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Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene

9-1-1990 Preacher's Magazine Volume 66 Number 01 Randal E. Denny (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Denny, Randal E. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 66 Number 01" (1990). Preacher's Magazine. 609. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/609

This Journal Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Preacher's Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. EXCITEMENT ABOUT EXPOS4lTffMB£ACHING rHE PASTOR AND THEjfLCOROLIC

th^ M u c t iv e PARISHIONER

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ANOTHER LOOK AT CHRISTIAN PERFECTION \

MY MISSION I am a nobody Telling everybody There is Somebody Who can save anybody.

SUITABLE FOR FRAMING EDITORIAL

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3- That we indeed love one an­ Church— other as Jesus models for us. 4. That we accept everyone as sig­ nificant because Jesus died for each one. Our 5. That we encourage one another in spiritual growth by a balanced participation in celebration, class, and cell— public worship, Sunday Extended Family School classes, and small-group discipleship units. 6. That we be true to our mission: by Randal Denny “To make disciples of Jesus in the Spokane, Wash. nscribed on the porch of a par­ power of the Holy Spirit and to ex­ ish church outside London are ercise God-given spiritual gifts for these words: building up the body of Christ.” ITo all who are weary and seek rest; How do we accomplish our mis­ To all who mourn and long for sion? comfort; 1. We must encourage one an­ To all who struggle and desire vic­ other to make conversation with tory; God a way of life. To all who sin and need a Saviour; 2. We must practice the prayer of To all who are idle and look for intercession. service; 3. We must train our people in To all who are strangers and want how to lead someone to Jesus fellowship; Christ. To all who hunger and thirst after 4. We must be sensitive to and de­ righteousness; pendent upon the power of the And to whomsoever will come: Holy Spirit. This church has opened wide her 5- We must give our people op­ doors and, in the Name of the Lord portunity to serve others and make Jesus Christ, says to all of you, full use of their spiritual gifts. Welcome! 6. We must be Christ-centered by That inscription belongs over the learning to obey and teach “every­ door of my church as well. Today I thing I have commanded you,” as am finishing my pastor’s report to the Jesus said (Matt. 28:20). congregation and to the district as­ I cut out an advertisement for sembly. I have been reflecting on the church steeples from a religious church— that volunteer, redeemed magazine. The advertisement had family of God. Born as an only, lonely emblazoned in big letters: “ THE child, I have inherited a wonderful CROWNING GLORY OF YOUR family— the church. The church has CHURCH.” But the glory o f the wrapped around me in love and sup­ church is never in steeples or build­ port and encouragement like a big ings or preachers or musicians or family My people give me a sense of programs. It is in the reflected glory belonging. My goal is that no one of Jesus, who said, “Love one another. will feel out of place among us as we . . . All men will know that you are gather at the feet of Jesus. my disciples, if you love one an­ I have a dream for my church fam­ other” (John 13:34-35). ily: Even church families have prob­ 1. That we glorify God in praise lems in an atmosphere of love. Dr. and obedience. Walt Lanman, our district superin­ 2. That we have an eager hunger tendent, read the following lines at a to know the Bible as God’s Love preachers’ meeting: Letter to our world. ( Continued on page 3)

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 1 Preacher's Suitable for Framing IFC f MAGAZINE EDITORIAL Volume 66 Number 1 September/October/November 1990 Church— Our Extended Family Randal e. Denny 1

PREACHING Editor Randal E. Denny Why I Believe in Preaching Brook Theiander 4 Excitement About Expository Preaching Assistant Editor Cindy Osso J. Grant Swank, Jr. 5

PULPIT MASTERPIECE Consulting Editors Bill M. Sullivan, Director Come Before Winter Clarence Edward Macartney 7 Division of Church Growth Church of the Nazarene SERMON Wilbur W. Brannon, D irector Pastoral Ministries Wisdom for Our Day Gordon J. Thomas 11 Church of the Nazarene CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Wayne E. Caldwell, General Editor The Wesleyan Church Congregational Recovery: Hope and Healing Following Pastoral Sexual Contributing Editors Failure Donald M. Joy 14 General Superintendents Church of the Nazarene Eugene L. Stowe PASTORAL CARE Jerald D. Johnson John A. Knight I Can’t Minister to the Raymond W. Hurn William J. Prince Handicapped Because . . . Lillian Johnston 18 Donald D, Owens The Pastor and the Alcoholic— Superin tenden ts The Wesleyan Church Enablement or Confrontation d. w. Lamkin 21 O. D. Emery Earle L. Wilson SOUNDING BOARD Lee Haines Harry C. Wilson Not Wimber or Wesley Mike MacNeii 22 Superintendents Evangelical Friends Church PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED Stan Perisho M aurice Roberts The Soul of the Church c. Neil strait 23 John Williams, Jr. Howard E. Harmon CHURCH GROWTH General Superin tenden t Churches o f Christ Understanding Church Growth o. Dean Martin 24 in Christian Union Robert Kline PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH General Conference Secretary Brethren in Christ Church The Seductive Parishioner ja y Harold Keiser 28 R. Donald Shafer How to Make That “Other” Bible

Cover Photo: C randall Vail More Useful William W. Hull 29

All unidentified Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible. New International Version, copyright © 1973, 1978. PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH 1984 by the International Bible Society, and are used by permission Waiting in Prayer j Grant swank, jr. 32 Quotations from the following versions are used by per­ mission: Old Is Good Rolland R. Reece 33 The Revised Standard Version of the Bible (RSV), co p y­ righted 1946, 195 2,© 1971, 1973. The Living Bible (TLB), © 1971 by Tyndale House Publish­ CHURCH ADMINISTRATION ers, W heaton. Ill Sounds Great! Improving Your Church’s The Preacher's Magazine is published quarterly by Bea­ con Hill Press o f Kansas City. 2923 Troost Ave.. Kansas City, Acoustics Dennis Baldridge 34 MO 64109 Editorial offices at 6401 The Paseo. Kansas City, MO 64131. Address all correspondence concerning sub­ scriptions to your denominational publishing house. Sub­ A Church Money-Saver Bob Barrett 35 scription price: $7.50 per year. Copyright 1990 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. Litho in U.S.A.

2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE SOCIAL CONCERNS EDITORIAL A Society Without Crime wuuam Goodman 36 CHURCH— The Pastor and the Public School: OUR EXTENDED FAMILY A Call to Mission and Redemption James e. coppie 37 (Continued from page 1)

WESLEYANA Live churches have parking At the Edge of Calvinism Again Joseph Seaborn n 40 problems; dead churches don’t. Live churches change methods; dead churches don’t. MINISTER’S MATE Live churches have lots of noisy Juggling Motherhood with Ministry Sharon r. Harvey 41 youth; dead churches don’t. Live churches evangelize; dead FINANCE churches don’t. Live churches are deficient on Can Ministers Opt Out of Social Security? workers; dead churches have sur­ Board of Pensions and Benefits USA, Church of the Nazarene 42 plus. Live churches move out on CHRISTIAN EDUCATION faith; dead churches operate to­ tally on sight. Lois Hoadiey Dick Teaching Keenagers 43 Live churches’ expenses exceed their income; dead churches take CHURCH MUSIC in more than they spend. Our Responsibility to Train Musicians Live churches are filled with tithers; dead churches with tip­ Evonne Neuenschwander for Church Music Ministry 45 pers. Live churches grow so fast you MISSIONS forget people’s names; in dead The Rest of the Story Charles Gailey 48 churches everybody knows every­ body’s name— for years. BIOGRAPHY Live churches support missions enthusiastically; dead churches Lion Heart Albert J. Lown 49 care only for themselves. I’m glad for problems— even EVANGELISM within the church family! Altar Training Through Role Demonstrations An appropriate prayer for any Rickey Short 51 church comes from the doorway of the old rectory at Crowhurst, Sussex, HOLINESS England: “O God, Make the door of this house wide enough to receive Another Look at Christian Perfection r. b. Acheson 54 all who need human love and fellow­ ship, narrow enough to shut out all THEOLOGY envy pride, and strife. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no Clinical Christianity Leon o. Hynson 56 stumbling block, but rugged and Gospel: Is No News Good News? jerry Harviii 57 strong enough to turn back the tempter’s power. God, make the door to this house the gateway to Thine eternal kingdom, through Jesus Today’s Books for Today’s Preacher 62 Christ, our Lord. Amen.” ^

ARK ROCKEP The Irrelevance of Preaching 64

Worship and Preaching Helps 65

Authors should address all articles and correspondence to Editor, Preacher's Magazine, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane, WA 99206. Self-addressed, stamped enve­ lopes should accompany all manuscripts.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 3 Preaching ______I I Believe in Preaching by Brook Thelander

have a confession to make. I’m form concepts o f God, man, sin, ers the incarnate truth, and the king­ in love. I don’t recall exactly grace, salvation, and the other great dom of God came alive within them. how it happened. It wasn’t all at biblical themes. The preacher helps The apostle Paul also defended I once, though. It occurred subtly,people see the relationship to bibli­ preaching, arguing its relevance con­ working into my subconscious like cal truth and the world in which they vincingly. His assertion in Romans termites eating their way into an old live. He continues the conversation 10 that “faith comes from hearing” wooden house. The surface appeared of the biblical text into the present (v. 17) necessarily implies some­ undisturbed, but major structural and future,2 so that the distance be­ thing proclaimed, for he asks, “and changes were occurring underneath. tween lst-century Jerusalem and how shall they hear without a Now I want to get it into the open: 20th-century New York can be nego­ preacher?” (v. 14, KJV). I am consumed with the art of tiated with less difficulty. In another instance he charges preaching. Technique may make us orators, Timothy to “preach the Word” in sea­ This newfound relationship is not but theology shapes preachers.3 Ev­ son as well as out of season (2 Tim. exempt from work and discipline, ery preacher is a biblical theologian, 4:2), implying that the proclamation however. Pulpit supply experiences teaching scriptural truth through the of the gospel is never out of vogue, and weekend revivals during college sermon. A great deal is at stake. but always appropriate. days taught me that preaching is a At the same time, theological com­ Yet the centrality of preaching is difficult undertaking at best. Dis­ munication in preaching includes easily overlooked in our age of min­ cerning and articulating God’s Word more than content alone. Form as istry specialization. But if preaching for the urgent needs of persons well as content must be a matter of is God’s primary method of building means challenge. What minister has conviction. Fred Craddock rightly in­ His Church, the dominant priority of not felt with Clyde Fant that al­ sists that the preacher who goes to the pastor should be his ministry of though God’s Word is never irrele­ the Bible in search of w hat to the Word of God. As vital as the grow­ vant, his preaching is?1 What preach, without lingering long ing specializations of ministry are preacher has never seriously ques­ enough to learn how to preach, has (e.g., counseling, Christian educa­ tioned the decision to be a herald of not remained within its sacred pages tion, youth, outreach), the church God’s mysteries? Between my own long enough.4 In fact, how one still grows primarily on the nour­ feeble efforts at preaching and the preaches can often be a truer expres­ ishment of the preached Word. abuse I’ve suffered at the hands of sion of theology than the actual con­ Third, God transforms people other pulpiteers, I might conclude tent of the sermon. Some preachers through the ministry of preaching. the evidence sufficiently warrants turn the gospel into “bad news,” con- My life was touched through hearing giving up on it altogether. tradicting the message of hope the Good News, and anointed procla­ In spite of some legitimate crit­ through harsh, bitter proclamation. mation stirs my soul even today. As icisms, however, I remain convinced Others bring healing through posi­ one writer says, good preaching sup­ that while preaching may be diffi­ tive sharing of the Good News. In plies Christ with feet and a mouth, so cult, it is not impossible. And the both cases, sermons are theological that He comes to those who have as­ more time I spend in the “labora­ statements that convey a genuine sembled to listen.5 The teenage tory” setting, the warmer my love af- view of the ministry. Spurgeon dropped into a little fair with proclamation grows, Second, preaching commends it­ church on a stormy day and heard a strengthening my desire to preach self because it is the primary way sermon titled “Look and Live.” That well. God builds the Church. The contem­ message got through to him, and I cannot write from the perspec­ porary argument by some that mod­ Christ transformed his life! tive of someone else’s experience, ern preaching is obsolete does not This human transforming power of only my own; but hopefully I can corroborate biblical testimony. Be­ preaching astounds me. When God, share practical insight. My desire is ginning with Moses and continuing cooperating with finite, fallible in­ to help preachers examine why we with the prophets, the greatest story struments, changes people, I marvel preach, renewing motivation to min­ ever told boasts a rich history in its anew at the “foolishness of preach­ ister effectively. So when asked, telling. The retelling of the story by ing” (1 Cor. 1:21, KJV). My amaze­ “Why do you believe in preaching?” I Jesus and the apostles lends further ment intensifies when people re­ offer these affirmations. significance to this proven method member my strangest sermons. First, preaching possesses a strong of communication. Jesus, the great­ Messages weak and powerless to me theological flavor. Sermons help est preacher, witnessed to His listen­ ( Continued on page 6)

4 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE ^ .. Preaching

AboutExposltoryby J. Grant Swank, Jr. Excitement Pastor, Walpole, Mass., Church of the Nazarene

am increasingly excited about proclaim. There is an urgency to get ture of sermon preparation grow­ preaching expository messages. out the truth. ing. As years pass, it is not uncom­ This has not always been so. There is a real need for sensible mon for the preacher to become 1For a quarter of a century, I haveproclamation from the pulpit today. weary regarding the next Sunday’s preached mainly topical sermons. Therefore, when the preacher satur­ sermons. What is there that is new? Nevertheless, I am now discovering ates himself with the biblical truth How can he say the old, old story in the adventure of preaching exposi- in sermon preparation, that dynamo new language? Consequently many tionally on a continuing basis. in turn grips the congregation be­ preachers— often without realizing Expository preaching is one an­ cause of the pastor’s own increased it— begin to drag; the momentum swer to the dryness that inflicts conviction. The result is one message slows down. Therefore, a verbal much of Protestant preaching. How after another that is the bold procla­ doodling takes place from service to can a careful exposition bring new mation of the gospel. service when it comes to the deliv­ life to the pulpit? 4. Exposition yields a biblically ery of those sermons. 1. Exposition focuses on a new literate laity. When I preached top­ Preaching expositionally, how­ passage with each new sermon. The ical sermons, the congregation usu­ ever, keeps the sermonic study hours divine insights within those passages ally closed their Bibles after the alive. Each new biblical section con­ yield their own variety. For example, scripture passage was read from the tains its own life force. Therefore, while preaching from 2 Corinthians, pulpit. However, now that I preach when researching that section afresh, I marveled at the different dimen­ mainly expository sermons, the lay­ one comes upon brand-new trea­ sions of truth that Paul covered from men keep their Bibles open through­ sures that have never been unearthed chapter to chapter. Many of those out the entire message. I even pro­ before. In the discovering, then, is truths the apostle assented had never vide them with a brief outline of the the vibrancy, the desire to get back really been dealt with properly in sermon, printed in the bulletin. Be­ into that pulpit to speak once again any one of my sermons over the years. fore the sermon begins, I invite the concerning the wonder of God. Expository preaching took care of hearers to keep their Bibles open For the minister to live at his best, that weakness. with the outline alongside the pas­ he needs to stay close to the Word, 2. Exposition delves deeply. A su­ sage so that they can follow me verse- especially in the sermon preparation perficial reading of one biblical chap­ by-verse throughout the preaching. segments of his workweek. ter revealed little worth in the way of Over time, there will be a certain 7. Exposition actually cuts out sermonic development. However, percentage of laymen who will keep wasted time; it makes for more effi­ when lingering with that chapter for those printed outlines as personal cient use o f sermon research. In­ 15 to 20 minutes, I found that each study guidelines. As the expositions stead o f procrastinating preparing verse contained so much material increase, their knowledge of specific the next Sunday’s sermons, exposi­ worth sharing that it took a sensitive passages will deepen. tory preaching entices the preacher winnowing of the details to keep the 5. Exposition brings out color in to begin early in the week. The rea­ overall accent in balance. It ended the sermons. Over the years I was son? He knows that he is going to up that there was plenty of data to finding myself using familiar phrases come to biblical material that work with, much of it enticing for an and thought concepts that were be­ abounds, waiting for the molding in-depth exploration. coming too frequent. However, when into a sermon. The preacher is not 3- Exposition suggests more pow ­ I moved into expository preaching, I left trying to scout around for some erful delivery in preaching. Because was forced to create other communi­ new brainstorm, some clever inno­ there is so much attention given to cation patterns in order to make a vation to keep the people awake for the actual Word rather than detours point of truth. Likewise, I was com­ another service. into personal opinion giving or of pelled to be more imaginative in Every minister knows about “the “cute” stories, the preacher senses tying in illustrative material to am­ panic.” It is the tremor that takes within his own soul the power of the plify the passage. hold when nearing Sunday and there divine communication. That is, he Because new accents were being is still no message on the burner. deals with eternal material that begs uncovered in the variety of biblical Usually this occurs because the pas­ for the telling. sections dealt with, new ways of tor has run out of sermon themes; Consequently, when actually de­ carving out those accents became nothing baits his imagination. The livering the message, the preacher delightfully necessary. temptation may then be to resort to can feel the drive within himself to 6. Exposition keeps the adven­ service entertainments to replace

