680-6502 (fax); Barry Oliver [email protected] (editorial offi ce email). Writer’s Guidelines available on request and on Web site at www.ministrymagazine.org. Ten commandments for pastors Ministry (ISSN 0026-5314), the international journal 22 of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association © Lessons from the life and ministry of Moses, particularly 2006, is published monthly by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and printed by Pacifi c Press® applicable to pastors today. Pub. Assn., 1350 N. Kings Road, Nampa, ID 83687-3193. Member Associated Church Press. Standard mail postage Stan Hudson paid at Nampa, Idaho. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. The phenomenon of energy Vol. 78 Number 12 24 Bible credits Texts credited to the NEB are from The New English Bible. Copyright © 1961, 1970 by the Delegates of the Oxford exchange University Press and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press. What is it? And how does it apply to church life and, more Reprinted by permission. Texts credited to the NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by importantly, church growth? the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Bible texts credited to RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of V. Peter Harper Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States. Used by permission.

2 MINISTRY December 2006 L ETTERS

AFTER ALL, SHOULD NOT THE REMNANT BE LIKE THE ORIGINAL?

Multichurch districts: New are already following these principles. I and title to that interview (“Through a land Testament model? believe North America needs to consider not sown,” Ministry, October 2006). hank you for dedicating an issue of the same. I was enthralled by the natural TMinistry magazine to ministry in the I realize this idea is not popular, but it simplicity of Mrs. Paulsen’s recital of the life multichurch district (August 2006). Hav- is biblical. It makes the mission of saving experiences of her husband and herself. ing been the pastor of a multichurch the lost a priority. And after all, isn’t that To me it could not but be reminiscent district, I understand the challenges of what the remnant is all about? of that scriptural classic of felicity and this situation. In fact, most of our pastors —David Klinedinst, Personal Ministries faithfulness, the book of Ruth. The have these kinds of districts. director, Christian Record Services, Lincoln, recounting of their experiences breathes However, the truth is that the Nebraska, United States the freshness of their native Norwegian multichurch concept is closer to the mountain air and the unspoiled simplicity biblical example of the early New Preaching without notes of heart of country folk. Testament church. There don’t seem to hanks for the article by Derek Mor- Now I feel I know our world church be any examples of paid pastors hovering Tris on “Preaching Effectively Without president: warm, humble, unsophisticated, over a church. The New Testament Notes” (October 2006). His article set me and always ready to help. Never driven by churches were lay-led churches—led by free from the pulpit! So far, I’ve preached ambition, yet, step by step, their lives elders, deacons, and other dedicated three sermons without notes. While I’m have moved forward and Elder Paulsen’s laity. Those paid by the tithe functioned still apprehensive about not taking my responsibilities increased. In whatever as church planters/evangelists who manuscript into the pulpit, my preaching capacity he has served, he was in the place raised up believers in unentered areas. has gone well. The tips were just what I God’s providence had appointed, faithfully What would happen if the Adventist needed. Thanks for printing the article. fulfi lling that task, and, when some higher church chose to follow that example? At least one pastor’s preaching life has responsibility needed to be fi lled, he just Perhaps place fi ve to six lay-led churches been changed! seemed to be the proper person for that in a district and allow the pastor to spend —Jeff Scoggins, pastor, Minnesota Conference task. So their lives progressed, never look- part of his time training and equipping of Seventh-day Adventists ing back. Now, as ever, in the same spirit, them and the other part of his time evan- effectually fulfi lling the service to which gelizing those cities with no Adventist “Through a land not sown” they have been appointed. presence. hat a fi ne, fi ne classic of Christian What a fi ne classic of genuine Chris- After all, should not the remnant Wexperience, integrity, and service tian experience and devoted service! be like the original? Some of the other was featured in the interview of Kari Paulsen —Ronald V. Edwards, pastor (retired), England world fi elds, such as the African divisions, by Sharon Cress; with what a fi tting text

CORRECTION: • In the October 2006 we attributed to Pastor John Skrzypaszek the title D.Min. He is, however, currently a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Ministry, with hopes of successfully defending his dissertation in 2007—The Editor.

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December 2006 MINISTRY 3 E DITORIAL

A walk through God’s garden

Nikolaus Satelmajer

ecently my wife and I visited Frie- Other ministers “spring up like grass have little hope—will fi nd life from the densau Adventist University, lo- in a meadow, like poplar trees by fl owing One who is the Vine of life. Rcated within an hour’s drive from streams” (Isa. 44:4). Perhaps during this December marks the end of the year Berlin, Germany. It’s one of the many year you have experienced a renewal in most countries. We may fi nd this a postsecondary schools operated by the in your ministry. Or perhaps you have good time to review our lives, for just as Seventh-day Adventist Church that pro- helped a colleague experience such a gardener must assess the condition of vide ministerial training as well as classes a renewal. In either case, new joy has the garden and just as God reviews His in other areas. entered your life. garden—His garden of ministers—we On the well-kept campus we vis- However, reason for concern does need to assess ourselves. Those who fi nd ited the attractive Bible garden, which exist within the garden. After a few that pride has become an obstacle can features a selection of the 110 plants, words of introduction, the prophet Joel turn to the Servant of servants—Jesus trees, fl owers, vegetables, and herbs paints a discouraging picture of judg- Christ. Those who are discouraged can mentioned in the Bible. Most of us have ment upon the land and the people. take this opportunity to renew their life no doubt read the texts that mention He ends the section with these bleak in the Lord. Those who have lost their these, but it’s a special experience to see words: focus can start following Jesus—the One so many of them in one place. Though who was always focused on His mission. they represent a period long after God’s The vine is dried up Those who have been wronged can lis- Garden of Eden disappeared, they never- and the fi g tree is withered; ten to the words of One who never hurts theless remind us of His creative power the pomegranate, the palm and us. Those who are ready to give up can and love of beauty. the apple tree— spend time with the One who will help all the trees of the fi eld—are them fi nd direction for their ministry. God’s garden dried up. Those whose prayer life has withered As we walked through the garden, Surely the joy of mankind away can call upon the One who can it reminded me that God has another is withered away (Joel 1:12). repair that dried up connection. garden—a garden of people. Specifi cally With December as an opportunity I am thinking of a garden fi lled with Tragically, these verses may describe for recommitment, we who minister to those called to be ministers—pastors, the ministry of some. Ministry may have others often ask them to recommit their administrators, professors, chaplains, or “withered away,” and they fi nd little lives. I am suggesting that this may be a other ministry roles. What does God see hope in their future. Some do not see good time for us to recommit our lives in this “garden of ministers?” any reason to continue their ministry to the One who invites us to “ ‘remain God sees some ministers as valuable because the joy of ministry has withered in me, and I will remain in you’ ” (John “apples of gold in settings of silver” away. What a tragic condition. 15:4). What a wonderful way to end a (Prov. 25:11*). Such value comes, not year and to look forward to the future from the positions we hold, but rather A garden of hope that is in God’s hands. from the roles we fulfi ll. In fact, some of But there is hope. In the same garden There is hope for God’s garden. us make the mistake of determining our we fi nd vines and the hope associated That’s the assurance from the Master worth by our position. God does not do with them. Jesus’ words “ ‘I am the true gardener. that. Some of the most valuable minis- vine, and my Father is the gardener’ ” ters are those who are faithful to their (John 15:1) give us the needed hope. calling but are unknown outside of their We are under God’s care with no need * All Scripture texts from NIV. immediate area of responsibility. to despair. All of us—even those who

4 MINISTRY December 2006 of God. When we pray, we address the Godhead with the faith-conviction that each of Them is actively involved with us as we lift our souls to Him. The Holy Spirit listens to our feeble expressions and articulates them in order to express the real intent of our being (Rom. 8:26). Then the Son mediates them to the Father, who is the object of our prayer (Ps. 5:2), and the Father releases the power we need in response to our request. This specifi c view of God provides a theological frame of reference to prayer. Prayer and God’s immanence. The question of the nature of God’s presence within His creation Prayer: remains theologically complex. Theologians and philosophers have been discussing it for centuries without being able to reach a common under- a theological standing. Pantheism is one of those attempts, but it is unsatisfactory because it sacrifi ces the personhood of God. Panentheism is also unsatis- refl ection factory because it conceives God as not yet here, but as a participant in the process of becoming. Contrary to those views, the biblical God is! He Ángel Manuel theology of prayer should examine is the “I AM” (Exod. 3:14). He is not only the Rodríguez the nature of prayer and its contri- Self-existing One, He is also here with us. He is bution to a better understanding of so near that He can hear us when we pray (Deut. God and our relationship with Him. 4:7; Ps. 6:8, 9; Matt. 6:6). This should lead us fi rst to look at To a large extent, Greek thought was theA theological concepts that are foundational to responsible for incorporating the concept of an prayer and then to view prayer as a theological impassive and emotionless God into Christian expression. theology. This God could not hear us because He was the distant One. But prayer operates within Theological foundation of prayer the theological conviction that God is with us, Prayer takes place within a set of theo- that He experiences our joys, sadness, and fears, logical beliefs, even though we may rarely think and that He listens to us when we invoke His about such beliefs. We may have conceptually name (Exod. 3:7). He is not the hidden God of embraced such beliefs, but we do not directly the philosophers, but the God who is so near to connect them to prayer. Here are some of those us, we can touch Him through our prayers and concepts. He can caress us through His loving response. Prayer presupposes biblical theism. Prayer Prayer as communion with God. The begins with the affi rmation that there is a God communion and fellowship we have with God and that we can communicate with Him. This is unique because through it we enter into a theological statement immediately rules out dialogue with the very source and fountain of our deism, according to which God is the absent life. There is indeed a profound koinonia in prayer. Lord or Creator, who, after fi nishing His work of In order for fellowship to be real and meaningful, Ángel Manuel creation, abandoned it. A theology of prayer will the parties involved must have a common Rodríguez, Th.D., is also rule out pantheism, according to which God gravitational center that brings and holds them the director of the is conceived as an impersonal power that per- together in a communality of interest and goals. Biblical Research meates everything, including us. In that respect Prayer fi nds this gravitational core in the person Institute of the General Conference biblical prayer distinguishes itself from eastern of Christ, in whom God was present reconciling of Seventh-day meditation, which seeks integration into cosmic the world to Himself (2 Cor. 5:17). Adventists, Silver consciousness while prayer seeks communion We hardly understand or comprehend what Spring, Maryland, with a personal God. happens to the human mind and soul when United States. Since the biblical doctrine of God is unique, through prayer we enter into communion with Christian prayer is also unique in a very special God (cf. James 5:19). In this encounter with way. It operates within a Trinitarian understanding God through prayer, our minds become morally

December 2006 MINISTRY 5 and spiritually renewed, with our being described as an act of rebellion against on Christ’s redemptive work for us. nurtured and reenergized, and we are the forces of evil. When we pray, we Prayer is fundamentally a re-presentation enabled to stand before Him to serve witness to the fact that we have not of the good news of salvation. The key Him (Luke 22:32; Acts 6:4; 1 Tim. 2:8). submitted ourselves to the claims of elements of the gospel are embodied in The power and the grace of God directly the enemy, that we only recognize the the very act and experience of praying. and personally reach us through prayer. claim of Christ over us as Creator and Prayer and need. In a narrow sense, The tax collector poured out his soul to Redeemer. Like Daniel, we have chosen biblical prayer seems to be motivated

e is not the hidden God of the philosophers, H but the God who is so near to us, we can touch Him through our prayers and He can caress us through His loving response.

