I N T E R N A T I O N A L

J O U R N A L F O R P A S T O R S

DECEMBER 2008

Diamond Leaders When circumstances, character, and commitment combine FIRSTGLANCE Ministry® is the international journal of the Seventh-day Adventist® Ministerial Association and has been published since 1928. Diamond leaders: When Association Secretary James A. Cress 5 circumstances, character, and Editor Nikolaus Satelmajer Associate Editor Willie E. Hucks II commitment combine Consultant to Editor Myrna Tetz What lessons in leadership can we learn from precious gems? Editorial Assistant Sheryl Beck Database Assistant John Feezer IV Branimir Schubert Student Assistant Evan Knott Professional Growth Anthony Kent IN Contributing Editors Jonas Arrais, Sharon Cress, EVERY 2009: The “Year of Evangelism” John M. Fowler, Clifford Goldstein, Anthony Kent, ISSUE 9 Two pastors share their hopes for this evangelistic Peter Prime, Kit Watts International Editors initiative. Chinese Robert Wong Letters Indonesian Edwin T. Pandjaitan Willie E. Hucks II Japanese Yukio Ebihara 3 Korean Sung Sun Hong Portuguese (South America) Zinaldo Santos Why do You permit this, oh Russian Ilie Leahu Editorial Spanish (South America) Marcos Blanco 12 Lord? The problem of evil and Spanish (Inter America) Fernando Zabala 4 International Advisors Ron Clouzet, Daniel Duda, pastoral practice R. Danforth Francis, Passmore Hachalinga, John Kakembo, Ilie Leahu, Miguel Luna, Bruno Raso, Hector Dateline It is one of the oldest questions humans have asked, and Sanchez, Houtman Sinaga, Bruno Vertallier, Gary one of the hardest answers to understand. Webster, Measapogu Wilson 27 Consulting Editors Leslie Baumgarter, S. Peter Aleksandar S. Santrac Campbell, Ben Clausen, John C. Cress, Raoul Dederen, Ron Flowers, Jeanne Hartwell, Michael Hasel, Roland Book Review Hegstad, Mitchell Henson, Gerry Karst, Kathleen Kuntaraf, Ekkehardt Mueller, Norma Osborn, Jan 28 Sequence preaching: How to Paulsen, Robert Peach, Leslie Pollard, Ángel Manuel 17 design and prepare an effective Rodríguez, Fredrick Russell, Maylan Schurch, Loren Seibold, William Shea, Penny Shell, Dan Smith, Russell Pastor’s Pastor sermon series Staples, Richard Tibbits, Steve Willsey, Edward Zinke 30 Advertising Editorial Office The author shares a five-step process that will assist in Subscriptions/renewals/address changes crafting an effective sermon series. [email protected] (email); 301-680-6512 (phone); 301-680-6502 (fax) Derek J. Morris Ministerial Resource Center Cathy Payne 888-771-0738, 301-680-6508 Cover Photograph Dreamstime Images The Communion service and the Layout 316 Creative Subscriptions 12 issues: United States US$32.50; 20 issue of unworthiness Canada and overseas US$45.50; single copy US$3.00. Partaking of the Communion service can be an intense To order: send name, address, and payment to Ministry® Subscriptions, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, and emotional experience. But what do we say by our Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. Web site www.ministrymagazine.org nonparticipation in the Communion service? To Writers We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Roberto Iannò Before submitting, review the writers’ guidelines at www.ministrymagazine.org. Please send manuscripts via email with your name, address, and telephone number. Send editorial correspondence to Eight strategies to survive [email protected]. 22 problematic parishioners Ministry® (ISSN 0026-5314) is a journal of the Ministerial Association, © 2008, published monthly by Every pastor has them. What can you do about them? the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® and printed by Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., 1350 N. Kings Road, Judi Bailey Nampa, ID 83687-3193. Member Associated Church Press. Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, Idaho. Adventist®, Seventh-day Adventist®, and Ministry® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference Seven years in Karlsruhe: Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists®. 25 Memories of a church planter PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Birthing a new church is challenging. But watching God Vol. 80 Number 12 Bible credits Scriptures quoted from RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971 by perform miracles is exciting. the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. Scriptures quoted Abraham Rangel Flores from TEV are from the Good News Bible—Old Testament: Copyright © American Bible Society 1976, 1992; New Testament: Copyright © American Bible Society 1966, 1971, 1976, 1992.

2 MINISTRY December 2008 Letters

I only hope that my witness to these “shepherds of the Lord’s flock” was as effective as theirs was to me.

Ministerial alliances Is evangelistic success to Do?” June 2008). The idea that an un- was pleased to read the article by Jeff transferable? used original embryo could be donated I Scoggins (“The Local Ministerial Al- thoroughly enjoyed Jolivê Chaves’s to another couple and/or considered a liance: Strengthened by Differences,” Iarticle titled “Small Groups in the restricted “tissue donor” appeals to me. August 2008) concerning membership Adventist Church in South America” God has provided us with the ability and in the local ministerial alliance. I have (October 2008). the science to do amazing things. Is God always found the ministers of other de- The statement “Throughout these perhaps providing us an opportunity to nominations to be sincere individuals. years of experience with small groups, procreate and help overcome many of When I moved to one city, the we have learned that traditional meth- the physical ravages of sin at the same ministerial group changed their con- ods of doctrinal Bible studies and time? Does this lead us to the dilemma stitution in order to allow me to join. preparation for baptism did not bring of needing to determine a couple’s true We sat together and discussed what we the desired effect” raised a question in motivation for in vitro fertilization in the had in common (we found we could all my mind. Is there a special set of studies first place? say “Yes” to the Apostles’ Creed) and used by small groups that—rather than I agree that in vitro fertilization made that the test of membership. focusing on more “cognitive” studies— strictly for research or commercial gain When I was ill at one time, the minister emphasizes the application of these would be abhorrent and violating human of one of the churches was quick to topics to their lives? dignity. The seven Christian principles offer financial assistance. I only hope It would be most helpful if there were put forth regarding embryonic stem that my witness to these “shepherds a set of English language lessons for use cell research are excellent guidelines for of the Lord’s flock” was as effective as in small groups, such as was discussed the individual. theirs was to me. in the article. Also, with such incredible —Marc M. Dyke, email —Maurice Woods, retired minister, Gympie, success of small groups in South America, Australia it begs the obvious question: Why is there Caring for the flock such limited success in North America? our article titled “Visitation Expec- Multichurch districts Is it cultural? A social disconnect from Ytation” (“Pastor’s Pastor,” October am thankful for the many articles on non-Adventists? A lack of the Holy 2008) was very much appreciated! It not Ipastoring multichurch districts in the Spirit? Materialism? All of the above? only gave the biblical model of how and August 2008 issue. I wish that all our Or more? who is to care for our flock, but it also pastors and churches could reach the —John Indermuehle, Springfield, Oregon, gave a very tangible outline to follow. status of a multichurch district. As soon United States I plan to share this with my churches as a church becomes large enough to be and especially the leaders, in hopes of a single church district, it would be good Stem cell research improving our visitation efforts. if it planted another congregation and appreciate Allan Handysides’s infor- Thank you for addressing this topic. again attained the distinction of being Imative and thought-provoking article —Chester Hitchcock, pastor, Medina/Barber- a multchurch district. regarding embryonic stem cell research ton, Ohio, United States —Jeff Zaremsky, email (“Stem Cell Research: What is a Christian

December 2008 MINISTRY 3 Editorial

Twelve Questions for December

Ni k o l a u s Sa t e l m a j e r

don’t know how you plan your daily the Resurrection, biographies, biblical schedule—I assume that you do plan— studies—and other topics. With reading Ibut I have a simple system. I keep a list that is too narrow, we will find ourselves that I update on a regular basis. Actually, I out of touch with our members. Ask your need to update the list several times each colleagues what they are reading, and day, for if that doesn’t happen, I easily small book, Thoughts From the Mount of you may find that they may recommend get distracted from focusing on those Blessing,* to be a wonderful companion. to you a book that you need just at this things that I need to accomplish. I also I find this book encouraging and faith moment. remove things that I have accomplished— building. Its worn covers are a testimony Colleagues. I list colleagues because removing items gives me a sense of ac- to its value to me. a number of them have been a blessing complishment. That, briefly, is how I do Continuing education. Most ministers to me both personally and profession- my daily schedule. spend a number of years studying, so ally. Some need encouragement and Just as my daily list guides my daily why is it necessary to be involved in others encourage me, but to keep the activities, I find it helpful to make another continuing education? It is because relationship healthy, I need to focus on list of important items. That list contains additional study is done in a disciplined them as well. my study plans, reading goals, and situation. In that setting, we are expected Where are the other five? This includes relationships with individuals important to participate and respond and thus our my partial list of activities, actions, and in my life. This list also changes—items minds are sharpened. people that are important to me. It’s up are added or deleted. December may Planning. This involves taking a to you to add five more to the list—or be a good time of the year to review long look at what we do. What would more if you wish. In fact, your list may such a list. If you make a list, what would you like to accomplish in the next be different, but I hope you will have a you include on it? How long would it month, six months, or a year? If you list. If you don’t have one, you may be be? I don’t know the answers to either are a pastor, what plans do you have frustrated in your ministry. Just as a daily question, but I will share the kinds of for your congregation(s)? If you are a list helps us to have a more effective day, items I find essential and those that you teacher, should you update a particular a long-term general list will be a blessing may wish to consider placing on your class within the next year? The absence in our personal and professional life. list. Such a list will assist you in your of planning almost guarantees that This December, or whenever you ministry, and help you decide how to though we may be busy, we most likely read this editorial, I hope you will start spend your time. will accomplish little. Planning is an a list of people and activities that will Reading the Word for my benefit. important path to successful ministry. enrich you. Whether you keep this docu- Obviously, as ministers, we use the Family. My parents, during their ment on paper, on your computer, or in Bible when we prepare sermons or Bible lifetime, and my extended family were your mind, visit it often. Revise this list studies. But I find that I need to spend a blessing to me. Now, the Lord has regularly, but most importantly, focus on time reading the Bible for my personal blessed me with a wonderful wife, it. Such a list can function as a compass. benefit and growth. I choose passages children, and grandchildren, and they, It will not force you to do anything but that I believe will bring me a blessing. too, have become such a blessing—they will advise you so that you can make From experience, we know that such bring me joy. What about your family? informed decisions about your personal reading of the Bible has to compete with Do you let them know how much you and professional life. busy schedules, but this reading is vital appreciate them, or do you assume they for our spiritual well-being. know that? I need to remind myself that * Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Devotional life. In addition to reading my family needs to know how important Blessing (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1955). the Bible, I find that reading what other they are to me. Christians have written encourages me. Reading. What am I reading? I am Tell us what you think about this editorial. Email us There are many good books, but for a reading a broad range of books. Recently, at [email protected] or write to us number of years I have found the rather I read excellent books on leadership, at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