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 5 sermons or fill up the worship time peeves or personal tirades. Exposi­ one of the Gospels brings a healthy with an increase in liturgy in order to tory preaching keeps the preacher cohesiveness to the congregation. It abbreviate the time allotted for the under the integrity o f God’s Word. keeps us in step together. There is message. Whatever is chiefly preached during not the lostness in thought that fre­ However, when the pastor comes the sermons is straight out of the quently comes to a listening body faithfully to the Bible with the pur­ Book. When the pastor does that, he over the months when they are seg­ pose of coming upon new material becomes a new person in Christ— mented by each new sermonic from a selected passage, he will con­ afresh for each week’s duties. The theme. clude that he can uncover plenty of Furthermore, when informing the alluring content for still another ser­ congregation of the Bible book to be mon in efficient order. dealt with in future sermons, listen­ 8. Exposition lifts the Word into ers may even find it convenient to its central priority Laymen over a pe­ There is a real use those same passages for their riod of time will then come to know own personal devotional readings. whether or not the pastor enjoys his need for sensible Naturally, this lends its own depth. own preaching. If he doesn’t, the 11. Exposition grows its own fruit message will probably get the inten­ proclamation from o f spiritual growth within the tional shuffle. That is, it will be preacher. The preacher w ill natu­ wedged in a little here and there, the pulpit today. rally realize the deepening in his eventually treated as some necessary own soul because of spending more evil. time in the Bible, not only in his Does an earnest pastor actually daily quiet renewing but also in want this? Does he really want a shal­ those sermon preparation hours. low people, basically ignorant con­ people then pick up on that so that The Word simply works its own cerning the faith? Certainly not! The the sincere ones grow into that same harvest when given the chance. Too genuine minister of the gospel de­ aliveness. They make connection many times, however, we preachers sires a zealous people, totally com­ with the divine integrity. are caught up in other things: com­ mitted to the Scriptures. Continued diets of even the munity meetings, driving about Expository preaching will keep preacher’s wise opinions are not town on errands, talking on the the listeners close to the Word be­ enough for a congregation’s spiritual phone, arranging the weekly news­ cause the Bible w ill have been el­ growth. The same can be said for letter and bulletin. Consequently, we evated to its lofty place within the constant “specials”— visiting musi­ experience that awful lack. How can worship itself. The Book will have re­ cal groups, gospel films, and the like. we beat it? ceived the honor due it, particularly Finally, humanity thirsts for the wa­ One way is to commit ourselves to under the leadership of the person ter from God’s well. And that supply disciplined expository preaching. behind the pulpit. flows from His Word. The determination to carve more 9. Exposition cuts through crit­ 10. Exposition makes for contin­ biblical messages because of giving icism from those who would com­ uity with both pastor and laity. I have more attention to the Book w ill be plain that the preacher is doing noth­ discovered that preaching from one blessed of the Lord in ways beyond ing more than peddling his own pet of Paul’s letters or straight through our expectations. $

I Believe in Preaching ( Continued from page 4) find a way of lodging permanently in the gospel? Is preaching a peripheral proclamation, changing hearts. What memory banks. Like small flowers exercise habitually done for the sake motivation! Working with God, the sprouting through the cracks of a of tradition? Is it simply a nice ame­ transformation of human history re­ sidewalk, they are reminders that ul­ nity you provide your community? mains the greatest calling possible! timately preaching is God’s work. I’m Or is it God’s chief vehicle for chang­ That’s why I am in love with preach­ merely the earthen vessel and cannot ing your world? ing. $ own the credit for the treasure. As We preach because the pulpit is a Martin Copenhaver points out, “A place of eternal significance to those wick does not take credit for a flame, who listen. We preach with theologi­ NOTES 1. Clyde E. Fant, Preaching fo r Today (New York: any more than a cello accepts praise cal conviction, knowing that ulti­ Harper and Row, 1975), 41. for a sonata.”6 The dynamic life of the mately right living is a by-product of 2. Fred B. Craddock, Preaching (Nashville: Ab­ gospel transcends any feeble attempt right thinking. We preach because ingdon, 1985), 27. 3. John Stott, Between Two Worlds (Grand Rapids: to proclaim it. The Holy Spirit, ener­ God builds His kingdom through the Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1982), 92. gizing frail efforts, communicates ministry of the Word, the task consis­ 4. Craddock, 16. 5. Stott, 108. God’s truth. tently requiring the most expertise. 6. Martin B. Copenhaver, “The Word Gets Around,” Preachers, why do we proclaim And we preach because God uses our The Christian Ministry 16, no. 3:34.

6 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Pulpit Masterpiece ______I COME BEFORE WINTER by Clarence Edward Macartney

EDITORIAL NOTE: Rome he sent out messages that glow Paul’s last letter is to this dearest of Dr. Macartney built his evening ser­ with love unquenchable and throb his friends, Timothy, whom he has vices by significant preaching. This ser­ with fadeless hope. left in charge of the church at far-off mon was preached in 1915 and roused such interest among students and people When a man enters the straits of Ephesus. He tells Timothy that he o f the city that he preached it annually life, he is fortunate if he has a few wants him to come and be with him fo r 40years. He said, "It is the best-known friends upon whom he can count to at Rome. He is to stop at Troas on the sermon that I have ever preached.” the uttermost. Paul had three such way and pick up his books, for Paul is friends. The first of these three, a scholar even to the end. Make “Do thy diligence to come whose name needs no mention, was friends with good books. They will shortly unto me. . . . Do thy dili­ that One who would be the Friend of never leave you nor forsake you. He is gence to come before winter’’ (2 every man, the Friend who laid down to bring the cloak, too, which Paul Tim. 4:9, 21, KJV).' His life for us all. The second was had left at the house of Carpus, in apoleon Bonaparte and the that man whose face is almost the Troas. What a robe the Church would apostle Paul are the most re­ first, and almost the last, we see in weave for Paul today if it had that op­ nowned prisoners of his­ life— the physician. This friend Paul portunity! But this is the only robe Ntory. One was in prison becausehanded the down to immortality with that Paul possesses. It has been wet peace of the world demanded it; the that imperishable encomium, “Luke, with the brine of the Mediterranean, other because he sought to give to the beloved physician,” and again, white with the snows of Galatia, yel­ men that peace that the world cannot “Only Luke is with me.” low with the dust of the Egnatian give and that the world cannot take The third of these friends was the Way, and crimson with the blood of away. One had the recollection of Lycaonian youth Timothy, half He­ his wounds for the sake of Christ. It is cities and homes that he had wasted brew and half Greek, whom Paul af­ getting cold at Rome, for the summer fectionately called “my son in the and devastated; the other had the is waning, and Paul wants his robe to faith.” When Paul had been stoned by recollection of homes and cities and keep him warm. But most of all Paul the mob at Lystra in the highlands of nations that had been blessed by his wants Timothy to bring himself. “Do Asia Minor and was dragged out of presence and cheered by his mes­ thy diligence to come shortly unto the city gates and left for dead, per­ sage. One had shed rivers of blood me,” he writes; and then, just before haps it was Timothy who, when the upon which to float his ambitions. the close of the letter, he says, “Do The only blood the other had shed night had come down, and the pas­ thy diligence to come before winter.” was that which had flowed from his sions of the mob had subsided, went Why “ before w inter” ? Because own wounds for Christ’s sake. One out of the city gates to search amid when winter set in, the season for could trace his path to glory by ghast­ stones and rubbish until he found navigation closed in the Mediterra­ ly trails of the dead that stretched the wounded, bleeding body of Paul nean, and it was dangerous for ships from the Pyrenees to Moscow and and, putting his arm about the apos­ from the Pyramids to Mount Tabor. tle’s neck, wiped the bloodstains to venture out to sea. How dangerous The other could trace his path to from his face, poured the cordial it was, the story of Paul’s last ship­ prison, death, and immortal glory by down his lips, and then took him wreck tells us. If Timothy waits until the hearts that he had loved and the home to the house of his godly winter, he w ill have to wait until souls that he had gathered into the grandmother, Lois, and his pious spring; and Paul has a premonition kingdom of God. mother, Eunice. If you form a friend­ that he w ill not last out the winter, Napoleon once said, “I love no­ ship in a shipwreck, you never forget for he says, “The time of my de­ body, not even my own brothers.” It is the friend. The hammer of adversity parture is at hand.” We like to think not strange, therefore, that at the end welds human hearts into an indis­ that Timothy did not wait a single of his life, on his rock prison in the soluble amalgamation. Paul and Tim­ day after that letter from Paul South Atlantic, he said, “I wonder if othy each had in the other a friend reached him at Ephesus, but started there is anyone in the world who re­ who was born for adversity. at once to Troas, where he picked up ally loves me.” But Paul loved all the books and the old cloak in the men. His heart was the heart of the ‘ In this article, all Scripture quotations are from the house of Carpus, then sailed past world, and from his lonely prison at King James Version. Samothrace to Neapolis, and thence

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 7 traveled by the Egnatian Way across It fills me with the desire to say not “This is your hour. If you yield to this the plains of Philippi and through merely something about the way that temptation now, it will destroy you. Macedonia to the Adriatic, where he leads to life eternal but, with the If you conquer it now, you are its took ship to Brundisium, and then help of God, something that shall master forever.” He obeyed the an­ went up the Appian Way to Rome, move men to take the way o f life gel’s voice, refused the tempter, and where he found Paul in his prison, now, today. Taking our suggestion, came off victorious over his enemy. read to him from the Old Testament, then, from this message of Paul in the That man was not unique in his ex­ wrote his last letters, walked with prison at Rome to Timothy in far-off perience, for to many a man there him to the place of execution near Ephesus— “Come before winter”— comes the hour when destiny knocks the Pyramid of Cestius, and saw him let us listen to some of those voices at his door, and the angel waits to see receive the crown of glory. that now are speaking so earnestly to whether he will obey him or reject Before winter or never! There are us and that a year from today may be him. These are precious and critical some things that will never be done forever silent. moments in the history of the soul. unless they are done “before winter.” The winter will come and the winter THE VOICE THAT CALLS In your life there may be that which will pass, and the flowers of the FOR THE AMENDMENT AND THE you know to be wrong and sinful. In springtime w ill deck the breast of REFORMATION OF CHARACTER His mercy God has awakened con­ the earth, and the graves of some of Your character can be amended science or has flooded your heart our opportunities, perhaps the grave and improved, but not at just any with a sudden wave of contrition and o f our dearest friend. There are time. There are favorable seasons. In sorrow. This is the hour of oppor­ golden gates wide open on this au- the town of my boyhood I delighted tunity, for now chains of evil habit ______to watch on a winter’s can be broken, which, if not broken, night the streams of will bind us forever. Now golden Voices speak today that a molten metal writh­ goals can be chosen and decisions ing and twisting like made that shall affect our destiny for­ year from today will be silent lost spirits as they ever. poured from the fur- We like to quote those fine lines of ______naces o f the w ire the late Senator John J. Ingalls: mill. Before the fur­ Master of human destinies am I! tumn day, but next October they will nace doors stood men in leathern Fame, love, and fortune on my be forever shut. There are tides of op­ aprons, with iron tongs in their footsteps wait. portunity running now at the flood. hands, ready to seize the fiery coils Cities and fields I walk; I pene­ Next October they will be at the ebb. and direct them to the molds. But if trate There are voices speaking today that the iron was permitted to cool below Deserts and fields remote, and, a year from today will be silent. Be­ a certain temperature, it refused the passing by fore winter or never! mold. There are times when life’s Hovel and mart and palace, I like all seasons. I like winter with metal is, as it were, molten and can soon or late, its clear, cold nights and the stars like be worked into any design that is de­ I knock unbidden once at every silver-headed nails driven into the sired. But if it is permitted to cool, it gate! vault of heaven. I like spring with its tends toward a state of fix- ______green growth, its flowing streams, its ation, in which it is possi­ revirescent hope. I like summer with ble neither to do nor even the litany of gentle winds in the tops to plan a good work. To many a man there of the trees, its long evenings, and When the angel came the songs of its birds. But best of all I down to trouble the pool comes the hour when like autumn. I like its mist and hazel, at Jerusalem, then was the d e s t i n y k n O C k S a t M S d O O H its cool morning air, its field strewn time for the sick to step in J with the blue aster and the golden- and be healed. There are rod; the radiant livery of the forests moments when the pool — “yellow, and black, and pale, and of life is troubled by the angel of op­ I f sleeping, wake; if feasting, rise hectic red.” portunity. Then a man, if he will, can before But how quickly the autumn pass­ go down and be made whole; but if I turn away. It is the hour o f fate. es! It is the perfect parable of all that he waits until the waters are still, it is And they who follow me reach fades. Yesterday I saw the forests in too late. every state all their splendor, and Solomon in all A man who had been under the Mortals desire, and conquer every foe his glory was not arrayed like one of bondage of an evil habit relates how these. But tomorrow the rain w ill Save death; but those who doubt one night, sitting in his room in a ho­ or hesitate, fall, the winds w ill blow, and the tel, he was assailed by his old enemy, Condemned to failure, penury trees w ill be stripped and barren. his besetting sin, and was about to or woe, Therefore, every returning autumn yield to it. He was reaching out his Seek me in vain and uselessly brings home to me the sense of the hand to ring the bell for a waiter, implore— preciousness of life’s opportunities when suddenly, as if an angel stood I answer not, and I return no — their beauty but also their brevity. before him, a voice seemed to say, more.

8 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE We all recognize the truth of this Before winter or never! “The poor Medical College, Dr. Amot Walker, in the things of this world, but in a always ye have with you; but me ye New Galilee, Pa. When the service far more solemn way it is true of the have not always,” said Jesus when was over, he went back to his room opportunities o f our spiritual life. the disciples complained that Mary’s on Arch Street, where the text kept You can build a bonfire anytime you costly and beautiful gift of ointment repeating itself in his mind, “Come please; but the fine fire of the Spirit, might have been expended in behalf before winter.” Perhaps, he thought that is a different thing. God has His of the poor. “Me ye have not always.” to himself, I had better write a letter moment! That is true of all the friends we to my mother. He sat down and wrote We cannot kindle when we will love. We cannot name them now, but a letter such as a mother delights to The fire that in the heart re­ next winter we shall know their receive from her son. He took the let­ sides. names. With them, as far as our min­ ter down the street, dropped it in the The Spirit bloweth and is still; istry is concerned, it is before win­ mailbox, and returned to his room. In mystery the soul abides. ter or never. The next day in the midst of his stud­ In the Old Abbey Kirk at Hadding­ ies a telegram was placed in his hand. THE VOICE OF FRIENDSHIP ton one can read over the grave of Tearing it open, he read these words-. AND AFFECTION Jane Welsh the first of many pathetic “Come home at once. Your mother is Suppose that Timothy, when he re­ and regretful tributes paid by Thom­ dying.” He took the train that night ceived that letter from Paul asking as Carlyle to his neglected wife: for Pittsburgh, and then another train him to come before winter, had to the town near the farm where said to himself, “Yes, I shall start his home was. Arriving at the for Rome; but first of all I must town, he was driven to the farm clear up some matters here at The Holy Spirit, when He and, hurrying up the stairs, Ephesus, and then go down to invites men to come to found his mother still living, Miletus to ordain elders there, with a smile of recognition and and thence over to Colossae to Christ, never says, satisfaction on her face— the celebrate the Communion smile that, if a man has once there.” When he has attended to "Tomorrow." seen, he can never forget, till these matters, he starts for Troas, . .. with the morn those an­ and there inquires when he can gel faces smile; get a ship that w ill carry him Which I have loved long across the Macedonia, and thence to “For 40 years she was a true and lov­ since and lost awhile! Italy, or one that is sailing around ing helpmate of her husband, and by Under her pillow was the letter he Greece into the Mediterranean. He is act and word worthily forwarded had written her after the Sunday told that the season for navigation is him as none else could in all worthy night service, her viaticum and over and that no vessels w ill sail till he did or attempted. She died at heartsease as she went down into the springtime. “No ships for Italy till London the 21st of April, 1866, sud­ River. The next time he met me in April!” denly snatched from him, and the Philadelphia he said, “I am glad you All through that anxious winter we light of his life as if gone out.” It has preached that sermon, ‘Come Before can imagine Timothy reproaching been said that the saddest sentence Winter.’ ” Not a few have been glad himself that he did not go at once in English literature is that sentence because this sermon was preached. when he received Paul’s letter, won­ Let us pray that it shall move others written by Carlyle in his diary, “Oh, dering how it fares with the apostle. to do that which shall make their that I had you yet for five minutes by When the first vessel sails in the hearts glad in the years to come. my side, that I might tell you all.” springtime, Timothy is a passenger Twice coming to the sleeping dis­ Hear, then, careless soul, who are on it. I can see him landing at Neap- ciples whom He had asked to watch dealing with loved ones as if thou olis, or Brundisium, and hurrying up with Him in the Garden of Geth- wouldst have them always with to Rome. There he seeks out Paul’s semane, Christ awakened them and prison, only to be cursed and re­ thee, these solemn words of warning said with sad surprise, “What, could pulsed by the guard. Then he goes to from Carlyle: “Cherish what is dear­ ye not watch with me one hour?” the house of Claudia, or Pudens, or est while you have it near you, and When He came the third time and Narcissus, or Mary, or Ampliatus, and wait not till it is far away. Blind and found them sleeping, he looked asks where he can find Paul. I can deaf that we are, O think, if thou yet hear them say: “And are you Tim­ sadly down upon them and said, love anybody living, wait not till “Sleep on now, and take your rest.” othy? Don’t you know that Paul was death sweep down the paltry little beheaded last December? Every time One of those 3, James, was the first of dust clouds and dissonances of the the jailer put the key in the door of the 12 apostles to die for Christ and moment, and all be made at last so his cell, Paul thought you were com­ seal his faith with his heart’s blood. ing. His last message was for you, mournfully clear and beautiful, Another, John, was to suffer impri­ ‘Give my love to Timothy, my be­ when it is too late.” sonment for the sake of Christ on the loved son in the faith, when he On one of the early occasions isle that is called Patmos. And Peter comes.’ ” How Timothy then must when I preached on this text in Phil­ was to be crucified for His sake. But have wished that he had come before adelphia, there was present at the never again could those 3 sleeping winter! service a student in the Jefferson disciples ever watch with Jesus in