the Lord and went home justifi ed before to pray publicly, before the universe, in by need—temporal, emotional, spiritual God, spiritually renewed and strength- order to reveal where our true loyalty needs. Indeed, prayer revolves around ened (Luke 18:10–14; cf. 21:36). It was lies (Dan. 6:11). need. The prayer of praises anticipates during prayer that Jesus was transfi gured Through prayer we ask God to mani- a need, or responds to a need that was before some of His disciples (Luke 9:29). fest His power over the forces of evil that or will be satisfi ed. In prayers of thanks- At times we are brought so close to oppose our service to Him. We intercede giving, we express gratitude for God’s the Lord that we experience a renewal for others in order for God’s power to blessings through which our needs were of even our emotional and physical work for the benefi t of others (Rom. satisfi ed. energy (1 Sam. 1:10, 18; cf. 3 John 3). 15:31; cf. Col. 4:3; Heb. 13:18, 19). We With need also as an intrinsic part The experiential significance of our can pray because we know that Christ of our beings, prayer invites us to communion with God through prayer was victorious over evil powers and that reevaluate our self-perception and to reaches so deep about which we now His victory is now by faith our victory. recognize that we are by nature in know very little. Prayer is not a crusade against the enemy constant need. We need others, and we Prayer and God’s love in Christ. Prayer but the appropriation of Christ’s victory need an abundance of other things in presupposes that something took place over them through communion with our order to realize ourselves and develop at a cosmic level that made it possible for Savior. We approach God in prayer, not the potential God entrusted to us. This us to move from inaccessibility to God to because we fear the enemy but because is particularly the case in a world of sin accessibility to Him. We have accepted we want to have fellowship with God, and death, in which our very being is as an unquestionable reality that God, in who through Christ already defeated the almost, if not always, being threatened. His love, manifested in the redemptive enemy. Out of that fellowship with Him This deep awareness of need brings us to and sacrifi cial death of His Son, made through Christ’s blood we overcome by our knees before the Father in prayer. Himself accessible to us. The condition appropriating His victory. It is here that prayer begins to reveal of the human race has changed in a radi- its profound ties with the gospel of cal way, thanks to Christ’s achievements Theological expression of salvation through Christ. The work of for us. We are no longer alienated from prayer Christ for us presupposes that humans God’s heavenly temple (1 Kings 8:49; What is the theological signifi cance were in desperate need of salvation. This Jon. 2:7). of prayer? What contribution does was our ultimate and supreme need. Prayer and the cosmic confl ict. From prayer make to our understanding Every other need is, in a sense, a type the perspective of the church and the of the glorious work of salvation that or, perhaps better, a sign of that most heavenly family, we offer prayer to God Christ achieved for us? Prayer becomes important need for reconciliation with from a world of sin and death that has a subject of theological reflection in God, deeply hidden in the human heart. neither accepted nor universally recog- connection with Christ’s redemptive work. Sin tends to numb that supreme need of nized God’s sovereignty. Our prayers Prayer cannot be separated from Christ’s the soul, deceiving sinners and leading reveal to the universe and to the forces work of salvation. Praying is not simply them to conclude that they do not have of evil that we have taken God’s side talking to God, as important as that is; it to pray because they have no needs. But in the confl ict. Within that conceptual is also a religious act through which we we all have needs. All our needs can be and experiential setting, prayer can be proclaim our need and constant reliance provided for because the fundamental

6 MINISTRY December 2006 need of redemption has already been our predicament and impotence. When bow before God’s will for us. The prayer provided. Consequently, when we bring we pray, we not only recognize God of faith is characterized not only by the our needs to God, we are proclaiming as the only One who could supply our fi rm conviction that God always listens that the need of our soul for union with needs but also affi rm that He provided to our prayers but also by the equally God has already been satisfi ed through for our deliverance from the powers of important conviction that God’s will Christ. Prayer memorializes that experi- sin and death even before we asked always seeks our good. ence and keeps alive in our spiritual life Him. He provided for us abundantly In this act of adjusting and even the awareness of our constant need for (Rom. 5:21). relinquishing our expectations and plans and dependence on the gospel of salva- Prayer and mediation. Christ taught to the will of God when we pray, we are tion through faith in Christ. us in a unique way the value of prayer simply recalling the moment when we Prayer and self-suffi ciency. Prayer rules because He personally practiced constant surrendered our will to Him through out self-dependence and has its roots in communion with the Father through it. repentance, confession, and conver- the humble realization that we lack the He knew that sin had alienated us from sion. From that moment on we began knowledge, power, and even the willing- God, but He also knew that the Father to walk in newness of life according to ness to supply our personal needs. Prayer wanted to have fellowship with us. He God’s will for us. We submitted to Him states that when it comes to our full announced that in His own person a because through the work of the Spirit in self-realization, we are helpless, unable channel of communication had been our hearts we were absolutely persuaded to master both creation and our lives. created to bridge the gap between us that His will for us was always good. In We are not self-suffi cient. Without that and God (John 16:23; cf. 14:13, 14). the surrendering of our will, prayer and conviction of insuffi ciency, prayer would The Son’s mediation does not presup- the gospel intersect each other. become almost irrelevant. pose unwillingness on the part of the Prayer as a response. Prayer includes This conviction lies not only at the Father to listen to us. It rather assumes not only talking to God, but also pro- base of our prayers but particularly at a divine willingness to have so intense claiming our dependence on Him, as the very core of the gospel. The gospel a communion with us that He created a response of our love to God’s saving pulverizes our claims of self-suffi ciency, a means by which He could listen to us act in Christ. Consequently prayer is not humbles us, and casts to the ground our in spite of our sin (Ps. 69:13; 4:1). As only asking, but also praising, thanking, infl ated egos. The gospel illumines us, our High Priest, Christ identifi es Himself blessing God for His goodness, loyalty, allowing us to perceive our true condi- with our needs and joys and imbues our and mercies toward us. But in a very tion not only as needy creatures but prayers with heavenly effi cacy. particular way, gospel and prayer come particularly as beings that are unable Whenever we pray in the name of together when we bend our knees and to help ourselves. The inability we face Jesus, we reaffi rm our commitment to ask for forgiveness. This is the goal of in meeting our needs moves us to pray the good news of salvation through the the gospel because at that moment and points to the total insuffi ciency we mediation of the Son. It was through His human pride collapses and we are ready experienced when confronted for the sacrifi cial death on the cross that God to receive from the Lord what we really fi rst time with the gospel of salvation mediated to us His reconciling love. The needed—forgiveness of sin. Every prayer in Christ. mystery of this most profound transac- is a living echo of that moment. Prayer and God’s self-sufficiency. tion is memorialized in the act of prayer, Prayer expresses itself as a response to Prayer is based on the conviction that in which we constantly recognize that God’s loving mercies with our response God prevails as the only One who can He “always lives to intercede for [us]” to God not restricted to our mind alone. provide for our needs. According to (Heb. 7:25, NIV). The mind and reason, our emotions, and the Bible, those who pray made a sig- Prayer and God’s will. When we pray, our body are all involved in prayer, and nifi cant discovery of God’s suffi ciency. there could be a confl ict of wills. What through each one of those aspects of our Hence, with God as the only object of we think we need and what God knows being, prayer shows itself to be a response our prayers, He becomes our Partner in we need may not always coincide. to the presence and goodness of God. dialogue. Therefore, we pray as an act Consequently, Jesus taught us to pray, of worship through which we express “ ‘ “Your will be done on earth as it is Conclusion the wonderful conviction that God’s in heaven” ’ ” (Matt. 6:10, NIV). This Prayer integrates theology and the all-sufficiency overcomes our insuffi- dimension of prayer opens the mystery practice of personal devotion to God in a ciency. Consequently, we do not need of the so-called “unanswered prayer.” way that perhaps no other act of worship to offer prayers to spiritual powers that Through the requests that were never can. Framed within some of the deepest compete for our service. Christian prayer granted to us exactly as we wanted, the theological topics in Christian theology, proclaims that only God has the ability to Lord was revealing to us that even in His it represents our fi rst encounter with the amply provide for all our needs. dialogue with us He remains the sover- good news of salvation in Christ. Prayer The gospel emphasizes in a unique eign Lord. The biblical way of resolving is essentially a proclamation of that gos- way the surprising fact that only God can a possible confl ict of wills in the experi- pel, a ritual embodiment of it in the act pull us out of our needy condition, out of ence of prayer is for the human will to of worshiping the Lord.

December 2006 MINISTRY 7 Of course, we do pray for one another with words. These words, however, are merely the representation or expression of our deepest soul feelings and attitudes. Prayer is one of the many rays of the powerful light of love connecting lives, expressed in thoughts, attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that are sometimes beyond our own understanding. Often we do not know how to express a prayer, how to properly dialogue, because our thoughts and feelings lie so deep within the soul and, by comparison, our language is so limiting. The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf, because human language is too reduc- tionist and cryptic. Human language reduces and fractures what we understand and what we intend to communicate. The Holy Spirit receives and clarifi es our prayers, making them whole, Refl ections on specifi c, and personal. Simultaneously, the Holy Spirit dialogues with us when we are prepared to be silent and to actively listen to the “Word prayer of the Lord.” Pray for peace John Watts Prayer brings balance—balance in life, wor- rom a Christian perspective, living can ship, work, leisure, communication, relationships, be described as the continuous wor- race, gender, and community. Prayer leads to ship of God in a universe that has a sa- inner peace, and that allows outer peace with cred origin. Spiritual relational worship others. The reality behind a faith of integrity means offering oneself as a living, holy resides in personal experience. Without a per- sacrifiF ce, acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1). Prayer sonal experiential relationship to God, religious has much to do with restoration for living or abid- profession is merely theory or ideology. Prayer ing in God. The spiritual photosynthesis enables relates to God through personal experience and us, as spiritual beings, to regenerate throughout faith. We need to differentiate between a genuine life by preserving the sacred and separating from experience of God and a mental conceptualiza- the profane. Far from being a ritual, prayer is a tion of God in much the same way as we need way of life—as breath is to the body, so prayer is to differentiate between the Christ portrayed in to the soul. Without spirituality (in simple terms, the Christian Bible and the metaphysical and a personal encounter, engagement, and resultant often romanticized Christ constructed by modern saving relationship with God), prayer cannot sur- societies. vive. Without prayer, spirituality cannot survive. Even on the cross, the thief experienced a real and immediate experiential and prayerful The limits of language encounter with Christ, a new spiritual-birth Fundamentally, as a spiritual unifying presence experience based on faith alone. The thief between living beings who know, love, and care turned away from himself and turned to Christ in for one another, prayer transcends language or humble penitence, turned away from selfi shness John Watts, D.Min., words. Prayer, therefore, is not always about to godliness, by faith. His short conversational Ph.D., is senior asking or seeking, though it retains a signifi cant, supplicatory prayer to Christ was immediately lecturer on the intimate conversational, supplicatory, and answered, and the thief died at peace with himself, faculty of education, intercessory character (Matt. 7:9–11). Rather, it the world, and with God. Signifi cantly, though, Avondale College, exists as a means by which we are restored to he was not relieved of his physical and emotional Cooranbong, New South Wales, and remain within God’s family and are able to suffering, and he experienced an excruciating Australia. sustain a relationship with God, to reverence, death. Prayer is a natural inner fruit of a conversion honor, and glorify Him. Words, then, are experience bound up with faith. Conversion is the relatively unimportant in a life of prayer. Far more necessary prerequisite for prayer, and, therefore, important is the attitude, the intent, the meaning prayer goes beyond religion. Prayer evidences that words can only superfi cially represent. faith in Christ (1 Tim. 2:1; 5:5)—a means by which

