APRIL 2018
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PASTORS
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Published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Read by clergy of all faiths.
04 Letters Making the Seventh-day Adventist Editorial 06 International Bible Commentary: An 05 interview with Jacques B. Doukhan 24 Revival and Reformation Flavio Prestes III and Elmer A. Guzman 27 Resources The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary was 28 Dateline good—in its time. This interview delineates the need for a whole new look. 30 Practical Pointers
MINISTRY® INTERNATIONAL EDITORS The day-year principle International Journal for Pastors Chinese-Robert Wong 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, French-Bernard Sauvagnat Clifford Goldstein MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. Japanese-Masaki Shoji 10 www.ministrymagazine.org Korean-Soon Ki Kang The amazing day-year key can still unlock the prophecies [email protected] Portuguese (South America)-Wellington Barbosa EDITOR Russian-Michael Kaminsky of Daniel and Revelation. Pavel Goia Spanish (Inter-America)-Pablo Perla ASSOCIATE EDITOR Spanish (South America)-Marcos Blanco Jeffrey O. Brown INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS TO EDITOR ADVISORS The Editor Interviews H.M.S. Richards John Fowler, Clifford Goldstein, Ron Clouzet, Michael D. Collins, Myrna Tetz Daniel Devadhas, Carlos Hein, Patrick J. R. Spangler Johnson, Victor Kozakov, Geoffrey G. EDITORIAL SPECIALIST 14 Mbwana, Musa Mitekaro, Passmore Sheryl Beck “The Bible, Ellen White, preaching—and me.” A second Mulambo, Daniel Opoku-Boateng, FINANCE AND Hector Sanchez, Houtman Sinaga, Elias chance to read about a first-hand, first class relationship. TECHNOLOGY MANAGER Brasil de Souza, Ivan L. Williams, Ted John Feezer IV N. C. Wilson
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Ministry® has been published monthly since PRINTER Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., 1350 N. Kings Rd., Nampa, ID 83687 1928 by the Ministerial Association, General Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, Idaho. Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.® (ISSN 0026-5314) Ministry is a peer-reviewed journal. Member of Associated Church Press. Adventist®, Seventh-day Adventist®, and SECRETARY Jerry N. Page Ministry® are the registered trademarks BIBLE CREDITS Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version. Scripture quotations marked MEV are scripture taken from the Modern English Version. of the General Conference Corporation of Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, ASSOCIATE SECRETARIES Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked NIV® are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW Seventh-day Adventists®. INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture marked NKJV is taken from the New King James Jonas Arrais, Jeffrey Brown, Robert Costa, Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © Vol. 90, No. 4 © 2018 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Pavel Goia, Anthony Kent, Janet Page PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
www.ministrymagazine.org LETTERS
Evangelism—old answer; making them question what suggestion at a board meeting that we commission, new methods? they believe, so they can look for more preach “Jesus Only.” Is He not the only r. Parker, thank you for publish- information in the Bible), our evangelistic thing we have to preach? Do not all the Ding the results of this study (“Does meetings would likely be more effective. teachings of Holy Scripture center in Him evangelism still work?” Alan Parker, —Jorge Morales, by email and Him alone? Is He not the only one August 2017). The conclusions are very who forgives sin and redeems? Is He consistent with my thesis on evange- Evangelism—Jesus only? not the only one that we await to come lism in a postmodern culture that you have just read the August 2017 issue in the clouds of heaven? Is He not the advised me on back in 2010–2012. Good Iof Ministry, and in particular the article be-all and end-all of everything we pro- to see that you are continuing your own by Jason Morgan entitled “Adventist claim? May I suggest that if we preach personal work in the area of evangelism. Evangelism: Alive and Well.” The article Daniel and Revelation without Jesus as —Bryan Canter, by email raised several concerns for me. It appears the central focus, then we will become that in only 21 days, Jason Morgan was no more than a cult. Revelation is a am a pastor, and as I read this article able to “utterly disprove the experts” revelation of Jesus Christ. Our task is not Iit worries me that we are not reaching regarding evangelism in England. One to proclaim the teachings of the Seventh- many young folks who are the future of would assume that the “experts” must day Adventist Church and our “unique our church. As the conclusion says, we be English pastors who have spent all perspective” on end time events—that need new strategies that would fit in their lives in evangelistic ministry in would make us a cult—but to expound this generation. In today’s world we are the country. In evangelistic outreach, the inspired word of Scripture and to surrounded by many college students, context is vitally important; and Jason uplift Jesus higher and higher in every- and colleges use a challenging method Morgan gives none. We can only hope thing. Is it Jesus only? Yes, it is! My heart to make the students learn and ask ques- and pray that this fantastic experience leaps at the thought of Jesus only—and tions. I believe if we adapt this method can be replicated all over England, may it ever be. (asking questions, getting the minds among every segment of society. —Pastor Alan Conroy, retired English pastor/ of those who are listening to think for My second concern relates to Jason evangelist (40 years’ service in England), now themselves, instead of giving them the Morgan’s broken heart regarding the residing in Canada
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Ministry® APRIL 2018 EDITORIAL PAVEL GOIA
Pavel Goia, DMin (ABD), is editor of Ministry.
This is for my good—really?
any years ago, my wife, As we look back, we now know that life. The very events we envision as a Daniela, and I ran a very prof- God was in control the whole time. He crisis, God uses for our benefit and to Mitable business in Romania. had a plan, and at every step, through prepare us for a life of service. We had a comfortable life, with all every detail, He was actually working Revelation 10 teaches us that there the necessary means, influence, and for our benefit. We learned more about is a distinctive, bittersweet identity that friends. Countless times we helped real faith, full surrender, and total those in need, assisted the church, and dependence on God. We also learned carried out charitable activities, and we to understand people in trials, to love were “humbly” proud of it. them, listen to them, care for them. We When God called us into pastoral experienced and learned to appreciate The very events ministry, we gave up the business, humility; genuine, persevering prayer; unusually large income, and comfort- and many other precious Christian we envision as a able life. We did that joyfully and in characteristics. faith, considering it a sacrifice for God. In the same manner and on a much crisis, God uses We said we had no merits, yet quietly larger scale, the Seventh-day Adventist regarded our sacrifice as an act of faith Church was born from what seemed for our benefit and considered ourselves prepared and to be a crisis. I cannot imagine the ready for service. We expected great disappointment of the pioneers. Giving and to prepare things to follow. up everything, preaching and believing us for a life of A few years later, through a series that the Second Coming was imminent, of unexpected circumstances, God led looking up with excitement and antici- service. us to the United States. This second pation for Jesus’ return, and yet, when sacrifice was greater for us than giving the expected period ended, they saw up the business—leaving our house, nothing happen. family, and friends and going to a new Nevertheless, what they consid- country, knowing extremely limited ered a crisis, a disappointment, not characterizes God’s church in the final English, without financial reserves or only developed them through crucial period of earth’s history. There is also support, on a student visa. We had no lessons but was the very means God a distinctive identity that characterizes friends; no money for food, clothing, used for their salvation. The event that each of God’s children. While “the faith utilities, or other necessary things; and perplexed the pioneers actually marked of individual members of the church no car; shortly thereafter, we became the antitypical day of atonement—the will be tested as though there were very discouraged. I was especially beginning of the investigative judgment not another person in the world,”1 it is frustrated when I could not fully under- and of Jesus’ work as our Intercessor, also true that “God knows His people stand my teachers and classmates High Priest, and Advocate, the single perfectly, and He treats each one as while trying to learn Greek and Hebrew way to salvation. though there were not another person in English. Likewise, after the cross, the dis- for whom He gave His dear Son.”2 With very little food and many bills ciples considered Jesus’ death their It is the trials that make pure gold; to pay, we prayed desperately, yet there greatest crisis. But that was, in fact, the but God knows just how much we can was no immediate answer. We had greatest news and the very means God bear. And just as Jesus is preparing a given up everything, envisioned great used for their salvation. Without the place for us, even so He is preparing us things happening, yet we experienced cross there would have been no hope for that place. extreme disappointment. We could not for them or anybody else. In the Old understand what was going on or the Testament, the Day of Atonement—the 1 Ellen G. White, Last Day Events (Boise, ID: Pacific reason for it. Was God there, was He judgment day—was the best possible Press Pub. Assn., 1992), 260. working? There was no light or hope news. The sacrifice of the lamb was the 2 Ellen G. White, Steps to Jesus (Hagerstown, MD: in sight. single way to forgiveness and eternal Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1997), 100.
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APRIL 2018 Ministry® LEAD ARTICLE FLAVIO PRESTES III AND ELMER A. GUZMAN
Flavio Prestes III, MDiv, ThD candidate, serves as adjunct professor of biblical studies at the Adventist University of São Paulo, Brazil, and is assistant to the general editor of the Seventh-day Adventist International Bible Commentary. Elmer A. Guzman, PhD candidate, serves as adjunct professor of theology at Instituto Adventista Paranaense, Ivatuba, Paraná, Brazil.
