International Journal for; Pas tors August 1996 Letters

The Son is up Christ. Samuele Bacchiocchi, pro realize that Satan is working with great R. O. Stenbakken©s article (April fessor of theology and church history, zeal to get people to have a false sense 1996) surprised me positively and Andrews University, Berrien Springs, of assurance. negatively. Positively, I was pleased to Michigan. In this world you have multitudes see some creative suggestions for cele who claim to be grounded in Christ. brating the feast of our redemption Which gospel? They know the steps to eternal sal annually. Some of the suggested topics Many Christians want to know why vation frontwards and backwards and of sermons, as well as the idea of church we devote so much time, pen, and paper share their experience by using the decorations, deserve consideration. In to the Christian behavior fundamental, expression "I©m saved." Others who harmony with the teaching of Scripture and so little to the work of Christ©s profess to have a profound grounding and the witness of the early church, it Spirit as the inspiration for our behavior. in Christ can expound the wonderful would be well for us to commemorate The Christian behavior fundamental theme of righteousness by faith most the suffering and death of Jesus not keeps the mind on our works, and eloquently with pen and voice. only quarterly through the Lord©s weakens our trust in Christ, and His The good news of the judgment is Supper, but also annually through a total power to change us, even though, that through Christ both justification special Passover celebration. In the thanks to Him, the Father already con and sanctification are possible. Both light of the biblical and early Christian siders us as perfect (see Heb. 10:14-18). are impossible without Christ being the tradition, our annual Passover should Our efforts to improve ourselves central figure of both the judgment and be an evening service consisting of should be a nonissue. Our trust in Jesus our lives. appropriate readings, songs, and should make us complete (see Mark How many of us can live in a meditations on the suffering and death 5:34; Luke 17:19). The overemphasis delightful state of assurance knowing of Jesus, followed by a special Lord©s on the Christian behavior fundamental that we have truly confessed our "every Supper and an agape-fellowship meal. establishes a works mentality, and is unfulfilled duty"? That is what God My negative criticism concerns detrimental to the peace of mind and wants, to be sure. He wants us to have Stenbakken©s proposal to develop a emotional stability of those impres faith and assurance. It comes with an special Adventist service in conjunction sionable young (I©m speaking from earnest involvement on our part. It with Easter. Passover and Easter are experience) who hear the constant talk cannot come without a correct under not the same festivals. The two feasts of do©s and don©ts and boasts and criti standing of Christ©s involvement in the differ in their dates, meaning, and cism of others© behavior, and translate investigative judgment. It cannot come manner of observance. In many ways this speech to be our prime objective. without a clear understanding of our the change from Passover to Easter To take away from the minds of His involvement, either. Sunday is strikingly similar to the disciples the work of Christ as our total It is this total earnest involvement change from Sabbath to Sunday. The substitute is the same behavioral activ that continues to be the hard part. same social, political, and pagan factors ity as that of another organization Evidently it will be until the very end. have contributed to change of the date described in Daniel 8:11. Ellen White states: "Though God©s and meaning of these two biblical holy Let©s make it clear to all. Not our people will be surrounded by enemies days. For Adventists to adopt the works, but His work (Eph. 2:9). John who are bent upon their destruction, annual Easter Sunday celebration as D. Howie, Reynella, Australia. yet the anguish which they suffer is not some of our churches are already doing a dread of persecution for the truth©s is almost similar to adopting weekly Blood and judgment sake; they fear that every sin has not Sunday. After all, both feasts originated I can certainly understand Clifford been repented of, and that through some at about the same time for similar Goldstein©s burden ("Blood and Judg fault in themselves they shall fail to social, political, and religious reasons. ment," February 1996) that Jesus is realize the fulfillment of the Saviour©s If as Adventists we wish to celebrate the good news of judgment, and great promise: I ©will keep thee from the Passover not only quarterly but also attention should be given to exalt His hour of temptation, which shall come annually, we should observe it not at total involvement. Rightly viewed, we upon all the world© (Rev. 3:10). If they Easter, but at Passover according to the sinners can derive a respect, appre could have the assurance of pardon biblical dating and typology. This is ciation, peace, joy, hope, and assurance. they would not shrink from torture or what most of the non-SDA Sabbath- It is the emphasis on assurance that death; but should they prove unworthy, keeping churches are doing today. It is we need to consider carefully. and lose their lives because of their noteworthy that Christ©s resurrection According to Gallup polls and own defects of character, then God©s was celebrated in the primitive church various surveys, the majority of holy name would be reproached" (The not liturgically by a special day of rest Americans believe not only that God Great Controversy, p. 619; italics and worship, but existentially by living exists, but also that they will be among supplied). Harold O. White, victoriously by the power of the risen the saved in God©s kingdom. We must Texarkana, Texas. 2 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 First Glance

As part of a concerted attempt to improve the performance 2 Letters of employees in large and small corporations and the profitability 4 How am I doing? of businesses around the world, evaluation of workers© Will Eva productiveness and professional behavior has become the name of the game. As a result of this, and for other reasons, the same 5 Ministerial evaluation: pitfalls and opportunities kind of evaluation has become a practice urged upon many Leslie and Prudence Pollard conferences and churches in more than one part of our world church. This practice is becoming an increasingly significant part 10 The crisis of depression of pastoral life and work. Prudence and Leslie Pollard©s article Alan A. Nelson, M.D. on pastoral evaluation will be challenging and even mildly controversial to some of us. It is well worth reading, pondering, 14 Boring board meetings? and its principles worth implementing. Maxwell G. Townend Alan Nelson©s continuing education feature is especially worthy of mention in this month©s issue. Here is the practical 15 Annihilation or endless torment? perspective of a genuinely Christian and Seventh-day Adventist Brian P. Phillips psychiatrist with valuable insight into the challenges of the pastor when it comes to unlocking the despair that afflicts so many in 19 From awards to academics: women at the seminary our congregations who suffer from depressive disorders. Benjamin D. Schoun The doctrinal article on conditional immortality by Brian Phillips is a strong contribution. It is not only highly informative 20 What do your ethics show? but also encouraging to the Adventist pastor who has traditionally Joseph J. Saggio felt alone in articulating a biblical view of the condition of human beings after death, as our church has consistently sought to do 22 A day for the pastor through the years. Rich Carlson Joseph Saggio gives us a candid reminder of the foundational importance of ethical behavior in ministry and its vital influence 26 The Voice of Prophecy©s golden anniversary on the effectiveness of the overall ministry of the average pastor. in the Philippines Do not miss the outstanding short article on some of the James Zachary fundamentals of effective church board leadership by Maxwell Townend, or Rich Carlson©s contribution on a "Sabbath" rest 30 K at first you don©t succeed beg for mercy James A. Cress for the pastor. Please enjoy this month©s issue. 31 Shop Talk

Ministry is the international journal Walter L. Pearson, Jr. Ekkhardt Mueller, Euro-Africa SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Steve Hanson of the Seventh-day Adventist Joel Sarli P.O. Box 219, CH 3000 Ministerial Association. Michael A. Speegle Berne 32, Switzerland Ministry, (ISSN 0026-5314), the interna Heikki Silvet, Euro-Asia tional journal of the Seventh-day Adventist ASSOCIATION SECRETARY: CONSULTING EDITORS: Isakovskogo St. #4, Korpus 1, Ministerial Association 1996, is published James A. Cress Matthew Bediako Stroghino, 123181 Moscow, Russia monthly by the General Conference of Ellen Bresee Jaime Castrejon, Inter-America Seventh-day Adventists and printed by the EDITOR: Willmore D. Eva Eloyd Bresee P.O. Box 140760 Review and Herald* Publishing Association, Gerard Damsteegt Miami, FL 33114-0760 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD ASSISTANT EDITOR: Julia W. Norcott Raoul Dederen William C. Scales, Jr., North America 21740, U.S.A. Subscriptions: US$25.00 for Robert Folkenberg 12501 Old Columbia Pike 12 issues worldwide, air mail US$39.85. SEMINAR DIRECTOR: John M. Fowler Silver Spring, MD 20904 Single copy US$2.25. Member Associated Nikolaus Satelmajer Roland R Hegstad Alejandro BuIIon, South America Church Press. Second-class postage paid at Karen Holford Caixa Postal 12-2600 Hagerstown, MD. This publication is avail SPECIAL ASSISTANT EDITORS: Herbert Kiesler 70279 Brasilia, DF, Brazil able in microfilm from University Microfilms Miguel Angel Cerna Alfred C. McCIure Ray Zeeman, Southern Africa Union International. Call toll-free 1-800-521-3044. Esther F. R. Knott George W. Reid P.O. Box 468, Bloemfontein 9300 Or mail inquiry to: University Microfilms Eric C. Ward Angel Rodriguez Free State, South Africa International, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Ariel Roth Eric Winter, South Pacific Arbor, MI 48106. PRINTED IN U.S.A. EDITOR EMERITUS: J. Robert Spangler William H. Shea 148 Fox Valley Road Russell L. Staples Wahroonga, N.S.W. 2076, Australia Editorial Office: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, PASTORAL ADVISORY: Richard Tibbits John Willmott, Southern Asia Silver Spring, MD 20904. Stamped, self- J. Ray Bailey SDA Complex, Post Box 2, HCF addressed envelope should accompany S. Peter Campbell INTERNATIONAL EDITORS: Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India 635110 unsolicited manuscripts. Office telephone: Charles Ferguson Walton Whaley, Africa-Indian Ocean Peter Roennfeldt, Trans-European 301-680-6510; Fax: 301-680-6502. E-mail Desmond Francis 22 Boite Postale 1764 119 St. Peter©s Street via CompuServe: 102555,70 or 74532,2425. Robert Lloyd Abidjan 22, Cote d©lvoire, West Africa St. Albans, Herts. AL1 3EY, U.K. Sara Miller George Johnson, Asia Pacific Postmaster: Send address changes to Dwight Nelson 5 Temasek Blvd., # 10-01 Suntec City Tower COVER DESIGN: Harry Knox Ministry, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Donald Stoyanowski Singapore 038985, Rep. of Singapore Hagerstown, MD 21740. Eric C. Ward Eugene Hsu, East Asia Association LAYOUT: Regina Hayden House 1004, Grandview Terrace CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Siu Lam, Tuen Mun. N.T., Hong Kong Galen Bosley Joel Musvosvi, Eastern Africa MARKETING: Mark Thomas Sharon Cress P.O. Box H.G. 100, Highlands Rex D. Edwards Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa ADVERTISING SALES: Melynie Tooley Volume 69 Number 8 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 3 Editorial How am I doing? A suggested evaluative support plan for pastors