4 MINISTRY December 2008 First, diamonds are created under pressure. They are produced approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) underground, where the pressure registers five times greater than on the surface, and where the temperature becomes hot enough to melt iron. With carbon exposed to such condi- Diamond tions, the circumstances are perfect to transform carbon into a diamond. Similarly, I believe that leaders “emerge” under pressure. Circumstances “push” true leaders: leaders to the surface. Just like diamonds, they “erupt” when circumstances demand strong leadership. When circumstances, As I reflect on my life as a pastor leading a church, the president of an educational institu- tion, and now a vice-chancellor of a university, character, and I can clearly see that I “emerged” as a leader when circumstances forced me to address and confront challenges and to chart a path for the commitment combine future. No question, circumstances play a vital role in the creation of a “diamond leader.” The more severe the circumstances, the higher the chances of an ordinary person becoming an Branimir Schubert he closest I have ever been to real extraordinary leader. diamonds was during my days as a However, circumstances are not enough. graduate student in France. No, my The second major element is the readiness of parents were not rich. They did not the individual to respond to challenges. I call shower me with expensive jewelry. this “character.” TOn the contrary, to support my studies, I worked A diamond contains nothing but carbon, as a security guard in nearby Geneva, Switzer- but a big difference exists between “ordinary” land, where I would spend the night patrolling carbon, which is transformed into graphite or various businesses that included world-famous charcoal (all very useful, but not precious), and banks, watch factories, and well-known jew- a diamond. You can buy a pencil worth 50 cents, elry shops. I always knew that “diamonds are containing graphite, or you can buy a diamond, forever,” and have known from the start that such as the Star of the Season, a 100-carat my wife will probably never own one. Thus, I diamond, worth more than $16.5 million. accepted the fact that “diamonds are forever” Colorless diamonds are the most precious, out of my reach. and the rarest. Most diamonds are “con- Recently, I was again exposed to diamonds. taminated” by yellow or brown tinting due to As I read an online article about them, it nitrogen or other unwanted substances. It is occurred to me that good leaders are much like similar with people. When circumstances and diamonds—precious, rare, attracting attention, character combine, the potential for something Branimir Schubert, and impacting people’s lives. And so I thought, extraordinary emerges. The more “flawless” the DMin, is vice- Perhaps my wife will have a chance of owning a character, the purer the motives, the higher chancellor, Pacific “diamond” after all; that is, if I can ever be what I the likelihood of ordinary people emerging as Adventist University, Port Moresby, Papua call a “diamond leader.” extraordinary. New Guinea. Rough diamonds are not as valuable as those Three aspects of a diamond that have been polished and cut to reveal all Some say leaders are born; other leaders are their beauty and potential. Similarly, leaders that the product of circumstances. The debate con- have the right character and have been exposed tinues, and much has been written arguing that to conducive circumstances, will be of limited leaders are “made” or developed.1 My humble value unless they commit to further growth. contribution to this dialogue brings no stunning All leaders are people who have a passion to new revelations. However, diamonds have taught continue developing their skills, to improve their me something significant that has helped me leadership tools, and to maximize their potential understand the qualities of a good leader. influence.

December 2008 MINISTRY 5 Thus, all three elements, when to frustrate the victory of others, they spiritual gift of faith, all of us should harmoniously overlapping and working point out how right they were to have faith but some are especially in unison, can potentially produce a criticize in the first place! gifted with extraordinary faith, able to “diamond leader.” However, in reality, move mountains. Similarly, extraordi- leaders are rare, just like diamonds. The gift nary leaders are unique because they Carbon is everywhere, charcoal and In contrast, “diamond leaders” are are gifted with the ability to move the graphite abound, but diamonds are extraordinary. They have the ability to most difficult mountains on this planet: few. go beyond simple usefulness to the people and organizations. They see organization and become shapers of what the future could be like; they Borts the organization’s destiny. Through articulate it, motivate people towards Encarta describes the rarity of dia- their positive sparkle and sharp vision, that future, and then outline the way monds like this: “Totally colorless they chart the course, determine the to make the future a reality. diamonds are very scarce; most contain way, and catch the imagination of the varying traces of yellow or brown.”2 masses. Nobody marvels at the beauty Scratch resistant Even so, less than 1 percent of all of the sandpaper which is made of Diamonds have another quality: diamonds produced result in polished inferior diamond material, but everyone “Its scratch hardness is beyond that of diamonds of over one carat in size. is stunned by the beauty of a stone that all other materials. On the Mohs’ scale5 About 85,000 tons of rock are blasted and crushed in order to produce a handful of gems. They [diamond leaders] have the ability Leadership literature3 sounds alarm bells indicating a severe “leadership to go beyond simple usefulness to the vacuum” in all vital areas—government, church, and business. Most potential organization and become shapers of the leaders never make it to the diamond stage because of character flaws. This organization’s destiny. Through their is not the time, nor the place, to start listing all the church leaders (nor to positive sparkle and sharp vision, they mention politicians and business lead- ers) who lost their positions because of chart the course, determine the way, and character flaws. However, the vast army of unknown fallen leaders becomes even catch the imagination of the masses. scarier—those pastors, chaplains, priests, local government leaders, corrupt politi- cians, and so forth, whose falls never has become precious, sparkling reflected of hardness, diamond measures 10. make the front pages. light in amazing colors, and adding Measured on a sclerometer,6 which The “almost” leaders are those who value to their owners. moves a diamond across a surface under have some aspects of leadership poten- There’s more. Encarta says, “Like pressure until a scratch is produced, tial, but who do not allow themselves graphite and charcoal, which is non- diamond is shown to be 140 times more to grow or who do not become leaders crystalline, diamond is an allotrope of scratch resistant than corundum (ruby of character and integrity. Instead, carbon. It is the structure of its crystal and sapphire), regarded as the next they often become disruptive to the lattice and the uniform bonding of the hardest gemstone. In fact, only diamond organization. We’ve heard the saying, atoms within that together produce will scratch diamond.”7 “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” its exceptional optical and physical Diamond leaders can withstand The “almost” leaders are unable to lead; properties.”4 pressure and will influence the environ- they are not willing to follow; nor do This is the secret—the internal ment rather than being influenced by they want to get out of the way. And structure and the uniform bonding it. By definition, leaders function in high so they “grind” in an abrasive manner, of the atoms. Some individuals are pressure settings. Because leaders can becoming “organizational bort.” They “wired” for leadership. The Scriptures identify problems and suggest needed frustrate the vision; they become would call this the spiritual gift of changes, they create an environment of criticizers and morale killers. Their leadership. Some are uniquely called to stress. Human nature prefers the status “almost” ability has an influence, but step up to the level of exceptional lead- quo rather than change, and so leaders it is negative, draining enthusiasm and ership. All of us have leadership abilities need to be “scratch resistant.” Harsh the positive attitude any organization and potential, but some are especially words will be spoken, criticism will be needs to achieve its goals. And once gifted, called, and entrusted with the whispered, and confrontations and they have succeeded in their efforts gift to influence others. Just like the conflict will be a reality. How a leader

6 MINISTRY December 2008 handles these pressures will determine skills, attitudes, and character needed who have impeccable characters, and their ability to make a difference. to lead effectively. able to withstand any pressure for the To be “scratch resistant” is not, Another quality comes through: greater good. It’s a calling, one requiring however, the same as being tough. We “Important optical properties of a commitment and, indeed, the utmost learn from Encarta: “Another impor- polished diamond—other than its humility. tant physical property different from color—are seen in its high refractive hardness, although often confused with index (2.4175), high degree of clarity, 1 The six main theories of leadership can be it, is toughness. This is the ability to resist color dispersion, reflectivity, adamantine (chronologically) summarized as (1) Great Man Theory, a leader, typically male, is born with disruption under pressure. A diamond in luster, and scintillation.”9 the necessary qualities for leadership; (2) Trait a vice will withstand extreme pressure Leaders are masters of reflecting Theory, an attempt to identify traits such as and puncture the steel jaws.”8 reality: they capture the present and physical build, intelligence, etc., as instrumental Adversity and challenges tend to reflect it back to their followers, thus to someone becoming a leader; (3) Behavior demonstrate the true leaders. X-rays providing reasons for change and moti- Theory, an attempt to define what a leader does rather than who they are; (4) Contingency Theory, and heat are used to differentiate vating followers to something better. No explores the context and other situational between real diamonds and fakes. individual or organization will want to variables contributing to the development of Adversity, setbacks, apparently hopeless change unless there is not only a clear a leader; (5) Influence Theory, focuses on the situations, the desire to give up or let understanding of the present but a vision charismatic abilities of the person to influence of a better, preferable future. others; and (6) Relational Theory, leadership is viewed as a relational process. Emerging “Many diamonds exhibit leadership theories focus on facilitating change fluorescence when exposed in the context of an unpredictable environment. to sunlight or ultraviolet Perhaps the best summary of various theories light. The color is usu- can be found in Richard L. Daft’s The Leadership ally light blue, but Experience (Mason, OH: Thomson; n.p.: South- Western, 2005). The most compelling argument yellow, orange, green, for the concept of leaders being developed rather milky-white, and red than born has been articulated by J. Robert fluorescence may occur Clinton in his book The Making of a Leader in some gems.”10 (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1988). Materials that fluo- 2 All quotes relating to diamonds are from Microsoft® Encarta® 2007. © 1993–2006 Microsoft resce are those that give Corporation. off light after absorbing 3 The June 2007 issue of Christian Management energy. Similarly, leaders Report focuses on the “leadership deficit” and absorb reality and reflect it articles such as “Short Supply, Expanding back, but they do so in such a way Demand” by Thomas J. Tierney and “In Search of Leaders” by Barry Swanson explore this reality. so as to provide a more “fluorescent” See Christian Management Report 31, no. 3, (June go—these are the challenges Christian future, a future of a different “color”— 2007). leaders need to confront. To be tough something that will excite followers into 4 Microsoft® Encarta® 2007. is not the same as being heartless, just positive action. 5 Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines as being “scratch resistant” is not the Mohs’ scale as “a scale of hardness for minerals that ranges from a value of 1 for talc to 10 for same as being emotionally untouchable Conclusion diamond.” Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, s.v. and unavailable. In this environment, Who are you? A “pencil leader”— “Mohs’ scale,” http://www.merriam-webster.com/ Christian leaders can set the standard soft, brittle, insignificant, half used, and dictionary/Mohs%20scale (accessed 2008). and demonstrate an alternative to the discarded, or a “diamond leader”— 6 An instrument used by mineralogists to measure “survival of the fittest” marketplace strong, unique, rare, and making a the scratch hardness of materials. www.About.com defines it as “an instrument for the determination mentality. difference? of hardness by means of a scratch with a diamond Diamonds have always created con- pyramid.” “Composites/Plastics,” About.com, Top of the game troversy; they have never left those who http://composite.about.com/library/glossary/s/ Another significant point is that see them unaffected. Some diamonds bldef-s4722.htm. ® ® leaders need other leaders in order to have created political upheavals; other 7 Microsoft Encarta 2007. 8 Ibid. stay sharp. Only other leaders can help diamonds have a reputation of being 9 Ibid. hone the skills needed and provide the “cursed.” Most diamonds, though, add 10 Ibid. coaching and mentoring necessary to value to their owners, make this world stay “on top of the game.” Therefore, it a better place, and point to something is vital that there is constant exposure to eternal, something better than what we what others are doing, thinking, writing, call the present. Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at and saying. This becomes an integral Our church today needs “diamond [email protected] or write to us part of growing and developing the leaders,” those who are committed, at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

December 2008 MINISTRY 7 International Journal for Pastors .JOJTUFSJBM
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$POUFTU Ministry, International Journal for Pastors, announces its second Ministerial Student Writing Contest. All students enrolled in a ministerial preparation program on the undergraduate or graduate level may participate. Submission requirements 1. Writers must choose a category from the list below for their submission. a. Biblical studies b. Historical studies c. Theological studies (includingInternational ethics) Journal for Pastors d. Ministry (preaching, leadership, counseling, evangelism, etc.) e. World missions 2. All submissions must follow the Writer’s Guidelines as to length, endnotes, style, and other features of the manuscript. Please carefully read the guidelines found at www.ministrymagazine.org. 3. Submit your manuscript in MS Word to [email protected]. Please include the following information at the top of the manuscript: your name, address, email address, telephone number, category for which you are submitting (see above), religious affiliation, name of college/ university/seminary you are attending, and title of your manuscript. 4. Ministry will accept only one submission per writer. Prizes

GRAND PRIZE: FIRST PRIZE: SECOND PRIZE THIRD PRIZE $750 $500 (five possible): $400 (five possible): $300

The evaluation panel will determine if all prizes will be awarded. The decisions of this panel are final. Publication 1. All submissions become the property of Ministry and will not be returned. 2. Writers who are awarded a prize give the rights to Ministry as outlined in the Writer’s Guidelines. While the editors intend to publish such manuscripts, publication is not guaranteed. 3. Manuscripts that are not awarded a prize may be purchased at a price to be negotiated. Submission deadline All submissions must be received no later than JUNE 30, 2009. for 100,000 people to be baptized. We can’t sim- ply work hard for that to happen. Many pastors, church members, and other church leaders are working hard already for what we are getting— which is a third of that number. This is really an impossible objective that will call for us to first go to our knees, secondly to work together, and thirdly to make personal commitment. If those things happen, there’s going to be a revival in the Adventist Church in North America and that revival will lead to church growth.