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 9 His hour of agony. That opportunity “Tomorrow.” “Now is the accepted pavement below this pulpit. Oh, if was gone forever! time.” “Now is the day of salvation.” the story of this one church could be You say, when you hear that a “ Today if ye w ill hear his voice, told, if the stone should cry out of friend has gone, “Why, it cannot be harden not your hearts.” “While it is the wall and the beam out of the tim­ possible! I saw him only yesterday on called Today.” ber should answer, what a story they the corner of Smithfield and Sixth Av­ The reason for this urgency is two­ could tell of those who once were enue!” Yes, you saw him there yester­ fold. First, the uncertainty of human almost persuaded but who now are day, but you will never see him there life. A long time ago, David, in his far from the kingdom of God. Christ again. You say you intended to do this last interview with Jonathan, said, said, Today! They answered, Tomor­ thing, to speak this word of appre­ “As thy soul liveth, there is but a step row! ciation or amendment, or show this between me and death.” That is true act of kindness; but now the vacant Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and of every one of us. But a step! What chair, the unlifted book, the empty tomorrow, shadows we are, and what shadows place will speak to you with a re­ proach that your heart can hardly en­ we pursue! An old rabbi used to say And all our yesterdays have dure, “Sleep on now, and take your to his people, “Repent the day before lighted fools rest! Sleep! Sleep! Sleep forever!” you die.” The way to dusty death. THE VOICE OF CHRIST “But,” they said to him, “Rabbi, we Once again, then, I repeat these know not the day of our death.” words of the apostle, “Come before More eager, more wistful, more “Then,” he answered, “repent to­ winter”; and as I pronounce them, tender than any other voice is the day.” Come before winter! common sense, experience, con­ voice of Christ that now I hear call­ The second reason why Christ, science, Scripture, the Holy Spirit, ing men to come to Him, and to when He calls a man, always says To­ the souls of just men made perfect, come before winter. I wish I had day, and never Tomorrow, is that to­ been there when Christ called His morrow the disposition of a man’s and the Lord Jesus Christ all repeat disciples, Andrew and Peter, and heart may have changed. There is a with me, “ Come before winter!” James and John, by the Sea of Galilee, time to plant, and a time to reap. The Come before the haze of Indian sum­ or Matthew as he was sitting at the heart, like the soul, has its favorable mer has faded from the fields! Come receipt of custom. There must have seasons. before the November wind strips the been a note not only of love and au­ “Speak to my brother now! His leaves from the trees and sends them thority but of immediacy and ur­ heart is tender now!” a man once said whirling over the fields! Come be­ gency in His voice, for we read that to me concerning his brother, who fore the snow lies on the uplands and they “left all and followed him.” was not a believer. Today a man may the meadow brook is turned to ice! The greatest subject that can en­ hear this sermon and be interested, Come before the heart is cold! Come gage the mind and attention of man impressed, almost persuaded, ready before desire has failed! Come before is eternal life. Hence the Holy Spirit, to take his stand for Christ and enter life is over and your probation when He invites men to come to into eternal life. But he postpones ended, and you stand before God to Christ, never says, “Tomorrow,” but his decision and says, “Not tonight, give an account of the use you have always, “Today.” If you can find me but tomorrow.” A week hence, a made of the opportunities that in His one place in the Bible where the month hence, a year hence, he may grace He has granted to you! Come Holy Spirit says, “Believe in Christ to­ come back and hear the same call to before winter! morrow” or “Repent and be saved to­ repentance and to faith. But it has ab­ Come to thy God in time, morrow,” I will come down out of solutely no effect upon him, for his Youth, manhood, old age past; the pulpit and stay out of it— for I heart is as cold as marble, and the Come to thy God at last. $ would have no gospel to preach. But preacher might as well preach to a Copyrighted by the Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, New the Spirit always says, “Today,” never stone or scatter seed on the marble York and Nashville. Used by permission. BEYOND BELIEF

10 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Sermon I WISDOM FOR OUR DAY by Gordon J. Thomas Manchester; England

Blessed is the man who finds wis­ spiritual path through life, taking as the next. This ongoing process is dom (Prov. 3:13). its basic axiom: The fear of the Lord portrayed in Prov. 4:1-5: is the beginning of wisdom. Hear, O sons, a father’s instruc­ A s we rake over the embers of Jewish sages acknowledged God’s tion, and be attentive, that you the 1980s and brace our- revelation of himself through law may gain insight; for I give you JL j L . selves for the triumphs and and prophet but felt the need to take good precepts: do not forsake my tragedies that may await us in this things further. In particular: teaching. When I was a son with decade, we Christians naturally a. They sought to earth the great my father, tender, the only one in pause to ask: “Is there a word from general principles of love and jus­ the sight of my mother, he taught the Lord? Does God have a word for tice in the reality of everyday life me, and said to me, “Let your heart us today that w ill serve as a lamp to under the sun. hold fast my words; keep my com­ our feet and a light to our path as we b. They raised questions in areas mandments, and live; do not for­ cross the threshold of another year?” where God had not yet uttered a get, and do not turn away from the I am not a prophet nor the son of a definitive word: words of my mouth. Get wisdom; prophet, and I have no pretensions of — Why do the righteous suffer? get insight” (RSV). uttering the definitive word for the (Job) We find a similar pattern through­ next 10 years. However, a verse of — Is there such a thing as judg­ out the New Testament. Christians do Scripture has come alive for me over ment after death for people not discover the gospel by them­ the past year and has a bearing on a who get away with it in this life? selves. A body of knowledge is faith­ whole range of biblical, theological, (Ecclesiastes) fully handed down. Although Paul and practical issues in our Christian Deuteronomy catalogues the had his own encounter with the risen lives. blessings for the obedient and the Christ on the Damascus road, he still In Prov. 3:13 we read this beat­ curses for the disobedient in the here told the Corinthians: “What I re­ itude: “Blessed is the man who finds and now. The wise men of Israel, ceived I passed on to you as of first wisdom, the man who gains under­ weighing that against their experi­ importance: that Christ died for our standing.” The writer then extols the ence of life, saw that a simple Deu- sins according to the Scriptures” (1 virtues o f wisdom as preferable to teronomic health and wealth theol­ Cor. 15:3, italics added). silver, gold, or rubies, alleges that ogy is insufficient as it stands. The What Paul received from the Jeru­ wisdom leads to long life, honor, and righteous do not always prosper; the salem apostles, he passed on. He “en­ peace, and rounds off the saying by wicked do not always suffer. If the riched it with his own theological in­ declaring that “those who lay hold of promises of Deuteronomy 28 are not sights and ethical applications, and her w ill be blessed” (v. 18). to be falsified, they must be tem­ then he expected the process to be “Blessed is the man who finds wis­ pered by further teaching. Thus the repeated ad infinitum. We hear him dom.” That sounds good, but what doctrine of the life to come, with telling Timothy: does it mean? In the light of Scrip­ eternal rewards and punishments, The things you have heard me ture as a whole, I believe wisdom gradually emerges to supplant the say in the presence of many wit­ means at least three major things: older Jewish belief in a shadowy end nesses entrust to reliable men who 1. WISDOM IS A BODY OF for all, good and bad alike, in the un­ will also be qualified to teach oth­ KNOWLEDGE derworld of Sheol. ers (2 Tim. 2:2). Nearly every ancient Near Eastern The Wisdom Tradition then was a So we have a chain of transmission: culture contained a body of knowl­ body of knowledge in which the re­ Jesus—*-apostles—*-Paul—'■Timothy—1► edge that the older generation felt vealed truths of Law and Prophets faithful men-5►others. should be transmitted to the younger were grounded in the practicalities “Blessed is the man who finds wis­ generation in order to help young­ of everyday life, as a result of sanc­ dom.” He can learn by mistakes of sters follow the right pathway tified reflection upon sacred revela­ others; he is not condemned to learn through life. In Egypt teachings of tion. only from his own mistakes. “Blessed the wise mainly instructed young This body of knowledge was not is the man who finds wisdom.” He men on how to get along in Pharaoh’s meant to be rediscovered afresh by receives the baton in a relay race that court. In Israel wisdom tradition was every individual but was part of a has been in progress for centuries. more interested in guiding a young common spiritual heritage that each He is not dependent merely on his person along the right moral and generation added to and passed on to own resources; he can tap into the

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 11 accumulated wisdom from gener­ Christian is to be baptized into three dom is bipolar in structure to one of ations of godly men, because wis­ Persons. the topical issues of the moment: the dom, first, is a body of knowledge. According to the Bible, God is One downfall of communism in Eastern Application and God is Three. Two poles of truth! Europe. Can sound theology help us Let go of either pole, and you are a In this decade of the 1990s, I an­ to interpret the signs of the times heretic. Split the difference, call God ticipate that holiness churches will correctly? Or are theology and poli­ acquire an ever-deepening respect a pair, and you can found a new sect of your own. Our wise forebears held tics separate compartments? for the ancient traditions of the Chris­ onto both truths and hammered out I believe that the affairs of the na­ tian Church— for creeds, for litur­ the mysterious, paradoxical, but or­ tions, that is, global politics, should gies, for devotional writings of great thodox doctrine o f the Trinity, of be viewed by Christians in the light saints of the past. If holiness church­ God as Three in One. of the doctrine of God’s kingdom. es wish to find wisdom in our grow­ Another example is the person of This kingdom, this kingly rule of ing up, we need to drink deep at the Christ. John 1:1 says the Word was God, like the globe on which it is ex­ wells of our spiritual ancestors. Over God, and verse 14 that the Word be­ the past 20 years I have observed a ercised, is essentially bipolar. came flesh. Was Jesus divine or hu­ How? In Luke 11:20, Jesus defends number of my Anglican friends dis­ man? Or was He half and half? Con­ himself against slander after casting covering the joys of the Spirit-filled troversy raged over this in the Early out demons. He says that if He drives life and of lively informal worship. I Church until councils of church have also observed the opposite leaders were convened to thrash the them out “by the finger of God trend, with some of my Pentecostal matter out once and for all. [rather than by the power of Beel­ friends discovering the riches of tra­ At a place called Chalcedon in the zebub], then the kingdom of God has ditional Anglican worship. There year a .d . 451, ancestors of the mod­ come to you.” His miracles prove that isn’t a reason in the world why the ern Eastern Orthodox church and the kingdom of God, God’s rule over holiness movement cannot enjoy the those of the Western Catholic and evil, is a present reality. Strangely, best of both expressions of spiritu­ Protestant churches agreed on a stan­ though, earlier in the same chapter ality. dard definition o f the person o f (v. 2), Jesus has been teaching His “Blessed is the man who finds wis­ Christ. Listen to their words of wis­ disciples in the Lord’s Prayer to pray dom.” The first thing he finds is a dom: for the Kingdom to come (implying body of knowledge. Therefore, following the holy that it has not yet arrived). So in the 2. WISDOM IS A BIPOLAR WAY Fathers, we all with one accord same chapter we are given a bipolar OF THINKING teach men to acknowledge one concept of the Kingdom as both What is meant by “bipolar”? Bi­ and the same Son, our Lord Jesus present reality and future hope. Christ, at once complete in God­ polar is not too difficult to under­ I served as a missionary teacher in head and complete in manhood, stand. Just imagine a bar magnet. Swaziland in 1976 when Soweto truly God and truly man ... of From science courses at school you went up in flames and refugees one substance with the Father as must surely remember that a magnet started pouring into Swaziland across regards his Godhead, and at the has a north pole (positive) at one the South African border. It had not same time o f one substance with end and a south pole (negative) at been long since the Portuguese colo­ us as regards his manhood; like the other end, that one end of it at­ nial empire had collapsed, and Mo­ us in all respects apart from sin tracts and the other end repels. To zambique and Angola had fallen un­ [italics added]. speak of magnetism, then, involves a der communist domination. My Naz- bipolar way of thinking. It won’t do arene missionary colleagues in Mo­ to say that a magnet attracts. That’s zambique, Armand Doll and Hugh only half the truth. It won’t do to say Wisdom tradition Friberg, were imprisoned by the new that a magnet repels. That is an was grounded in Frelimo government. Our mission equally misleading half-truth. Nor practicalities of stations were taken over and used to can we split the difference and say reeducate people in Marxist ideol­ that the truth lies in the middle— everyday life. ogy. Some of our African pastors were that a magnet neither attracts nor re­ beaten or killed. pels. A wise Christian theology is es­ As a way of keeping up my spirits, sentially bipolar in structure, built Here’s the answer: not God only, I read books by men like Haralan around pairs of seemingly contradic­ not man only, and most definitely not Popov and Richard Wurmbrand, who tory biblical texts. some kind of hybrid, half-and-half, had endured years of imprisonment In Deuteronomy 6 we find the semidivine creature. Our Lord Jesus and torture in Bulgaria and Romania, foundational text: “Hear, O Israel: Christ is truly God and truly man— respectively, for the sake of the gos­ The Lord our God, the Lord is one” 100 percent God, 100 percent man. pel. My friend Richard Reynolds was (v. 4, italics added). Jesus includes Remember that next time you read teaching a series of Bible studies in within the Great Commission a com­ the Gospels, and realize that this car­ his home on the Second Coming. All mand to baptize converts in the name dinal truth is also bipolar in struc­ Nazarene missionary personnel had of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ture. been warned to keep a suitcase (Matt. 28:19). For a Jew, the name is Application packed and a tankful of petrol in case synonymous with the person. So a I wish to apply this thesis that wis­ a sharp exit was required. This was a