8 MINISTRY December 2006 we can understand ourselves ords, then, in their wilderness wanderings, and feel connected to God. It we wander through a foreign W are relatively contrasts with separation or land until the coming of Christ. absence or decay and coheres Prayer becomes the medium with wholeness, presence, and unimportant in a to bring deep peace and joy to growth. the soul, to authenticate a sense life of prayer. Far of belonging, and to fulfi ll the Prayer and suffering promise of entering fully into the Prayer ameliorates absence more important is kingdom of God at the return and grief in a world of evil and of Christ. death. Death as the enemy the attitude, the of life regresses presence to Prayer and faith absence. Suffering and death intent, the meaning Prayer is respectful and separate and absent our loved not ostentatious, and respect ones from us, sometimes in the that words can acknowledges the sacred in all most painful circumstances. living things. Respect induces In coming to terms with the only superficially honor—a sense of dignity, absence of our loved ones, humility, and reverence. and the associated deep grief represent. Christians are mindful that “our that naturally accompanies Father” (Matt. 6:6–9) is God, the such absence, we can, through Almighty, and that Christ is God, prayer, keep ourselves mindfully attuned unifi es us to the whole cosmos, so that the Creator. Though Jesus taught His and committed, as benefi ciaries of God’s we move from a life of fragmentation disciples to pray to God as their personal grace, to the realities of the Christian and separation to a life of wholeness and Father, their “Daddy,” the emphasis life. Prayer underwrites our faith in the integration with God’s cosmos. focuses on Christians having a childlike ultimate things to come, when suffering and humble trust in a personal loving and death themselves will be separated Prayer and the kingdom Father-God who willingly converses and absented from the future promised of God with them, and not on falsely assuming world. Prayer, then, can be identifi ed as The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9 ff. and that it gives license to treat God as the spiritual antidote to world-induced Luke 11:2 ff.) portrays Christ’s mindful- some “sugar daddy” to be addressed in unhappiness, for it recognizes that only ness of being in, but not of, the world, shallow, phony, or arrogant familiarity. through suffering is holiness achieved. for it addresses both God’s holiness and Public prayer reveals the soul. Prayer sustains our ability to love and our human needs. The Lord’s Prayer Faith, hope, and love (1 Cor. 13) are hope and endure throughout our life’s is especially signifi cant to Seventh-day essential components of any religious journey. Adventist Christians because the prayer faith tradition. For Christianity, the Prayer consists of a refl exive attitude is highly likely to be a signifi cant depic- faith-hope-love triad is centered in of mindfulness in daily life—not passive tion of the Ten Commandments in and empowered by Christ, producing introversion, or a series of requests, the context of the Exodus experience. harmony in the souls of individuals and mantras, or praises only. It is mindful- Christ prays for the incoming kingdom churches. Prayer is the glue that binds ness of one’s being in the world but not of God, anticipated by the fourth com- them together and gives them presence being of the world. Consequently, prayer mandment, which has retrospective and power. Without prayer, faith, consists of a transcendent relational and prospective orientations, directing hope, and love are absent. Christianity communication with God (not being of us back to the original Creation and based on a personal and continuing the world) thoroughly embedded and to the future redemption that we shall engagement with Christ ceases to exist, embodied in the practical and pragmatic enjoy under the reign of God in the new and, at best, it becomes an ideology. concrete realities of the world (being in kingdom. The roots of the Lord’s Prayer Prayer, then, is neither an addendum, the world). The life and words of Jesus are situated in the two central pillars of nor a feminized subdivision of religion admirably demonstrate this mindfulness Seventh-day Adventism, namely, Cre- mostly for women and children, nor only aspect of prayer. He modeled to human- ation/re-creation (salvation) in Christ ritualistic words read from a prayer book ity the real nature of living mindfully: with the seventh-day Sabbath as its sig- (though there is a signifi cant role to be what is real and how humans should live. nifi er, and the second coming (advent) played by mindfully written prayers). Prayer as mindfulness is fi rmly rooted in of Christ to inaugurate the new eternal Prayer is presence, prayer is power, and the trials and tribulations that all of us kingdom of God. Prayer, then, effectively prayer is life for the Christian and for face on a daily basis. At the same time, means to be a continuous Sabbath Christianity. As with faith, hope, and however, prayer, as a God-oriented experience, wherein we find rest in love, prayer is a gift of the Spirit. attitude of mindfulness, connects and God as, similar to the Exodus Israelites Let us, indeed, pray.

December 2006 MINISTRY 9 In conjunction with the Participating Organizations FOR SUCH A International Congress on Preaching TIME AS THIS: Live From Cambridge, England Preaching Truth in WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2007 an Age of Idolatry 1:00–4:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time [Repeat broadcast April 19, 2007]

Barry C. Black is the Randy Roberts was born Dr. Gordon Moyes Robert Smith Jr. serves as 62nd Chaplain of the U.S. in South America of missionary recently retired after 50 years of professor of Christian preaching Senate. The Senate elected parents. Until college age, the preaching, the last 27 at Wesley at Beeson Divinity School, its fi rst chaplain in 1789. Prior majority of his life was spent Mission in Sydney, Australia. Birmingham, Alabama. Previously to Capitol Hill, Chaplain Black in Latin American countries. During this ministry, his church he served as Carl E. Bates served in the U.S. Navy for over Dr. Roberts has extensive grew to be the largest in Australia Associate Professor of Christian twenty-seven years, ending his experience as a church pastor, with 4,200 paid staff ministering Preaching at Southern Baptist distinguished career as Rear hospital chaplain, marriage and in 500 buildings. Moyes became Theological Seminary, where he Admiral and Chief of Navy family therapist, and lecturer the fi rst minister in the world to received the 1996 Findley B. Edge Chaplains. Chaplain Black opens in religious studies. Randy has raise and spend over one billion Award for Teaching Excellence. the Senate each day in prayer fulfi lled speaking invitations to dollars in one church. He also An ordained Baptist minister, and provides counselling and many varied audiences, both served as a national television Smith served as pastor of the spiritual care for senators, their nationally and internationally. He and radio minister for over forty New Mission Missionary Baptist families, and staff—a combined has written articles for various years. Since retirement, Moyes Church for twenty years before constituency of over seven publications and has authored has been elected as a state returning to complete his Ph.D. thousand people. Chaplain Black the book The End Is Near (Again). senator and is an advisor to the He has also authored a study of has been selected for many Currently Dr. Roberts serves as Australian prime minister, who ministry in the African American outstanding achievements. He senior pastor of the Loma Linda describes him as “the epitome church, Preparing for Christian and his wife, Brenda, have three University Church of Seventh- of Christian leadership.” Moyes, Ministry, and co-edited A Mighty sons: Barry II, Brendan, and day Adventists in Loma Linda, who has authored fi fty-six books, Long Journey. His research Bradford. California. Dr. Roberts and his has also received highest national interests include the place of wife, Anita, have a son, Austin, honors including Companion of passion in preaching, the literary and a daughter, Miranda. the Order of Australia (2002) and history of African American the New South Wales Father of preaching, Christological the Year (1986). preaching, and theologies of preaching. He received Beeson’s “Teacher of the Year Award” in For broadcast information, please contact us or visit www.ministerialassociation.com 2005. Dr. Smith and his wife, LIVE BROADCAST Wanda, are the parents of four adult children. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2007 301.680.6515 301.680.6502 1:00–4:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time REPEAT BROADCAST [email protected] THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2007

www.ministerialassociation.com MINISTRY 10 [select PREACH from menu list] Available at no cost to you December 2006 Cleveland: Preaching is the supreme unction function of the Holy Spirit. It is by the foolishness of preaching that people are persuaded to enter the king- dom of God. Preaching is God’s primary means for saving men and women. In order for preaching to be effective, it must be Holy Spirit actuated. The Word of God must be interpreted to the mind and through the mind of the preacher. A human being so ordered by the Divine Called to preach: calling is a power to be reckoned with.

Morris: You have mentored many young an interview with preachers through the years. One of those outstanding young preachers was Benjamin Reaves. Dr. Reaves, you actually E. E. Cleveland and began your preaching ministry working with E. E. Cleveland. How have you devel- Benjamin Reaves oped your potential as a preacher? Reaves: Since my early years, I have been a voracious reader. That put me in Derek J. Morris orris: It’s a privilege touch with a feel for language rhythm to speak with two and sound. As I’m writing my sermon Derek J. Morris, outstanding preach- manuscript, I’m listening. H. Grady D.Min., is senior ers about the sacred Davis talks about writing for the ear. pastor of the Forest work of preaching. Words need to be spoken in a way that Lake Seventh-day MHow does a person know if he or she is addresses the ear. I love a well-turned Adventist Church, called to preach? phrase. Those words will come back to Apopka, Florida, people over the years. Having a feel for United States. Cleveland: One knows if they are called language rhythm and sound has been a to a preaching ministry when the neces- tremendous asset. sity of preaching the gospel eclipses and Dr. E. E. Cleveland excludes all competing professions. Morris: What kind of books helped you is an internationally to develop a feel for language rhythm known evangelist. Morris: You began your preaching and sound? He has been ministry as a boy preacher in Chatta- honored as one of nooga, Tennessee. Did you ever consider Reaves: I read everything! As a child, the outstanding any other professions besides being a I read Zane Grey. Anything written by black preachers preacher of the gospel? good writers. in the English- speaking world, and in 1993 he was inducted into the Martin Cleveland: No! I was a child with a one- Morris: Fred Craddock would affi rm the Luther King Jr. collegium of preachers and track mind. I have never wanted to do value of reading good writing. Poetry. scholars at Morehouse College in Atlanta, anything else or be anything else. When Historical fi ction. Anything that is writ- Georgia, United States. I was a boy preacher, my father would ten well. take me to different churches—Bap- Dr. Benjamin Reaves tist, Methodist, Congregational. Over Reaves: Then, if you write something is recognized as an the past sixty years, I have preached that’s awkward, that’s not falling right outstanding preacher the gospel on every continent except on the ear, it jumps out at you. It doesn’t and teacher of Antarctica. It’s too cold there for my sound right. You have developed a feel preaching. He has Alabama blood! for language rhythm and sound. been a frequent contributor to the Morris: Why is preaching so important Morris: How do you begin the process Chicago Sunday to you? of developing a biblical sermon? Evening Club.