Bill McClendon (BMcC): We talk about what we hope to accomplish. I don’t sense it’s just the 100,000 baptisms. What we really hope to 2009: The “Year accomplish is that pastors, church leaders, and church members re-engage in the work that Jesus has asked us to do: share the gospel. In a very intentional way, we need to again reconnect of Evangelism” with the mission that Jesus asked us to do, and that is to share the gospel with our friends, our neighbors, and our communities.

Willie E. Hucks II Editor’s note: The 2008 Spring Council of the WH: Is this thrust limited to just church pastors? General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists voted to designate 2009 as the Year of Evangelism RC: No, lay members are very much a part of and that this special evangelistic reaping emphasis this. But we encourage pastors and other church continues until the General Conference Session leaders to take the lead in reaching out to others, in Atlanta in June 2010. The North American to be bold and unapologetic about making our Division of the church in November 2007 voted a faith the first thing. similar designation. The interview with Ron Clouzet, ministerial secretary for North America and Bill BMcC: I agree. It started out with this idea of McClendon, a pastor in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United re-engaging pastors, but as we began to develop States, shows how one part of the world church the ideas and what would happen, we saw every focuses on evangelism. church being involved in intentional evangelism twice during 2009. Thinking about that, there is Willie Hucks (WH): What is the origin of this no way that pastors and church leaders could be “Year of Evangelism” initiative? able to do that without the support of lay people. Everybody ought to be engaged in evangelism. Ron Clouzet (RC): This began at an annual North Pastors and other church leaders should take the American Division (NAD) Ministerial Secretary lead not only in conducting public evangelism, Advisory Committee held at Andrews University but also to invite church members to be a part Willie E. Hucks II, in January 2007. In April 2007, the Year of Pastoral of that process by mentoring and training them. DMin, is the associate Evangelism Committee met, and that’s where Then we hope that in 2010, we will have a focus editor of Ministry the initiative took shape that led to the personal on lay evangelism where everybody, not only magazine. pastoral goals of two meetings a year and the NAD pastors continuing their cycle but laypersons as goal of 100,000 baptisms. In November 2007, the well, is engaged in evangelism. initiative was voted at the year-end meeting. This began as a pastoral initiative that was later revised WH: What are your roles? Are you coordinating as a general evangelism initiative. this? Are you involved in other ways in this, such as satellite evangelism? Do you have any additional WH: What do you wish to accomplish as a result roles to play? of this emphasis? BMcC: I am part of the pastor’s advisory com- RC: Revival in the Adventist Church in North mittee where this originally initiated. I’ve been America. We can’t just wish for things to happen, invited to be a part of the evangelism committee,

December 2008 MINISTRY 9 and I’m now part of a steering commit- professionals and technology to that WH: I know there’s an Adventist minis- tee that is currently meeting. In addition of believing that my mission is right tries convention in Myrtle Beach, South to that, I’m a pastor and my role is to outside my front door. Carolina, in January 2009. Please tell our be engaged in public evangelism at my readers what will take place there. I’m local church. BMcC: I think many of us that have been assuming also that a part of this meeting involved in this initiative hope that in focuses on falling in love with Jesus. How RC: This initial idea preceded my some sense it won’t be over, but it will do we go about doing this? Will all of this becoming ministerial secretary for the have such an effect on churches, pastors, be addressed in the meeting there? Adventist Church in North America by and church members that in a real sense a number of months. I was, at the time, this initiative will never be over until RC: The theme is “Come and See: the associate ministerial secretary for Jesus comes. We hope that churches Renewing the Urgent Call to New North America. Testament Evan- I was chair of gelism.” So that the initial com- Ron Clouzet Bill McClendon comes right m i t t e e t h a t out of Matthew developed the 28:6, 7, where initial basic t h e w o m e n goals. We have were invited to put together a come and see steering com- for themselves mittee that has that Jesus had been working been resurrected for about six before they could months now. go and tell. So, that is one of the WH: What do objectives. We you hope will can’t help others transpire after stand up unless this initiative we have a per- concludes? sonal, vibrant, and growing RC: A new way relationship with of doing busi- Jesus Christ. But ness. That we in a practical as a church realize that venue, the Myrtle Beach what we’re about is accom- meeting is being offered to plishing the mission of the the pastors for the first time. church: leading people to Historically that meeting Jesus. My hope is that it will Share the is for conference directors. cause us to think about new They bring in conference priorities—new emphasis on and division directors and spiritual fervor and growth departmental directors. because we recognize that Rarely do they have any unless we ourselves are pastors. Now it is open for converted, we will not truly pastors to come. We’ve love others, nor can we been encouraging pastors introduce others to Jesus. to come. A committee has So I hope that it will help the church will be transformed and become mission worked on designing dozens of work- recognize that we’re not about the focused, that people will become con- shops that have pastors in mind to help business of maintenance, about the nected with sharing the gospel in such a them gain resources for church-based business of institution building, or way that evangelism will cease to be an evangelism. I fully agree with Bill that about the business of being just a activity or a program that a church does we hope this doesn’t end and that this respectable religious organization. I once a year or once every few years. In will be something that is ongoing. My want our paradigm to shift from one addition, that such a lifestyle will become hope is that North America will not see of thinking that the mission of the a part of the fabric of what we are and this as a one-time thing. I would hate church needs to be accomplished byS whathare we do as a church. theto see us have an emphasis one year 10 MINISTRY December 2008

Share the on evangelism and then after that say, simply an event. That’s why the sug- to a church. We need to understand that “Well, that was interesting.” My hope gestion is to have two meetings a year. our first work is to pray. is that we continue to plan, based on Go out on a limb for God, go beyond this in 2009 and for the future. How do anything you’ve been comfortable in RC: I have been hearing some very we make this—the next quinquennium, doing thus far. Learn to really trust God, encouraging things from throughout for the next ten years, and so forth and to put Him to the test. When it comes to North America—stories about coura- so on—a lifestyle for our pastors and evangelism, God loves to be put to the geous decisions made by leaders and church members? test. He can be trusted because it is His pastors in conferences. For instance, expressed will that we reach the world. the Georgia-Cumberland Conference WH: What do you want the readers of So, let’s do it and not be afraid of failure, is putting two million dollars extra into Ministry to do about all that we have and not be afraid of small results, and not evangelism this year. They’re raising that discussed during this interview? be afraid of lack of support. Let’s just do money, and they have voted a goal that is

My hope is that it [Year of Evangelism] would cause us to think about new priorities—new emphasis on spiritual fervor and growth because we recognize that unless we ourselves are converted, we will not truly love others, nor can we introduce others to Jesus.

BMcC: I would say to get involved, it and keep doing it. We’ll get better at three times larger than what they usually to be a part of what we believe will be it, and God will find that we are serious have. The Minnesota Conference is doing the beginning of the most ambitious, about it, and He will keep blessing. the same thing. The Texas Conference, aggressive movement in the church here in Just engage. Go to the Web site, www for instance, is already 30 percent ahead North America, to get serious about taking .yearofevangelism.org, register, and of last year in terms of church growth the gospel to our friends and neighbors, move forward. Don’t wait for anybody because they’re already engaged. The to be involved at a local church level. else to move. You move. Southern Union has a goal of a 10 percent We’re asking every church to do two increase in their membership. They evangelistic meetings in 2009. There are WH: Do you have any closing thoughts typically have 3 percent growth. They specific dates that we have set: April 17 for our readers? are providing resources for their pastors. and September 11, with the idea that They’re not waiting for North America to every church in North America on those BMcC: This initiative, these goals, as Ron do this or that. It’s those kinds of stories same weekends will open their doors and has said, are not just about spending that are being repeated all throughout harmoniously work to preach the gospel. more money, it’s not about a better this country. That’s encouraging. Every person being involved in sharing brochure, it’s not about the technical side the gospel through a local church and of it; rather, it is really a call to get on our WH: I thank you all so very much. I know through preaching; that is really what knees. On January 3, the first Sabbath of our readers are going to be blessed, and we’re hoping the members will do. Not 2009, we’re looking at having a division- we’re going to encourage pastors and oth- just go to some training, not just go wide prayer event, so that before we ers to pray for this initiative, for revival, for to a meeting and get inspired, but will even engage in the work of evangelism, reformation, for growth, for every blessing actually find a way to, in their own com- we will begin, as churches, to pray that the Holy Spirit has for all of us. munities, re-engage in evangelism. and ask God to lead us through this process. We’ll have various prayer events Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at RC: I agree. My answer is engage. Just throughout the year, as well as resources [email protected] or write to us engage. Evangelism is a process, not and other materials that can be available at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

December 2008 MINISTRY 11 I do not know whether the death of my sister could even partially be called horrendous evil, but truly there are many other examples of human beings who suffered much more than my sister or my family. The history of humanity is full of horrendous evil. If we just pondered upon the specific cases in history, we would be overwhelmed by the intensity and duration of Why do You suffering that God has permitted: the Holocaust, Hiroshima, the Vietnam War, Russian gulags, Bosnia, Rwanda, Kosovo, and Iraq, to name a few. permit this, In all these extreme cases of suffering, human dignity and personality were degraded, which explains why philosophers and theologians partly oh Lord? see in them a real threat to the theistic explana- tion of this world, namely, that the world has been created and sustained by the omnipotent The problem of evil and benevolent Creator. Furthermore, behind each of these general 1 evils lies particular horrendous evil or suffering. and pastoral practice Marylin McCord Adams, in her book Horrendous Evil and the Goodness of God, makes a point that many particularly horrendous forms of evil make Aleksandar S. Santrac everal years ago, I went through a time it difficult to explain the goodness of God and are of intense suffering. My sister who was “dysteleological horrors.” In other words, these only 25 years old was diagnosed with evils could not be explained through general terminal cancer. She was not a Christian theodicy (or defense of God) because they do believer at the time she was diagnosed, not have any telos (purpose) for the participants butS she was living according to the health prin- in these horrors.2 Adams just confirms the fact ciples in the hope that her disease would pass that horrendous evils could not be explained somehow. She went through totally innocent in general theories or theodicies (theoretical sufferings. When I visited her in the hospital the abstractions about the relation between evil and last time before her death (as her brother, but a benevolent and omnipotent God). Naturally, also as her pastor), I still saw in her an extraordi- in order to solve this problem of contradiction nary desire to live. When I had to tell her that I between horrendous evil and the goodness of came to prepare her for death and to call her to God, one has to “prove” that this goodness of commit her life totally to Christ, she still did not God exists and works in the case of the particu- believe that it was the end. However, although lars, namely, that God is good to individuals who the doctors said that she would live 15 more days participate in this radical form of evil.3 This, of at the most, she lived almost three times as long. course, poses the problem, both theoretically and During the time she was bedridden, she watched then practically, in our own human experience. Aleksandar S. Santrac, several evangelistic meetings on DVD, committed In this article, I would first like to explore some DPhil, at the time of her life to her Savior and Lord, and was baptized contemporary, controversial issues within the this writing, was on her deathbed in December 2003, exactly 40 philosophical discussion of the problem of evil pastor of Ivry sur Seine days before she died. and then try to offer some practical guidelines and Neuilly sur Seine Thank God for this final decision and the as to how to approach those who go through churches in obvious revelation of His powerful grace. I am intense suffering, especially in the context of Paris, France. sure that the epitaph on her grave, from John pastoral ministry. 11:25, indeed reflects her and our faith in the resurrection of the righteous. But still, every time Philosophical and theological Christmas and New Year approach (times when discussion both my sister and my father died), although Throughout the history of the philosophical God did reveal something of His explanation of problem of evil, there were many who offered this suffering, the same question returns to my relevant solutions or theodicies. Of all of them, mind again and again: Why did You permit this, it seems that Alvin Plantinga offered the clos- oh Lord? est solution faithful to the general Christian