Making the Seventh-day Adventist International Bible Commentary: An interview with Jacques B. Doukhan1
Elmer A. Guzman (EG): Welcome, Dr. theological scholars from all over the EG: What is the purpose of the Bible Doukhan. We understand that you world who are proficient in every area commentary? How should we read it? are general editor of the new Seventh- of expertise. day Adventist International Bible JD: The Bible commentary is primar- Commentary (SDAIBC), a project that Flavio Prestes III (FP): Could you com- ily a tool to aid in the understanding began in 2010 and is scheduled to be ment on the title Seventh-day Adventist of the Scriptures. While its reading completed in 2020. Why is a new Bible International Bible Commentary may, at times, be easy and interesting, commentary needed in the Seventh- (SDAIBC)? at other times it will be difficult and day Adventist Church, since we already demand more careful attention. As have one? JD: The title, Seventh-day Adventist the traditional SDABC stated, “A com- International Bible Commentary, is mentary is not a storybook, which may Jacques Doukhan2 (JD): As the Seventh- meant to denote more than just a con- be read for idle diversion and with no day Adventist Bible Commentary fessional identity. This name points concentration of mind. A commentary (SDABC) was produced some sixty-five both to the beginning and the end of the worth the name is a sober, serious work, years ago, it has become more and more canonical Scriptures. Seventh-day refers very literally a textbook.”3 Some may urgent to write a new commentary for at to the first page of the Bible, with the use this commentary in the classroom least three reasons. First, the world has Sabbath that crowned God’s creation as a textbook and read it from the changed, and men and women today and started human history. Adventist first page to the last. Most will use it face new philosophical and spiritual refers to the last page of the Bible, as a reference work and consult it to challenges. Second, the knowledge of with the Advent of the Lord that will address specific problems or because the Scriptures and its languages has conclude human history and bring the they are interested in particular biblical improved. New information and new life, glory, and peace of God’s presence. passages. technical skills have provided us with Carrying the two poles of Scriptures, new findings that illuminate and enrich the name Seventh-day Adventist is a FP: What is the target audience of this our reading of Scriptures. Third, the testimony to the totality of Scriptures commentary? Who will benefit the most church has changed. From an American and to its profound, unifying message. from these books? majority, it has now grown into an As for the word International, it testifies international community. For the first to the global identity of its writers JD: This commentary has, in my view, time in history, the Adventist Church as well as to the world the gospel is two kinds of readers. The first con- benefits from many trained biblical and designed to reach. sists of pastors, seminary students,
Ministry® APRIL 2018 theologians, and Bible teachers who of the text from within the particular EG: Besides being the general editor explain and expound the message of passage under study is accompanied for the SDAIBC series, you have been the Scriptures in a church or classroom. by the quest for further illumination a seminary professor for about forty The second group includes all those from the entire biblical context (Old years. You have also guided many doc- who are eager to understand the bibli- Testament and New Testament). Where toral dissertations. In your perception, cal text at a deeper level. Although the other commentators are quoted or what are some of the most important commentary has been worked out noted in the footnotes, this is done to skills people who want to serve God on the basis of the original Hebrew give the scholarly acknowledgment to should acquire during their academic and Greek texts, it is written so that it a piece of carefully investigated biblical training? may be read and understood without research or to appreciate a particularly any knowledge of these ancient lan- well-worded statement of a truth and JD: The most important skill is to study guages. However, when a reference to does not represent an endorsement the Word of this God they want to serve. the original language is needed to make or reliance on everything that author You cannot serve a Master efficiently or an argument, transliteration of the may have written. The speculations intelligently if you do not understand Hebrew or Greek word is provided. The and philosophical presuppositions the meaning of His Word, rightly and authors of this commentary have tried of the historical critical method and fully, and if you do not appreciate its as much as possible to remain simple its derived theories have been strictly beauty, depth, riches, and urgent rel- and clear in their presentation in order avoided. evancy. Unfortunately, in this world of to allow as many readers as possible communications and mass media, the to follow their explanation and argu- FP: What are some of the Seventh-day focus has increasingly shifted from the ment. Theological and spiritual lessons Adventist theological contributions to “what”—the content of the truth—to the along with practical applications are Christianity at large, which will be seen “how”—the means of communicating integrated within the commentary and in the new commentary series? What this truth. Little by little the noise of the presented as we proceed in the reading do you hope these contributions will human voice has covered, if not replaced, of the biblical text. For readers who accomplish? the voice of the divine Scriptures. desire more technical details, we have included discussion in the footnotes, JD: I hope that this commentary will FP: In many parts of the world, a great along with relevant bibliographical be read, appreciated, and respected by number of churches are anemic theo- information. other Christians and members of other logically and exegetically. The pulpit is religions. This project may be viewed as used to promote a variety of interests, EG: What is the approach used in this a strategic mission directed at the world but the exposition of the “Holy Text” commentary? How is it different from at large. I hope these commentaries will receives little attention. How could this other Bible commentaries, such as not only inform other Christians about be reversed? those which favor the historical critical the Adventist theology but will also method that de-emphasizes the divine convince many people of the validity, JD: Alas, you are right! This situation element in the Bible? respectability, and relevance of the may be observed in Adventist churches Seventh-day Adventist testimony of the as well as in many other Christian JD: The method followed in this com- Word of God. Thus, all the books of this denominations. Instead of sharing the mentary is that of the “close reading” commentary have been the object of Scriptures, the pulpit is used more and of the biblical text. This means that we intense scrutiny to ensure the correct- more to promote human vanity and have given careful attention to the bibli- ness and solidity of their theological cultural, or even political, agendas. cal text, to the way it speaks, involving a content and clarity of their expression. How can this be reversed? We study of its words, meaning, grammar, For Adventists, it is our hope that the need to revisit our priorities and have literary forms, literary structure, and reading of this commentary will not a conversion. This should not come theology. This approach arises out of only bring more information and clarity through administrative decrees. You do the conviction that God has acted in on a given problem or passage but that not solve a spiritual problem through history to inspire the biblical writers to it will strengthen, enrich, and deepen corporate power. Of course, we need convey His message through their own faith and be an incentive to go further in the power of the Holy Spirit, who will human words and literary expressions. the exploration of the Scriptures. More incite new interests and awaken our Thus, the text is studied against its importantly, for all, it is our prayer that sensitivities to His Word. Perhaps on historical background, not to determine the consultation of these commentaries our human level we should simply come the context out of which the text arose will empower the life of the reader and back to the Holy Text. but, rather, to understand the context bring him or her nearer to our Lord, the Ironically, we often spend more within which God communicated His very One who inspired their writing and time preaching about the need to study message. This quest for the meaning still speaks to us today. the Word of God than we do actually
APRIL 2018 Ministry® LEAD ARTICLE FLAVIO PRESTES III AND ELMER A. GUZMAN
studying it and letting it speak for (Daniel and Revelation), as well as denial of God. Both apocalyptic and itself. We should take care that our wisdom literature (Ecclesiastes and wisdom literature are important and sermons are Bible-centered, rather than Proverbs), not to mention your works should be taken together. self-centered. The sermon should be on Genesis. Why is it important for The need for this collaboration is an occasion for the glorification of the the Bible student to navigate many even testified in the book of Daniel, Author of the Word, not entertainment genres? And what are some traps that which combines both apocalyptic and or self-exaltation. The pastor often Adventists should avoid in their passion wisdom. Daniel is there described as speaks more about him- or herself for the apocalyptic? both an apocalyptic prophet and a than about God. Simply go with your wise man. Interestingly, it is the same members directly into the inspired Text JD: What defines Seventh-day Adventist combination that is present in the very and engage them in the journey and identity is this: embracing the com- name that defines our Seventh-day surprises of the Scriptures. prehensiveness of the Word of God. Adventist identity. “Adventist” signifies Seventh-day Adventism seems to be a longing for the kingdom of heaven in EG: Pastors, at times, perceive that their part of a dwindling body of believers the new creation, while “Seventh-day” academic training does not address that takes the whole Bible seriously— signifies an urge to experience the the issues of their local congregations. Old and New Testaments—recognizing kingdom in this creation. This is why In reaction to this disconnect, an inter- the same degree of inspiration in both the Seventh-day Adventist faith is esting trend among Evangelicals has Testaments. The whole Bible should not just about theological truths and developed, namely, the “pastor-theo- receive our equal attention. There are prophecies, which belong to apoca- logian,” one who can unite theory and times, however, when certain por- lyptic literature; it also concerns our practice. In light of this development, tions of the biblical text may be more lifestyle, the way we eat and drink how will the SDAIBC help pastors not relevant, depending on particular and work, and the way we think and only think deeply, but also make the moments in our lives or various periods behave in this world, which is the biblical text more relevant to pastoral in human history. domain of wisdom literature. practice? I have personally been drawn to the apocalyptic when I passed through EG: The Seventh-day Adventist JD: The commentaries will be helpful an experience of intense suffering and approach to hermeneutics has also not only in clarifying obscure passages needed to awaken and nurture my distinguished it from others. What is but in answering specific questions. hope. On the other hand, I was person- the key factor in our biblical herme- Hopefully, the SDAIBC will also assist ally attracted by wisdom literature neutics in this regard, and what has the pastor in his or her reading of the because of the depth of its thinking, been our greatest challenge (e.g., Bible: it will illuminate sermons and poetic beauty, and direct existential the grammatical-historical method, bring fresh meaning to Bible studies. relevancy. This dual interest can also the cosmic conflict, Christ-centered It will certainly strengthen his or her be observed in the course of history. It theodicy)? argument in the defense of the Word is not abnormal to find more interest of God and proclamation of the three in the books of Daniel or of Revelation JD: I think the method of biblical angels’ messages. in these days of trouble (and not only hermeneutics is important to establish The concept of “pastor-theologian” in the Seventh-day Adventist Church). clarity. I am not sure, however, that this is, indeed, an interesting one. Yes, Ellen White herself noted that “as we discussion is crucial everywhere and at we need more pastors who can think near the close of this world’s history, all times. Many good Christians are not deeply: who would not just maintain the prophecies recorded by Daniel even aware of these issues, and yet they the status quo but could inspire and demand our special attention, as they are near the Word of God. In my view, nurture their congregation with the relate to the very time in which we are the “key factor” in biblical hermeneu- bread of life. But we also need pastors living.”4 But this “special attention” tics is hardly found in any system—but to be humans in touch with the reality should not distract us from the rest of in the adventure of the sacred text itself. and complexity of the world, who are Scriptures. It would be theologically This may involve all of the above but sensitive to suffering and can relate to wrong and psychologically unhealthy also so much more. Another important people by loving them and being loved to just focus on apocalyptic. History key factor in the matter of biblical by them. So yes, the pastor (and the has shown that such an “obsession” interpretation is the application of the theology professor) should have both has produced mentally disturbed Word of God to our personal existence. perspectives, just as Jesus was the individuals and even dangerous crimi- There is a two-way process between the Great Rabbi and the Great Shepherd. nals. On the other hand, an excessive Scriptures and the reader. On the one attention to wisdom literature at the hand, the reading of the inspired text FP: You are well-known for your com- expense of the apocalyptic may foster will affect your person and life. On the mentaries on apocalyptic literature skepticism and ultimately lead to the other hand, the Spirit-led experience
Ministry® APRIL 2018 of continuous “conversion” will guide EG: How important is the book of best way to teach and communicate your quest for a right understanding of Genesis? the biblical message is with humility. the biblical text. Practically, this means to be attentive JD: The book of Genesis has been to the Word, dig into it, interrogate the FP: You have written the commentary called the most important book ever text, and let the text communicate to on Genesis, which has just been pub- written. Without the book of Genesis, you. Sharing it will then flow naturally, lished as the first book of the SDAIBC the Bible would be incomprehensible. with the Holy Spirit in charge of the series. How would you describe your Also, this book has shaped the three process. experience as the author of this par- major religions in our world (Judaism, ticular book? Islam, and Christianity) and signifi- EG: How do you personally read the cantly influenced world culture, art, Bible? JD: The experience of writing a com- music, literature, and philosophy more mentary on a text that comes from than any other book of the Bible. For JD: The Bible has been an essential another culture and another time, far Seventh-day Adventists, the book of part of my life from my earliest years. removed from us all, a text we believe Genesis is of great significance. It is Everything in the Bible speaks to me. I has been inspired by the infinite God noteworthy that nearly all Seventh-day read the Bible as a precious love letter of the universe, inevitably brings the Adventist beliefs are found in this book: that my personal Lord sent to me and potentially “arrogant” commentator the seventh-day Sabbath (Gen. 2:2, 3), the world. I want to search every corner to humility. This has been my personal the unity of human nature (1:26; 2:7), to make sure that I do not miss one bit. experience. Commenting on the book conditional immortality (2:17; 3:19), of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, the law of God (2:16; 26:4, 5), the great FP: How would you like Jacques which touches everything and is so controversy (3:15; 32:22–31), salvation Doukhan to be remembered? rich and complex and yet so personal (3:15), substitutionary atonement (3:15; and simple, has been a humbling and 22:1–19), the practice of tithe (14:20; JD: For the moment, I prefer to remem- exciting journey. 28:22), the ideal of a plant-based diet ber rather than to be remembered. Our first contact with this book (1:29, 30; 9:3), the distinction between is ambivalent. On the one hand we clean and unclean meats (7:2, 3; 8:20), 1 A version of this interview was first published in the March–April 2017 issue of Ministério, a sister marvel before the great God of the the meaning of baptism (1:1–3; cf. 1 Pet. publication of Ministry, published by the South universe who created this great mas- 3:21), the cosmic significance of the American Division. terpiece—our world—and gave life sanctuary doctrine (2:2; cf. Exod. 40:38), 2 Jacques Benjamin Doukhan was born in Constantine, to humans and came close to them, the Creation (1:1), the Trinity (1:2, 26; Algeria, in 1940. Along with his family, he moved to spoke with them, and tenderly cared 3:22; 18:2, 22), the responsibility of France in the early 1960s. There he received two bachelor’s degrees: theology (1967) and Hebrew for their personal needs. These are mission to the nations (4:26; 12:3), and language and literature (1970). In 1971 he received a astonishing stories of divine wonder the gift of prophecy (3:15; 20:6). The master’s degree and completed a doctorate in that convey lessons of ethics, faith, book of Genesis is therefore the ideal Hebrew through the University of Strasbourg, France, and hope. On the other hand, we place to start our study. in 1973. In 1974 he worked on a postdoctoral program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In stumble on sad and sordid stories 1978, he received a second doctorate in biblical about men and women of the flesh. FP: What would you like to say to pas- studies and systematic theology (ThD) from Andrews They are cowards (Adam and Eve), tors who sometimes feel inadequate University, and in 2004, he received a third master’s liars (Abraham), doubters (Abraham communicating and teaching the bibli- degree in Egyptology from the University of and Sarah), gluttons (Esau), deceivers cal message effectively? Montpellier, France. Dr. Doukhan has taught Hebrew, biblical (Jacob), murderers (Simeon and Levi); studies, and exegesis at Salève Adventist Seminary in they envy (the sons of Jacob), sleep JD: Paradoxically, I have more confi- France (1970–1973, 1978–1980), at the Indian with prostitutes (Judah); and, yet, dence in those who don’t know how, Ocean Union Seminary in Mauritius (where he also these sinful humans manage to leave and feel their need, than in those who served as president, 1980–1984), and at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at a legacy of high moral and spiritual feel they have all the answers and Andrews University in the United States (1984– standards. This paradox carries a know everything. Significantly, the present). He is the author of 20 books and numerous relevant message for all of us. These prophet Daniel begins his process of articles and he is a former editor of L’Olivier and men and women are flesh and blood understanding (Dan. 9:1, 2) only after Shabbat Shalom. 3 Francis D. Nichol, ed., The Seventh-day Adventist Bible sinners like us. Their experiences of he realized that he did not understand Commentary, vol. 1 (Hagerstown, MD: Review and overcoming are genuine stories that (Dan. 8:27). My point is to encourage Herald Pub. Assn., 1978), 19. have been written for our benefit them to keep reading and keep need- 4 Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings (Mountain View, (2 Tim. 3:16). ing. God will answer that prayer. The CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1943), 547.