December 2006 MINISTRY 11 Reaves: It starts with an idea that drives is not absolutely necessary for the preach- hook and the bait that you throw into me to a text or with a text that drives ing of this sermon. I need to begin some the water are designed to catch the me to an idea. Either way, I end up with element of writing by Wednesday at the fi sh. Persuading people is the principal a text. As Henry Mitchell put it, “If you latest. I know that I will add to that. But object of preaching. So it’s important to ain’t got a text, you ain’t preaching!” My getting started with the writing process make an appeal, to give an invitation. authority as a preacher is not just linked helps me to clarify what I am saying and Let me share with you an incident that to Scripture. It is chained to Scripture. what I am saying about it. Because of my confi rmed in my own mind that the I’m a disciple of H. Grady Davis, so my initial study, I know where I’m headed. object of preaching is decision getting. fi rst question is, What is the text saying? My subconscious says, “Now I can help One Sunday evening I was preaching That’s ground zero for me. I’m not in you.” Things begin to come to mind. in Chicago. I had preached a tough the sermon yet. I’m working with the Insights begin to open up. sermon, and I couldn’t see how anyone passage. What is the passage talking As you walk through your sermon, would respond. I even discouraged about? What is it saying about it? I look you need to have a sense of time. It myself. So I ended the sermon and sat at various versions. I look at exegetical irritates me when someone says, “Well, down without making an appeal. During commentaries. Once I get past that I won’t have time to fi nish this!” What the closing song, a man came charging study of the text, I may have an outline do you mean? What were you doing? I down to the front. He responded to an that is going to shape the sermon. At get bothered when I see fi ller, treading appeal without me even making one! least, I have a clear understanding of water. You need a sense of time. I resolved that day that I would never again preach a sermon without making an invitation.

ersuading people is Morris: How do you craft that invita- P the principal object of tion? Cleveland: I tell people that God is will- preaching. So it’s important ing, God is able, and God is available. That’s the structure of the invitation. to make an appeal, to give God is willing—I preach the Cross. That expresses God’s willingness to save us. an invitation. God is able—I talk about the thief on the cross, and how the Lord saved him! If the Lord can save a thief on a cross, He can save anybody! And then I tell people what the passage is saying. The fi nal step of preparation is to let that God is available and He wants you I need to settle what the text is saying the sermon speak to you. Sometimes, to come to Him now! before I go to the next question—What this fi nal step reveals that something is do I want to say about it? Someone missing. There is a link that is missing Morris: It has been said that demons might say, “That’s already settled! You for the hearer. Or something needs to tremble when preachers boldly declare need to tell people what the text is say- be eliminated. That awareness comes the Word of God in the power of the ing.” But I may want to focus on a small after the mechanical part of writing the Holy Spirit. The forces of darkness don’t subportion of the text. Now I’m asking sermon manuscript is over. It’s in that like to see individuals take their stand myself the structural questions What do fi nal step of letting the sermon speak to for Jesus. What are some spiritual battles I want to say? and What do I want to you that the passion is reignited. That’s that you have experienced in your say about it? I’m going to come out of where the fi re comes. preaching ministry? the process with some kind of structure. Then, when you preach, be open to I need that skeleton. Otherwise, a lot of the fact that there might be a shift in the Cleveland: I remember one time I was time is wasted gathering material that congregational dynamic. You might fi nd preaching in St. Petersburg, Florida. One may not be used. yourself elaborating on a point that was of our church members in that area had After that initial period of study, I not part of the original plan. married a killer, a very mean man. She need to back off and let the subcon- had dropped out of church but started scious deal with that material. That can Morris: What about making an appeal attending the meetings that I was con- happen while I’m visiting, while I’m at the end of the sermon? ducting. One Friday night she came to driving, doing anything actually. me with tears streaming down her face. Then the task is to put meat on the Cleveland: I always make an appeal She said, “My husband told me that if bones. Generally, that’s when I begin to when I preach. Jesus told His disciples, I get baptized, he is going to kill me write. Writing helps me to eliminate what “I will make you fi shers of men.” The and he is going to kill the person who

12 MINISTRY December 2006 baptizes me. What should I do?” I said to her, “He can’t kill me and he won’t o matter how successful kill you.” The next weekend she was Na preacher you are, there sitting in church, ready to be baptized. As I was preaching, I could see out the front doors of the church. A red Chrysler will be other days. Unless pulled up in front of the church, and that lady’s husband was in the car. I found you remember that it’s not out later that there was a loaded gun on the seat beside him. I knew what he had about you, you won’t be able come for, but I just kept on preaching. Suddenly, I heard sirens wailing, and an to handle those other days. ambulance pulled up next to his car. They pulled that man out of the car. He was dead on arrival at the hospital. The delude yourself. Either way, the delusion you have to go with “the fl avor of the man who planned to assassinate me is still the same. It can be just as hurtful. month.” Some preachers watch the ended up losing his own life. You need to remember that it’s not about living technicolored televangelists and On another occasion, I was preaching you. I remember one time that I spoke then are tempted to think that they have in North Carolina, and a man came to and someone handed me a note which to reproduce that in their churches. You the meeting and sat down. He had a said, “Your reputation for excellence is need to be yourself. Be who you are and gun in his pocket and his fi nger on the well deserved.” I enjoyed that note too let God use you. At the same time, you trigger. Four times during the sermon, much. I lost sight of what really mattered. need to work at preaching well. Being the gunman moved forward and then I let that little note monkey with my think- who you are is not like rolling off a log. moved backwards. Finally, he turned to ing. I don’t want to live like that. That’s You need to work at it! That’s a lifelong the man next to him and said, “Every what will send you galloping off in panic. commitment. If you are going to be the time I try to get up to kill that man, a No matter how successful a preacher you best of who you are as a preacher, it’s a sheet of fl ames separates us.” Then the are, there will be other days. Unless you work of a lifetime. gunman got up and half-walked, half- remember that it’s ran out of that place! not about you, you won’t be able to Morris: How did you fi nd out about handle those other that story? days. You also need Cleveland: I baptized the man who was to remember that sitting next to the gunman, and he shared your life needs his testimony of what he had seen that to back up your day! It was spiritual warfare, but the pro- preaching and tection of the Almighty was over me! your preaching needs to grow out Morris: I’m impressed that preachers of your life. I know need spiritual protection when proclaim- that there are peo- ing the Word of God. ple who can live any kind of way Reaves: A preacher also needs to remem- and still be very ber that success can hurt you. Success can impressive com- put a monkey on your back. If you lose a municators. But sense of what preaching is all about, if you I’m of the opinion start thinking that preaching is all about that the power of you, then you’re on the treadmill. You are the anointing will into the performance trap. Early in your not be there if your preaching ministry, you can be deluded life does not back by your church members into thinking up your preach- that you’re the greatest thing since Swiss ing. cheese! Later in your preaching ministry, And then, just you begin to delude yourself. You love the be yourself! Don’t invitations that you get, and you begin to buy the lie that

December 2006 MINISTRY 13 on paper, but how is it actually applicable to the individual minister who is experiencing ministry mediocrity? Let me offer three practical sugges- tions that will help empower those ministers who fi nd themselves in such situations.

“De-stress” yourself It seems so simplistic—ah, but it is! Over the Overcoming years, as a youth minister, college minister, and associate pastor, I have found that a periodical change in routine activity can be “de-stressing.” ministry The less stress in life, the more fruitful ministry may become. An activity that you enjoy, an entertainment or recreation that is appropriate mediocrity: for a person of the “cloth” can do the needful. It may be sports, visiting a museum, attending a musical concert, or just dining out. Whatever three steps to a is appropriate, go out and experience it. “De- stressing” can prepare you for a better, more wholesome ministry relevant ministry. Maintain physical wellness As a former college athlete and current fi tness Arthur D. Canales ost ministers do not consider enthusiast, I fi nd it utterly amazing how many themselves mediocre. Nor do people in our society do not take the time to they believe ministry is work exercise regularly or recognize the serious health that may be done in a medio- benefi ts from exercise. I am a fi rm believer of cre way. Nevertheless, with a developing the total person: mind, body, and Mlittle introspection and honesty, most ministers spirit. However, my perception is that most min- will admit that from time to time every ministry isters do not exercise as much as they should. In suffers from mediocrity. fact, most of my previous pastors with whom I There are the same old service, the same have worked never exercised. I am not suggesting old sermon, the same old songs, and the same a highly intense fi tness program, but a program people in the pews. that will ensure overall wellness and wholeness As bizarre as it might sound, God cares just as in the life of the minister. much about the minister as He does the ministry. Most exercise physiologists maintain that lift- Essentially, God is in the people business. He is ing weights regularly three to fi ve times a week concerned primarily about His people. He is more for 30 to 40 minutes each time is the number occupied with the individual minister above and one stress reliever. Personally, nothing keeps me beyond their individual ministries. God is faith- more in tune with myself than working out. We ful to His people, even to the point of allowing also need to establish a cardiovascular regimen. a person’s ministry to fail. Often times when a Cardiovascular activity includes, but is not lim- ministry is not successful, we tend to look upon ited to, running, cycling, stair-stepper machines, that as failure instead of opportunity. When treadmill walking, and swimming. Again, cardio- ministry becomes mediocre, then it provides an vascular exercise ideally needs to be done three Arthur D. Canales, opportunity to refl ect, remove our rose-colored to fi ve times a week for 30 to 40 minutes at a D. Min., is associate lenses, and be open to the self-awareness that time. Sorry golfers, golf does not constitute real professor of theology comes from such an arduous process. exercise (and I golf). and ministry at To overcome ministry mediocrity, ministerial When you get better rounded and work Silver Lake College, horizons need to undergo a change. This calls for toward a wholistic wellness program, you will be in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, an altering of behavior. For instance, an athlete surprised how much more effective your ministry United States. must at times alter behavior and direction in will become. order to be successful. Similarly, ministers must make a shift in order to get out of the “pastoral Meditate slump” in which they may fi nd themselves. Of This seems obvious enough; after all, we are course, like most pastoral theology, it looks good Christian ministers. In reality, unless you live in a

14 MINISTRY December 2006 monastery, meditation and contempla- contemplation of well-chosen Scripture motions with a head full of worry, doubt, tion are usually far removed from your passages; and (4) thanking God for the and skepticism. Adequate contemplation daily lives. Ministers, like everybody else meditation experience. of God’s role in your life will lead you to in our fast-paced society, have little time The problem I typically run into is surrender to God’s will. for quiet refl ection. Without focusing that I do not meditate as often as I need My point is simple: overcome ourselves on God and His Word, how to. Meditation often clears the mind, ministry mediocrity by improving

hen ministry becomes mediocre, then W it provides an opportunity to reflect, remove our rose-colored lenses, and be open to the self-awareness that comes from such an arduous process.

can we come to a self-awareness of what gives us ample time to refl ect upon our yourself. Try one of the above tips God expects from our ministries? In my issues, and helps us to search ourselves this month, add one next month, life, meditation has always taken on dif- with personal introspection. Such medi- and another afterwards. You will turn ferent stages: (1) being still and quiet; tation requires that the minister set aside “ministry mediocrity” into a ministry (2) praying silently; (3) discerning God’s special times each week for precisely that that is thriving upon a rejuvenated and will by listening to His voice through purpose, and not simply go through the empowered minister.

December 2006 MINISTRY 15 Digging Deeper on

New Programs Begin January 5 on Hope Channel

The Voice of Prophecy’s half-hour telecast presents a systematic study of the Bible with up-to-the- minute stories and practical personal applications.

Hosted by Lonnie and Jeannie Melashenko, the contemporary teaching program features the Exploring the Word Study Group, four young adults who wrestle with applying a topic to life. January on the Hope Channel 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday (Eastern Time) Challenge your church’s 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday (Pacific Time) interests from your Discover Also available 24/7 at www.exploringtheword.com Bible School and evangelistic Jan. 5-6 Breaking Through Barriers to God meetings with this fresh Jan. 12-13 When Law Becomes Grace approach to home Bible study Jan. 19-20 Only Jesus? and the Sabbath morning Jan. 26-27 The Word on the Word Pastor’s Bible Class. Related Other Exploring the Word telecasts air on 3ABN study resources are at and SafeTV. Check their program guides for times. www.exploringtheword.com. www.exploringtheword.com 16 MINISTRY December 2006 committee includes bringing back to the body that established it a report of its fi ndings and can be considered complete when it has fulfi lled a specifi c assignment. A committee may be asked to investigate and make a recommendation with respect to an issue. Effective This will be particularly so when more than one viable alternative exists. A nominating committee established to nominate or recommend persons for offi ce in the local church represents this type committee of committee. A committee may be established to take specifi c actions. Most long-standing committees in the meetings: church are empowered to take actions. Com- mittees should recognize the importance of this prerogative in accordance with guidelines set out a guide for in the Church Manual or in the terms of reference that were articulated at the time when the com- mittee was established. congregations Whatever purposes they serve, committees are answerable to the bodies that established them. No committee has the right to extend its e have all heard and shared functions beyond those that were determined Barry Oliver humorous stories and when established. The body that establishes a anecdotes about committees. committee should agree on terms of reference Quips such as “committees that describe in simple point form the aims, keep minutes but waste objectives, and functions of a committee. When hours”W and “what else can you do but get bored a committee has been clearly told what to do, the at a board meeting” are well known to most of us. members are then able to work more effectively Committees have come in for some bad press. and effi ciently. When clear terms of reference But it does not have to be that way. The have not been provided, the committee is less information shared in this article will help those likely to get the job done to the satisfaction of who have been selected as members of church the parent body because it simply does not committees make their participation effective and understand the expectations. effi cient. We do not govern by autocratic dictate, but we do govern on the basis of broad-based The mission of the church participation and representation. We depend on Because we are speaking about processes in groups of people who take part in the decision- the church as they relate to the committee struc- making process. These groups of people that have ture, we cannot simply take principles that may been empowered by the church body to make apply in committees that transact business in appropriate decisions, we call committees. secular organizations and assume these can be transported into the church. We are to be about Types and functions of committees our Father’s business. Therefore, for every meet- The executive committees of the church at ing conducted in the church, the agenda should large are, of necessity, larger committees generally fi rst deal with items that specifi cally focus on the Barry Oliver, Ph.D., conducted in a more formal manner, following mission of the church. Unless our committees is general secretary well-prescribed rules of order. The committees of contribute in some way to the fulfi lling of the of the South the local church tend to be smaller and generally mission of the church, they should not meet, for Pacifi c Division of conducted with less formality. Nevertheless, if the this represents a waste of time. Churches and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, principles that are discussed here are applied and church members everywhere need to focus on Sydney, New South used, especially in the local church, local church the most essential items. In every committee Wales, Australia. committees will work much better. we should fi nd ways to express, discuss, and Broadly speaking, committees are established make decisions with reference to matters that for one or more of three purposes: specifi cally enhance our capacity to fulfi ll our A committee may be set up to study or inves- commission. Committee members need to be tigate a matter. In this case the work of the apprised of how their actions and decisions