12 MINISTRY December 2008 worldview. He stated that God had to so? Such curtailment would show no intelligences to prevent them from allow the exercise of the free will of His lack of respect for human freedom. We being deceived as to the nature of creatures because a world may have the greatest respect for the transgression, to save them from freedom and independence of others, committing sin and suffering its containing creatures who are some- but we would not hesitate to intervene punishments.7 times significantly free (and freely to save a person from impending disas- perform more good than evil actions) ter. Often, it is the least we could do. Ellen White clearly states that the is more valuable, all else being equal, Why doesn’t God do the same?”6 Here, solution does not lie only in the permis- than a world containing no free Phillips had in mind cases such as the real sion of the exercise of our freedom but creatures at all. Now God can create situation of multiple raping, torturing in God’s permission of exercise of Satan’s free creatures, but he cannot cause and killing of a small innocent girl by a primitive plans in order to secure the or determine them to do only what is group of young men. This horrendous eternal good of the universe. This posi- right. For if he does so, then they are evil per se could never be explained by tion, therefore, is founded on two pillars. not significantly free after all; they do the respect of free will in order to prove The first is eternal purpose in God’s not do what is right freely. To create the goodness of God. mind and the second is the mysterious creatures capable of moral good, Therefore, although free will theodicy unleashing of Satan’s intentions. Let us therefore, he must create creatures offers the crucial insight into the problem briefly discuss both of these points. capable of moral evil; and he cannot of God’s permission of horrendous evils, In the broader discussion of the leave these creatures free to perform it still does not solve the problem of the “eternal purpose,” valuable is the evil and at the same time prevent goodness of God to individuals and the citation by John R. Schneider, who com- them from doing so. God did in fact problem of too much value of freedom ments on the book of Job in the context create significantly free creatures; in the face of extreme suffering. of horrendous evils that God allows. but some of them went wrong in The solution lies elsewhere. Philo- “It is very hard to see how what God the exercise of their freedom: this sophically and theologically speaking, permitted to happen to Job was neces- is the source of moral evil. The fact there might be the closest solution to the sary to bring about some indispensable that these free creatures sometimes problem of evil in the great controversy great good. The only candidate I can go wrong, however, counts neither theory. Speaking about the causes of see for this is the kind of wisdom that against God’s omnipotence nor sin and suffering in this world, Ellen G. Job acquired—not in spite of his experi- against his goodness; for he could White says, ences, but directly because of them. . . . have forestalled the occurrence Perhaps it is the kind of wisdom that of moral evil only by excising the The inhabitants of heaven and of human beings must acquire and possess possibility of moral good.4 the other worlds, being unprepared in order to have a mature relationship to comprehend the nature of the with God forever in heaven. I do not To sum up this argument of Plant- consequences of sin, could not then see why this scenario is implausible.”8 inga, he affirms that God could not have seen the justice and mercy of Schneider made a very insightful com- create free creatures (in the very mean- God in the destruction of Satan. Had ment here. When God permits evil, He ing of freedom as nondetermined by he been immediately blotted from has some specific goal in mind. Even God) and at the same time prevent all existence, they would have served in horrendous forms of evil, His intent evil in the world. That is why God had God from fear rather than from love. (general, but also particular) is to have a to create persons capable of moral evil. The influence of the deceiver would perfect and mature relationship with His There are many different approaches not have been fully destroyed, nor creatures. This is a perpetual safeguard and even limitations of free will defense would the spirit of rebellion have against future rebellion. While it is true or free will theodicy,5 but two of them been utterly eradicated. Evil must that it is extremely difficult to fit the are significant. The first, we already have be permitted to come to maturity. scene of the raped and tortured girl seen in Adams’s critique of the problem For the good of the entire universe into this perhaps general picture, there of the general presentation of the issue. through ceaseless ages Satan must still might be a possibility that God’s Plantinga’s theory never answers the more fully develop his principles, goodness becomes somehow justified in problem of particular horrendous evil that his charges against the divine the face of His eternal purpose, although to the particular individual who needs government might be seen in their we must humbly admit that we do not to believe in the goodness of God. It is true light by all created beings, that always know how. too general. The second critique comes the justice and mercy of God and the Speaking about the second pillar of from the evaluation of the free will. immutability of His law might forever the great controversy, or Satan’s role As D. Z. Phillips commented, “Hasn’t be placed beyond all question. . . . in the problem of evil, in the context God given us too much freedom? Why Thus, the history of this terrible of the book of Job the Lord never said couldn’t he curtail it from time to time experiment of rebellion was to be to Job and his friends that there was a when there is an obvious need to do a perpetual safeguard to all holy being such as Satan, but He affirms the

December 2008 MINISTRY 13 fact that He does not rule the universe in a world in which innocent children need to be completely free in expressing arbitrarily and that He is always in die horribly for no reason at all, and intellectual doubts, emotions, fears, conflict with “Leviathan and Behemoth,” it means something worse than that: laments, and even accusations of God.12 forces of evil sometimes totally out of it means living in a world in which This is the only way to possible healing control.9 Therefore, in the atmosphere the wicked, through sheer luck, because after this purification process of the so-called grudging domestication, often prosper. Anyone who does or catharsis, comes the “vision” of God God has to allow the development of not want to live in such a world, a (like in the book of Job). God Himself will evils caused by Satan and his cohorts world in which we are the playthings permit this person to express their feel- just because the war has not ended. The of chance, had better accept God’s ings and doubts and if they are honest sovereignty of God is not questioned offer of a way out of that world.11 and their life is going not from but toward in Job, but is severely challenged by God, God will first reveal Himself as the the freedom of true agents of evil. Job What else could we say to Christian true Comforter and, second, He might admits his ignorance in regard to this believers except this valuable insight? even explain reasons for permission of mysterious reality of the cosmos. Grudg- This is the objective reality of the prob- the suffering, if necessary. We, as pastors, ing domestication reflects the reality lem and no one can deny it. It calls for very often do not like expressions of faith that God does not like the permiting reflection upon our reality of suffering through doubt and lament. Sincerity, of Satan’s freedom, but still something but also for the final “exit” provided by however, includes these expressions seemingly mysterious exists in that God the grace of God. and we should praise this sincerity in has to allow this evil being to almost fully In our practical application of this our members. develop its plans. God is sovereign, but principle and in the face of philosophical- Be compassionate. Compassion because of His eternal love and eternal theological discussion above, there are a remains as the only secure attitude wisdom and purpose (perspectives we few guidelines I think we should follow in toward the sufferers because it is Christ- very often lose), He enters into this our work with those who went through like. It seems that without compassion conflict with a limited but still relevant horrendous forms of evil, or any evil it would not be possible for anyone to being of the evil one. that subjectively seems horrendous to transcend the intense suffering. Show To sum up, not only the free will but particular persons. compassion to the particular person by the mysterious relationship between Do not defend God. If we try intel- specific actions and words. Compassion God’s eternal purposes and unleashed lectually and rationally to defend God’s also includes forgiveness of sins if the activities of agents of evil provide formal benevolence or love to the person in person is guilty for the suffering they framework for better insight into the the particular circumstances of hor- experience. Compassion is always the problem of intense suffering. rendous sufferings, we will always forget key to complete understanding. Be After this discussion on the problem something of the whole picture. The sympathetic and considerate. of evil,10 I offer some practical sugges- explanation is beyond human under- Emphasize the great controversy. tions for pastoral ministry. standing and comprehension—beyond Although we do not have final solutions, our grasp of the whole because we are we might emphasize the eternal purpose limited. Free will theodicy might be clos- of God. Persons who are going through Guidelines for pastoral est to the general solution, but still how intense suffering still need to keep their ministry do we explain God’s silence in the case faith in God, who is at the same time French philosopher Simone Weil, of particular innocent suffering (like the sovereign and benevolent. They also who dealt much with the problem of suffering by the genetic disease as in my need to understand that we are at war evil, once said, “To those who live in this sister’s case)? Some kinds of sufferings and it is not over yet. The mysterious world, everything can happen without are not caused by the wrong exercise unleashing of Satan could be felt by any rule.” It seems that the philosopher of anyone’s free will and no one is really anyone, anywhere. This mysterious Van Inwagen is also correct when he guilty, they are caused by mysterious and whole theory or great controversy theme states that unexplained chance. They just happen. might trigger the sense of divinity within We do not know why particular suffer- the heart and bring some comfort or much of the evil in the world is ings happen to particular persons. Let us correction of a wrong accusation of God due to chance. There is generally be cautious not to play God’s role. Victor for a particular evil. no explanation of why this evil Hugo once said that if we could explain Direct the sufferer to participate in happened to that person. What God (in the context of the problem of Christ’s suffering. Finally, even when there is—is an explanation of why evil), we would be God. we’ve used all our silence, compas- evils happen to people without any Allow the person to question and sion, and true theological and spiritual reason. And the explanation is: that lament. Without questioning God and insights to help those who go through is the part of what being separated the reality of suffering, there is no intense forms of suffering, there is one from God means: it means being the true faith. Allow the member of your more thing to do: guide the person to playthings of chance. It means living congregation to ask. As the victim, they Christ. This seems simple, but it is not.

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: 0 6  Through intense suffering, people are must anticipate that it will never cease Evil, Peter Van Inwagen, ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: inclined to blame Christ and not to till God sees the world to be either Eerdmans, 2004), 256. love Him. For this reason, we need to redeemed or no further redeemable.”14 9 Gregory A. Boyd, Satan and the Problem of Evil (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000), direct them to Christ by telling them 223–226. about the participation in Christ’s 10 For further philosophical-theological sufferings. The apostle Paul considered 1 This article is partially the summary of recently investigations of the problem of evil, see this participation a special call and an published work of Aleksandar S. Santrac, An two compilations of the articles by famous Evaluation of Alvin Plantinga’s Free Will Defense: honor13 and we know how intensely philosophers of religion and theologians: William Whether Our Power To Do Bad is Something Good, L. Rowe, ed. God and the Problem of Evil (Malden, Paul was suffering. Through the power with Interview and Comments of Alvin Plantinga MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2001), or Peter Van of Christ’s grace, we may love and (New York: Edwin Mellon Press, 2008). https:// Inwagen, ed. Christian Faith and the Problem of honor Him even in a horrendous form www.mellenpress.com/mellenpress Evil (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2004). of suffering, but only if we voluntarily .cfm?bookid=7353&pc=9. 11 Peter Van Inwagen, 72. 2 Marylin McCord Adams, Horrendous Evil and the accept participation in His sufferings as 12 See the excellent reference book for pastoral Goodness of God (Ithaca and London: Cornell ministry and the problem of evil by John a special call of God. This is something University Press, 1999), 52. Swinton, Raging with Compassion: Pastoral to be grasped or to be rejected. Every 3 Ibid., 78. Responses to the Problem of Evil (Grand Rapids, disciple decides whether they will 4 Alvin Plantinga, God, Freedom and Evil (Grand MI: Eerdmans, 2007), 104. Swinton says that follow Christ through the suffering or Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1978), 93, 94. the lament is very often overlooked by pastors, 5 See Santrac, An Evaluation of Alvin Plantinga’s not. In this participation, it seems, lies and that this repeated sorrow mixed with rage is Free Will Defense: Whether Our Power To Do Bad is a prayer not only for the purpose of purification the ultimate theoretical, practical, and Something Good, 19–36. but also to prove to the whole universe that the pastoral solution to the problem of 6 D. Z. Phillips, The Problem of Evil and the Problem person is the victim (ibid., 104). radical suffering that will be very soon of God (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2005), 13 Colossians 1:24 or Philippians 2:5–11. erased from the face of the earth once 106. 14 C. S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain (San Francisco: 7 Ellen G. White, “Why Were Sin and Suffering and for all. HarperCollins, 2000), 114. Permitted?” in The Great Conflict Between Christ Until that final point of history, and Satan (Silver Spring, MD: Better Living it might be useful to have in mind Publications, 1990), 279, 280. Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at C. S. Lewis’s remark: “If tribulation is a 8 John R. Schneider, “Seeing God Where the Wild [email protected] or write to us at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. necessary element in redemption, we Things Are,” in Christian Faith and the Problem of