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APRIL 2018 Ministry® CLIFFORD GOLDSTEIN
Clifford Goldstein, MA, is editor of the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, General Conference of Seventh- day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.
The day-year principle
oday’s world has no short- ago, amid the theological turmoil in and Ezekiel but even different literary age of biblical commentators the Adventist Church of the 1970s and genre. Certainly, then, we should have determined to expound on 1980s, a few rejected the principle, as more than just two verses to build our Tcurrent events, usually in do some other Christians even now. hermeneutic, right? regard to the latest disturbance in the Though the day-year hermeneutic is Right. Middle East and the continuous wars generally accepted among Seventh-day there. Some have asked: “Why aren’t Adventists (and among other Christians Days and years Seventh-day Adventists, who talk a as well), we may benefit from a reex- To begin, the Old Testament shows lot about last-day events, preaching amination of foundational concepts a clear link between the terms days and about the Middle East in the context like this one, precisely because they are years. In various places, though, the of the impending apocalypse?” The foundational. texts may be translated year or years answer is quite straightforward: We or yearly—because that is the obvious are historicists and, as such, view the Numbers and Ezekiel meaning—the Hebrew word is, literally, prophecies of Daniel and Revelation Anyone who has presented or days. differently from those who, putting the attended a Seventh-day Adventist The Passover was observed “from bulk of the prophecies as yet into the evangelistic series has encountered the days to days” (the literal Hebrew), future, apply them to, among other day-year principle. The most oft-cited though it is translated as “ ‘from year things, the constant unrest unfolding in biblical references to it are the following: to year’ ” (Exod. 13:10) because that is the ancient lands of the Bible. “ ‘ “According to the number of the days what the text means. Without question, historicism—see- in which you spied out the land, forty Hannah took to Samuel “year by ing the apocalyptic prophecies of Daniel days, for each day you shall bear your year” (literally “from days to days”) and Revelation as an unfolding of the guilt one year, namely forty years, and the clothing that she had made for him ancient past through the present and you shall know My rejection” ’ ” (Num. (1 Sam. 2:19). into the future—provides the prophetic 14:34)1 and “ ‘When you have completed A “yearly” sacrifice in 1 Samuel 20:6 framework upon which the Seventh- them, lie again on your right side; then is, in the original Hebrew, the “sacrifice day Adventist Church has established you shall bear the iniquity of the house of the days.” much of its identity and message, of Judah forty days. I have laid on you a Scripture declares that David including the sanctuary doctrine of day for each year’ ” (Ezek. 4:6). and his men dwelt in the land Christ’s work as our High Priest in the In many cases, these two verses of the Philistines “days and four heavenly sanctuary (see Daniel 8). comprise the sum total of all that is months” (1 Sam. 27:7, Young’s Literal Central to the historicist approach is the taught about the day-year principle. Translation). The obvious meaning is day-year principle, the concept that in They are it, period. Though they cer- a period of “a year and four months,” certain apocalyptic passages depicting tainly establish a scriptural connection hence the KJV translation—“a full year prophetic time, the word day or days between a day and a year and reveal a and four months.” is to be understood as year or years. prophetic link between the terms, the As far back as Genesis 5, the day- That is, in apocalyptic prophecy a day two verses still leave questions unan- year link appears: “X lived so many equals a year. swered, especially when jumping from years and begat Y. And X lived so many But this position has not gone them to Daniel 7:25; 8:14; Revelation years after he begat Y and begat sons unchallenged. Some deny it as a valid 12:14; and the like. After all, they are and daughters. And all the days of X biblical approach altogether. Decades not only different books than Numbers were so many years, and he died.”
Ministry® APRIL 2018 In what we might consider Now, if we should take the time Daniel 8 Scripture’s oldest “time” prophecy, we period literally, then papal Rome’s Daniel 8, like Daniel 2 and 7, covers read, “ ‘My spirit shall not strive with persecution of God’s people lasted vast stretches of time, starting, now, with man forever, for he is indeed flesh, only three and a half literal years. But the Medo-Persian empire and extend- yet his days shall be one hundred and if one applies the day-year principle, ing to the end time itself (Dan. 8:25). twenty years’ ” (Gen. 6:3; emphasis it becomes 1,260 years, a span that fits Daniel 8:17, discussing the vision of the added). Thus, in Genesis 6 we find a not only the historical facts but the vast chapter, says that it “ ‘refers to the time “prophecy” that directly associates time frame depicted in the prophecy of the end.’ ” Considering that in the two days and years. itself. In other words, in a chapter that parallel visions, Daniel 2 and 7, the time begins in late seventh century b.c. and of the end reaches to events still in our Daniel 7 extends to the present—even beyond— future (God’s eternal kingdom), Daniel 8 Between the verses above and the first apocalyptic time prophecy in must cover vast expanses of time as well. Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6, we can Daniel 7 depicts an event important see that a link between days and years enough not only to be included but to clearly exists. But what justification do be clearly delineated by its time span. we have for applying this principle to And yet that event only lasts three and the specific texts that we do? a half years? The evidence Adventists are historicists. Look at Not likely. The time frame does Daniel 2, which begins in ancient history not suffice for its vast context. “Given for the day-year and follows historical events through the comprehensive scope of salvation the rise and fall of four major king- history which this prophecy covers,” doms (Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, wrote William Shea, “such a figure principle behind and Rome) until the end of all earthly [three and a half literal years] seems kingdoms and the establishing of God’s like an inordinately short period of eternal one (Dan. 2:44). time in which to conclude events of this the 70-week This historicist approach, then, importance.”2 forms the template for the apocalyptic Also, Daniel 7 is not really about prophecies of Daniel. Daniel 2, in fact, an actual lion with eagle’s wings or prophecy of all but hands us the historicist herme- about a beast with four heads, and neutic on a platter. the like. The vision is symbolic, using Daniel 9:24–27 is Parallel to Daniel 2 is Daniel 7, in imagery to depict other truths. Thus, which the same four world kingdoms among images of a horn that speaks (Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, and blasphemy and makes war against abundant—and Rome) rise and fall until, as in Daniel 2, God’s people, we find a time prophecy. God sets up His eternal kingdom (Dan. However, if the other images in the 7:27). Thus, this prophecy, from the time vision are symbolic, why take the time hardly limited to of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 1:1) until today period literally, instead of as symboli- (and beyond), covers at least 2,600 years. cally as the rest of the vision itself was? Adventists. Now in the midst of this vast span Finally, the phrase time, times, of history we come across the first and half a time is not a common way prophetic time prophecy in Daniel, the in the Bible to express literal time. All “time and times and half a time” (or through Scripture, when the writers three and a half years) of Daniel 7:25, meant literal time, they just said it liter- After depicting the activities of the period when the second phase of ally, such as: “Once every three years three world powers (Dan. 8:1–12), the the fourth power, the little horn, or the merchant ships came bringing prophet hears a question asked (Dan. papal manifestation, persecuted God’s gold, silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys” 8:13), which literally reads like this: people (Dan. 7:21). Remember, the little (1 Kings 10:22). Or, “ ‘ “Then I will com- “Until when the vision, the daily, and horn emerges from the fourth beast, mand My blessing on you in the sixth the transgression of desolation giving not as a separate entity but only as a year, and it will bring forth produce the sanctuary and the host a tram- latter version of the fourth beast. And enough for three years” ’ ” (Lev. 25:21). pling?” In other words, the question what power other than Rome arises In short, the biblical author did not concerns all the events of the vision after Greece, changes form, and extends write the time prophecy of Daniel 7:25 itself: the ram, the goat, and the little to the end of the world? Certainly not in the manner one would use to depict horn and its activities. Antiochus Epiphanes, who died in the literal time because he did not mean Who were these powers? The ram second century b.c. literal time. was Media-Persia (Dan. 8:20); the goat,
APRIL 2018 Ministry® CLIFFORD GOLDSTEIN
Greece (Dan. 8:21); and the little horn, the time frame involved was expressed prophecies of Daniel 7 and 8) not a com- though not named, depicted a power prophetically, not literally. mon way to express literal time. Why greater than either Media-Persia or did Gabriel not say “one year and four Greece, a persecuting agency that Daniel 9 months and one week are determined arose just after Greece and exists until The evidence for the day-year prin- upon thy people,” the typical manner to supernaturally destroyed at the end ciple behind the 70-week prophecy depict literal time? He did not express (“ ‘he shall be broken without human of Daniel 9:24–27 is abundant—and it literally because he did not mean it means’ ” [Dan. 8:25]). Just as the last hardly limited to Adventists. Exegetes literally. earthly power in both Daniel 2 and have been applying it to this prophecy Daniel 7 was Rome, this little horn, the for millennia—and with good reason. Conclusion final earthly power in Daniel 8, is Rome To begin with, the prophecy is non- No question, especially given the (pagan and papal) as well. sensical without it. Otherwise, “ ‘the prophetic “key” found in Daniel 2, Again, the question in Daniel 8:13 going forth of the command to restore Seventh-day Adventists are on the involved the timing of these historical and build Jerusalem, until Messiah the right track in regard to adhering to the powers: Media-Persia, Greece, and Prince’ ” (Dan. 9:25) would be a literal 69 historicist hermeneutic. And central Rome. And the answer given was, “And weeks, or just one year and four months to the historicistic hermeneutic is the he said to me, ‘For two thousand three and one week. Unless “ ‘the Messiah day-year principle. Without it, not only hundred days; then the sanctuary shall the Prince,’ ” Jesus, arose sometime in does historicism self-destruct, the pro- be cleansed’ ” (Dan. 8:14). the fifth century b.c. or the command phetic foundation for the Seventh-day Twenty-three hundred days equals to “ ‘restore and build Jerusalem’ ” Adventist Church would as well. If the six years, three months, and 20 days, occurred early in the first century a.d., 2,300 days of Daniel 8:14 were a literal which presents a problem if taken the prophecy makes no sense with a 2,300 days, not 2,300 years, then the literally. How could this time prophecy literal 69 weeks. However, apply the day- prophecy never extended past the fifth be literal and encompass the entire year principle and, surprise of surprises, century b.c., highly problematic for a time span of Media-Persia, Greece, and it fits within the time frame of the two movement that found its raison d’être Rome? Media-Persia itself lasted from events that the prophecy portrays. in the teaching that Daniel 8:14 reached 539 to 331 b.c. That empire alone, much Also, many scholars who do not to a.d. 1844. less Greece and Rome with it, covers far accept the Adventist interpretation of Fortunately, we have more than too much time to fit within just over six Daniel 8:14 have still acknowledged the enough reasons for accepting both the years and three months. link between Daniel 8:14 and 9:24–27. day-year principle and the historicist The dilemma, however, resolves One Orthodox Jewish commentary on hermeneutic that underpins it. Daniel 2 itself once we apply the day-year prin- Daniel, the ArtScroll Series, ties the 70 itself, beginning in the ancient past and ciple, because the 6 years, 3 months weeks directly to Daniel 8:14. The pas- then tracing the rise and fall of nations and 20 days become 2,300 years—more sages are really one prophecy, which up through the present and, ultimately, than enough time to encompass the rise means that if you apply the day-year the eternal future, establishes that and fall of the great powers depicted in principle to Daniel 8:14, you should do rationale. This approach makes so the prophecy referred to in Daniel 8:13. the same to Daniel 9:24–27. much more sense than does futurism, Also, as with the time prophecies of Some have argued that the word which has the prophecies unfolding Daniel 7:25 and 8:14, the “ ‘two thou- for weeks in Daniel 9:24 really means in the future and literal Middle East, a sand three hundred days’ ” is not the “weeks of years.” Even if one accepted position that ultimately has Christians normal way to express time. Why did this dubious suggestion, far from looking there, with all the incessant the text not say, “Unto six years, three negating the day-year principle, it only violence, as opposed to heaven, where months, and 20 days, then shall the affirms it. If each week really meant a Christ intercedes as High Priest in our sanctuary be cleansed”? Instead, Daniel “week of years,” then each week would behalf (see Hebrews 7:25). 8:14 did not follow the usual manner stand for seven years—the exact conclu- of expressing literal time because it sion that the day-year principle leads to. 1 Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture in this article is intended to depict prophetic time, not The day-year principle is so ingrained in quoted from the New King James Version. literal time. Daniel 9:24–27 that a scholarly notion 2 William H. Shea, Selected Studies on Prophetic Interpretation, vol. 1 of Daniel and Revelation And, as with Daniel 7, symbols filled concocted to debunk it actually con- Committee Series, ed. Frank B. Holbrook (Silver Daniel 8: a ram, a goat that did not touch firms it instead. Spring, MD: Biblical Research Institute, 1992), 72, the earth, and a little horn that exalted Then, too, the way that the https://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/sites itself to heaven. In the context of all this text expresses the time—“ ‘seventy /default/files/pdf/selected_studies_on_ prophetic imagery, it makes sense that weeks’ ”—was (as with the time prophetic%5B1%5D.pdf.