Will Eva

e are usually unconscious of group of mature people in the the church board for formal approval. the fact that we are asking congregation. The role of this group of Although some pastors use their elders Wthe question. We may feel it five to seven people (perhaps as few in this role, a more focused role is a sign of weakness even to confess that as three in some settings) would be to outlined here than is usually expected we have it. However, the fact is that the become a liaison between the pastor of elders. The use of some elders in this most secure among us are deeply and the congregation. Their specific group is definitely encouraged. concerned about the question How am function would be to be highly sup I doing? portive of the pastor while at the same Issues the group could consider: The answer to this question always time having the permission and 1. A renegotiation of the pastor©s job has a potent influence for good or ill encouragement of the pastor to be description realistic and unrealistic upon our morale as ministers. The honest and straightforward with him expectations of the congregation and the question is especially prominent in the or her concerning relevant issues in pastor as they relate to the present lives of those humans, such as clergy, the pastor©s relationship and per development of the congregation. who more often than the general formance within the congregation or 2. How the pastor is being received population are up front, where human any part of it. The group would be a as a preacher and worship leader, and frailty and faultiness tends to be more sensitive monitor of the congregation©s what could be improved. dramatically evident. The truth is that and the pastor©s pulse, with candid, 3. How the pastor might improve we are afraid of asking this question out wisely conceived reports and input to his or her general leadership of the loud except in the safest of envi the pastor. congregation. ronments. We are all at least a little The pastor should enter into a 4. How the outreach and evangel apprehensive about the answers we contract with the group that speci istic aspects of the congregation could might get. fically outlines (preferably in writing) be enhanced. We know ourselves to be highly the role and relationship that he or she 5. How the local congregation could subject to internal subterfuge and and the group feels will be most serve the needs of the pastor more self-deception when it comes to self- profitable to the pastor, the group, and responsively. evaluation. If we turn to a friend or the church. Complete confidentiality 6. What the strengths and weak spouse for honest estimates of our should be guaranteed within the group. nesses of the pastor are, and what can performance, we may suspect them of It is critical that the members of this be done to strengthen the pastor. trying a little too hard to preserve our advisory council be chosen because of feelings, or being a little too candid their Christian maturity, wisdom, Expanding the role of the group for our fragile ego. Yet it is critical to discernment, respect in the congre Besides these few suggestions, a host us, to the quality of God©s work and gation, and ability to be candid but of further possibilities suggest them ours, to have a safe yet honest place noncontentious. Although the group selves. As the pastor©s confidence in the to go when we are searching for would be pointless with a gathering of group develops and as the group©s own answers to questions about how we as "yes" men or women, it is crucial that self-understanding matures, still more pastors are doing. the pastor have a reliable and even tried can be expected of it. As long as the base of trust with each person in the group remains committed to the support An outline of the plan group. If a pastor is new in his or her and development of the pastor and of There are many potential solutions church it would probably be wise not the congregation, there is no limit to its to this dilemma, but I©d like to suggest to move too quickly in choosing the usefulness. that the pastor, at his or her own members of this advisory council. It Although there are possible draw discretion, enter into an open, trusting would also be wise to bring the advisory backs to this strategy, and some churches relationship with a small, handpicked concept and the names of the group to Continued on page 29 4 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 Ministerial evaluation: pitfalls and opportunities

Leslie and Prudence valuation is the process of convey accurate information about the Pollard judging the worth and value of ability and the activity of the E a worker©s performance through ministerial worker. For instance, the precise, appropriate, viable, and response item "The pastor preaches essential information. For years now the good sermons" is nonspecific since process has been applied in business, the statement necessitates another industry, management, education, and clarifying question, namely "What is Evaluation must other activities. In recent years, as calls a good sermon?" A specific item is pave the way for for accountability increased in every "The pastor©s preaching supports line of work, even clergy have not been the teachings of the SDA Church." making leaders spared. Needless to say, evaluation can Specificity in evaluation minimizes informed and be beneficial to ministers and the the possibility of misunderstanding church. However, if the evaluation and maximizes the likelihood of relevant. process is improperly conceived and receiving accurate feedback. inappropriately implemented, it can be Appropriate. Appropriateness is detrimental to ministry. one step beyond specificity, because This article will present the a question may be specific and still characteristics of responsible eval be inappropriate. Appropriateness uation, survey its growth, apply guarantees the match of the response traditional evaluation approaches and item used on an evaluation instrument instruments to ministerial evaluation, with the job functions expected of a expose evaluation dangers and pastoral worker. Appropriateness also opportunities, and suggest further presupposes the existence of an applications to pastoral evaluation established set of job expectations. It is situations. concerned with the question of relevance. For instance, "The pastor is Responsible evaluation handsome" is clear but not appropriate, Evaluation should be understood as since it is difficult to see how this item an expression of the equipping ministry relates to the function of a pastor. of the church. The purpose of Viable. Viability is concerned not ministerial evaluation will not be to with the instrument, but with its indict, neither will it be to punish a administration. Viability moves the worker, but it will be utilized as part of evaluator beyond the instrument a comprehensive program intended to because it is a process concern. It deals Leslie Pollard, D.Min., Ph.D., is senior pastor develop ministerial workers. In order to with two issues: 1. Are sufficient of the Oakwood College be effective, we submit that ministerial financial and personnel resources church in Huntsville, evaluation should conform to the S. A. mobilized to administer this evaluation Alabama. Prudence V. E. principle. Ministerial evaluation from start to finish (duplication, Pollard, Ph.D., is should be: distribution, collection, tabulation, vice president for administration, Specific. Specificity is concerned review of results, mapping strategies planning, and human with the exactness and clarity of the for improvement, etc.)? 2. Will there resources for Oakwood questions used to seek information. be sufficient time, leadership, and College. Evaluation items should elicit and incentive to secure a broad-based MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 5 population sample to complete the become prominent: accountability and examination. It was believed that the questionnaire? For instance, if only the development. As organizations have congregation was subject to bias, both minister©s supporters feel motivated to matured, evaluation has become the positive and negative. The Ministerial complete the instrument, then clearly necessary feedback mechanism for Association now recommends congre the results will be skewed in one learning and development for both gational evaluation. direction. This skewing of results would individuals and organizations. Today Peer evaluation. Pastors have used make it difficult to form an accurate evaluation is the organization©s tool peer evaluations to gather feedback summary conclusion regarding the for demonstrating that worker per from colleagues. This kind of evaluation pastor©s performance. formance meets or even exceeds the generally takes place among friends and Ethical. Ethics in ministerial predetermined standards. can be quite helpful when openly evaluation addresses the integrity of the As a church Seventh-day Adventists received by the inquiring pastor. process and the use of the results of have generally focused on accountability Organizational evaluation. Organi evaluation. Integrity of process protects alone. During the 1970s pastoral zational evaluation begins almost with the confidentiality rights of the person evaluation forms were introduced the ordination review process. Tradi evaluated. In a litigious climate, ethical, (supplementing the traditional "Worker©s tionally a conference administrator or moral, and legal principles must be Report") so that ministerial secretaries the ministerial secretary reviews with respected. Evaluation should be devel and conference administrators could the pastor his or her professional oped and conducted with due regard have some idea of what ministers were performance. Sometimes the only time for the welfare of the individual worker doing in the field. These forms had little a pastor receives organizational eval and the corporate church. Clear to do with learning and development. uation is when a crisis threatens the decisions must be made to limit access "Management by objectives" was the local congregation. This is especially to worker evaluation result. Such trend. Ministers were encouraged to true when a pastor©s actions, behavior, limitations should not only be write their goals and objectives for the or decisions are viewed as a precipi implemented with the evaluating year, review them with their supervisor, tating factor in the crisis. administration in mind, but should also evaluate their ability to perform their The difference between traditional consider future administrations. For tasks, and review that information with approaches to evaluation and the instance, who will have access to a their supervising pastor or ministerial current moves toward evaluation is worker©s file? How many persons must secretary. that conferences are moving toward see the results of workers© evaluations? making evaluation a formal part of How will the results be stored? How Traditional ministerial evaluation their administrative function. Thus will they be utilized? These are approaches conferences are codifying and making important questions that must be Although ministerial evaluation is a official the process of pastoral answered. Further, the announced recent practice, unofficial evaluation has evaluation. Some are attempting purpose of the evaluation must be existed in several forms. to develop their own evaluation followed through. Developmental Self-evaluation. Historically the systems, while others are relying on evaluation should not be used in the church has employed self-evaluation, pre-prepared forms from various decision to promote or terminate a partly because of the encouragement denominations and/or ministerial worker. That is the role fulfilled by found in the New Testament (see 1 Cor. departments. Personnel evaluation (see Table). 11:28). Self-examination was also perceived as less risky to the pastor©s Types of evaluation instruments Growth of evaluation psyche and reputation. It assumed that Generally these evaluation instru The management activities of planning pastors have the ability to analyze their ments fall into four categories: and delegation were recognized and own ministerial practice and individ 1. Numerical. These rate per codified long before the evaluation ually answer the question How am I formance numerically. They average the process became a practice in organi doing? Under this self-evaluation scores. The scores are then compared zations. As a management science, procedure, pastors generally gauged with the scores of future evaluations. evaluation is about 30 years old. their performance by looking at 2. Statistical reports. Some con Traditionally organizations have completed building projects, numbers ferences use baptismal and tithe figures viewed evaluation as an activity done of baptisms, financial figures, church as a primary evaluation tool to among employees by the human assignment, the "feel" within the local measure the success of one©s ministry. resources department of a given church or district, spousal feedback, and 3. Service records. Pay increase company, or in a school environment by similar sources of reaction. based on ordination and years of the academic dean©s office. With Congregational evaluation. Until service is a form of evaluation that the evaluation systems becoming more recently congregational evaluation was church uses. finely tuned, two objectives have not recommended as highly as self- 4. Open- and closed-ended ques- 6 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 tionnaires. The closed-ended questions organization does not focus on The local church elects officers and lead to quantification, while the open- evaluation as the goal, but instead others to oversee various branches of ended questions are less quantifiable. focuses on measuring both the effec the work. No pastor has unilateral Open-minded feedback gathering is tiveness and efficiency of the mission. authority to handpick his or her own more difficult to process, but is By focusing on the mission, the officer group. The role of these elected generally more helpful to a pastor than standards necessary to reach that persons is as vital to the success of the numerical data, because it tends to mission can be identified. Those ministry of the local congregation as describe specific leadership behaviors. standards then can become the is the work of the pastor. Clearly the __ very nature of the nominating Evaluation dangers and committee process implies opportunities that the church is not a one- The intimation "You©re person show. Annually or going to be evaluated" produces On the positive side, biannually we come together more negative than positive evaluation is an opportunity in nominating committee for feelings in an employee. Some the purpose of distributing ministers feel insecure and for pastors, leaders, and responsibility for the work of frightened over what the con the church. Therefore, any ference is "doing to them," while organizations to learn. suggestion that we evaluate observing that conference only the pastor reflects a faulty officials generally are not ______ecclesiology, implying that the undergoing the evaluation pastor is more responsible, or experience. performance standards that form the is solely responsible, for the success of Some ministers may cringe at the core components of yet more effective the ministry of the church, while any of mention of evaluation. They perceive a evaluation systems. the other officers of the local church are glint in the eyes of the conference not. committee and feel that evaluation is Increasing the effectiveness of Evaluation, therefore, must survey nothing more than an attempt to gather pastoral evaluation the work of not only the pastor but also information that could be used against Evaluation of pastoral work has the officers of the local congregation. them at some point. There is a similar come to stay. It need not create The elected leaders also need to know perception of church members who insecurity. It could be turned into a how the congregation perceives their gleefully welcome ministerial eval positive instrument for learning and leadership. Further, evaluation of all the uations as a way to get at the pastor. achieving the mission of the ministry leaders in a local congregation creates Ministers may become resentful and as exercised by the pastor, the local a sympathetic, supportive climate that possibly even manipulative in their church, and the corporate church. Here can benefit pastors when their attempts to secure a "good" evaluation, are seven suggestions to make evaluation results come in. It also carries or in one way or another to avoid a evaluation a more helpful tool. with it the benefits of effective meaningful application of the process. 1. Evaluate across-the-board in the evaluation applied in any situation Given the natural anxiety and fear local church. By limiting the evaluation that of improving the performance of that evaluation arouses, thoughtful process only to pastors, we send the local church officers. ministerial secretaries seek to employ wrong signal to local churches. The 2. Let evaluation be a top-down the least intimidating evaluation church as the corporate body of Christ process in which conference, union, instruments and set the right atmosphere is entrusted with the responsibility of division, and General Conference in hopes of implementing meaningful evangelizing the world (Matt. 28:18,19; personnel participate. The tasks of evaluation without alienating pastors. 1 Peter 2:9). Pastors, as members of that pastoral leadership are so broad, On the positive side, evaluation is an body, play a special role by leading, subjective, and personal that the opportunity for pastors, leaders, and equipping, and shepherding the flock thought of being called into account organizations to learn. Evaluation is at (Eph. 4:8-11). Biblically, pastors are for specific aspects of ministry can the core of all learning organizations. responsible for the oversight of the be overwhelming to pastors. Pastors Learning leaders and organizations ministry of the church and should be need someone to help them through continually engage in activities to evaluated in order to know whether their the process. They will listen with determine their abilities and assess their leadership is effective and how it can much more receptivity to someone limitations. Successful leaders operate be improved. However, the church by who has gone through a similar within their strengths and work to its very nature is endowed with a process and can share personal develop and compensate for their collective ministry that goes beyond the experiences from their own eval limitations. The learning leader or specific work of the local pastor. uation results. If leaders are serious MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 7 about evaluation they will lead by leaders (conference personnel), and obtained, and if resentful and deceptive example. peers (ministerial colleagues). These behaviors are to be avoided, then 3. Choose evaluators who have three groups will tend to balance out the developmental evaluation must be training and experience in the process. assessment. History and experience separated from personnel evaluation. Those who evaluate should understand show that the more rounded the Furthermore, developmental evaluation the impact that evaluation can have evaluation feedback, the more useful it must be initiated and controlled by the upon an employee. The greatest danger will be to the pastor. pastor and lay leaders of the local in evaluation as it is presently conducted 6. Separate developmental eval congregation. is that no one knows who is responsible uation from personnel evaluation. The 7. Include the results of personnel for the development of the pastor when conference conducts and maintains evaluation in successive planning. Once the results come in. Neither is anyone personnel evaluation for the purposes the organization completes the trained in the administration of of hiring, promotion, and termination. personnel evaluation, it must deal with evaluation. Church leaders serious Developmental evaluation should be the question of how it will reward about evaluation should provide outside the direct supervision of the pastors who render exceptional service training in evaluation usage and conference and under the control of the to the body of Christ. Why spend money management for all involved. The minister. This separation will minimize and secure vital information on the instruments used to gather information the natural tendency or temptation for performance of a pastor if the results will should conform to the PAVE principle conference personnel to use information not play some part in the responsibilities that is, they should be precise, gathered for purposes of development given him in a conference? Should not accurate, viable, and essential. This to make personnel decisions. The exceptional performance be recognized means that even the construction of employing organization has a right to in some identifiable way? It is time for instruments used to gather evaluative administer personnel evaluation, and the church to recognize the difference information will be guided by trained this kind of evaluation can bring an between exceptional and mediocre personnel in the area. Correctly objectivity to personnel decision making pastoral performance and to reward gathered and processed information will that the ministry has not known exceptional performance publicly. help pastors identify specific areas heretofore. However, when information where they can improve their per from developmental evaluation is Conclusion formance without injecting fear or allowed to drive, inform, or influence Evaluation, like learning, never ends. insecurity into their professional life. personnel decisions, we may intro We practice, evaluate, plan for 4. Let pastoral evaluation function duce distrust into the developmental improvement, and return to practice. as a developmental opportunity. evaluation process. The result? The Evaluation is a process, not a product. Evaluations with a developmental developmental use of evaluation is lost When viewed as a process it paves the dimension will diagnose a pastor©s as administrative use becomes primary. way for making learning, informed, strengths and weaknesses in order to If truthful evaluative feedback is to be relevant, and caring leaders. build the pastor©s skill base. Diag nosis alone is not enough. The redemptive church will include in evaluation prescriptions for performance Function and description of improvement. Pastoral evaluation two types of evaluation systems should never be a stand-alone activity, but must be part of a comprehensive developmental program. This means the church should make provisions, Evaluation system including time and funding, to help pastors strengthen themselves where they are seen to be weak. Workshops, 1 self-help courses, private consultation, Developmental Personnel mentoring, mutual peer supervision, function function continuing education, etc., must be factored into the evaluation process. Self-controlled Organizational control 5. Let pastoral evaluation be a Improvement is the sole intent Hiring, promotion, termination triangular process. In order to Identifies strengths and maximize the pastor©s development, Identifies strengths and evaluation feedback will need to come limitations limitations from three publics: church members, 8 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 A Bridge Across Time This warm friendly outreach book weaves biblical reasons for Sabbathkeeping into a plot based on a boss-employee friendship. Great for use along with NET ©96. By Dan M. Appel. Paper, 125 pages. US$2.49, Cdn$3.59 each. US$9.99, Cdn$14.49 five-pack.