16 MINISTRY December 2008 You will invariably end up with more suggestions for sermon series than you can accomplish in one calendar year. Then you can ask for feedback from your leadership team in order to select the best options.1 Soliciting feedback from your listeners Sequence regarding a possible sermon series creates a sense of excitement and anticipation. One couple went online and purchased a book for me that they thought would be helpful for a preaching: sermon series. They were not even members of our congregation! How to design and Step 2: Determine the number of sermons in the series Once you have decided on a particular book prepare an effective or theme, determine the number of sermons that should be included. In determining the number of sermons for an expository series, thought units sermon series are more helpful guides than chapter divisions.2 I listened to one pastor preach a series of 21 sermons on the book of John. He decided to take one chapter each week. That works reasonably Derek J. Morris ave you ever found yourself star- well with certain books, such as Daniel, but not ing at a blank sheet of paper for the Gospel of John. Look at John 2. How many or at a blank computer screen thought units can you find in that one chapter? wondering what you’ll preach At least two. John 2:1–11 records the miracle at next week? If so, then consider Cana. John 2:12–25 records the first cleansing of sequenceH preaching. Preaching a series of ser- the temple. Similarly, there are multiple thought mons has advantages for everyone. The preacher units in John 3 and John 4. isn’t starting from ground zero every week, As a young preacher, I spent two years and the listeners have a sense of direction and preaching through the Gospel of Luke. It was a purpose. welcome change from the panic of staring at a It is not difficult to convince most preachers blank sheet of paper each week. My preaching and listeners that sequence preaching consists passage was preselected—the next thought unit of a good idea. What may be more challenging in the Gospel of Luke. The text was rich and is to know where to begin. varied, and both the preacher and the listeners A simple five-step process follows, field tested enjoyed the journey through the Word of God. in a local church, that will help you craft an Just be aware that you need to choose your effective sermon series. text carefully if you intend to preach an extended sermon series. You also need to think about the Derek J. Morris, Step 1: Select a sermon series theme attention span of your listeners. If you spent DMin, is senior Sequence preaching can be expository or the whole year preaching through Ecclesiastes, pastor of the Forest topical. One option includes picking a book everyone would be soon crying out, “Vanity of Lake Seventh-day from the Bible and preaching either the whole vanities, all is vanity.” Adventist Church, thing or a portion. A second option would be to As a rule, I limit each series from four to six Apopka, Florida, choose a topic or theme and then select a series sermons.3 We live in an era when people have United States. of messages that develop your theme. short attention spans. You might need to preach Your listeners can help you with the selection on a portion of a book rather than the entire text. process. Each year I organize a sermon planning I have preached a six-part series on an entire book group. This group of 12 to 15 individuals (you of the Bible, and I’ve also preached a four-part can use a smaller number, if needed) commits to series on four verses. a 30-day assignment of talking to family, friends, An example of an expository series from Paul’s and neighbors about topics for a possible sermon letter to the Philippians follows. This series was series. Many excellent ideas for expository and entitled “Rejoicing in the Lord” and covered the topical series emerge from this audience analysis. entire epistle:

December 2008 MINISTRY 17 • “Two Reasons to Rejoice,” based on Step 3: Develop a reading list can be purchased at a great discount. I Phil. 1:1–11 Once you have decided on a series generally purchase good quality, used • “Rejoicing in the Midst of Adversity,” and the number of sermons in it, you are books online, saving time and energy. based on Phil. 1:12–30 ready to develop a reading list. For both • “Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory,” an expository and a topical series of ser- Step 4: Create a visual motif based on Phil. 2:1–11 mons, your primary source of information for the sermon series • “Rejoicing Together,” based on Phil. should always be the inspired text. When One of the advantages of sequence 2:12–30 preaching through a book or portion of preaching includes focusing on a par- • “Rejoicing in Jesus Alone,” based on Scripture, the thought unit determines ticular passage or theme for an extended Phil. 3:1–4:1 the parameters of your study. For a period. This provides the opportunity for • “Always Rejoicing,” based on Phil. 4:2–23

An example of a series on a portion of a book follows. This four-part series on James 5:13–16 was entitled “Prayer, Praise, and Healing”:

• “Is Anyone Among You Suffering?” based on James 5:13a • “Is Anyone Cheerful?” based on James 5:13b • “Is Anyone Sick?” based on James 5:14 • “Heal Me, O Lord” based on James 5:14–16

If I had given such careful attention to the entire epistle, we could have spent several years in James. That might have been educational, but I’m sure that most listeners would welcome more variety. For an expository and topical series, I preached a four-part series based on Luke 24:13–45. The series was entitled “The Emmaus topical series, you will look for a passage your worship team (if your church has Road”: or passages of Scripture that address the one) to create a visual motif for the entire subject under consideration. series. For example, in preparation for • “The Testimony of Cleopas” As you develop your reading list, a six-part sermon series on Philippians, • “The Testimony of Moses” consult with at least one resource person we printed several thousand parchment • “The Testimony of the Prophets” who has expertise related to the content scrolls of the Philippian letter, which • “The Testimony of the Psalmists” of the sermon series. For example, when could be given to listeners. Students preparing for a series of 12 messages on from the church school helped to roll the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, the scrolls, creating some anticipation I consulted a New Testament scholar and a sense of active involvement in the whose Matthew library is larger than my upcoming series. This Philippian scroll entire New Testament library. After we became the dominant visual motif for had a stimulating discussion, this New the series. Listeners were encouraged to Testament scholar recommended five actively participate during each message books that became the primary volumes by reading portions of the epistle from on my reading list. their scroll. They were also encouraged If you plan your preaching calendar to take their scrolls home for further well in advance, you can solicit the study. To see worshipers coming to Visit our newly redesigned Web site assistance of individuals from far and church each week with their copies of at: www.ministrymagazine.org near. With some advance planning on the Philippian scroll in their hands was your part, the books on your reading list a beautiful sight.

18 MINISTRY December 2008 For a topical sermon series on concise, and memorable. Your preaching implementing this simple five-step healthy Christians, we acquired a idea is the single dominant thought that process, or any variation thereof, for the balance beam from a local gymnastics you want your listeners to remember. design and preparation of an effective school.4 Members of our worship team As your series unfolds, you might wish sermon series. purchased and painted large styrofoam to take a few moments to review the letters that spelled out the words Healthy preaching idea from each preceding 1 For more information about a sermon planning Christians (see photo on previous page). sermon in the series.6 This will heighten group, see the article “From Panic to Purpose” in the September 2004 issue of Ministry, or chapter These letters were placed on the balance a sense of unity and progress as you lead 18 of Powerful Biblical Preaching by Derek J. Morris, beam, along with the silhouette of a your listeners on a journey through the General Conference Ministerial Association of gymnast. The nonverbal message was Word of God. Seventh-day Adventists, 2005. 2 There are rare occasions when chapter divisions and thought units run parallel to each other. When preparing a series of messages on the book of Daniel, I discovered that the first nine chapters Developing a powerful visual of the book of Daniel are distinct thought units. Daniel 10–12, on the other hand, is a single thought unit. With this in mind, I developed a motif becomes difficult, if not ten-part sermon series on the book of Daniel. This series can be viewed online at impossible, if the passage or www.forestlakechurch.org. Manuscripts of this ten-part expository sermon series are available at www.preachwithpower.com. theme shifts drastically every 3 My longest sermon series in recent years was a 13-part series on the Ten Commandments, entitled, “Words of Blessing: A Fresh Look at the week. Sequence preaching Ten Commandments.” When planning the series, I sensed that I would need at least ten sermons, one for each commandment. I chose to add a provides time to develop and first-person narrative at the beginning of the series to set some historical background and to conclude utilize a powerful visual motif the series with two additional sermons: one on “The Two Great Commandments” according to the teachings of Jesus, and a final sermon called that will be remembered long “Disposable?” which addressed the issue of the perpetuity of the moral law. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the listeners maintained after the series has ended. interest and focus for the entire 13-part series. 4 The Healthy Christians series was comprised of six messages: “Healthy Lifestyles,” “Healthy Families,” “Healthy Finances,” “Healthy clear: this sermon series on healthy Once you have completed the series, Relationships,” “Healthy Bodies,” and “Healthy Christians is all about balance. you have a resource that members can Minds.” The Healthy Christians sermon series is available as part of the Adventist Preaching DVD Developing a powerful visual motif share. At the conclusion of a ten-part series, volume 11, at www.acn.info or call 1-800- becomes difficult, if not impossible, if the expository series on the book of Daniel, ACN-1119. passage or theme shifts drastically every we gave away more than ten thousand 5 Jesus modeled the importance of communicating week. Sequence preaching provides time CDs. Doing so extends the impact of a single dominant idea. See “Lord, Teach Us to to develop and utilize a powerful visual your preaching ministry. Your sermon Preach!” in the October 2001 issue of Ministry, or chapter 1 of Powerful Biblical Preaching by motif that will be remembered long after series could also be made available on Derek J. Morris, General Conference Ministerial the series has ended. your church Web site or podcast on Association of Seventh-day Adventists, 2005. iTunes.7 6 For an illustration of this teaching method, see Step 5: Craft a powerful the sermon series on “Prayer, Praise, and Healing” preaching idea for each Conclusion at www.forestlakechurch.org. Manuscripts of this four-part expository sermon series are available at sermon in the series Of course, not all churches have all www.preachwithpower.com. When preaching a series, remember the resources I have mentioned here. 7 For more information about extending the impact the basics: each message should be the That’s fine. Take what you can and apply of your preaching ministry, see “Preaching to the communication of a single powerful it the best you can to your own situation. World” in the July 2007 issue of Ministry. If you idea.5 For both expository and topical You won’t be sorry. Sequence preaching would like to learn how to podcast your sermons on iTunes, contact [email protected]. preaching, that single dominant thought has been practiced for centuries and for may be derived from the text. That big good reason. The next time that you find Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at idea from the text usually needs to be yourself staring at a blank sheet of paper [email protected] or write to us restated in order to make it contemporary, or a blank computer screen, consider at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