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Ministry® APRIL 2018 APRIL 2018 Ministry® Ministry® APRIL 2018 SULLY SANON
Sully Sanon, MPTh, at the time of writing, was a master’s student at Friedensau Adventist University, Moeckern-Friedensau, Germany. He is one of two first-place winners in the 2016–2017 Ministry student writing contest.
Interpersonal supports: A prophet-scholar model
esides her many contribu- by immersion, at her own insistence, at often conflicted with his private judg- tions as a cofounder of twelve.8 Later, these young Methodist ment and thoughts. the Seventh-day Adventist believers adhered to William Miller’s Courage, zeal, determination, and Church, Ellen G. White1 had preaching, experienced the “Great dedication are main features of both B 9 14 a revolutionary impact on people’s Disappointment,” and ended up two temperaments. Nevertheless, while lives.2 Yet, as a prophetess, she faced of the founders of the Seventh-day Andrews was considered a perfectionist, many issues with individuals because Adventist Church. Ellen was a more balanced and organized she often rebuked people or con- Andrews reported: “My acquain- person.15 Where Andrews remained fronted their secrets.3 Well-known as tance with Sister White began in the sensitive about what others thought a scholar, John Nevins Andrews had a summer of 1844, and I have been of him, Ellen was concerned about lifelong acquaintance with Ellen White. intimately acquainted with her ever how she could be useful to others. She Historian Joseph G. Smoot describes since.”10 Yet his memorable words was quick to confess her mistakes and their interaction as “intriguing” and during a meeting in Paris, Maine, on seek forgiveness; Andrews, in contrast, “of the greatest in his [Andrews’s] September 14, 1849—“I would exchange tended to underestimate his mistakes surviving papers.”4 Throughout this a thousand errors for one truth,” (testi- and magnify his own afflictions.16 Ellen time, there were “periods of stress and fying to his acceptance of Ellen White’s White’s pragmatism contrasted with tension,” mutual respect and support,5 appeal against fanaticism)—mark the Andrews’s perfectionism. and Christian love. Their prophet- foundation of their lifelong relationship. scholar relationship remains lightly Ellen White described this moment Interrelational explored, and this article will identify as Andrews’s calling: “The Lord was supports17 the main features of their interpersonal bringing out Bro. Andrews to fit him for On Andrews’s relationship with Ellen exchanges, while seeking to reconcile future usefulness, and was giving him White. Andrews’s relationship with the the tensions around a singular model an experience that would be of great Whites was characterized by “mutual of brotherly interaction. It seeks, then, value to him in his future labors, that admiration and trust.”18 Ellen stayed in to draw lessons pertinent to pastoral he should not be influenced by the his home,19 where The Advent Review ministry. experience of others, but decide for and Sabbath Herald was launched.20 himself concerning the work of God.”11 Soon Andrews was called to work as Historical background: From a letter dated July 7, 1842, an assistant editor for the Review. The Convictions and Andrews’s aunt presented him as a time together helped them to know characters “perfect gentleman by nature, and each other quite well. Andrews became Ellen White and J. N. Andrews had a fine scholar.”12 He was also a good a friend to Ellen. In 1855, Andrews wrote much in common. As Gordon Balharrie friend and responsible coworker.13 a paper at James White’s request, using puts it, “deep religious conviction However, his boldness in upholding Scripture to show that sunset was the characterized John very early in life.”6 his convictions, along with idealist and time for beginning the Sabbath. Ellen He “found the savior”7 at the age of perfectionist propensities, made it hard White had a vision that confirmed his thirteen. Ellen, too, dedicated herself to for him to relate to others. Thus, his conclusions.21 A peaceful and promising Christ as a teenager. She was baptized reception of Ellen G. White’s counsels interaction started: serious Bible study,
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and the visions at the service of the On Andrews’s physical deficiencies. 1858, after hearing Ellen White giving growing movement. Andrews’s mind and body were affected an account of her vision of the great On Andrews’s relationship with Annie by Annie Smith’s death. Depressed, controversy, J. N. Andrews asked her if Smith. While working for the Review in poor health, he left the ministry, she had read Milton’s epic. She assured in Rochester, New York, Andrews met retired to his father’s farm in Maine, him she had not, so he brought a copy Annie R. Smith, sister to Uriah Smith and and later moved to Waukon, Iowa, with to her home.”28 The attitude of Andrews coworker in the editing house.22 Some the Stevens family. Ellen White and her and his wife toward Ellen White’s visions markers in the historical data suggest husband made “a legendary travel” to could be traced back to the influence that Andrews raised Annie’s expecta- Iowa, as she saw in vision the need to of the Stevenses, his relatives-in-law. tions of a future together. They were bring Andrews and J. N. Loughborough He confessed: “I have not stood up for remarkable intellectuals and shared back to the ministry. Andrews accepted them (the visions) and borne testimony common values but, unexplainably, her counsels and, with financial sup- in their favor.”29 Andrews turned his affections toward port from the Whites,25 improved his Andrews needed time and study to Angeline Stevens and left Annie with a health and returned to full-time work. cast away his doubts. In March 1868, he broken heart. Disappointed, and after a “Because of adopting health reform wrote, “My convictions that the testimo-
Andrews “was an idealist at war with reality.”43 He was aware of his mistakes, accepted counsels. . . and tried to apply them, albeit within the limits of his independent mind.
