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Published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Read by clergy of all faiths.
04 Letters Finding the way home 05 Editorial 06 Magdiel Perez Schulz A testimony. I wanted to come back home. I needed you 25 Revival & Reformation to invite me. Thank you for doing so. 26 Resources 27 Dateline Refocusing on discipleship: The heart of the Great Commission and the hub of all local 30 Practical Pointers 09 church ministries Melak Alemayehu Tsegaw MINISTRY® INTERNATIONAL EDITORS International Journal for Pastors Chinese-Robert Wong A theology. We’re going. We’re baptizing. We’re not 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, French-Bernard Sauvagnat MD 20904-6600 USA Japanese-Masaki Shoji making disciples. Two out of three. 66 percent. That’s www.ministrymagazine.org Korean-Soon Ki Kang [email protected] Portuguese-Wellington Barbosa an F. Russian-Michael Kaminsky EDITOR Spanish (Inter-America)-Saúl Ortiz Pavel Goia Spanish (South America)-Marcos Blanco ASSOCIATE EDITOR INTERNATIONAL Sticky churches Jeffrey O. Brown ADVISORS CONSULTANTS TO EDITOR Ron Clouzet, Michael D. Collins, Daniel Claudio and Pamela Consuegra John Fowler, Clifford Goldstein, Devadhas, Carlos Hein, Patrick Johnson, 12 Gerald Wheeler Victor Kozakov, Geoffrey G. Mbwana, A strategy. The formula: Six church friends in the first 6 Musa Mitekaro, Passmore Mulambo, EDITORIAL SPECIALIST Daniel Opoku-Boateng, Hector Sanchez, months after baptism. Why do we make it so hard? Sheryl Beck Houtman Sinaga, Elias Brasil de Souza, Ivan L. Williams, Ted N. C. Wilson FINANCE AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGER LEGAL ADVISOR John Feezer IV Todd R. McFarland Spiritual life, involvement, and retention Galina Stele 15 ADVERTISING SUBSCRIPTIONS A methodology. Research stats but not rocket science—if [email protected] 12 issues: United States US$32.99; Canada and overseas US$47.00. To order: send SUBSCRIPTION they like your church, they’ll probably stay. Let’s make it name, address, and payment to Ministry® ASSISTANT Subscriptions, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, happen! Kathleen Burton Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 USA. SUBSCRIPTIONS/ www.ministrymagazine.org/subscribe. RENEWALS/ADDRESS DIGITAL DELIVERY CHANGES Print subscribers can sign up for digital delivery Nurture, retention, reclamation: Can you [email protected] at www.ministrymagazine.org/digital. hear their cry? +1 301-680-6511 19 +1 301-680-6502 (fax) TO WRITERS We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Kirk Thomas COVER Before submitting, review the writers’ 316 Creative/Shutterstock A responsibility. “A ministry of reconciliation in every guidelines at www.ministrymagazine.org. LAYOUT Please send manuscripts via email to congregation.” Do you agree? Yes! Do you have one? 316 Creative [email protected].
It’s rescue time—15 crucial steps for Host: Anthony Kent reconciliation Cohost: Ivan Williams 22 www.MinistryinMotion.tv Samuel Telemaque A chronology. “Homecoming Sabbath”—stop the talk and Ministry® has been published monthly since PRINTER Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., start the clock. Has the countdown begun in your church? 1928 by the Ministerial Association, General 1350 N. Kings Rd., Nampa, ID 83687 Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.® Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, Idaho. (ISSN 0026-5314) Ministry is a peer-reviewed journal. Member of Associated Church Press. BIBLE CREDITS Scriptures quoted from CEV are from Contemporary English Version®. Copyright © 1995 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ERV are from the Easy-to-Read Bible Version, copyright © 2006 by Bible League International. Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © SECRETARY Jerry N. Page Adventist®, Seventh-day Adventist®, and 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scriptures quoted from GW are from GOD’S WORD. GOD’S WORD is a copyrighted work of Ministry® are the registered trademarks God’s Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright © 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ISV are taken from The Holy Bible: ASSOCIATE SECRETARIES International Standard Version. Copyright © 1995–2014 by ISV Foundation. All rights reserved internationally. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC. Scripture quotations marked KJV are from of the General Conference Corporation of the King James Version. Scripture quotations marked The Message are taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Jonas Arrais, Jeffrey O. Brown, Seventh-day Adventists®. Group. Scripture quotations marked MEV are from the Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by the Military Bible Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Robert Costa, Pavel Goia, Anthony Kent, Vol. 91, No. 4 © 2019 Scripture quotations marked NET are from the New English Translation. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright © 1996–2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV® are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used Janet Page PRINTED IN THE USA. by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture marked NKJV is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scriptures quoted from RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. www.ministrymagazine.org LETTERS
the antediluvian world. Therefore, it “God, indeed, has this nation follows that those who are “left” in vv. 40–41 are those who are left alive, as were Noah and his family. in His hands. He raised up This simple, contextual explana- tion makes nonsense out of Left Behind thinking. Only the righteous are left alive—again, according to the immediate the Seventh-day Adventist context of Jesus’ words in the Matthew passage. Dr. Scarone quotes Ellen White’s comment on Luke’s account of Church, in part, to effectively this passage writing, “The one shall be taken. His name shall stand in the book of life.” However, the immediate context of the Luke passage doesn’t demand bring clarity about the war the same conclusion we draw from the Matthew passage. Thank you. —Dave Moench, pastor, Mitchell Adventist Fellow- and, even more importantly, ship, South Dakota, United States Author’s response hanks for your question and religious and civil liberty.” Tblessings to you. Matthew 24 is a response from Jesus to the disciples and, from verse 36 on, there is a rapid sequence of connected situations to emphasize the coming of the Lord, with a repertoire of emphases on (a) Left to die (slavery) maintained, made allowances for slav- the suddenness of the manifestation read with great interest the interview ery, and God was punishing the nation (vv. 38, 39), and (b) the separation or Iwith Jud Lake about his new book through the Civil War for not including distinction of the subjects (vv. 40, 41). (“An Interview with Jud Lake: Ellen Him in the Constitution. God, indeed, This is the core of the article. White and the Civil War,” February has this nation in His hands. He raised The verbs in verses 40 and 41 are 2019). I have not read A Nation in God’s up the Seventh-day Adventist Church παραλαμβανω (taken) and αφíημι Hands yet, but from the interview I was in part, to effectively bring clarity about (left), so the original marks the obvious left thinking that another important the war and, even more importantly, meaning as I tried to emphasize in the religious event was unfolding as we religious and civil liberty. I am looking article, because, παραλαμβανω never were becoming a legal denominational forward to reading Jud’s tome. is used as being taken to destruction, entity during the Civil War: that of the —Kevin James, Religious Liberty department, as TDNT (Theological Dictionary of the development and formation of the Southern Union, United States New Testament, edited by Gerhard National Reform Association (NRA). Kittel and Gerhard Friedrich) concurs Their stated mission was to make Left alive (salvation) and several other commentators (SDA Christianity the legal religion of the n regard to Dr. Scarone’s article included) agree. Matthew 24 contin- land, through Constitutional amend- I(“Taken or Left?,” December 2018) ues with an emphasis in Christian ment. Those forming the National I have always taken the meaning of ethics (living right), because we do Reform Association said that the origi- Matthew 24:40, 41 from the immediate not know the time of Jesus’ coming nal sin of the nation was leaving God context. Note that in Matthew 24:39 (vv. 42–44). Blessings again. out of the Constitution. This sin, they those being “taken” are the wicked of —Daniel Scarone
Ministry® APRIL 2019 GUEST EDITORIAL GERSON SANTOS
Gerson Santos, DMin, serves as an associate secretary of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.
Shoes, subways, and cereal —What’s love got to do with it?
few years ago, my young grand- person even lost a set of dentures on a great cook, but I try to impress her. daughter Sophia came gasping the subway. The Gospels also have a She always expresses her amazement, Ainto the living room. “Houston, lost-and-found department. In Luke saying the meal is delicious and asking we have a problem!” she cried. She was 15, Jesus stressed the need to care for what ingredients I used. I always say paraphrasing what she had heard in the lost. When 1 percent of the flock is that I put in a secret ingredient—love. I church during the sermon when her dad lost, the Good Shepherd searches tire- discovered that this ingredient is more mentioned the episode of the Apollo lessly and relentlessly until the sheep tangible than I thought. In a letter to the 13 moon flight crew reporting a major is found (Luke 15:1–7). In the parable, owners of a New England bakery, after technical problem back to their base the shepherd goes out to search for inspecting their facilities, the United in Texas. She concluded, “I can’t find one sheep—the very least that can be States Food and Drug Administration my shoes!” numbered. “So if there had been but itemized several violations. One viola- Yes, Sophia had a problem; way one lost soul, Christ would have died for tion was listed as misbranding: “Your smaller than the moon flight crew, that one.”3 How important is one person? Nashoba Granola label lists ingredient maybe, but it was a big deal for her. As I was astounded to see a dashcam ‘Love.’ Love is not a common or usual a church, we also have a problem—we recording of the moment a toddler fell name of an ingredient and is considered need to improve our efforts in finding and out of a moving van onto a busy road. to be intervening material because it is nurturing our members. Membership The child struggled to its feet and tried not part of the common or usual name records have reported a staggering to chase after the van as it drove away. of the ingredient.” number of lost persons. During the last Another driver jumped into the traffic to I cannot disagree more. In the con- few decades, Seventh-day Adventist save the child, then ran toward the van. text of church ministry and pastoral membership records reported a loss of Providentially, the vehicle stopped at a care, love must be the most common 39.25 percent (1965–2014). For every 100 traffic light, and the child was returned.4 ingredient. And the Lord of love pleads persons who joined the church, 40 left! This was only one child, but one lost with us as He pleaded with Peter, “Do It is even worse to recognize that more child is of incalculable significance. you love Me? . . . Feed My sheep” (John than half of those who left were con- Peter Wagner says there are three 21:17, NKJV). sidered missing or unknown.1 Of those prominent symbols of the shepherd that we did find, 17 percent said they mode: home visitation, hospital visi- 1 David Trim, “Retention and Reclamation: A Priority for were visited by the local elder, 9 percent tation, and personal counseling. “In the World Church” (PowerPoint presentation, Annual Council, October 11, 2015), Seventh-day Adventist said they were visited by the pastor, and the healthiest of churches, the pas- Church Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, 40 percent said nobody ever contacted tor is doing the leading while the lay adventistarchives.org/ac2015-retention-report.pdf. them.2 It is crucial to reconsider the people are doing the ministry.”5 More 2 Trim, “Retention and Reclamation.” importance of pastoral care. than pastoral care, church members 3 Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons (Washington, DC: desire pastoral leadership to help them Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1941), 187. 4 Dominique Mosbergen, “Caught on Video: Toddler Falls Lost and found discover, develop, and deploy their Out of Moving Van onto Busy Road in China,” HuffPost, New York City Transit is trying to spiritual gifts. Russell Burrill says that Feb. 3, 2016, huffpostbrasil.com/entry/toddler-falls make it easier for subway and bus rid- in the early church, “the laity were seen -out-of-van-video_s_56d6816ce4b0bf0dab33e678 ers to retrieve lost items. A few years as the performers of ministry and the ?ec_carp= 3187869952427092757. ago, 19,000 items were logged into clergy as the trainers and equippers of 5 C. Peter Wagner, Church Planting for a Greater Harvest: A Comprehensive Guide (Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, the agency’s database, and 42 percent ministry.”6 Perhaps if people feel loved 2010), 117. of them were claimed, according to and needed, they will stay. 6 Russell Burrill, Radical Disciples for Revolutionary the agency—including a fake limb, a Every time I come back from a Churches (Fallbrook, CA: Hart Research Center, 1996), used cooking pot, and a trumpet. One trip, I cook a meal for my wife. I’m not 29, 30.
APRIL 2019 Ministry® LEAD ARTICLE MAGDIEL PEREZ SCHULZ
Magdiel Perez Schulz, MEd, is assistant to the General Conference president, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.