December 2006 MINISTRY 17 An Invitation to Support a New Ministry training institute

THE BRADFORD-CLEVELAND-BROOKS INSTITUTE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION IN MINISTRY

“Bradford, Cleveland, and Brooks contributed Charles E. Bradford E. Earl Cleveland Charles D. Brooks Church Leadership Global Evangelism Media Ministry immeasurably to my development as a minister. U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black is an alumnus of Oakwood and My decision to invest in the first person of color to serve as chaplain of the U.S. Senate. A this institute is a small way portion of the royalties from his new book, From the Hood to the Hill: of saying, ‘Thank you.’ ” A Story of Overcoming, will directly benefit the Bradford-Cleveland- Brooks Institute at Oakwood College, which provides lifelong opportunities for clergy and non-clergy in ministry and community service. For information on how to make a tax-deductible, charitable donation to this project, please contact: To obtain a copy, visit BCBI/Office of Development www.admiralblack.com 7000 Adventist Blvd., NW or your local bookstore. Huntsville, Alabama 35896 Web address: www.oakwood.edu Phone: (256) 726-7201

18 MAKING MINISTRYMINISTRY MEANINGFUL December 2006 are contributing to our most essential is good, there should not be too many discussion so that the chair has been well objectives. such matters. By their very nature, dis- apprised of important issues. Do not take it for granted that the cussion items are open-ended. If there The chairperson should encourage people on the committee will somehow are more than say, two or three discus- discussion of all sides of an issue. Those automatically assume that what the sion items, the chairperson will almost in the chair need to be sure that all sides committee does relates to the mission certainly have diffi culty in keeping the of the argument are examined fairly of the church. Take time to articulate, meeting to time. by allowing those who wish to speak discuss, and decide exactly how this can Give prior information. In addition to to an issue to do so. If some members be accomplished. Listen to reports that the distribution of the agenda before the of the committee do not seem to be relate to how past actions of the com- committee meeting, wherever possible speaking to an issue, the responsibil- mittee have enhanced the mission of the both the starting time and expected ity of the chair includes empowering church. Take time to pray, seeking the fi nishing time of the committee should them appropriately by inviting them to blessing of the Lord in the work of the be given in advance. Clearly state those express their opinion on the issue. If, on committee and its relation to the mission who are expected to attend. Ensure the other hand, someone monopolizes of the church. that everyone entitled to attend knows the meeting, the chair needs to inform The primary responsibility for seeing the location of the meeting. Giving them that while their input is valued, all that the mission of the church remains people adequate information before the members of the committee need to be preeminent belongs to the chairperson. committee meets enables them to feel given opportunity to contribute. Chairpersons should have the capacity to valued. In fact, a wise chairperson will On occasions a chairperson may articulate the vision and see its accom- actively encourage committee members wish to express a strong opinion on a plishment. Otherwise they are no better to be seeking the Lord in prayer as the particular issue. When that happens, than the airline pilot who is said to have essential preparation for discussing the the chairperson asks another person to announced, “The good news is that we matters at hand. occupy the chair temporarily in order to are making very good time. The bad The meeting should be so well planned make the point that needs to be made. news is we are lost.” in advance that adding agenda items at The chairperson should know the the last minute rarely happens, for then dynamics in the group. When a com- Preparing for the committee the committee members are deprived mittee meets for the fi rst time, it is not A direct correlation exists between of adequate preparation and prayerful usually possible to anticipate what group preparation for a committee meeting consideration of the matter. Only in mat- dynamics will operate. As time passes, and the productivity of the meeting. ters of great urgency should anything be however, patterns begin to emerge in the How many committee meetings have considered without proper preparation. dynamics of a group that may strengthen you attended in which you became or, alternatively, impede the work of the increasingly agitated because you were The functions of the chairperson committee. A good chairperson retains wasting your time? In discussing essen- The chairperson holds the most sensitivity to such dynamics. tial preparation, several factors need to responsibility for ensuring that the The chairperson will have carefully be considered: meeting is conducted decently and in prepared appropriate opening remarks Know the purpose of the meeting. Have order. In fact, the quality of the meet- well before calling the committee to order. you ever asked yourself these questions: ing almost always resides on the quality The chair should prepare well both to Why is this committee being held? What of the chairmanship. The chair position open the meeting and to introduce each outcome is expected? There should be carries both responsibility and privilege. item on the agenda but not necessar- an expectation that the meeting is going Chairpersons should not approach the ily present each one. For example, the to achieve results. The chairperson and responsibility lightly and without due chairperson could ask and introduce the secretary should have discussed the regard for the position that they occupy. another person to conduct a short devo- purpose of the meeting prior to calling In order for the chair to function effec- tional at the beginning of the meeting. it so that members do not doubt that it tively, several important guidelines need In presenting each item, the chair- is really necessary. to be observed: person needs to be factual, appropriately Carefully prepare a written agenda. The chairperson should know the cheerful, topical, and focused on the dis- The preparation of an agenda serves key issues to be discussed in all agenda cussion items. In a sense, the chair should two important purposes: It clarifi es in the items. Effective chairpersons prepare capture the interest of the committee mind of the chairperson the items to be thoroughly and can speak, if necessary, members in such a way that each member discussed, and it communicates to the to any item on the agenda. They are is ready and willing to actively participate committee members vital information well aware of the specifi c purpose of the in the discussion of the issue. that should be available to them before meeting and keep that purpose in mind The chairperson should articulate a the meeting commences. throughout. Homework, done prior to clear and fair summary of each item being However, a word of caution follows. the meeting, is essential and should discussed before putting it to the vote. In While one discussion item on an agenda include, if necessary, consultation and making this summary, impartiality is

December 2006 MINISTRY 19 e do not govern by autocratic dictate, but we do W govern on the basis of broad-based participation and representation. We depend on groups of people who take part in the decision-making process.

absolutely vital with the focus on the the chairperson, usually holds the error discovered after the minutes have issues rather than on the personalities responsibility for announcing the meet- been approved. If so, alterations should involved. From time to time the chair ing in the manner appropriate for that be included in the record of the later should be prepared to ask questions specifi c committee. meeting. Minutes should not contain a seeking clarifi cation of issues that may The secretary makes the physical record of anything that happened after not have been well expressed. arrangements for the meeting. The sec- the close of the meeting. The secretary The chairperson should remain cour- retary, again in consultation with the also holds the responsibility for the pres- teous and in control. Never should the chairperson, usually makes the physical ervation of the minutes. chairperson permit the chair position arrangements for the meeting. For exam- to be usurped. Neither should the ple, the secretary will prepare the venue, The duties of committee chair be dictatorial or rude, even with the seating, the provision of heating or members a committee member way out of line. cooling, any writing or written materials, A number of points need to be No chairpersons should ever increase and any other items deemed desirable for made with reference to the role and or even maintain their authority by par- successfully conducting the meeting. responsibilities of those who serve on the ticipating in inappropriate, unethical, or The secretary assists in preparing the various committees and boards of our unchristian conduct. agenda. The secretary will generally church. I believe in the privilege of serving At the end of the meeting, the chairper- choose the means by which the agenda as a member of a group of people called son should make sure that responsibilities for will be distributed before the meeting. to transact the business of the Lord. the implementation of the actions have been The agenda will usually be accompanied Committee members conducting the assigned. Many committees approve excel- by appropriate reference material that Lord’s business should conduct themselves lent actions that are never implemented will provide information to assist in the with appropriate Christian decorum, not because members are not sure who needs decision-making process. making frivolous, irrelevant, unnecessary, to do what. The chairperson should ensure The secretary prepares and circulates time-consuming, or obstructionist speeches that all are clear as to who is responsible the minutes after the conclusion of the or motions. Generally, a person should for implementing the action. meeting. Minutes consist of a brief formal speak to a particular issue only once in Finally, the chairperson should make record of proceedings at meetings. They order to give adequate opportunity for sure that the committee meeting ends need to be concise while at the same as many as possible to speak to an issue positively. For example, make sure that time providing suffi cient information to or motion. However, the chairperson you thank people for coming to the be readily understood by a person not may give a person who has already spo- meeting. It may be appropriate to make at the meeting. They include details of ken the opportunity to clarify previous some personal remarks about some the type of meeting; the place, day, remarks or answer a question. members of the committee. A reference and date of the meeting; the names of At the discretion of the chairperson, to the date, time, and place for the next those present; apologies; approval of the persons who do not normally have the meeting of the particular committee minutes of the previous meeting; and an right of attendance may attend and may be in order. accurate record of actions taken. address the committee as invitees. How- As well as providing a record for ever, these persons do not have the right The functions of the clerk or future reference purposes, minutes help of making or seconding motions, nor do secretary those who must implement decisions they have the right to vote. The chair has The secretary works together with to do it correctly. It is good practice for the right to ask attendees who are not the chairperson to ensure that the com- the secretary to prepare the minutes as committee members to leave the com- mittee meeting operates effi ciently and soon as possible after the meeting. The mittee after the item under discussion effectively. There should be ready com- chairperson should read the draft of the has been fi nalized. munication and consultation between minutes to ensure that they accurately All remarks and discussion should be the chairperson and the secretary. The refl ect the proceedings of the meeting. directed to or through the chairperson. duties of the secretary follow. Approved minutes must not be This may appear somewhat ponder- The secretary formally calls the meet- altered in any way. A resolution can be ous at times. However, experience has ing. The secretary, in consultation with passed at a later meeting to correct any shown that this wise practice helps dif-

