Steeringtheship Staying on Course in a Multichurch Setting Prophecies Decoded Can the Past Reveal Your Future? September 30-October 29, 2011 7:30 P.M

INTERNATIONAL

JOURNAL FOR PASTORS

AUGUST 2011

SteeringtheShip Staying on course in a multichurch setting prophecies decoded Can the Past Reveal your Future? September 30-October 29, 2011 7:30 p.m. ET, PT; 6:30 p.m. CT

• FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 COMING SOON: A NEW SUPERPOWER • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 2012 AND SIGNS OF THE END OF THE WORLD • MONDAY, OCTOBER 3 ARMAGEDDON AND THE SEVEN Presented by — LAST PLAGUES Ron E. M. Clouzet, • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 D.Min. Director of WAR IN HEAVEN BETWEEN North American Division MICHAEL AND THE DRAGON Evangelism Institute and Professor at Andrews A continuing 28-message series University Theological Seminary.

Registration: To register online and for resources visit http://Host.PropheciesDecoded.com or call 855-NET-2011 Both series broadcast live from Nashville on Hope Church Channel. Find the latest information at http://host.propheciesdecoded.com for additional channels, broadcast times and more delivery options. For satellite sales, contact www.AdventistSat.com. For technical assistance, call 855-NET-2011.

September 14-18, 2011 7:30-9:00 p.m. ET, PT; 6:30 p.m. CT in the Land of the Bible • Broadcast live on Hope Church Channel Presenters — • Video streamed live at www.hopetv.org Ron E. M. Clouzet, D.Min. • Plan to use this NET 2011 preparatory event Michael G. Hasel, Ph.D. to reach the community

78392_NADEI_Decoded_FullPG_AD.indd 1 5/10/11 8:25 AM CONTENTS

04 LETTERS Steering the ship: Staying on course in 06 a multichurch setting 05 EDITORIAL Seven steps to help steer God’s people down the course He has given them. 11 REVIVAL AND REFORMATION Murray Miller 29 DATELINE Fan the flame: How to maintain RESOURCES 10 revival and reformation 30 What do you need to fan the flames of revival and reformation? Delbert W. Baker

13 Planning a preaching calendar for a multichurch district Ministry® International Editors Find tips on how to develop a preaching calendar to best suit International Journal for Pastors Chinese-Robert Wong -Edwin T. Pandjaitan your church(es). 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Indonesian Japanese-Yukio Ebihara Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. Rodlie Ortiz Korean-Sung Sun Hong www.ministrymagazine.org Portuguese (South America)- [email protected] Zinaldo Santos Editor Russian-Ilie Leahu Politics in the church Derek J. Morris Spanish (South America)- 15 Marcos Blanco Associate Editor If politics is the norm rather than the exception, even in the Spanish (Inter-America)-Pablo Perla Willie E. Hucks II church, how can we manage politics in a way that does not International Advisors undermine the gospel? Consultants to Editor Mario Brito, Mikhael Kaminsky, John Fowler, Clifford Goldstein, Janos Kovacs-Biro, L. Chansanga Jon Paulien Myrna Tetz Colney, Armando Miranda, Rudatinya M. Mwangachuchu, Editorial Specialist Daniel Opoku-Boateng, Jongimpi Sheryl Beck Papu, Bruno Raso, Ángel M. Revival and reformation within the Finance and Technology Rodríguez, Hector Sanchez, 18 framework of last-day events Manager Houtman Sinaga, David Tasker, Ivan John Feezer IV L. Williams, Ted N. C. Wilson Pastors and members need to ask what role the elements of

revival and reformation have regarding our Adventist Advertising Subscriptions “understanding” of last-day events. Cheri Gatton 12 issues: United States US$32.99; [email protected] Canada and overseas US$46.50. Gerhard Pfandl +1 208-965-0157 To order: send name, address, and payment to Ministry® Subscriptions, Subscriptions/renewals/ 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver address changes Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. [email protected] ministrymagazine.org/subscribe The motif of way in Luke and Acts +1 301-680-6515 To Writers 21 +1 301-680-6502 (fax) (Part 2 of 2) We welcome unsolicited manu- The way designates a vibrant Spirit-filled community, consumed Cover illustration scripts. Before submitting, review 316 Creative the writers’ guidelines at with passion for Jesus, and living out its faith. www.ministrymagazine.org. Please Layout send manuscripts via email to Kayle de Waal 316 Creative [email protected].

Extending Christ’s healing ministry: 25 Nurturing health ministries in your Director Anthony Kent | [email protected] | +1 301-680-6516 church Ministry® has been published Printer Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., Five essential components needed to ensure a flourishing monthly since 1928 by the Minis- 1350 N. Kings Rd., Nampa, ID 83687 terial Association, General Confer- church-based health ministries. ence of Seventh-day Adventists®. Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, Bodil Morris Ministry is a peer-reviewed journal. Idaho. (ISSN 0026-5314) SECRETARY Jerry N. Page Member of Associated Church Press. Associate Secretaries Adventist®, Seventh-day Adventist®, Jonas Arrais, Robert Costa, and Ministry® are the registered Bible credits Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Willie E. Hucks II, Anthony Kent, trademarks of the General Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Scriptures quoted from NKJV are from The New King James Version, Derek Morris, Janet Page Conference Corporation of copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Scripture taken from The New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, ® 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scriptures quoted from Phillips are from J. B. Ministerial Resource Center Seventh-day Adventists . Coordinator Cathy Payne Phillips: The New Testament in Modern English, Revised Edition, copyright © J. B. Phillips 1958, 1960, 1972.Used by permission of Macmillan Publish- Vol. 83 Number 8 © 2011 ing Co., Inc. Text credited to Clear Word are from the The Clear Word, copyright © 1994, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006 by Review and Herald Publishing 888-771-0738, +1 301-680-6508 Association. All rights reserved. www.ministerialassociation.com PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. LETTERS

“He did all of this because He wants men everywhere to search for Him with all their hearts . . .”

Where is God when we is”, or “there it is”, for the kingdom not uppermost in our understanding, suffer? of God is [or starts] inside of you.’ ” a personal crisis may provoke an Third, Paul’s words to the Athenian existential struggle that may lead to allia Rulmu’s article “The Good philosophers provide the nexus for an uncertain outcome. Cbut Absent God? The Dilemma the “absent” yet “present” God. With regard to the great con- of a Christian Cancer Survivor” (June While the entirety of Acts 17:22–31 is troversy theme, it is my belief that 2011) brings to mind a number of helpful, verse 27 is pivotal. The earlier the element of “time and chance” biblical passages that acknowledge verses speak of God’s creatorship is operative, to some degree, in the this tension between the tangibles and of His sovereignty in lending human experience. Some degree of and the intangibles of faith and direction to human circumstances randomness can remind us that our experience, drawing us as well into “ ‘in the hope that they might grope Creator is not so overly present on the great controversy theme of Holy for Him and find Him, though He is this sin-plagued planet that nothing Scripture. not far from each one of us’ ” (NKJV). happens outside of His active will. First, the widely known words The Clear Word paraphrase reads as If that were the case, there would of the apostle Paul: “For we walk follows: “He did all of this because be no free will, only compulsion, by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). He wants men everywhere to search and thus no gospel, no good news Second, Jesus’ words in Luke 17:20: for Him with all their hearts, and about God and how He values our “ ‘The kingdom of God is not coming if they do so, they will find Him, freedom, even with its associated with signs to be observed’ ” (NASB). because He is not far away from risks and life’s unfairness (Eccles. Phillips’ translation is helpful, includ- any of us.” 9:11, 12; Luke 13:1–5). ing verse 21: “ ‘The kingdom of As the article’s author reveals, the —Kent Knight, Grandview, Washington, United God never comes by watching for relational as nourished by revelation States it. Men cannot say, “Look, here it trumps the sensational; and if this is

777 Worldwide Holy Spirit Prayer Fellowship

Inspiration and resources at revivalandreformation.org/prayer

Download mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android at revivalandreformation.org revivalandreformation.org/apps

MINISTRY 4 AUGUST 2011 EDITORIAL | Derek J. Morris The blessings of pastoral ministry

have been blessed to serve in a Spirit in our midst, his heart was assignment, for there are many easier variety of pastoral settings: multi- changed; and we witnessed tears ways to make a living. Ichurch, solo pastor, and multistaff. of joy that replaced angry scowls. The apostle Paul reminds us that Even during my tenure as a full-time That transformation marked a break- he endured many challenges in his university professor, I considered it a through, not only for that elder, but ministry: “Three times I was beaten privilege to serve as a pastor to my for the church as a whole. In this with rods; once I was stoned; three students. As I reflect on these years, issue, Jon Paulien challenges us to times I was shipwrecked; a night the blessings of pastoral ministry process church politics in a humble, and a day I have been in the deep; have been too numerous to count. empathetic, and God-honoring way. in journeys often, in perils of waters, My first district, after complet- What transformations might occur in perils of robbers, in perils of my ing my seminary studies, consisted within our circles of influence if we of three small churches in north- heed Paulien’s appeal! eastern Pennsylvania. While there, My last full-time pastoral position I discovered that the saints had little was that of lead pastor in a multistaff We are fully interest in my grade point average setting. I still remember the day that from Andrews University. What mat- the chairman of the board called convinced tered to them was my connection and invited me to consider this new with God. ministry assignment. His appeal that He is the I learned a lot about preaching touched my heart as he explained, (having preached in all three churches “We need someone who will point Way, the Truth, every week), but I didn’t know much us to Jesus.” Isn’t that what we all about intentional sermon planning. need? Hopefully, you will find many and the Life. The article by Rodlie Ortiz in this issue resources in Ministry that will both of Ministry, on planning a preaching point you to Jesus and help you point calendar, would have been very help- others to Him. We are fully convinced own countrymen, in perils of the ful for this young pastor, who knew that He is the Way, the Truth, and Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils more about panic than purpose. I the Life. Kayle de Waal reminds us, in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, would also have been blessed if in part 2 of his series, that we are in perils among false brethren; in Murray Miller had served as a pas- called to be disciples of the Way, a weariness and toil, in sleeplessness tor in a neighboring district—for I vibrant Spirit-filled community fully often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings desperately needed a mentor. Miller’s devoted to Jesus as Savior and Lord. often, in cold and nakedness” (2 Cor. practical counsel about staying on The writings of Dr. Luke challenge us, 11:25–27). course in one’s district would have not only to accept the One who came You might ask, “Paul, why did you helped me to serve more productively. “ ‘to seek and to save that which was continue since your ministry was so When I moved to my first solo lost’ ” (Luke 19:10), but also to be His challenging?” Paul answers that pastor assignment, I became more witnesses “ ‘in Jerusalem, and in all question in the verse that follows: aware of politics in the church. I Judea and Samaria, and to the end of “my deep concern for all the probably did not use that terminol- the earth’ ” (Acts 1:8).* churches” (v. 28). Pastoral ministry ogy, but I was certainly mindful of I recently returned from a ministe- cannot be defined as a job; pastoral influential groups within the church, rial conference in Brazil attended by ministry comes to us as a calling—a and learned to identify the patriarchs 4,000 congregational pastors. While sacred and blessed calling. I pray that and matriarchs. I reminded myself conversing with one young pastor every pastor will always remember that I was pastor to all of my church who cares for 12 congregations along the joys of pastoral ministry. As we members and not just a chosen few. the Amazon River, I found myself count those blessings and name The transformation that occurred in moved by his spirit of sacrifice and them one by one, it may surprise us the life of one of our elders, who devotion. Also, I heard testimonies what the Lord has done. had a reputation for being cold and of challenge and heartache and was critical, will long be remembered. reminded, once again, that pastoral * All scripture references are taken from the New King James As he saw the moving of God’s ministry does not come as an easy Version of the Bible.