December 2008 MINISTRY 19 unworthy comes from (àxios) meaning “balance the two scale pans of the scales,”1 which means that an item put on a scale pan is worthy when it can be balanced or it equals the weight on the other scale pan. In such a context, when do we appear worthy in comparison with Christ? The answer’s obvious. The Communion It’s one thing to “ ‘bear fruit that befits repen- tance’ ” (Matt. 3:8, RSV), but anyone who follows the Bible sees themselves as unworthy, especially in contrast to Jesus. In fact, this awareness allows service and him to receive the gift of grace as did the prodigal son, who, though considering himself unworthy, was forgiven by his father (Luke 15:22–24). And the centurion of Capernaum, who, after the issue of expressing his lack of merit in receiving Jesus in his home (Luke 7:6), received praise from Jesus for his faith (Luke 7:9). Only Jesus is worthy: “ ‘Worthy is the Lamb unworthiness who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!’ ” (Rev. 5:12, RSV). In Jesus Christ’s virtue—the only worthy One—we receive His Roberto Iannò artaking of the Communion service grace and forgiveness, and definitely not from can be an intense and emotional ex- anything in ourselves. “I give thanks to Christ perience. Whether footwashing or the Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for Lord’s Supper, the service presents an my work. I thank him for considering me worthy, opportunity to meld the theological and appointing me to serve him” (1 Tim. 1:12, andP emotional aspects of our faith. Our participa- TEV, emphasis added). From this perspective, tion in these occasions can communicate many therefore, Bible authors describe the impossibility things: our acceptance of the love of Jesus; the of any of us arriving at church on a Saturday remembrance of His death on the cross—the morning and being “worthy” of Communion. moment of victory against evil; the anticipation of “that day” when we will do this rite together To be worthy of Communion: Paul’s with the Lord Himself; and, finally, our love for message each other. What did Paul, the apostle, mean, then, What, though, do we say by our nonparticipa- by this verse? The answer can be found in the tion in the Communion service? Usually, there context of the passage and in its grammatical are various reasons for our self-exclusion, often construction. stemming from the discomfort of unresolved Like other Christians in the New Testament interpersonal conflicts and the sense that we are period, the Corinthians were accustomed to Roberto Iannò, MA, unworthy before God. After all, 1 Corinthians celebrating Communion every time they had is the executive 11:27 reads, “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread supper. Many, though, ended up forgetting the secretary for or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy meaning of what they were doing—consuming the Seventh-day manner will be guilty of profaning the body and the emblems as if they were ordinary food. Adventist Church blood of the Lord” (RSV). If we truly and sincerely Paul wrote, “When you meet together, it is in Italy. sense our unworthiness, should we abstain from not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, “profaning the body and blood of the Lord”? each one goes ahead with his own meal, and one No. Excluding oneself from Communion is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you because one feels “unworthy” is, really, to not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you misread Paul’s point in that text. despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall To be worthy of Communion: A I commend you in this? No, I will not” (1 Cor. mistaken understanding 11:20–22, RSV). First of all, what does the apostle Paul affirm The apostle Paul needed to re-explain the when he uses the word unworthy? The word importance of this ordinance because its real

20 MINISTRY December 2008 significance had been lost. After Paul Ellen White wrote, “Though Jesus knew 15:39). We do not have to think about clarified the meaning of the service, he Judas from the beginning, He washed ourselves, about our unworthiness, but warned them not to make the same his feet. . . . A long-suffering Saviour about Jesus and His righteousness. Our mistake again. Instead, he tells them held out every inducement for the sinner own sense of unworthiness should draw to consume these emblems, all the to receive Him, to repent, and to be us to the Communion service, not push while remembering Jesus’ sacrifice as cleansed from the defilement of sin. . . . us away. they do. It was because the disciples were erring “The Communion service was not The problem he’s dealing with and faulty that He washed their feet, to be a season of sorrowing. . . . As the includes just how they are celebrating and all but one of the twelve were thus Lord’s disciples gather about His table, the service, not the moral quality of those brought to repentance.”4 they are not to remember and lament that do. Wrote J. Pöhler, “Unworthiness Jesus not only received Judas at His their shortcomings. They are not to does not consist in the moral quality, Communion, He also invited Peter, who dwell upon their past religious experi- that is, the character of the participants was conceited and not yet fully con- ence, whether that experience has been of the Holy Supper, but is the result verted (Luke 22:32). The other disciples elevating or depressing. . . . Now they of the wrong way of considering the weren’t all exactly moral paragons of come to meet with Christ.”6 Holy meal, with which we contradict conversion and virtue either, and yet We need to help our congrega- the solemnity of the service.”2 Along Jesus celebrated the supper with them, tional participants understand that these lines, we read in Communion does not the Minister’s Manual: constitute a conclu- “(Paul) is not speaking The other disciples weren’t sion but a beginning. of unworthy people The best week should who participate, but all exactly moral paragons of not be the one that of an unworthy man- precedes Commu- ner in which they conversion and virtue either, and nion but the one that participate.”3 follows. Reconcilia- P a u l t r i e s t o yet Jesus celebrated the supper tion with God, with correct their misun- with them, knowing full well that ourselves, and with derstanding. He’s not others should not be dealing with their they would all soon abandon Him. prerequisites in order moral behavior. This to participate but point becomes even should be the result clearer from what follows: “For any one knowing full well that they would all that flows from that participation. Thus, who eats and drinks without discerning soon abandon Him. “Communion should always end on a the body eats and drinks judgment upon high note. Wrongs have been righted. himself” (1 Cor. 11:29, RSV). Comparing Conclusion Sins have been forgiven. Hope has been verses 27 and 29, we understand that Our theology and understanding of restored. It’s a time for rejoicing.”7 Paul expresses the idea of unworthiness Communion should help us to commu- as he who consumes these emblems nicate its significance to our members. 1 W. Foerster, “Axios, Anaxios,” in Theologisches without distinguishing the Lord’s body— The Communion service reminds us that Wörterbuch zum Neuen Testament, eds. G. Kittel and F. Gerhard, Italian ed. (Stuttgart: without understanding what he is doing. at Calvary we discover and understand Kohlhammer, 1933), 1:1013. Again, the issue isn’t the moral quality Jesus’ love for us: “ ‘And I, when I am 2 Rolf J. Pöhler, “Qui est digne de participer à la of the participants themselves but lifted up from the earth, will draw all cène,” (“Who Is Worthy of Partaking of the Lord’s their immediate attitude regarding the men to myself’ ” (John 12:32, RSV). No Supper”), in Cène et ablution des pieds, ed. Comité ordinance itself. wonder Ellen White wrote that “Christ de Recherche Biblique (Dammarie-lès-Lys, France: Editions Vie et Santé, 1991), 1:251. has instituted this service that it may 3 Seventh-day Adventist Minister’s Manual (Silver The first Lord’s Supper speak to our senses of the love of God Spring, MD: General Conference Ministerial Look at the first Communion service, that has been expressed in our behalf. Association, 1992), 212. the one that was established by Jesus. There can be no union between our 4 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, The Bible says that after Satan took souls and God except through Christ. CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1940), 655, 656. possession of Judas, Jesus celebrated . . . And nothing less than the death of 5 Ibid., 660. the Lord’s Supper with His people (Luke Christ could make His love efficacious 6 Ibid., 659. 22:3, 14–20), which included Judas, who for us.”5 7 Seventh-day Adventist Minister’s Manual, 216. at that time was already preparing to Before we are served His emblems, betray his Lord. Why did Jesus not stop our hearts have an extra reason to be won Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at Judas from taking part in the ceremony? over by His love, such as what happened [email protected] or write to us Why did He not consider him unworthy? to the centurion before the cross (Mark at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

December 2008 MINISTRY 21 1. Remember the value of each person. Whether it’s a gossipy parishioner or the incessant complainer, stay aware of the value of the person underneath the undesirable behavior. Practice the unconditional love Jesus demonstrated. 2. Give others the right to be wrong. Even if you believe that the church community would be better off without this attitude or behavior, accepting others’ choices to be the way they are, Eight strategies frees up both of you to move into new solutions. Acceptance doesn’t mean you condone their behavior; you have a responsibility to lead and to survive guide, but if you demand they come along, you create the perfect setting for rebellion. 3. Give others the right to be right. For problematic example, your youth director confronts you about being too “heady” at the pulpit, but it’s hard to listen to the feedback when you’re being parishioners called on the carpet. Don’t ignore the comments of others; they just might be right. 4. Listen to the message in your emotions. Learn from your reactions. You may be sensing t’s almost a cliché to say that church something about yourself, or you might Judi Bailey leaders are overloaded, overwhelmed, be receiving an indication about what the and overcommitted. You give and care so member is going through. When I ministered much that your proverbial pot becomes to adolescents in a chemical dependency unit, I empty. You may be experiencing a spiri- experienced a great deal of anger, anxiety, and Itual sluggishness from the ongoing stresses and fear. A colleague helped me see that, although flurry of activity in your ministry. my feelings were real, I was likely experiencing “Not seeing a lot of fruit from your labor,” the teens’ feelings—most of which were says John Kelly, minister of education at First anger, anxiety, and fear. Whenever you have Methodist Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio, “causes leaders to feel all used up.”1 Kelly adds, “Leaders and volunteers are Our solution prone to put too much responsibility on themselves.”2 It’s easy for many of us to become lies in changing overly accountable to others, often blaming the focus from ourselves for our members’ attitudes, foul-ups, and inappropriate behavior. helping too much Sometimes we become hooked on helping. It’s to helping humbly. Judi Bailey, MEd, is a natural to think about someone who’s struggling freelance writer who and to add that person to our prayer list. But lives in Lakewood, constantly worrying indicates that you’re trying to an emotional reaction to the people you are Ohio, United States. give yourself power that only God can supply. helping, your emotions just might be speaking Melody Beattie, an author and leader in the to you. Begin listening to them. codependency field, describes a codependent 5. Be responsible to others, not for others. The as an individual who has allowed someone’s only person you can change is yourself, which actions to affect them to the point of being is easy to believe from the head, but hard to consumed with that person.3 accept from the heart. The first three times I Our solution lies in changing the focus from read this in a book, I threw the book across the helping too much to helping humbly. Make sure room. I was working with abused children and you take Jesus along the road with you—you responded to this idea with the following: “What know you’ll surely need Him. Here are some do you mean I can’t change others? I have to, points to help you deal with the problem people it’s what I do!” It was a difficult and tedious on your staff—or in your congregation. job to learn how wrong—and egotistical—that

22 MINISTRY December 2008 belief was. Although it seems that our 8. Pray for the difficult individuals mission encompasses the carrying of in your care. Through sermons and others to Christ, all we can really do is example, Jesus taught us to pray. Here lead them, guide them, and discuss His are some suggestions Kelly uses, which good news. may be helpful to tap into your own 6. Listen to the unspoken messages. solutions: identify a situation that has When you are faced with someone’s been worrying you. Then meditate character flaws, try listening with your on a Bible story by visualizing yourself eyes, your ears, and especially your as one of the characters in the story. heart. Those with poor socialization Afterwards ask yourself, “How do I skills or unceasing willfulness generally feel now? Did the character I chose don’t want to do many of the things give me any insight into my problem? they do. Listen to the genuine message Does the story put things into a clearer woven through their actions. Perhaps perspective?”5 backbiting means abuse is or has been You were created by God to express occurring somewhere in their present His goodness and light, and to love all or past. Use attention-seeking behavior of His creatures. He knows that some to stir yourself to provide positive ways of them are tough. Perhaps some of to gain recognition. Or even invite a your spiritual growth will evolve from difficult parishioner to help you in some your experience with them. That will InMinistry small way, or ask the person to assist certainly fire your desire to help others Center another member struggling with the awaken to the abundant life that Jesus same troublesome trait. so lovingly promised. field-based 7. Get yourself some backup. Grab on ministerial education to others’ perspective of the situation. 1 John Kelly (minister at First United Methodist “Work as a team,” says Kelly. “Get Church, New Philadelphia, Ohio, United States), interviewed by the author on March 3, 2005. other people’s input. Not just one, but 2 Ibid. a number of people’s opinions. You 3 Melody Beattie, Codependent No More (City Center, Ever wished you could might learn that the parishioner is suf- MN: Hazelden Foundation, 1987), 31. get more ministerial fering from a medical condition or from 4 Kelly, interview. personal problems like an impending 5 Ibid. education while divorce.”4 Accept help from your col- Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at remaining InMinistry? leagues, volunteers, and staff members. [email protected] or write to us Use the minds of your people. at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. NOW YOU CAN! The InMinistry Center @ the Seventh-day Adventist Theological FEBR UARY 2-5, 2009 Seminary provides field-based iLEAD CONFERENCE ministry enrichment for the North ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP American Division. Classes are held IN TODAY’S EVER-CHANGING at various NAD sites in two-week CHURCH CULTURE intensives or via the Internet.