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AlanAJelson,M.D. s Jane Remington sits down she looks at her pastor, not quite able to hide the hint of sadness in her eyes. She has not been sure how to begin this interview, nor how it will end. A pleasant and regular church member, she has taken an active part in all church activities, especially her work as an effective Bible teacher. A woman in her mid-40s, Jane has made the appointment to discuss some of the problems she has been having. As they begin to talk, the A pastor©s pastor asks how things are in her marriage. "Our marriage is quite stable," Jane says. "Of course no marriage is perfect, and we may not do too many things together, but we have a good relationship and a firm commitment to each other." compassionate and Jane continues. "My life just seems to have had little joy and satisfaction in it lately. My devotional life and study have been good. In fact, I feel I have matured spiritually. But I don©t seem to have much energy. I am not sure if it©s because of early menopause or lack of good sleep. I have problems dealing with my teenage proactive intervention daughter, and I guess that has bothered me a lot." After some conversation, the pastor realizes that he has been talking to the open, pleasant woman he has always known Jane to be, but he also senses that there is a can be an important significant tiredness in her. As he goes on, a picture forms in his mind of a woman living constantly on the verge of easily being thrown into discouragement, even part in ministering to over small and otherwise insignificant irritations. The dilemma of depression If you were Jane©s pastor, how would you work with her? Is Jane©s problem normal/physical? Is it depression? concealed marital discord? emotional loneliness? the depressed. All of these thoughts and others might pass through your mind as you listen to Mrs. Remington while you try to decide if you should schedule her (or want to schedule her) for another visit. The most common psychiatric condition in North America is depression. While there may be, on the part of mental health professionals, a tendency to overdiagnose this illness and overprescribe medications, it is nonetheless the number one clinical problem seen by psychiatrists and psychologists. Since this is the case, pastors need to understand the factors involved in depression. Pastors vary widely when it comes to their interest in, and ability to deal with, people©s emotional difficulties. Some are fearful of encountering emotional distress of any kind, because they cannot understand it or because it may involve

Alan A. Nelson, M.D., is a practicing psychiatrist in Carbondale, Colorado. 10 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 Part Sol© a 12-parl series