Finding the way home
first met Juan1 in second grade, and years. I wanted to disappear through we suggested that they share the list we quickly became best friends. We the floor. Fortunately, Juan did not of inactive members with their church loved playing soccer together on disappear. He was rebaptized and has boards so that the elders could visit Ithe dirt field outside our school. remained in the church. I’m glad I was and pray with such individuals. We After classes, we often walked home there to support him. But what about instructed the churches to give the lists together, choosing to keep the money those who do not have such support? to active members, inviting them to our parents had given us rather than What about those who do not remain? review it for those whom they might spend it on bus fare. Together we had What about those who do not return know, pray for them, and then reach a lot of fun, and looking back on it now, at all? out to them in some way. it seems as if we have always been My experience with Juan got me to The division made plans for an friends. thinking about the many members who annual special Sabbath during which We grew up together, went to slip away and never return. What can we every local church focused on wel- Adventist schools, were both bap- do to bring them back? coming back former members. The tized when we were 12, and attended When I was serving in the South congregation would prepare a warm, Sabbath School and church each week. American Division in 2011, this question uplifting program for that Sabbath. Through the years, however, our lives came to the forefront. While the church Everyone—from Sabbath School teach- drifted in different directions—I drew was baptizing many people, we were ers to deacons, elders, the pastor, and all closer to the church while he wandered aware that many were also leaving, and other members—would then be ready to farther away. But in spite of our increas- not necessarily just the newly baptized welcome the special guests and let them ing differences, we kept in touch. ones. Some had been members for 5 or know that they had been missed. During Nearly 20 years after Juan stopped 10 years. Realizing that we were losing the sermon itself, the pastor would make attending church, we were correspond- about 30 percent of our members every an appeal for the inactive members to ing by Messenger when I noticed that year and that the church had no specific return. Each guest would receive a spe- he seemed to be becoming more open plans for how to bring them back, we cial gift, such as a musical DVD, and be to spiritual things. As time passed, we began to pray and plan. individually invited to a fellowship meal continued messaging back and forth on We discovered that an important that would follow the service. deeply spiritual topics. One year later, responsibility of the church clerk, Leading up to this special day, the realizing that he was ready to come according to the Seventh-day Adventist division prepared several resources, back, I invited Juan to attend church Church Manual, is to review the list of including a packet with a suggested with me, and he agreed. members and keep in touch with those sermon, posters, other advertising Two weeks later, as we walked absent.2 material, and an attractively printed through the church door together, a Since the church clerk is a frontline letter intended for the former mem- well-meaning but misguided church worker in reclaiming members, we bers. The letter gave a brief overview of elder who had known Juan since we offered full-day training for all church what was happening in the church, and were kids greeted us. Trying to be funny, clerks throughout the division—union stated that the person was missed and the elder exclaimed, “Juan! What has by union and conference by confer- that we would dearly love to have them the devil done to you that you haven’t ence—encouraging them to go over back. Church members were to hand been in church for so long?” their membership lists, look for inactive deliver the letter to those for whom they They were the first words my friend members, and take a leading role in had been praying and then invite them heard after not being in church for 20 reclaiming them for Christ. In addition, to attend the special Sabbath service.
Ministry® ARPIL 2019 What were the results? We were amazed to see how God blessed. The next year, in 2012, 14 percent (24,732) Who in your community, in your of the total 174,767 baptisms across the division were rebaptisms. The fol- lowing years have continued to reveal a high percentage of rebaptisms, ranging congregation, in your family, is waiting from 12.8 to an incredible 15 percent, as reported by the division’s executive secretary, Edward Heidinger.3 for an invitation to return to Christ? While undoubtedly other factors contributed to the growth in rebap- tisms, we believe that the intentional, personal outreach to former members “At first, I felt that I was so free, doing paid well, but it did not satisfy me. You played a significant role. Rosani Biondo the things I wanted. It seemed attractive buy something, something else, and shares her experience of coming back: at the time. But what really happened then you buy more, and more. You walk “I was born into a very active to me was that I was far away from out of a store unsatisfied. No matter Adventist family. My father loved music, anything meaningful. I never sat down what or how much I bought, I still felt and we practically lived at the church. I to play the piano again, never opened sad and didn’t understand why. was very fond of camping. When I was a my mouth to sing, although I had loved “Then, I met someone who is now teenager, my father was the cook, so we singing in the choir. Although I was very my husband. Although he didn’t belong always participated in church camps, apathetic toward the church, I still felt to the church, his cousin did. So he and I loved it. that the right religion was the one in knew all about Adventism but hadn’t “I married young, and after seven which I had been raised. I knew that if been baptized. When I started our rela- years, my husband and I separated. And one day I wanted to attend a church, it tionship, his cousin said, ‘Tomorrow we then I found myself drifting away from would be the Adventist Church. And I are going to church. Do you want to go?’ the church. I think I used it as an excuse still remembered what my parents had “That was when I started back to leave, but I was still very sad. I got taught me when I was a child. to the Adventist Church. But I hated involved with another person who was “Achieving worldly success, I appeals, and when an appeal began not from the church. bought what I wanted because my job that Sabbath, I walked out. Yet the
TIPS FOR RECLAIMING MEMBERS
1. Plan an intentional and specific strategy for reaching immediately involving them in some type of ministry. inactive members. 6. Work with returning members who may be struggling 2. Involve your church members. Have them choose one with habits involving tobacco, alcohol, or other chal- or more names of inactive members whom they might lenges. Do not condemn but offer hope and healing. If know. Invite them to pray regularly for their selected needed, consider helping the person to connect with individuals and engage with them in some way. another professional such as a health-care worker or 3. Train greeters, deacons, and elders to be always counselor. warm and friendly (never judgmental or asking 7. Pray regularly for your members, especially your uncomfortable questions) to all who walk into the inactive ones, and follow through with your plans to doors of the church. bring them back. 4. Alert Sabbath School teachers and other leaders to watch carefully for members who have missed even For more resources, visit the Summit on Nature & one or two weeks and then let them know that they Retention 2013 page on the Office of Archives, Statistics, were missed. It’s always easier to bring someone back and Research website at adventistresearch.org/nurture after two weeks rather than two months or two years! _home and Nurture and Retention page on the Secretariat 5. Keep returned members engaged in the church by website at secretariat.adventist.org/nurture.
APRIL 2019 Ministry® LEAD ARTICLE MAGDIEL PEREZ SCHULZ
next Sabbath, I went again. Seeing the ‘and if you want to come and cannot, back, and whatever comes, I remember preacher, I said to myself, ‘I don’t want if you feel stuck to the bench, take the that God takes first place in my life. to listen to his sermon. I won’t listen.’ hand of your friend and come.’ I saw the importance of how Christ But as he began to speak, he caught and “Then I said to myself, ‘He is not rescued me.” held my attention. I think it was the Holy calling us—God is. The Holy Spirit wants Like Juan, Rosani is one of the tens Spirit preparing to touch my heart. The us there.’ Standing, I went to the front, of thousands of former Seventh-day pastor made an appeal at the end aimed crying. The pastor walked forward to Adventists who have returned. Who at certain groups. First, he reached out meet me, and I said, ‘How much time in your community, in your congre- to those who had once been Adventists, I have lost! Wow! Do I need more signs gation, in your family, is waiting for inviting them to return. As he spoke, I from God? God is calling me. He cares an invitation to return to Christ? How did not stand in response, telling myself, for me. Even amid all of those in this many people are on the membership ‘I won’t go up. I won’t.’ world, He did not give up on me.’ roster of your congregation who, like “He then turned his attention to “The day of my (re)baptism was like lost sheep, have wandered away? another group—those who had become a victory! My whole family was there. Does your heart long for those who acquainted with the Adventist Church That day I realized how long I had been are “groping in darkness yet longing but had not yet had the opportunity out—17 years. My mother hugged me and weeping and praying for light?”4 to be baptized. Suddenly, though, as and said, ‘Seventeen years I have been If so—do you have a plan to help them he was making that appeal, he paused praying for you, my daughter.’ find their way home? and said, ‘No. I will go back to the previ- “I had not realized that it had been ous group. I feel that someone needs so many years. When I walked out of the 1 Pseudonym used. to come who did not join those who baptismal tank, I felt very light. Even 2 Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, 19th ed. responded.’ My legs started shaking, though I realized there would be new (Silver Spring, MD: Secretariat, General Conference of my heart raced, and I felt as if my heart tests, I knew that I would not be alone Seventh-day Adventists, 2016), 82, 174. 3 South American Division Executive Secretary’s were in my throat. anymore. Report, South American Division Year-End Meetings, “ ‘I know that there is someone who “I lost so much time that I could Brasilia, Brazil, November 2018. needs to come,’ the pastor continued, have helped the church. But today, I am 4 Ellen G. White, Manuscript 46, 1900.
JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF THE PASTORAL FAMILY
This book shares the joys and challenges of the pastoral family. It will encourage pastoral couples to continually strengthen their commitment to each other, their family, and their church. Whether you are a pastor, a theology student, and a local church elder or leader, this book offers you great insights to improve your family relationships and your partnership in ministry as a couple. Contact your Conference or Mission Ministerial Association Secretary to get this relevant resource specially prepared for you.
For more information: ministerial.adventist.org
Ministry® APRIL 2019 MELAK ALEMAYEHU TSEGAW
Melak Alemayehu Tsegaw, PhD, is the director of the Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies program, Adventist University of Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.
Refocusing on discipleship: The heart of the Great Commission and the hub of all local church ministries
atthew 28:19, 20 captures highlight three significant moves the won the Saviour’s heart. He ‘beholding the Great Commission: Seventh-day Adventist Church has made him loved him.’ . . . “ ‘Go therefore and in its mission strategy to restore the “But first, he must accept the con- make disciples of all the focus of the church back to discipleship, ditions of discipleship. He must give M 4 nations, baptizing them in the name and (3) to offer suggestions on how to himself unreservedly to God.” Disciples of the Father and of the Son and of the develop an active discipleship plan. of Jesus must continually grow in their Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all worship experience, offering their lives things that I have commanded you; and Defining discipleship as a holy and living sacrifice to Him. lo, I am with you always, even to the end A careful study of Jesus’ teaching Without such worship, it is impossible of the age.’ ”1 These verses significantly about the life of discipleship yields to become His disciples, for disciples contain three participles and one main three irreducible core elements that are those who love their Master with verb. “In the Greek, ‘go’—the same as we must cultivate by the power of the all their being. ‘baptizing,’ and ‘teaching’—is a parti- Holy Spirit. They are worship, fellow- Fellowship. Another element is ciple. Only the verb ‘make disciples’ ship, and witnessing. Let us briefly fellowshiping with other disciples of is imperative. . . . The main emphasis, consider them. Jesus Christ. John 13:34, 35 depicts this then, is on the command to ‘make dis- Worship. Worshiping God is the aspect: “A new commandment I give ciples,’ which in the Greek is one word first irreducible element of discipleship to you, that you love one another; as I matheteusate.” 2 Unfortunately, it is according to Jesus’ statement in Luke have loved you, that you also love one widely recognized that non-discipleship 14:26, 27: “If anyone comes to Me and another. By this all will know that you is the elephant in the Christian church does not hate his father and mother, are My disciples, if you have love for one today. Dallas Willard calls this dismal wife and children, brothers and sisters, another.” The love God bestowed upon reality the “Great Omission from the yes, and his own life also, he cannot be us through Christ not only initiates a ‘Great Commission.’ ”3 My disciple. And whoever does not bear loving response to Him in worship but The Seventh-day Adventist Church his cross and come after Me cannot be also inspires us to love each other. is not immune from this predicament. My disciple.” The metaphors of hating Paul employed the imagery of a In fact, despite its exponential growth, it family members, including ourselves, human body to portray the solidar- has at the same time suffered disturbing and of carrying the cross vividly depict ity that exists among the followers of membership losses. Aborting the task an absolute surrender to Jesus. It is Jesus Christ. “For as the body is one at the level of going and baptizing foundational in becoming and growing and has many members, but all the without gearing the whole effort to as His disciples. Indeed, biblical worship members of that one body, being disciple-making can only lead to a is all about loving God with all the heart, many, are one body, so also is Christ.” serious spiritual hemorrhage in the soul, mind, and strength (Matt. 22:37). “Now you are the body of Christ, and church. Thus, it is high time to refocus Ellen White concurs with this members individually” (1 Cor. 12:12, on discipleship—the heart of the Great thought when she writes about one 27). The unity and interconnectedness Commission. This article has a threefold of those who sought to be a follower of a healthy body should characterize purpose: (1) to briefly present the of Jesus: “When this young ruler came the fellowship of Jesus’ disciples. Ellen biblical portrait of discipleship, (2) to to Jesus, his sincerity and earnestness White emphasized this point: “The great
APRIL 2019 Ministry® MELAK ALEMAYEHU TSEGAW
lesson that Christ taught by his life and sturdy walls, and a strong roof. The Great Commission and the main purpose example was that of unity and love experience of Jesus’ first disciples in for the church’s existence. To make that among brethren. This love is the token the early church portrays how these happen, its pastor and church board of discipleship, the divine credentials three irreducible elements were defin- should own this vision wholeheartedly which the Christian bears to the world.”5 ing characteristics of their lives. “They and instill it in every member. Besides Thus, a life of discipleship cannot exist continued steadfastly in the apostles’ restoring discipleship as a vibrant vision without such authentic fellowship. doctrine fellowship, in the breaking of of our local churches, it is important to Witnessing. The third irreducible bread, and in prayers. . . . address the following issues. element of biblical discipleship is that “So continuing daily in the temple, First, the leadership of each church of witnessing to the everlasting gospel. and breaking bread from house to should present a correct understand- Such witnessing seeks to make more house, they ate their food with gladness ing of biblical discipleship with its disciples for Jesus through sharing His and simplicity of heart, praising God and three core minimums, or elements. love in words and deeds. Jesus used the having favor with all the people. And the Evangelism/witnessing must be viewed imagery of fruit-bearing to teach this Lord added to the church daily those as a subset of discipleship together with reality. “ ‘By this My Father is glorified, who were being saved” (Acts 2:42–47). worship and fellowship. In fact, witness- that you bear much fruit; so you will be Certainly, their success in witness- ing/evangelism occurs as an outgrowth My disciples’ ” (John 15:8). According to ing and bearing the much fruit of many of the other two. Hence, each congrega- Jesus, true disciples are those who bear disciples for Christ resulted from their tion should direct the same amount of fruit by making others into disciples vibrant worship (devoting themselves effort it exerts in mobilizing members and hence bringing glory to God. Ellen to the study of the Word and prayer) to engage in witnessing to helping them White aptly depicted this truth: “Every and authentic fellowship (meeting and grow in worship and fellowship. true disciple is born into the kingdom of eating together every day). Second, we should not consider God as a missionary. He who drinks of Lastly, discipleship “is not static, discipleship as relevant only for newly the living water becomes a fountain of but a growing and developing way of baptized members. In fact, if the rest of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The life. Always the true disciple is becom- the membership is not growing in disci- grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring ing more fully a disciple.”7 True disciples pleship, they can be a stumbling block to in the desert, welling up to refresh all, should continually grow in worship, the new converts who are being discipled. and making those who are ready to per- fellowship, and witnessing. Third, discipleship should not be ish eager to drink of the water of life.”6 incorporated into the structure of the We should also emphasize that only Developing an active church as only an additional ministry those who love God (worship) and love discipleship plan or be relegated just to certain specific one another (fellowship) can effectively Discipleship does not happen ministries. Rather, it should be the main depict the love of God to the world. without intentional efforts for growth focus of every ministry. Consequently, the three irreducible ele- in worship, fellowship, and witnessing. In sum, the first step in developing ments have a synergistic power that Consequently, an active discipleship an active discipleship plan for a local we can experience only when we have plan is vital. In developing an active and church is to affirm the centrality of dis- embraced all of them. As an illustration ongoing discipleship plan, first and fore- cipleship to its existence. That should be of this point, a house simply cannot most, each local congregation should reflected in the communal as well as the long survive without a solid foundation, affirm discipleship as the heart of the personal lives of believers.