12 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE directive I willfully ignored. If I’d some extent. Too often we have un­ sponsible for it. As stewards we are packed my suitcase, I’d have had derstood salvation as the salvation of obligated to strive to ensure that our nothing left to wear. And a tankful of the soul alone and sanctification as Master’s will is done on earth as it is petrol isn’t much good if you don’t withdrawal from society— especial­ in heaven. The fact that it w ill never have a vehicle to put it in. ly from politics. be done completely until the King­ On my theological horizon I could With all my heart I believe that we dom comes in its fullness does not foresee wars and rumors o f wars, should focus much more on the man­ let us off the hook. Whether we like earthquakes, famines, a genocidal ifestation of God’s kingly rule in the it or not, God holds us accountable bloodbath in South Africa, and an­ for the management of the planet He has made for us. archy in Swaziland after the death of the old king. What could I do but Wisdom was not Striving to improve our present world and hoping for Christ’s return prepare my students as well as possi­ meant to be ble to undergo great tribulation are not mutually exclusive alterna­ tives. They are opposite poles in our while we all awaited Armageddon? rediscovered afresh biblical doctrine of the Kingdom, My eschatology, my view of the king­ by every individual. dom of God, in keeping with the po­ and both must be held with equal litical scenario I envisaged, was al­ firmness. most completely futuristic. I lost here and now. In the 1990s we 3. WISDOM IS A SPIRITUAL sight of the fact, or rather I’d never should be praying and, when possi­ GIFT been taught properly, that the king­ ble, working for-. “Blessed is the man who finds wis­ dom of God is also a present reality. — the renewal of our inner cities dom.” He recognizes, first, that it is a Now, 14 years later, I feel rather — the reformation of the penal sys­ body of knowledge amassed for his foolish. Swaziland has a stable consti­ tem benefit by his elders. He realizes, tutional monarchy, the gradual dis­ — the defeat of terrorism second, that it is also a bipolar way of mantling of apartheid in South Africa — the defeat of drug trafficking thinking that learns to hold con­ seems to be beginning, and so far — the prohibition of pornography flicting biblical truths in tension. from a communist empire envelop­ on cable and satellite TV Third, he must acknowledge that ing the world, making war on the — a reduction of the time limit for wisdom is a spiritual gift. We read in saints and ushering in Armageddon, abortions Prov. 2:6: “For the Lord gives wis­ 1989 witnessed the collapse of the — an end to the sectarian hatred in dom, and from his mouth come Communist bloc. Unbelievably, in re­ Northern Ireland knowledge and understanding.” cent months w e’ve seen Solidarity — social justice in Latin America It is all very well to master the take power in Poland, peaceful revo­ — an end to tribal wars in black Af­ body of knowledge by acquiring a lutions in Hungary, East Germany, rica first-rate theological education. It is Czechoslovakia, and Bulgaria, and — reconciliation of the different all very fine to learn to think in a bi­ the bloody overthrow o f the Ce- factions in Lebanon polarway. But neither of these advan­ ausescu police state in Romania. — an end to Israeli oppression of tages has much practical use if you God’s kingly rule is becoming a Palestine Arabs don’t know how to minister to peo­ present reality. — an end to the civil war in Sri ple. It’s one thing to understand Am I now in danger of abandoning Lanka God’s Word in general; it’s quite an­ the future pole of Kingdom theology — deliverance from Pol Pot and other to know which particular word and putting all my eggs in the pres­ the Khmer Rouge for the Kam­ God has for a specific individual or ent basket? Will I be making another pucheans group at a specific time. Acquisition pendulum swing in my attitudes a — democracy in China of wisdom is more than training of decade hence? I don’t think so. — social and economic reform in the intellect; it’s also a spiritual dis­ Christians who believe in the au­ the Philippines cipline. The wise man is the man thority of the Bible and the need for — the preservation of the rain for­ who stops before he speaks and lis­ repentance and personal faith in ests tens for the still, small Voice. He has Christ do not have a good track — access to clean water and suf­ learned in the place of quiet prayer record where the kingdom of God is ficien t food for every man, and meditation to discern the differ­ concerned. Evangelistic preaching woman, and child in the Third ence between his own thoughts and from John the Baptist onwards has World feelings and the promptings of the tended to write off contemporary so­ — a major commitment by the Holy Spirit. ciety as doomed, to pin all hopes on EEC, North America, Japan, and the coming of Christ, and to enforce the Soviet Union to eradicate CONCLUSION a strict separation from the world. In world poverty Christians do and say a lot of fool­ bipolar language, the future hope of This world is God’s creation, and it ish things. Blessed is the man and the the Kingdom has been grasped fever­ ought not to be written off simply woman who find wisdom. In the ishly, but the concept of Kingdom as because we hope for a better world 1990s let us remember the words of present reality has been abandoned to come. In the beginning God made Prov. 4:7: at times. mankind responsible for the stew­ Wisdom is supreme; therefore In my judgment our holiness heri­ ardship of this world by giving him get wisdom. Though it cost all you tage has shared this lopsidedness to dominion over it, and we are still re­ have, get understanding. $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 13 Christian Ministry ______i CONGREGATIONAL RECOVERY: Hope and Healing

here stood the bishop, ready Following 3- Bargaining, trying to figure to give the Sunday morning out how to fix the problem. The en­ T sermon. Late in the week a Pastoral ergy now turns to traditional “fix it” dark rumor had spread among the strategies, often simultaneously nearly 2,000-member congregation. blaming the bishop and the district The pastor was nowhere in sight. The committee for the pastoral failure, choir had come into place on sched­ Sexual and often mixing in residual anger ule. I could count off the other full­ along with advice to the new or in­ time staff. Only the pastor was gone. Failure terim minister. The restlessness of Now this: the bargaining phase of congrega­ I regret to tell you that Mark Wal­ tional grief often extends across an ter Goodson has been relieved of by Donald M. Joy entire interim pastor’s service. Bar­ pastoral responsibilities at this Wilmore, Ky. gaining is inevitably egocentric— church. It has been established be­ self-protecting. The blame gun is yond reasonable doubt that he has pointed outward, and grief cannot been for some time guilty of per­ away from the church on that first move ahead until the responsibility sonal indiscretions. These dis­ shock event, the denial may be for a begins to point inward. There is, in qualify him and prevent him from lifetime. For those who stay, the grief virtually all grief, a need to finally continuing as your pastor. The dis­ can begin to move toward healing admit to vulnerability, and often, to trict pastoral appointment com­ and hope. blame that is larger than the simple mittee is convening tomorrow. By 2. Anger, resentment, feelings o f egocentric accusations suggested. tomorrow night a new senior min­ having been betrayed. The introvert 4. Depression, the dark night o f ister will be appointed to the post response of anger tends to show up a congregational soul, character­ vacated now by Mark Goodson. If as withdrawal, absenteeism, even re­ ized by a deep funereal sense o f you have questions, you may call moval of membership as a protest of gloom and hopelessness. While the the church office on Tuesday the betrayal. Among those who re­ depression phase looks a bit like the morning. main, the anger may focus on the pas­ shock/denial phase, there is this dif­ The bishop then used the next 20 tor or the pastor’s family members ference: The loss has been articu­ minutes to unfold a homily vaguely lated, processed, debated, and venti­ but more often shows up quickly as focused on sin and responsibility, but lated. There has been a careful members of the congregation un­ the formal statement had worked like focusing of anger, fixing of responsi­ leash their anger on each other. An­ an anesthesia. We were all numb. I bility, and a replay of signals they ger is a way of self-protecting, prom­ doubt that any of us were able to fol­ missed that were early warning of low the sermon. “The King Is Dead! ising never to be vulnerable again, so trouble. Long Live the King!” the rage turned outward typically Depression that is constructive is Like the death and immediate re­ prevents ever trusting again. The ar­ well-informed and carries with it a placement of a British monarch, pas­ rested anger response often lingers sense of shared guilt. In many cases, tors are removed and often replaced in a congregation for decades after the congregation is able to name it­ in a single swift event. And while the the loss occurred for which no inten­ self as contributing to the tragedy. It process used to remove sexually fail­ tional grieving was done. I am now is depressing to accept corporate re­ ing pastors may vary, the effects are watching a formerly great congrega­ sponsibility for a pastor’s sexual fail­ quite uniform: tion begin to mangle its third pastor ure. There is no pleasure in accept­ 1. Shock, sensations of being since the loss of one who broke his ing the fact that “We are our brother’s numb, o f incredulity. These are like marriage before their very eyes. The keeper,” responsible to monitor his anesthesia— they numb us to help us anger episodes have depleted the work load and his working environ­ survive. “Denial,” the clinical studies membership and attendance constit­ ment, and to accept his marriage and on grief call these spontaneous strat­ uency, but it has been targeted, log­ family responsibilities as somehow egies. In any substantial loss, denial ically, on the successors to the failing our responsibilities too. “We’ve is the first response. It is not so much minister. Without intentional and never had such a hardworking, effec­ that we choose to avoid reality but systematic grief work, congregations tive pastor!” may now ring in our ears that the full force of reality would often are transformed in a downward as we realize: “We may have set him kill us instantly. So we buffer our loss spiral, every way, by unresolved de­ up for this by encroaching on his time with numbness. For those who walk nial and anger. for his own marriage and family.”

14 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE In other cases, the shared guilt was reported by a victim or by eye­ ality. This unfinished grief syndrome may not be so clear, yet a well-in- witnesses to some alleged im­ is the first reason many congrega­ formed depression phase includes moral sexual events. tions cannot get into deep grief and mourning for a lost hope and vision, b. How was the pastor identi­ find the blessing of acceptance and and grieving for the loss of a once- fied in his failure? Did he volun­ comfort. promising congregational leader. tarily confess, and who broke the 2. The specific nature o f the sex­ And ultimately, where ual failure is not named. high levels of trust have In a world that fears sex­ been established, the de­ ual crimes, sexual se­ pression is a time for as­ Like the death and immediate duction, sexual perver­ sessment: “Having trust­ sion, not to mention ed and been betrayed, replacement of a British sexual promiscuity, sex­ w ill we ever trust again?” ual inversion, and sexual 5. Acceptance, the monarch, pastors are diseases, the fantasies are closing o f the case, and often worse than the the decision to survive, removed and replaced in a facts. How long was the to live again. In the de­ sexual failure infecting pression phase, the ques single, swift event. the pastor’s ministry tion finally came down here? Are there now vis­ to this: “Will we pay the ible roots during his life price for integrity, face before arriving here? the truth, including our corporate confidential contract that accom­ Was he sexually involved with an­ guilt, and do the costly repenting panies such confession? Or was he other woman? Has he violated his and restoration we need?” If these is­ whistled down by the victim or own or other people’s children? Has sues of righteousness and holiness witnesses to his activities? Could he been pursuing pornographic and are not faced, then the survival will the scandal have arisen from the other sex-for-hire services? be flawed, a mere veneer of well­ typical distortion or exaggeration Since our trust of the pastor was as being. But when the grieving and the that characterizes malicious ru­ a person, our sense of loss is best restitution are done, a congregation mors? served if we know how he was mor­ can rise up wiser, stronger, and safer c. Most often there is no indi­ tally wounded in our presence: What than before. cation at all of whether the pastor slings and arrows of outrageous mis­ is living in arrogant rebellion fortune brought him down? Can he Congregations in Grief against truth or is practicing re­ furnish us a face-to-face report? A Pastoral sexual failure inevitably pentance and continuing obe­ videotape? A letter of discreet but spreads devastation through a con­ dience to Jesus. specific confession? As I gaze into gregation. A pastor might be con­ In cases where the pastor has been the coffin of my lost friend who went victed of tax fraud, shoplifting, or arrested and convicted by civil au­ down in flames, I need to know how substance abuse, and many people thorities for specific illegal sexual it happened— both to grieve specifi­ would stand by him and see him activities, the congregational grief cally and deeply and to teach myself through sentencing and rehabil­ can be equally specific. But look at to identify the pathway to disaster in itation. Sexual failure, however, is the frustration of healthy congrega­ the hopes of avoiding the same path failure at the core of personhood, tional grieving in the more typical and detecting its symptoms earlier in and since ministry and sexuality are cases I have outlined: other friends. both assumed to move from this core 1. The pastor is missing without 3. D id the pastor volunteer his of his person, his ministry cannot be form al explanation. This is the grief confession to authorities and sug­ separated from his sexual failure. equivalent of having lost someone at gest the resignation? If it was a con­ So what do congregations say to a sea. Since we have no corpse, the ef­ fidential confession, how did it ex­ pastor’s sexual failure? Most of the forts to schedule a funeral and to or­ plode into this public parade of time they say nothing. This frozen si­ chestrate the grieving are futile in shame? Having absolved others as a lence can turn a congregation into a dealing with the deep loss. We have matter of professional and redemp­ Siberian wasteland. Typically the an instinctual fear of ghosts. The fear tion responsibility, must I now con­ pastor is gone without explanation, is partly a result of our feelings of clude that “himself he cannot save”? and veiled references to “personal undefined self-guilt, of ignorance of If our pastor’s vocational career indiscretion” or resignation from the what really was going on, of having placed him in daily jeopardy, mixing church and “surrender of his creden­ been betrayed. But the greatest ghost as it does compassion and “ un­ tials” provide no data at all on which to work for congregational healing. monger of all is our lack of “closure loading space” for others’ sins, who Consider the vacuum that surrounds with the corpse.” At one level it con­ is his confessor and confidant? Who the loss of a pastor involved in sexual sists of this: “I never got to ‘say good­ is my pastor’s pastor? Has he, or has failure: bye.’ ” At another, it is the fear of a his profession, or have we in our ex­ a. Congregations rarely can dis­ sudden close encounter of that awful pectations isolated him into predict­ cover whether the pastor volun­ kind as you are confronted with a ably impossible vulnerability? tarily confessed and removed him­ person you had hoped was dead and 4. Or was he confronted? Was the self from ministry, or whether he would never appear again in your re­ confrontation based on hearsay or on

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 15 eyewitness information? Was the worse we can make him look, we ories and replay the images in confrontation based on New Testa­ imagine, the better we really are. We search of redefining congregation­ ment principles targeted toward res­ forget the basic Christian reflexes: al/pastoral roles and relationships toration and confidentiality? How “Weep with those who weep” (Rom. for everybody’s good was private sin turned into public 12:15, RSV) and “we are our broth­ 2. Grief work facilitator. Pastoral scandal? If he was not handled in rad­ er’s guardian” (cf. Gen. 4:9). More sermons, homilies, Bible studies eas­ often, our lips are ily focus in on core human needs. In sealed. We act, we the leadership vacuum created by suppose, to protect pastoral failure, the visible congrega­ ourselves, to sur­ A congregation can rise up tional leader, even though an in­ vive. And our uneasy wiser, stronger, and safer conscience is cer­ terim, needs to be empowered to tain, then, to be com­ address real and not artificial issues than before. plicated by our loss when a congregation is in the shock of contact, absence of sudden loss. It is critical that Sun­ of facts, and our in­ day morning services not be sched­ ability to reach a- uled into a series of “guest per­ ically Christian regard by us and our cross the silence and ask for our­ formances” following a loss. Some ecclesiastical leaders, who w ill pro­ selves the real questions essential for arrangement must be made to bring tect him? Shall we advise him to con­ having a good grief. in a resident pastor, even though in­ sort with the heathen in order to re­ In all of this we are losers, and I terim, perhaps from retirement, or ceive decent protection? Should he have not even yet raised the issue of perhaps on sudden leave from an­ be advised to get civil legal counsel? how a failing pastor may best be re­ other setting and on loan. The sense But these are speculations. We al­ stored and rehabilitated. That w ill of having a stable, on-site replace­ most never know answers to these come in a later installment. Here we ment is urgent if grieving is to get questions, and it is the lack of infor­ are focusing on congregational heal­ under way. mation that complicates our griev­ ing: Beyond these “pastor in residence” ing. If he was a sinner, but we sinned A Liturgy of Grief issues, it may be important to sched­ in our corporate handling of the epi­ ule special events: Congregations that suffer sudden sode, then crimes abound, and we a. A grief seminar, for example, have greatly complicated and prolif­ loss of a pastor may choose whether led by a grief work specialist who erated our losses. If we find hope and to go ahead with business as usual or is also a therapist, would be a healing from this grief, we will to devote an interim period to inten­ worthwhile event for an intensive spend long nights in depression and tional grief work. weekend or Saturday. integrity confession and restitution 1. A time for grieving. Grief is b. If the church offers pastoral before we see light again. never fun. We avoid it when we can. counseling services beyond that of 5. What is the pastor’s attitude And institutional grief time is even the senior pastor, those services about his own failure? Is he pen­ harder to orchestrate than personal need to be publicized in the wake itent or brazen, vulnerable or self- grief. We need to protecting? How is the m ighty “keep a stiff upper fallen? Since he won us over to lives lip,” so the missing Pastoral sexual failure based on candor, a good confession, employee, execu­ and repentance, is he now skilled at tive, or pastor is inevitably spreads devastation practicing those Christian strategies? quickly banished His pastoral care actually created a to unspoken mem­ through a congregation. safe place for us, yet did we learn ories. Socially, we well enough from him so that we cre­ aim for safe con­ ated a safe place for him? When he versational topics. received our painful confessions, did The last thing we are ready to do is to of pastoral loss. In any case, how­ he use them to humiliate us? When open a subject on which we might ever limited the congregation’s re­ he had to confront us, did he destroy lose control. But in a congregation sources, it is appropriate to ar­ us? we can surely take Jesus at His word: range for a professional and But since congregations virtually “Blessed are those who grieve!” (cf. competent Christian counselor to never have any substantial reading on Matt. 5:4). This may mean that we book part o f the therapy load on these issues, they tend to piece to­ need to instruct our interim or newly the church premises. Many people gether the sudden departure and oc­ installed pastoral leader to walk with deserve to know that people who want to be healthy are those who casional glimpses of the pastor and us into our chambers of painful loss: are strong enough to go for help. It the pastor’s family and read them for a. Our tendency to deny and maybe possible to underwrite con­ full negative content. The bottom avoid the sealed closet of our loss gregational appointments with the line is this-. If we can paint him as a b. Our pockets of anger therapist, distributing part of the despicable sinner, then we w ill look c. Our corporate guilt and need expense to individuals but accept­ innocent by comparison. It is as if we for repentance ing church responsibility for part are competing for saving face. The d. Our need to revisit the mem­ of the therapy expense.