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

MINISTRY 5 AUGUST 2011 LEAD ARTICLE | Murray Miller

Murray Miller, MDiv, pastors five churches in southeast Kansas, United States.

Steering the ship: Staying on course in a multichurch setting

magine a ship with a gifted crew, Anyone who has pastored In the next ten years?” I also note lots of supplies, and other equip- churches (I currently pastor five) activities the church is currently, ment needed for a successful knows the need to decide prayerfully or has in the past, engaged in and Ivoyage. The crew demonstrates where God is leading the congrega- may want to have as part of next an eagerness to do what they have tion and then to “steer” the church year’s ministry calendar. Before the been gifted to do, and they have all in that direction. This situation meeting ends, I ask them to spend the resources they need to com- becomes even more complicated the next two weeks praying about plete their task. However, there are when there are two, three, four, what God wants us to do in the problems. They have no map and or more “ships” to coordinate at next year. When we meet again, we are without a captain! As much as the same time. How can they work have a season of prayer for God’s they want to go forward with their together? Are there differences in guidance, and then share the ideas mission, these hindrances effectively direction that can be taken by some that have come to mind. We settle stop them from doing so. It is not of them and still have them all reach on our main objectives for the year that the first mate cannot get the the same destination? What can be and then plot them on a worksheet ship out of the harbor and onto the done to not leave one behind while like the sample below: sea, but is about all of the challenges others press on? they will face in the open waters. In My goal as a multichurch what direction will they go? pastor includes helping God’s This illustration is not perfect, people prayerfully decide but I use it to emphasize the need where God is guiding them, set for a clear direction (map) and a sail, and steer them down the person to steer the vessel (captain). course that He has led them to Jesus is the Captain of our souls pursue. How does one do this? and the church (Heb. 2:10). The first Here are the steps I have taken mate and the rest of the crew are to facilitate this goal. dependent upon Him for direction. One way Jesus directs the ship is Plotting the course to give gifts to the crew members. I begin with yearly plan- One of the gifts is “administration,” ning sessions. If I am new to a or “governing” (1 Cor. 12:28). The district, I read up on where the Greek word, kuberneseis, used here, church has been by reviewing literally means a “steersman” or the church records for as far “pilot.”1 We find it fitting to apply this back as I can. Then I come to function to both Jesus and church the first board meeting with members, both paid clergy and lay visioning questions: “If noth- leaders, who are gifted with the ing changes and we keep on ability to “steer” the congregation the current course, where will in the right direction. we be in the next five years?

MINISTRY 6 AUGUST 2011 The calendars are then posted of communicating, I use traditional my absence. For the host church, I on each church’s bulletin board and methods as well: announcements, have a month-by-month checklist inserted into the bulletin for two bulletin inserts, a list of “dates to that I follow to help the church be weeks. The calendar functions as remember” posted on the bulletin fully prepared for the evangelistic our “map.” board, and board meeting agendas. meetings. Here is a sample of a All of these methods together help checklist for one year to nine months Setting sail keep our goals for the year ever prior to the meeting: With a ministry calendar devel- before us. oped for all of the churches, I compile and condense them into a Land ho! district calendar. This district calen- When a church reaches dar is sent to the elders and bulletin milestones in its yearly plan, secretaries, so that they can promote I find ways to celebrate events from around the district. I them. I usually do so from also make a plan of action calendar the pulpit during praise time for myself that includes a month-by- or during my sermon. In month list of important dates and addition to that time, I will notes regarding what goals I want include periodic entries on to achieve in each church (some my weekly e-newsletter. For of these notes are included in the example, when the Thayer, Kansas, I train the elders at the church condensed district calendar I send to church conducted a wonderful hosting the evangelistic meetings the elders). Here is a sample section: Christmas program at the nursing to do visitations as well as follow up. home, I reported on that and We meet every Sunday morning (or included a link to one of the Sabbath afternoon) for these training songs they sang. This not sessions.6 only helps other churches While preparing the host church experience the ministry that for meetings, I also accomplish has taken place, but also several other tasks. First, I find guest gives them ideas of what speakers about six to nine months they can do themselves. in advance for the other churches Additionally, I send reports during the time I will be gone. One to our conference president, to two months in advance, I appoint who includes them in his a small group leader to continue the weekly email to the whole weekly study groups at each church conference. Now that our and an elder to chair any board conference has a Facebook meetings that need to take place. Keeping the destination page, I can also post comments and I guide the elder by giving him or before us pictures from these events.5 Such her a blank agenda form to fill out, One crucial part of keeping the information sharing encourages and going over the items that were “ships” going in the right direction churches to get similarly involved. submitted. Lastly, I communicate consists of communicating about through bulletins, e-newsletters, and the ministries going on through as Coordinating outreach so forth that members can contact many outlets as possible. I send While each church progresses the elders on any concern while I am out a weekly e-newsletter called through the year with its ministry away. Thus, elders are “manning the E-Tidings with all the dates for a two- calendar, there are times when I am ship” while I am away. month period.2 I also use Facebook involved in evangelistic meetings or to announce upcoming events, and other outreaches in different parts Ministry during the have a district Web site with links of the district. During these times, meetings to each church’s individual site. I need to be sure that ministry con- Having done this for the last four When there is an upcoming outreach tinues in every part of the district. years, I have learned that, while in event in the district, I put it on the Usually, when conducting a series of concept, leaders easily understand “Front Page” of the district site.3 The meetings, I spend most of my time the pastor’s absence, in reality it is events for that church are posted on in the area where the meetings are not so. The primary difficulty has the calendar of that church’s Web held. Because of this, I cannot spend to do with pastoral visitation and site, which automatically places sufficient time in other churches for preaching. In a one or two church them on the homepage.4 In addi- several weeks. What can be done? district, a pastor may be able to tion to these electronic methods Well, I try to prepare each church for conduct evangelistic meetings and

MINISTRY 7 AUGUST 2011 LEAD ARTICLE | Murray Miller still maintain routine ministries. Or, series of meetings to get the atten- fill a pastoral position, do not like to a visiting evangelist may take care dance up to a stable place. With all be without a pastor for an extended of evangelism, while the pastor of these needs in the four churches period. This is usually a one-time carries on his routine functions. Such and no additional pastoral help, occurrence every three years or so. situations may make it possible for if I choose one of the declining How would a church feel with the annual evangelistic meetings. churches for evangelism, I find pastor gone for four months each However, a multichurch setting myself absent from the rest of the year? Reactions such as the follow- with three or more churches poses district for up to three months during ing become common: “The pastor critical problems. As a pastor, you the year—not including vacation is never here,” “He is busy doing are responsible for the administrative and other events. This means that meetings over at one of the other

This, of course, has enabled members to be involved in ministry, increased the number of laborers in God’s harvest, and has let God be the Captain of the churches rather than any one individual.

duties of each of these churches, three churches may have pastoral churches,” or “The pastor never weekly study groups, and must continuity for seven to eight months visits.” You could dismiss these as ensure Sabbath speakers for each but no clergy leadership for four to just complaints and press on, but, church. In addition, you must also five months. after a while, these comments add care for evangelism because guest What should I do? Some of you up to create a conflict situation. evangelists will not always come, may be thinking, This is the right time One needs to be aware of this when especially in a small church with 80 to apply the principle of the priest- trying to enact any ideal model for members or less. hood of all believers. This is true to ministry. In my situation, consider church the extent that the people want this Other models may be tried, such A. It has reached a plateau. To propel paradigm applied to them. Even with as holding weekend meetings for that church forward, I need to have that being so, the reality is harder to six weeks, shortened meetings (ten some kind of semiannual outreach experience than the idea! Consider sermons) in two weeks, or doing series. Meanwhile churches B, C, an example that even those in a one extensive Bible work leading up to and D are in declining or dying church district can relate to. Most a three weekend series of reaping modes. For these, I need an annual churches, when they are trying to meetings. Each option has pros and

MINISTRY 8 AUGUST 2011 cons. What is obvious is the need to churches now to plan, I schedule my care will all stay on a course that make the journey less turbulent for one business meeting on a Sunday. leads heavenward! the whole district. During the business meetings, we review, evaluate, and plan (REP). We 1 Walter Bauer, William F. Arndt, and F. Wilbur Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other The journey continues review what happened last year, Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Since the elders and members evaluate the effectiveness of the Press, 1957), 457. 2 For a sample newsletter, visit www.southeastkansas-sda have kept things going in my activities we conducted, and begin .com and click on the “Front Page” button. There you will absence, when I take back my pas- planning what we want to do next find a condensed version of the weekly email I send out. 3 See www.southeastkansas-sda.com for an example. toral duties, the churches hopefully year. After these business meetings, 4 For an example, see www.independence24 have moved forward in their min- subsequent board meetings are .adventistchurchconnect.org. istry..7 Such an experience can be called to take the ideas of the church 5 You can find the Kansas-Nebraska Conference page by searching for it on Facebook or visiting http://www great because we have been sailing and develop a ministry calendar. .facebook.com/pages/Kansas-Nebraska-Conference-of- together with no one left behind. Ministry calendars are developed Seventh-day-Adventists/202487973113165. 6 See Secretariat of the General Conference of Seventh-day At the completion of its yearly and the process outlined above Adventists, Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, 17th ed. ministry calendar, each church happens all over again.8 As a result, (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 2005), 91, 92, accessed June 15, 2011, http://www.gcsecretariat conducts a celebration Sabbath churches move forward doing God’s .org/Evans_files/Seventh-day-Adventist-Church-Manual- where we highlight what God has work. This, of course, has enabled 17th-edition.pdf. 7 I do hospital visits and emergency counseling during done throughout the year. During members to be involved in ministry, evangelistic meetings that are four to six weeks in length, the sermon, I ask everyone to increased the number of laborers in but the visits to touch base with the members usually have consider prayerfully what God would God’s harvest, and has let God be to wait until I get done. 8 Our ministry calendars have typically run from September have our church do next year, and the Captain of the churches rather to August. We include special Sabbaths, community then invite them to be a part of the than any one individual. Hopefully, concerts, seminars, evangelistic outreach events, study group start dates, district get-togethers, trainings, and process at an upcoming business when the work is all done, the dear other items. meeting, usually in August. With five people who have been entrusted to

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

From the makers of Final Events, Amazing Facts Presents, Everlasting Gospel, and Central Study Hour comes

a new 24/7 Christian satellite channel—featuring new programming and the ministries you know and trust.

Learn more at aftv.amazingfacts.org Watch now at aftv.org

MINISTRY 9 AUGUST 2011 Delbert W. Baker

Delbert W. Baker, PhD, is a general vice president of the world church of Seventh-day Adventists.