have been working as a discipleship coach with the the process of aligning their activities to the vision of the New Life church in Nairobi, Kenya. What an honor local church, namely, becoming a CENTER of DISCIPLESHIP. Iit is! The church leadership team has been able to The deputy head elder emphasized that all the activities articulate the vision of their local church as follows: “To of the church should be aligned to the three irreducible become a CENTER of DISCIPLESHIP, where disciples grow minimums of discipleship—worship, fellowship, witness- in their loving relationship with God, one another, and the ing. A union president received our materials and declared, world.” They have also fully endorsed the mission state- “I have read through this document on discipleship. All I ment of the global church: “Make disciples of Jesus Christ can say is that it is a very powerful and relevant document. who live as His loving witnesses and proclaim to all people The most catching thought is, ‘Discipleship is not only for the everlasting gospel of the Three Angels’ Messages in newly baptized members.’ This is where we have made a preparation for His soon return.” costly blunder. We don’t see discipleship as an all-member The most fulfilling part of our strategic planning hap- and on-going requirement. Can you give me permission to pened when the ministry leaders of the church engaged in use this document to challenge my pastors?”
Ministry® APRIL 2019 The work of the church ongoing discipleship plan that engages board all the ministries in fulfilling the Great Arguably, one of the most Commission. significant revisions made in the 19th edition of the Seventh-day Great Obsession Adventist Church Manual was In conclusion, disciple- its articulation of the task of ship, the heart of the Great a church board, the executive Commission, needs to be the committee of a local church. great obsession of the church, The 18th edition had not the great omission. The expressed the definition and three irreducible elements function of the church board of discipleship—worship, as “the spiritual nurture of the fellowship, and witnessing— church and the work of planning should be the focus of every and fostering evangelism in all believer and all local church of its phases.”8 However, the 19th ministries. Discipleship should edition stressed “having an active dis- be the single focus of local church cipleship plan in place, which includes vision, the church should center all both the spiritual nurture of the church the plans of its ministries on this focal and the work of planning and fostering point, and churches should encourage evangelism”9 as the chief concern of the their players to design their own game members to develop personal, active church board. plan and then attempt to coordinate discipleship plans to ensure their Similarly, the 19th edition presents them. Obviously, that is doomed to growth in the three core elements of a more comprehensive emphasis on failure. There must be a game plan that a life of discipleship. Our dedication to the church board’s primary task: “The enables all team members to play their placing discipleship at the heart of the board is responsible to: 1. Ensure that roles effectively, one that places disciple- mission of our individual churches will there is an active, ongoing discipleship ship at its heart and then mobilizes all determine our effectiveness in retaining plan in place, which includes both spiri- the other ministries to flesh it out by their new members. tual nurture and outreach ministries. specialized activities. This is the most important item for the The Reach the World strategic plan board’s attention.”10 document of the General Conference 1 All Bible references are taken from the New King James Version. In sum, the Church Manual now can serve as a template in preparing 2 D. A. Carson, Matthew, The Expositor’s Bible presents discipleship, comprising wor- such a master plan.11 Consider disciple- Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), 595. ship, fellowship, and witnessing, as the ship as the hub and all the other local 3 Dallas Willard, The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’s Essential Teachings on Discipleship (New York: purpose for the existence of the local church ministries as its spokes to help HarperOne, 2014), xii. church and stipulates that the most illustrate this second model of planning 4 Ellen White, Christ’s Object Lessons (Washington DC: important task of the church board is to (figure above). Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1941), 393. have an active discipleship plan. But no Once this has become a shared 5 Ellen White, “Unity and Love,” Review and Herald, August 12, 1884. matter how important the above actions conviction among the church board 6 Ellen White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, CA: might seem, if they do not lead the local members, who are also the leaders of Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1940), 195. church to refocus on discipleship, the different ministries of the local congrega- 7 Leon Morris, The Gospel According to John, The New desired goals will not materialize. tion, they should have answers to the International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1995), 597. following question: In what ways can the 8 Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, 18th ed. Discipleship: The focus ministry or church office that I am lead- (Silver Spring, MD: Secretariat, General Conference of of the local church ing contribute to fulfilling the heart of Seventh-day Adventists, 2010), 124, adventist.org /fileadmin/adventist.org/files/articles/information master plan the Great Commission by helping mem- /ChurchManual_2010.pdf. Arguably, the usual model in pre- bers to grow in the three core elements 9 Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, 19th ed. paring a local church plan is to assign of discipleship—worship, fellowship, and (Silver Spring, MD: Secretariat, General Conference of different ministry leaders, who are mem- witnessing? The model prepared by the Seventh-day Adventists, 2016), 129. 10 Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, 19th ed., 131. bers of the church board, to come up Sabbath School and Personal Ministries 11 Reach the World: Strategic Plan 2015–2020, with plans for their respective ministries Department is a good example of such adventistarchives.org/reach-the-world-doc.pdf. and compile it as the local church’s pro- plans that local church ministries can 12 GC Sabbath School and Personal Ministries gram. This model runs all the ministries then develop.12 If the master plan of Department, Total Sabbath School Involvement: Sabbath School Revitalization Strategic Plans in parallel. It is as if pastors are coaches the local church is prepared this way, 2017–2020, sabbathschoolpersonalministries.org of football teams who have assigned it could rightly be called an active and /sabbath-school-strategic-plan-(2017-2020).pdf.
APRIL 2019 Ministry® CLAUDIO AND PAMELA CONSUEGRA
Claudio Consuegra, DMin, and Pamela Consuegra, PhD, are Family Ministries directors of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, Columbia, Maryland, United States.
Sticky churches
t may be difficult for us to accept, tend to stay in the church.2 New suggests that the more friends a person but the reality is that Seventh- people who join the church, through has in a congregation, the less likely day Adventists are very friendly the loving effort of a member of the that person is to become inactive Ipeople—among ourselves. When church with whom they already have or leave.9 James Cress and Win and it comes to visitors or new members a relationship, will more than likely Charles Arn agree that the number of of the church, we are not always open, remain in the church past those first new Christian friends a person makes welcoming, or friendly. six months.3 Church researcher George during the first six months10 of his or her Research shows that between 30 Barna stresses that for it to be more church life directly influences whether and 50 percent of all new members effective, this assimilation process that person continues as an active who are baptized do not stick to the must take place within six months from member or drops out.11 In the table church.1 They fall away. Sometimes the time they join by connecting them below, the Arns compare 100 people we notice only after it has been several with the members of the church.4 who recently made a decision to follow months or even years. What happened Adventist researcher Monte Christ in baptism and church mem- to them? Where did they go? Why did Sahlin comments that “the dropout bership, 50 of whom are now active in they leave? And, most important, what problem raises serious problems with their church and 50 of whom have since could we have done to help them stay issues of responsibility, fellowship, dropped out, and the number of friends connected to God’s family? Research and the effectiveness of our nurture each group made in the church during conducted across denominational lines activities.”5 The last two items are of the first six months.12 indicates that many of those who leave their church do so within six months NUMBER OF NEW FRIENDS IN THE CHURCH after having joined. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9+ One of the greatest challenges Actives 0 0 0 1 2 2 8 13 12 12 new members face is trying to break into well-established church cliques, Drop-outs 8 13 14 8 4 2 1 0 0 0 lifelong relationships, or friendships that often involve family relationships. special importance. Sahlin’s research Out of the 100 new members of the In some churches, two or three fami- indicates that new members of the church, of those that had no friends lies make up the vast majority of the church need and long for fellowship within the first six months, 8 had congregation who do not seem to be in their new congregation. “There is dropped out. If they made one friend, welcoming or even willing to open their evidence that the dropouts are people 13 dropped out. If they had two friends, doors to outsiders, even when the out- who never bonded with the core group 14 dropped out. It is when they made siders are also Seventh-day Adventists of their congregation, never felt part three or more friends that you begin to or newcomers to the church, much of the ‘inner circle.’ ”6 Sahlin adds that see a change in the tide. Of those that less those who may just be searching. “when they are asked why they left the made six friends, only 1 dropped out. Therefore, if a church wants to retain church, about one in four will cite a Of those that made seven friends, none these new members, it must provide lack of fellowship.”7 Sahlin concludes left the church. In other words, the the fellowship and nurture activities that “three out of four leave for reasons more friends they made, the greater the they need. having to do with their relationships chances that they stayed in the church. New members who establish with people and groups.”8 Pastor and author Rick Warren relationships with other members of Other research has confirmed concurs with the Arns regarding the the church within the first six months Sahlin’s conclusions. Lyle Schaller need of new members to develop
Ministry® ARPIL 2019 relationships with existing members close friends in the church, the chances if they are to remain in the church. He are extremely high that the person will writes, “Christians need relationships soon be inactive.18 The “friendship fac- to grow. We don’t grow in isolation from tor,” writes Ronald Sider, is the most others; we develop in the context of important element in whether a per- fellowship.”13 So we realized that it was son remains active in a local church or time for us to act. drops out. That combination of food, friendship, song, prayer, and Bible study Welcome to the family “invites and sustains many broken As a pastoral couple, we imple- people along the slow, ongoing path of mented a simple program to integrate personal transformation.”19 newly baptized congregants into a We want to underscore the impor- Midwest church plant. We believed that tance of the emotional connection most people who are new members that new members need with those face basic challenges in their personal already in the church. Winseman writes, relationships. The devil works hard to “Neurological research confirms that our discourage those who have chosen to emotional connections are far stronger join the church, and one area he attacks than our rational connections—it’s not most is relationships—including blood Closed circles? enough to know that belonging to an family and church family. Why is it so difficult for new organization has positive benefits; one Our plan was quite basic. Following members to form relationships with must also feel it. And more often than an evangelistic meeting, we invited existing members? You would think not, we feel it before we know it.” 20 the entire church, along with the new that Seventh-day Adventists would be Gallup research has discovered that members, to make a commitment to thrilled to see people make a decision the two primary causes of spiritual attend a weekly program lasting two to be baptized and join the church. health are spiritual commitment and hours, for just six weeks. The program Albert Winseman writes that after about congregational engagement,21 and that began with a fellowship meal and 18 months, a group tends to become “belonging is far more likely to lead to music. Then we transitioned to a time closed, in that the members now have believing. . . . The more engaged people of learning. We spoke about their devo- a history together, and because of that feel in their congregations, the more spir- tional life, church dynamics, church shared history, it becomes difficult for itually committed they become.”22 For organization, health, stewardship, new members to join such a group. Arn and Arn, an effective incorporation and Christian education. But, for the How long has your church been in strategy will help new members build most part, we concentrated on rela- existence? Longer than 18 months? If additional relationships beyond the tional issues: communication, conflict so, it probably has become a closed friend or relative originally responsible resolution, improving marriage, and group. And the longer the group/church for bringing the person to Christ. He adds parenting. has been together, the stronger their that the evidence that the incorporation Seventeen of the 20 newly baptized bonds are and the harder it is for a new- strategy is working is when you see new members attended the sessions. A year comer to break into that closed circle. members continue on as active mem- later we discovered that all 17 new con- Churches that are serious about making bers even when the original friend or gregants who went through the series newcomers feel welcome in collective relative moves to another city or dies.23 still attended church! experiences are constantly forming new Jane Thayer writes that, as people At the request of pastors and groups of new people—who can then are led to Christ and His church, there churches in the North American create their own shared history.15 are times when the church members Division, we created a resource entitled The challenge lies in how to make run into resistance on the part of their Welcome to the Family.14 This resource a change within that closed attitude. family members.24 Karen Flowers and can be used by any pastor, elder, family Warren emphasizes that “you can’t just Ron Flowers write about a dilemma new ministries committee, or lay leader. You hope people will make friends in the converts to the Adventist Church often can adjust meetings and topics to fit church; you must encourage it, plan face as they try to adapt to their new your local church. While some people for it, structure for it, and facilitate it.”16 church family, especially when certain may have never been properly intro- Henry Cloud and John Townsend add elements in these practices conflict duced to the doctrines of the Adventist that the New Testament teaches that with the new members’ family life: “In Church, most of those who slip out the body of Christ is to be people deeply such times, let us not be quick to pass have not been able to form relation- connected to one another.17 Arn and moral judgment upon those things in ships with other church members or are Arn warn that if, after six months, the diet, dress or recreation or other family facing challenges in their lives. new member can identify few or no lifestyles which, if they were caused