long struggle with tuberculosis, Annie practices,” James White wrote, Andrews nies of Sister White are from Heaven, died in July 1855. One month later Ellen “was relieved of ‘long-continued diges- have been greatly strengthened by White wrote to Andrews: “I saw that you tive distress, and catarrh and other the opportunity which I have had to could do no better now than to marry ailments.’ ”26 observe the life, and experience, and Angeline. . . . The best course you can Even though he accepted the health labors of these servants of Christ.”30 take is to move on, get married, and reform counsels, John struggled to He then left one of the earliest biblical do what you can in the cause of God. I apply them consistently. Ellen White apologies of her prophetic gift. He saw that you [John] were injudicious in continued pushing him toward becom- wrote, “The Seventh-day Adventists are her [Annie’s] case and it all grew out of ing a well-balanced person. By late believers in the perpetuity of spiritual a mistaken view you had of James. You 1871, early 1872, she seriously chal- gifts. It is also understood that we thought he was harsh and impatient lenged Andrews’s goal of writing a “too regard the visions of Sr. White as given toward Paris friends, and you stepped perfect” History of the Sabbath: “Don’t by the Spirit of God.”31 right in between Annie and us; sym- be too perfect. . . . There are few minds pathized with her in everything. Your that can follow you unless they give the Andrews’s work in interest manifested for her was undue subject the depth of thought you have Europe: Supports and uncalled for, and showed that you done . . . the History of the Sabbath overseas had a great lack of confidence in us.”23 should have been out long ago. You On September 1874, Andrews sailed Here, Ellen White’s direct admoni- should not wait to have everything so to Switzerland as the church’s first tion to John Andrews is clear: “Don’t exactly as strong as you can possibly cross-cultural Adventist missionary. do the same thing to Angeline that you make it before giving it to the people.”27 His trials, despair, and discouragement did to Annie.”24 It took some time, but On the visions of Ellen G. White. escalated during his ministry in Europe. he followed Ellen White’s counsels and Until 1870, Andrews nourished doubts At his departure, Ellen White’s senti- married Angeline on October 26, 1856. about Ellen White’s prophetic gift. “In ments were mixed. She wrote to her
Ministry® APRIL 2018 family members: “He [Andrews] leaves the age of 48. Andrews buried Mary dwelling on your own impressions has for Europe next week. Our prayers are as a broken man. Only his firstborn, been a species of fanaticism. God was that God may go with him.”32 “I had no Charles Melville, was alive. Ellen White’s not in it. . . . opportunity to bid him goodbye and I sympathy and comfort toward him are “Now if you go down into the grave, did not care to say goodbye. We may described in prophetic words of hope: I do not want you should go in decep- never, never meet again.”33 Yet, as far as “Dear Afflicted Brother Andrews: tion. . . . she could, she remained supportive of “. . . You are not a stranger to Jesus “. . . Oh my brother, nine-tenths of Andrews in almost all aspects of his life. and His love. . . . all your trials are born of your imagina- In Europe, Andrews lived as a poor “The Lord loves you, my dear tion. . . . man. Mrs. W. Ings pitied his situation: Brother. He loves you. . . . “You have shut yourself within “The way he was living, he must break “. . . A better day is coming, precious yourself. . . . down soon. Having so . . . an impover- to the faithful ones. . . . I was shown you “. . . You follow impressions too ished diet makes him as if he had not with head bowed down and mourning much; you think your impressions are a friend on earth.”34 While the church as you followed Mary to her last home as the voice of God. . . . You have not leadership could not respond system- in this world. discernment of character. You worship atically to his financial needs, Ellen sold “Then I saw the Lord look lovingly intellect.”41 a dress of her own in order to help sup- upon you. I saw the Life-giver come Humbly, Andrews understood how port Andrews’s work.35 Unfortunately, and your wife and children come forth “painful” it was for her to write such after years of his efforts, his missionary from their graves clothed with immortal words to a dear brother. A few days harvest was still very little; thus his splendor. Look at the things which are before he died, he replied to her: “I abilities were questioned. unseen. . . . May God bless and encour- humble myself before God to receive In a letter addressed to “Dear age your heart, is my prayer. from his hands the severe rebukes Brethren in Switzerland,” Ellen White “Your sympathizing sister.”37 which he has given you for me, I most clearly defended Andrews’s authority Ellen not only consoled Andrews but cordially thank you for your faithfulness and called upon a sense of loyalty, also counseled him to remarry before in writing me so fully on matters that enthusiasm, and supportive collabora- returning to Europe. Andrews did not must be very painful to you to write, I tion toward him. “Bro. Andrews left comply.38 He went back, broken in soul, have tried to humble myself before God his aged mother, an only brother . . . and became very sick. There, in his last in the dust in view of my sins. I believe and many friends in America, to obey days, he received his final counsel from that he does accept me. . . . Do not ever the call of God and enter this new mis- Ellen White: “I was shown that you made think it possible that I shall not receive sionary field. He came to you at quite a a mistake in starting for Europe without whatever testimony you have for me, sacrifice. . . . a companion. . . . You would have done and if you have still other reproofs to “Eld. Andrews is a conscientious a wise thing, and your usefulness would give do not withhold them I pray you.”42 servant of Jesus Christ. . . . We sent have been tenfold to what it has been.”39 you the ablest man in all our ranks. . . . Further, she described how difficult Conclusion We needed Eld. Andrews here. But we it was for her to relate to Andrews’s The relationship between Ellen thought his great caution, his experi- delicate character: “I have heretofore G. White and John N. Andrews is a ence, his God-fearing dignity in the written you several letters and never lesson in interpersonal relations and desk, would be just what you needed.”36 sent them, so I attempt to write you conflict resolution in the church today. At that time, Andrews was about to again. I know your temperament is Andrews “was an idealist at war with sail to Battle Creek, Michigan, to attend peculiar, and I have felt that you were reality.”43 He was aware of his mistakes, the upcoming General Conference. not able even to bear the truth if it accepted counsels addressed to him, He had taken with him his daughter, is conflicted with your ideas.”40 She and tried to apply them, albeit within Mary, who had been diagnosed with left very strong last words to a dying the limits of his independent mind. tuberculosis. After the conference, Andrews, “the truth” that he had to Despite his critical distance toward Andrews spent most of his time in the know: “You felt you were a martyr mis- Ellen White’s counsels and visions, he sanatorium with Mary, hoping for a sionary, but it was not so. . . . proved that biblical scholarly works are recovery. On November 27, Mary died “. . . You have magnified your own not necessarily opposed to the gifts. He at the age of seventeen. afflictions. provided scholarly assistance to the gift The loss of Mary was not his first “. . . You . . . love to be pitied, to be of prophecy, and demonstrated that grief. In September 1863, he had buried regarded as one suffering privations, understanding Ellen White as a person a four-day-old daughter. In September and as a martyr. . . . can be an effective starting point toward 1865, his daughter Carrie Matilda died, “God did not decree that you should the acceptance of her prophetic word. just over one year old. On March 19, die, but the course you have pursued Ellen White fought to make him 1872, his lovely wife Angeline died at in following your own judgment and a more balanced person; he humbly
APRIL 2018 Ministry® SULLY SANON
struggled—but with little success. surely contributes to her success as remain landmarks in Adventist ethos. In Interestingly, despite her prophetic a prophetess and would have helped addition, the loving interpersonal sup- authority, Ellen White's counsels to Andrews achieve a more fruitful life port she modeled should not be limited Andrews were contextual and personal. and ministry had he listened more to this remarkable prophet-scholar She advised according to the needs carefully. context; instead, its deeply loving and of a specific context and respected The serious Bible studies and life- sincere elements must characterize personal opinions. Her pragmatism changing counsels of Ellen White must every Christlike relation.
1 From 1848 to 1914, Ellen G. White wrote 5,438 Millerism and Millenarianism in the Nineteenth Nix, “Annie Smith: Pioneer Poet,” Review and Herald, letters and received 35,801 letters. Unquestionably, Century (Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, December 17, 1987, 17. she had quite a few exchanges with several people 1993); Jack M. Patt, “The Millerite Awakening and 23 Ellen G. White to J. N. Andrews, letter dated August during her life. “Bibliography of Ellen G. White Titles the Great Disappointment of 1844,” Indian Journal of 26, 1855. Results,” Loma Linda University, accessed January 13, American Studies 3, no. 1 (1973): 71–82. 24 Ron Graybill, “Annie Smith, Her Life and Love,” Review 2014, http://www.llu.edu/webapps/univ_library 10 “Early Experiences and Teachings of Ellen G. White: A and Herald, April 1, 1976, 5. /speccolls/EGWBibliography.php. Testimonial of J. N. Andrews,” Ellen G. White Estate, 25 There was a fund raising by James White addressing 2 Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: A Brief Biography, http://drc.whiteestate.org/files/1541.pdf. the brethren to help John Andrews to recover from Ellen G. White Estate, updated August 2000, http:// 11 Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2 (Battle Creek, MI: his physical illness. www.whiteestate.org/about/egwbio.asp. Seventh-day Adventist Pub. Assn., 1860), 117. 26 Marlene Steinweg, “In Defense of the Truth,” Lest We 3 “The Lord would rein us up to bear reproof, and then 12 William A. Spicer, Pioneer Days of the Advent Forget 6, no. 2 (second quarter, 1996): 4. individuals would step right in between us and the Movement, 205, accessed March 12, 2018, http:// 27 White correspondence 1872, quoted in Joseph G. people to make our testimony of no effect. Many adventpioneerbooks.com/Text/Spicer,%20 Smoot, “The Churchman: Andrews’ Relationship With visions have been given to the effect that we must William%20Ambrose/PDF/Pioneer-Days.pdf. Church Leaders,” in Leonard, The Man and the not shun to declare the counsel of the Lord, but must 13 Balharrie, “Study of the Contribution Made,” 7. Mission, 48. occupy a position to stir up the people of God, for 14 According to Herbert E. Douglass, “Ellen White was 28 Ellen G. White Estate, The Truth About the White Lie, they are asleep in their sins. But few have an exceptionally sensitive woman, open to all the 5, accessed January 26, 2014, http://egwtext sympathized with us, while many have sympathized human emotions. Her ability to verbalize her various .whiteestate.org/publication.php?pubtype=Book&b with the wrong and with those who have been experiences indicates an uncommon capacity for ookCode=TAWL&lang=en&collection=6§ion= reproved.” Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, empathy, whether the experience was sad or all&pagenumber=5&m=1¶graphReferences vol. 1 (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 2002), elevating.” Messenger of the Lord: The Prophetic =1. 247. Ministry of Ellen G. White (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press 29 J. N. and Angeline Andrews to James and Ellen 4 “More than 100 letters written by or to Andrews are Pub. Assn., 1998), 73. White, letter dated February 2, 1862, quoted in Ron preserved. . . . Most of the letters are from John 15 On Ellen G. White’s personality, see “The Real Ellen G. Graybill, “John Nevins Andrews as a Family Man,”16, Andrews to the Whites.” Joseph G. Smoot, “John N. White,” in Douglass, Messenger of the Lord, 1998. quoted in White Estate, The Truth About the White Andrews: Faithful to His Service,” Adventist Heritage 16 Mrs. E. G. White to J. N. Andrews, letter dated March Lie, 5. 9, no. 1 (Spring 1984): 5. 29, 1883. 30 J. N. Andrews, “The Labors of Bro. and Sr. White,” 5 Joseph G. Smoot, “John N. Andrews: Humblest Man 17 Since the paper is dealing with relationships, the Review and Herald, March 3, 1868, 184. in All Our Ranks,” Adventist Heritage 9, no. 1 (Spring emphasis is more factual than chronological. 31 J. N. Andrews, “Our Use of the Visions of Sr. White,” 1984): 24. 18 Joseph G. Smoot, “The Churchman: Andrews’ Review and Herald, February 15, 1870, 64. 6 Gordon Balharrie, “A Study of the Contribution Made Relationship with Church Leaders” in Leonard, The 32 Ellen G. White to Edson and Emma White, letter 50b, to the Seventh-day Adventist Movement by John Man and the Mission, 43. 1874, September 1874. Nevins Andrews” (master’s thesis, Seventh-day 19 In a letter to the church in Brother Hastings’s house, 33 Ellen G. White to “Dear Husband,” letter 51, 1874, Adventist Theological Seminary, 1949), 6. Ellen G. White wrote on November 7, 1850, “Our September 10, 1874, quoted in Manuscript Releases, 7 See Ronald Graybill, “John Andrews: The Family Man,” home is in Paris, at Brother Andrews’ home, within a vol. 5 (Silver Spring, MD: Ellen G. White Estate, 1990), in Harry Leonard, J. N. Andrews: The Man and the few steps of the post office and printing office. We 437. Mission (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University shall stay here some little time. This is a very kind 34 Quoted in Jean Zurcher, “John N. Andrews: The Press, 1985), 16–18. family, yet quite poor. Everything here is free as far Christopher Columbus of Adventism” in Adventist 8 “Young as I was, I could see but one mode of baptism as they have.” Heritage 9, no. 1 (Spring, 1984): 43. authorized by the Scriptures, and that was 20 In 1850 James White launched The Advent Review, 35 “Talk Before the European Council,” September 20, immersion. Some of my Methodist sisters tried in and soon combined his two magazines into The 1885. Manuscript 14, 1885, Ellen G. White Estate. vain to convince me that sprinkling was Bible Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, which reviewed 36 Ellen G. White to “Dear Brethren in Switzerland,” baptism. The Methodist minister consented to the prophecies of Christ’s second coming and letter 2a, 1878, August 29, 1878. immerse the candidates if they conscientiously heralded the proclamation of the seventh-day 37 Ellen G. White to John N. Andrews, Letter 71, 1878, preferred that method, although he intimated that Sabbath. Today the magazine is named The Adventist December 5, 1878. sprinkling would be equally acceptable with God.” Review. 38 Letter of J. N. Andrews to Ellen G. White, December Ellen G. White, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White 21 See White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, 116. 22, 1878, quoted in Ron Graybill, (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1915), 22 Ellen G. White to J. N. Andrews, letter dated August “John N. Andrews: the Family Man.” Adventist 25. 26, 1855, Ellen G. White Estate, Washington, DC, File Heritage (Vol. 9, No. 1, 1984), 9–23. 9 The Great Disappointment is a term used by #A-1-.1855; Erica Richards, “The Story of Annie 39 Ellen White to J. N. Andrews, letter 1, 1883, March Seventh-day Adventists to refer to the Smith,” Adventist World, November 2009, 25, https:// 29, 1883. nonappearance of Jesus Christ on October 22, 1844, archives.adventistworld.org/2009/november 40 Ibid. as expected by William Miller and others. Regarding /the-story-of-annie-smith.html; Judith P. Nembhard, 41 Ibid. the Great Disappointment, see Ronald L. Numbers “Annie Smith’s Hymns of the Blessed Hope,” Review 42 Ibid. and Jonathan M. Butler, eds., The Disappointed: and Herald, August 28, 1986, 12–14; and James R. 43 Balharrie, “Study of the Contribution Made,” 81.