Fan the flame: How to maintain revival and reformation

n writing to Timothy, Paul provides must get close to the fire! When we They thought he would come down the key for activating the gift of commence the pursuit of revival into their village and perform public the Holy Spirit in the Christian and reformation, we are declaring rituals and incantations, as Naaman Ilife, thereby initiating revival and war against principalities and pow- expected of Elijah. The old man said, reformation: “For this reason I remind ers. Subsequently, we should be “When I came into your village and you to fan into flame the gift of God, prepared for battle with the powers got down out of my bed, all I could which is in you through the laying on of darkness. feel was contention, chaos, and of my hands. For God did not give A story is told about a village resentment. I had to get away to pray us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of in China that had been suffering a and be in touch with God.” power, of love and of self-discipline. great and protracted drought. The So do not be ashamed to testify people waited, then went through Revival and reformation about our Lord, or ashamed of me his their various rituals and incantations Fanning the flame for a higher prisoner. But join with me in suffering to bring the rain, but nothing seemed level of service requires a focused for the gospel, by the power of God” to work. Finally, a group of elders in mind-set. Ellen White compares (2 Tim. 1:6–8).1 that little village sent for a rainmaker, fanning the flame with revival and Fan the flame! What Paul wants a long distance away. They waited reformation: Timothy to do is “fan into flame” his anxiously for his arrival. Days later, own faithfulness. The verb used here they saw two men appear on the The time has come for a thor- is a metaphor for building up a dying horizon, carrying an old, shriveled ough reformation to take place. fire. Though Timothy’s faith is not man on a modest cot. They brought When this reformation begins, specifically accused of dying, Paul him into the village and set him the spirit of prayer will actuate does urge him now to fan his special down. every believer, and will banish gift into strong, unquenchable flames. The little man got down out of from the church the spirit of The gift of God that Paul tells his cot, looked around, and sniffed. discord and strife. . . . Timothy to rekindle—that gift con- The elders came to him and said, A revival and a reforma- firmed by the laying on of hands—is “What can we do for you?” The old tion must take place under the that of the Holy Spirit, whose attri- man said, “I will need a little house ministration of the Holy Spirit. butes, among others, are power, outside of town where I can be by Revival and reformation are two love, self-discipline, and soundness of myself in silence.” So they gave different things. Revival signi- mind, which are so essential in leading him a house, and he went there by fies a renewal of spiritual life, a an effective Christian life. Life will himself. The hours went by—two quickening of the powers of mind have its hardships, but God has given hours, three hours. In the third hour, and heart, a resurrection from the Holy Spirit to face hardships and it began to sprinkle, then it began to the spiritual death. Reformation unmask the terror they may contain. rain, and then it began to pour. Crops signifies reorganization, a change that had been parched were now in ideas and theories, habits and Serious business fed. Seeds that had not germinated practices. Reformation will not Paul clearly indicates a definitive sprouted. The people went to him bring forth the good fruit of righ- action. To fan the flame implies we and asked, “What did you do?” teousness unless it is connected

MINISTRY 10 AUGUST 2011 with the revival of the Spirit. resolutions make it past the month Revival and reformation are to of March. Church services, prayer do their appointed work, and in and study groups, and weekday doing this work they must blend.2 Bible studies seem to be consuming your week, and you feel the need for Note that Ellen White says fanning some “time off.” the flame, or revival and reformation, includes four essential pillars: (1) Maintaining momentum prayer—committing to the dynamic Paul recognized the problem, and spiritual enterprise that provides the hence wrote to Timothy and all of us What should we Holy Spirit complete access to life to keep rekindling “the gift of God” do with truth? and affections; (2) unity—voluntarily (2 Tim. 1:6) that we have received For me, revival and setting aside ego, personal prefer- in our lives. What does it take to reformation involve a personal, ences, and petty jealousies; and fan the flame and keep the spirit of daily heart searching. This committing to whatever way and with revival and reformation strong? An means, as Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the whomsoever God wants to move; upward connection, an outward faith” (2 Cor. 13:5 ). Revival and (3) revival—spiritual abandonment in commitment, and an inward control. reformation, like conversion, aren’t a package deal but happen one soul at a time. Sure, there was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, but those people had individually been Fanning the flame searching their hearts, searching the Scriptures, praying, and opening themselves up to the for a higher level power of God. This Pentecost revival happened at the beginning of the great gospel proclamation. of service requires a What a privilege for us to seek for the same Holy Spirit revival during the closing scenes of focused mind-set. earth’s history. As Adventists, we have the most wonderful message of “present truth”—the three angels’ messages of Revelation Christ that submits to embracing an 1. Upward connection. On our 14. But no matter how relevant attitude of simple, primitive godliness own, we are totally incapable of and pertinent these truths are, that says, Whatever God says or remaining faithful to anyone or we need power from on high, the indicates, I am willing to do; and (4) anything, not even ourselves. The power of the Holy Spirit, to be able to effectively proclaim this reformation—a crowning compo- greatest gift each of us receives as message to the world. nent that goes from just acceptance new children in Christ is the abiding For years now, the Generation and attitude to action; I will change presence Christ sent to be among of Youth for Christ has been whatever needs to be changed in my us, the Holy Spirit. Two images seeking the Holy Spirit in our life. The change is all-encompassing: always seem to accompany the desire to bring revival and reformation to not only our ideas, theories, habits, and practices. Holy Spirit—fire and wind. Just as young people, but also to the Nothing escapes the searching scru- all fire needs oxygen, so the flames entire church. We have been tiny of the Spirit. of faithfulness within us cannot keep given truth; of that, there is But keeping the fire burning going without the breath of the Holy no question. The question becomes an ongoing job. New Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s continued remains, What shall we do with the message that God has converts and workers are generally presence acts like a bellows to the entrusted to us? Each one of us, enthusiastic. Whether converted to a flames that we tend in our hearts. as we surrender to the Lord in a new exercise regime, vegetarianism, If we ignore consistent Bible study, sincere desire for personal revival, or a living faith with Jesus Christ, regular prayer, and witnessing, we must answer that question for a rampant exuberance exists. The shut down our own air supply and ourselves. problem with such exuberance is quench the flame of the Spirit. that it takes a lot of time and effort 2. Outward commitment. It is —Justin McNeilus, president of the Generation of Youth for Christ. to maintain that degree of enthu- not enough simply to maintain our siasm for any length of time. For relationship with God. Until we open revivalandreformation.org this reason, not many New Year’s ourselves up to others and let the

MINISTRY 11 AUGUST 2011 Delbert W. Baker warmth of this fire spread through ministered to their needs, and won For this reason, we also need our family, friends, church, and com- their confidence. Then He bade them, the discipline of the sanctified life. munity in acts of selfless service, the ‘Follow Me.’ ”3 Contrary to what we We need to keep the balance of our flames will gradually die out. We may sometimes feel, our contact with mental, physical, spiritual, and social need to set Jesus’ benevolence and others fuels our faith—as though faculties—remembering that “the goodness as our example. each person who touches us brings a body is the only medium through Jesus taught, “ ‘Be perfect, log to throw on the fire. The more we which the mind and the soul are therefore, as your heavenly Father reach out to others in love, the higher developed for the upbuilding of is perfect’ ” (Matt. 5:48). He demon- the flames of faith can climb. character.”4 Spiritual disciplines are strated what this means throughout 3. Inward Control. Even those essential, and anything that damp- His everyday life and ministry. If we who acknowledge the power of the ens the Spirit’s influence must be nurture the flames of faithfulness Holy Spirit and encounter others eliminated. No flame, no matter how within us, we must love the poor and with loving attitudes may gradually well fueled, will continue to burn the outcast, and be willing to turn lose their sparks. To avoid becoming without the input of a careful prod the other cheek, go the extra mile, spiritually bland, we are challenged here and a push there. We must be and give the extra coat. “The world to practice a self-disciplined life- willing to work our fires if we would needs today what it needed nineteen style. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, keep them burning brightly. hundred years ago—a revelation testified to the comfort daily prayer Fan the flames! of Christ. A great work of reform is brought him. This was a discipline demanded. . . . Christ’s method alone he practiced whether among friends 1 All Scripture passages are from the New International Version. will give true success in reaching the or shut up in a lonely prison. Prayer 2 Ellen G. White, Christian Service (Takoma Park, MD: Review people. The Saviour mingled with is not always easy, and sometimes and Herald Pub. Assn., 1947), 42. 3 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, CA: men as one who desired their good. our own tongues cannot express the Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1942), 143. He showed His sympathy for them, needs and longings of our spirits. 4 Ibid., 130.

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

Dr. Ron Clouzet shares sound biblical con- cepts through powerful stories that illustrate with compelling conviction this overarching theme: the Holy Spirit is poised and ready to reignite an end-time people in their quest for true godliness.

US$15.99 • 0-8163-2489-1

Call 1-800-765-6955 Shop ABCASAP.com

MINISTRY 12 AUGUST 2011 Rodlie Ortiz Rodlie Ortiz, MDiv, is the pastor for evangelism at Pioneer Memorial Church, Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States.

Planning a preaching calendar for a multichurch district

ithin three months of Right away I noticed problems. 2. Help ensure a balanced spiritual my seminary gradu- For one, there was no continuity diet for the congregation. ation, I received a because the congregation heard the 3. The worship teams could tailor Wcall to pastor two next part of my series only every other the whole service around a com- churches in the Tampa Bay area. week. Second, because the elders mon theme. I could not wait. In the midst of would preach on whatever they felt 4. The church could give out daydreaming, I began a mental like, the quality of the sermons varied. invitation cards and post checklist of the things I had learned And, to make things worse, I began advertisements. in the seminary that I wanted to to hear complaints that many of the begin implementing in my churches. speakers would preach on odd and As I shared the vision, I could Everything seemed perfect. divisive topics. I knew that something feel the excitement building. They But then a surge of adrenaline hit had to be done quickly. understood that by being extremely me: How would I go about planning intentional about the preaching a preaching calendar? And how First moves calendar, many different aspects of would I deal with preaching in two The first step was to assemble a the church would benefit. I left that churches? After doing research and sermon planning group.2 Having two group meeting feeling encouraged making calls, I discovered a system churches, I selected seven people and excited about the process. for planning a preaching calendar from each church and began to that I wanted to experiment with.1 share the process. Their first task Lessons learned since would be to “solicit feedback from I have since gone through the Early lessons family members, neighbors, and process five times in five years with Before I implemented the sys- friends about topics that would different teams. And, as a result, tem, I first wanted to get a taste interest them in the coming year.”3 here are a few points I have learned. for how preaching was normally They would do this for 30 days. At 1. Make sure to have as many of conducted in my local churches. the end, we would debrief and begin your key leaders in the first group as So I prepared two four-part sermon to plan out series topics together. possible. This will help ensure corpo- series. My eight sermons would I shared with the group that rate acceptance, as they are able to give me time to see how preaching going through such a process would experience the process firsthand. In normally happened. have the following benefits: subsequent years, when they hear Because I had two churches, you are gathering another sermon I would preach in one church one 1. Minimize stress on the speak- planning group, they will not be week, the other the next. On the week ers, as they would know well alarmed or suspicious. in which I was not there, an elder in advance what they would be 2. Plan to have different people in would preach on his or her own topic. speaking on. the group every year. Let the initial