APRIL 2019 Ministry® CLAUDIO AND PAMELA CONSUEGRA
to cease, would threaten to dimin- and super glues; water-based glues ish marital or family bonds.”25 Diana and plant-based glues? Which one you Garland explains that family ministry choose depends, of course, on what helps reshape congregational life so you want to keep held firmly together. that its members can accomplish the By analogy, the kind of “glue” we use in goal of community life, that is, “caring the church is critical. for one another, ministering to others, Research confirms that most of worshiping God.”26 She goes on to those who leave the church do so describe some of the programs and not because they were not properly services through which congregations instructed or did not believe the doc- can help strengthen Christian families trines. Instead, more often, there have as well as encouraging them as they been deficiencies in the relational reach out in ministry to the communi- aspects of the discipling process, and ties where they live. A few examples as a result, new members are not well of these “family resource programs” assimilated into church fellowship. include sharing meals, recreational or Nor are they assisted in resolving rela- social activities, retreats and camps, tionship challenges in their families, family networks and support groups.27 some of whom are not Seventh-day Providing opportunities for fellow- Adventist and see their loved ones’ ship and teaching, especially among decision in conflict with their own faith newly baptized members, helps to glue and practice. them to the body of Christ. What is critically important is how we help new members become Conclusion—stick assimilated into the church within the together first six months after joining. And when Have you ever gone to the hard- people describe your church—faithful ware store to purchase glue only to to Scripture and passionate about be bewildered by a vast array of adhe- doctrine—may they be able to add open sives: synthetic glues, solvent glues, and friendly, and warm and sticky.28
1 Monte Sahlin, Why Do Adventists Quit Coming to /store/adult-ministries/family-ministries Church? (Lincoln, NE: Center for Creative Ministry, /welcome-to-the-family-38153. 1998), 1. 15 Albert L. Winseman, Growing an Engaged Church: 2 Jane Thayer, “Pastors’ Perspectives on Assimilating How to Stop “Doing Church” and Start Being the New Members—Part 1,” Ministry, February 2010, 7. Church Again (New York: Gallup Press, 2006), 25. 3 James A. Cress, You Can Keep Them If You Care: 16 Warren, Purpose-Driven Church, 324, 325. Helping New Members Stay on Board (Silver Spring, 17 Henry Cloud and John Townsend, How People Grow: MD: Ministerial Association, General Conference of What the Bible Reveals About Personal Growth (Grand Seventh-day Adventists, 2000), 68. Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001), 122, 123. 4 George Barna, Grow Your Church From the Outside In 18 Arn and Arn, The Master’s Plan, 155. (Ventura, CA: Regal, 2002), 153. 19 Ronald J. Sider, The Scandal of the Evangelical 5 Sahlin, Why Do Adventists Quit, 2. Conscience: Why Are Christians Living Just Like the Rest 6 Sahlin, Why Do Adventists Quit, 3. of the World? (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005), 7 Sahlin, Why Do Adventists Quit, 3. 26. 8 Sahlin, Why Do Adventists Quit, 3. 20 Winseman, Growing an Engaged Church, 29 9 Lyle E. Schaller, Assimilating New Members (emphasis in the original). (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1978), 75. 21 Winseman, Growing an Engaged Church, 43. 10 Cress, You Can Keep Them, 39. 22 Winseman, Growing an Engaged Church, 44, 45. 11 Win Arn and Charles Arn, The Master’s Plan for 23 Arn and Arn, The Master’s Plan, 148. Making Disciples: Every Christian an Effective Witness 24 Thayer, “Pastors’ Perspectives,” 7. Through an Enabling Church, 2nd ed. (Monrovia, CA: 25 Karen Flowers and Ron Flowers, “Module 10,” Your Church Growth Press, 1998), 155. Family: An Evangelistic Center (Silver Spring, MD: 12 Arn and Arn, The Master’s Plan, 156. Department of Family Ministries, General Conference 13 Richard Warren, The Purpose-Driven Church: Growth of Seventh-day Adventists, n.d.), 211. Without Compromising Your Message and Mission 26 Diana R. Garland, Family Ministry: A Comprehensive (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995), 338, 339. Guide (Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1999), 466. 14 The entire program, including a CD with 27 Garland, Family Ministry, 482–502. presentations handouts, songs, and even recipes, is 28 See also Larry Osbourne, Sticky Church (Grand Rapids, available from AdventSource at adventsource.org MI: Zondervan, 2008).
Ministry® APRIL 2019 GALINA STELE
Galina Stele, DMin, is the research and evaluation manager for the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.
Spiritual life, involvement, and retention
ave you ever wondered 41–55 years of age, and respondents of themselves on a ladder of life (a 10-point whether the Seventh-day 56+ years old comprised 21 percent.4 scale from best to worst) and rank their Adventist Church has reli- While most participants (59 per- current location. Only 11 percent of Hable data on its members’ cent) were married and living with their respondents considered themselves spiritual lives and practices? The spouses, 28 percent had never married, at points 0–4, while an overwhelming answer is yes. while others were divorced, widowed, majority (89 percent) found themselves Twice in the recent past, the or separated (11 percent). Overall, 51 in the middle of the scale and beyond it, General Conference of the Seventh-day percent of households have 3–5 fam- with 65 percent at points 7 and above. Adventist Church (GC) commissioned a ily members, and 47 percent have at Additionally, 83 percent said that they Global Church Member Survey (GCMS) least one child at home. The data found their lives filled with meaning and to obtain data on members’ beliefs, shows that 91 percent of respondents purpose either often or sometimes often. practices, attitudes, and other data live in a household in which at least one illustrating current trends to enable stra- additional family member observes the Spiritual well-being tegic planning. The 2013 GCMS covered Sabbath, and a majority (64 percent) live One of the important dimensions of 9 divisions,1 while the 2017–2018 GCMS in households in which all its members Christ’s followers is their close relation- surveyed all 13 divisions. The GC Office observe it. Regarding their religious com- ship with Him. The survey showed that of Archives, Statistics, and Research mitment, 30 percent saw themselves the “Revival and Reformation” initiative (ASTR) supervised both projects. ASTR as having had a relationship to Christ has become one of the most well- director David Trim presented key find- since childhood, 38 percent gradually known GC programs among church ings at the 2018 Annual Council.2 This developed their connection to Him, 16 members: only 22 percent have not office also publishes a blog that includes percent experienced a sudden change heard of it. “Revival and Reformation” results from both surveys.3 and commitment, and the same percent- has influenced members’ spiritual lives So what does the research data age of respondents either had lost their and involved more people (44 percent reveal? relationship or were unsure about it. A participated) compared to any other significant number (41 percent) reported global program. Figure 1 shows what Respondents’ profile and that they were the first generation of their spiritual journey looks like on both overall well-being Adventists in their family. a daily and weekly basis. The 2018 GCMS is the largest By and large, Adventists are happy If we compare these results to the global church member survey ever people: 88 percent said that they are very data from the 2013 GCMS, we see prog- administered by the Adventist Church. happy or rather happy, with the highest ress during the five-year period in the Its sample (n = 63,756) is more than results from North American Division following daily practices: reading of the double that of the 2013 GCMS sample (NAD) and Northern Asia-Pacific Division Bible, from 42 percent to 48 percent; (n = 26,343). Each gender was well rep- (NSD) (93 percent each). Adventists in personal devotions, from 39 percent resented: 51 percent females and 49 West-Central Africa Division (WAD) and to 52 percent; reading of the writings percent males, although some divisions Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) of Ellen G. White, from 14 percent to had more respondents of one gender scored higher than others in a “very 17 percent. Results for family worship than the other. Young people 26–40 happy” category (54 percent and 57 stayed the same for daily but dropped years old composed about 30 percent percent respectively). The surveys from 22 percent to 17 percent in option of the sample, 27 percent were adults also asked respondents to imagine “more than once a week.” Interestingly,
APRIL 2019 Ministry® GALINA STELE
Figure 1: How often do you engage in the activities listed below? Figure 2: Attendance and involvement during the last 12 months
Personal prayer 65% 17% Attended church services 71% 18% Personal devotions 52% 22% Attended Sabbath School 68% 19% Thinking about Jesus 51% 23% Attended small group 36% 16% Read the Bible 48% 28% Attended prayer meeting 38% 17% Study the SS lesson 36% 27% Helped with a church ministry on Sabbath 35% 15% Family worship 37% 17% Helped with a church ministry during the week 28% 12% Read EGW's writings 17% 19% Ate with church members 24% 12%
Daily or more than once a day Several times a week Every week or more than once a week Almost every week on a daily or weekly basis, more people learn from the Bible, 79 percent said on a typical Sabbath exceeded their use cell phones or tablets for Bible study the same about Sabbath School, and membership. In contrast, congregations or personal devotions (41 percent) than 68 percent about Ellen G. White’s works. with membership more than 100 typi- for reading Ellen G. White’s writings (24 However, in spite of such progress cally had fewer people attending than percent), perhaps reflecting fewer read- in spiritual life, 43 percent disagreed or the actual number on their roles. ers of her works. strongly disagreed with the statement, How regularly did members attend Almost the same number of respon- “Although I am religious, it does not church services and how frequently dents that read the Bible daily or more affect my daily life,” while exactly the were they involved in church-related often reported that they had grown a same percent strongly agreed or agreed activities during the 12 months before great deal spiritually during the past with the idea. It shows that for many taking the survey? Figure 2 presents 12 months (47 percent), changed their members their religious convictions the results. priorities as a result of their spiritual have not become an intrinsic part of A strong majority (74 percent) growth (46 percent), and spent more who they are. The highest results of participated in communion service time thinking about spiritual questions strongly disagreed or disagreed came quarterly or more often, while only 10 (44 percent). Although these are good from NAD (90 percent), Trans-European percent had never done so in the past numbers, they represent less than half Division (TED) (79 percent), Euro-Asia 12 months. A majority (62 percent) also of the total sample. What is even more Division (ESD) (72 percent), suggesting reported that they hold a local church troubling—between 28 percent and that a strong majority of members there office, an important sign of active 30 percent responses fell under “not live their faith. involvement in the life of the local true at all for me,” or “rarely true,” or Additionally, some people admitted congregation. “neutral,” with the rest of respondents that they had struggled spiritually during However, more should be done to picking “somewhat true.” the past 12 months and regarded it as involve the other half of the congregation The surveys also indicated growth true or somewhat true that they thought in weekly prayer or small group meetings in the emotional sphere for more than they were spiritually lost (25 percent), and church ministries on Sabbath or dur- 50 percent of respondents who said that their faith in what they believe had been ing the week. Slightly more than half (54 it was true “a great deal” that they tried shaken (18 percent), or they had lost percent) said “very true” to the question to avoid anger and bitterness in their some important spiritual meaning that of whether they were able to use their hearts (51 percent) and experienced a they had had before (24 percent). spiritual gifts at church. A surprisingly sense of gratitude more frequently (57 Ellen White writes, “Are we hoping small number shared meals together percent). About 17–27 percent said this to see the whole church revived? That with people from their congregation was “not true at all for me,” or “rarely time will never come.”5 Nevertheless, other than their family. Social events and true,” or stayed “neutral.” what such survey results indicate is involvement in different ministries could Overall, three in five were confident that we have room for improvement in help create stronger bonds between in what they believe and said their faith disciple-making and our daily connec- church members. had not been shaken (64 percent) and tion to God. that they had not lost the important Congregational climate spiritual meaningfulness that they had Involvement in church Are Adventist church members before (52 percent). activities happy with their church atmosphere? One observes high scores for Local congregations vary in size and The Valuegenesis studies have dem- principles applied to personal life: 84 attendance. The GCMS research showed onstrated that church climate plays an percent strongly agreed or agreed that that, in churches with membership up important role in developing intrinsic they apply to their daily life what they to 100 people, perceived attendance religion.6 It is also a powerful factor