20 MINISTRY December 2006 fuse potentially diffi cult situations when the vote comes in the affi rmative, the information-collecting process will be people who are highly committed to original motion can then be put to the impeded. Remember that decisions are differing positions begin to address their vote. If negative, discussion continues likely to be only as good as the informa- remarks to each other. until a vote to put the question to the tion the decision-makers have at their vote is resolved in the affi rmative. disposal. Appropriate rules of order The chair puts the motion to the Organize and analyze the data. When Those who participate in committees vote. Before putting the motion to the analysis of the data shows the need for should be familiar with the almost uni- vote, the chairperson clearly restates further information, the chair should versally accepted manner of transacting the motion and ensures that all mem- clearly point to a solution, or suggest items through the committee. bers understand exactly for what they alternative courses of action. A member makes a motion. When the are voting. The chairperson needs to Choose from alternative courses chairperson introduces an item, they always give opportunity for those who of action. Most suggested solutions usually also ask for a motion. If proper wish to vote in the affi rmative and for have advantages and disadvantages. preparation has taken place, the chair those who wish to vote in the negative A decision is a judgment of the best will know who should make the motion to submit their vote. The vote can be alternative in the circumstances. Every or there will be a formal written recom- submitted by voice, by a show of hands, action therefore has ramifi cations that mendation. Motions should be worded by standing, or by secret ballot, with should be considered and the likely as clearly and as exactly as possible. the method of voting at the discretion impact ascertained. In some cases, some discussion may of the chair. However, the chair should Implement the decision and reevaluate be needed before the chair entertains a keep in mind that matters of a sensitive it. The committee should evaluate the motion. In such cases, discussion should nature or which are of considerable results of the decisions that are made. be kept to a minimum before a motion importance should always be decided The quality of the evaluation is directly is on the fl oor. by secret ballot. related to the quality of subsequent Another member seconds the motion. Unless a committee’s rules say decision-making. All motions require another person to otherwise, the chairperson may choose Problem-solving techniques are second them in order to be considered. to break the tied vote by voting in the developed in the course of experience. The purpose of the second is to inform affi rmative or in the negative. However, The simple principles that have been the chair that more than one member the chair may choose to abstain and thus annunciated by Firth are well worth wishes the motion to be considered. allow the motion to be defeated. The the time taken to become thoroughly A second does not mean that the one chair may also cause the motion to be familiar with and to be applied in the who seconds the motion also favors the lost by voting to obtain a tie, in which context of the committees in which we motion. It means that the one who sec- case the motion would be lost. This could are involved. onds agrees that the motion should be occur when, for example, affi rmative brought to the committee for discussion votes number 50 and negative votes Conclusion and consideration. number 49. If the chair were to vote in If you wish to read additional The members discuss the motion. the negative, the vote would then be material, I suggest three books: Mack The motion is then discussed under the tied and the motion lost. Tennyson, Making Committees Work direction of the chair. If in the course of The chair announces the vote. Finally, (Zondervan, 1992); Roberta Hestenes, the discussion it becomes evident that the chair announces the result of the Turning Committees into Communities an amendment is desirable, a motion vote immediately after putting the ques- (NavPress, 1991); Charles M. Olsen, for an amendment must be moved, sec- tion to the vote. Every motion made in Transforming Church Boards into Com- onded, and voted independently from a meeting must go through this basic munities of Spiritual Leaders (The Alban the original motion. If the amendment process. All who participate in meetings Institute, 1995). is accepted, the motion as amended should be familiar with this process. We have covered many important can then be discussed in preparation points that will help you make your for the vote. Objective problem solving committee effective and effi cient. Com- A member calls for the question to be Robert E. Firth has written some mittees are here to stay in the church. voted. When discussion has proceeded excellent material specifi c to the effective To dispense with them would lead us in to the point where all aspects of the and effi cient conduct of our commit- a direction that may be chaotic. When matter have been aired, a member of the tees.* Here are the points in the process conducted properly, they ensure appro- committee may call for the motion to be as listed by Firth: priate, broad-based participation in the put to the vote by calling question. The Defi ne and clarify the problem to be work of the church. chairperson then asks the committee to resolved. The problem should be clearly vote on whether they want discussion to stated before further action is taken. * Robert E. Firth, Guidelines for Committee and Board ® cease and the matter to be put to the Gather appropriate information. If Members (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1973), 71–83. vote. If the vote to put the question to the problem is not stated correctly, the

December 2006 MINISTRY 21 And God was fi ne with that (Exod. 33:17–19), for God is willing to show us all we can handle.

You shall be changed as you spend time with God. After 40 uninterrupted days with God, Moses’ face began to shine with God’s light. Some members didn’t like hanging with Moses so much after that (Exod. 34:30–33). Sunny disposi- tions don’t always attract the saints of God. But don’t be surprised that a large quantity of time spent with God will brighten you as a person and a pastor.

You shall not defend your pastoral lead- Ten ership. God does a better job of defending you than you can. At times He has opened up the ground and swallowed up problem people commandments (Num. 16:2, 3, 28–35). Forgive me, but I love the story in the aforementioned verses. It’s always a terrible temptation to defend oneself and one’s for pastors leadership, but God is capable of doing a better job. Interestingly, the spirit of rebellion against God’s appointed leaders was always considered Stan Hudson by God as a challenge to His own leadership. oses has always been my favorite Old Testament You shall delegate. Try to hand off as much hero. His qualities of char- as you can to other leaders. Share the blessings. acter were such that God Exodus 18:21–23 records the sage advice of chose to speak directly and Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law. Getting volunteers Muniquely to him. to share the load is easier said than done, but it The diffi culties Moses faced as the shepherd remains good advice. of Israel have proven to be a great comfort to me as a pastor. There’s nothing quite like hearing You shall have less honor among those you the problems that other ministers face to help love most. Don’t be surprised that those closest diminish your own. Listed below, in no particular to you are among your greatest second-guessers. order, are ten commandments for pastors that Familiarity can breed problems because those I’ve learned from Moses. closest to you can better see your blemishes. Numbers 12:2, 5, 6, 8–10 records Moses’ trou- You shall learn how to pray effectively. bles with his brother Aaron and his sister Miriam. Always pray from God’s agenda, not your own. Jesus also noted this dynamic when He said that Moses was an expert not only in getting God’s a prophet was not without honor, except in His ear but also in getting help. He tried to keep own home. (See Matthew 13:57.) This can mean the big picture in mind (Exod. 32:11–14). Here more than family, for sometimes close friends can Moses prayed from a great-controversy perspec- surprise you. Only God can be consistently relied tive; he appealed to God’s desire to be accurately upon to be there for you. Stan Hudson, D. Min., known by nonbelievers and to have His promises pastors the Spokane seen as though they also had been written in You shall not listen to habitual complainers. Valley Seventh-day stone. To glorify God is always the best motive Ten of Moses’ 12 spies correctly ascertained Adventist Church for prayer. Canaan’s diffi culties. Complainers can undo a in Spokane Valley, lot of good in a hurry. The reactions of Israel Washington, United States. You shall know God face to face. Moses to the spies’ reports can be found in Numbers didn’t ask for a peek of God after the plagues, 13:30–32; 14:2, 3. The complainers didn’t make but he certainly did ask after God forgave Israel’s it to the Promised Land, even though they were golden-calf sin. The gracious character of God in right about the giants. Churches that listen to granting Moses’ petition for Israel’s forgiveness habitual complainers walk in circles as did the was what made him want to get a closer look. children of Israel in the wilderness.

22 MINISTRY December 2006 You shall surround yourself with Short memories are still a great cause something—anything. So, he ended up supporting leaders. When Moses’ of faith loss. striking a rock, the symbol of Jesus. arms grew weary during the Midianite battle and they began drooping, Israel You shall trust God’s leading. God Throughout Moses’ years as Israel’s also began to droop. God wouldn’t rarely leads in straight lines. In fact, God shepherd, he was accused of arrogance, give Israel victory until they had purposely tested Israel by taking them to not caring for his people, incompetence, learned that they would win only uncomfortable places, and this always mean-spiritedness, poor judgment, and when Moses won (Exod. 17:8–13). looked as though Moses was a poor more. Yet for the most part he remained When a pastor gets droopy, a church leader. Deuteronomy 8:2,3a records humble before God, awed at the privi- that wants to succeed will pitch in and God’s purposes in zigzagging through lege of close communion with Israel’s hold him up because supporting God’s deserts. It’s when we don’t seem to have Savior. He learned how and when to take appointed leaders will bring victory. enough earthly wisdom or strength to off his sandals. And to some extent, a pastor should deal with life’s problems that we look When the resurrected Moses appeared have some say as to whom he works upward for help. to Jesus on the Mount of Transfi guration, with best. he represented those saints who will have These are ten commandments for pas- tasted death, yet will be saved to fellow- You shall remember that congrega- tors. There is one more important point ship with Christ for eternity. I’d like to tions forget. After a number of obvious that pastors need to remember—realize think that Moses also represents those victories God had given Israel through that the time will come for you to turn of us shepherds who have had our own Moses, they could still dump him in a over your responsibilities to others. moments of victory, as well as moments heartbeat. Numbers 14:4 records that of apparent defeat, yet stayed the course after plagues, sea-partings, and miracu- You shall not put off retirement. and tried to help some sheep get to the lous daily bread, Israel could drop their Even Moses couldn’t handle 40 years River Jordan. May we all have that special pastor at the very borders of Canaan. “So (Num. 20:10–12). Moses was so tired time with the King of Glory. they said to one another, ‘Let us select of pastoring Israel and listening to Just the thought already has a bright- a leader and return to Egypt’ ” (NKJV). their complaints that he wanted to hit ening effect on me!

Have you seen it? To fi nd out if r c h h e a d q u c h u a r t e these exciting new mission videos are r l d r s w o e available in your division, check with t h d n your division headquarters, or visit a n o i s www.AdventistMission.org. s i M t Thank you for supporting s i t the Mission Offerings. n e

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December 2006 MINISTRY 23 Another long silence, eventually broken by an elder, who said, “I am actually a draftsman by training. You tell me what you want, and I will draw it up for you.” The church was reborn that night. Energy exchange had begun. Each was empowering the other. Over the next 90 minutes we thrashed out what we really wanted in a new building, and how we wanted it to look. Before we concluded The the meeting, we arranged for a social evening when we would fi rst have some fun, then lay before the entire membership the proposals that phenomenon had come out of the meeting. Those proposals would be (1) the new drawings for the church on display for member inspection; (2) organizing the membership for fund-raising; (3) an appeal of energy to members to kick-start that famished building fund by personal donations. I had no role in these proceedings. The entire exchange evening was under the leadership of newly appointed leaders of various departments—Social Committee, Fund-Raising Committee, and oth- t was our first appointment after ers. One member, the only one who could be V. Peter Harper graduation. Coming from years of farming described as moderately well-to-do, promised background, my wife and I moved into a signifi cant donation. Over the next two years, the new pastoral intern assignment with the church building fund was growing at a rapid much anticipation to learn and work. But rate. At the end of the second year, construction Iit turned out that for most of the fi rst year, the began. senior pastor was away, and I, in a sense, was the pastor. The evangelistic outreach conducted Energy exchange: a component of the following year did not go well, and among community the members the church morale was very low. As a fragile component of community life, The congregation was not that involved in the energy exchange is a sociological phenomenon, outreach program anyway, nor did they have and religion can use it effectively. At that time I one social event in more than two years. They obviously had no neat conceptual apparatus to were overcrowded in their primitive facility and defi ne what was happening, and I fi nd it easier resided in a major growth area of the city. The to describe what takes place than to explain why membership was mostly young families having and how. We can talk of giving people ownership limited income capacity for any renovation. In of those things that are of collective importance fact, their plan for a new building was limited to to them, but energy exchange has little to do architectural drawings made some seven years with selfi sh motives. On the contrary, it awakens earlier, and their building fund balance had not a spirit of sacrifi ce, of giving of oneself to a higher increased during those years. cause. However, as morally and qualitatively At the end of my second year, I was appointed neutral, energy exchange will work for evil as senior pastor. Early in February, with the members effectively as for good. V. Peter Harper, a settled down after the holiday period and school Workings of energy exchange do not have retired minister, concerns, I called a business meeting. I asked the any conceptual, spiritual, ethical, or practical writes from Young, members if they wanted a new church building, boundaries, with its empowerment available to New South Wales, knowing perfectly well they didn’t. saint and sinner, the upright and the criminal, Australia. “No, we don’t,” they responded. as it moves across the spectrum of community “Neither do I,” I responded. “What would activity. Continuing the story outlined above, you like to do with the architectural plans?” that church had not seen kingdom growth for a After a long silence, one timid voice squeaked, number of years. Yet in those two years we saw “Can’t we draw up our own?” 31 baptisms. Once the members had that fi re “Sure, I see no reason why you should not,” in their belly, members would come to me at I replied. church and say, “Peter, we have made friends