MINISTRY 13 AUGUST 2011 Rodlie Ortiz

group know in the first meeting After breakfast, people can begin to provide balance and proper edi- that the members of the group will presenting their reports. Be sure to fication. Some topics might serve change every year. I noticed some write down the main themes on well as an evangelistic series in resistance to this idea from some of large poster-sized paper that can which people are challenged to my leaders in the first group. They then be torn off and stuck to a wall. invite friends; others might be more wanted to remain filters for the After every person presents his or of “building” series, to disciple and topics and somehow still control the her report, you should have a wall edify the church. You will have to messages. This is exactly why you with about twelve to fifteen large take the time and prayerfully con- should not have the same people posters, allowing you to have a broad sider with your team where the every year. Different people have perspective of themes. Because series are placed in the calendar. different friends and will offer differ- each poster will have about 10–15 ent perspectives. Having a diversity themes, it becomes necessary to Preaching of people every year will help enrich whittle these down. You will quickly After everything is done, I will usu- the experience. notice similar themes that can be ally give the final preaching calendar 3. Clarify the intended audience. consolidated right away. After that to my elders and have them select I made the mistake the first year of process, you will still be left with which topics within a series they not clarifying the intended audience, dozens of themes. So how do you would feel most comfortable preach- select the most important ing. This works much better than just and relevant ones? trying to schedule the speakers in I have found it help - where I think they should be. They ful to place people into are more comfortable because they As I shared the groups of four. Then ask participated in the process, and were each person to share his able to select their place. vision, I could feel or her top five themes with This procedure will definitely chal- fellow group members, lenge your preaching elders. For many the excitement who then, as a whole, will of them, this will be the first time they recommend five themes to will speak on a variety of topics. You building. the larger group. This kind will need to provide mentorship and of democratic process will training for them. Share resources. Let help dissipate any control them know where they can find issues that might arise and commentaries. Teach them how to and so everyone just spoke to their will help give every person a voice. develop an outline from a given peri- religious friends for suggestions. You want about 15 major themes— cope. Not only will you grow, but your Things became awkward because more than enough to take you through elders will become more confident many of the suggestions dealt a preaching calendar year. and comfortable preaching on differ- with theological oddities, like the Next you will want the group’s ent topics. Beyond that, your churches meaning of the four horsemen of perspective on how many topics a will be blessed as they experience a the apocalypse and so forth. Since particular series should receive. I also higher level of quality, consistency, then, I encourage people to get try to get suggestions for possible and unity through the preaching of views from different sources, even topics and titles to address within God’s Word. from the unchurched. This will help the given series. So, if they suggest ensure that the sermons maintain a a series on forgiveness, I might ask, 1 My former professor Derek J. Morris referred me to his book Powerful Biblical Preaching, in which he has a chapter balanced perspective. “What are the issues associated called “From Panic to Purpose: The Process and Benefits of with forgiveness that should be Planning a Preaching Calendar.” 2 As part of the research for this article, I interviewed ten Leading the debriefing addressed?” In past groups, people pastors to see what they do concerning sermon planning. meeting have suggested topics such as “Why Six of the pastors develop and plan out sermon series by picking topics that they feel are relevant and helpful. At end of the 30 days, plan to Should We Forgive?” and “How Do Serving in multichurch districts, they continue the series have a retreat-style debriefing that We Forgive?” and “What Are the every other week whenever they return to the same church. will last about four hours. I have had Benefits of Forgiveness?” Three of the pastors interviewed stated that they never preach in a series. Most of their preaching is based on these debriefings in various locations By the time everything is done, responding to local issues that arise in each congregation. but have found homes to be the best you should have a lot of information— They also cover various doctrinal and evangelistic topics as they see fit. Only one of the pastors plans out his preaching places. Providing breakfast will go a about 15 series themes with about calendar for the whole year and actually includes local long way towards building a sense of four possible titles for each series. leaders on the preaching schedule. 3 Derek J. Morris, Powerful Biblical Preaching (Silver Spring, camaraderie and helping the group The priority is now outlining MD: General Conference Ministerial Association, 2005), think clearly. these series on a calendar in order 124.

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

MINISTRY 14 AUGUST 2011 Jon Paulien Jon Paulien, PhD, is chair of the School of Religion, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States.

Politics in the church

hould there be politics in between Hispanics and Caucasians. Is there any way to avoid such the church? Is not the idea The power in the conference had politicization? Does God express His of politics in the church historically been held by Caucasians; will through the outcome of political Scontradictory? The follow- but as the Spanish-speaking mem- debate or does political discussion ing article explores this important bership rose in numbers, they felt make it harder for people to hear question and presents principles that they were often left out in the the voice of God? Is it possible to to help us deal with the politics we distribution of power and resources. balance competing interests in the face, yes, even in the church. They demanded greater representa- church without conflict? Is politics tion or they would secede and form in the church always a bad thing? Finding the balance their own conference. Today, there Politics is the process of bal- are strong and continuing efforts to The evidence of the New ancing competing interests in a make sure the composition of lead- Testament social system. For example, on the ership in that church organization On the surface of the New island nation of Fiji, two main ethnic roughly reflects the ethnic makeup Testament, the obvious answer groups—native Fijians and Asian of the membership. Whether we like would seem to be No. Jesus’ teach- Indians—coexist. The two groups it or not, this is politics in the church. ing seems clear: “If someone strikes have little in common. Native Fijians you on one cheek, offer the other are darker skinned (Melanesian) Competing interests for a second strike.” “If someone and have lived in the Fijian islands Theological differences can curses you, offer instead a bless- from antiquity. The Indians are also create competing interests. ing. If someone abuses you, pray lighter skinned and arrived during Among Seventh-day Adventists, for him or her” (Matt. 5:39, 44). 1 the colonial period. The Fijians tend for example, there has always been This seems to leave little room for to farm and live in the countryside; some tension between a healing competing interests in the church. the Indians tend to be in business and service focus as opposed to a All subgroups in the church should and live in the cities and towns. The doctrinal focus based on the study adopt the self-sacrificing spirit of Fijians tend to be Christians, while of biblical apocalyptic. Both foci Jesus toward others. the Indians are usually Muslim or are grounded in Scripture and the Yet a careful look around the Hindu. When it comes to dividing instructions of Ellen White, but they New Testament suggests that the up the island nation’s resources, the tend to lead in somewhat different Sermon on the Mount was not interests of the Fijians and Indians directions theologically. The healing often followed—even in the earliest almost always diverge. So the politi- side of Adventism tends toward church. Within a short time after cal way to keep the peace is to make an outward focus of engaging the Pentecost, competing interests arose sure that the respective political world to make it a better place; in the Jerusalem church (Acts 6). interests of the Fijians and Indians the apocalyptic side tends toward It seems the Jerusalem church set are kept in “balance,” however dif- an inward focus of avoiding con- up a safety net for the widows in ficult for that balance to sometimes tamination from the world. Naturally, the church who may have been be achieved. when Adventists from both sides abandoned by their families when In a similar fashion, there are get together, there can be tension. they accepted Christ. The Greek- competing interests in any reli- Theological discussions are easily speaking members complained gious organization. Growing up politicized when the outcome of a that the Greek-speaking widows in New York City, I remember the theological discussion could favor were not getting their fair share of tensions in my own conference the interests of one side or the other. food. The complaint was brought to

MINISTRY 15 AUGUST 2011 Jon Paulien the apostles, and they responded two apostles that they separated. of believing Jews in Jerusalem did that it was not their responsibility Barnabas took Mark with him and not yet know Paul was there (v. 22) to turn away from preaching and Paul sought out a different compan- and these were believing the worst focus on food distribution instead. ion. Could not one or the other of about him. Following the advice of They invited the church to appoint the apostles have turned the other the apostles to appease this other seven men—deacons—to take care cheek? Maybe they could have, but group of believers, Paul is arrested of the matter. What is of interest are they did not. Instead they chose to in the temple and his public mission their names: all these deacons had go their separate ways, pursuing a in the book of Acts is brought to a distinctively Greek names, which “political” solution to their dispute. close. means that, possibly, they were A less well-known story has to Clearly, the church in Jerusalem added to the leadership to ensure do with Paul’s last visit to Jerusalem remained divided between Greeks that the interests of the Greek speak- (Acts 21:16). Paul, Luke, and a num- and Hebrews many years after Acts 6. ers were fairly represented. ber of others, including at least one Mnason, a Greek believer from The problem in the church was Gentile Christian named Trophimus, Cyprus, was happy to welcome competing interests; the solution came to Jerusalem and stayed at the Paul. The rest of the church in town was to make sure the neglected seg- house of Mnason, an early disciple disagreed, and Paul ended up jailed. ment of the church was represented of Jesus (probably one of the 70 This brief survey of just one book in the decision-making processes of mentioned in Luke 10). The text of the New Testament makes it

A commitment to Scripture over our opinion about Scripture, a willingness to subject all that we believe to the text, is one of the best ways to manage theological politics in the church.

the church. Sounds like a political solution, does it not? Later (Acts 15:36–39), Paul and Barnabas are contemplating a second mission trip together. The previous trip had been hindered somewhat when John Mark, the nephew of Barnabas, tells us “the brothers received us clear that politics in the abandoned the apostles at a difficult warmly” (Acts 21:17, NIV). church are the norm rather time. Barnabas wanted to give him At first glance, Paul and com- than the exception (see also a second chance, but Paul would pany seem quite welcome in Galatians 2:11–14). If the apos- have none of it. There arose such Jerusalem. The next day, how- tles themselves could not avoid a sharp disagreement between the ever, it is clear that thousands it, church leadership today should