"counseling," with which they are uncomfortable. This article Recognizing the symptoms of depression is key to reaching is designed to help pastors recognize the symptoms of a tentative understanding and subsequent decision about depression, form a tentative diagnosis, and thereby be better treatment. The symptoms of depression are subtle. Often the equipped either to deal with a given problem themselves or depressed individual tries to mask these symptoms. Clinical to make effective referrals. First, however, it looks at the pastor depression is not just a down mood. Part of being normal is and his or her role as a counselor. having normal mood changes. Just as the seasons change and the tides come and go, so do our emotions. The pastor and the counseling role What differentiates a case of the blues or a down mood Some pastors approach counseling with trepidation. They from clinical depression is the intensity, duration, and severity are afraid it will dominate their ministry, govern their time, of symptoms. People suffering from a clinical depression feel and drain their energy. Some pastors resist counseling because as though their symptoms just won©t go away. They wake up of negative experiences they have had in their personal, with them in the morning. They want to withdraw. They want marital, or professional lives. In fact, their own life may be in to go back to sleep (which "seems" sometimes to provide the such disarray that they hesitate to take on the role of counselor. only relief from these symptoms). The clinically depressed Another possible reason pastors may be uneasy with the person does not want to see or be seen by people. There is a counseling role is that they may have done corresponding emotional withdrawal and some counseling that has left them with a I lack of expression in the face. The sense of failure, helplessness, and being 1 countenance is, as it were, blunted. The burned by their interaction. Perhaps their What differentiates a I eyes have no sparkle. counseling experience resulted in an I Another symptom is lack of energy. obviously negative outcome. Maybe it case of the blues from The depressed seem tired and ran down. became too emotionally intense or close to They lack motivation to do things. They the pastor©s own personal concerns, or in lack creativity, interest in hobbies or some other way had a negative impact on clinical depression friendships. As in Jane©s situation, they the pastor©s life. Certainly, most pastors are have no joy in living. Often the voice better equipped to deal with theological pattern lacks inflection. The pacing of their issues. They feel safer keeping things within is the intensity, speech is slow, and their thinking seems the "religious" arena, away from personal laborious and painful. Their mind and emotional concerns. For many pastors, duration, and severity seems preoccupied with what a conducting a good Revelation seminar or | therapist calls painful thinking, i.e., Bible study creates a significantly more j thoughts of failure, dread, guilt, fore rewarding sense of security and sanctuary i of symptoms. boding, and discouragement. when compared to the quicksand of I If these symptoms are left untreated, counseling. This is not to say that pastors they can persist and lead to suicidal should allow themselves to be distracted from the center of thinking. Fifteen percent of patients who have clinical their role, which is the proclamation of Christ and His truth. depression will attempt suicide. Thus, a serious depression It is true to say that along with that role, and even as part of it, can be a lethal condition and should be addressed as early as pastors should have a practical sense of the basics of possible. This is one reason pastors should have training in recognizing significant emotional distress and dealing with early recognition of depression so that they can be of help to people on an emotional level. parishioners who may be experiencing depression. Not all pastors should counsel. Individuals have different The origins of depression may vary, but symptoms seem strengths and talents, and either by temperament or training remarkably consistent. Depressed individuals feel low self- they may not be equipped to be good counselors. However, worth. They are easily annoyed. They feel useless and all pastors can be trained, or at least become aware of the guilty. They are indecisive. They cannot concentrate. They essential principles involved in early recognition of the may experience fatigue, tenseness, and restlessness. An emotional/counseling issues among their members so that they added symptom may be a change in weight, either a gain can properly decide how to deal with them. or a loss. Recognizing the symptoms of depression Depression: risk factors and causes We fear and avoid things we do not understand. Therefore Five basic risk factors are associated with depression. the more pastors understand the symptoms of emotional Gender. Women are far more likely than men to get disorder and begin to fit them into discrete categories such as depressed or seek treatment for depression. Probably two depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, to thirds of clinical depression cases are women. name just three, the more easily and effectively they will Age. Older men and women, from adolescence into the address these issues in their ministry. early 40s, are more likely to be affected. MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 11 Race. Black women relate a higher incidence of depression research and referencing ahead of time so that you as a than do other control groups. pastor possess a developed, updated list of mental health Family history often has its influence on one©s vulnerability professionals to whom you may confidently refer your church to depression. members. Marital status is also a powerful predictor of the likelihood If a patient has tried to get better on his or her own in of depression. People who are divorced, separated, widowed, several ways and the symptoms still persist, refer such a patient or never married all have higher incidents of depression. A to his or her physician or psychiatrist for a medication happy marriage stabilizes an individual©s emotional consultation. I am a conservative psychiatrist when it comes equilibrium. to medication, and yet I have found most of the new generation Despite much talk about the influence of "chemical antidepressants, including Prozac-type medications, can be imbalance" as a major cause of depression, the leading cause beneficial in treating these discouraging and frustrating actually has much more to do with broken relationships or symptoms. significant losses and disappointments that are not accepted. These medications work by helping the brain to metabolize Of the most predictable causes of depression, the single most its own serotonin. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter common one cited in research is marital discord and divorce. that helps the central nervous system with the regulation of Any longstanding stress can lead to the erosion of emotional mood and emotion. These medications are different from health, fatigue, and chronic worry. Over time, if untreated, amphetamines or stimulants. They are much safer, are not this kind of stress can develop into clinical depression. addictive, and have many fewer side effects than earlier Some have a genetic susceptibility to depression, with a antidepressants. While side effects with these newer history of family members having had the problem. These medications are few, each antidepressant has the potential for are referred to as "biological depressions," or "chemical some side effects, and a parishioner needs to be encouraged imbalance." No blood test or diagnostic instrument can define to discuss this with his or her doctor. Taking medication is this chemical imbalance. In reality, when diagnosing not a sign of a lack of spiritual maturity. "chemical imbalance," a therapist or psychiatrist makes a Encourage people suffering from depression to remain judgment call when he or she feels that a patient©s current active. Recommend to them that they choose an activity symptoms are far beyond that of a mere day-to-day variation they enjoy and that they make it a part of their regular of normal mood. routine. Tell them to avoid being alone. Have them seek At times, certain physical conditions can mimic the out family and friends to whom they can talk and who will symptoms of depression. Thyroid and hormonal imbalance listen. Counsel them to avoid making major life decisions, can cause either depression or symptoms that seem very such as buying a new house, during this time. similar to depression. People with such symptoms need a Depression tends to self-criticism. Counsel depressed thorough medical evaluation to rule out any possibility of persons to be easy on themselves, not to expect too much depression. too soon, and to treat themselves with kindness and respect. Occasionally some may develop depressive symptoms for If they are under medication, encourage them to follow no clear reason. Their life seems reasonably well balanced, their doctor©s orders and to take the medication as they are in good physical health, and their marriage appears prescribed. stable. Such instances are called "endogenous depressions," Along with medical treatments, the spiritual dimension meaning that they come from within and do not result from a is important. The pastor can encourage the depressed clear causative stressor. Such cases typically have a family person to maintain a regular devotional life. As the pastor history of depression. Such patients generally respond encourages spirituality, he or she can also foster wise favorably to medical management. nutrition and the need of keeping appointments with professionals. While depressed persons may have neither Treatment suggestions the emotional energy nor the spiritual interest in In severe cases of depression the most important thing to maintaining these activities, pastors can gently turn them do is to encourage the person to seek help. Be proactive and toward the need of seeking God and casting their cares encourage your parishioner or loved one to get appropriate upon Him. professional help. God is still the primary reservoir of strength for Refer the individual to a professional appropriately trained physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. He does in mental health and practicing psychotherapy. A Christian promise that He will never leave nor forsake us, even when therapist is clearly preferable, but if one is not available, then we go through the valley of the shadow of death. A refer the patient to the most competent, well-rounded, well- promise like that is worth holding on to, especially when balanced counselor you can find. He or she may not share one is contending with feelings of discouragement or your parishioner©s specific religious views, but in most cases depression. will be professional enough to respect these views and not Your compassionate and proactive intervention can be see them as delusional or pathological. It is wise to do some an important part of your parishioners© healing. 12 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 Part8ofal2-partseries

CONTINUING EDUCATION EXERCISE Bodily Fitness The crisis of depression How to Minister Select the most appropriate answers. There may be more than one correct answer per question. 1. The most common risk factors for depression are: and A. Age, alcohol use, race B. Age, gender, drug use, family history, marital status C. Previous episode, alcohol use, race, age D. Age, gender, race, marital status, family history Remain 2. What percent of individuals with a major depressive disorder will go on to attempt suicide? A. 25% C. 15% E. 37% Healthy B. 33% D. 10% 3. What one laboratory test indicates the presence of a chemical imbalance? A. Glucose tolerance test D. Liver function test B. Dexamethasone suppression test E. None of the above C. Urine dipstick test In just 55 minutes 4. A Christian going through a major depressive disorder should be learn exciting new ways to: encouraged to: ; , ©A. "Claim the victory" and snap out of it , v I B.: Redouble their efforts at Scripture memorization prevent burnout : , O.> Be taught that,to have this type of depression is sinful, and make exercise fun thai they; should©repent of some, :as of yet unconfessed, sin. become stress resistant D. Be taught that this is a treatable condition, that it is not Video program (VHS or PAL), lifelong. Encouraged to get help, and to not put undue Better Living text, and expectations on themselves. facilitator©s guide US$39.95 5. The population most at risk for depression include: A. White adolescents C. Older white males, young black females B. Black males D. Religious elderly Spiritual Fitness 6. The following is true regarding modern antidepressants: A. They are amphetamine like and are stimulants. B. They are addictive. C. They work by helping the body regulate its own supply of the How to Minister neurotransmitter serotonin. D. They may have unique side effects and these should be explained to the patient. and Stay Spiritual Learn: Suggested reading the art of making Bible Blazer, Dan. "The Prevalence and Distribution of MajorDepression study a full sensory in a National Study," American Journal of Psychiatry, July 1994. experience the dynamics of Seamands, David. Healing for Damaged Emotions. Wheaton, 111.: meditative journaling. Victor Books, 1991. and more White, John. The Masks of Melancholy. Downers Grove, 111.: Video program, 50 min. InterVarsity Press, 1982. (VHS or PAL), texts Power Through Prayer and The Kneeling Wilson, W. P., M.D. The Grace to Grow. Dallas: Word Book Publishing, | Christian, and facilitator©s guide 1986. US$39.95

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MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 13 Boring board meetings?

Maxwell G. Townend ecently I was a member of a heaven is in perfect order; subjection delegation who went to present and thorough discipline mark the R a petition to a city council movement of the angelic host. Success meeting. I was amazed at the volume can only attend order and harmonious of business handled in the two-and-one- action"1 half-hour sitting of the council. Recently I was on a committee to As I drove home that evening, I review our denominationally accepted Remove the reflected on some of the long and often rules of order and procedures for boredom and tedious church board meetings that I have committee meetings and councils of attended over a lifetime of ministry. In the church. From materials already increase the contrast, it seemed to me that the city available to the church, we prepared efficiency. council©s secret of success was largely a a 27-page document.2 Following is a result of adequate preparation and an summary of two areas that may be orderly presentation and consideration of helpful in your local situation. all matters of business listed for attention. Two weeks before the meeting, both To improve efficiency of meetings the council members and the constit Make adequate preparation for uency they served had been given the meetings. (For example, make sure details of the agenda for that meeting. every item up for discussion has been Those who were to present petitions were processed sufficiently by the relevant notified that they would each be allowed persons before placing it on the agenda.) five minutes to present their material to Notify all members about the the meeting. When the time came for convening of the meeting. their presentation, they were kept strictly Adopt objective problem-solving to their allotted time. techniques to develop proposals to be The meeting opened with the singing submitted for the consideration of of the national anthem, followed by a meetings. prayer offered by a local Baptist minister. Provide an agenda with supporting Following the reading of the agenda, the papers along with the notice of the council devoted the next 30 minutes to meeting. the presentation of six petitions. It was Where appropriate, brief those only then, when all matters before the who have special considerations to make council had been introduced, that the during the meeting. council proceeded to discuss each item Encourage members to participate Maxwell G. Townend is a retired church and take appropriate action. in the decision-making processes of administrator and meetings, and in the implementation of department director What of the church board? decisions. who has served the What of church board meetings? Paul Transact business by having a clear church in the Southern reminded the Corinthian church, "Let all motion before the meeting (the golden Asia, South Pacific, and Asia-Pacific things be done decently and in order" rule of discussion). divisions. (1 Cor. 14:40). Along the same line, Establish a subcommittee when a Ellen White said, "God is a God of matter cannot be conveniently dealt with order. Everything connected with Continued on page 29 14 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 Annihilation or endless torment?