24 MINISTRY December 2006 took my own path, and the I church members caught on. with the couple next door to us, and been privately breathed a year earlier. she is an ex-Adventist. Do you think you Three times this elder tried to have me should visit them?” Another might say: shifted, but in the end he took his mem- “Look, there’s this fellow at work. He’s bership elsewhere. Even long before been critical about the Sabbath. Lately he moved, however, energy exchange he seems to have changed, for he even had kicked in, and from that point, the asks me questions. Could you drop church experienced regular baptisms, around and see him?” The dynamism growing well beyond its previous high of the Holy Spirit was now touching the in membership. community. What I am writing about here describes a dimension inseparable Discovering spiritual gifts from the freedom of the human spirit The burst of energy the members to respond to its deepest longings and experienced moved across the divide convictions. While on the one hand, from their preoccupation with the energy exchange requires leaders and A fresh, easy- new church to be built to a previously followers, on the other, it necessitates unknown awareness of spiritual place- the integration of the individual ethical to-use update ment in the wider community. They consciousness into a communal con- had not the slightest notion they were sciousness of similar ethical grounding. of the world- actually witnessing to people in their Thus the body becomes greater than day-to-day life. There was not a shred the sum of its parts, and its wider infl u- famous fi ve- of intentionality about what they did, ence through the general community is but they were the real factor in that inevitable. The spirit of servant-leader- day plan. startling jump in membership. I just did ship, modeled so profoundly by Jesus, my job—visits and Bible studies. took hold of the disciples, and from Get a starter packet While not necessarily pain-free, them it swept through the Jerusalem containing 12 participant energy exchange may engender inter- community. Individuals are never so booklets, resource CDs personal conflict, especially when free as when they become embodied (PowerPoint presentation entrenched power structures are threat- by personal choice and desire in an & Facilitators Guide), ened. Another church to which I was individually empowering environment. forms, and advertising appointed had existed for the past Perhaps that is as close as I am able to packets. Everything 35 years with the same head elder. come to a defi nition. you need to conduct a It seemed as though he owned it. As successful seminar! could be expected, it had been in steady Empowering members to numerical decline for much of those 35 participate NOW ONLY years and had a social structure that With variations, we have experi- could be cut with a knife. There were enced energy exchange in some other the leading offi ce bearers, and then the churches. Never automatic as a result order online at rest of the church members. Midway of technique or theory, trivial circum- www.quit-now.info through the fi rst of our fi ve years there, stances can dampen energy exchange I realized what the leading elder actu- overnight. With control as its greatest ally meant when he told me on our fi rst enemy, effective leadership means giving Sabbath, “Whatever you do here, we will people freedom to speak, to try, and support you.” The we was the operative to do; control means the denial of that word, and what he actually meant was, freedom. I have had my fi ngers burned “I run this place; you play ball, and I more than once through my willingness can deliver.” to let go of the reins and give people I took my own path, and the church that freedom or through doing things members caught on. Here and there in an unconventional manner, but there personal views and opinions began to be is really no alternative if we are to be publicly expressed that would not have honest to our calling. If ever there was

December 2006 MINISTRY 25 a person who took risks with people, it crowd. “The closed crowd renounces was Jesus. “ ‘It is to your advantage that growth and puts the stress on perma- I go away’ ” (John 16:7, NASB). What an nence. The first thing to be noticed incredible thing for Him to say! about it is that it has a boundary. It Control is not playing safe, nor is it establishes itself by accepting its limita- protection for the body. With that as the tion. It creates a space for itself which standard excuse, control can be defi ned it will fi ll. . . . The boundary prevents as a fabrication and a denial of individual disorderly increase, but it also makes it inner freedom. Control seeks power.1 It more diffi cult for the crowd to disperse brings death to energy exchange, for and so postpones its dissolution. In this it cuts the fl ow—the reciprocation of way the crowd sacrifi ces its chance of energy—and requires that the energy growth, but gains in staying power. It is of the body be channeled toward one protected from outside infl uences which unit or cell that has set itself above and could become hostile and dangerous, over the body and sucks the life-force and it sets its hope on repetition. It is the from it. “All such control mechanisms expectation of reassembly which enables are self-defeating. The more conduct its members to accept each dispersal. is institutionalized, the more predict- The building is waiting for them; it exists able and thus the more controlled it for their sake and, so long as it is there, becomes. . . . The more, on the level of they will be able to meet in the same New year in the Word. meaning, conduct is taken for granted, manner.”4 the more possible alternatives to the The stratifi cations of society at large Reading the Scriptures is our primary institutional ‘programmers’ will recede, and of religion in particular parallel vehicle for knowing and serving God. In and the more predictable and controlled each other regardless of the extent of an authentic, passionate relationship with conduct will be.”2 secularization of society. In the west, God, His Word fi lls our hearts and our people live in a society based on “civil homes (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). Two elements for church religion.” The renunciation of power, and If you struggle with a reading plan that vibrancy of the forms and codes of civil religion that takes you through the Bible in a year, just relax. God wants to meet you in His Word Two key elements in establishing certify that power, are the key to energy throughout your life. There is no biblical vibrancy of church life are worship and exchange. The manner in which a church requirement to complete the entire Bible social interaction.3 Worship is primary, comes to mirror the mores of the culture in a year. In fact, every 7 years the nation but the social element in church life is in which it is planted, even while resisting of Israel was supposed to gather for a equally indispensable, for without it wor- them, is something we know exists but public reading of the fi rst fi ve books of the ship may become ritualistic regardless of fail to identify in ourselves. We battle it Old Testament (Deuteronomy 31:10, 11). how “contemporary” we try to make it. with our forms and codes, not realizing this When was the last time you came across a 7-year Bible reading plan? The other hazard, which is becoming is the failsafe mechanism of the culture Do you really want to read through pervasive in some divine services, can around us, a mechanism guaranteed to the Bible in a year? You will need about be described as a deliberate casualness prohibit the energizing infl uence of the 80 hours. Be prepared to commit 10 to 15 attached to the worship hour. This is Spirit. These words should in no way be minutes per day. a subconscious attempt to conflate seen as a “pitch” for congregationalism. You can also read through the Bible in worship and play because the body In fact, quite the reverse. a year by simply reading four chapters per has not been led into structured social Whatever term we choose for it, day. A more aggressive approach is to read three chapters in the Old Testament and life, distinct from worship. Life of the what we are considering must have its three chapters in the New Testament each church as a body, and with it the energy genesis in worship, otherwise it becomes day, which will help you read through exchange, shrinks when the whole body a confi guration of human creation: “For the Old Testament once and the New does not participate in social life. Energy it pleased the Father that in Him all Testament four times each year. exchange enhances body life, but it will the fullness should dwell” (Col. 1:19, never realize its potential if worship and NKJV). Pentecostals are familiar with the — Harold Cunningham, Georgia- play are not distinctive elements of the logistics of energy exchange, but they Cumberland Conference life of the church community. The mis- tend toward a technique of milking the take made by the people at the foot of congregation to achieve it. Jocular quips Mount Sinai was not that they played; and other preaching modes are regularly rather, it was that they combined wor- inserted into the address, and ultimately ship and play. the response can become automatic. Elias Canetti draws a distinction By contrast I will never forget the between the “open” and the “closed” church service I attended in Dallas when,

26 MINISTRY December 2006 as a member of a Church Growth tour party in 1985, I heard W. A. Criswell RESOURCES the day when deaf people will thrive as preach. The humble warmth of the man, Christians in the Adventist Church. combined with his spiritual authority and The booklet is available to you his ability to make you feel he was talking free, with a small charge for additional to you, generated a strong reciprocation copies. of energy. Booklet on deaf ministry now To receive your copy, please write “To truly catalyze the greatest available to Adventist Deaf Ministries, P.O. Box amount of energy, to strike a resilient dventist Deaf Ministries has just 6114, Mesa, AZ 85216. You can also chord in the hearts of its people, to seize released a new 22-page book- A make your request by e-mail: adm@ the day, a ministry must penetrate to a let on deaf ministry. A must-read deafadventist.org. much deeper level. It must touch people for everyone, Can You Hear Us? at a level that gives their lives greater was authored by Esther M. Doss. meaning and signifi cance. How does A quick reference guide to deaf ministry, Updated church statistics a ministry accomplish this? . . . Values while not an all inclusive volume, Can now available give servants a greater sense of meaning You Hear Us includes amazing tidbits, the he 2005 Annual Statistical Report, in their service, but not just any values discovery of myths about deaf people, Tfi rst and second quarters of the Sec- and not just biblical values. The answer shocking statistics, some how-tos, and retary’s Statistical Report, 2006 Annual is shared biblical core values. . . . If any heartwarming stories. No matter how Council Statistical Report, and miscel- Christian ministry desires to capture the much or how little you know about deaf laneous statistical documents are now great energies and gifts of its people, it people and this culture, you can be sure on the Web: www.adventistarchives.org. must share to some degree their com- that you will learn something. To access, click on “Adventist Archives,” mon core values so that its people, “Deaf ministry is not left only then choose “Annual Statistical Reports” in turn, fi nd common cause with the to those who know American Sign or “Statistical Documents.” organization, which leads to authentic Language,” Doss explains. “Deaf min- biblical community.”5 istry is not simply Some congregations have worked interpreting. This through the exercise of setting their ministry goes far core values, and nothing happens. This beyond that. The may be for at least two reasons: First, most important the agreed-upon values may have been part of this min- those the members thought they should istry is friendship. have, rather than those their hearts dic- Even if you don’t tated; second, the values are a veneer know how to sign, spread over the stereotyped mechanics you can still be a of church life. Nothing has changed. friend.” That authentic biblical community has not Esther M. Doss come to pass. Until people are trusted, works in Develop- there will be no reciprocation of energy ment and Public even if they have not earned that trust Relations at Adven- (see John 15:15, 16). tist Deaf Ministries, based in Mesa, Arizona, United 1 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church States. Her par- ® (Mountain View, CA: Pacifi c Press Pub. Assn.,), ents are both deaf, 6:397; Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers and she knows (Mountain View, CA: Pacifi c Press® Pub. Assn.,), 212, 213, 301–304. well the struggles 2 Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann, The Social deaf people have Construction of Reality (New York: Penguin Books, in their spiritual 1991), 80. journeys. In Can 3 White, Messages to Young People (Nashville, TN: You Hear Us? the Southern Pub. Assn., 1974), 405. 4 Elias Canetti, Crowds and Power (London: Phoenix author shares a Press, 2000), 17. Emphasis supplied. few experiences 5 Aubrey Malphurs, Values-Driven Leadership (Grand she had living in Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1996), 22, 23. the deaf culture. Doss longs to see