16 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE 3- Second-mile restitution. When for denial. It is also an opportunity to pastoral sexual failure occurs, it is demonstrate how our alleged “heal­ reasonable to anticipate that the con­ Find a way to ing community” works. Compare the gregation will, sooner or later, need pain of this intentional recovery pro­ to do some corporate repentance. combine gram with the long-term effects of Jesus insisted that even when we are “shooting our wounded” and carry­ assaulted or robbed, we should turn rehabilitative ing the lifelong shame and guilt that the other cheek and add additional discipline while infected both the sinner and the items to the loot. This “going the sec­ judging congregation. “How Chris­ tian is our congregation as it deals ond mile” may be based on the prin­ keeping the with pastoral failure?” becomes the ciple of “doing as we would be done acid test question for the larger com­ by,” but it is also a hedge against the community intact. munity. If we are radically Christian, almost inevitable self-accusation we will not try to self-protect by ex­ that w ill come later. If we retaliate pelling the sinner but will find a way quickly, we will have to repent twice to combine rehabilitative discipline when we have reflected on our likely immediate support and rehabil­ while keeping the community in­ role in setting up our pastor to fail. itation be begun now at congrega­ tact. If we cannot handle a failing Congregations that grieve well tional expense. During the transition pastor, why should the heathen be­ consistently have followed an early period, a pastoral care committee lieve they can be helped if they risk impulse to take responsibility for the might be transformed out of existing coming among us in their honest transition and for the pastoral family structures or formed fresh. They condition? and their needs for stress and rehabil­ would be responsible for engaging The focus here has been on con­ itation counseling. So the first con­ professional direction for the reha­ gregational healing in the face of pas­ gregational response to pastoral fail­ bilitation and pastoral family transi­ toral failure. Sexual failure in pas­ ure might be this: An o rd e rly tion process but would orchestrate tors, as in the entire human species, process is needed by which the pas­ congregational communication with is as complicated as the uniqueness tor and his family are stabilized the pastor and his family. A series of of people themselves. But there are following the public exposure of dining out occasions should be ar­ three specific kinds of failure I want sexual failure. The goal here is to ranged with key people to provide to unfold with you. I named them in prevent the “loss of the corpse” and the data base for good grieving. the first installment of this series. In to prevent later congregational guilt Left to ourselves, all of us avoid a a final section, I will offer what we by underwriting pastoral and parson­ corpse. Pastors who fail are the new know today about healing from the age family rehabilitation. lepers, the living dead among us. double bind of adultery, recovery The specter of parsonage children “ My phone never rings,” one un­ from sexual addiction, and the trans­ carrying lifelong scars from an epi­ frocked pastor told me when I dis­ formation of the tournament male. sode that occurred at this church is covered him missing six months after * enough to cause a congregation to go the expulsion. He was 500 miles the extra mile to prevent the mill­ away but broke into tears. “There This article is second in a series of three dealing stone judgment pronounced against were people who phoned me every with pastoral failure and recovery potential for con­ them from the lips o f Jesus. This week for years who suddenly aban­ gregations and for clergy. The author, Dr. Donald M. could mean that a three- to six- doned me. Nothing!” he complained. Joy, is professor of human development at Asbury Theological Seminary and occupies the Ray and Mary month transition time is announced, Quite apart from the pastor’s needs, Jo West Chair of Christian Education. He is a specialist during which time the pastor’s entire congregations need to have a “good in family life, bonding, and issues surrounding sexual family might remain in the pastoral grief,” and good grieving requires integrity. He is most widely known through his ap­ pearances on “Focus on the Family” but has served the residence, and all would be in facing the loss. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and weekly therapy. The pastor’s resigna­ Keeping the pastoral family in the the Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention. He is a Staley Lecturer and has appeared in lectureships on tion might be received, even re­ community, even within the care of human development and intimacy issues on more quested, but with the insistence that the congregation, is an instant cure than 20 college campuses in recent years.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 17 Pastoral Care Handrails would also be help­ ful. In an existing building it might be more economically feasible to build a ramp into a side entrance or to make a new I Can't Minister door with a ramp (not too steep). Be sure the door is at least 36-38 inches wide and swings out. to the 2. Shorten a pew or two to allow “parking space” for wheel­ chairs. This keeps the person in the wheelchair from feeling as Handicapped if he is always in the way of ush­ ers and other people who must walk around him to get to their seats. Because... 3. For rest rooms to be accessible to wheelchairs, the stall should be at least 42" x 42" and the door should be at least 32" wide. Install handrails in the stalls. Sliding curtains or swing- out doors on the stalls are nec­ essary. 4. Smooth and slant all doorsills that a wheelchair must cross. 5. If you’d like to capitalize on all these improvements in acces­ sibility, go one step further and rent a van equipped with lifts. Run it on Sunday morning to the local nursing home, the VA hospital, or a children’s hospi­ tal. Many of these people would be delighted to come to church if they had transportation. Some communities have free van service for handicapped people. If you rent a van on Sunday, advertise this service in the newspaper and on the ra­ dio. This is an excellent com­ munity outreach and w ill give your church a reputation as a church that cares. “The only handicapped person I know is so bad off he can’t go any­ “We don’t have any handicapped buildings to be accessible to wheel­ where. His mind is still in a state o f people in our church." chairs. Many other states are rapidly innocence. He probably doesn’t Why not? An estimated 12 percent following suit. You may be wise to need to come to church anyway.’’ of every community’s members have start planning now to make your That may be true, but his family some type of disability With that church as accessible as possible. probably does need spiritual help. high a percentage, we can be sure Here are some facts to consider: By ministering to one handicapped that many of these people and their 1. Only 10 percent of those who person, you minister to his family families are being left out of the are handicapped are in a wheel­ and their friends as well! church’s efforts to spread the gospel. chair. Many handicapped (such One of the most helpful things you “It costs too much to build ramps as your senior citizens) people can do is to make it possible for pri­ and toilet facilities for handi­ have knee problems and are un­ mary caretakers to take time off occa­ capped people. We just can’t afford able to negotiate stairs. An en­ sionally. Many o f them cannot get to remodel our church structure trance ramp would aid the peo­ away for church services and finally like that.” ple in wheelchairs and those drop out of the family of God com­ Several states require all public with other walking difficulties. pletely. Ask someone in the church

18 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE to form a volunteer group (with the keep our hands still and in our If you steered your own wheel­ family’s permission) to offer respite laps, not on our faces, in our chair, would there be times you to the family. This volunteer group mouths, or near our eyes or would like to have help but would could be trained by the primary care­ nose. We go to the rest rooms hate to keep asking for it? taker in caring for the homebound before we go into service, and If you sat in a wheelchair, would person. They would then take turns we get our drinks then too. We you appreciate others sitting staying with him while the family at­ stand up only when others are rather than standing when they tends church services or attends to standing. We turn pages in our talked with you? other necessary tasks. As an outreach, Bibles or songbooks when oth­ I f you were blind or visually if you have enough willing people, ers are doing this.” Teachers impaired, would you want people this could be extended to the com­ should take the pupils to get to baby you, to tell you where you munity as well. drinks and to the rest room be­ could sit in church, or try to lead fore church. They should also "I don’t mind people with phys­ you without first asking if you be aware of any physical prob­ ical disabilities coming to church, wanted help? Would you like be­ lems that might cause one of but I ’m afraid that people with ing left out of conversations be­ their students to have to leave. mental disabilities will disrupt the cause someone assumed you have That one can be kept toward service. I feel as if people will be no opinions, since you can’t see? the back, where he can leave paying attention to them and not If you were disfigured or mal without disturbing others. to the service. Isn’t there a danger form ed, would you like to be 5. Mentally handicapped people that people may quit coming if we avoided? Or would you like for should not sit by themselves or bring a lot o f those kinds o f people people to look you in the eye, in a group without a teacher or into the service?” shake your hand, and speak to you someone else. One young man It’s true that people with mental as they do to others? Would you who was retarded used to sit impairments have been known to like for people to slow down and alone on the front pew. He was disrupt a church service. But when it keep pace with your ambling gait seldom noisy, but he would happens, the roof doesn’t cave in, so that you would have company scoot up and down the seat and and people don’t get up and stomp while walking? do other distracting things. Fi­ out! And there are ways to greatly If you had trouble speaking nally, one loving man began to lessen the chances of disruption. clearly, would you appreciate peo­ sit beside him with his arm on 1. If they are not accustomed to ple who wait patiently for you to the boy’s shoulder. That solved attending church, perhaps you form words? Would you appreciate the problem immediately. It is could have a special class dur­ questions that call for short an- good for the pastor to occa­ ing church time for them. In sionally publicly take note of this class, train them in accept­ how well behaved certain peo­ able church behavior. Have ses­ ple are during church service. sions so that they can practice Teach your what they learn. "I ’m not always sure what I 2. The pastor is usually revered by should say to people with handi­ congregation love mentally retarded people. He caps— and I am always unsure o f could visit the Sunday School myself around mentally handi­ and compassion classroom once a month, or capped people.” even once a week for a while, We all need to guard against judg­ through ministry and tell them what behavior he ing people by their exterior appear­ expects from them during the ances. Ignore differences in action, to people with worship service. The assurance appearance, or speech, and treat of a handshake and a visit with handicapped people the same way those who are well-behaved you would treat anyone else that you will often work wonders. love and respect. It will help if you 3. Try a field trip to the pastor’s get to know the person outside of office, where he w ill talk about the church setting first. No one will his expectations of them. This be watching, and you will feel more may be just what they need to at ease. To help you think of them as motivate good behavior. Busy individuals with full personhood, pastors w ill find that this is instead of as handicapped, try to put time well spent. yourself in their place: 4. Sunday School teachers should I f you were in a wheelchair, but spell out behavior expectations your mind still worked well, in positive terms: “When we are would you want people to ask in church, we watch the someone standing beside you how preacher and the song leader. you are? Would you feel hurt if We always keep our faces they ignored the abilities you still turned to the front and do not had? Would you want to be useful watch other people. We try to and minister to others?

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 19 swers? If you could not talk at all, overcome their own difficulties in don’t blame God for it; it is a result of would you appreciate an alphabet life, let them get to know someone man’s sin, which brought about his or a picture board at church so that with greater difficulties. Let them mortality. you could communicate with oth­ help a handicapped person find Disease is another result of sin, and ers? what abilities he has and find ways it sometimes brings disfigurement I f you were deaf and knew only he can use those abilities in the and maiming. We tend to blame God sign language and lip reading, church. Besides what handicapped for disease only when it strikes us or would you like for your pastor to at people can actually do, their very someone we love. Disease does not least be able to sign, “Hi! How are presence will be a ministry to others. care whom it strikes; it just depends you?” Would you enjoy having the If you want your congregation to on germs, malnutrition, and other such circumstances to do its work. God has not chosen to suspend the “law” of disease for Christians. We are as vulnerable as non-Christians The question is not in our abilities or are. Disease is not a punishment be­ cause of a person’s sin, but rather a disabilities but what we do with them. consequence humanity suffers be­ cause of sin (collectively). Mutations are another primary cause for handicaps. Sometimes they songs as well as the sermon signed? develop a Christlike acceptance and are the result of drugs, medications, Would you appreciate people who love of others— a compassionate or poor prenatal care. Who can say spoke to you in a normal tone so spirit instead o f pride and self- why other mutations happen? We are that you could read their lips more centeredness— having handicapped assured in Ps. 139:13 that we are easily? (Shouting changes the people in the church provides an op­ “knit . . . together” by God in the shape o f the lips as they form portunity for you to show them how womb. That means He knows why words.) Would you like to have to love. Teach them how to respond some people have extra chromo­ people get your attention by a to the needs of others and how to ac­ somes and why some w ill have birth slight touch before they begin to cept differences. defects. That same psalm also says speak to you? "J hesitate to start something that God has a plan for us (v. 16), just I f you were mildly mentally re­ that I can’t finish. How can I know the way He made us. We do not know tarded (this makes up 89 percent if my people will respond well?" the mind of God, but we do know o f those who are mentally re­ See how they respond to children. that every person has a purpose in tarded), would you appreciate be­ If they are generally loving and un­ this life. ing treated with respect according derstanding of children’s noise and Accidents cause many handicaps. to your chronological age, rather nonadult behavior, there is a good Was it God’s fault that someone driv­ than as a child? Would you like to chance they will react the same way ing while intoxicated hit a car or have someone listen to you? Would to people with handicaps. overturned his own? Was it God’s you come to trust someone who If your people are already more fault that someone who was not seemed to care about you? Would concerned about people than they watching the road carefully hit a mo­ you be glad to have a special per­ are about buildings and structures, torcycle or a child? Was it God’s fault son (such as the pastor) shake your you can be reasonably sure they will that a person went to sleep at the hand and be your friend? Wouldn’t be open to these people who have wheel? Is God to blame when a pilot that make you feel better about been neglected so many times. makes an error in judgment and yourself? Wouldn’t you be willing If you have even one family with a crash-lands, killing and hand­ to listen to anything this friend handicapped person in your church, icapping hundreds of people at one told you about your behavior? there will be others in the church time? If God is to blame for accidents “I have to prioritize my time, and who feel an empathy with that fam­ like these, then we must blame God — let’s face it— there are a lot more ily. for allowing us to retain our human­ ity with all its faults and failures. productive people that I could min­ “I don’t know what to tell people In short, it is our humanity that is ister to.” who have permanent handicaps. to blame for our handicaps, not God! If you are seeking to bring people Did God cause the handicap as a The question is not in our abilities or with money into your church, hand­ punishment or a test? I can’t ex­ our disabilities but what we do with icapped people will probably be low plain to them why they are the way them! We can use them to develop on your priority list. If you are look­ they are. I almost feel as if I have to into the kind of person God has ing for people who will be up-front make excuses fo r God." planned for us to be, or we can leaders, you will not find them too When a person gets old and his choose to blame God and become often among handicapped people. hearing gets bad, do we blame that bitter about our fate in life. All peo­ But if you want to teach your congre­ on God? Few people would think ple need to learn an acceptance of gation love and compassion, one of that God caused that hearing loss. themselves as God-loved and God- the best ways to do it is through min­ Yet a large portion of handicapping planned individuals. It is even harder istry to people with handicaps. conditions are age-related. Aging is a for handicapped people than it is for If you want your people to learn to law that is built into our bodies. We others. $

20 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE Pastoral Care— The Pastor and the Alcoholic Enablement or Confrontation by D. W. Lamkin Chaplain, Koala Plymouth Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Hospital Plymouth, Ind. here are, by conservative esti­ son about the problem. The alco­ many people: “A Boy Scout with a mates, 10 million alcoholics holic’s family lived through seven bottle of aspirin, a pup tent, under­ T in the United States today. If I years of hiding, lying, isolating, and standing, and compassion can affect assume that each alcoholic critically making excuses for their loved one. better treatment for an alcoholic affects the lives of three to four other Many chaplains within the alcohol than a pastor with the finest biblical people, we are faced with a monu­ and drug rehab hospitals maintain background who is hostile and preju­ mental problem. Alcoholism is the that creating a crisis may, in the long diced toward the alcoholic.” third leading cause of death in the run, be beneficial to the alcoholic. Some pastors may detect or sus­ United States. It is a moral and spiri­ Diplomatic silence, in fact, enables pect alcoholism in a church family tual problem, as well as a physical the alcoholic to deny his problem but fear confrontation. But there are and psychological one. and continue indulging in his self­ several tools at the pastor’s finger­ What role does the church and the destructive life-style. tips. Alcoholics Anonymous is one of pastor play in the lives of these mil­ What role does the pastor play in the best that can be employed. And if lions of people? There are positive regard to arresting alcoholism? Cer­ and negative effects. A pastor usually tainly it is not to sit in judgment. there is an A.A. m eeting at his occupies a somewhat privileged po­ Jesus always ministered to the needs church, all the better. A.A. is tough, sition in the community. When fami­ of individuals in crises of their own supportive, and nonjudgmental, lies face crisis, who do they turn to? making. He confronted them with three ingredients that seem to work Usually their pastor. The pastor can “honest love.” In my role as a chap­ for the alcoholic. Another is Scrip­ be a powerful tool of redemption as lain, many clients have shared that ture. God’s Word is still true. The he endeavors to minister to the alco­ they will not seek help from pastors Books o f James and 1 John deal holic as well as to his family. who take a hard, dogmatic approach. openly and realistically with people Unfortunately, most pastors be­ The clients state, “They had already in crisis. Third, be educated about al­ come enablers to the alcoholic. That judged and condemned me; they coholism. is, they protect the alcoholic from didn’t show any love or take time to One of the first goals in counseling the consequences of his behavior by listen.” alcoholics is to have them admit they not confronting him with his prob­ Only 2 to 5 percent of all alcohol­ are powerless over alcohol. Along lem. This action is read by the alco­ ics are on skid row. The rest are in the with powerlessness comes unman­ holic either as endorsement or cal­ remaining strata of life. This means ageability. That our lives are out of lousness toward him and his that alcoholism is all around us— control and we’re powerless to do problem. According to a University and it is in our churches. You may anything about it is a statement few of Iowa study on alcoholism, it gen­ say, “Not in my church.” But alcohol­ people want to make. But many lead­ erally takes seven years from the on­ ism affects one out of every five fam­ ers in this field feel that unless this set of alcoholism before a client first ilies in many conservative evangeli­ step is taken by the alcoholic, further seeks help at a treatment center. This cal churches. drinking is inevitable. Unless they means that there have been a great Joseph Kellerman, former execu­ accept powerlessness and unman­ number of people who suspected tive director of the Charlotte, N.C., ageability, how can they ever see others of alcohol abuse but for what­ Council on Alcoholism, quotes a how Jesus Christ can be a positive ever reason didn’t confront the per­ statement that reflects the attitude of factor in their lives? $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 21 Sounding Board John Wimber sat at the piano in a casual, open-necked shirt. The wor­ ship leader led the congregation in praise choruses. It was a beautiful time of worship. John Wimber did not preach that night. A man named Paul Cain did. The heart o f the message was that we’d better not be presumptuous and look to see visions because what we really need is to hear the Lord and obey. Not What I found most interesting about the Vineyard was its current emphasis. Are you ready for it? H oli­ ness. There was a deeply repentant attitude about the whole place. I do Wimber not mean to mislead here. The Vine­ yard is definitely charismatic. Proph­ ecy was another emphasis that I no­ ticed. However, even the prophecy revolved around holiness and abso­ or Wesley lute honesty before God. I did not find a church running after “some es­ oteric emotional worship experi­ ence.” 1 Nor did I find a church con­ cerned more with “our pleasure- by Mike MacNeil oriented, affluent life-styles”2 than with meeting human need. What I Sussex, N.B. found was an alive, maturing fellow ­ ship o f believers. What I learned was this: 1. We need to be careful of mea­ The follow ing article is a response to the most unassuming megachurch suring what God is doing now by our the article “Signs and Wonders: Wim­ that I have ever seen. It is located in tradition. It is very easy to forget how ber or Wesley?” which appeared in the an industrial park. As I drove there on John Wesley was viewed by his con­ June, July, August 1989 issue of the a warm December Sunday night, I temporaries. It is easy to forget how Preacher’s Magazine. kept wondering if my directions there have been periods of imbal­ were correct. I was moving away ance in our own movement. In any n a recent trip to California from the city, passing darkened ware­ growing fellowship new emphasis for my denomination (Wes­ house after darkened warehouse. Just and insight takes precedence for a leyan), I decided to do a lit­ as I was beginning to feel lost, I spot­ time until it settles into a bigger pic­ Otle investigative reporting on Johnted a warehouse with a couple of ture. All movements have gone Wimber’s Vineyard. Wimber is a con­ thousand cars around it. There was through this. troversial name to mention within no sign on the building to identify it. 2. We need to stop looking at the the holiness movement. I’ve enjoyed This must be the place, I thought. I minor things that separate us and his books. I’ve read both positive and was right. start looking at the multitude of negative reactions to the Vineyard Inside I encountered about 3,000 things that bind us together in Christ. movement. I’ve been encouraged to people o f all ages and descriptions. We may place barriers between our­ follow the movement by some holi­ They were worshiping God freely, selves as Christians that God does not ness people and warned not to by but not wildly or in an unorderly want there at all. In other words, we others. In this swirl o f conflicting in­ fashion. The sanctuary was a vast, flat have more in common than we think formation I’ve often felt like the au­ room filled with movable rows of we do. dience on the old TV game show chairs. The decor was simple. Other Let me give you an example from where the announcer finally has to than a stage and the carpet on the an article I found by John Wimber in say: “Will the real------please floor it looked like a warehouse. The Equipping the Saints: stand up!” That always settled the is­ bulletin was a yellow, photocopied Repentance, promises, and signs sue and separated the truth from the sheet. There was nothing slick or and wonders lead next to purity of misinformation. promotional about the place at all. In heart and devotion to God. . . . The W ill the real John Wimber please fact, it seemed to defy all of the Lord is hard at work putting holi­ stand up! church-growth image-building prin­ ness and purity in the Vineyard. The Anaheim Vineyard has to be ciples I’d ever heard of. He’s showing us that many o f our