MINISTRY 16 AUGUST 2011 not be expected to totally eradicate is not to demand our fair share of 4. The leader must distinguish politics from the church, either. whatever, but to be willing to yield between the clear and the unclear. our rights for the sake of the whole. This is particularly relevant when Politics and faith 2. The leader must learn and theological discussions become If politics is the norm rather than exhibit empathy. Genuine empa- political. While the Bible is the the exception, even in the church, thy is also a miraculous event, rule of faith and practice, not how can we manage politics in a whenever it occurs. By nature, everything in the Bible is equally way that does not undermine the selfish human beings are primarily clear. Understanding the difference gospel? While individuals may at concerned with their own interests between what is clear and what times turn the other cheek or adopt and welfare. But an immersion is unclear in the Bible helps us to the self-sacrificing spirit of Jesus, in the grace and mercy of God avoid arguments over ideas that groups of people with a common can open our eyes to the suffering are not clearly established in the ethnic or theological interest rarely of others. A negative example of text. One side of a discussion may do. Politics is not the ideal but a this is the parable of the unforgiv- see one side of truth clearly, but fact of life. ing servant (Matt. 18:21–35). Not not the other. Truth is often a ten- So, how can leaders of the faith appreciating the mercy of the king, sion between poles rather than an manage the politics that comes with the unforgiving servant did not see either-or directive. When people see competing interests in the church? that his fellow servant was in the that the Bible often clearly teaches I would like to offer four principles same position in relation to him as things that strike us as opposites, that have helped me manage poli- he had been with the king. Seeing we come to realize that many of our tics through the years. that fellow servant through the eyes political conflicts arise from compet- 1. The leader must practice of the king would have given him ing groups seeing the side of truth humility and self-distrust. Paul new glasses with which to see and that appeals to their personalities, discusses such an approach in understand the heart of another. and then trying to eliminate from a powerful passage, 2 Timothy We develop empathy when we the group those whose personalities 2:24–26: “The servant of the Lord experience the empathy of God. incline them to see the other side. must not be quarrelsome, but rather We learn compassion from the A commitment to Scripture over our gentle toward everyone; teachable, compassion that was first shown opinion about Scripture, a willing- bearing slander without resentment, us. We love because God first loved ness to subject all that we believe in humility instructing those who us. We forgive because we have to the text, is one of the best ways ‘oppose themselves,’ in the hope been forgiven. Empathy enables us to manage theological politics in that God might give them repen- to see and care about the interests the church.3 tance leading to knowledge of truth, of others and thereby to find a and that they might escape the trap way to balance those interests in a Conclusion of the devil, after being captured by way that unites people rather than It would be nice if politics could him to do his will.”2 divides them. be eliminated from the church. On “Difficult people” in the church 3. The leader must have a passion the other hand, that might cause us cannot free themselves from Satan’s for fairness (justice). Some people all to become theologically lazy. trap. Nor can we free them. Only a have, by nature, more of a passion Often in the heat of conflict people miracle of God can. Not by coercion for fairness than do others. But we open their Bibles with a fresh will- or by shame talk can politics be can all learn to be more fair. In a ingness to learn and grow. Often in managed, but only by exhibiting way, fairness is not possible until the heat of conflict we are forced to the self-sacrificing spirit of Jesus in we have discovered both humility engage the other and discover that our own behaviors as leaders. No and empathy. A learning spirit, com- they are partly right. The One who group will deny itself unless led by bined with empathy, will produce a sets up kings and puts them down self-denying leaders. When we passion for justice. When we have is well able to manage the mess that shame people, they raise walls determined the facts of a situation human politics can create, even in of defense. When we practice (as far as that is possible) and care the church. humility, gentleness, and deeply about all involved, we will meekness, the way opens be able to move people toward the 1 The author’s translation. 2 Ibid. for God to transform the hearts fairest possible outcome. When the 3 See my book, The Deep Things of God: An Insider’s Guide of others. Self-denial is not natural; it people know that the leader intends to the Book of Revelation (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 2004), regarding such issues of is a miracle whenever it occurs. The to be fair, they are more willing to interpretation. best counter to politics in the church trust the process.

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

MINISTRY 17 AUGUST 2011 Gerhard Pfandl Gerhard Pfandl, PhD, is an associate director of the Biblical Research Institute, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

Revival and reformation within the framework of last-day events

Editor’s note: The following is a reprint who “keep the commandments Since 1844, we have been living from Reflections, the newsletter of God and have the testimony of in the time of the investigative judg- of the Biblical Research Institute, Jesus” (12:17).1 Chapter 13 portrays ment, referred to also in Revelation number 34, April 2011. the climax of this war in symbolic 14:7.3 During this time period leading terms. The first beast that rises out up to the close of probation, the n view of the current empha- of the sea and the second beast following events will take place: sis on revival and reformation, that comes out of the dry land work In heaven. The investigative judg- it is useful for us to ask what together to enforce their brand of ment deals with those names found Irole these elements have with worship on the whole world. This in the book of life and saved on the respect to our Adventist understand- second beast will compel the whole basis of Christ’s work for us and in ing of last-day events as revealed world on pain of death to worship us (1 John 4:17; 5:12). in the Bible and the writings of the first beast and its image and On earth. Shortly before the Ellen White. Within the canon of to accept its mark. Deliverance, for close of probation, during a period Scripture, the book of Revelation those who refuse the mark of the sometimes referred to as the early or gives the most detailed sketch of beast, comes in chapter 14 with the little time of trouble,4 an image to the these events. Additional aspects, second advent of Christ. beast will be formed and universal often only implicit in the biblical Based on the historicist method Sunday legislation issued, which text, are developed by Ellen White, of prophetic interpretation, Seventh- culminates in a death decree for particularly in The Great Controversy. day Adventists have understood those who refuse and reception of While these inspired authors provide these two beasts of Revelation 13 as the mark of the beast for those who us with a good preview of what lies symbols of the papacy and Protestant comply. Also during this period the ahead, we need to guard against America respectively. According remnant church gives the loud cry overinterpretation; it would be a to Revelation 13, sometime in the in latter-rain power and experiences mistake to suppose that we know future apostate Protestantism will the shaking, the sealing, and true exactly how, when, and in what order call upon the world to worship the revival. No chronological sequence future events will unfold. first beast, that is, be obedient to the for these events in the church is papacy by the observance of Sunday, provided by the Bible or Ellen White. Outline of last-day events the first day of the week, in place Many of them may occur in parallel, Central to Seventh-day Adventist of the seventh-day Sabbath of the but certainly they occur before the eschatology are the events described Bible.2 This Sunday legislation will decree of Revelation 22:11 is issued in Revelation 12–14. Chapter 12 eventuate in a death decree for those and the great time of trouble begins. outlines, in brief, the history of the who refuse to accept the mark of the While no specific time frame is given Christian church from the first cen- beast. But before the death decree for these events, we are told that tury a.d. to the time of the end, when can be carried out, Christ will come “the final movements will be rapid Satan makes war on the remnant to deliver His people. ones.”5

MINISTRY 18 AUGUST 2011 Revival and reformation Thus, we are able to understand at its close for the ripening of the in the church better Paul’s words, that “the com- harvest.”10 A thorough revival and reforma- ing of the lawless one is according This promise is for us today, not tion prepares the church for final to the working of Satan, with all just for the future; but we have to be events and the giving of the loud cry. power, signs, and lying wonders” ready to receive it, by seeking the There will be a “revival of primitive (2 Thess. 2:9). Lord in humility and, through the godliness” such “as has not been Turning to Revelation 7, which power of the Holy Spirit, purifying witnessed since apostolic times,”6 also refers to the end time, the ourselves from all that is displeasing including miracles of healing and winds of trouble are held back to Him.11 genuine conversions.7 Satan will until God’s people are sealed and The message of the fall of endeavor to prevent this revival: prepared for the time of trouble. This Babylon, given by the second angel

By the time Christ announces probation’s close with the words found in Revelation 22:11, God’s people will already have been sealed and will be protected from the plagues poured out during the great time of trouble, just as ancient Israel was protected from the plagues that fell upon Egypt.

The enemy of souls desires to hin- “is not any seal or mark that can be (Rev. 14:8), is repeated in the mes- der this work; and before the time seen, but a settling into the truth, sage of the angel in Revelation for such a movement shall come, both intellectually and spiritually, so 18:1–4. The work of this angel joins he will endeavor to prevent it by they cannot be moved.”9 “in the last great work of the third introducing a counterfeit. In those angel’s message as it swells to a churches which he can bring The latter rain and loud cry loud cry.”12 under his deceptive power he will Just as the apostolic church make it appear that God’s special received the early rain at Pentecost, The early time of blessing is poured out; there will so the remnant will receive the latter trouble and the mark of be manifest what is thought to be rain, enabling it to finish the work of the beast great religious interest. Multitudes proclaiming the everlasting gospel Before the close of probation, will exult that God is working (Joel 2:23, 28, 29). there will come a time of trouble marvelously for them, when the “As the ‘former rain’ was given, for the world and for the church. work is that of another spirit. in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Political, financial, and social prob- Under a religious guise, Satan will the opening of the gospel, to cause lems will increase (Luke 21:25). Ellen seek to extend his influence over the upspringing of the precious White refers to this time in Early the Christian world.8 seed, so the ‘latter rain’ will be given Writings: “At the commencement

MINISTRY 19 AUGUST 2011 Gerhard Pfandl of the time of trouble, we were filled religious liberty, shall unite with the trees. When they are already bud- with the Holy Ghost as we went papacy in forcing the conscience and ding, you see and know for forth and proclaimed the Sabbath compelling men to honor the false yourselves that summer is now near. more fully.” Later on in the book she sabbath, the people of every country So you also, when you see these explains further: “ ‘The commence- on the globe will be led to follow her things happening, know that the ment of that time of trouble,’ here example.”19 “Many a star that we kingdom of God is near’ ” (Luke mentioned does not refer to the time have admired for its brilliancy will 21:29–31). Ellen White reminds us: when the plagues shall begin to be then go out in darkness.” One reason “Our position has been one of wait- poured out, but to a short period just for this apostasy will be “threatened ing and watching, with no before they are poured out, while imprisonment, and death.”20 time-proclamation to intervene Christ is in the sanctuary. At that Ellen White even beheld Satan between the close of the prophetic time, while the work of salvation saying, “When death shall be made periods in 1844 and the time of our is closing, trouble will be coming the penalty of violating our sabbath, Lord’s coming. We do not know the on the earth, and the nations will then many who are now ranked day nor the hour, or when the defi- be angry, yet held in check so as with commandment keepers will nite time is, and yet the prophetic not to prevent the work of the third come over to our side.” 21 Since reckoning shows us that Christ is at angel.”13 there will be no changing of sides the door.”26 There will also be a shaking after the close of probation, the among God’s people “caused by test involving a death threat must, 1 Unless otherwise noted, all scriptures in this article are from the New King James Version. the straight testimony” of the True therefore, come before the close of 2 The highest, truest form of worship is obedience (1 Sam. Witness to Laodicea 14 and the probation.22 Regarding the mark of 15:22). 3 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, CA: introduction of false theories. Many the beast, we are told the following: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1950), 425. Adventists will ultimately leave the “When Sunday observance shall 4 See Donald Ernest Mansell, The Shape of the Coming Crisis: 15 A Sequence of End-time Events Based on the Writings of church because they are not fully be enforced by law, and the world Ellen G. White (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1998), converted and have come to view shall be enlightened concerning 31n4. religious matters “in nearly the same the obligation of the true Sabbath, 5 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), 9:11. 16 light” as the world. then whoever shall transgress the 6 White, The Great Controversy, 464. The image to the beast will be command of God, to obey a precept 7 White, Testimonies for the Church, 9:126. 8 White, The Great Controversy, 464. formed when the Protestant churches which has no higher authority than 9 Ellen G. White Comments, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible in America unite with the state to use that of Rome. . . . [These] will thereby Commentary, vol. 4 (Washington, DC: Review and Herald, 1978), 1161. its power to enforce their decrees and accept the sign of allegiance to 10 White, The Great Controversy, 611. sustain the institutions of the church. Rome—‘the mark of the beast.’ ”23 11 White, Testimonies for the Church, 6:50, 51. 12 Ellen G. White, Early Writings (Washington, DC: Review Then “there will be a national apos- The close of probation marks the and Herald Pub. Assn., 1945), 277. See also, Ellen G. White, tasy which will end only in national end of Christ’s ministry in heaven. Selected Messages, bk. 2 (Washington, DC: Review and Herald ruin.”17 Then, “as the crowning act in The work of investigation and judg- Pub. Assn., 1958), 118. 13 White, Early Writings, 33, 85, 86. the great drama of deception, Satan ment will then be finished, and 14 Ibid., 270. himself will personate Christ.”18 This “the door of mercy” for the world 15 White, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1962), 112; 24 throws light on Jesus’ words that “ ‘if will be forever shut. By the time White, Testimonies for the Church, 4:89. possible, even the elect’ ” would be Christ announces probation’s close 16 White, The Great Controversy, 608. 17 Ellen G. White Comments, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible deceived (Matt. 24:24). with the words found in Revelation Commentary, vol. 7 (Washington, DC: Review and Herald, Ever since Constantine, in a.d. 22:11, God’s people will already have 1980), 976. 321, issued the first Sunday law, been sealed25 and will be protected 18 White, The Great Controversy, 624. 19 White, Testimonies for the Church, 6:18; emphasis added. there have been Sunday laws in exis- from the plagues poured out during 20 Ibid., 5:81. tence in many countries as well as the great time of trouble, just as 21 White, Testimonies to Ministers, 473. 22 Her position is also made clear by Ellen G. White in America. But many of these were ancient Israel was protected from the Comments, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, limited in extent and focused primar- plagues that fell upon Egypt. 7:976: “The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes; for it is to be ily, if not exclusively, on commercial the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal activities. Revelation 13 predicts Conclusion destiny will be decided. . . . [Rev. 13:11–17 quoted.] . . . This is the test that the people of God must have before they are that future Sunday legislation will Seventh-day Adventist eschatol- sealed.” Revelation 13:11–17 includes the death decree. be national, even international, and ogy follows the historicist method of Thus, Ellen White in this statement places the death threat that such decrees will include reli- prophetic interpretation. While the again before the close of probation. 23 White, The Great Controversy, 449. gious observances: “All the world precise order of future events has not 24 Ibid., 428. marveled and followed the beast” been clearly revealed, we know the 25 White, Testimonies for the Church, 5:212. 26 Ellen G. White, MS 816, in Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 (Rev. 13:3). Ellen White elaborates time of the Lord’s coming is near. (Silver Spring, MD: Ellen G. White Estate, 1990), 270; Letter on this: “As America, the land of “ ‘Look at the fig tree, and all the 38, 1888.