After three years of experimenting, the Rocky Mountain Check out our three options: Conference will share what has been a steep learning curve about accountable leadership. Hosted at Denver First • InMinistry Master of Divinity Adventist church in Denver, Colorado • Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry SPEAKERS INCLUDE • Continuing Education in Ministry ■ D R. PAUL BORDEN ■ L OCAL PASTORS ■ ROSCOE HOWARD INVOLVED IN THE EXPER- IMENT: JOHN CRESS, For more information: ■ TOM BANDY PETER CASILLAS, ■ FRED KINSEY BRUCE AALBORG, Seventh-day Adventist ■ RO DNEY COX ROGER WALTER, Theological Seminary GORDON ANIC, AARON ■ JIM BRAUER HATFIELD AND OTHERS. Website: www.InMinistry.info Phone: 269.471.6321 call 303.282.3614 or visit www.rmcsda.org Rocky Mtn. or email [email protected] CONFERENCE 2520 S. Downing St., Denver, CO 80210

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24 Providing Handbills & Supplies MINISTRYfor Evangelism, Health & Bible Prophecy SeminarsDecember 2008 P.O. Box 350 • Tecumseh, Michigan 49286 the German church, and others attended every Sabbath but couldn’t look one another in the eye. Little by little, there were personal appointments, exchanges of letters, some tears of repentance, and finally hugs of forgiveness. The great Gardener was using His pruning shears to cut everything that was preventing His church from growing. After that pruning process, all of a sudden a group of guests began to attend our church on a regular basis. We had to go through God’s Seven years process in order to grow. Your call is the cornerstone of your in Karlsruhe: mission, nothing else Many of my friends and family members never thought I would study theology. Neither Memories of a did I. When someone asked me why I had done so, I would answer, “Because I liked it.” I later earned a master’s degree in psychology. And church planter there, I had a vocational problem. What should I become, a pastor or a psychologist? I decided the best was letting God decide, instead of me. Due to the absence of evidence from God, I n September 2007, I completed my seventh was projecting to follow on my PhD in psychology. Abraham Rangel Flores year as a Global Mission church planter But one month before the final exams, I received pastor among the Spanish community of an email with the subject: “Invitation to pastor Karlsruhe, Germany. In spite of the support the Spanish speaking church of Karlsruhe.” Since we received from the Baden-Wüerttemberg I had already made my plans, my first reaction IConference, those first two years were very difficult was to ignore the email, but that lasted only three for my newlywed wife and me: different culture, seconds because suddenly I realized that in front different language, and different food. of me was the miraculous and crystal clear answer During my journey, I have learned some les- that I had requested. Suddenly, right there, in the sons that would help if I could move back time and university’s computer room, I felt that I was in begin again. I hope they will help others. God’s presence. I asked for a phone call or a letter, and God sent me a phone call–letter. Beginnings can be difficult Although the group was working well Don’t be afraid to preach Jesus together, there were many personal problems Two years ago, when the time came to give among the members beneath the surface that a name to our brand-new church, our church sometimes arose publicly during Sabbath School committee decided to display the name Seventh- study time. You can imagine that with that kind of day Adventist Christian Church (the official name Abraham Rangel spectacle, guests would just visit us one Sabbath of the church in Spain), for in that way, people Flores pastors the and then politely decline any further contact. could identify us as Christians. At the beginning, Karlsruhe Hispanic Due to my inexperience, I thought that my work following this spirit of a mixed sense of fear and Seventh-day was to say who was wrong and who was right. shame, all our evangelistic work was an attempt Adventist Church, The problems reached their climax in a church to hide that we were Adventist. We conducted Karlsruhe, Germany. business meeting where all of us (including wonderful seminars on health and family, garner- myself) expressed our feelings regarding one ing precious contacts. But we were not sure how another. Clearly, I should have been bigger than to reveal to them our true identity. the circumstances. I’m just grateful my church Then came the moment when we decided to forgave me. step out in faith and prepare an evangelistic week with biblical preaching and introduce ourselves Pruning precedes blooming as what we really were: Christians, and preaching After that business meeting, there were several nothing else but Jesus. Results? Unbelievable! weeks of high tension. Some members didn’t People came! From that point on, we changed come to the church services, others attended our methods, our style, and our mind. God

December 2008 MINISTRY 25 We have spent a significant Global amount of funds in advertising, Mission with meager results; but the silent, constant work with family and at work friends has brought more visitors 1. Each year, Global Mission helps fund thousands of to our church. church-planting projects in new geographical areas or showed us that we could, with no fear, to address a pastor with tu, but that was among new people groups preach the gospel. Presently, our annual the first thing that my little congregation around the world. More program revolves around two core did with me. Later, I discovered that information can be found at activities: an evangelistic week the first German church members use the du www.AdventistMission.org and half of the year and a Week of Prayer the (tu) form instead of the Sie (usted) form www.Global-Mission.org second half. to address all ministers. (In German, 2. The application of the principles even God is referred to with the more of contextualization obviously The core of our evangelistic personal du.) German thinking avoids differs in different areas. In work: friendship the Sie form with pastors because that some places, “Don’t be Afraid, Our situation is challenging: we are means distancing, and it may build a Preach Jesus” is not a sufficient to evangelize all the Spanish speaking relational barrier. motto. See, for example, the people in Karlsruhe, Germany. That is At the beginning of my ministry classic story of Don and Carol not easy because immigrants experience here, I had problems because I inter- Richardson, told in the book a natural process of transculturization preted many behaviors of my church Peace Child (Regal Books, 4th and so our people don’t think like members as defiance to my authority, edition, 2005). As missionaries Hispanics; but neither do they think and therefore, I tried to impose it. That to the Sawi people of Irian Jaya, solely like Germans. We need creativity brought me to a stressful, vicious circle. they found “preaching Jesus” in order to know how to reach them. For Luckily, in a casual conversation with didn’t work. The Sawi people seven years, we tried all the programs a colleague, he told me that church elevated treachery to a virtue. that came to our minds, but in the last members don’t want a boss; they want a So in the story of Jesus, Judas two years, we have confirmed that the friend, a helper. That changed my mind emerges as the hero. The book best method to win souls for Jesus begins and my leadership style 180 degrees. details the contextualization and ends with friendship. We have spent “key” they found to make the a significant amount of funds in advertis- Conclusion gospel story meaningful to the ing, with meager results; but the silent, Sometimes, when I read the reports people. constant work with family and friends of my fellow Global Mission colleagues 3. The issue of contextualization has brought more visitors to our church. in Africa or Asia, I feel uncomfortable from a Seventh-day Adventist During this process, our target audience because some of them ask for bicycles perspective has been addressed discovered that we don’t want anything to do their job, or they live in difficult over many years in the Global from them other than friendship. The environments, while I live in the richest Mission Issues Committee, person eventually felt free to ask about country in Europe, in a beautiful house which meets annually to dis- our faith, plus many other things. Our with a beautiful garden, and have a cuss issues faced at the cutting silent and impossible-to-hide lifestyle has German-engineered car. Is that the life edge of mission. Many of the become our most powerful sermon. of an overseas missionary? papers presented are found in What makes a missionary? Their Adventist Responses to Cross- Adapt to your setting mission. Our objective is no different Cultural Mission: Global Mission In Mexico, for example, pastoral from other missionaries: preach the Issues Committee Papers (Vol- image is important. In the Spanish gospel everywhere. Our humble work ume 1, 1998–2001 and Volume language, we have two ways of address- fulfills a small part of our world church 2, 2002–2005), Bruce Bauer, ing people, one is usted, used to show mission. ed., Department of World respect and deference, and tu (both Mission, Andrews University translated in English as “you”), used Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at 2006, 2007. when speaking in familiar terms with [email protected] or write to us someone. In Mexico, it is unthinkable at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

26 MINISTRY December 2008 Dateline

A jubilee in Belgrade responsibilities conflict with their day increased religious diversity in the of worship. United States, and requests for guidance elgrade, Serbia—On July 26, 2008, According to an EEOC announce- from stakeholders and agency personnel Bthe Adventist Church in Serbia cel- ment, the document reviews the investigating and litigating claims of ebrated two jubilees: the one hundredth relevant provisions of Title VII of the religious discrimination.” anniversary of the establishment of Ad- Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the EEOC’s According to the commission, ventist churches in the Belgrade region, policies regarding religious discrimina- “religious discrimination charge filings and the seventieth anniversary of the tion, harassment, and accommodation. with the EEOC nationwide have risen main Adventist chapel in Belgrade. The EEOC also issued a companion substantially over the past 15 years, More than 1,000 church members question-and-answer fact sheet and doubling from 1,388 in Fiscal Year 1992 and guests from Europe and beyond “best practices” booklet. to a record level of 2,880 in FY 2007.” assembled for the celebration of the In the statement, the current head The “best practices” document jubilee. For the first time, journalists of the commission said that the infor- includes this advice: “Employers should from an established TV station and local mation is designed to help employers work with employees who need an newspaper, Politika, were among the accommodate the needs of workers. adjustment to their work schedule to guests, along with representatives from “Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of accommodate their religious practices.” other media units. 1964 seeks to ensure that applicants [Adapted from Adventist News Network, The main speaker of the day was and employees enjoy the freedom to Mark A. Kellner, Adventist Review] David Blanch, president of the Greater compete, advance, and succeed in Sydney Conference of the Adventist the workplace, irrespective of their Church in Australia. Included in the religious beliefs,” EEOC chair Naomi Evangelism in India program was the posthumous rec- C. Earp said. ognition of those who founded the The commission said it issued the new umbai, India—From July 10–20, work in Belgrade. In addition, awards guidelines “in response to an increase M2008, the publishing director for were given to the representative of in charges of religious discrimination, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the bishop of the Orthodox India, A. J. Tito, with the as- Church for his contribution sistance of Howard Faigao to promote tolerance and and Wilmar Hirle, publish- religious freedom, and to ing director and associate the representative of the publishing director, respec- minister of religion. [Miodrag tively, for the world church Zivanovic/TED News Staff/ of Seventh-day Adventists, TED News] conducted a series of evan- gelistic meetings in Mumbai. For the three months leading Religious up to the series, a dedicated accommodation in team of pastors, literature the workplace evangelists, and others laid the groundwork throughout ilver Spring, Maryland, various communities in the SUnited States—On July city. 22, 2008, the United States As a result of this out- Equal Employment Oppor- reach, a significant number tunity Commission (EEOC) were baptized—each of issued a compliance manual them being given a Bible as on workplace discrimination Visit our newly redesigned Web site a gift designed to strengthen on the basis of religion. These their walk with God. [A.J. regulations, for example, will at: www.ministrymagazine.org Tito] assist individuals whose work