ome time ago a Baptist friend heart" that he approached the subject Brian P. Phillips invited me to his church to hear of judgment and hell. His reluctance in S James I. Packer. "He©s been speaking on the subject grew out of the invited to reinstate the doctrine of hell," fact that he did not wish to cause my friend said, enlarging on his division in the ranks of evangelicals explanation of the presence of such a around the world. However, he went on leading Anglican evangelical in a to state his belief that "Scripture points The debate within Baptist church. Packer told us that night in the direction of annihilation, and that evangelical circles that several "mainstream evangelicals," ©eternal conscious torment© is a tradition along with other prominent Protestant which has to yield to the supreme moves closer to the leaders and writers, had written in favor authority of Scripture." Stott pleads for biblical teaching. of either annihilation or conditional a frank dialogue on the subject among immortality, positions that mark the Evangelicals, again "on the basis of Seventh-day Adventist view on life after Scripture."2 death. His list of writers included John Anglican writer John Wenham Stott, Michael Green, John Wenham, admits to an interest in conditional and Philip Edgcumbe Hughes. immortality that goes back to his student These scholars, who support the days in Cambridge in the 1930s. There Bible and reject the more liberal inter he was strongly influenced by Basil pretations of Scripture, have stated that Atkinson, who had privately published they do not believe the more traditional a book entitled Life and Immortality.3 views about hell. Most of them confess Wenham said that he himself had taught a belief in a punishment for the wicked conditional immortality in various that ends in annihilation. Although the British institutions, but it had not been writers named by Packer are of British until 1973 that he had been able to get origin, on the other side of the Atlantic, an evangelical publishing house to print Clark Pinnock and Edward Fudge have his views on conditionalism. written convincingly of their belief in Wenham©s book, The Goodness of conditional immortality. 1 There is God,4 was the first to be published by increasing evidence that many an evangelical publishing house in evangelical Christians involving a Britain that contradicted traditional variety of denominations are moving ideas about hell. Although it contains toward conditionalism. only one far from exhaustive chapter on hell, Wenham©s book was the Brian P. Phillips is a district pastor in The evangelical move toward prelude to further publication of northern 'Wales, United conditionalism similar ideas in Britain and America. Kingdom. In Essentials: A Liberal-Evangelical This book came on the heels of L. E. Dialogue, published in 1988, John Stott Froom©s Conditionalist Faith of Our affirmed his belief in the annihilation Fathers,5 which appears to have been of sinners. When challenged by the well at least partially responsible for setting known Anglican liberal David Edwards off a chain reaction in the thinking of about his ideas on hell, Stott said that it many in North America and Britain on was "with great reluctance and a heavy questions relating to the doctrine of hell. MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 15 At times, the Bible can intimidate even the most fearless Christian. Yet this incredible gift from God holds the wisdom of the ages and the secret of everlasting life. Take the time to explore God©s precious Word like never before with The Abundant Life Bible Amplifier. You won©t find the Bible Amplifier either boring or over your head. Instead, you©ll delight in this refreshing way to unlock the meaning of God©s Word. Written by some of today©s most illustrious Bible scholars, such as George Knight, William Johnsson, and Alden Thompson, each amplifier in the series probes the deepest Bible mysteries through a system of study that begins with your own prayerful Scripture reading.

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Journey through each Bible passage by: Getting Into the Word »» Exercises for asking questions and learning more about the Bible. Exploring the Word »» A discussion of the major themes in each biblical book. Applying the Word »» A practical tool for applying the Bible©s lessons to your daily life. Researching the Word »» Delve more deeply into the passage and its historical context. Further Study of the Word »» A list of sources for further study. i i The Abundant Life Bible Amplifier series. i Creative tools for a richer devotional experience. ~i Discover the Bible©s devotional treasures in The Abundant Life Bible Amplifier, the perfect tool for a more meaningful personal Bible study. Use the series for sharing spiritual growth, too through small group study, home fellowships and prayer meetings.

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f^"^Sgfc / The reaction to the publication of Problem of Eternal Punishment."7 The works on conditionalism from the lecture did not make a significant bastions of traditional evangelical contribution to the debate. orthodoxy came slowly. In Wales the Packer associates the decline in the Evangelical Movement published Eryl traditional view of hell with the rise, in Davies© The Wrath of God, and the the past century, of Seventh-day Banner of Truth reissued W.G.T. Adventists, Christadelphians, and Shedd©s The Doctrine of Endless Jehovah©s Witnesses. He makes this Punishment. Throughout the 1980s association without differentiating books began to appear on both sides of between the widely divergent views of the debate. It became obvious to these three groups when it comes to the observers that the debate was gathering question of life after death. This does momentum. come across as a rather tired polemical In 1982 Edward Fudge published a ploy, as does the argument promoted by significant work, The Fire that Con evangelicals in the past that only the sumes, 6 which investigates thoroughly sects and liberal theologians want to do the final punishment of the wicked. away with the traditional view of hell. What is significant about the book is Packer admitted in his lecture at that it was written by a member of Cardiff that an increasing number of America©s Evangelical Theological Bible-believing evangelicals were Society. Responses to the arguments in espousing the idea of hell as anni this book have been weak. Some hilation. In this he quoted Peter Toon: ncludes facsimile reproductions of opponents like John Gerstner, who "In conservative circles there is a 52 Spirit of Prophecy books plus the once taught at Pittsburgh Theological seeming reluctance to espouse publicly Iscriptural index and volume 7 A of The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary. Seminary, said that Fudge©s book was a doctrine of hell, and where it is held, Each hardcover volume contains more "the ablest critique of hell by a believer there is a seeming tendency towards a than 2,000 pages and measures in the inspiration of the Bible." Other doctrine of hell as annihilation . . . 7 /i"l x 10 '/>". Three-volume set, regularly US$199.99, Cdn$289.99. writers on the traditional side of the conditional immortality . . . appears to Introductory offer, US$169.99, question have been confusing in their be gaining acceptance in evangelical Cdn$246.49, through December 31, 1996. response to the debate. orthodox circles."8 Packer then turned In 1989 the Banner of Truth to four biblical arguments against published Paul Helm©s The Last conditionalism. Study Bible Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and The first argument used by Packer Hell. Although in the book Helm says does not address the biblical terms of that "Scripture does not teach the destruction, death, perdition, and immortality of the soul in so many punishment. However, he did say that words," he does affirm that "the they could mean annihilation, but that teaching of Scripture is not focused he believes they mean ruin and distress, on ©the soul© but on the human being not nonexistence. So in his first his as embodied," which is what most argument Packer chooses not to deal King conditionalists affirm. Helm©s argu with the issue. His second argument is TJames Bible gives you ments do tend to descend into illogical based on his first: because believers instant access to confusion that makes one feel that he have eternal life, so will unbelievers! Ellen White©s com is not clear about the subject himself. Packer©s third and fourth arguments are ments on any particular verse. Prominent com similar. He suggests that conditionalist ments appear at the bottom of each page. Packer against conditionalism ideas of a new heaven and earth without A marginal reference guides you to other Further fuel was added to the debate impenitent sinners is pure speculation. statements made in Mrs. White©s books. Bonded leather (black, blue, or burgundy), when James Packer traveled around the The thrust of his argument seems to be 1,620 pages. Regularly US$89.99, Cdn$130.49. world in 1990 to reestablish the that heaven will not be marred for Introductory offer, US$69.99, CdnS101.49, traditional idea of hell in evangelical Christians if the impenitent are being through December 31,1996. circles. In both the Eeon Morris Lecture tormented, because God has willed it. These products are distributed by Review and Herald8© Publishing and are for the Evangelical Alliance (in Although Packer promised he would available at your Adventist Book Center. Melbourne), and the Annual Evan give biblical foundations for his Call 1-800-765-6955 gelical Library of Wales Lecture (in thinking, any reference to Scripture, Cardiff), Packer©s topic was titled "The apart from a casual allusion to Jesus© may varv according to currency fluctuation story of the rich man and Lazarus the wicked. He also finds convincing on in the Christian world on condi (Luke 16:19-31), is lacking. This support for the concept of annihilation tionalism. cannot be said of the increasing in 2 Peter 3:7; 2:1, 3; Hebrews 10:29; Some of the books written in recent number of writers who correctly Jude 7; and Revelation 20:14, 15. years are light by comparison. How use Scripture to define their Thus from a study of the Old and ever, the book Universalism and the conditionalism. One example is Clark New Testaments, Pinnock concludes Doctrine of Hell, a report on the Pinnock©s Four Views of Hell. that Scripture "employs the words Fourth Edinburgh Conference on death, perishing, destruction, and Christian Dogmatics, has a chapter by Pinnock: arguments for corruption to describe the end of the John Wenham entitled "The Case for conditionalism wicked." Conditional Immortality" 11 that gives Pinnock says: "The Bible uses the After studying the proof texts a good account of the debate among language of death and evangelicals to date. Wenham destruction, of ruin and ^ writes: "I feel that the time perishing, when it speaks of has come when I must declare the fate of the impenitent Pinnock concludes that my mind honestly. I believe wicked. It uses the imagery of that endless torment is a fire that consumes whatever Scripture "employs the words hideous and unscriptural is thrown into it; linking death, perishing, destruction, doctrine which has been a together images of fire and terrible burden on the mind destruction suggests annihi and corruption to describe the of the church for many lation. ... Although there are end of the wicked." centuries and a terrible blot many good reasons for on her presentation of the questioning the traditional gospel. I should indeed be view of the nature of hell, the happy if, before I die, I could most important reason is the fact that offered by traditionalists, Pinnock help in sweeping it away. Most of all the Bible does not teach it. Contrary asserts that the objections to their I should rejoice to see a number of to the loud claims of the view is formidable. "I conclude," he theologians . . . joining ... in traditionalists, it is not a biblical writes, "that the traditional belief that researching this great topic with all doctrine."9 God makes the wicked suffer in an its ramifications." 12 Examining the Old Testament unending conscious torment in hell is texts, Pinnock cites Psalm 37 (NIV) unbiblical, is fostered by a Hellenistic 1 Clark H. Pinnock, Four Views of Hell and outlines the imagery that may be view of human nature, is detrimental (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992). associated with the annihilation of the to the character of God, is defended 2 John R.W. Stott, Essentials (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1988), pp. 306-326. wicked "they will soon wither" on essentially pragmatic grounds, and 3 May be obtained from B. L. Bateson, 26 (verse 2); "will be cut off (verse 9); is being rejected by a growing number Summershard, South Petherton, Somerset, "the wicked will perish . . . and of biblically faithful, contemporary TA13 5DP, United Kingdom. vanish vanish like smoke" (verse 20); scholars." 10 4 The book was again published under the title of The Enigma of Evil by InterVarsity and "all sinners will be destroyed" Press in Britain as a second edition in 1985. It (verse 38). According to Malachi 4:1, The debate continues was soon sold out. Eagle Books, Guilford, 2, the wicked will be consumed. One of the most significant books England, has published a new edition in 1994, Pinnock then turns to the New produced as a part of this ongoing with an extended chapter on the debate. 5 LeRoy Edwin Froom, The Conditionalist Testament and quotes Jesus who debate was published in 1989 by Faith of Our Fathers: The Conflict of the Ages speaks of the ability of God to destroy InterVarsity Press and Eerdmans: The Over the Nature and Destiny of Man both soul and body in hell (Matthew True Image: The Origin and Destiny (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. 10:28). He also reminds his readers of Man in Christ, by the Anglican Assn., 1965, 1966). 6 Fudge©s book was originally sponsored by of the words of Jesus in Matthew scholar Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, Robert Brinsmead, an Australian. 13:30, 42, 49, 50, where the wicked who taught at Westminster Theolo 7 This lecture was later published under the are burned up. Turning to Paul©s gical Seminary, Philadelphia. A deep same title by Orthos, Disley, Cheshire, in the words, "the wages of sin is death" and thorough study, it traces the United Kingdom. s Peter Toon, Heaven and Hell (Nashville: (Rom. 6:23), Pinnock argues that the integration of human beings created Thomas Nelson, 1986), pp. 174, 176. language of destruction can be seen in the image of God: how through sin ©Pinnock, pp. 145, 146. throughout the Epistles. He sees the image was blurred and how 10 Ibid., p. 165. 1 Corinthians 3:17, Philippians 3:19, through Christ the image will be 11 John Wenham in Universalism and the Doctrine of Hell, ed. N.M.S. Cameron (Grand and 2 Thessalonians 1:9 as clearly restored. The later chapters of the Rapids: Baker Book House, 1992). referring to the total annihilation of book deal with the discussions going "Ibid., pp. 190, 191. 18 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 Seminary News From awards to academics;