Ministry® APRIL 2019 Obviously, church members need more Figure 3: When I am at church . . . training and equipping to reach total member involvement in local outreach. I feel free to be who I am 57% 11% 23% The data reveals that we have, over- I feel loved and cared about 49% 13% 30% all, a significant number of members I often feel inadequate or incompetent 14% 6% 27% who demonstrate a mature faith in I have a say in what happens and can voice my opinion 41% 13% 32% various aspects of their lives. Combined I often feel a lot of distance in my relationships 15% 7% 30% results for “often or sometimes often” I feel a lot of closeness and unity 40% 14% 33% score highest in the following areas: I feel pressured to behave certain ways 17% 6% 24% feeling a deep sense of responsibility for reducing pain and suffering in the Very true Somewhat true-Very true Somewhat true world (69 percent), helping others with their religious questions and struggles in making members feel at home and commitment to the church. About 94 (64 percent), and giving a significant prompting visitors to return. percent of respondents who were very amount of time to aid other people (58 A strong majority agreed or strongly satisfied with the local church said it was percent). Half of the respondents stated agreed that their pastors (74 percent), very likely they would stay in the church. that they cared a great deal about Sabbath School teachers or leaders reducing poverty in society (50 percent), (71 percent), and other people in the Witnessing and meeting and close but less than half “often” or church (80 percent) cared about them. needs “sometimes often” give a significant A majority also sensed unity between Two other well-known global initia- amount of money to assist others (45 pastors and lay leaders and that they tives are “Christ’s method of reaching percent). About half (49 percent) apply worked together as a team (75 percent) people” and “comprehensive health their faith to political and social issues. and that youth and young adults play ministry.” Only slightly more than a third an important role in decision-making in of respondents had not heard about Visitation their congregations (65 percent). them. Additionally, a majority agreed Pastoral or member visitation is vital However, in response to more spe- or strongly agreed that their local con- in discipleship and retention. However, cific questions on how they feel in their gregations offered training on Christ’s overall, 38 percent had never received churches, the results were different, method of reaching people (70 percent) a pastoral visit during the previous 12 especially for the “very true” category and had the ability to communicate months, while a quarter received a visit (see figure 3). across cultures, clans, tribes, and reli- once or twice during this period. In While they possibly appreciated the gion (60 percent), although 24 percent contrast, a sizeable group, but still only efforts of church leaders and members were not sure and 16 percent disagreed one-quarter, enjoyed regular pastoral who cared about them, on the individ- or strongly disagreed with the latter. visits, varying between once a month to ual level many people felt disconnected Research results show that, over- more than once a week. Lack of pasto- and under pressure, albeit to varying all, we have about 31–41 percent of ral visitation could result from differing degrees. Unfortunately, 41 percent also members actively involved every or systems of member care in the many responded affirmatively to the question almost every week in witnessing and cultural contexts existing in the 13 world about whether church leaders, people, service to non-Adventists while 14–17 divisions. However, elders’ visitations or incidents in their congregations had percent of respondents had never done were even rarer: 41 percent reported hurt them. so during the past year (see graph below). that a church elder never visited them; Given these responses, it is clear why only about half (48 percent) of Figure 4: Wittnessing to or serving non-Adventists in local community in the past 12 months respondents were very satisfied and 26 percent somewhat satisfied with their 27% 28% local churches. Although 64 percent 25% 24% 24% 22% 23% 22% agreed or strongly agreed that the local 20% church provides programs for everyone 17% in their families, more than a third (37 13% 14% 14% 14% 11% percent) disagreed, strongly disagreed, or were not sure. It would be helpful if we could determine what, if any, groups Witnessed Spent time forming new friendships Spent time meeting their needs were not having their needs met. Also, a Every week or Almost every Once a month or at Only once Never correlation appears between satisfaction more often week least once a quarter or twice with the local congregation and lifetime
APRIL 2019 Ministry® GALINA STELE
23 percent noted that an elder visited “homelands.” Divisions in Africa almost every week. More efforts are them once or twice; 10 percent had elder and Southeast Asia have significant needed to involve more members visitation at least once a quarter, while a populations of fourth- and fifth- in such service and to improve the quarter experienced such visitation once generation Adventists. It calls for spiritual climate in local congrega- a month or more often. special efforts to keep the faith alive tions. Discipleship could strengthen Interestingly, more members and be involved in church-related this area and help the local church received visits from other church activities and outreach. successfully become a center of members than from pastors or elders: • We have about 28–30 percent of influence and “a house of prayer for 40 percent reported such visits from members—and in some areas even all nations” (Isa. 56:7, NKJV). between once a month to more than more—who seem to have halted in once a week during the previous 12 their spiritual progress. In conclusion, it is very encouraging months, 26 percent received one or • A majority (65 percent) agreed or that 82 percent of respondents said it two visits, 13 percent had visits at least strongly agreed that their local is very likely that they will be attending once a quarter, and only 21 percent church offers training in nurture a Seventh-day Adventist church for said that they were “never” visited by a and discipling. Additionally, the the rest of their life. Additionally, 11 church member. Such results reflect the local church must have programs percent said it is somewhat likely. You findings of the retention study,7 which that involve all members in active may feel that this article is overloaded show that, when former members were discipleship. with research data. But that is its visited at all, it was largely by their • Half (50 percent) agreed or strongly purpose—to share with you the voices friends and church members rather agreed that their local church of thousands of Adventists around the than by pastors or elders. Interestingly, offers training on conflict resolu- globe with the hope that we will hear a majority of survey respondents felt tion while the other half did not: them. Each number speaks volumes, that church efforts for caring for and 27 percent were not sure, and 23 and behind each response is an nurturing members (70 percent) as well percent “strongly disagreed” or invaluable person. as for reclaiming of former members (75 “disagreed.” Such training could percent) should increase. tremendously help in member 1 Divisions’ 2013 CMS reports can be found on the ASTR retention as conflicts and perceived Research website at adventistresearch.org/research Challenges and hypocrisy are some of the major _reports. implications for reasons why members leave the 2 David Trim, “Reaching the World: How Did We Do? The 9 Global Church Member Survey 2018” (PowerPoint discipleship church. Introducing such training presentation, 2018 Annual Council, Battle Creek, MI, The research data suggest several was one of the recommendations USA, Oct. 15, 2018), adventistresearch.org/sites discipleship challenges that face the of the 2013 World Summit, and /default/files/files/AC2018%20-%20Global%20 church: yet it is clear that there has been Church%20Member%20Survey%20Data%20Report .pdf. • Given the large number of those little follow-up from church 3 See ASTR research blogs at adventistresearch.org/blog. who are the first converts in their administrators. 4 Figures are rounded for readers’ convenience and families (41 percent), it is not • An overwhelming majority of based on the 2018 GCMS Codebook, database, and surprising that a majority of respon- church members globally (89 Meta-Analysis Final Report, October 2, 2018, written by a research team at Andrews University: Karl G. D. dents were not raised as Adventist percent) agreed or strongly agreed Bailey, Duane C. McBride, Shannon M. Trecartin, Alina from their birth and that 69 percent that it is important for them that M. Baltazar, Petr Cincala, and Rene Drumm. did not grow up in the church their local congregation is part 5 Ellen G. White, Last Day Events (Nampa, ID: Pacific since birth. Such figures mask of a worldwide church. This is Press Pub. Assn., 2002), 195. 6 Andreas Bochmann, “Valuegenesis Europe: Family great diversity between divisions, encouraging, although it is even Matters,” Spes Christiana: Valuegenesis Europe 24 an aspect still under study. It has more important to find a better way (2013): 40. huge implications for discipleship of communicating about global 7 General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, ASTR, and retention and explains some initiatives from the top to the local Leaving the Church: Why Some Seventh-day Adventist Members Leave the Church and Why Some Come Back, confusion that respondents have church level and then involve April 2014, adventistresearch.org/sites/default/files on doctrines, such as the state of members in such programs. /files/Revised%20Leaving%20the%20Church%20 the dead.8 • The overwhelming majority of combined.pdf; Paul Richardson, Monte Sahlin, Petr Results of the 2018 GCMS show church members are proud of their Činčala, Curtis Rittenour, and Melissa Sahlin Bruno, • Survey of Former and Inactive Adventist Church that fourth- and fifth-generation church and its role and reputation Members, Center for Creative Ministry, 2013, Adventists constituted 19 percent in their community: 79 percent adventistresearch.org/sites/default/ les of the overall sample. Some agreed or strongly agreed with / les/2013-retention-study.pdf. 8 Trim, “Reaching the World.” See also research blogs on divisions have larger populations this statement. However, only up the state of the dead at adventistresearch.org/blog. of such members, and they are not to 41 percent were involved in 9 “The Narrow Road,” ASTR blog, May 2016, limited to the traditional Adventist ministry to non-Adventists every or adventistresearch.org/blog/2016/05/narrow-road.
Ministry® APRIL 2019 KIRK THOMAS
Kirk Thomas, DMin, CFLE, is the director of the Personal Ministries and Sabbath School Departments as well as of missions and evangelism for the British Union Conference, Watford, Herts, England.
Nurture, retention, reclamation: Can you hear their cry?
started pastoral ministry 25 never visited, counseled, or treated desertion among its soldiers? What years ago in a district that had 14 decently. In fact, they heard of the happens to a school when 49 percent churches, a senior pastor, and a church’s decision through a friend who of its students drop out of classes? What Bible worker. The Bible worker and happened to have been at the business happens to a factory when 49 percent of I 2 I were given the task to seek out, visit, meeting. They both stopped attending its employees decide to defect?” and reclaim missing members. Because church. I hope we know the answer to these the mobile phone was not as widely We began a ministry of compas- questions. Ng concluded by admonish- available then, we used the only means sion and contrition. Through genuine ing church leaders that their job titles of transportation at our disposal: legs caring and with an honest apology for did not make them the most important and bicycles. It was through this work the attitude of the church, both Joe and people in the church. That designation, that we met Joe and Mary.1 Mary, following a very long and painful he said, belongs to the ordinary mem- Joe was baptized into the Seventh- process, came back. ber. The ordinary member, sometimes day Adventist Church in his late teens. underused and often unappreciated, Within a year he was elected as a The retention question remains the church’s greatest asset. It deacon and continued his spiritual The Seventh-day Adventist Church is the ordinary member who is needed journey and faithful service. By 23, he is losing members at an alarming rate. to nurture new members and to reach was elected an elder-in-training, fol- Even though the evangelism in our out to those who have left the church.3 lowed by (at 25) an ordained elder. Joe churches is winning people, we lose The statistics concerning people served faithfully, preaching, teaching, about 49 of every 100 baptized. This leaving the Seventh-day Adventist conducting evangelistic campaigns, hemorrhaging of our members cannot Church are alarming. Practical guidance and doing the duties of a servant leader. continue. It is expected to get worse, is needed to help our members organize A couple of years later, Joe became ill especially in countries where soul themselves in order to reclaim former and was hospitalized for a long time; winning is difficult; and if it continues, members. Some conclude that this is he lost his job, and a few of his family entire conferences maybe closed for an impossible task; or, by stating that in members died—and the church showed lack of members. the last days there will be a falling away, no care, no visitation, no compassion. General Conference Secretary G. some may excuse themselves from the Upon recovering from his challenges, T. Ng, in addressing this issue, made effort. Others may simply shrug their Joe stopped attending church. a serious statement: “This 49 percent shoulders and try to reason it away Mary was baptized as a teen but apostasy rate is alarming and is a seri- by saying that salvation is a personal also became pregnant as a teen. The ous drain on the human and financial choice. Though it is true that one’s eter- father of the child was another teen at resources of the church.” Then he nal destination is based upon choice, it the church; both names were promptly asked some pertinent questions: “What is also true that we are our brothers and dropped from membership. They were happens to an army with 49 percent sisters’ keepers, and they are souls for
APRIL 2019 Ministry® KIRK THOMAS
whom Christ died and still part of our insufficient reservoir of social capital. is the duty of the older members of the family, the family of God. This problem is directly related to a church to devise ways and means to potential misinterpretation of our mis- provide help and sympathy and instruc- Making disciples sion: are we called to grow the church tion for those who have conscientiously Relying on a series of church through large numbers of baptisms, or withdrawn from other churches for the outreach events and activities is not are we called to make disciples? truth’s sake, and thus cut themselves enough to keep new members. While The two goals are not mutually off from the pastoral labor to which they that must be done, our initiatives must exclusive, but they are distinct. Every have been accustomed. The church has also focus on transforming the life disciple is a member of the family of a special responsibility laid upon her and conduct of the local church. Local God, but not every member is a disciple. to attend to these souls who have fol- church members should strive to model Dr. Mario Philip, in his article “Stopping lowed the first rays of light they have the traits that they want to see in new the Leaking Bucket Syndrome,” writes received; and if the members of the members. that “a disciple is fully converted and church neglect this duty, they will be In response to this problem, demonstrates a commitment to the unfaithful to the trust that God has evangelism must return to its bibli- master’s cause. I believe that we must given them.”5 cal foundation of disciple-making. begin by linking discipling with mem- Missiologists agree that the loss of bership-retention initiatives because Solstice members in mainstream denomina- if these two are separated, the entire The cry for nurture from the broth- tions is symptomatic of a much deeper missional mandate is eviscerated.”4 ers and sisters in our churches can be problem: a breakdown in relation- Ellen White posits that “those who heard if we listen. The same cry—and ships and a failure to make passionate have newly come to the faith should be even louder, from those who have left— disciples, all as a consequence of an patiently and tenderly dealt with, and it must be heard. In my quest to explore new words, I was excited when our six-year-old daughter came home with a word to to those who did nothing to win learn: solstice. Solstice is when the sun Making it real souls. She decided to get a divorce appears to meet its most northerly or because she was in a very abusive southernly excursion relative to the t has been quite a few months relationship, and that made matters celestial equator on the celestial sphere. Inow that I have been making worse in the eyes of the members. The day of a solstice in each hemisphere efforts to reclaim Maggie and her She now had to find a job, home, has either the most sunlight in the year son. I first met Maggie and her son and other necessities, and there was (summer solstice) or the least sunlight when I preached at the church they no support. She and her son eventu- (winter solstice) for any place other than visited. She seemed very eager to ally stopped attending church. No the equator. learn the Word of God, and her son one called, visited, or enquired. Where is the solstice in your church? struck me as quite intelligent and a One day I visited that congrega- I believe that our churches can experi- remarkably smart boy who was also tion and asked about those precious ence much more sunlight by adhering interested in Bible study. people, only to be told they no to the following recommendations: After their months of study with longer attend. I managed to make 1. It is the duty and responsibility of the pastor and elder, I received a contact and am working with them church leadership to plan spiritually, personal invitation from the family to be reconciled with the church. It lovingly, sensitively, and practically to attend the baptismal service. It is a painful process. The member- for the return of former members. was a joyful occasion as Maggie and ship of the church also needs help One of the most damning state- her son entered the baptismal pool to change. ments I ever read from Ellen White together. The entire church seemed It is not enough for a father is this: “I am sorry that there are very happy and supportive. Maggie to say he loves his children when those in positions of trust who very testified that while she was receiv- he abuses them. It is not enough sparingly cultivate the sympathy ing Bible studies, she studied via for me to say that I love my wife; I and tenderness of Christ. They do Skype with her cousin in America, must demonstrate it every day. The not even cultivate and manifest love and he was being baptized the same challenge for the church is not just toward their brethren and sisters day in the United States. to state what it should do but to who are in the faith. They do not But soon after the baptism, the actually do it so. Can it be embed- exercise the precious tact that problems began. Her enthusiasm ded into the very fabric and DNA of should bind and heal those who for evangelism was seen as a threat our being? go astray, but instead they exhibit cruelty of spirit, that drives the