2 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Pastor, Be Encouraged habits and standards are not based on His Word, and that His ways are higher than ours. He’s calling us to emphasize standards, that are clearly in the New Testament and The Soul of the Church apply to all Christians at all times. But we hadn’t been emphasizing and obeying them! by C. Neil Strait God is taking us on the “Way of Grand Rapids, Mich. Holiness,” and the standards o f be­ read something recently that do we raise a pastor’s salary. They are havior there are much higher than was encouraging. It pointed the soul and strength o f the church, those under which we have lived out that the soul and strength of and someone needs to recognize in the past. Behavior that the Lord the church is in people whose jobstheir toil and faithfulness. once tolerated in us will kill us on are not prominent or glamorous, but I have observed, more than once, this path, for with greater privi­ they just tough it out, hang in there, that, all too often, the people who lege and revelation come greater I ride out the storms, and cheer the raise the most fuss in a congregation responsibility and consequence. pastor on. Every pastor needs mem­ have not had their “faces to the coal.” He’s calling us to be careful with bers like this and thanks the Lord fre­ They have been glamour-seekers and our tongues, and dedicated in quently when he finds them. ladder-hoppers. They have, all too prayer and Scripture study, careful Don McDullough, writing in “Wak­ often, been more adept at telling oth­ to avoid all evil and even appear­ ing from the American Dream,” tells ers how to do than at being doers ances of evil, upright with our fi­ the story of Winston Churchill dur­ themselves. Neither does the church nances, diligent with our time, ing World War II. Churchill called la­ go forward by them, nor does its exis­ faithful to our families. God’s say­ bor leaders to a meeting to enlist tence depend on them. ing, “ If you’re going to walk on my their support. At the end o f his pre­ Pastor, your future and mine de­ highway, you’ve got to do it my sentation, he asked them to picture pend on the people who have their way.”3 in their minds a parade that he knew “faces to the coal.” They are “the salt It seems to me that w hile we in the would be held in Picadilly Circus af­ o f the earth” people. Because they holiness movement have been ter the war. First, he said, would are busy in the trenches, they do not watching the Vineyard with a sus­ come the sailors who had kept the have time to criticize. Because they picious eye, doubting whether the vital sea-lanes open. Then would are at their tasks, they see every pas­ miracles that have been reportedly come the soldiers who had come tor as shepherd and partner with happening there were really from home from Dunkirk and then gone them in a great mission. God, the Vineyard has been follow­ on to defeat Rommel in Africa. Then So, Pastor, be encouraged by the ing God into the way of holiness! The would come the pilots who had people who have their “faces to the test o f anything spiritual is the fruit it driven the Luftwaffe from the sky. coal.” They are the real heroes, your produces. I may be premature, but I “Last o f all,” he said, “would come boosters, your supporters. When oth­ believe that the fruit being produced a long line of sweat-stained, soot- ers feel the hard times, they are there at the Vineyard is good. streaked men in miners’ caps. Some­ looking to you for leadership The lesson is this: It is not really a one would cry from the crowd, ‘And through their soot-stained eyes. They matter of choosing theology as we where were you during the critical pray for you, love you, support you. choose brand names at the super­ days of our struggle?’ And from ten When the bills are to be paid, they market. It is not Wimber or Wesley. It thousand throats would come the an­ pay them. When the budgets are to is Jesus and following Him that is im­ swer, ‘We were deep in the earth be raised, they raise them. When the portant. As we follow Him, we w ill with our faces to the coal.’ ” pastor gets a raise in pay, usually they lay aside our suspicions and the mi­ The point that stuck with me was pay it. And after all their work, they nor “distinctives” we so proudly the phrase, “We were deep in the go back to the “faces to the coal” hold onto. We will not look to mea­ earth with our faces to the coal.”* work rejoicing and looking for better sure others by ourselves or the he­ Now, there is nothing glamorous days. roes o f our tradition. We w ill look in­ about work that keeps your “face to Look around you, Pastor! There are stead to see vital relationship with the coal.” It is not the job one seeks more “faces to the coal” people than God. We w ill have fellowship with on the ladder to prominence. But let there are the other kind. I know they one another, and the blood o f Christ it be clear, without the people who are not as vocal, nor as critical, nor as w ill wash us clean. keep their “faces to the coal” there is self-prone. But they are on your side, No, it is not Wimber or Wesley. It is no glamour for anyone else, no carrying your load, holding you up in Wimber, Wesley, and us in Christ, our prominence— in fact, no church! prayer, being Jesus-people where it living, reigning Lord! $ As I look across the church, more counts. and more do I appreciate the people Thank God for them, and be en­ NOTES w ith their “faces to the coal.” For couraged that they are, somewhere, 1. Levi Keidel, “Signs and Wonders: Wimber or W esley?” Preacher’s Magazine, June, July, August without them, we do not do any­ in every church! $ 1989. thing: We do not raise money for mis­ 2. Ibid. ‘Don McDullough, “Waking from the American 3. John Wimber, “The Way o f Holiness,” Equipping sions or ministry, we do not have re­ Dream,” Leadership (C arol Stream, 111.: Christianity the Saints 3, no. 4 (Fall 1989). vivals, we do not build buildings, nor Today), vol. 10, no. 3 (Sum mer 199 0): 42.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2 3 Church Growth Understanding Church Growth by 0. Dean Martin

nless we explore the real other group, for that matter) will save themselves but salvage as much meaning and means of preach a practical gospel worth re­ o f the world as can possibly be sal­ church growth, someone sponding to, and actually extend a vaged. Umay falsely conclude that any clear talk invitation to respond, nobody A professor once visited my office. about being “decisive” and “invita­ w ill have to concentrate on church He was a member of the faculty of tional” is simply due to the fact that a growth. the University o f Florida, just down number of mainline churches are Churches w ill pursue one o f two the street from the church, and he facing drastic membership decline. alternatives: Be a church worth join­ was transferring to a new faculty po­ This is certainly the correlation many ing or, lacking that, learn how to sition at another university. He was a United Methodists have in mind to­ make people join even if the experi­ new Christian with minimal back­ day when we hear such things as, ence is meaningless to their personal ground in faith and most anxious to “The United Methodist Church must lives. The second alternative focuses find a new fellowship that would become a more evangelistic church!” on getting more members. help him keep his faith and continue “We must become a church that As D. Elton Trueblood once ob­ to grow in his life. His question to me reaches people for Christ!” “We must served, the primary reason for the de­ was, “Is there a church o f our denom­ get our zeal back,” and so on. cline o f mainline Christianity is that ination where I am moving?” I said, One quickly discovers what some it is dull. People want help. Everyone “Certainly! We’ve got thousands o f people are fearfully saying: Let’s re­ is reaching out for security, encour­ churches all over the country.” “Re­ verse membership loss. Let’s get to agement, practical assistance, chal­ ally?” he said rather incredulously, “ I work so we can hold our heads up lenge, and meaningful involvement. don’t know much about churches, as again. Let’s extend “evangelistic invi­ The churches that are growing are you know, but I’ve never noticed an tations” because we need more mem­ ministering to these needs because ‘Exciting United Methodist Church’ bers to survive. such churches are worth joining. anywhere in my life!” I had no idea If you doubt this assessment, ask Put another way, if people are not why he was talking this way and yourself how often you recall hear­ joining a church, it is either because asked for further enlightenment. Fi­ ing the phrase “we must become there is something wrong with their nally he called my attention to one of more evangelistic” before our mem­ faith, or there is something wrong our blue shield road signs down on bership graph began dropping like a with the church soliciting their in­ the com er and said, “That church! lead balloon! At most, there was a volvement. Therefore, the “invita­ That denomination!” Then, realizing voice here and a voice there, crying tion” is not to join a church or but­ his very minimal religious back­ in the wilderness. tress up a flagging institution. ground, I finally understood. So, when we speak o f extending Church growth is about being the When I first came to Trinity United the evangelistic invitation, and do so kind o f church worth joining so that Methodist Church in Gainesville, in a period of membership decline people who have a faith that needs Fla., we were surrounded by four ma­ and mixed motivations, let us be fixing w ill have somewhere to go to jor intersections and had no church clear about the nature of church get it fixed. Saving the institution is signs anywhere. Most people didn’t growth. never the point. even know Trinity existed. I ordered Jesus gave us sign ifican t fo re ­ eight new signs, two for each inter­ As By-product warning that “whoever attempts to section, but did not waste time with First we must understand church save his life w ill lose it, but whoever printing that said “Two Blocks,” growth, not as getting more mem­ loses his life for my sake w ill find it.” “Welcome Three Blocks,” etc. I sim­ bers, but as the logical by-product o f Church growth is about the business ply had a large arrow printed at the being a church worth joining. We o f growing because people are being bottom of each sign pointing in the should see that growth is not the goal invited to give their lives to Christ direction of Trinity Church. Above but that relevant Good News is the and share His concern for the world. each arrow I had printed one word goal. Increased membership follows These are the churches that are grow­ representing our goals for ourselves as a result; that if preachers (and any ing, the ones that are trying not to as a fellowship. This meant that at

24 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE each intersection there was a differ­ does not come via legitimately ettas, light opera, Grand Ole Opry, ent adjective describing what we changed hearts and minds, then your rock and roll, hard rock, religious were determined to be. I figured group w ill likely learn to fake it! Fak­ music, standard romantic, or perhaps people would read such words over ing it is not recommended. Possess­ country and western. Whenever they and over again. A sign that says “Two ing it, or rather being possessed by it, publish, they select a special seg­ Blocks” runs out of inspiration pretty is far more commendable. People ment o f society to target. quickly! Our selected adjectives seek out a congregation that meets Allow a brief restatement of my (goals) for the four intersections real needs, and perhaps one o f the fundamental premise. I am not say­ were: “Alive,” “Involved,” “Caring,” greatest needs o f our day is the need ing that you find a message that w ill and “Exciting.” My friend lived near to feel loved. appeal to someone who w ill fill your the sign that said “ Exciting,” and, It is no wonder people are flock­ church and help make its budget. I knowing no more than he did about ing to “loving” churches, contrived am saying, however, that you and I, as churches or denominations, he had or authentic. Many o f us are like the preachers o f the gospel, have a mes­ assumed that was the name o f the de­ little boy who was left on the pedi­ sage that is uniquely God’s and spe­ nomination. And he wanted to find atrics floor o f All Saints Hospital in cial to us. If we preach that message another “Exciting United Methodist Salt Lake City. His nurse hurried — God’s message as we have been Church!” down to the office for a minute, enlightened— there are many people The first thing we need to under­ turned on the intercom in his room hungering for just that message! On stand about church growth is that we to monitor his well-being by listen­ the other hand, if we try to give them should not push for new members. ing to his play, heard nothing, and fi­ everything, if we continue to offer We should give every ounce of nally said, “Billy! Billy!! Say some­ up some nebulous “invitation to strength, vision, and commitment to thing, Billy, I know you are in there!” Christian discipleship,” we w ill con­ being a church o f Jesus Christ worth Finally, after a long and frightening tinue to address predominantly emp­ joining! few moments, little Billy said, “What do you want, wall?” ty pews. We must prayerfully and As Legitimate Choice Like little Billy, most o f us prefer faithfully discern and affirm our spe­ Second, while everybody needs a warm, loving presence! We are tired cial message from God and lovingly church, not everybody needs any o f sterile, proper, staid, sanctified, and deliberately share that message church! People have different needs, and petrified assemblies. The church (or tone, or accent, or emphasis) hopes, dreams, tastes in liturgy, and growth experts rightly observe that with our world. understandings o f both worship and the loving congregations are seeing Norman Vincent Peale presented gospel (what, in fact, at this time in the most growth, but this is but an his message with inordinate integri­ their lives is Good News for them). expression, a symptom, o f the basic ty. E. Stanley Jones did the very same They w ill be making legitimate premise that people join churches thing with his message o f evangelism choices of what they consider to be that meet specific, immediate, and and within the framework of intel­ churches worth joining based on real needs! lectual respectability Time maga­ those present needs. The need to be loved, feel ac­ zine (Spring 1986) pointed out that, This being true, growing churches cepted, and discern warmth and ap­ in their opinion, Jimmy Swaggart has or denominations are actually meet­ preciation is but one expression of concentrated his ministry on fear, ing a real or imagined personal need. specific needs aching to be met. Oth­ Robert Schuller on peace, and Oral This growing church does not even ers are just as hungry for a church ac­ Roberts on health. Each o f us, like attempt to “be all things to all peo­ tively involved in its community and each o f these men, may adequately ple and nothing to nobody.” Instead, world. Still others are seeking a mes­ and meaningfully cover other or all it zeros in on its specific message for sage o f positive possibility, or help in aspects o f the gospel. Our preaching, its specific world. healing. Perhaps their need is for a our personal message accent may be For instance, the latest research message of prophetic judgment. fear, or personal peace and pros­ data on church growth shows that Whatever their message, churches perity, or health, or missions, or so­ growing churches tend to be loving must concentrate on legitimate mes­ cial concerns, or any o f a number of churches. That is, congregations sages from God that meet real human affinities or preoccupations. We are whose members possess an experi­ needs. all different, and each o f us has a very ence in Christ that fosters and pro­ The movie industry understands special message from God. Share it motes a loving environment are see­ this principle o f zeroing in on a spe­ gladly and decisively, and someone ing church growth as a result o f that cific group or need. They make little w ill hear it gladly environment. In fact, a loving envi­ serious attempt to produce a movie Not long ago two friends, both ronment is so essential to church that w ill “appeal to everyone.” In­ members of an American Baptist growth that all o f us know churches stead, precisely because they want church in another state, were dis­ that work on contrived love, often their theaters full, they concentrate cussing the hypothetical question of called “love bombing.” This con­ on movies that appeal to teenagers, what would happen to their church trived love is superficial, manipu­ kung fu lovers, or romantics. The mu­ if I . . . were to come as their pastor. lative, and pragmatic. But it serves to sic industry does not attempt to put After a moment of reflection one fortify the premise that love, real or out a sheet o f music that w ill appeal friend said, “The church would be contrived, is so essential to church to everyone. Rather, various compa­ half empty by the middle of the first growth that, if such an atmosphere nies w ill concentrate on opera, oper­ year. Then we would have to tear the