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

MINISTRY 20 AUGUST 2011 Kayle de Waal Kayle de Waal, PhD, is lecturer in New Testament studies, Avondale College, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia.

The motif of way in Luke and Acts (Part 2 of 2)

esus met most people on the June 2011), I looked at the motif of as the “ground plan” for Acts. 4 It road. All the Gospels portray way in Mark and suggested that reads, “ ‘But you will receive power Jesus on a continual road Mark uses the term to point to the when the Holy Spirit comes on Jtrip—God in action—urgently death of Jesus and what it means to you; and you will be my witnesses making a way to reach us. Along the be a disciple of Christ. In this article, in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and way, Jesus encountered women I will look at Luke’s creative use of Samaria, and to the ends of the broken by disease; a boy and a the motif. earth’ ” (emphasis added). girl, whose young lives have been First, the notion of witness, snatched away from their loved Isaiah’s new exodus in so dominant in the narrative of ones; women caught in questionable Luke and Acts Acts (1:22; 2:32; 3:15; 5:32; 10:39; activities; hope-deprived people; and What immediately becomes 13:31), is, in all likelihood, drawn disease-riddled men. Even though clear from Luke 3:4–6 is that Luke in part from Isaiah 43:10 and 44:8. the way symbolically portrays Jesus’ has a longer version of the quotation Yahweh had called His people to journey to the Cross, which is the from Isaiah than Mark. Luke adds be His witnesses in the world. They act of salvation, those people along the phrase “and all mankind will had failed in this regard and Jesus, the way really mattered to Jesus. see God’s salvation,” not just to the Servant of Yahweh, had taken So He stopped, listened, cared, and emphasize the universal nature of on this failure and succeeded in healed along the way that led to his Gospel, but also as an important beautifully portraying the character Calvary. Jesus demonstrated that theme that, indeed, pervades both of God, witnessing to His love and the journey is as important as the his Gospel and Acts. This exten- justice. Now Jesus had shared destination. When Luke introduced sion highlights the importance of this witnessing ministry with His Jesus to the world, he quoted the the Gentile mission for Luke and disciples.5 Second, the phrase “to prophet Isaiah: “ ‘A voice of one also serves to unify God’s writings. the ends of the earth” in Acts 1:8 calling in the desert, / “Prepare the Furthermore, this extended quota- alludes to Isaiah 8:9; 48:20; 49:6; way for the Lord, / make straight tion points to the fact that Luke’s and 62:11. The closest in context to paths for him. / Every valley shall writings should not be read apart Acts 1:8 is Isaiah 49:6, which reads, be filled in, / every mountain and from the wider context of Isaiah “ ‘I will also make you a light for the hill made low. / The crooked roads 40–55.2 To support this assertion, Gentiles, / that you may bring my shall become straight, / the rough let us look at the beginning, middle, salvation to the ends of the earth’ ” ways smooth. / And all mankind and closing of Luke and Acts. Luke (emphasis added). Paul alluded to will see God’s salvation” ’ ” (Luke 1:17, “ ‘to make ready a people this text from Isaiah in Acts 13:47 3:4–6).1 God worked a highway prepared for the Lord,’ ” and Luke and Acts 26:23, more or less in the construction project through Jesus 1:76, “ ‘for you will go on before middle and end of the narrative of by making a road straight through the Lord to prepare the way for Acts.6 Luke begins and ends both the desert of our sin, failure, and Him’ ” contain allusions to Isaiah his Gospel and his story of the death. In a previous article (“The 40:3 (emphasis added).3 Acts 1:8 is church with allusions to Isaiah’s Way of the Cross in Mark’s Gospel,” regarded by many commentators new exodus.

MINISTRY 21 AUGUST 2011 Kayle de Waal

Luke’s travel narrative: be disgraced. / Therefore have I set earth, as outlined in Acts 1:8. Luke Jesus and the way my face like flint, / and I know I will also portrays the ministry of Jesus Luke 9:51–19:27 is generally not be put to shame,’ ” Luke once in Luke 4:17–19 in the context of acknowledged to be Luke’s “travel more keeps Isaiah’s new exodus in Isaiah’s new exodus, with allusions narrative,” or Jesus’ journey to the background as Isaiah 50:7 refers to Isaiah 61:1, 2. Jesus is a New Jerusalem.7 Luke prefaces this cen- to the ministry of the Servant, Jesus. Moses, who will lead His people tral section by referring to Jesus’ A subtle reference to both out of slavery to sin, Satan, and departure or exodus in Luke 9:30, 31. Malachi and Isaiah is found in Luke death. This deliverance will exceed This reads, “Two men, Moses and 9:52, which reads, “And he sent everything God has done in the past. Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, messengers on ahead, who went talking with Jesus. They spoke about into a Samaritan village to get things Discipleship and the way his departure, which he was about ready for him.” Notice that the dis- The disciples are little more than to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.” ciples are sent ahead of Jesus to stage props prior to Luke 9:51; how- Clearly then, the travel narrative is prepare the way for Him. The words ever, they appear more frequently depicted as the actual working out of Jesus’ exodus, where He will die on the cross in Jerusalem.8 Luke’s portrayal of the exodus theme here in Luke 9:31 has far greater implica- As we walk with Jesus, dig tions, just as Jesus is greater than Moses and Elijah, with whom He talks about His impending death. into His Word, serve and During the travel narrative, Luke uses the verb “to go” (poreuomai) (9:51–53; 10:38; 13:31, 33; 17:11; fellowship with other 19:28) and the noun road or way (hodos) (9:57; 10:4). Luke, like Mark, also has a theology of the way that Christians, and grow in leads to the Cross. An important variance emerges when one considers that Luke explic- our understanding of Jesus itly uses the term way in Acts (9:2; 16:17; 18:25, 26; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22) as an identity marker that and His plan of salvation, points to the early Christians. The early Christians are to live out, in the context of Lukan theology, the His love will become teachings and experience of Jesus as outlined and identified along His way in Luke 9:51–19:27. 9 In crazier and crazier. this way, Luke ingeniously follows Mark; for where Mark identifies the twelve disciples as traveling the way, Luke has the early Christians in Acts journey on the way as well. of Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3 have once the journey begins (Luke 10:23; There are three distinct and one been combined again and used 11:1; 12:1; 16:1; 17:1, 5; 18:15). 10 subtle reference to Jesus on the creatively by Luke. Luke also makes Luke makes an interesting connec- way to Jerusalem in the travel nar- reference to the way again in Luke tion between those that traveled with rative. Luke 9:51 reads, “As the time 13:22 and 17:11. Jesus is engaged Jesus and the theme of witness in approached for him to be taken up or attempts to engage in missionary Acts 13:31: “and for many days he to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out activity in each of these references, was seen by those who had traveled for Jerusalem.” Here again Luke specifically to the Samaritans. This with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. gives us a window into the heart is an indicator of the future ministry They are now his witnesses to our of Jesus to fulfill the plan set out of the church, which commences people.” The journey on the way for Him by His Father. By allud- its ministry in Jerusalem (Acts 1–7), serves as an identity marker for the ing to Isaiah 50:7, “ ‘Because the then progresses to Samaria (Acts early church and authenticates the Sovereign Lord helps me, / I will not 8–11), and finally to the ends of the witness of the disciples. For Luke,

MINISTRY 22 AUGUST 2011 God’s revelation is the revelation of a as Someone who has a deep abiding is continually in prayer (Luke 5:16; way, not just of the saving events of relationship with God, He stubbornly 11:1) and so are the disciples (Acts the Cross and the Resurrection, but carries out the practice of prayer. He 1:14; 4:24). John Stott suggests, also a revelation of Jesus’ ministry is utterly dependent on His Father for therefore, that the “contrasting that the disciples are called upon to sustenance, wisdom, and guidance. parallel [Luke] draws between his embody and emulate. Thus, Christian Contemporary disciples are called to two volumes was not between Christ witness was based on the testimony be people of prayer. Our resources, and his church, but between two of those constituted as witnesses contacts, and influence will amount stages of the ministry of the same by (1) their presence during Jesus’ to nothing if we are not a praying Christ.”11 Galilean ministry, (2) their following people. Importantly, the context of The way for Jesus ends at the Jesus on the trip to Jerusalem, and Luke 11:5–8 and 18:1–8 centers not Cross, while, for contemporary (3) their witnessing the Resurrection. on casual, routine prayer but deep, disciples, the way begins at the We are also on the way with persevering prayer. Prayer shapes Cross. There would-be disciples are Jesus, just as the early church. The us spiritually. confronted with the claims of Christ and see firsthand the richness and meaning of His sacrificial death and begin to understand, what Francis Chan calls, His “crazy love.”12 This As we walk with Jesus, dig crazy love impacts and transforms us into disciples of Jesus. Our exodus from the tyranny and power of sin into His Word, serve and begins at the Cross. This crazy love also sustains and nurtures us as we begin to walk with Jesus on the way. fellowship with other As we walk with Jesus, dig into His Word, serve and fellowship with other Christians, and grow in our Christians, and grow in understanding of Jesus and His plan of salvation, His love will become crazier and crazier. The way in Acts our understanding of Jesus is often used in relation to opposition and persecution. Jesus predicted in Luke that the disciples would be and His plan of salvation, persecuted and opposed because of the gospel.13 For example, the persecution of the disciples in His love will become Acts corresponds to the death of Jesus in Luke. Both Jesus and the disciples have the same opponents crazier and crazier. (Luke 22:4, 52; Acts 4:1; 5:21). Both Jesus and the disciples are questioned regarding the source of their authority (Luke 20:2; Acts 4:7). Jesus and the apostles are beaten experience of Jesus on His way will Along the way, Jesus also (Luke 22:63; Acts 5:40). Both appear be our experience as contemporary reminds the disciples that His Father before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66; disciples of Jesus as well. Luke’s way is more than willing to “give the Holy Acts 4:5, 7; 5:18–21).14 The disciples or travel narrative teaches a number Spirit to those who ask him” (Luke are therefore in continuity with Jesus of things about what it means to be 11:13). The Holy Spirit plays a central and His persecution and suffering. a disciple of Jesus. The first thing we role in Acts, as He empowers and However, the persecution related to can learn is that the journey in Luke motivates the disciples for service the motif of the way also provides outlines an itinerary of spiritual devel- and mission. In fact, Christ begins opportunity for God’s intervention opment; the journey reminds us that a His ministry full of the Spirit (Luke and triumph. Nothing the authorities resolute purpose remains as a funda- 4:1) and so do the disciples (Acts can do can stop the growth of the mental characteristic of the spiritual 2:1–4). Christ is continually filled church. Even after the disciples are life. The journey is marked for Jesus with the Spirit (Luke 4:18) and so arrested, the number of believers by prayer (Luke 11:1; 18:1). Portrayed are the disciples (Acts 2:18). Christ climbs to 5,000.15