December 2006 MINISTRY 27 Dateline

Adventist UN representative visits, demonstrated our commitment The conference was jointly convened calls for greater commitment to educating for religious freedom and by the International Center for Law to end religious intolerance ending discrimination based on religion and Religion Studies at Brigham Young or belief,” Gallagher concluded. “The University, the Columbia Center for the ew York, New York—The United upcoming world congress in Cape Study of Human Rights, and the United NNations, governments, and society Town, South Africa, from February 27 Nations NGO Committee for Freedom all need to do much more to end reli- to March 1, has the theme ‘Combating of Religion or Belief. [PARL News] gious intolerance and discrimination, Religious Hatred through Freedom to concluded delegates to a key conference Believe.’ In this way we are contribut- held in New York on October 5 and 6. ing to the implementation of the 1981 Children’s Sabbath School The conference focused on ways to Declaration, and we call for far greater lesson in Arabic now online implement the United Nations 1981 commitment to ending religious intoler- Declaration on Religious Tolerance as ance.” He also presented and distributed icosia, Cyprus—An Iraqi mother part of the celebration of the declaration’s the church’s statement on the 25th Nand her daughter have produced 25th anniversary. Delegates from the UN anniversary of the 1981 Declaration that the fi rst translation into Arabic of the diplomatic corps and local religious was drafted for this occasion. GraceLink Kindergarten Sabbath School freedom activists met with a group Felice Gaer, chair of the U.S. Com- curriculum lessons. of high-level leaders from overseas mission on International Religious Freedom Hanna Katrib, a long-time children’s that included government officials, (USCIRF), gave the “tortuous history” of ministries leader of the Baghdad Seventh- judges, academics, and human rights the 1981 Declaration, which took some day Adventist church, began translation proponents. The Seventh-day Adventist twenty years to be produced because of as soon as funds became available earlier Church was represented by its UN the many objections to the rights to the this year. Her youngest daughter, Basma, liaison director, Jonathan Gallagher, practice and expression of religion or belief. working from the Seventh-day Adventist a speaker at the conference. She also highlighted the ongoing need to Middle East region headquarters offi ce work toward better implementation of the in Cyprus, has been responsible for the Declaration, indicating that it was the man- design and layout. date of the USCIRF to hold accountable “This is a dream come true for the nations for violation of religious freedom by Arabic-speaking Sabbath School teach- recommending that they be categorized ers and children of the Seventh-day by the U.S. State Department as “countries Adventist Church in the Middle East of particular concern.” region,” says Valerie Fidelia, Children’s L to R: Jonathan Gallagher, Felice Gaer, Matt Cherry, Paul Martin, Bani Dugal. Bani Dugal, representing the Ministries director for the Adventist Baha’i International Community, spoke Church in the Middle East. of the watering down of provisions for She urges, “We encourage all Arabic In his address, Gallagher explained religious freedom, in particular the right speaking people to visit our Web site and that Adventist involvement in the draft- to change one’s religion. “In the 1948 download the lessons, for free, for the ing of the 1981 Declaration, in particular Declaration there is the clear right to benefi t of their Sabbath School teachers the section dealing with the right to a change religion, but in later documents and children.” day of worship, was followed by the this has become only the right to adopt Each week’s lesson gives a full outline church’s gaining consultative status with or to have a religion.” of the program, the readiness activities, the UN in 1985. “As a result, Adventists Paul Martin, executive director of lesson, applying and sharing the lesson, consistently protest religious liberty vio- the Center for the Study of Human Rights and two pages of activities to be used at lations at the annual UN Commission on at Columbia University, who chaired the home during the following week. Human Rights and actively lobby ambas- meeting, summarized the presentations The entire project will result in the sadors for action on cases of freedom of in three issues. “Firstly, the importance translation of eight books covering a conscience,” he added. of the freedom to change one’s religion, two-year cycle. “From these modest The church has also co-sponsored and the concept of proselytism. Secondly, beginnings, having completed and many regional and world congresses on equality and women’s rights in the reli- uploaded the fi rst book, we hope even- religious freedom with the International gious context. And thirdly, education for tually to have the whole set of lessons Religious Liberty Association. “These freedom of religion or belief, and building available for free download from our congresses, together with country trust between religions.” Web site,” states Fidelia.

28 MINISTRY December 2006 R ESOURCES

“Should anyone wish to contribute BOOK REVIEW look from the outside in are doing so, not to the funds for printing, the Middle East merely out of curiosity alone, but rather Union would be happy to receive any because they have a vested interest—not donation,” says Amir Ghali, publishing only in what takes place behind those walls director for the region. “Eventually, the but in what actually happens to those walls. plan is to print the material in book form for Life in the Fish Bowl: Every- He reveals a sense of ownership and pride wider distribution in more rural areas where day Challenges of Pastors and among some of the members of these Internet access is not readily available. But Their Families F. Belton Joyner Jr., congregations. He points out that both, if funds are only in hand for translation and Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN, 2006 not carefully managed, can create a chal- layout at this time,” he adds. lenge for the pulpit as well as for the pew. Fidelia adds, “We hope and pray ife in the Fish Bowl takes a real and To further drive his point home, Joyner that this will help to revitalize our Sab- Lsomewhat humorous look at what it’s exposes his readers to many real-life situa- bath Schools under the guidance of the like for pastors and their families as they tions, some of which are taken from his own Holy Spirit.” encounter the day-to-day challenges of pastoral journey while others are borrowed To download the lessons, visit www. parsonage life. And when the author uses from the lives of various pastoral families. adventistmeu.org. [Alex Elmadjian/ TED News] the word parsonage, he means it in the If he had not shared that these were “real” strictest sense of the word. Being from the occurrences, in many instances the reader Methodist tradition, he views parsonage might fi nd a lot of them hard to believe. Quiet Church—a Newbold fi rst life as more than what takes place inside With Joyner from the Methodist tradition the home of a pastor, but rather what sharing insights into their way of manag- racknell, England – Nobody spoke an life is like in the pastor’s house, which is, ing parsonage life, I believe pastors from Baudible word, nobody sang a hymn, no- fortunately or unfortunately, owned by the other faith persuasions will fi nd this book body preached a sermon at a silent worship local church. Although at times he does interesting as well as informative. service at Newbold College this week. use the term loosely to refer to a pastor’s Although much of this book does Quiet Church was the beginning of a home in general, for the most part, his seem to focus on the advantages as well monthly series offering to students, staff, idea of parsonage life centers solely in the as disadvantages to life in the parsonage, and the wider community an opportunity context of the place that a church provides Belton makes it clear that in order for both to take time out with God and each other in as the living quarters of its pastor. parties to live harmoniously together, a quiet space. Salisbury Hall, one of the col- Dr. Joyner, through the use of his each must be willing to see the parsonage lege’s assembly halls, was open and dimly lit fi sh-bowl analogy, clearly sets forth as as more than just a piece of real estate. In for two and a half hours during the evening. his main objective presenting a view of essence, it should be viewed as a symbol Staff, students, and community members parsonage life that equates with both that a spirit of unity and cooperation can came and left quietly in their own time, fairness and balance. This is not merely truly exist in the body of Christ. Joyner praying, refl ecting, meditating, or reading the one-sided view that many in ministry claims that in order for this to become a Bibles or other devotional materials. are acquainted with—that of pastors and reality, “the pastor’s parsonage and the “The aim of Quiet Church is to pro- their families—but a unique insight as to congregation’s parsonage must be yoked vide a peaceful space where people can what it’s like being on the outside of the in service together for Jesus Christ.” be with God,” said Dean of Students fi sh bowl looking in. —Charles A. Tapp, M.Div., is senior pastor of Pastor Henrik Jorgensen, one of the orga- As a retired Methodist pastor of 40 the Seabrook Seventh-day Adventist Church, nizers. “In silence we may hear the voice years, Joyner makes it clear that those who Lanham, Maryland, United States. of God, so often drowned out by the noise of other activities and people, even in worship. In Quiet Church we want to give people an opportunity just to be not company. But something in a home defenses. . . . Throughout my time there, with God and really listen to what God is always begging to be cleaned, folded, in silence, I talked, sang, questioned, might be saying to them. Our motto for ironed, cooked, watched, or answered. listened, shouted, laughed, cried, and, this activity is ‘Let God be God.’” Peace can be hard to fi nd—even in a fi nally, rested. Others came and went. Between 20 and 30 people came and quiet place. Somewhat reluctantly, I Smiles were exchanged, but no intru- went during the service. One person, ini- walked into Salisbury Hall. sion was felt. I left with a quietness and tially dubious about the idea, refl ected, “Immediately, a peaceful ambience confi dence I’ve not felt for a long time.” “After a busy, noisy day I wanted peace, pervading the foyer relaxed some of my [Helen Pearson/ TED News]

December 2006 MINISTRY 29 P ASTOR’ S PASTOR

A new start for your ministry

JAMES A. CRESS

ost pastors are too busy; the Resource your laity leaders to do majority carries a far heavier their assignments. They may need train- Mload than God intends. ing or equipment. They will surely need Consider a new approach that mentoring. Whatever the church invests will renew your ministry to the extent will be repaid in more effective service. you invest your energies in expanding Reference helpful tools in training your leadership team as the model and fellowshipped anew with two success- your elders. Specifi c resources such as measure of pastoral success. ful pastors who once had been new The Church Manual, Elder’s Handbook, Resign your position as the one converts and later were elected as elders Minister’s Handbook, and Ellen White’s who directs and implements all ministry before studying for ministry. Potential is Pastoral Ministry should form a basic functions. Your assignment does not often easily overlooked. library for every laity leader (order at include doing the work of ministry. You Rejuvenate your own spirit by www.ministerialassociation.com). are called to put your members to work sharing the load with other dedicated Relate to your elders so that each doing ministry. leaders, men and women, whom God becomes part of the larger team with a Renew your ministry by doing will call to work alongside you. A team desire and commitment to achieve the less and expecting more from others. approach of pastor and elders cooperat- group’s objectives. When Jesus trained Leading your elders to accomplish the ing together will breathe new strength His own disciples, He invested quality Lord’s will enables your own ministry into your own vision. time in doing ministry with them, in to accomplish far more than you ever Recognize innate talents and gifts their presence, before He sent them out dreamed. that God can use. Match assignments two-by-two. Reconfi rm your responsibility not for newly recruited elders to their own Replicate your own pastoral care to do everything—a burnout guaran- talents and interests in order to multiply in the ministry of your elders. Provide tee. Instead, determine to expand your their effective service. Avoid forcing them church business cards so that when ministry base by increasing the number introverts into public, upfront roles or they visit hospitals, contact potential of individuals assigned to and involved shutting people persons away from converts, assist members, or engage in in your ministry. visitation and personal interaction. church business they are designated as Recruit new elders who will join Require specifi c commitments from “the pastoral team.” with you in accomplishing heaven’s each elder whom you recruit. Do not Respect the Scriptural view of the goals for your ministry. From the very generalize. Defi ne specifi c responsibilities priesthood of all believers. The greater beginning Jesus envisioned his kingdom with well-written job expectations. your own confi dence in the role of laity moving forward by teams. His own Include an estimate of the minimum leaders, the greater will be their indi- method involved bringing a small group hours per week that will be necessary to vidual ministry performance. of leaders together and then deploying perform the tasks. Ask whether they are Review your group’s goals, accom- them in pairs as He sent them out. able and willing to commit. plishments, and challenges in regularly Reject volunteer leaders. Typically Release those whom you elect to scheduled meetings with your leader- those who offer their services are full accomplish their assigned tasks. They ship team. Help each elder understand of uneducated enthusiasm but are not may work differently than you. But that their contribution will set a higher prepared for the costs of long-term remember: while they are engaged, standard for the church. service. Among Jesus’ disciples, only you will be freed to pursue different Revitalize and retool your own Judas volunteered. The others were objectives. pastoral skills with the extra time you personally recruited by the Lord. Risk that these tasks may not be gain from effectively utilizing elders. Remember your own origins. If the performed with the same skill level you Rejoice when your leadership potential leaders you recruit appear to might bring. Of course, the even greater becomes reduplicated in the lives and lack what ministry needs, refl ect on how ego risk comes from realizing that your work of your elders. God has led in your own life. I recently elders might do a better job.

30 MINISTRY December 2006

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