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2 5 building down and build one twice “preach the gospel.” Not true! In my such a church. There are plenty of as large!” travels all over this country, over and other people wanting to make differ­ He was simply saying that many of over again I’ve seen churches packed ent choices. Nevertheless, a church the folks who presently attended the to the rafters that preach little more that says, do this, believe that, follow church legitimately did not need my than a mixture of Old Testament my exact directives, and God w ill personal message from God, or did gloom and doom coupled with “cover you with His umbrella of not think they needed it, or just plain promises o f riches here and in the mercy,” or some such solicitous guar­ wouldn’t accept it. But once the new hereafter for blind compliance. antee, w ill find people o f that need message o f the new messenger was There is not a touch of the gospel attending. established, there would be, in their anywhere in sight. I have also seen Still other auditors go about look­ opinion, many others who would re­ churches where a loving Good News ing for a faith communion that w ill spond eagerly! o f God was shared regularly but in a give them an authentic voice but al­ I think we must begin understand­ very general way void of invitational low them room to think for them­ ing this fundamental premise of decisiveness and, despite the gospel communication. If the United Meth­ message, remained mostly empty. selves! We have a world full of odist Church, or any church, is to Gospel is not what fills churches. frightened people looking for a sub­ grow again, it must take seriously One may preach the gospel, say all stitute parent, but we also have just what the book publishers, the mov­ the right words, without any rele­ as many, perhaps many more, who are iemakers, and the songwriters al­ vancy, and people w ill not come. saying, Give it to me straight, but ready know. Be specific! Have a mes­ Meeting needs, scratching where then give me room, and don’t manip­ sage that is authentically yours, that somebody itches, is what fills ulate me. comes genuinely from God through churches and as a by-product causes Many years ago Dr. Carlyle Marney, you, and share it with deliberateness churches to grow. the late great Southern Baptist and decisiveness. You may and Some o f these “ needs” are legiti­ preacher and pastoral counselor, should center that message around mate, and some needs are but souls came to Gainesville, Fla., for a preaching mission at First Baptist Church. I went down one morning for a breakfast session with Dr. Mar­ Give every ounce of strength, ney. I was particularly anxious to hear him because, better than most, vision, and commitment to he understood the emotional dimen­ sion o f faith and choice. The hall was being a church worth joining! full o f Baptist ministers, Carlyle Mar­ ney, and me. A decade later I still dis­ tinctly recall two specific things Dr. Mamey said that early morning. The first thing was, “We are Baptist the church year, the lectionary, or collecting preachers who will say not by theology but by tempera­ some other vehicle promoting a full what their itching ears long to hear. I ment.” That’s true o f each one o f us! review o f the gospel story, but it know this danger o f relativity, but I You are an Episcopalian, not because must be your special and specific also know that I, prayerfully and Episcopal beliefs are different, but message. carefully, can give my very special because you are temperamentally an While sharing your special mes­ message, give it intently and deci­ Episcopalian. She is Roman Catholic, sage throughout the cycle o f years sively, and people w ill respond. not because she reads a different Bi­ (be it hope, tolerance, healing, so­ Remember that people tend to ble, but because this suit fits. He is cial concern, personal conversion, join churches in direct relationship Baptist, not because Baptists have a etc.)— you w ill, in the course o f the to (1) their personal mental health corner on the gospel, but because he years, touch on everything you know and (2) individual emotional sta­ is a Baptist. Pentecostals are Pente- and feel about the gospel in general, bility. Let’s look b rie fly at these costals because they are tempera­ but that message must retain its spe­ needs. mentally Pentecostals. cific integrity. If you do that, the peo­ Simply if not simplistically stated, The second thing I recall Dr. Mar­ ple who can and w ill respond to your some people need a church where ney saying had everyone pointing at specific message w ill hear you they are told exactly what to think me and giving me a very friendly gladly. and precisely how to act. You and I chiding. Marney said, “If you attend a I’ve often stated the same premise may counter by saying, “ If that’s the Church o f God, you hear the minister in various pastors’ schools and re­ way they are, then that kind of say, ‘GOD says.’ If you attend a treats. Churches that are full and church is exactly what they do not Church o f Christ, you w ill hear the growing are not full because they need.” True! But people have to start minister saying, ‘CHRIST says.’ If you “preach the gospel” (as smug funda­ from where they are, or they aren’t attend a Baptist Church, you w ill mentalism asserts) but because they going anywhere. Consequently, some hear the minister say, ‘The BIBLE meet needs. We who are United people emotionally need a church says.’ If you attend a Methodist Methodists are often and unneces­ with a Big Daddy You and I, who do Church,” he continued, “you will sarily cowed by the accusation that not operate as “Big Daddies,” need hear the minister say, ‘It means to we are in decline because we do not not feel badly because they choose me . . .’”!

2 6 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Everyone pointed at me and roared leader, motivated by the love and in this country that is sharing its with laughter. Then, when things compassion o f God, sharing his spe­ unique message o f nonmanipulated quieted down, Dr. Marney said, “But cial message from God, and doing so surrender to Christ and the con­ never forget this also. Until you, as a in a specific, decisive, and compas­ tinued use of the mind (pluralism, minister of the gospel, can say, ‘It sionate way. These are the people tolerance, etc.) is probably growing means to ME,’ your faith is not really who are seeing the masses respond. in significant numbers. your own!” Here decisive, invitational evan­ We must come to understand that That’s precisely where modern- gelism becomes so important in un­ people are going about making legit­ day United Methodists have a wide- derstanding the real nature o f church imate choices today about what growth. And this is where the United churches meet their needs, if not ac­ open opportunity to evangelize, Methodist Church, among others, is tually auditing their proclamation in truly reach unnumbered millions of losing out today. We tend, with many accordance with their need category, today’s people with our message magnificent exceptions, to shoot and many are saying, “Give us more from God. As John Wesley said 200 from the hip, to use a scattergun. We churches that proclaim good sense years ago (and I paraphrase for clar­ often proclaim a message geared to to people like us. Give us people ity’s sake): Only two things are re­ please everyone and address no one. who want faith, even a costly faith, quired o f a person to become a Meth­ We shoot at everything and aim at but do not want to have to give up odist— a desire to know Christ per­ nothing. Other churches, those experi­ their brains!” We must understand sonally and the w ill to think and let encing the by-product of growth, are this about the nature and dynamics think! using a rifle and are aiming from the of church growth. Another factor giving shape to the shoulder. They are targeting their message is the leader. As we look at constituents and inviting them to The Trust Factor the list o f reasons why people are fill­ come and get rich, become healed, ing churches, one becomes quickly One policy that continues to hurt aware that leadership is a common speak in tongues, have better mental the United Methodist denomination denominator. Each pastor, whatever health, or whatever the market they is the tendency to run the modem his motivation, gives clear and deci­ want to exploit. church within the confines of a sive leadership! Therefore, it is pointed out, people are not looking for content as much as they are look­ ing for deliberate and decisive con­ Have a message and invite tainers. Marshall McLuhan was right all along, “The medium is the mes­ people to do something sage.” Pray God your leader gets the message right! about that message. Such reflections on why some churches are full and others, even where a great gospel is lovingly preached, remain empty is given fur­ Declining churches need also to horse-and-buggy mentality. On the ther credibility by a cursory look at a “target” and share a legitimate, spe­ American frontier a minister was sample list o f leaders. Today, people cific message steeped in prayer, given an appointm ent w ith the are responding to Billy Graham, Bob preparation, and integrity. We must knowledge that he would be in that Schuller, Sun Myung Moon, Jimmy have a message and invite people to particular charge two, three, or per­ Swaggart, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, do something about that message. haps four years. This was a good ap­ Ernest Ainsley, and Norman Vincent Then, ask our listeners to say, Yes, No, proach for that day, a day o f highly Peale— just to give a sampling o f the or Wait in response to our personal stable communities and villages, a better-known crowd gatherers. What and practical proclamation. We must day where continuity of spirit and so­ do they have in common? Not the give leadership and be decisive. We ciety was maintained by the commu­ message but leadership! must be leaders and be invitational! nity itself. The minister could come Take another sampling. Look There are people milling around and go, and knew that would be the around your own community and our towns and cities today who do case. He knew he would be unable to identify the churches with full park­ not want to be spoon-fed. They don’t settle in and get comfortable. Even if ing lots and full pews. The message believe for a minute that accepting he were not so inclined, he would o f given throughout every church in certain doctrines and tithing to some necessity be required to get back to your community may-even be the “one true church” w ill make them work— hit the ground running. same. But some churches are grow­ healthy, wealthy, and wise. They are Today, everything is different ex­ ing, and others are simply groaning. desperately looking for a church that cept the bureaucratic mentality. Like Why? The same reason. Growing targets them, saying, “Give yourself a the British at Omdurman or Bala- churches have real leadership, and chance to have a personal, intel­ klava, our bureaucracy charges into holding or dwindling churches have ligent, demanding, meaningful rela­ the modern era, seemingly oblivious caretakers. The growing church has a tionship with Christ and, when you to its new firearms and breach- minister; the holding church has a have done that, keep using your own loaded artillery, believing that short­ chaplain. mind and encourage others to do the term itinerancy, like the cavalry, w ill Therefore, we are looking for a same.” Each United Methodist church ( Continued on page 50)

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2 7 Pastor's Professional Growth ______I

-/ The Seductive Parishioner by Jay Harold Keiser Ravenna, Ohio

hysicians, attorneys, and min­ Either through admission or church Even without wanting to be in­ isters have one thing in com­ trial, he w ill lose his credentials with volved in sexual encounter, neurotic mon: They can be innocent the church he had vowed to serve. seductive persons, often widows, Pobjects o f a seductive person. If the parishioner becomes hyster­ who would never stoop to adultery The female parishioner said to the ical or neurotic, developing regret would provocatively entice someone male minister, “Pastor, you are so un­ and guilt, the minister may be ac­ to force a compromising situation derstanding. My husband doesn’t cused of rape by the guilt-ridden that would result in the minister’s seem to have time for me the way you woman. dismissal. do. Sometimes 1 feel so lonely. Do The wise minister must consider If seduction is intentional, explore you ever feel lonely the way I do, Pas­ the meaning of the parishioner’s be­ the person’s attitudes toward author­ tor?” This statement may be accom­ havior and preplan strategies for ity. The parishioner may be playing panied with body gestures that im­ dealing with seductive persons. out a fantasy for recognition, affec­ ply sexual overtures. The minister Usually behind a seductive per­ tion, or revenge with the minister as may find himself squirming. He may son’s facade are some real problems an authority figure in a way that she be visiting the parishioner in the o f pain, loneliness, sexual unfulfill­ was never able to do with her parents home or hospital with intent to min­ ment, the desire for control or recog­ or teachers in early life. In this case, ister and do good, but he may find nition, or even hostility. The seduc­ the minister becomes only another this talk exciting and flattering. tive person may express in confiden­ character in a childhood play she is The discovery that he might be tiality to her minister, “I wish I had a reenacting. The minister may wisely sexually attractive to someone may relationship like I used to have. But consult with a psychiatrist about the lead him into equally seductive ma­ since my husband’s surgery for pros­ person’s behaviors or make a referral neuvers toward that parishioner. O f­ tate cancer nine years ago, I have to a Christian psychiatrist. If com­ ten ministers have tried to deny their been deprived of sexual intimacy My petent to deal with the situation di­ sexuality in attempts to portray a only release has been from mastur­ rectly, the pastor may consider some holy life-style, giving the impression bation.” o f these strategies. that sanctified people have either no Instead of giving in to sexual arous­ The minister may confront the pa­ desire for sex or that they are “too al that such a confession may trigger rishioner. Ask a clarifying question: holy to be affected” by such flattery. in the minister, he must find a ther­ “Are you suggesting that our rela­ If the minister responds with inter­ apeutic and appropriate response to tionship should no longer be that of est or engages in jesting or seductive the depression and loneliness. If the a pastor-parishioner?” teasing, he is in trouble. If seductive­ person is looking for another sexual A more subtle approach is to share ness culminates into sexual inter­ encounter, he must explore and clar­ some o f his own feelings: “ I do feel course, the minister has violated his ify motivations behind this behavior. lonely sometimes. But what you are own marriage relationship and She may be just teasing or trying to saying is making me quite uncom­ sinned against his w ife and God. He make him uncomfortable out o f hos­ fortable. As you must realize, I am has violated his professional ethics tility to men. your minister. I’d like to keep the re­ and has taken advantage o f his pro­ An elderly lady was placed in the lationship friendly but still profes­ fessional role to gratify his own Coronary Care Unit o f our hospital. sional.” Thus you haven’t paraded needs. Also, he does personal and As chaplain, I talked to her about her your own “goodness” nor made the psychological injury to his parish­ church affiliation and her relation­ person feel strongly condemned for ioner, even though he may not have ship with God. With a broken heart her behavior. been the aggressor. As a serious con­ she said, “Chaplain, you don’t need This approach clarifies the issue sequence, he has put himself outside to call my pastor. He is having and reduces the pressure enough to o f G od’s law. The person he had enough trouble. He is with his w ife allow further exploration into mo­ wished to help may be eternally lost in a distant city clinic. She has just tivations and an openness to con­ as a result o f his failure. had a bilateral mastectomy. About six tinued pastoral relationship o f faith, The indiscreet minister faces be­ months ago a lady in our church who trust, and prayer. Let the fantasy be ing embroiled in an alienation o f af­ wanted him to retire and leave ac­ kept secret so that no further hurt oc­ fections legal case in which he is the cused him o f trying to make love to curs. “other man” and would be subject to her. He is such a kind and caring pas­ The minister may acknowledge scorn and also a lawsuit. He may lose tor; I can’t understand why people the seductive maneuver and respond his own companion and/or family. are so mean.” ( Continued on page 31)

2 8 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE How to Make That “ © tfjcr” P ifclt More Useful

by William W. Hull Shaker Heights, Ohio If you've become a slave to your date book, there is a planning and scheduling technique that can help you.