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Prince Ng’andu, MA in leadership, serves as a district pastor in South Zambia Conference, Monze, Zambia. He is pursuing a PhD focusing on School Leadership.
Leadership development and succession planning: A Seventh-day Adventist perspective
or church growth and devel- early church, and is vital to church office are filled by a person already opment to take place to any sustainability today. burdened with responsibility. meaningful extent, every In most cases, pastors are Manuel London says, “Leadership Fchurch needs to have a system appointed to leadership positions development strategies and programs for the development of leaders as well as based upon the position of trust that follow from the changing needs of a succession plan based on sound princi- they hold or the number of years the environment in which it operates. ples. The Seventh-day Adventist Church served. Leadership skills are often not Development is not a one-time event, is no exception. However, the Adventist meaningfully assessed, and pastors but a comprehensive approach to Church has often overlooked this impor- commonly hold leadership positions individual and organizational growth tant factor, and as a result, matching without adequate preparation. In and renewal.”4 Neglecting leadership pastors with the right leadership skills for addition, no intentional plans exist development and succession planning various church appointments has been regarding leadership development can put organizational success at great a critical problem. and succession when need arises. risk. Leadership development and suc- Because of this deficiency, in many Although there are many differ- cession is as old as the human race. countries the church finds itself facing ences between the early church and While it has been extensively addressed great challenges in terms of leader- the modern church, today’s leaders in secular contexts, the Bible and the ship continuity in key positions and can learn important lessons from the writings of Ellen G. White provide a rich developing intellectual and knowledge approaches of leadership develop- source of guidance in addressing lead- capital for the future. As Blackaby and ment and succession used by the early ership development and succession. Blackaby say, “The greatness of an church. In both Testaments, biblical Specific instructions were directed to organization is directly proportional to leaders developed emerging leaders the Israelites regarding the training and the greatness of its leader.”3 Sometimes with the intent of handing the baton preparation of the emerging generation conference leadership vacancies take of spiritual leadership to them. The Old of leaders1 (Deut. 6:6–9; 20–25). At the some months to be filled. Often, those Testament book of Numbers delineates same time, no positional appointments who fill the positions have not been the relationship between Moses and were promised to anyone.2 The Spirit groomed from within the organiza- Joshua and typifies the leadership of God guides that process. These tional structure to fulfill the position development and succession planning leaders are selected and developed, and thus advance the mission of the that was needed then and now. Frank and then in turn, they develop others. church. And, too often, vacant positions Gaebelein states, “Numbers 27:12- This process was also critical to the that fall outside the regular term of 21, the context of this passage is the
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succession of leadership from Moses to and succession planning. There is a In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus entrusted Joshua and how Joshua was prepared need for continuous development of the leadership succession of His church to be the next leader.”5 All elements of potential leaders and providing them to His eleven disciples. Jesus selected successful leadership development with the opportunities to apply and each of these persons, taught them, and succession are a part of this biblical further develop their leadership skills. modeled leadership to them, gave account. The relationship between The narrative of the leadership them leadership experiences, and Moses and Joshua started years prior. development and succession of Elisha allowed them to make mistakes. In Kevin Beery notes that “Forty years to Elijah’s position as the prophet of doing so, He transformed a group of before Moses’ death, God had begun to Israel in 1 Kings 2:13–15 furnishes a very ordinary followers into a nucleus prepare Joshua for the task of leading wealth of lessons for contemporary who would turn society upside down the people to inherit the land. A careful leaders and institutions. The story in just one generation. These were the study of Joshua’s development in the provides an understanding of the need future leaders Jesus intended to use Pentateuch confirms this to be true... for a successor at all times. Elisha and to build His church. They became the Moses mentored Joshua for nearly 40 Elijah had a mutual relationship of fruit of Jesus’ succession plan. If we years before the leadership transition respect and service, building a legacy fail to learn from Jesus’ example, we took place.”6 This was because leader- that would survive long after Elijah will have walked away from a most ship succession is too important to wait would leave the scene in his prophetic precious mandate and will have left a for a vacancy to be filled before a plan leadership role. Elijah was developing a leadership vacuum. is considered. leader who would succeed him. Craigie As the time for the Lord’s depar- In Exodus 17:8–16, Moses chose states, “The close relationship between ture draws closer, Jesus reminds His Joshua to lead a battle against the Elijah and Elisha continues until Elijah’s disciples of His impending death for a Amalekites due to his recognition of ascension into heaven. This association third time. Here we see Jesus clearly his leadership skills. By so doing, Moses is so unique that Elijah was mentor to preparing His successors for their suc- was providing Joshua with the needed Elisha who was to be successor.”7 cession before it occurs. It is crucially opportunities to develop him for chal- Had it not been for Elijah’s passion important to recognize the fact that lenges that he would face in his future to develop Elisha, it would have been Jesus makes the timing of the leader- leadership position. Similarly, it is hard for him to find a successor. Elisha ship transition clear. Here we see that important for institutions to provide was prepared for his prophetic ministry biblical leadership development and opportunities for upcoming leaders through his close relationship with succession must go beyond just good to develop their leadership skills in the prophet Elijah. When Elijah was intentions; it must be action-based. preparation for greater leadership taken up into heaven, his mantle fell In the New Testament, the apostle responsibilities. on Elisha, and he received a double Paul recognized the value of leadership In Exodus 24:13, we see Joshua portion of the Spirit. In other words, development and succession plan- accompanying Moses to receive the Ten Elijah developed a leader who was ning when he developed Timothy Commandments from God. Joshua was greater than he was. Collins believes into a more effective minister of the also put in charge of the military, while that “the figure of Elisha is unique. gospel. The successful relationship still subject to Moses. Acting in the He is the only example of a prophet between Paul and Barnabas prepared capacity of Moses’ assistant, therefore, being designated and appointed as the Paul to develop and prepare Timothy developed him into an even more direct successor of another.”8 Elisha is as an emerging leader in ministry. capable leader. After this experience represented not just as a disciple but Stacy Hoehl states that “Paul care- he gained other skills before eventu- almost as a continuation of Elijah. He fully selected Timothy to work with ally accepting full responsibility when not only carries on the spirit of Elijah, him in the ministry, equipped him Moses died. The case of leadership he completes a number of actions in for ministerial tasks, empowered him development and succession from the story that were begun by Elijah, for success, [and] employed him in Moses to Joshua provides a biblical particularly those concerned with a challenging work environment.”9 foundation that should guide leaders Hazael and Jehu. From this we see As such, Timothy emerges as a great and institutions as they prepare for that grooming leaders will facilitate the leader whom Paul prepared to be his seasons of transition. continuity of any institution. successor. Their relationship is a good The succession of leadership In the New Testament, Jesus’ lead- example of leadership development from Moses to Joshua was successful ership development and succession and succession planning. because Joshua received direct men- planning is the most healthy and pro- Perry Stepp asserts that “Paul’s torship from Moses. ductive strategy that we possess. For intent to develop Timothy as his suc- The relationship between Elijah maximum effectiveness, Jesus spent cessor is clearly expressed in his letters and Elisha presents another clear time developing His successors when to Timothy and the churches to which example of leadership development He recruited His disciples to follow Him. he recommended him in 1 Timothy 1:3,
Ministry® APRIL 2018 1:18; 5:21; 2 Tim. 4:6; Phil. 2:19-24.”10 As glad to have others become acquainted positions. White goes on to say, “We Paul gained confidence in Timothy’s with details, and to become as efficient want every responsible man to drop work as a minister, he employed as they are. Those who faithfully fulfill responsibilities upon others. Set others Timothy to work in Ephesus. Paul had their duty in this respect, will, in time, at work that will require them to plan, spent a great deal of time developing have standing by their side a large and to use judgment.”18 Those who a successor. Hoehl points out that number of intelligent workers whom are in leadership positions should “by offering Timothy the challenging they have trained.”14 Here she is point- identify potential in people who can position of handling the heresies in ing out that if we develop others, it succeed in leadership roles by develop- Ephesus, Paul gave him the opportunity becomes an advantage to the institu- ing them. White asserts: “Instead of to maximize his ministerial competen- tion and to the top leadership because keeping them engaged in doing things cies and increase his effectiveness as a they would have on their side people of minor importance, give them an servant of God.”11 who are intelligent and able to work opportunity to obtain an experience We can learn here that leadership succession is a planned transition. It is a deliberate process that facilitates the transfer of leadership from one leader to another. Leaders who fail to develop In the New Testament, Jesus’ others and plan for succession equally fail to own up to the fact that they leadership development and succession will not be there forever. Leadership development and succession planning are not short-term strategies; they planning is the most healthy and entail a long-term investment. Paul had such a long-term view in productive strategy that we possess. his strategy for developing the young leader Timothy for leadership succes- sion. Hoehl states, “Paul recognized the importance of equipping a suc- cessor to carry on the gospel message with little supervision and are capable by which they may develop into trust- after his life and ministry were over.”12 of leading when the need arises. Max worthy workers.”19 When people are Richard Ascough concludes that it DePree supported this thought when he given the opportunity to develop in an is abundantly clear in the letters to said, “Leaders are also responsible for institution, they become trustworthy to Timothy and Titus that Paul has in mind future leadership. They need to identify, lead the institution when need arises. apostolic succession and that there is a develop, and nurture future leaders.”15 Even when it comes to succession, shift “from flexible, multiple leadership This means the first step to effective an institution will not face problems options towards stability and order.”13 leadership development is to have the because they have trustworthy workers By implementing biblical leader- support and participation of those who who understand the operations of the ship development and succession are placed in leadership positions. institution. strategies, contemporary leaders can To develop leaders, White advo- Furthermore, from her writings, develop followers who are committed, cates that leaders should place we learn that institutional leaders motivated, personally satisfied with responsibility on others: “Leading should not be afraid to develop people: their work, and prepared to face the men should place responsibilities leaders must rejoice when they develop leadership challenges of the future. upon others, and allow them to plan leaders greater than themselves, and The counsels of Ellen White offer and devise and execute, so that they because they know that they will not much in the area of leadership devel- may obtain an experience.”16 William lead forever, they should also leave opment and succession planning. In Rothwell suggests that in order to trustworthy people who can succeed most of her counsels, she uses the identify high-potential employees, them. White advocates that “if in their words train, teach, educate, instruct, organizations may utilize employee ministry those whom we teach develop and prepare, pointing to leadership rating and evaluation tools such as an energy and an intelligence even development and succession planning. multi-raters or 360-degree assessments superior to that which we possess, She states, “Those placed in positions that elicit feedback from above, below, we should be led to rejoice over the of responsibility should patiently seek and across the organization.17 privilege of having a part in the work of to make others familiar with all parts of By doing so, many will develop training them.”20 A good leader should the work. This will reveal that they do their skills and ability to do their develop leaders who are greater than not desire to be first, but that they are work and be prepared for leadership they are in every institution.