MINISTRY 23 AUGUST 2011 Kayle de Waal

The motif of way is all- translate their faith. Above all, Jesus Eerdmans, 1988), 36. 6 Ernst Haenchen, The Acts of the Apostles: A Commentary, rev. encompassing—prophetic, has walked the way before us and is trans. R. McL. Wilson (Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1971), 143n9. soteriological, Christological, and the Source of our joy and encourage- 7 Darrell L. Bock, Luke, The NIV Application Commentary ecclesiological. ment. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996), 282. 8 Robert H. Stein writes, “This is the city of Jesus’ destiny (Luke 9:22). It is central to Luke’s view of God’s plan in that his Gospel also begins (1:9) and ends there (24:53). The motif of way Furthermore, Acts also begins in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4), and it soon becomes the center of the church (8:1, 14; 15:1-2) with Paul returning to Jerusalem after every missionary journey.” The Gospel of Mark The death of Jesus / discipleship Luke, The New American Commentary, vol. 24 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), 298. 9 J. A. Fitzmyer writes, “The travel account, therefore, The Gospel of Luke The ministry and death of Jesus / discipleship becomes a special device used by Luke for the further training of these Galilean witnesses. . . . The travel account becomes, then, a collection of teachings for the The book of Acts The ministry and identity of the early church young missionary church, in which instruction of disciples alternates with debates with opponents.” The Gospel characterized by opposition and persecution According to Luke I-IX, The Anchor Bible, vol. 28 (Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1981), 826. 10 Joel B. Green, The Theology of the Gospel of Luke, New The time is ripe to recover the Testament Theology (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995), 103. 1 All scripture passages in this article are from the New term way for Christianity and disci- 11 John R. W. Stott, The Message of Acts, The Bible Speaks International Version. Today (Leicester: InterVarsity Press, 1990), 32. ples of the way for Christians. The 2 David W. Pao, Acts and the Isaianic New Exodus, Biblical 12 Francis Chan, Crazy Love (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Studies Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002), way designates a vibrant Spirit-filled Cook, 2008). 39, 40. 13 Scott Cunningham, “Through Many Tribulations”: The community, consumed with passion 3 Craig A. Evans, Luke, New International Biblical Theology of Persecution in Luke-Acts, Journal for the Study of Commentary (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1990), 34. for Jesus and living out its faith in a the New Testament, Supplement Series, vol. 142 (Sheffield: 4 Hans Conzelmann, Acts of the Apostles: A Commentary Sheffield Academic Press, 1997), 194. Cf. Luke 12:4 with Acts meaningful way. The adoption of the on the Acts of the Apostles, ed. Eldon Jay Epp, trans. 4:19; 5:29; Luke 12:8 with Acts 4:10; Luke 12:11; 21:12 with James Limburg, A. Thomas Kraabel, and Donald H. Juel term also implies that disciples of the Acts 5:30, 31; Luke 12:12; 21:15 with Acts 4:8. (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1987), 7. way will be opposed and persecuted 14 Ibid., 196. 5 F. F. Bruce, The Book of the Acts, The New International 15 Ibid., 199. for the radical way in which they Commentary on the New Testament, rev. ed. (Grand Rapids:

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

Break the CyCle of aBuse

Binding Up Bruised Reeds Breaking the Silence By Karen M. Flowers & Barbara Couden Hernandez Created by GC Women’s Ministries This Quick Reference Guide can help you become These seven brochures outline abuse and share part of a network of professional and community biblical proof on why abuse is wrong. Titles services available to respond to cases of family include “Has Your Child Been Abused?”, “Do You violence and child abuse and neglect. Together Know Someone Who Is Abused? You Can Help” there is strength to bring justice, and more. healing, and hope where there was once only despair. Catalog #630290 US$1.25/set *Individual brochures available. Catalog #351265 US$6.00 *Quantity discounts available.

Find more resources for abuse prevention at www.adventsource.org or call 800-328-0525.

one name • one number • one source

MINISTRY 24 AUGUST 2011 Bodil Morris Bodil Morris, RN, MSN, ARNP, is the director of health ministries at Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, Apopka, Florida, United States.

Extending Christ’s healing ministry: Nurturing health ministries in your church

am not a pastor. I am a nurse the good news of the kingdom. We programs, and the communications practitioner and a volunteer preach sermons, present seminars team informed the community about health ministry leader. I am on Bible topics, and give Bible stud- various health programs. While it Iconvinced that God wants to ies. All of these activities have their is not always necessary for the extend the healing ministry of Christ places, but this proclamation should pastor to lead out in these health through our churches to our local never displace an intentional focus outreach activities, pastoral support communities. on extending the healing ministry is essential to start a health ministry In recent years, I have been privi- of Christ. program. leged to be a part of the flourishing Jesus spent more time in healing You may have individuals in your health ministry team at the Forest than preaching. He healed simply congregation who are just waiting Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church because there was a need and He to be asked to use their gifts and in Apopka, Florida. Our community expected nothing in return. Once talents in extending the healing outreach has grown exponentially, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only ministry of Christ. For example, I and the healing ministry of Christ has one returned to give thanks (Luke am not comfortable leading out in a touched thousands of lives. I have 17:11–19). This, however, did not Bible study seminar, but as a health a dream to see this kind of vibrant cause Him to slow down His healing care provider, I am able and willing church-based health ministry extend ministry. We are called to follow to participate in health ministries. If the healing ministry of Christ around the example of Jesus: our healing you neglect these potential health the world. The purpose of this article ministry depends on the need, not leaders, they will either remain pas- is to share five essential components on how others may respond. In this sive observers or move to another that will ensure flourishing church- way, we will build bridges of com- congregation where their gifts will be based health ministries. passion to individuals and families recognized and appreciated. in our communities. Component 1: Vision Component 3: A flourishing health ministry Component 2: Pastoral Professional support needs a clear vision. Why make the support While pastoral support is a vital effort and personal sacrifice to extend Pastoral support is essential for component for a vibrant health min- the healing ministry of Christ in our an ongoing health ministry in the istry, most pastors are not trained as community? The answer is simple: local church. Several years ago, health care professionals or health Jesus has given us a clear ministry I sensed God’s call to extend the educators. Professional support assignment to heal the sick and healing ministry of Christ in my is needed. Many health care pro- proclaim the good news of the king- church family and in our community. fessionals are eager to extend the dom. Traditionally, we have focused I received excellent and ongoing healing ministry of Christ if someone almost exclusively on the second support from the pastoral staff. They will take the lead. For example, a half of this assignment—proclaiming actively promoted health ministry member of our congregation decided

MINISTRY 25 AUGUST 2011 Bodil Morris to launch a monthly health-education volunteers are not even professing just concluded its third annual program called “Take Charge of Your Christians, but they are inspired health fair. More than 400 indi- Health.” She was able to recruit a by this intentional commitment to viduals attended the fair and Christian physician who was a gifted extend the healing ministry to those attendance grows every year. communicator to present topics in need. Other service-oriented orga- We needed more space for the of interest related to maximizing nizations like Rotary Clubs or Lions health fair this year, so we rented health: understanding heart disease, Clubs may come to your assistance a gym at a local school. weight loss, vitamin D, avoiding as well. • I encouraged several members Alzheimer’s disease, and so on. of our team to attend a training These monthly lectures have been Component 4: Resources session for those struggling with very well received both by church A major hurdle for some who addictions. This was presented members and visitors. They were want to extend Christ’s healing at the NAD Health Summit in filmed and posted on our church ministry in their communities can 2009, and recently we hosted the Web site, http://healthministriesflc be a lack of up-to-date resources. Adventist Regeneration Ministry .org, for those who were not able to Most potential volunteers do not Sabbath at our church. Visit www

Jesus has given us a clear ministry assignment to heal the sick and proclaim the good news of the kingdom.

attend in person. If one physician or have the time to develop their own .adventistrecovery.org for more health care provider were assigned health education materials. I quickly information. Our church now hosts full responsibility for this “Take learned that an important part of my Alcoholics Anonymous and Al- Charge of Your Health” program, it work as a health ministry director Anon meetings once a week, and would be overwhelming. However, if was to identify useful resources volunteers are actively involved in a coordinator does the groundwork, and encourage potential leaders to this ongoing outreach to people the busy physician or health care attend the necessary training events. struggling with addictions in our provider will be more than willing to church and community. devote one to two hours to make the • Our health ministry team • A number of our volunteers presentation. attended the North American decided to attend a CREATION Some might express concern that Division (NAD) Health Summits Health training event. CREATION there are no health care profession- in Orlando, Florida, in 2009 Health is an excellent health als within their local congregation and 2010. The Health Summits education resource produced to offer professional support, but included many training oppor- by Florida Hospital (www you will find it is possible to solicit tunities and presented helpful .creationhealth.tv). Participants local health care professionals in resources for health ministries. are inspired to strive to make the community to volunteer their They are open for all interested healthy choices and improve services. For example, at the Forest personnel to learn various their health. A trained presenter Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, ways of involvement in health uses up-to-date motivational we operate a free medical clinic. A ministries. (See the sidebar for DVDs and PowerPoint slides. number of the primary health care upcoming health ministry train- This program is offered at various providers (physicians and nurse ing events.) times throughout the year in practitioners), nurses, interpreters, • One of our health ministry team different settings. We have held and support staff who volunteer volunteers attended a training CREATION Health events for the at the free medical clinic are not session on how to conduct a whole church and for smaller members of our local church. Some health fair. As a result, our church groups in a classroom setting.