Ministry® APRIL 2019 wanderer still further into the dark, 5. We must establish a ministry of rec- and found my church to be quite and makes angels weep. Some onciliation in every congregation. loving and caring. One Sabbath morn- seem to find a sort of pleasure in God has given to the church a mes- ing, about a year and a half after my bruising and wounding souls who sage and ministry of reconciliation: baptism, I decided not to go to church. are ready to die. As I look upon men “And all things are of God, who hath I was not sick but, discouraged, just who handle sacred truth, who bear reconciled us to himself by Jesus decided to sleep instead. About two sacred responsibilities, and who are Christ, and hath given to us the o’clock that Sabbath afternoon, I heard failing to cultivate a spirit of love ministry of reconciliation; to wit, my name being called. I looked out of and tenderness, I feel like crying that God was in Christ, reconciling the window, and what I saw I will never out, ‘Turn ye, turn ye; for why will the world unto himself, not imput- forget. The men of the church—very ye die?’ ”6 ing their trespasses unto them; and concerned about my absence—had 2. We must understand that nurture, hath committed unto us the word of come to visit me. I never missed another reconciliation, and reclamation do reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18, 19, KJV; service again. not happen overnight. It is a Holy see also Ephesians 4:29–32). There After a quarter of a century of Spirit–led process that takes time. is a great cry in our congregations being a pastor, I can point back to that These also require a great deal of for such an innovative ministry, so event as the one that really opened my human investment. Priority must be do it. eyes to the fact that church should be given to the needs of others over our 6. A values-led ethic and ministry about companionship. People are still own real or perceived challenges. should define the very core of our yearning for love, care, and nurture— We must get to a place where an churches. In Values-Led Lives, twenty-five years later.10 People are still investment in people must not be Llewellyn Edwards posits that love looking for that connection between measured in monetary instruments. is the highest value and that we words, action, and deeds—25 years 3. Each church should go through a should be creative and practice later. I found it in the church where I planned cathartic process of dealing abundant, wasteful, indiscriminate, was a member. I hope people will find with conflict resolution. The church and excessive love.8 A values-led it in the church where I am a leader— should establish a robust structure church would seek to place the twenty-five years later. for reconciliation when quarrels, needs of people high on the agenda. disputes, friction, and discord arise. Such a church would take offense at Of those who left the Adventist the creation of hoops for people to 1 Pseudonyms. Church, 62.12 percent said that jump through in order to experience 2 G. T. Ng, “The Leaky Bucket Syndrome and How to Fix the primary trigger for leaving was the grace of God. It,” Summit on Nurture and Retention, November 19, conflict-related, 31.6 percent said 7. We must develop a model of disciple- 2013, Silver Spring, MD, United States. See Andrew conflict was their secondary trigger, ship that focuses on one person or McChesney, “Every Adventist Urged to Help Stem and 32.87 percent said it was their family at a time. Sam Neves identi- Membership Losses,” Adventist Review, Oct. 9, 2016, tertiary trigger.7 Based upon hard fies six principles of discipleship in adventistreview.org/church-news/story4451-every -adventist-urged-to-help-stem-membership-losses. evidence, it makes sense to have a a postmodern context: identifying 3 Ibid. robust conflict resolution program the disciple within an existential 4 Mario Philip, “Stopping the Leaking Bucket in each congregation, or at the least crisis; establishing a spiritual gifts Syndrome” Evangelical Review of Theology 42, no. 1 accessibility to such expertise. model for the team; instigating a (January 2018): 69–79. 4. We must cultivate a revolutionary trail of discovery of God’s purpose 5 Ellen G. White, Evangelism (Washington DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1946), 351. prayer and fasting culture in the for the disciple; offering a choice 6 Ellen G. White, Letter 43 (June 14, 1895, to J. H. congregation. Not just prayer, but of world views and guiding the dis- Kellogg). intercessory prayer—agonizing, ciple to experience the reality of the 7 “Adventist Survey of Why People Leave the Church,” self-deprecatory prayer. Joel 2:17 great controversy; and training the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research. reads: “Let the priests, the minis- disciple to rescue others.9 Whether 8 Llewellyn Edwards, Values-Led Lives: The Way Jesus ters of the Lord, weep between the you subscribe to this model or not, Wants Us to Think and Act (Grantham, England: The Stanborough Press Ltd., 2017), 25. porch and the altar; and let them we should be intentional in work- 9 Sam Neves, “The Matrix Model of Adventist say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and ing with individuals and families Discipleship,” in Narrative Meaning and Truth: give not thine heritage to reproach, to make discipling a very positive, Fulfilling the Mission in Relativistic Contexts, 2nd ed., that the heathen should rule over involved, and spiritual experience. ed. Bruce A. Bauer and Kleber D. Gonçalves them: wherefore should they say (Washington DC: Global Mission Center, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 2017), 162, among the people, Where is their My story 163. God?” (KJV). The real strength of I gave my life to Christ when I was 10 Adrian Peck, Being Church: Missional, Accessible, and any congregation is the participa- about 15 years old. I never missed a ser- Engaging (Grantham, UK: The Stanborough Press tion and predominance of prayer. vice. I attended every church program Ltd., 2017), 126.
APRIL 2019 Ministry® SAMUEL TELEMAQUE
Samuel Telemaque, MAs in religion and intercultural studies, is director of both the Sabbath School Department and Adventist Mission in the Inter- American Division, Miami, Florida, United States.
It’s rescue time—15 crucial steps for reconciliation
ordyce Detamore, a great evan- family of God. These are God’s lost sheep, demonstrate conviction and commit- gelist of yesteryear, declared and time is running out for many of them. ment to reconcile former members to that when it comes to seeking We desperately need a rescue timetable, Christ and His church. The gift of discern- FGod’s lost sheep, “Be as persis- and here it is: plan a homecoming event ment may be a vital asset for recruits. tent as the FBI.” He says, “It was Friday for God’s missing sheep, and prepare for This ministry requires persons who will afternoon, the last week of our evan- it by following these crucial steps in the implore the Holy Spirit to give them gelistic series. We had tried every way ministry of reconciliation.2 access to the hearts of former members. possible to get in touch with a certain The Holy Spirit will teach them how and backslider. While the pastor was inquir- 1. Praying for—April-May when to listen or speak. ing about her at a nearby dry cleaners, First, we need to pray. Intercessory The church clerk or Sabbath School I spied an old fire escape at the rear of prayer is a consistent petition to God clerk should have records of former the building. We had been unable to get for accessibility to the hearts of former members. The profile of former mem- any response at the front of the three- members. Many former members are bers should consist of their names, story apartment. As I reached the third hostile to their local church. Some mem- addresses, baptismal date, and reasons section of the fire escape, I began calling bers show indifference to former ones. for leaving. This information is critical for the woman’s name quietly. Soon she The ministry of reconciliation occurs the reconciliation team. appeared at the window. I went down to in the context of the great controversy the front of the building and there made between Christ and Satan. Intercessory 3. Training—May-June proper contact with her and had prayer prayer gives God access to the hearts of Training will equip people. The before leaving. The next day she took her former members and current members. content of the training should include stand for rebaptism. She said it was the Church members should be encouraged the theology of conversion, discipleship, thought that someone would even climb to pray for former members. People who conflict resolution, empathy, listening a fire escape to rescue her that made her pray for others are inclined to think and skills, emotional healing, and spiritual decide to come back into the church. But feel favorably toward those for whom healing. Trainees are required to com- firemen do that all the time.”1 they pray. Time spent in private prayer plete 20 hours of training. Find trainers We want to sound a global alarm. will be rewarded with high receptivity in your congregation or a sister church An unprecedented crisis exists in the among members and former members who have the skills and knowledge in Seventh-day Adventist Church: members for reconciliation (Matt. 6:6). the areas listed. Students also need to around the world are leaving. God has The local church can make a list of all learn how to apply their knowledge in given us the ministry of reconciliation. its former members and present those real-life situations of reconciling former He calls us to participate with Him in rec- persons to God at weekly prayer services, members. onciling former members unto Himself family worship, prayer conferences, and and the church. Reasons for leaving the special days of prayer and fasting. 4. Contacting—June-July church are varied: personal conflicts, Contacting is a series of informal emotional instabilities, doctrinal dis- 2. Recruiting—May-June conversations with former members. agreements. Sometimes believers, as Recruiting means selecting people The initial conversations greet former Jesus expressed in Matthew 13, do not to implement the ministry of recon- members as brothers or sisters. Such a allow the Word of God to truly sink in and ciliation. The Sabbath School council or greeting implies acceptance and belong- change their lives, and when trials come, church board may select these persons. ing to a family that still cares for and they lose their bearings and leave the They should have a good reputation and loves them. This assurance sometimes
Ministry® ARPIL 2019 provides the springboard for former 7. Apologizing— reconcile with their church. You may test members to vent their anger and bitter- July-August their readiness in several ways. ness with the church. When this occurs, Apologizing means taking responsi- First, you may offer an appropriate listen to the pain and express apologies. bility for the pain caused to a person. You book to read. Second, extend an invita- Follow the counsel of James: be slow to may not have caused the pain; however, tion to fellowship with the church one of speak and quick to listen (James 1:19). you may apologize on behalf of those these days. The initial invitation should Interruptions tend to delay the outflow who did. The apology comes after the be indefinite. Such a statement helps of pain and bitterness. Just listen with person has released their anger or bit- build an expectation in former members. empathy to their pain, anger, hurt, terness. It may go something like this: It helps them make mental adjustments whatever they are feeling. These initial “Brother/Sister, we apologize sincerely for returning to their local churches. A conversations primarily help former for the pain and sorrow we have caused specific date for returning is given to members experience release from their you. Our actions have caused grief and them at an appropriate time. Give former anger and bitterness. frustration to you and your family and members time and space to heal. Listen for hidden meanings and feel- have caused you so much sorrow. On Third, ask former members to make ings behind words. Then reflect those behalf of the church, I apologize sin- decisions between positive alternatives. feelings to the communicators. Reflective cerely for the heartaches.” For instance, to request a follow-up visit, listening facilitates emotional healing. Sometimes a former member may you may say, “Would you prefer my sec- refuse to accept your apology. If this ond visit to be on Thursday or Sunday?” 5. Acknowledging—June- happens, remain calm. Look straight at Or, “In the morning or afternoon?” You July the person and repeat: “We are sorry for are requesting a follow-up visit between Acknowledging consists of verbal the pain we have caused you.” Keep the two positive alternatives. Make it very or nonverbal responses to former focus on the apology. easy for former members to decide to members’ emotional expressions. You Sometimes a former member may reconcile with their churches. may acknowledge emotional expres- request apologies from specific persons. sions with relevant exclamations: You can arrange for such a meeting of 10. Anticipating— “Terrible!” “Awful!” “I feel your pain!” apology in a neutral place. A special September-October Acknowledgments encourage former orientation should be given to persons It is necessary to help the local members to pour out their anger or making the apology. These persons church to anticipate the return of former share their joy. (members) should be encouraged not members. The pastor should inform his You are not to acknowledge or deny to defend themselves or rehearse inci- local congregation ahead of time. The the authenticity of their statements. dences or feelings. The task is simply specific date should be announced six Rather, acknowledge the feelings to apologize. Reconciliation is the goal. to twelve months in advance to allow conveyed by the statements of former the local congregation to make mental members. Sometimes a former mem- 8. Assuring— adjustments for the return of former ber might say: “The pastor is a wicked August-September members. Both former members and person.” Though you can acknowledge Assuring means giving former the local congregation should anticipate the pain in their sentiment, do not affirm members assurances of God’s love. reconciliation. that sentiment. Some may be aware of God’s love for them but still be reluctant to return to 11. Praying with— 6. Empathizing— church. Church leaders should convey September-October July-August feelings of appreciation and belonging- Seek an opportunity to pray not Empathizing means identifying and ness to the family of God. Always address only for but with former members. This reflecting a person’s feelings to assure former members as brothers or sisters. prayer time is more effective after former him or her that you care. Sympathy If a former member should reject these members have poured out their anger means you feel sorry for someone’s salutations, you should maintain and or concerns to you. The former mem- situation, even if you have never been insist that the church still considers the bers may be more receptive to prayer there yourself; empathy, in contrast, is person to be a brother or sister. Your after you have apologized on behalf of when you truly understand and can feel verbal and nonverbal communication your church. Ask if they would prefer to what another person is going through. should convey assurance, appreciation, pray together in their kitchen or dining In empathizing with former members, and acceptance. room, or inside or outside the house. seek to understand the issues; but, The freedom to choose between two more importantly, try to feel with them. 9. Testing— possible alternatives is the critical issue. By accurately reflecting the feelings of August-September The choice indicates the readiness of the former members, you identify with their Testing is an informal evaluation person to pray. Once the place is chosen, feelings of infirmity. of the readiness of former members to move quickly. Look into the eyes of the