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In line with succession planning, and succession planning systems.22 leaders who will succeed when the White indicates that the key element Training others assures a smoother burden and responsibility of leadership needed by any leader is training others. continuity for institutions during times falls on them. Ellen White emphasizes She emphasizes that “although it may of transition. that “we should educate the youth to appear to you difficult to disentangle Ellen White goes on to make an help the youth; and as they seek to do yourself from responsibilities which argument for working with young this work they will gain an experience others cannot take, it is your duty people in the line of leadership devel- that will qualify them to become con- to train others to stand in respon- opment and succession planning. secrated workers in a larger sphere.”24 sible positions that should you need She argues that “we cannot but look From the writing of Ellen White, as a change and rest, which is your due, anxiously upon the youth of today as it is found in the Bible, the process of you can have it.”21 KeGroves finds those who must take these burdens, leadership development and succes- that for optimal development of a and upon whom responsibilities must sion planning does more than ensure healthy leadership pipeline, best prac- fall. These must take up the work where a smooth leadership transition; it also tice organizations encourage effective others leave it.”23 It is the responsibility prepares the incumbent for acceptance integration of leadership development of the leaders to develop youths into by the church. Paul’s vision and passion
“Worthy is the Lamb”
have often tried to imagine the scene the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit from Revelation 5:11, 12. Millions of of grace and supplication: and they will Iextraterrestrial beings, far superior look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, to us in every way, gathered in a vast they will mourn for Him as one mourns stadium with dimensions we cannot for his only son, and grieve for Him begin to grasp, intent on honoring as one grieves for a firstborn” (Zech. evangelism. Only then will we be able God—a Supreme Being far beyond and 12:10–12, NKJV). to sing with the billions throughout above anything they themselves can I have not yet cried like that for the galaxies, understand—the Creator of the Universe. Jesus. But I long for the day when we Like a throwback to an old science as a church are brought to our knees in “Worthy is the Lamb, fiction movie, my mind tries to grasp love and gratitude—a gratitude born of Seated on the throne. what I have never seen. What would it understanding our hopeless condition Crown You now with many crowns, be like to hear those magnificent beings and the incredible gift that was given to You reign victorious. harmoniously singing music composed us. That day when “one interest will pre- High and lifted up, Jesus Son of God. by talent that surpasses the best Earth vail, one subject will swallow up every The Treasure of Heaven crucified. has to offer? other,—Christ our righteousness.”1 Worthy is the Lamb!”3 The disciple John tried to describe Am I expressing too much emotion what he was seeing in the only way over this? Perhaps, but perhaps not. he could—with the vocabulary of his Ellen White states, “You will meet with —Robert Costa is an associate ministerial time. He saw Someone on a throne. those who will say, ‘You are too much secretary and worldwide evangelism coordinator We know He was not human because excited over this matter. You are too of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adven- John describes Him as fiery red—the much in earnest. You should not be tists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. colors of jasper and carnelian. John reaching for the righteousness of Christ, sees an energy about Him—a force field and making so much of that. You should 1 Ellen G. White, Sons and Daughters of God that surrounds the throne—and he can preach the law.’ As a people, we have (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn. only describe it as a rainbow of color, preached the law until we are as dry as 1955), 259. complete with flashes of lightning and the hills of Gilboa that had neither dew 2 The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials (Washington, DC: rumblings and peals of thunder. nor rain. We must preach Christ in the Ellen G. White Estate, 1987), 560. The prophet Zechariah tells us there law, and there will be sap and nourish- 3 Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, “Worthy Is the Lamb,” will come a day when we, His people— ment in the preaching that will be as http://www.songlyrics.com/brooklyn-tabernacle His church—will understand like never food to the famishing flock of God.”2 -choir/worthy-is-the-lamb-lyrics/. The song “Worthy before God’s supreme gift to us: “And I Let us lift Jesus up here—in our Is the Lamb” was written by Darlene Zschech and is will pour on the house of David and on living, in our preaching, and in our copyright © 2000 Wondrous Worship.
Ministry® APRIL 2018 to reach the whole world with the right experience, select leaders with 1 Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby, Spiritual gospel message compelled him not the right character, and select leaders Leadership: Moving People on to God’s Agenda only to develop leaders for leadership with the right competencies for the job. (Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 2001). succession but to prepare leadership If biblical leaders considered 2 Ken B. Godevenos, “Will Succession Planning Work for You?” accessed May 22, 2007, http://www for the then fast-growing church. The leadership development as key to .churchbusiness.com/articles/644/644_251staff church should be concerned as we are equipping emerging leaders for leader- .html. in the forefront of evangelism cam- ship succession, leaders of the church 3 Blackaby and Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership, 51. 4 Manuel London, Leadership Development: Paths to paigns; yet we are apparently doing cannot ignore it; if they do ignore it, Self-Insight and Professional Growth (Hillsdale, NJ: little to provide effective leadership for they place many of today’s churches Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2002), 21. See also the growth of the church. Leadership in a weak position, lacking leadership Prince Ng’andu, “The Succession Planning Concept development and succession planning bench strength and making them vul- and How the Church Leadership of the Adventist Education Institution in Africa Perceive the are best placed in churches that have a nerable to an environment that is more Succession Plans,” International Journal of Innovative vision for church growth with the aim to demanding than ever. The writings of Studies in Sociology and Humanities 2, no. 9 impact many future generations. In the Ellen White on the subject of leadership (November 2017). New Testament, Jesus’ instruction to development and succession planning 5 Frank E. Gaebelein, ed., Genesis–Numbers, vol. 2, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: His disciples implied leadership devel- make it clear that she was seeking to Zondervan, 1990), 945. opment and succession. He stated, center the church on the clarion call 6 Kevin Beery, “The Moses-Joshua Succession From “ ‘Therefore, go and make disciples of God for full inclusion in the life and Joshua 1:1-18.” http://enrichmentjournal.ag. of all nations, baptizing them . . . and ministry of the church. We are called org/200902/200902_000_moses_joshua_ succession.cfm. teaching them to obey everything I to develop and mobilize leaders of all 7 Peter C. Craigie. The New International Commentary have commanded you’ ” (Matt. 28:19, ages, inclusive of gender and race, to on the Old Testament : The Book of Deuteronomy 20, NIV). Inclusive in the call for church make a difference. Today, we need to (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company,1976), 369. leaders is the passion to empower trust God for the “who” as He prepares 8 Terence Collins, The Mantle of Elijah: The Redaction followers for the work of the ministry. that person to take over when the Criticism of the Prophetical Books (Sheffield, UK: JSOT Leaders who are committed to the time comes. That said, leaders need to Press, 1993), 136. call for leadership development and create opportunities for those being 9 Stacy A. Hoehl, “The Mentor Relationship: An Exploration of Paul as Loving Mentor to Timothy and succession equip, support, motivate, developed to put their skills to use. If the Application of This Relationship to Contemporary and mentor other emerging leaders to Moses had not let Joshua lead while Leadership Challenges,” Journal of Biblical realize their full leadership potential. he was still with him, Joshua would not Perspectives in Leadership 3, no. 2 (Summer 2011): Ellen White makes a great contribu- have become the leader he eventually 34. 10 Perry L. Stepp, Leadership Succession in the World of tion to the conversation concerning became. the Pauline Circle (Sheffield, U.K: Sheffield Phoenix leadership development and succes- The importance and necessity of Press, 2005), 135. sion issues by drawing our attention to effective leadership development and 11 Hoehl, “Mentor Relationship,” 43. the inspired words of God. She presents succession planning cannot be over- 12 Hoehl, “Mentor Relationship,” 35. 13 Richard S. Ascough, “Chaos Theory and Paul’s increased understanding of leader- stressed. Without training in a second Organizational Leadership Style,” Journal of Religious ship development and succession rung of leadership development in Leadership 1, no. 2 (Fall 2002): 38. planning as outlined by the Bible and the church, the work will suffer. No 14 Ellen G. White, Christian Leadership (Washington, DC: Ellen G. White Estate, 1985), 56. other authors. Her writings carefully one can remain a leader forever, and 15 Max DePree, Leadership Is an Art (New York: Dell illustrate the principles promoted no organization can succeed in its Trade Paperback, 1989), 14. by the Bible. We also see examples mission without adequate provision 16 Ellen G. White, Principles for Christian Leaders. (Silver from her writings, life, and experience for the next round of leaders, and that Spring, MD: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 2018), 157. illustrating how she applied these is where leadership development and 17 William J. Rothwell, Effective Succession Planning: leadership development principles in succession planning counts. When Ensuring Leadership Continuity and Building Talent her own work as a Christian leader. leadership development and succes- From Within, 3rd ed. (New York: American Both the Bible and the writings of Ellen sion is handled according to biblical Management Association, 2005). 18 White, Christian Leadership, 43. White stress that succession planning is principles, it can launch the church 19 White, Christian Leadership, 56. essential for continuity and leadership into the next phase of God’s purposes 20 White, Christian Leadership, 56. development. That was true for the for it. A competent leader will carefully 21 White, Christian Leadership, 46. early church, and it is true for the con- study the leadership development 22 Kevin S. Groves, “Integrating Leadership Development and Succession Planning Best temporary church. When leadership and succession principles found in the Practices,” Journal of Management Development 26, development and succession planning pages of God’s Word to prepare for the no. 3 (2007): 239–260. are implemented in the churches, the inevitable transition to a new leader. 23 Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1915), 68. church will benefit from the simplicity “It’s no coincidence that great spiritual 24 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6 of the three core constructs of the leaders follow in the footsteps of great (Oakland, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1901), 115. early church: select leaders with the spiritual leaders.”25 25 Blackaby and Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership, 278.