omen seminary students and sponsors the women©s guild an won two top scholarly organization for the women spouses of W awards recently. Diane seminary students. Jo Ann Davidson has Kobor received the American Bible just joined the Systematic Theology Society award for outstanding Department after obtaining a doctoral scholarship in biblical languages and degree from Trinity Evangelical exegesis, and Clarissa Worley received Theological Seminary. Patricia Gustin the Baker Book House award for from Walla Walla College has become excellence in theological studies. Diane the new director of the Institute of World has just attained a Master of Arts degree; Mission and associate professor of her husband has recently received his mission. or over half a century, Master of Divinity. They are serving in The seminary faculty is committed to H.M.S. Richards proclaimed the Indiana Conference. Clarissa is a encouraging women to prepare for Biblical truth by radio. Master of Divinity student who plans various ministries. On the issue of Some of the best of those Voice to serve as a young adult pastor and/or ordination, the faculty and administration of Prophecy messages will be in evangelism when she is finished. have chosen to take some leadership in rebroadcast, beginning Sunday, Dianne and Clarissa are among the the dialogue, but in practice move with August 4. Hear these classic 45 women studying at the seminary. the decision of the church. A special expressions of Adventist They are enrolled in almost every study committee has been formed to confidence and hope in the seminary program, ranging from off- prepare publications on the subject and Second Coming: campus M.A. in pastoral ministry to the hermeneutics associated with it. Ph.D. programs. About 15 are in the For several years the Seminary SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 M.Div. program preparing for pastoral Bulletin has included a human relations Stories of Christ©s ministry or chaplaincy. The 1996 statement that affirms the equal seminary graduating class had 10 recognition of women and men in Return - Part 1 women. Four of them have received discourse and opportunities, and SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 calls to pastoral positions, one is in a disavows any form of stereotyping or pastoral team with her husband, one is disrespect. During the past school year Stories of Christ©s in chaplaincy, two are returning to their one entire quarter featured women Return - Part 2 home divisions abroad, one is pursuing preachers at the chapel services. For a For more information about doctoral studies, and one is undecided. number of years spouses of students stations airing the Voice of Women also occupy important posts have been encouraged to sit in on Prophecy in your area, phone in the faculty. Lilianne Doukhan holds classes or to take courses for academic 1-800-SDA-PLUS. the Beltz chair of church music. Nancy credit at a reduced fee. Vyhmeister is the editor of Andrews We welcome women who sense a To order a cassette of these University Seminary Studies and call to ministry to come to the seminary. messages, send $5 to the address below and ask for teaches biblical languages, New Tes If you need an application or have "Stories of Christ©s Return." tament, and mission. Leona Running is questions, call: 1-800-253-2874; fax to: professor emerita of biblical languages 616-471-6202; or contact through TheVoice of Prophecy and teaches part-time. Cynthia Burrill Internet: [email protected]; or helps to teach felt needs seminar courses CompuServe: 74617,2163. Box 55 Los ANGELES, CA 90053 BenjaminD. Schoun, D.Min., is associate dean, Seventh-day AdventistTheological Seminary, Berrien Springs, Michigan. MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 19 What do your ethics show?

Joseph J. Saggio candals involving well-known Ethics in the pulpit pastors and evangelists in recent Much that is said from the pulpit has S times have sharpened the need no place at all coming from such a place. for renewed emphasis on ministerial For example, it is true that very few of integrity and ethics. For many, the zeal us would publicly divulge what goes on to build "empire-like" ministries has within a confidential counseling taken precedence over the call of Christ relationship with a parishioner. Profes Pastoral integrity is for shepherds to feed and care for the sionally inappropriate as it is, have you fundamental. flock. There is nothing wrong with caught yourself at times referring even building large churches, but certainly obliquely in a sermon to something that there is a problem in the "end justifies has gone on in such a counseling setting, the means" theology that governs some feeling that as long as you do not church growth. Pastors need to build a divulge identities, all will be well? A ministry that has integrity, ethical minister may not give the person©s behavior, and principle-driven conduct name, but the fact that the person may at its core. Five areas require the focus be in the congregation would certainly of pastors. make the situation uncomfortable. A second concern in pulpit ethics is Ethics in finances plagiarism. Surveys show that preachers Paul©s entreaty that an "overseer are notoriously guilty of using other must be above reproach" (1 Tim. 3:2, sources without giving proper credit.2 In NIV) is a call for pastors to practice the name of not distracting from the fiscal integrity both in their personal life sermon, or of maintaining its flow, or of and in the administration of their not boring the congregations with long church. We cannot establish credibility recitations of our sources, we can enter in the church we pastor unless we run the gray area of quoting the thoughts or its financial affairs above reproach. expressions of others as though they Those who provide the financial base originated with us. Deep in us, as we do must know where their giving is being this, is the hidden desire to appear more directed. Nothing undermines a mem wise or eloquent than we really are. ber©s motivation to give to the work of Though extensive footnoting isn©t God as the feeling that the church itself necessary in a sermon, acknowledgment is using poor stewardship. As James M. of the name of the person quoted and the Stowell says: "God supplies money to source is always appropriate and honest. Joseph J. Saggio is an Assembly of God pastor affirm a ministry, and He can withhold Plagiarism, no matter how admirable our and teaches at the money to draw our attention to motives, is still a form of stealing. American Indian Bible something amiss." 1 A third concern in pulpit ethics is College, Phoenix, Thus finances are often a barometer using the sermon to attack those with Arizona. that measures a congregation©s approval whom we disagree. I remember once of or dissatisfaction with the way the being confronted by a couple who were church is run. Members contribute best displeased with some disparaging when they see accountability and remarks I made about some other veracity in the handling of church funds. churches. When I realized what they 20 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 were saying, I apologized to them and with the opposite sex. Of course, no one called in to tell of her decision to keep to the congregation for that indiscretion. at first intends that what is just a warm, the baby, and of how her father repented We need to ensure that preaching is almost passing attraction should go in of his actions, and resigned from his primarily for the proclaiming of the the direction it does. But if allowed, church to seek help. Admittedly this is gospel of Jesus Christ; it is never a forum such things, as we know, do have a way an extreme example, but it does for our own personal likes and dislikes. of "developing" over time. Since most illustrate how important it is for those pastors are men, and the bulk of their wearing the mantle of ministry to live Ethics in our conversation counseling load seems to be women, up to its rigorous demands of godliness The third ethical concern is an there©s a real need to address this issue. and integrity. extension of the second. That is, what Here the well-aired rules are never A pastor in a neighboring com we might inappropriately say in the outmoded. When I©m counseling a munity shared with me that one of the pulpit may not be all that different in woman in my office, I leave the window reasons he responded to the call of its effects from what we say in our shades open. As a rule I simply do not ministry in his life was that his father private or non-church-related encounters visit the home of a woman parishioner was exactly the same both in the pulpit with other persons or groups. For unless her husband is present. If that is and out of it. There was no phoniness example, it is easy in the comfort of a not possible, then my wife or another or contrived spirituality in the house social event, as the conversation warms, church leader can accompany me. hold that he grew up in; everything he to release an interesting or titillating Otherwise, the visit should be postponed. heard from the pulpit was fleshed out piece of information or perspective that For male or female clergy, coun in the life of the family. His father put a is damaging to someone. A wise pastor seling vulnerable people of the opposite higher premium on developing a once said, "Remember, everything you gender requires care, thought, and, healthy church that demonstrated the say can and will be repeated!" In the especially in some cases, personal gospel of Jesus Christ in daily living truest sense there is no such thing as a honesty and complete integrity with than he did in building a big church that pastor being able to go in any setting oneself, with God, and perhaps even would enable him to "look good." This to a parishioner and telling him or her with one©s spouse. If there©s even a hint is what it means to be a man or woman "in confidence" something disparaging of attraction between a counselee and of integrity being unswervingly about another parishioner. The risk of the pastor, then it©s time to cease committed to do what is right regardless that kind of action backfiring is so great counseling and make referrals. It is wise of the consequences. that serious discretion must always be for pastors to limit themselves to used. Many of us have unintentionally pastoral counseling the true center of A return to ethics let our tongue slip and lived to regret their expertise. Don©t we all have a deep longing for it. We have little tolerance for poli Counseling involving mental illness the day when ministers recapture the ticians who do so, so why should we be and severe sexual or other forms of type of community respect they once any easier on pastors© "slip-ups?" physical or mental abuse may be wisely held? Perhaps it is a bit sentimental, but Normally the only ones we can share left to those with clinical expertise. Part I remember as a child meeting my great confidences with are those on the of being ethical in counseling means grandfather, who by then had retired church board, and even then it must be knowing one©s limits, being genuinely from active ministry. What struck me done with the greatest of care and the in touch with one©s feelings, and being most was his desire to be seen always purest of motives. Discretion and unhesitatingly willing to deal wisely as a person of integrity. Because of that, sensitivity are what it is all about. Even with those feelings. his community loved and respected him, after we make it clear that what is said even those who weren©t members of his in such settings is confidential and can©t Ethics in personal life congregation. be discussed outside of that setting, such Perhaps the greatest compliment that A ministry with a strong commitment divulging can prove destructive. can be paid to any minister is for it to to ethical bearing and deep personal be said that he or she really lives what integrity is not built overnight. An honest Ethics in relations to the opposite sex he or she preaches. Many pastors© effort toward that end, under the The old pastoral counsel is perhaps children leave the church because of the blessings of the Holy Spirit, will change more valid than ever: "There are three hypocritical lifestyle of their parents. the focus and base of our ministry. things that will ruin one©s ministry: One young woman calling into a money, women, and power. So we might nationwide Christian talk show sobbed well pray: ©Lord, keep me poor, keep as she told of being beaten to a pulp by 1 Joseph M. Stowell, "Putting It on the Line: me ugly, and keep me unknown!©" her preacher father when he discovered Teaching People to Give," Leadership, Winter Perhaps it is too well known that that she©d become pregnant as a result 1987, p. 24. 2 Raymond W. McLaughlin, The Ethics of talented pastors and evangelists lose of his ongoing sexual abuse of her. In Persuasive Preaching (Grand Rapids: Baker their ministry because of indiscretion the days and weeks that followed she Book House, 1979), p. 24. MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 21 A day for the pastor