APRIL 2019 Ministry® SAMUEL TELEMAQUE
former member and begin to kneel. The contents of the program. The informa- love and goodness of God, which leads person follows your nonverbal com- tion includes seating, protocol, modes both former and current members to munication and kneels with you. If the of greeting, arrival, use of words, non- repentance. person refuses to kneel, then pray in verbal communication, and principles A homecoming Sabbath needs to whatever posture is convenient to that of conflict resolution. Such information be authentic. The words and actions person. The content of the prayer should increases the expectation of church of members need to be congruent. focus on four things: members and reduces their anxiety. Our smiles, hugs, and commendations 2. Emotional readiness. One month should be genuine. The former members 1. Confess the sins of your church. prior to the homecoming, a recon- can detect hypocrisy or masking. The 2. Ask God to forgive your members. ciliation service should be convened to homecoming Sabbath is a time for trans- 3. Pray for God’s blessings upon the provide avenues for members to recon- parency, simplicity, and authenticity. It is former member. cile with each other. This reconciliation a time to be vulnerable. Members should 4. Express the hope that the former service is based on Ephesians 4:31, 32. not be afraid to admit their own failures. member will fellowship with you These verses emphasize the exchange This is authentic religion. one of these days. of negative emotions for positive emo- tions. They inspire members to forgive 15. Reintegration— It is appropriate to pray with a soft each other. Why? Because God has November-December tone of voice. Make a deliberate effort forgiven them. Therefore, forgiveness Reintegration means restoring not to mention misdeeds of the former means extending grace to others just as former members into the fellowship member; simply pronounce God’s bless- God freely extends it to us. Forgiveness and ministries of the local church. The ings on the person. means freely sharing the grace of God. process of reintegration takes time. 3. Physical preparation. This may Members who began the reconciliation 12. Reconciling— include seating design, painting, clean- process should continue to work with October-November ing, consideration of aesthetic impact, former members to prepare them to Reconciling means restoring a and a prayer or reconciliation room. It reenter the ministries of the church. broken relationship with a friend or is the responsibility of the church board The former members may need (a) community. Sometimes members and Sabbath School department to pre- reconciliation with church members, may need training on how to reconcile pare the church for the homecoming. It (b) indoctrination, (c) rebaptism, (d) with former members. This training is a time of rejoicing (Luke 15). training for ministries, and (e) placement should be given to the entire church. in ministries. The church board should This training is different from the 20 14. Homecoming Sabbath— supervise and coordinate the reintegra- hours of training for the recruits. This November-December tion process. It is the final stage of the basic training is for all active church The homecoming Sabbath is a reconciliation process. members. In that way, every member celebration of the return of former mem- has the knowledge, attitudes, and skills bers to their local church to worship. Conclusion to restore broken relationships. The Homecoming Sabbaths for former mem- It is our privilege to participate with training may include listening, acknowl- bers have their origin in Luke 15:1–32. God in the ministry of reconciliation. He edging, empathizing, apologizing, and These verses convey the love of God for has reconciled us to Himself and now an understanding of Ephesians 4:31, former members. He is always waiting to invites us to participate with Him in the 32. Members should practice listening welcome home the “lost sheep in Israel” process of reconciling others—including without defending themselves from (Matt. 10:5, 6). former members. Before we can give true or false accusations. They should The rejoicing includes welcoming, them the Bible, we need to create an avoid rehearsing past experiences eating, singing, preaching, testimonies, environment of relationship, love, with former members. Such rehearsals drama, teaching, reconciliation, forgive- kindness, and laughter that leads to retard reconciliation. The Holy Spirit ness, crying, and laughter. The love of an environment of love for the study of makes it possible for willing hearts to God is at the center of a homecoming the Word. Former members need time be reconciled. Sabbath. The purpose of a homecoming and space to experience emotional and Sabbath is to demonstrate the love of spiritual healing. Some stages overlap 13. Hosting— God for former members and church with each other to create a movement October-November members. toward reconciliation with Christ and Hosting requires three types of The theme of the homecoming His church. This process takes time. We readiness: Sabbath is “O love that will not let me recommend one year for completing 1. Mental preparation. The host go.” It communicates the persistence the process.3 church needs to be aware of the date, of God’s love for His people. The goal is God initiates the ministry of recon- and members need to be informed of the to remind the former members of the ciliation. He gives us an impulse to turn
Ministry® APRIL 2019 or return to Him. He also gives us the 1 Fordyce W. Detamore, Seeking His Lost Sheep Embarks on Mission to Seek Former Church ministry and message of reconciliation. (Nashville, TN: Southern Pub. Assn., 1965), 65, 66. Members,” Seventh-day Adventist Church, If God chooses to reconcile former mem- 2 Adapted from Samuel Telemaque, Christ’s Inter-American Division, Jan. 16, 2019, interamerica. Ambassadors: Reconciling former Members to Christ org/2019/01/adventist-church-in-inter-america bers unto Himself, who are we to resist (Grantham, UK: The Stanborough Press, 2019). -embarks-on-mission-to-seek-former-church His initiative? 3 Libna Stevens, “Adventist Church in Inter-America -members/.
A must for a Christian
survey of 2,900 protestant the desire to pray and ask forgiveness churchgoers called “Bible of sin was increased; (2) the need of a AEngagement of Churchgoers” Savior was increased; (3) 61 percent was conducted in 2012 by LifeWay read a book about increasing their Research.* This study brought to light spiritual growth, in the past year and When she passed away, he fell into a some interesting statistics. Of those were able to notice an increase in deep depression. During that time, surveyed, 90 percent stated, “I desire their faith in Jesus; (4) there was an he faithfully continued his devotional to please and honor Jesus in all that increased desire to make decisions to life, the habitual daily study of God’s I do.” In this, I was encouraged. In the follow and obey God, even with the Word. The depression lasted over a same study, I read that only 19 percent knowledge that it might be costly; (5) year, but he remained true to his time of those surveyed read their Bible every those who read daily had a prayer life in the Bible every day. When he finally day, and that happy feeling started to that included prayers for their friends broke free from the depression that had fade. The question arose in my heart, who did not profess Christianity; (6) enshrouded him those many months, How could one desire to “please and the belief that Jesus was the only way he proclaimed that it was his devo- honor Jesus” if you don’t know Him on a to heaven was elevated. Among those tional life that kept him alive. “I would daily basis? It seems to me that in order who had the habit of daily study, almost have died if I would not have had my to please those you profess to love, you half revealed that they had been dis- daily time with Jesus and the Bible!” must study them and know them well cipled and encouraged by other sincere The old hymn “Give Me the Bible” enough to know their likes and dislikes. believers. should be the cry of this generation of By knowing them better, you can go on “Sanctify them through thy truth: Christians. If 90 percent of Christians and “please and honor” them with your thy word is truth” (John 17:17, KJV). want to learn to “please and honor actions and words. Without daily communing with Jesus Jesus” as they go about their lives, It is one thing to profess to know of by reading the Bible, we will remain then they should make it a reality. We Jesus, maybe, from word of mouth or an unsanctified people. With the trans- as a people need to prayerfully spend in observing others’ actions. It is quite forming power of the Holy Spirit and time in God’s Word, inviting the Holy another to know Jesus and who He is by the sanctifying influence of God’s truth Spirit to transform us into a people studying Him, learning of Him, seeing contained in His Word, we become who would love from our hearts to Him in the reading of His Word. The more and more like Him. Our choices, “please and honor Jesus” in everything professed Christian should be praying our desires, become ennobled; our will we do. I believe that the world would that the Holy Spirit will continue to aligns with His will, and we fall end- be a much better place to live in if we reveal His love and mercy to him or her lessly in love with Him. The desire to Christians would study our Bibles; then, as he or she reads and meditates on “please and honor” becomes a true we really would know Jesus and how Scripture. The reader will then learn reality, woven into the fabric of our to love Him. how to “please and honor Jesus” as character and mind. The very inner- revealed in Scripture and convicted by most desire of our soul then yearns to the Holy Spirit. please, honor, and love Jesus. —Brian Cowin pastors the Central Louisiana In the same survey, it was noted I remember hearing the testimony and Marthaville Seventh-day Adventist Churches, that the desires of the Christians dif- of a man who lost his wife; she was his Louisiana, United States. fered between those who read the Bible very best friend. They did everything * Russ Rankin, “Study: Bible Engagement in and those who did not, and reveals six together. They would prayerfully study Churchgoers’ Hearts, Not Always Practiced,” LifeWay, actions that positively impact the Bible the Bible together every day, regard- January 1, 2014, lifeway.com/en/articles engagement scores of individuals: (1) less of what was going on in their lives. /research-survey-bible-engagement-churchgoers.
APRIL 2019 Ministry® RESOURCES
How to Become a Multicultural Church by Douglas J. Brouwer, Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 2017.
ur world is awash in national- experience. Why is homogeneous congre- ism, xenophobia, populism, Sunday morning the gational life to his new Oand nativism. Political move- most segregated time pulpit in an existing mul- ments respond with Brexit, wall building, of the week? Has ticultural congregation. and tribalism. There is decreased tol- Christianity become He discovers that erance for things that are different, resistant to the power of multicultural is hard. exacerbated by the echo chambers of the gospel to break down Struggles emerge in wor- social media, where the most strident racial, ethnic, and social ship style, dress code, shouts are amplified and moderate walls that was the hall- theology, and, most of voices are attenuated; where privileged mark of this new religion all, communication. people groups are losing their power, that appeared in the first He finds that business feeling overwhelmed by the hordes who century? For example, meetings take three do not look, talk, or act like them. currently in the US, only times as long, the role of These trends are the pushback that about 14 percent of con- the pastor is culturally comes from decades of mass migration, gregations are multicultural (and that 14 understood and diverse, relationships globalism, and population mixing. For percent is a very generous definition of take time and are complex, and doc- example, in the United States (US), those multicultural, counting as multicultural a trine is viewed through cultural lenses. with European ancestry are projected to congregation with as little as 20 percent Yet through the struggles, the be a minority within a couple of decades. from different racial groups than the author shares insights such as: (a) a Politicians and dictators nimbly surf dominant majority). congregation is at its best when it fights these waves of angst, but what about Brouwer suggests that despite the hard for consensus; (b) there should the kingdom of God—specifically, the apparent retreat into cultural narcissism be no privileged culture; (c) the pas- congregation? How does a congregation that many are taking, some consciously tor must learn leadership styles from navigate these swirling waters? What or unconsciously need to, or want to, other cultures; and (d) all must move does an authentically Christian congre- surround themselves with people of beyond cultural stereotypes. He adds gation look like in these xenophobic different cultures. For example, kids tips, such as humility going a long way, times? growing up in multicultural countries, avoiding patriotism, being deliberate Pastor Doug Brouwer is finding going to multicultural schools, may and intentional about multicultural, some answers as he reflects on his first question the efficacy of a faith that and eating together often. 18 months of leading the International divides into cultural or racial factions Brouwer, amid the crucible of the Protestant Church of Zurich. Brouwer, on the weekend. multicultural, begins to see a gospel a Presbyterian who grew up in a homo- This book is a must-read for rising above the slag of a cultural gos- geneous culture and then pastored someone from a homogeneous setting pel. This pure gospel is not confused by homogeneous congregations, suddenly wanting to put their toes in the water of or equated to cultural norms because finds himself in another country leading heterogeny, or someone who intends these norms are challenged daily by a thriving multicultural nondenomina- to plant a multicultural congregation the diversity of his congregation. The tional congregation. He writes as an or increase the multicultural element church becomes more than a congrega- American pastor with little experience or take a pulpit in an existing multi- tion; it becomes a home. The church in the heterogeneous, about the con- cultural congregation. However, this is now becomes a foretaste of Revelation stant epiphanies of ministry revealed not a how-to book on transitioning to 7:9, “There was a great multitude that in this rich cultural milieu. Even though the multicultural; it is not a research no one could count, from every nation, the author is steeped as a Presbyterian, project studying many congregations from all tribes and peoples and lan- readers from other faith backgrounds and settings; it is not in the genre of “9 guages, standing before the throne and will find it easy to apply his insights to tips to become multicultural,” nor is it before the Lamb” (NRSV). their own faith contexts. a church-planting guide. Rather it is a — Reviewed by Dave Gemmell, DMin, associate There are some foundational ques- personal story of insights discovered Ministerial director of the North American Division tions lurking underneath Brouwer’s as a pastor changes his context from of Seventh-day Adventists.