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Longing for God: A Prayer and Bible Journal by Frank M. Hasel, Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 2017, ISBN 978-0-8163-6336-0
onging for God articulates our Testament, and Psalms. The occasional I meaningfully praise God and develop deepest need and desire—to irritant of a psalm popping up in the an attitude of gratitude? Lhave a vibrant personal relation- middle of a gospel is outweighed as Longing for God invites engage- ship with the living God—and provides the sprinkling of psalms throughout ment. The pages for each day’s reading practical tools to create those life- the year provides a welcome coun- provide space for reflection on the Word changing encounters. This 352-page terbalance to some more challenging and prayer. For the journaling novice, book leads readers through the entire passages. the amount of space is not daunting. Bible in one year and shows them how Every encounter with God and For the more experienced, the space to encounter God in practical and life- His Word involves prayer. At the end limitations prompt deeper reflection changing ways of each month there are practical to encapsulate the thoughts, ideas, In this insightful book, Frank Hasel and questions from the day’s passage. gives practical suggestions that are Writing acts as an antidote to spiritual tried, tested, and refined in the cru- amnesia, and as the year progresses, cible of experience. His suggestions, if themes and reflections feed into each applied, will have the same transforma- other, creating valuable insights that tive result—a richer, more meaningful otherwise might be missed. relationship with God. In simple, logical The prayer space provides a frame- steps he teaches us how to pray for work for more dynamic prayer by others in a more meaningful, effective, reminding the reader-user to begin with and structured way, bringing blessing praise, then thanks, before finally arriv- to both the person who is praying and ing at petitions. The regular expression the person prayed for. of praise and thanks recalibrates and To call the book a prayer and Bible enhances our relationship with God. It journal is somewhat inaccurate. It prevents the slot-machine prayers that has four distinct components: a guide just ask, hoping that we hit the jackpot to productive Bible study, a book on and get the desired answer. prayer, a Bible reading plan, and a jour- As a delightful, thought-provoking nal. Hasel skillfully interweaves these bonus, quotes about prayer from a components, creating a whole that is wide variety of authors are found on the considerably more than its constituent left-hand pages throughout the book. parts. insights and tips on a specific aspect This book is designed to be written In the introduction and first part, of prayer. This is where the book in and used. It is a powerful, practical Hasel draws on his experience as excels. Each section is a gem showing tool that will enrich and deepen your teacher, pastor, and theologian, pro- a different facet of prayer, enhancing relationship with the living God. viding suggestions and tips as to how and deepening understanding and It is a practical tool that will enrich, the reader can engage and explore the experience. The authenticity of the deepen, and expand your understanding Word, applying it at a deeply personal author and his intimate walk with God of the Bible and help you to remember level. His challenge to the reader to dili- shine through. This is not academic and apply what you learn to your life. gence and engagement, leading to new theory; rather, these are practical, per- This is not a book to set on the shelf; and refreshing encounters with God, is sonal lessons, gained in the crucible rather, it is a daily companion to be used coupled with a touch of realism. Should of pain and loss. The book deals with and applied. I would recommend this to intentions and practice not align for a some challenging aspects of prayer: anyone who is willing to step out and try day or two or ten, he encourages the What happens when my prayers are something practical and different and reader-user not to be discouraged but not fulfilled the way I was hoping for who longs for a closer walk with God. to pick up where they are and continue. them to be? What does it mean to The Bible reading plan divides pray and to fast? How do I get rid of —Audrey Andersson, executive secretary, Trans- the Bible into Old Testament, New bitter feelings and grudges? How can European Division of Seventh-day Adventists
APRIL 2018 Ministry® DATELINE
Pathfinder recounts terrifying experience of Florida high-school shooting
olumbia, Maryland, United W. Derrick Lea, CStates—At Pompano Beach Adventist Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, Florida, Services Disaster United States, Samantha Grady, a Response (ACS DR) Seventh-day Adventist and Pathfinder, director, stated that and her parents, shared parts of the while the school had moving testimony of her surviving the people in place to mass shooting that claimed the life of her provide emotional close friend and 16 others at Stoneman and spiritual care Douglas High School in Parkland, in such situations, Florida, United States. Seventeen were the ACS DR team from the Florida and about the Republicans,” Kasky said. killed and 14 were injured when the Southeastern Adventist conferences “This isn’t about the Democrats. This gunman, a former student, opened fire set up a help center at the Pompano is about the adults. We feel neglected, on campus and entered a building. Beach Seventh-day Adventist Church, and at this point, you’re either with us According to a news report on NBC the closest Adventist church to the high or against us.” Today.com, Samantha was working on school. Lea said, “Our local ACS DR plans Many churches within the North an assignment about the Holocaust to offer this help to the community—if American Division of the Seventh-day when she heard two shots in the hall- people want to come in and talk—with Adventist Church participated in the way. Her best friend pushed her down, certified emotional and spiritual care marches. The North American Division and the two then ran toward a big book- providers and will be prepared to assist has asked all members to please shelf. The friend urged Grady to grab a if other needs come up.” “keep our communities in prayer.” book and use it for protection. Grady Teen survivors called for a march The Stoneman Douglas High School was injured but survived. According to on Washington to demand action on incident was the 18th school shooting family friends, Grady’s friend had been gun control. Cameron Kasky, an 11th- in the United States thus far in 2018. attending church with her. She did not grader, stated that the demonstration [North American Division, Office of survive. should transcend politics. “This isn’t Communication]
Church leaders influence president of Uganda
ampala, Uganda—Responding members of the SDA community in in agriculture after exams fell on Kto an appeal by Ted N. C. Wilson, Uganda for their discipline. We shall Saturday. the Seventh-day Adventist Church consider the church’s request about our “This is more than we desired,” General Conference president, to abol- education institutions not conducting said Blasious Ruguri, president of ish Saturday exams, Uganda’s leader examinations on Saturday.” the Adventist Church’s East-Central announced that he would take steps He added: “We shall also look at the Africa Division, whose territory includes to accommodate the convictions of interests of other Christian denomina- Uganda. “Everybody is being blessed.” Adventist students—and also those tions that need to be freed from school At the visit, Museveni asked about of Sunday-keeping Christians and examinations on Sundays and also for the origins of the Adventist Church, Friday-keeping Muslims. As with any the Muslim community on Fridays.” and Wilson offered a short history successful appeal, seeds had previously Local Adventist Church leaders lesson, starting with the Protestant been sown by faithful church members applauded the surprise development. Reformation. Museveni seized on the fact and church leaders in the East-Central “This is exciting! Many people have that Adventists observe the Sabbath on Africa Division. suffered,” said Daniel Matte, presi- Saturday, unlike other denominations “I thank Pastor Wilson for visiting dent of the Adventist Uganda Union that emerged from the Reformation. Uganda,” Ugandan president Yoweri Mission, whose own son had to repeat Wilson expressed gratitude for Museveni wrote on Twitter. “I commend a three-year state university course the government’s support of religious
Ministry® APRIL 2018 Photo: Adventist Stewardship Photo: Prince Bahati/ECD - ® Ministry
At the conclusion of the week,the of pas conclusion the At “We had an extremely gracious gracious “We an extremely had pastoral visitation is a key issue. This issue. This is a key visitation pastoral to fundamental is program visitation the ministry and encouraging pastoral members.” spirituality of church witness to rejoiced and leaders tors the from than 14,000 members more recommit regions participating two put pledging to the Lord, to their lives Thomas, Adventist [Beth Him first. News Network] meeting,” Wilson said. “He knows knows “He said. Wilson meeting,” instructed he was fact Adventists—in as a very Seventh- by schoolboy young He holds a teachers. day Adventist and for that for heart his in spot warm His church is doing through God what McChesney, [Andrew in Uganda.” Mission] Adventist APRIL 2018 - , director of of Bomfim, director Marcos Pastors and lay leaders encour and lay leaders Pastors Museveni has donated funds to funds to Museveni has donated aged aged members in daily areas: different time, devotional family and personal establishing relationships, improving others, witnessing to habits, healthy and faithfully holy, the Sabbath keeping and offerings. tithes returning the General for Ministries Stewardship goal says this is the ultimate Conference, “Stewardship ministry. of stewardship not We are than money. more involves with money! work Our main to here and and reformation, is revival focus their homes, using a small card with a with card small a using homes, their of spiritual disciplines as a spring list Each evening conversation. for board messages a series of revival they preach highlight of their The churches. in area is the Sabbath-morning experience ceremony. commitment political speeches with friendly, spiri- with friendly, speeches political tual conversation. - including a com projects, Adventist town in the western munity center with spoken has he and Kasese, of efforts about Adventist admiration of their the well-being improve to communities. Ministry of Healing. , saying the book’s 13 13 book’s the saying ,
Thousands of Seventh-day of Thousands
, which contains key chapters from chapters key , which contains
A Holy Convocation is a week of of is a week A Holy Convocation Attendees described the one-hour Attendees “No problem, no problem,” no problem,” “No problem, pen a gift of a Wilson offered Museveni Wilson also presented ilver Spring, Maryland, United Maryland, United Spring, ilver States— intense training and discipleship spon- and discipleship training intense of department Stewardship the by sored and Pastors territory. or union specific a to together come leaders stewardship and members’ revival on personal focus training morning After growth. spiritual in members sessions, they visit church Adventists recently pledged to put put to pledged recently Adventists in a special commitment God first Holy week-long capped that ceremony These convocations Convocations. in Mexico held simultaneously were from 333 pastors where Mexico, City, Union Mission and Mexican the Central Inter-American the within regions other and in Manado, Division participated, the from 94 pastors Indonesia, where joined in. Minahasa Conference Pastors lead thousands in pledge to put God first lead thousands in pledge to Pastors S meeting as a unique worship service service a unique worship as meeting replacing by usual protocol broke that White’s book The White’s read to the president He encouraged Christ to Steps single a in easily read be could chapters engagements. or between afternoon freedom. After that, he made a personal a made he that, After freedom. be to students Adventist for appeal exams Saturday reschedule to allowed public schools. at “WhyMuseveni replied. should we days?” over quarrel emblem and name the with engraved Church. of the Seventh-day Adventist use Museveni could that He suggested documents sign important the pen to underline verses to important, more or, in the Bible. Steps Bible, Ellen White’s with a leather Help in Daily Christ, and the booklet to Living PRACTICAL POINTERS S. JOSEPH KIDDER
S. Joseph Kidder, DMin, is professor of Christian ministry and discipleship at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States. It is all about relationships: Practical pointers for positive pastoring
mong the most sacred of make a difference in the community or great church filled with blessings that is relationships are those the pas- church. In one of the churches I pastored, naturally growing. Spend your time with Ator has with his or her elders, there was a woman married to a seeker your members, fellowship with them, deacons and deaconesses, and church who came to church several times.After love them, pray for them, and seek their members. God is honored when the she led out in Vacation Bible School, good. Cut down on your programming people are satisfied with the pastor and the church sent both of them to an all- and move more into discipleship. Your when the pastor has a positive attitude expense-paid retreat to show our love members will grow, and the church will toward them. God wants the pastor, local and appreciation. He was so touched that prosper. church leaders, and church members after they came back from the retreat, he to love each other, pray for each other, asked to study the Bible with me. Several 5. Build your people work together, serve together, wor- months later, I had the privilege of baptiz- Do not use your people to build a ship together, and win souls together. ing him. Expressing appreciation is a form great ministry, rather, use your ministry Following are some suggestions that of blessing that touches both parties. to build great people. Some have the idea might help the pastor develop healthy that their present church is a stepping- relationships with his or her people. 3. Pray for your people stone to a bigger and more prominent The pastor should pray individually ministry. The greatest product of a pas- 1. Love your people for his people, especially those who tor’s ministry is a steadfast Christian who Recently, I interviewed a seasoned have burdens and heartaches. When grows in the grace of the Lord. Individuals pastor with more than 40 years of suc- a home is having trouble, the pastor are important. They matter infinitely to cessful pastoral experience. I asked him to should pray for them. When someone God. Therefore, they must matter to us. tell me two things he had learned about is ill, the pastor should call on them and When a preacher loves his or her people pastoral work. He said, “I can sum up pray for them. Many times a little note and rejoices more over a Christian who pastoral work in two phrases. Love God of encouragement or a phone call might grows than over anything else, he has with all your heart, mind, and soul, and be a great blessing. As a pastor, I spent developed a true pastor’s heart. love others as you love yourself. It is about Mondays praying for my church and When I arrived at a new pastoral having a heart for God and for people.” community. I lifted up the names of each assignment, the church had about 40 Paul had this kind of affection toward his member and called to tell them I was people in attendance, a debt of about people. He remembered them fondly. praying for them, and I asked whether US$100,000, and was full of conflict. By He prayed for them and built strong they had any specific requests. Prayer God’s grace, I showed love and care for partnerships with them to spread the took care of conflict that plagued the the congregation, fed them spiritually, gospel (Phil. 1:3–5). Ask God to give you a church for many years by bringing love and gave them opportunities to grow. I heart full of love for the people you serve. and forgiveness. focused on people, their needs, and their growth. When I left 12 years later, we had 2. Encourage your people 4. Care for your people about 500 people in attendance, no debt, Be expressive in your love for your Remember that people are more about US$60,000 in the bank, and an people. As a pastor, I told my congrega- important than programs. People like environment full of harmony and joy. But tions repeatedly, from the pulpit and to feel that they are loved and cared for. when they held a farewell party for us, other venues, that I loved them and Some pastors might convey the impres- none of those details were mentioned. continually prayed for them. I spent two sion that they are about programming, Instead, one by one they said, “Thank to three hours every week writing notes techniques, and strategies. All of these you for loving us, being with us, and for of encouragement to many of the people are important and necessary. But that making church a fun place to be.” in my churches. I wrote these notes to is not what makes the church. When I believe pastoral work is about hav- people on anniversaries and birthdays you have great people who love Jesus ing the heart of God for people. Ask Him and to volunteers who did something to and reflect His grace, then you have a for that today.
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