Rich Carlson Saturday©s pastoral schedule: just for you as a pastor. A day set aside 6:30 wake up, dress, eat breakfast for worship and personal communion 7:20 finishing touches on sermon with your God. A day when God is invited into your life, unencumbered 8:15 teachers© meeting by the busyness and business of the 9:30 Sabbath school lesson for world, work, or whatever. new members The greatest need of the pastor is Not a day off, but a not a new computer to help organize day to develop the 11:00 sermon: "The Value of a hectic life. It is not a new organizer lost art of spiritual Sabbath" to keep track of the quantity of 12:30 potluck appointments that seem to continue renewal growing as we sense the many needs 3:00 visit hospital of the congregation. The need of the 4:00 youth meeting at park pastor lies more in the direction of a deeper kind of "rest." 5:30 elders© meeting 7:30 vespers at church The case for a special day It doesn©t matter what day of the 8:00 church social and clean-up week you choose for your special 11:13 home encounter with God. I suggest Tuesday because it is close to midweek, does not 11:53 crash in bed exhausted interfere with Wednesday night prayer meeting, and is not so late in the week s you lead your congregation that you feel the pressure of preparation each Sabbath, is there the for weekend responsibilities. Astopping implied in the Hebrew What about treating this day, or at word shabat? Everything you do is least a carefully scheduled substantial important. Everything is in honor of part of it, as a rest day for the pastor? God on His day of worship. Everything Make no appointments, put the never- you do is valuable. But do you really ending list of household chores away, worship, and meet God, and is your soul and turn off the TV. Do whatever it takes deeply restored? to treat this day as you wish you could When do pastors rest in that deep treat the Sabbath. Be prepared to pull Sabbath sense? I suggest not another day distressed oxen out of ditches when Rich Carlson is i chaplain at Union off. That is another issue. I recommend necessary, but otherwise give the day College, Lincoln, a special "rest day" for the pastor. A day to God as His time. Be with Him so Nebraska. set aside not for chores that©s your that He can bless and sanctify you, responsibility as a spouse; not for golf filling you with all His goodness. To that may be good for your day off; not summarize C. S. Lewis: "We can©t for sermon preparation that©s your always be defending the truth. work. I©m not in any way suggesting a Sometimes we have to feed on it." replacement for the Sabbath, but I am Your special day of rest may include suggesting a spiritually renewing day fasting (see Matt. 6:16-18). It should 22 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 include prayer and time with the Bible. It could involve the lost art of Christian meditation (the ability to fill your mind with God©s Word and then listen quietly to His voice). It must involve rest and a time for reflection out in God©s natural setting. All LORD, this should not be just a glorified WHAT AM I DOING devotional exercise. It should not be a negotiation for a shorter work week, HERE? or a substitute for the needed day off many of us neglect. This day or A primer on realistic significant piece of time is dedicated ministry and to laying hold of blessings too often SI 1.95 church administration at vour ABC unreachable for pastors on the biblical day of rest. Find out how Richard Fearing learns to lean on the Lord when • As a senior at Mount Vernon Academy, he lies helpless in a hospital, his legs crushed and torn A call for spiritual renewal • A brave little conference struggles to discover its mission and survive This is really a call to renewal and • Loan default by Donald Davenport brings the church to the edge of a financial precipice revival among us as pastors. If we want to see it in our people, let it begin with For a complete preview of this book on the internet go to http://www.hodi.eom/books/fearing us. A return or a turning to true godliness necessitates a deep spiritual encounter with our God. There is blessing beyond measure In His Steps ______in regularly going out into God©s creation, speaking to Him, and listening quietly and intently for an Let©s Get Acquainted extended time to what He has to say. No agenda, no plans, except to meet God. There is great reward in jour- naling our thoughts during such quiet times. This is not done for anyone else Two great resources Each is available to read or even as preparation for an for introducing in packs of 10 upcoming sermon, but just to confirm that we are listening carefully to our people to the for only God. This can be frightening. It can Seventh-day US$8.95 be difficult. It may also be what we Adventist plus shipping desperately need to gain direction and strength. Church and handling. As Christian ministers we are called to be spiritual professionals in God©s church, especially as we look to the end of all things. I©m afraid, in these "last days" of technical advance and materialistic stress, we have tended to become ecclesiastical technologists. We are inclined toward the loss of genuine spirituality so critical to what we have been called to be and to do. We need our computers and Day- Seminars Unlimited Timers, but we also need to find a P.O. Box 66 way a time, a day to develop the Keene,TX 76059 lost art of regular spiritual centering Orders: (800) 982-3344 NET ©96 RESOURCE and renewal. Info: (817) 651-3643 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 23 NET ©96 SATELLITE EVENTS egin in Auaustrrugus

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James Zachary

he Adventist Church in the follow-up phase of an evangelistic personnel from clinics and hospitals Philippines consists of three program. support pastors and lay preachers in the T unions with 14 missions and public meetings. conferences. It has the third-largest Lay preachers Adventist membership of any country Every major evangelistic thrust makes Health emphasis in the world. The church in the Philip use of experienced lay preachers. When Health presentations form a part of pines makes evangelism a way of life. a series of meetings is held between every evangelistic meeting. Physicians, Its institutions, pastors, and members all seedtime and harvest, these lay preachers nurses, and health educators give participate. But through the years the devote full time to their public meetings. lectures and often provide health most successful evangelistic tool in the The local mission or conference, and screening or conduct free medical islands has been the Voice of Prophecy often local congregations, provide them clinics in connection with nightly Bible lessons. with a small stipend and budget for the meetings. During the golden anni The entire Filipino church rallied to meetings. Local church members form versary the Adventist Church supported celebrate the golden anniversary of the their teams. In the case of the Voice of the government©s drug-education Voice of Prophecy. Each union has a Prophecy golden anniversary meetings, program nationwide. Pastor Benito VOP Bible school with lessons in the budgets were prepared for almost 200 lay Tejano chairs the government©s drug- major dialects and a Voice of Prophecy members to do this work. Many of these education program. radio speaker broadcasting in the lay preachers also serve as elders for their dialects of their territory. congregations. Problem of housing for new believers Housing new congregations and Voice of Prophecy Bible lessons Small groups enlarging crowded churches are marks During every evangelistic endeavor Most congregations formed small of a church committed to evangelism. church members perform the ground teams of workers. These members were One of the aspects of the nurture and work. Two to three months before a assigned a territory. They worked door- follow-up program is providing housing public meeting begins, members of the to-door, inviting friends and neighbors for new congregations. congregations in the targeted areas go to attend the meetings. These teams A typical scene is being repeated in door-to-door enrolling interested organized and implemented much of many communities during the second persons in a VOP Bible course. Weekly what was done in the evangelistic phase of the golden anniversary. Mem they pick up the completed lesson and meetings themselves. bers gather materials, then mark out the deliver the next lesson. position for foundations for new walls Evangelism in the Philippines is Institutional participation that may be two to ten meters larger than mainly personal work. Members Another characteristic of the Filipino the current church building. For weeks develop a close relationship with their church is the participation of every the construction work goes forward. On "students." This relationship is particu institution of the church. Schools, an appointed day they remove the old larly important during the nurture and clinics, and hospitals set aside time and building from inside the new building funds to join in the work. Groups of without missing one worship service! James Zachary retired recently from the students from colleges and academies In many villages a congregation will Ministerial Association at the General join with their mentors to form Voice help construct a shelter that forms the Conference, where he was an associate secretary. of Youth evangelistic teams. Medical beginning of a new company©s church 26 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 building as the evangelistic meetings average pastor serves 12 congregations. Planting churches in unentered draw to a close. When the large city churches, where territory each congregation has its own pastor, During district meetings represen VOP graduations are taken into consideration, the pastoral tatives from the churches often select To encourage the careful prepar load is even higher. Large congregations an unentered community as a target for ation of candidates for baptism, the do not have a pastoral staff. Lay mem their evangelistic thrust. The local local mission or conference provides bers lead out in every area of local congregations form teams to visit each pastors, lay preachers, and elders with church administration. home, looking for persons who will a baptismal decision questionnaire. As The result is that Filipino pastors enroll in the Voice of Prophecy lessons. the Bible studies come to a close, each serve as district leaders. They train Again, this work is followed by an student is invited to make a decision to members and church officers in evangelistic meeting. When the pastor is follow the Lord Jesus in baptism and leadership and soul-winning skills. In not available to lead out in the meeting, become a church member. The ques their district itineraries they visit their an elder or lay preacher conducts it. tionnaire relates to Bible teachings and congregations from three to six times a During the golden anniversary many new personal lifestyle. As the person signs year. The main work of preaching, congregations were formed. the questionnaire, he or she makes a evangelism, and leadership falls upon covenant to be faithful to the Lord and the local church elders and deacons. Three VOP teams conducted the church. All candidates for baptism Herein lies the strength of the evangelism and praise meetings take this step. Filipino Adventist Church. Most of Last April two weekends were set what is done is accomplished by the lay aside for praise meetings. Pastor Guest teams members. The Filipino church is a Lonnie Melashenko, speaker and The golden anniversary of the Voice working church. A large percentage of director of the international Voice of of Prophecy became an international all accessions to the growing church of Prophecy, led one group; Pastor Royce event. One hundred twenty teams from the Philippines is the result of lay Williams from the It Is Written 14 countries joined in the work. A few persons sharing their faith. television ministry led a second group. pastor-evangelists came alone. The It is a common experience for an Pastor Williams once served as the majority were joined by as many as 20 evangelist to have these lay preachers director of the VOP in Manila. I led members of their congregations. The and members literally bring busloads the third team. guest teams joined forces with local and truckloads of converts to a bap At some of these praise rallies as members in the work of visiting tismal service people the evangelist many as 1,000 persons were baptized interested persons, giving Bible studies, had no part in bringing to the Lord. In in one day. Guest pastors and local and participating in the meetings. these cases the lay members did all churches brought their converts to the the work. central baptismal sites, most of which Prison evangelism Hundreds of teams of lay members work in prisons throughout the The SDA Hymnal on Compact Disc provinces of the Philippines. During the golden anniversary many baptisms were conducted in prisons. Often these baptisms were conducted in 50-gallon Accompaniment Music oil barrels. Prisoners with longer Piano - Left Organ - Right Chan. sentences are often transferred to the Uses include...