MINISTRY 26 AUGUST 2011 v

A Summit on Abuse sponsored by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, and Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Division of Forensic Pediatrics

BreAk tHe SiLeNCe ABoUt ABUSe

October 15-17, 2011 • Loma Linda University (Follows the Conference on emotional Health and Wellness sponsored by the General Conference of SDA)

Attendees include: Featured Speakers: • Pastors and Church keynote speaker Chris Bradford Darriel Hoy, Cohort, Program on Domestic Violence, administrators Pastor, Central States Conference University of Colorado Denver • Medical personnel Claudio & Pamela Consuegra René Drumm • School administrators Family Ministries director and Dean, School of Social Work, and teachers associate director, NAD Southern Adventist University Sabbath school and • Katia Reinert Health Ministries director, North Annie Perez youth leaders Health psychologist American Division (NAD) • Lay persons Heather-Dawn Small Kiti Freier-Randall General Conference Women’s Pediatric Psychologist Ministries Director

Kent A. Hansen Doug Tilstra Legal Counsel for Loma Linda Professor, School of religion, University Southern Adventist University

Visit www.nadwm.org/SummitOnAbuse for more information

MINISTRY 27 AUGUST 2011 Bodil Morris

• The Coronary Health Improve- who have attended health educa- sustained long term. Conducting a ment Project (CHIP) offers annual tion programs offered by your local health education program requires a training conferences. Several church. For example, those who significant commitment of time and teams from our church have have attended a CHIP program might energy. Your volunteers need to know attended, and, as a result, we be interested in a monthly “Take that they are appreciated. Affirmation currently hold CHIP programs Charge of Your Health” lecture or a is often quite inexpensive but highly several times each year. This monthly vegetarian cooking class. valued. A handwritten note, a gift comprehensive program helps Some who attended the “Depression certificate to a local restaurant, a people reverse disease with diet, Recovery” seminar might want to join beautiful plant—these are just a few exercise, and lots of support. For the Witness 4 Fitness group exercise ways you can say thank you to your more information, go to www activity, which includes both physical volunteers. Follow-up support for .chiphealth.com. and spiritual elements. Choosing a leaders can also happen at leadership • We have recently added “In healthy lifestyle does not consist of dinners and group activities. Step for Life,” a North Ameri- a onetime decision. Those who have If your local church has not yet can Division health initiative. attended health ministries through developed a vibrant health ministry Anyone can participate. The your local church need additional program, perhaps the time has come goal includes encouraging support. They need follow-up. Your for you to think of starting one, and each individual to take 10,000 volunteers also need follow-up if the you will reap rich rewards both within steps a day. The leader of this health ministry programs are to be the church and in the community. ministry exhibits enthusiasm and motivation to help others improve their health by moving more. For guidelines, go to http:// www.adventistsinstepforlife Resources .org/article.php?id=38. • The next NAD Health Summit is scheduled for January 27–Feb- ruary 5, 2012, in Orlando, Florida, United States. The event is Your church may not have all open to all who are interested in health ministries. Visit www the resources or personnel needed .nadhealthministries.org for more details. to have as large a health ministry as ours in Florida. But if you have the • Ministries of Health and Healing: A Handbook for Health Ministries vision and the commitment, you can Leaders, Educators and Professionals, 2nd ed. (Lincoln, NE: do what you can. As far as resources AdventSource, 2002) is an excellent resource for a health ministry are concerned, your local conference team. Compiled by DeWitt S. Williams, Kay Kuzma, and Leo R. or union health ministry personnel will Van Dolson, this handbook contains contributions from more than also be able to help you. 45 health professionals. Of course, any new ministry will • For a seminar on how to forgive when forgiveness seems tough, involve costs. But where a viable plan see “Forgive to Live” by Dick Tibbits, www.forgivetolive.net. exists with committed leadership, means can be found to further the • PositiveChoices.com offers a free monthly newsletter (http:// aims of health ministry. In the long www.positivechoices.com/healthbites) featuring short, easy- run, I have found that most of these to-understand articles on current health topics. To get your free health ministries are self-funding. copy with your church’s name personalized on the issue, log in Attendees value the excellent materi- and download the current issue, print, fold, and distribute it to als that they receive and would rather your group. make a modest contribution to learn • A complete training kit to address the challenge of childhood how to stay healthy or improve their obesity is available at http://floridahospitalpublishing.com/shop. health than spend vast amounts in a This training program is based on the work of Sherri Flynt, hospital or other health care facility. coauthor of SuperSized Kids: How to Rescue Your Child From the Component 5: Follow-up Obesity Threat. In order to have a flourishing • CREATION Health seminars are currently available in English and health ministry outreach in your Spanish. To learn more about online training opportunities through local church, you need follow-up. CREATION Health University, visit www.creationhealth.tv. That follow-up has twin foci. First, you need to follow-up with those

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

MINISTRY 28 AUGUST 2011 DATELINE

The Gulf Field president, unprecedented number of locals Miracle in the Michael Collins, called the gath- were elected to field and union desert ering “a foretaste of heaven” as positions, making this session he welcomed the dignitaries, del- a milestone in the history of the as al-Khaimah, United Arab egates, and honorable guests. The church in the Middle East. REmirates—For the first time in afternoon inauguration was also [Clement Arkangelo, tedNEWS] history, the Seventh-day Adventist attended by representatives of His Church owns a building in the Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Persian Gulf region. Some called it al-Qasimi, ruler of Ras al-Khaimah historic, but George Mathew, the and Supreme Council member. Kjell elder of Ras al-Khaimah Seventh-day Aune extended a word of apprecia- Adventist Church, called seeing the tion to His Highness for the piece reorganization of the Gulf Section of land graciously granted to the into a field and the inauguration church. of the new Seventh-day Adventist On Sunday, May 22, the Middle One family to donate Church Center in Ras al-Khaimah, East Union Session began, ending 500,000 books United Arab Emirates (UAE), a on Monday evening. During the miracle. sessions, Sudan was reorganized n Indonesia, Seventh-day The building has church facili- into three fields. The former South IAdventists have the practice of ties for about 1,000 people, welcoming and closing the offices, apartments, and Sabbath with family worship. guest rooms. God blessed Some time ago, I was in West through not only securing Indonesia on a Sabbath. As the permission and funding it came time to close the for the construction of the Sabbath, I visited the family church premises, but also of a church member who when, on May 20, 2011, owns the largest printing under the leadership of press in Indonesia, among Kjell Aune, president of the other business interests. Middle East Union, the Gulf This dear brother prints the Section was reorganized textbooks for the public into a field and held its first schools in Indonesia and is session. very supportive of the work On Saturday, of the church. May 21, 2011, After the worship in before the inaugura- this brother’s lovely home tion of the building, Sudan Field terri- in Jakarta, we had a conversa- Bertil Wiklander, tory, as proposed, tion about two things: printing The the president of was renamed the Great Controversy in the Indonesian the Trans-European Greater Equatoria language and also printing Bible Division, delivered Field, while the textbooks for our elementary and a heartwarming Sudan Field remains high schools in Indonesia. message on revival and reforma- as the Sudan Field. A new field After explaining the project to tion, based on Micah 6:6–8, to the was created in the northern part of this family, they agreed to print, as a audience of delegates of the Gulf South Sudan, with the proposed gift to the church, 500,000 copies of Field session, the Middle East Union name of Greater Upper Nile Field, The Great Controversy in its classic session, and a number of visitors— which covers five states and the version. Praise God! where approximately 1,000 people northern part of Jonglei State. The [Albert C. Gulfan, Great Controversy were in attendance. headquarters will be in Malakal. An Project News]

MINISTRY 29 AUGUST 2011 RESOURCES

developed out of the Millerite move- seeing the church changing from William Miller ment, have not, becomes instructive a movement to an organizational and the Rise of and sobering. giant, expending more and more of by George All the main characters who its resources on maintaining itself at Adventism, supported, and in some measure, the expense of its mission. R. Knight, Nampa, ID: resisted Miller, are discussed objec- He laments that few in the Pacific Press Publishing tively. The man himself is set before church appear to have the perceptive us with his greatness and failings. grasp of what is required to recover Association, 2010. One’s admiration of William Miller the vibrant vision that initially ener- can only grow when seen in the light gized, maintained, and motivated the of his achievements. I do not think church until the end of the twentieth bought this book believing it to a more useful and compre - century. Ibe a new book by George Knight, hensive portrayal of Miller, the only to discover this manuscript is Millerite movement he created, a reprint of his Millennial Fever and and its aftermath is presently the End of the World. Nevertheless, I available.

Though the author writes as a historian, and this is desirable and commendable, one catches a sense that behind the history lies an intervening hand.

appreciate having this book available The contents of the book again and find it indispensible for are arranged into three cat- anyone who wants to know and egories: (1) Moving Toward the Year I find it encouraging to see understand the background of the of the End, (2) The Year of the End, this important book available again. world out of which the Seventh-day and (3) Moving Away From the Year The document is thought provoking, Adventist Church came. of the End. In this last section, Knight possessing the possibility of chal- Though the author writes as articulates some of his concerns lenging and stimulating leaders and a historian, and this is desirable for the future of the Seventh-day members to enlarge and expand and commendable, one catches Adventist Church. He sees three their thinking of our heritage and a sense that behind the history concerns that are dangerous to the how we can individually and collec- lies an intervening hand. His quite future of the church: complacency, tively recapture the vision of a detailed analysis of how and why which has created a loss of urgency finished work. the Seventh-day Adventist Church in witnessing; affluence, which has has grown, while the other various blunted faith in the actual imminent —Reviewed by Patrick Boyle, MA, a retired pastor groups, including Sabbatarians that return of Jesus; and bureaucracy, living in Watford, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

MINISTRY 30 AUGUST 2011 sdf VD.qxp:Campaign 2007 6/17/11 2:04 PM Page 1

™

Postcards

Yard Signs

8x4 Banner Imprintable Handbills

Messenger Banner 16x5.5 Banner

™

Poster Log onto: hopesource.com to Table Top Retractable Call: 1-800-274-0016 or 1-855-HOPESOURCE Banner view all the designs and Email: [email protected] www.hopesource.com supplies for Share Him

Special Discounted offer, Hamblin’s newly introduced Balanced Living Health Tracts, 24 tracts per set, available at discounted prices with Share Him orders. Develop friendships, trusts and confidence sharing these attractive Health Tracts, written by Dr. Vicki Griffin, Director of Lifestyle Matters, with guests and members. Perfect for handouts with Health Nuggets presented during evangelistic meetings. Call the 800 numbers or email for special discounted pricing with Share Him orders GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS®

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID 1350 N. KINGS ROAD • NAMPA, ID 83687-3193 Nampa, ID Permit No. 147 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Are You PrePAred to resPond to the Crisis of domestiC ViolenCe?

No More Excuses outlines a clear theology for pastors, elders, and church leaders on how the church should respond to people in abusive situations. As you read this book you will gain a better understanding of what domestic violence does to individuals, couples, families, and the church, and learn how to help those whose relationships create this kind of suffering.

No More Excuses will help you:

• Learn how domestic violence and abuse is perpetuated in Christian homes and religious institutions. • Explore texts used out of context to justify abuse. • Respond appropriately and effectively to victims and perpetrators. • Discover resources that can help minimize and eradicate domestic violence and abuse.

This book is an essential guide for everyone who wants to be prepared to assist the families in their church and community.

Mable C. Dunbar, Ph.D., L.P.C. Mable Dunbar has a Ph.D. in Family Mediation, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, and Certified Domestic Violence Counselor. She is president of Women’s Healing and Empowerment Network and Women’s Ministries director, Family Life Educator, and director of the Counseling & Referral Center for the Upper Columbia Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Colin A. Dunbar, M.Div., D.Min. Pastor Colin Dunbar has served for over 30 years as a pastor, evangelist, church builder, and publishing and ministerial director. He has been an adjunct professor at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University and is a Certified Grief Recovery Counselor.

269 pages Catalog #630245 US$12.95 *Quantity discounts available.

Find more resources for abuse prevention at www.adventsource.org or call 800-328-0525.

one name • one number • one source