Ministry® APRIL 2019 DATELINE
Women lead out in reunion of church friends
razil—A Reunion pro- the Women’s Ministries, such Bgram conducted in the as Tea With Friends, prayer North Brazil Union Mission groups, and others,” is how brought together about 220 teacher Ironilde Bussons, women, half of them former organizer and Women’s Adventists. Ministries director for the Rose Santos told her North Brazil Union Mission, story and what led her to defines the project. sever her connection with The crowning moment the Seventh-day Adventist of the whole project was Church. With much emo- four women being rebap- tion, she also described the tized in the first edition events that made her decide of the Reunion. Adventist to return. “It was a privilege women who were by their to have this chance to tell a side throughout the process little about my life to so many accompanied them. The people who, perhaps, go through the A final event is planned, and invita- strategy became a model and was same situation and still have not found tions are given out. The event starts developed in other cities as well. In all, the strength to change,” she says. with a skit where a clay pot is broken, between 2017 and 2018, 527 women The whole concept of the Reunion symbolizing the end of the “old” life. were baptized as a result of the project. program, pioneered in the South At the end of the program, a potter The next edition of Reunion will be American Division of the Seventh- makes a new pot from scratch, which in the state of Maranhão, in São Luis. day Adventist Church, was based on represents what Jesus can do in the It is expected that 400 people will par- rebuilding life. It is proposed that lives of those who allow themselves to ticipate in the event and achieve the every Adventist woman try to “rescue” be molded. goals. In order to reach former Adventist a woman who has previously been a “Motivating Christian women to friends, 2,587 volunteer missionaries member of the church. During the fol- reach out to other women who were part participate in the step-by-step dis- lowing months, friendships are built of the Adventist family, inviting them to cipleship process. [Mosaic newsletter, or rebuilt. participate in projects developed by Summer 2018]
Theological forum looks to recapture the importance of discipleship
ilang, Cavite, Philippines—At the against making baptism the goal of the S21st AIIAS Annual Theological Forum, Great Commission, the call of Jesus in held at the Adventist International Matthew 28 to make disciples. “The Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), end product of the Great Commission regional and international Adventist is not to baptize but to disciple. Baptism scholars addressed the issue of dis- is just the beginning of the story,” Ng cipleship and disciple-making to gain a emphasized. “After baptism, teaching deeper understanding of Jesus’ commis- continues until the church becomes sion for all believers. The event brought a disciple-making church.” Ng urged together almost 350 theologians, pas- participants to make discipleship the tors, and administrators. strongest feature of the church. Plenary speaker Dr. G. T. Ng, execu- Throughout the three-day event, G. T. Ng [Photo: Adventist International tive secretary of the General Conference several forum presentations emphasized Institute of Advanced Studies] of Seventh-day Adventists, cautioned the need to balance the quantitative
APRIL 2019 Ministry® DATELINE
concern with qualitative checks that Cristian Dumitrescu said. Pastors and in this world the life, message, and will help the church fulfill the Great administrators present at the meetings testimony of Jesus.” Commission. concluded that the loss of member- Participants unanimously con- Chair of the forum committee ship was not to be blamed solely on cluded that changes are needed in the Remwil Tornalejo noted that disciple- those who left the church but also on overall mission strategy to improve making is a relevant topic in the context the church’s desire to meet baptismal effectiveness and faithfulness to God’s of church growth and membership goals. The Great Commission and other missionary calling. “We have also agreed retention. By having participants from messages of the Bible indicate that to oppose unbiblical methods of dis- different disciplines, he said, everyone careful instruction before baptism and cipleship and realize that approaches has a better grasp on this vital topic. continuous growth after baptism are focusing on numerical growth come “Through the theological forum, necessary, they said. with a cost to the kingdom of God,” they AIIAS shares biblical, theological, According to AIIAS Seminary dean said. [Adventist International Institute of and practical insights of what is the Ricardo González, “Everybody in the Advanced Studies and Adventist Review] essence of the church existence—to church has a practical role in the Great The original version of this story do mission,” AIIAS professor of Commission. Discipleship is a task given appears on the AIIAS website under Intercultural Studies and Missiology to the Adventist Church, to reproduce “News.”
Adventist Church in Inter-American Division embarks to seek former church members
iami, Florida, United and/or gone missing across MStates—It is no secret the IAD, according to the offi- that people are leaving the cial tallying done throughout church. This alarming fact has the IAD’s 24 unions, or major Seventh-day Adventist leaders church regions, said Johnson. in the Inter-American Division Among the many issues that (IAD) focused on a major ini- the survey pointed out was tiative to seek and reconcile how relationships are impor- thousands of former members tant to prevent members from across the more than 22,000 leaving the church. churches and congregations Building relationships is in their territory. Pastor Samuel Telemaque (left), with translator Roberto a key element in retaining Inter-American Division’s Brown Jr. (right). (Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD) and seeking members, so the “Ministry of Reclaiming initiative is being driven by and Discipleship of Former the ministry of the Sabbath Members” initiative was officially IAD, said the findings revealed that School class structure. launched through an online program nearly 14 million members have gone “Our mission is to search for for- on January 12, 2019. missing during the period between 1965 mer members and invite them to be Dr. Elie Henry, president of the IAD, and 2015 across the world church. reconciled to God, reconciled to the pointed out a clear invitation in the “That means that one out of three church through a process of seeking Bible for this ministry as he reflected members has been lost over the past to appeal to the heart of the mem- on Ezekiel 34, appealing to leaders and fifty years,” reported Johnson. For the ber,” said Pastor Samuel Telemaque, members to take note of those who were IAD, that translates to just over two mil- Sabbath School director for the IAD, once were at church and for one reason lion members during that time period. who is spearheading the initiative. or another are no longer attending. “If we had those members up to 2015, “Before we can give them the Bible, Pointing to a recent survey our membership could be more than we need to create the environment conducted by the Adventist General six million today. So it’s not a world of relationship, love, kindness, and Conference’s Office of Archives, problem only but a problem in the IAD.” laughter in the Sabbath School class Statistics, and Research, Dr. Leonard From 2016 to 2018, more than that leads to an environment of love Johnson, executive secretary for the 153,000 members have dropped out for the study of the Word.”
Ministry® APRIL 2019 A practical guide, voted by top ministry of reconciliation, and more, apologizing on behalf of the church, administrators and leaders during not only to take place through Sabbath and welcoming them back.” IAD’s Year-End Executive Committee School ministries but also through The initiative will see a scheduled Meetings, focuses on the stages of youth ministries, the pastoral ministry, homecoming Sabbath celebration on reconciliation and gives practical and public campus ministries, among September 7, 2019, where thousands instructions on how to implement a others. of former members are expected to ministry of reconciliation for former “This is not an event, it’s a process,” flood churches and congregations members, in addition to discipleship of said Telemaque. “The process includes across the IAD. former members and reintegration into recruiting and training those individu- “Let’s work together through the the fellowship life of the church. als who will seek out former members, Sabbath School, youth, and all depart- The program also touched on the thoroughly identifying all missing ments to restore and reclaim former cost of discipleship, the importance members, searching, contacting, lis- members,” Telemaque said. [Libna of intercessory prayer, the call to the tening and acknowledging their pain, Stevens/IAD]
eHuddle reinvigorates passion for evangelism
an Diego, California, United and plateauing churches in our divi- presenters shared. First-time attendee SStates—For two and a half days, on sion. We are concerned about the Vanston Archbold Jr., general field February 18–20, 2019, evangelism direc- health of our churches and, therefore, secretary for the Southwest Region tors of conferences and unions, church wanted to address these issues.” Conference in the Southwestern Union, administrators, pastors, innovators, and Various presenters spoke on these said, “I am inspired by what others other leaders gathered at eHuddle in two themes, sharing practical solutions are doing. I have the same amount of San Diego, California, United States of and ideas on how they were addressing resources, and this encourages me to America, to share, learn, and dialogue them in their local context. In one pre- figure out what I can do in my field.” on how the Seventh-day Adventist sentation, Tim Gillespie, lead pastor of Church in North America can more the Crosswalk Seventh-day Adventist effectively reach people in a growing, Church in Redlands, California, spoke secular culture. about how his church helps remote More than 200 people attended the churches connect to Crosswalk. The eHuddle event, sponsored by the North satellite congregations reap the ben- American Division (NAD) Ministerial efits from the programming at the main Association, and more benefitted from church. the presentations via Facebook. During During his presentation, Gillespie the meeting, more than 30 presenters challenged the audience: “We live in Panelists answer a question from Ivan shared tried and tested ways along a time where Uber is the largest taxi Williams, NAD Ministerial Association with innovative, creative, and new company in the world, and yet it doesn’t director. (Photo: Enno Müller) approaches for how they engage their own a car. Airbnb is the largest hotel local community and church. chain, but it doesn’t own a room. The meeting this year encouraged “For this year’s event we wanted Perhaps we need to rethink the model attendees throughout the NAD to try to address two needs that we see in of church in our current time.” new things and, at the same time, also our churches: First we focused on Tom Evans, president of the served as a reminder that evangelism is how churches can grow young and North New South Wales Conference in not the same in every community. ensure retention of young people. Australia, sees value in this event. “We “It is important to find a way to Presentations were shared how to need to consistently search for new create relationships and connect with disciple children and to help them and relevant avenues and methods in people in the community. This requires make a serious decision for Jesus,” ministry. I like how eHuddle creates an understanding of what their needs said Jose Cortes Jr., event organizer space where projects can be refined are,” said Dr. Ivan Williams, director and associate director of the NAD and developed.” of NAD Ministerial Association. [Enno Ministerial Association. “Second, we Many attendees of this year’s Müller, communication director of the engaged with the epidemic of dying event left invigorated by the ideas that Southeastern California Conference]
Ministry® APRIL 2019 PRACTICAL POINTERS RON E. M. CLOUZET
Ron E. M. Clouzet, DMin, is Ministerial Association Secretary for the Northern Asia-Pacific Division, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. Evangelism and retention myths
fter leading and teaching evan- planned process and the messages are Some Adventists assume that gelism for 25 years and in several biblical and Christ-centered, the Holy because they have heard prophetic Acountries on three different Spirit will make sure to send guests, preaching many times, it would not be continents, I have seen some misguided as well as members, to attend. People of interest to nonmembers, therefore views about the practice of evangelism. I will keep coming. People need enough we should offer only health and family call them myths. What follows are a few of exposure to the Bible to make life- life presentations. However, this is mis- them and why they are misleading myths. saving decisions. leading. God raised the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a last-day church Myth # 1—Evangelism is an event Myths # 5—Weekend-only of prophecy. It is our sacred duty to For the Christian, evangelism is a reaping meetings are good share the prophecies of Scripture with lifestyle—thus, a process. For the local Having meetings only on Sabbath everyone. church, evangelism will consist of a and Sunday may be convenient for the well-orchestrated plan that may include church members and pastor, but it is not Myth # 9—The biggest community outreach, prayer for the lost, good for those we want to reach. People challenge to evangelism is lack friendship contacts, Bible studies with need consistent and sufficient exposure of time and resources nonmembers, youth and school evan- to God in order to decide to follow Him. It is true that lack of time for gelism, and other components. So reaping meetings should be held at church members and lack of resources least four times a week, and for at least in the church are challenges. But the Myth # 2—The objective of two weeks. And on Sabbath, at least two biggest challenge to evangelism is the reaping meetings is to have meetings should be held, dealing with Laodicean condition of the churches. them two different topics. True spiritual renewal is our greatest Many pastors and church members need. Once Jesus is first in our lives, believe that the objective of evangelism Myth # 6—Public evangelism is others will become important to is to be able to say they held meetings. no longer necessary us. And regardless of lack of time or But the objective of evangelism is not Many today believe that since resources, we will find the time and the meetings; the objective is a transfor- “Christ’s method alone” has to do with way to reach out to others. mation! Everything should focus on personal evangelism (see The Ministry giving people the opportunity to make of Healing, page 143), there is no need Myth # 10—Converts from decisions. When decisions are made, a for the public preaching of God’s Word. public evangelism leave the transformation is possible. However, when people hear the preach- church soon after ing of the Word, their chances of making Statistics show that many more Myth # 3—Two to six nights of eternal decisions are increased consider- members leave the church who were meetings is sufficient ably. Public appeals in the church work born to Adventist parents and raised Many churches hold public evange- hand in hand with personal appeals in as Seventh-day Adventists than people listic meetings for two to six nights. They the home. The Holy Spirit works in a spe- who became Adventists through public do so, in part, because they believe that cial way for those who hear the faithful evangelism. It is true that some leave having more meetings will meet with preaching of His Word. the church after conversion, but that resistance from the members because is often due to lack of proper indoc- everyone is always busy. But this is a Myth # 7—People cannot come trination or careful assimilation of the very dangerous myth. It is nearly impos- for evangelistic meetings new believer. In many cases, the fault sible for people to make decisions for during the week lies with the church. If the pastor pro- Christ, His teachings, and His church We may think it is too much to expect vides a good mentoring plan for new in such a short time and with so little people who work long hours to go to believers and seeks to engage them in exposure to God. evangelistic meetings after work. But ministry soon after their baptism, most people seeking answers will adjust their new converts will remain active in the Myth # 4—The extended series schedules. If they are prepared to make church.* of meetings no longer work sacrifices, shouldn’t we? Years ago, most fields had meetings * This is a condensed version of “Evangelism and several nights each week over multiple Myth # 8—Practical topics on Retention Myths” first published in the November 2018 issue and “Dangerous Myths about Evangelism” weeks to cover all the major teachings family or health are best for in the December 2018 issue of the NSD Ministerial of the Bible. If evangelism is a carefully public meetings Newsletter. Used with permission.
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