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28 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 How am I doing? Boring board Continued from page 4 meetings? Continued from page 14 may not be the best place in which to by the formal procedures of discussion try such a plan, it presents for the pastor at a regular meeting. a regular forum for the objective • Keep accurate, concise minutes of evaluation of his or her progress in the meetings. most significant aspects of ministry and • Accept the majority decisions in a relationship. It provides the congre Christlike manner and implement them. gation with a way of constructively • Evaluate the success of meetings. "talking" to the pastor, and it offers the A Collection of pastor an excellent growth resource. All Suggested evaluation questions things being equal, the formation of • Was notice of the meeting and Pastoral Wives7 such a support-advisory-evaluative agenda given? Favorite Recipes group should lead the pastor to a higher • Were minutes of the previous degree of spiritual, professional, and meeting available? • 320 pages of tastes from personal fulfillment, and the congre • Were supporting papers made around the world gation to the benefits of a better minister available where appropriate? and ministry. • Were objective problem-solving • Hundreds of vegetarian Give it a try. My experience with a processes undertaken before the meeting recipes Pastor's Advisory Council was a distinct where necessary? highlight during my tenure in my last • Did members arrive on time? • A great gift for birthdays, church. • • Were the meeting facilities ade holidays, weddings, friends, quate? housewarmings and other • Was the chairperson able to mini special occasions mize discussion? • Were members encouraged to express their views? • Did most members contribute to discussion? • Were all contributions relevant? • Did members discuss the problem thoroughly before making decisions? Help your • Was a consensus reached? • Did the meeting make decisions? To order call: Congregation • Was it clear who was to implement (800) 982-3344 Understand the the decisions? Or send check/money order for US$18.45 to: Bible Better • Were deadlines set for carrying out Seminars Unlimited resolutions? P.O. Box 66 Features • Did the meeting close at the « Key principles of Bible study Keene, TX 76059 • Overview of the Bible predetermined time? • Formula for spiritual enrichment Also available at your local • Ten steps to making Bible study enjoyable and rewarding • Was the meeting short enough? Adventist Book Center. • Charts and study aids • Did members do necessary • Individual participant workbooks • Instructor's manual preparatory work? • Was the meeting necessary? This helpful new resource is useful in home fellowship groups, pastor's Bible classes, alternative Sabbath school curriculum, • Was the meeting worth its cost? • midweek meetings, follow-up of seminars, retreats, and more

Ministerial Supply Center/Seminars Unlimited 1 Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets P.O. Box 66 «Keene,TX 76059 (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., Orders (800) 982-3344 1898), p. 376. Information [817] 641-3643 2 Procedures for Meetings and Rules of Order (Wahroonga, Australia: South Pacific Division of A/so available through your focal Adventisl Book Center Seventh-day Adventists, 1993). MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 29 Pastor's Pastor. If at first you don't succeed- beg for mercy James A. Cress

"For by grace you have been saved . . . professor taught the best writers. pronounced me healthy. No malady not of works, lest any one should boast" This was the class to launch my four- beyond a bruised ego could be blamed for (Eph. 2:8, 9, NKJV). year plan and my future career—editing my predicament. the Southern Accent, publishing a few The remaining options terrified me. ong before television's The short stories, and writing the great Either I could enroll in a flunkie course Waltons popularized the angst of American novel on the theme of the great from another instructor or I could beg. L a college-age writer, I expe controversy. After all, I was also a Mustering every bit of courage I could rienced the agony and ecstasy of theology major who was convinced my find, I requested an appointment with the Composition 101. You see, I was called first job offer would at least be a staff professor I now feared. I had to get into to write. I arrived at Southern College's position on the Youth's Instructor (yep, I her class. Would there be a waiting list? freshman orientation expecting to enroll went to college back then) if there were Did she ever make an exception? Would in Evlyn Lindberg's Honors Composition no openings on the editorial staff of the she expand the class size? The lump in class. After all, I intended to pursue a Review and Herald. my throat had grown to a brick by the time double major in theology and English, had I faced Professor of English Evlyn worked in academy as assistant to the head In disappointment Maria Matilda Lindberg! English teacher, had consistently scored So midmorning after the qualifying high on various verbal skill assessments, exam, I sauntered by the posted results In mercy had written a monthly column for the expecting to see my student ID number at Wonder of wonders. I received mercy. academy newspaper, and had worked in or near the top score. Imagine my Marvelous miracle—at least for my the printshop as a typesetter. Furthermore, humiliation. My number was missing. If fragile self-image—she would make an my best friends were the literary elite of this list was accurate, I had failed to exception to allow me to try to keep up the campus. qualify. Failure was not in my vocabulary. with the others. Mercy was mingled with Worse, how could I ever face my peers if justice, however. That was the only slack In focus I were excluded from the inner circle? she ever gave me. You might say I was focused. In fact, First I concluded there must be a I never edited the college newspaper. I when I had attended college the previous mistake, an error or omission, merely a did edit the student directory, but that spring, I had visited Miss Lindy's comp clerical error that skipped the top few stu hardly counts when the thing is named The class—twice! 1 wasn't even afraid of the dents. But when I checked with the Joker. At least we published it faster that ultimate Scandinavian spinster with two English Department's secretary, in spite year than any time in previous history. The middle names and a reputation for severity of everything I believed about myself the Youth's Instructor not only failed to call; that withered triviality. I was eager to have qualifying exam left me several points it folded. To this day I've never been called her red pen address my compositions. My below the last slot available in the only to the editorial staff of any magazine. friends who preceded me were living composition class this freshman could The Adventist Review has published an proof that anybody who was anybody in consider. article or two that I've written, and I must the Southern College English Department My next reaction was that my score prepare my monthly column for Ministry enrolled in Honors Composition. In fact, must be wrong. After all, upon careful, by deadline. it was generally assumed you didn't have introspective self-evaluation, I admitted The greatest lesson I learned in Fresh the right stuff to pursue an English major that I was a better writer than several man Composition was neither grammar if you couldn't make at least an A- in the students who had qualified. Nevertheless nor style, syntax nor structure. The toughest class a beginning writer would my score proved accurate. greatest lesson I learned came when a ever encounter. My background com Perhaps I was ill. I immediately headed generous woman extended grace instead bined with my self-image propelled me for the infirmary, where the nurse took my of the results of my own works, which is toward this special class where the best temperature, scanned my throat, and really what I deserved. • 30 MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 Shop Talk

Elder's spouse seminars, Memorizing Scripture Membership software packet, sory team has developed a recognition days Adults in your Sabbath which is free. For enrolling in "desk friend" program to link I am a young Seventh-day school classes can learn all 13 North America, call toll-free adult church members with Adventist pastor residing in of their memory verses for the 1-800-260-7171; overseas our students. It's a secret pal- Kenya. I am writing to suggest quarter with "Memory Verses call 616-471-6083. type program in which one to you how pastors can work Master Sheets." Each sheet, adult is matched with one to help the spouses of the printed on premium stock Request for Fiji student, and every month the pastors to grow spiritually paper, folds like a little "Our library at Fulton adult surprises the student and remain loyal to God. booklet that one can easily College in Fiji treasures old with a small gift or treat of $3 Some of the elders' carry around for reviewing. Ministry issues as a valuable or less. Additional surprises spouses have regarded the Four master sheets cover resource, but our collection is come on birthdays and at office of eldership in the the entire year. Each one is incomplete. If anyone has Christmas. The students use church as a burden, or even a mailed one month before the unneeded old copies, please English class time to write curse, to their families. This quarter starts. Available at contact me for shipping thank-you notes. At gradu may be caused by pastors, US$20 per year from Trea details."—John Morris, 187 ation time students and desk fellow Christians, husbands, sures of Heaven, P.O. Box Quarter Sessions Road, friends are revealed. All this or a lack of understanding 301, Douglassville, PA Westleigh 2120, Australia builds great bridges between God's work. It ruins their 19518. the generations.—Becky spirituality and develops Desk friend program Anderson, Bemidji, negative attitudes toward the No tax on talking Our church school advi Minnesota pastor, the church, and the Remember that local service their husband renders churches are exempt from to the church. state sales tax on their local You can win them by and long distance telephone planning Elder's Spouse bills.—Vialo Weis, Shattuck, Seminars and Recognition Oklahoma Days. On these occasions, invite the neighboring pastor Are you connected? and his spouse to be guest Five thousand Seventh-day speakers. Let the local elders Adventists have connected come with their spouses, and with each other and their * lor the success of S pastor afe'piifiipififfl'af';f^i'"te(Sreacl:tt6nth — " invite former elders. You can world church through the for just about $2.00 a month. Where else can you get a professional also come with your spouse. CompuServe Adventist upgrading for that price? Arrange to buy the elders' Forum. Pastors are enjoying Send for your subscription today. And why not send a gift to a spouses appreciation gifts, live fellowship with other pastor or an elder. Cost: For 12 issues, US$25. For overseas such as inspirational books, pastors and gaining instant airmail, US$39.85. cookbooks, etc. access to vital resources to Q Please send me a subscription. Let them know that: (1) help make ministry fruitful Name ————————————————————————————————————— they are loved by God, by the and relevant. You can be pastor, and by their fellow among them. Wherever you Address - Christians; (2) they have been are in the world, if you have a City —— - State - Zip. called by God to the position computer with a modem and of eldership with their a standard phone line, you Phone . counterparts; (3) their contri have an uplink to cyberspace Q Please send a gift subscription on my behalf to: butions of spiritual gifts, on the CompuServe Adventist Name ————————————————————————————— materials, and time to the Forum. Local phone numbers cause of God are appreciated; for CompuServe are offered Address - (4) the congregation expects a in 130 countries. City —— - State - Zip- lot of them, especially when it Total monthly fees of Phone comes to setting good US$16.96 provide five hours examples; (5) God expects of access to the full array of Total check enclosed in U.S. funds: them to depend on Him as CompuServe on-line infor Mail to: Ministry laborers together with Him. mation services plus unlimited 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. May God bless you.—Pastor use of the Adventist Forum. Bible credits: Texts credited to NIV are from rhe Holy Bible. Mew International Version. Copyright Daniel Kiptoo Belt, Kenya, To begin, you need the © 1973. 1978.1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bibie Publishers. East Africa Adventist CompuServe Texts credited to NKJV are from The New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson. Inc., Publishers.

MINISTRY/AUGUST 1996 31 IDOLS

Ministry Releases Books that focus on practical ministry skills; $4.95 each plus S & H. Continuing Education Resources to keep you growing and challenged (available only through Seminars Unlimited/Ministe rial Supply Center). Training and Equipping Tools Help motivate and equip local church leadership with these training aids. ^Elder's Handbook: handy reference for those who fill this important role, includes study guide and discussion sections. V Pastoral Ministry: compilation of Ellen White's writings on the subject of church leader ship. V/n His Steps: Bible study guide on the prominent teachings of the Bible. V Let's Get Acquainted: introduction to the Seventh-day Adventist Church structure, organization and activities V First Week With Christ: devotional development guide, features seven daily morning and evening devotions for new Christians. V Persuasion-How to Help People Decide for Jesus: step-by-step guide in helping people make spiritual decisions.

Call or write for more information to: (800) 982-3344 Information: (817) 641-3643 P.O. Box 66, Keene, TX 76059 Your One^Stup JZvanp ells tit^lieso urge Center

Also available through your local Adventist Book Center