December 2008 MINISTRY 27 R e s o u r c e s

first-person narrative sermon needs to chosen props and costumes do add to Bo o k Re v i e w be performance-quality” (91). After all, the impact of first-person narratives if he says, “We are . . . to praise, not to they are well crafted and well used. A perform” (86). He repeatedly encour- magnificent costume, or suit for that ages us to use the actual words of a matter, will not save a poorly researched character as they are found in Scripture, and ill-prepared sermon. The com- because “the more Bible we get into our bination of a good costume and a sermons, the more Bible we get into our well-researched, solidly prepared, and people” (85). professionally presented first-person A strong advocate of thorough narrative sermon blends powerfully to exegetical study, Garner also invites us rivet biblical truth tightly to the mind to look at the customs, cultures, time and heart of the listener. frames, feelings, living conditions, and The author points out, and my own myriads of other details in which a Bible experience validates this, that dynamic character and their story is imbedded. first-person narrative preaching has This kind of study will bring authenticity multiple advantages. Among them is and reality to the character and the the fact that they are done totally with- biblical and textual truths shared. Be out notes, thus giving continuous eye warned: narrative preaching is not a contact with the people, which helps scholarly shortcut. It is as demanding draw them into the story, the character, and rewarding for the preacher as it and the biblical realities presented. is enjoyable and memorable for the Another benefit is that this style of congregant. Garner asserts, “At its best, presentation can be described as very first-person narrative preaching is a pow- “forgiving.” If you miss a point in the Getting Into Character: The erful, moving, memorable, and highly story you may easily—even naturally— Art of First-person Narrative enjoyable homiletical experience for both double back and pick up that point. Preaching, by Stephen Chapin preachers and parishioners” (24). “Oh, that reminds me, you also need Garner, Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos The only instance where I do not to know . . .” That’s the way we talk Press, 2008. totally agree with the author is when he and tell stories with no one alarmed or says, “Personally, I discourage the use offended. On the other hand, if in a ermons are a lot like meals: the intent of props and costumes when delivering regular sermon we go down an outline Sis to be nourishing, palatable, and a first-person narrative sermon. I do or manuscript and drop a page or omit interesting. But like some meals, some not believe worship should resemble point C, it would be nearly impossible sermons can be blandly uninteresting, your local community theatre, with to go back, recoup the omission, and uninspiring, and just plain flat. Stephen tired costumes and questionable prop then insert it with graceful élan. Garner’s book, Getting Into Character, choices” (86). This is true when one Whether you are a very seasoned can definitely add spice and variety to becomes tempted to pass off “tired first-person narrative preacher or some- your preaching menu. costumes” for well-researched and one just beginning to develop skills in Garner unpacks, amply illustrates, well-constructed ones. Poorly made this unique area of preaching, Garner’s and gives cogent examples of narrative costumes in worship would be akin book is an exceptionally well written first-person preaching and how to do to inviting guests to a gourmet meal road map into the vast potentials of it. Using both his pastoral training and and then serving thrice used leftovers. first-person preaching. background as a playwright and actor, He does concede that, “Costumes and Like any sermon, or style of sermon, he skillfully creates a how-to pattern props hold tremendous visual power it’s not about the preacher. It’s not even for developing and delivering quality over audiences” (99). about the biblical character. It is about first-person narrative sermons. I agree with the latter statement the matchless grace of God meeting He clearly reminds readers that from my own personal experiences real people where they really are with “the act of worship should always of having developed and delivered their real needs and struggles. be an act of praise more than an act some 60 different biblical character of performance, to be believable, a stories. Well-designed and carefully —Reviewed by Dick Stenbakken, EdD.

28 MINISTRY December 2008 R e s o u r c e s

I believe the author, R. Clifford Jones, Universal Negro Improvement Associa- Bo o k Re v i e w had the following objectives in mind for tion. Humphrey’s Utopia Park Project, writing the book: Jones maintains, should be viewed in the light of the movement of Garvey. • to inform people about Humphrey Understanding the influential leaders James K. Humphrey and the and his role in Seventh-day Adventist during the era of Humphrey helps us Sabbath-day Adventists, by history, his departure from the to better understand Humphrey. Jones R. Clifford Jones, Jackson, MS: Seventh-day Adventist Church, and does a remarkable job in showing University Press of Mississippi, 2008. the development of the Sabbath-day the contrasts of these influential and Adventists and United Sabbath-day “charismatic” leaders. “ ‘ have deter- Adventists; This book is excellent for ministers I m i n e d , m y • to show the role that Humphrey and others who have a historical interest friends, that like the may have played in the 1930s in in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. apostle Paul, I shall al- the development of what are now low nothing to sepa- known as regional conferences; —Reviewed by Ivan Leigh Warden, DMin, as- rate me from the love • and to show how this early Seventh- sociate secretary, Ellen G. White Estate, Silver of God—nothing! . day Adventist minister compared to Spring, Maryland, United States. . . In 1905, a brother the other black, religious “charis- came to my house and matic” leaders of his era, otherwise urged me to cut loose known as the “black gods of the Re s o u r c e s from this denomination. . . . I refused then metropolis”—George Baker, “Father to do it, and I refuse now to do it’ ” (3). Divine”; Charles Manuel Grace, James Kemuel Humphrey, pastor of “Sweet Daddy”; and James Francis the First Harlem Seventh-day Adventist Marion Jones, “Prophet Jones.” Church in New York, uttered those words Freedom begins here at the fortieth session of the General The comparisons between these Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, leaders and J. K. Humphrey are very t is no secret that the high rate of por- during the evening sermon on May informative. Using insights from that Inography consumption in our postmod- 23, 1922. What made him change his era may inform readers about current ern society has made tremendous inroads conviction ten years later and leave charismatic leaders and their impact on in the Christian church. This phenomenon the Seventh-day Adventist Church, to the church. The incorporation of the has been enhanced by the proliferation establish his own religious organization socioeconomic, political, and psycho- of Internet usage worldwide—destroying the United Sabbath-day Adventists? logical issues of Humphrey’s era, gives people and families in its wake. Humphrey was born in St. Elizabeth, Jones’s book a richer depth. The Family Ministries Department Jamaica, on March 7, 1877. “He attended Jones also sheds lights on some of the of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in elementary school in the parish and influential leaders who both preceded North America has recently partnered graduated from Colbar College where and succeeded Humphrey’s era: Richard with Drs. Gary Smalley and Mark Laaser he distinguished himself as an excep- Allen, who left the Methodist Church to produce Freedom Begins Here. This DVD tional student and eloquent speaker. and formed the African Methodist will fill a void that has long existed within On December 19, 1900, he married Episcopal denomination; Henry McNeal our ranks—bringing healing and strength Viola (Roseanne) Anderson of Kingston, Turner, a celebrated leader between the to marriages, families, and others who Jamaica, embarking shortly thereafter on Civil War and the First World War; Francis have been affected by pornography. a career as a Baptist minister” (4). With J. Grimké, a graduate of Lincoln Univer- It is hoped that many churches will profound concern for the care of people sity, who studied religion at Princeton purchase several of these DVDs and of African ancestry in the New World, University and had an illustrious career make them available on a confidential “Humphrey left Jamaica in 1901 to visit as a Presbyterian minister; Adam Clayton basis to members who are interested Africa. On his way there he stopped off in Powell Sr. and Adam Clayton Powell in effecting healing. Fax your order to New York City, where he was converted Jr., both were pastors of the Abyssinian (402) 486-8819, call AdventSource at to Adventism by a Seventh-day Adventist Baptist Church in Harlem, New York City; (800) 328-0525, or order online at www. layman named J. H. Carroll” (4). and Marcus Garvey Jr., who founded the adventsource.org.

December 2008 MINISTRY 29 Pastor’s Pastor You need an FCN James A. Cress hrist’s method alone will give true • Much of a pastor’s work is health- success in reaching the people. The related. The parish nurse may assist CSaviour mingled with men as one in visiting the sick, counseling, and who desired their good. He showed His advising members on whole-person sympathy for them, ministered to their issues. needs, and won their confidence. Then • Volunteers are not as available as they He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’ ”1 were in the past and an FCN facilitates When Jesus commissioned His apostles add an FCN to the ministerial team. Many effectively meeting many needs. to ministry, He sent them two-by-two to churches have experienced the blessing • Clergy and congregations often preach the kingdom of God and to heal of having paid or volunteer FCNs on must interact with community the sick (Luke 9:2). Today, these paired their staff who work effectively alongside facilities and bureaucracies. FCNs priorities remain central to what ministers the ministers to provide healing of body, can contribute knowledge and skills should accomplish. mind, and spirit, as well as lead in health to bridge the gap. Despite Jesus placing equal weight evangelism and wellness promotion for • FCNs help improve member and on both preaching and healing, we often the congregation and community.” clergy health, as well as lead in health focus just on proclamation with very In order to understand their role, it evangelistic efforts in conjunction little, if any, time left over for healing. We helps to understand what FCNs are not with the ministry team. Such activities even suspect the term healing as only the to do. The FCN is not a physician and will include, but are not limited to, holistic province of sensational, overly emotional not diagnose or treat illness. The FCN is lifestyle classes, twelve-step groups, public display rather than empathetic not a home or public health nurse and birthing preparation, family and sharing of Holy Spirit power. will not dispense medications or provide parenting support, stress reduction, Limited knowledge about health and treatments prescribed by a physician. The home and hospital visitation, exercise medical issues may also deter integrating FCN is not a therapist and will not perform promotion, retirement coaching, a healing ministry into our pastoral and physical, occupational, or psychotherapy. inter-generational guidance, whole- evangelistic endeavors. Over extended Neither is the FCN a clergyperson, but some cooking demonstration, physicians may interact with their too- comes to the ministry team with a deep sexuality education, smoking cessa- busy pastors at church functions, but spiritual commitment. tion, divorce, loss, and grief recovery neither expects the other to intrude on Rather, the FCN provides health and support, plus volunteer training. their specialized work. So how can we spiritual coaching whose major functions combine expertise in preaching and include being an integrator of faith and To better facilitate development healing for nurture and evangelism? health, health educator, counselor, and of FCN programs, Candace Huber of Over the past few months, I have advocate, referral advisor, developer and Florida Hospital’s Parish Nurse Institute begun conversation with several facilitator of support groups, provider of has prepared a variety of materials and colleagues on the role of the parish nurse, spiritual care, and trainer of volunteers. information including a helpful DVD, better termed Faith Community Nurse Consider various options how your Beyond Four Walls, which you can view Katia Reinert (FCN). In fact, I am church could afford additional staff: ask online at www.parishnursing.net. indebted for much of busy professionals who understand the Although not a new concept, Faith this content to family value of FCNs to sponsor this ministry, Community Nursing is rapidly expand- nurse practitioner, retired nurses might willingly obtain the ing as both denominational and health Katia Reinert (MSN, necessary training and volunteer full or professionals recognize the enhanced FNP-BC, FCN), who part-time service, cooperatively share effectiveness that result from ministers serves as coordinator expenses with other congregations, who are also medical missionaries, who for Maryland-based schools could share costs for a combined can cure physical ailments and, thus, Adventist HealthCare’s Faith Community FCN/school nurse, several volunteers are much more efficient workers than Nursing, a specialty recognized by the might divide FCN responsibilities to pro- those who cannot do this. Their work American Nurses Association for which vide various services just as any member as ministers of the gospel is much more registered nurses must receive additional volunteers some time each month, admin- complete (see Medical Ministry, 245). preparation and study. istrators might consider sponsoring this Reinert says, “There must be other effective ministry in a community where 1 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, ways to minister to the sick in a wholesome a number of churches would benefit from CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1942), 143. way without overwhelming the pastor or coordinated health ministry. Tell us what you think about this editorial. Email us compromising the preaching of the Word. Issues and benefits to consider at [email protected] or write to us One powerful and effective solution is to include: at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

30 MINISTRY December 2008 Hooked on Unhappiness—Carol Cannon, MA, CADC Are you a certifiable negaholic? If so, this book could change your life. ◆ Do you find yourself in a bad mood more often than not? ◆ Are you critical of everyone and everything around you? ◆ Do you dwell on painful memories? ◆ Do you have a negative perspective of global proportions? ◆ When someone says, “Good Morning,” do you think, What’s good about it? NEW!

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