There’s an apocryphal tale of the control over projects involving many gram year with all the logistics in­ American Indian who sold blankets people, and to provide an “early- volved in coordinating several groups at the train station in Albuquerque, warning system” to prevent things (men’s and women’s clubs, youth N.Mex. He was reputed to have a phe­ from going awry before the fact. group, worship services, etc.), in­ nomenal memory. A Santa Fe pas­ One that has been used in church­ cluding programs and services for senger decided to test him one day. es and institutions effectively is an the community. The steps include: When the train made its stop, the In­ adaptation o f the Performance Evalu­ 1. Learning to break large units of dian was asked, “What did you have ation and Review Technique— PERT effort into their smallest com­ for breakfast on July 1,20 years ago?” for short. It is easy to learn and use ponents and, by using it, w ill hone a pastor’s 2. Learning to express these small “Eggs,” said the blanket pusher. program planning skills, allowing segments as PERT activities As the train was pulling out, the more to be accomplished without an 3- Learning to think logically passenger realized that he had no additional expenditure of energy. about the order of activity way of checking on the Indian’s an­ Here’s how it works. 4. Learning how to time activities swer. So he got back on board and PERT has four major elements: to allow realistic spans of time thought little about it until his next 1. A detailed list of all the activ­ for their completion and allow­ trip through Albuquerque about a ities necessary to complete a ing enough slack time to insure year later. Seeing the Indian, he project. they are completed on time greeted him. 2. A logically ordered arrange­ 5. Transferring the PERT network “How!” ment of the activities. o f activities into a meaningful, “Scrambled,” came the unhesitat­ 3. A formula for arriving at the Ex­ useful calendar format ing answer. pected Elapsed Time activities First, it is necessary to pick a proj­ Many a busy pastor wishes for such w ill take. ect. That could be one or several or a good memory. Being frail humans, 4. A completed calendar that in­ an entire program year if you are am­ we must depend heavily on a pocket cludes Start and Complete dates bitious. In order to learn the tech­ or wall calendar. The calendar takes along with an early-warning sys­ nique, it is better to choose some­ on an importance far beyond its tem that allows ample time to thing a bit more modest until you get innocent-looking date squares. “The take remedial action when the hang o f it. For the purpose o f un­ Gospel According to the Sun and projects or programs are going derstanding how to use PERT, we Moon,” one pastor calls it. If the awry. will illustrate with the production of pocket calendar gets lost, or a date We know from research that most a church dinner. isn’t recorded, inevitable conflicts church programs and projects are Learning to break the large activ­ cause embarrassment. Busy pastors not as successful as they could be be­ ities into component parts is really have expressed their wishes for three cause small, but critical, details tend one o f the most difficult things to or four additional hours in each day to either be forgotten or overlooked. learn. Partly because, as church lead­ to accommodate their schedules. One of the single most valuable as­ ers, we have a multitude o f details in Surprisingly, there are time expan­ pects o f PERT is that it forces the user our minds, we tend to leave them out ders that can help the church leader into getting into the habit of think­ o f written statements or assume that accomplish more in the same period ing through all the details o f a proj­ they are written when they really o f time— and do it with less effort! ect before starting it. aren’t. “After all,” some planners They have been developed by social The steps in using PERT are simple might say, “everyone knows that you scientists and engineers for business but require that the planner spend a need napkins for the table!” True and industry as aids to program plan­ good deal of honest effort in the enough. But in a complex project for ning and scheduling. They help keep planning stage. The more detailed a church, with several volunteers in­ track o f a myriad o f details and help the planning, the less likely it is for volved, more than likely someone meet deadlines like those a busy pas­ unexpected problems to crop up. It might forget them. To avoid things tor faces in his role as the leader o f a should be noted that PERT can ac­ being forgotten, PERT demands that congregation. They are logical, use­ commodate any size project, from you leave nothing out. In learning to ful tools that enable the user to pack the production of a simple church create activity statements when us­ more work into a given time span, to dinner to complex activities in­ ing PERT, it is necessary to record all plan more effectively, to give more volved in producing an entire pro­ the details.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2 9 What is an activity? An activity is market is nearby, and both the roll of Note that sometimes activities can anything that uses time, energy, or re­ paper cloth and the meat are bulky parallel each other. For instance, if it sources. An activity requires action and heavy. w ill take 10 days for the printer to by somebody. It must be accom­ It is recommended that each activ­ print the tickets, other things can plished by a person. Therefore, all ac­ ity be written on a single 3" x 5" or also be happening during that time. tivity statements should be couched in 4" x 5" card. A successful method is These parallel activities should be behavioral terms— not general terms. to sit down with a pile o f cards and placed above and below each other think about the project. Write them in the natural progression across the Good Activity Statement down as they come to you in no par­ table upon which you are laying out “The volunteer assigned by ticular order. Write down all the ac­ the cards. dinner chairperson completes tivities you can think o f from begin­ Now you have a graphic display o f table setting.” ning to end. Don’t be surprised at the all the separate and detailed activ­ ities it w ill take to produce a success­ Poor Activity Statement number o f cards you may amass for ful dinner. Next, you need to esti­ “Table setting completed.” even a small project. That’s the point. The more the better. It means you are mate how much time it w ill take for really getting down to details. each activity. One o f the more useful aspects of Watch for crowding. It is easy to On each activity card make three PERT is that it helps you properly or­ get two or more activities combined. estimates: ganize a project. A general statement, 1. An OPTIMISTIC time estimate The activity, “Mr. Jones w ill see to like the second one above, can be 2. A MOST LIKELY time estimate ticket printing,” represents seven easily overlooked. If all the activities 3- A PESSIMISTIC time estimate separate activities. In this case, one are written as though people must Your time estimates must include activity for each word. Someone will accomplish them, you w ill find that all the time involved in an activity A have to-. even as you plan, you are getting trip to the store, for instance, in­ — Design the ticket. some idea about how to budget per­ cludes travel time, etc. Remember, — Get estimates o f how much they sonnel for the project. And it w ill be an activity w ill use time, energy, and w ill cost to have printed from at easy for those involved to understand resources. least two printers. their parts. The sooner you can In making the OPTIMISTIC esti­ — Select the printer. change the word “volunteer” to Mrs. mate, try to imagine how long it w ill — Order X number o f tickets. Smith and “chairperson” to Mr. Jones, take to accomplish if everything goes — Pick up tickets from printer. the better. In short, the more specific exceptionally well. — Decide on method of distribu­ and detailed you can be, the better. A great deal o f behavioral research tion o f tickets. Write only one task per activity. Later has determined that only about 1 — Distribute tickets. on, as you deploy personnel, you can percent of the time do most of us ac­ The term “See to” is not a useful “gang up” activities appropriately. complish tasks in situations where phrase when using PERT Such vague Here again, PERT can be o f great everything goes smoothly, everyone terms inevitably lead to trouble service, because by thinking through is exceptionally cooperative, and when you’re producing the project. a project in detail, you begin to get a there are no problems. To put it an­ Also, avoid phrases like “Take care different look at common things that other way, usually there is only 1 of,” “handle,” and “cover.” Remem­ could save time and effort but are chance in 100 for things to go that ber, w ith PERT, the more detailed otherwise overlooked. For instance, well! Make the estimate anyway. As­ and specific, the better. it would seem that the task o f buying sume that no one’s car will break Now you have a stack o f cards that paper products for a dinner— plates, down at a crucial moment, no one represent all the individual activities tablecloths, napkins, coffee and cold w ill get sick, and all your volunteers that people w ill have to engage in to drink cups— would be a natural job w ill show up when promised and do produce a church dinner. The next for one person. Perhaps in your com­ exactly as they are told. step is to put them in logical order by munity, however, paper tablecloths Make all your time estimates using laying them out on a table and ar­ o f the kind and size needed for the the same unit of time. For most ranging them in order o f dependen­ social hall tables must be purchased projects, estimations in days is ade­ cy. Some will be obvious, like “buy­ clear across the city at a wholesaler, quate. ing carrots and potatoes” comes well whereas the rest o f the products can Next, you should make an estimate before “serve dessert.” There will be purchased at any number o f stores o f how long each activity w ill take if have to be several intervening cards. downtown. everything goes along like it does Working backward w ill make the In the past, solely because o f that ordering o f the cards easier. Start most o f the time. This is the MOST tablecloth, the only volunteer as­ with the card that says, “Pastor turns LIKELY time estimate. Be very, very signed to “paper products” was out lights on clean social hall after honest here. How long does it usu­ someone with a car. But by getting a successful annual dinner,” and move ally take for a committee to come up new look at all the details through to the left. If that signals the com­ with a specific date, for instance. If it PERT, you have now opened up the pletion o f your dinner, the card upon is an activity you are not familiar job so that any number o f volunteers which that activity depends relates with, consult with someone who has could do it. The trip to the whole­ to cleaning up— there will be sever­ done it before to get the estimate. saler might be combined with the al o f these, garbage, mopping, dish­ How long, for instance, does it usu­ trip for the meat because the meat es, folding tables, chairs, etc. ally take to mop the social hall?

3 0 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE The third estimate of time is the ELAPSED TIME each activity is ex­ pletion of each activity. Starting PESSIMISTIC calculation. This is the pected to take. backward from the dinner date, and longest time that could reasonably For instance, your three time esti­ in the order that the activities are be expected for the activity to take if mates for the purchase o f meat might laid out, you can transfer the dates to everything went wrong that could have been: your pocket calendar or to the larger go wrong short o f a flood or earth­ Optimistic 1 day calendar in your office. quake. Again, researchers have Most Likely 2 days Some users o f PERT transfer the proven that over the course o f com­ Pessimistic 9 days cards to a large diagram, putting pleting millions of normal activities, One day, plus 8 days (4 times the dates on the various activities for all you have a 1-in-100 chance o f that MOST LIKELY estimate), plus 9 days to see. This helps others to know ever happening. equal 18 total days. When divided by where their activity fits and that Now you have all the information 6, the result (in this case, 3 days) other activities are dependent on needed to complete a written plan w ill be the EXPECTED ELAPSED theirs. It provides a spur to keep peo­ that provides appropriate times at TIME for that activity. In your plan­ ple on schedule. Date books are fine, which to start specific activities. It ning and on your calendar allow 3 but a visual of the entire project w ill also provides early warning signs if days for this activity. also show vital relationships and give things start to go wrong. Let’s see Here you may see how PERT gives you a way to see how things are shap­ how it works. you elbow room to avoid problems. ing up at a glance. First, translate your time estimates If it normally takes only one day for If others are involved in devel­ into single time spans showing the the activity, and you have allowed oping the PERT schedule, it gives EXPECTED ELAPSED TIME for each three, you w ill have two days o f slack them a greater sense o f responsibil­ activity. PERT provides a formula for time to use somewhere else in the ity, and it w ill be a good reminder that, and you w ill find it w ill provide project. Or, if your meat shopper be­ that their committee or organization uncannily accurate estimates, pro­ comes ill, or the wholesaler is closed or particular interest is only part of viding you have been as accurate as on the day you planned to shop, di­ the whole. possible in your estimates. saster won’t set in. You have time to Try PERT on a single small project Multiply the MOST LIKELY time take remedial action. first. It w ill also serve to get you into estimate by four, then add all three If you have selected a specific date the habit of thinking through proj­ estimates together and divide by six. for the dinner already, you can now ects in detail before tackling them. The result will be the EXPECTED put dates for the start and comple- Bon voyage! $ The Seductive Parishioner ( Continued from page 28)

to it. For example, he might say: these days since the children have all and left with the assurance that with “You’re a very attractive woman, Mrs. left the nest?” every temptation God w ill make a way Smith. I’m sorry that you’re feeling so Such an approach should clarify o f escape. There was never a recur­ lonely Perhaps you could tell me the position the minister is going to rence of the woman’s behavior, nor more about it.” take and make it easier to work was there ever a reminder of what In this way the minister preserves through the problem of loneliness or had happened. As a result, the pastor- his dignity as w ell as that o f the pa­ the frustration o f having a husband parishioner relation continued, and rishioner. At the same time he pro­ who seems to be neglecting her. This both individuals experienced spiri­ vides her with recognition she has helps the parishioner look more tual and emotional growth. apparently been seeking. Be careful clearly at her problem and discover In today’s sexually oriented soci­ that the parishioner does not inter­ better ways o f handling her feelings. ety there is probably someone look­ pret this as one more step in the se­ When all else fails, the minister ing for thrills, real or fantasy, that in duction process and miss the pastor’s might look at his own behavior to see counseling could become emotion­ attempt to maintain his professional if it lends itself to seduction at­ ally or sexually involved. However, stance. tempts. If so, he must modify such the power o f Jesus Christ through the The minister may ignore the hint detrimental behavior to prevent fu­ impartation o f the Holy Spirit within of sexual feelings and direct atten­ ture problems. leads to spiritual strength and per­ tion on the feelings of loneliness, re­ This writer once faced this issue by sonal holiness. When a minister sins, sponding appropriately and empa- risking vulnerability: “ I find you are he does so only by his own lustful thetically. For example, he might say, sexually very attractive to me. I want desires. That disqualifies him from “It must be difficult for you to feel so your friendship. I need your help so ministry, “having loved this present lonely. How do you spend your days? that I w ill always be spiritually world” (2 Tim. 4:10, KJV). The Bible Are there other people in your life strong when any temptation presents gives assurance: “ Greater is he that is that are important to you? What are itself.” In this incident, the writer in you, than he that is in the world” you and your husband doing together gained the respect of the parishioner (1 John 4:4, KJV). $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 31 Pastor's Personal Growth

/ WAITING IN PRAYER

by J. Grant Swank, Jr. Pastor, Church of the Nazarene Walpole, Mass.

My soul waiteth for the Lord Waiting is not new to God himself. So stop running and start resting. (Ps. 130:6, KJV). After all, He waited through six peri­ Stop stumbling and start serving. Deepening prayer is a waiting on ods o f time in creation o f this planet Stop tackling and start trusting. God for everything. It is patience in before resting during the seventh. So patiently I keep my pulse praying. No wonder patience is listed And it was God incarnate in Jesus To measure motion by His as a part o f the fruit o f the Spirit (Gal. Christ who waited 30 long years be­ pace. 5:22-23)- Yet how difficult it is to fore revealing himself as the long- Then calm in Christ shall settle in maintain such prayer patience. awaited Messiah. Further, it was So as to see nought but His Next to the persistent questions Jesus’ mother, Mary, w ho w aited face. why? why? why? must be when? more than 30 years to see her oldest Preacher, wait till you see His face when? when? Not only do we ask of son show himself in a miracle- in prayer. After all, the repentant God why He permitted this or that to working power to the world. Then happen, but we continually ask Him thief waited in pain to see Jesus’ face. the 120 waited— tarried— in prayer when He is going to perform this or And when he did, he saw paradise as in Jerusalem’s second-story flat till that. well. So w ill you in waiting prayer. they were endued with Spirit power. We are sick. We ask Him when we Remember that God is not con­ Since then, almost 2,000 years have are going to be well. We are in finan­ cerned so much with your calendar gone by with the Church waiting for cial strain. We ask Him when we are as He is your character. We are going to come into economic secu­ the second advent of Christ. The bound by time— minutes, hours, rity. We are pressing for a new pas­ planet itself— with its animal and days, months, years. God is not. We torate that doesn’t come. We want to vegetable kingdoms— will wait still are imprisoned by our appointments, know when. We are leveled with in­ longer through the millennium for schedules, and commitments. God is justices from our enemies. So we ask the new heaven and the new earth. not. We ask ourselves why we are so God when we are going to see jus­ Consequently, we wait in good spiritually weak, so shallow. It is be­ tice. We are surrounded by unpleas­ company! cause the calendar has produced ant circumstances. This prompts us But why does God sometimes al­ hurry, helter-skelter, and hype, to badger God with, “When am I go­ low us to wait in prayer so long? Cer­ whereas God wants for us a character ing to be set free from this?” We have tainly to cut through our impulsive o f holiness, humility, and honoring unsaved loved ones for whom we natures, to corral our bullheaded- Him. Wait in prayer before the Lord have been praying for years. When, O ness, and to pull in our headstrong until your calendar recedes and a Lord, are they going to come to Jesus? tendencies to have our own way! holy character takes hold in hun­ When? When? When! Also, waiting in prayer deadens our gering and thirsting. Then it is that we need to come in foolish belief in our own conceits. But why the pain in waiting and prayer to Ps. 31:15: “My times are in Contentment comes from the anxiety with its uncertainty? The thy hand” (KJV). And to believe Isa. moment given reason: to bring us closer to the cross 30:18: “ Blessed are all they that wait To Father’s plan for yielded life, o f Jesus, a mentioning that is barely for him” (KJV). Not from the things the world sought in this age o f luxury and af­ Robert Leighton wrote: would bait fluence, even within the confines of My times are in Thy hand, O That pay with emptiness and the church. Lord! And, surely, that is best. strife. To the cross I ’d wed myself Were I to choose, they should be Waiting in prayer brings us closer So as to see my own will die in no other hands, neither mine In order to know the Father’s will own, nor any others. When He and closer to God alone. It humbles That knows no error, nor no withholds mercies or comforts us. Further, it revives the sanctified lie. for a season, it is but till the due blessing within our souls and drives season. Therefore it is our wis­ us further into the Word so as to cir­ The more w e wait in prayer, the dom and our peace to resign all cle us round to a moment-by-mo- more we draw into the Cross’s power. things into His hands, to have no ment walk with Jesus. And the more we settle into the w ill nor desires, but only this, In the Christian hymn “Take Time Cross, the more the anxieties leave that we may still wait for Him. to Be Holy,” we sing: “Run not before us in the tarrying. After all, it is in the Never was anyone who waited for Him, / Whatever betide.” Yet we do; waiting near the Cross that w e grow Him miserable with disappoint­ we run ahead o f God. That is why He as the seed grows in time in the soil ment. would have us wait in prayer. ( Continued on page 3 9 )

3 2 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE ’m 58 years old. It’s a ho-hum age “Get off the playing field, Pop, you — too young to be revered as a had your turn.” wise old man, too old to be part No one puts a piece o f unshrunk Iof an innovative youth movement. cloth on an old garment. . . Neither I don’t feel at home with the Pepsi is new wine put into old wineskins generation, nor do I yet have a senior (Matt. 9:16-17, RSV). citizen discount card. Occasionally Get o ff the field? For all they know, my gray beard prompts some smiling I may still have a few tricks up my young clerk to give me a discount. I sleeve. Well, as a matter of fact, I make an effort to smile appreciative­ don’t. What I have up my sleeve is ly. After all, 42 cents is 42 cents. what I’ve always had up my sleeve. What’s most dreadful about my age But I don’t have novelty working for is the realization that I no longer me anymore. have a long future ahead o f me. Char­ lie, my insurance man, told me last The magazines and papers aimed OLD summer— in solicitous and somber at the “mature reader” urge me to tones: “You’re getting to that age “get in there and fight for my rights when you need to get things squared and benefits.” I w ill, but my heart away” Charlie can’t bring himself to isn’t in it. Seniors who drive sports say, “ Death,” so he looks down at his cars, dress in red, and compete in necktie and breaks the news to me track events get my grudging admira­ gently: “Someday you w ill leave us.” tion. But they have abandoned their IS I zinged him: “What I have ahead friends. There must be another way o f me is death, right, Charlie?” He than mimicking the young. straightened the papers on his desk No one after drinking old wine and adjusted his tie. desires new; for he says, “The old is When I was in high school and col­ good" (Luke 5:39, RSV). lege, people told me, “You have a I’ll stay by the things I’ve learned GOOD great future ahead o f you.” and put into action. Not out o f defi­ I liked that. It was exciting. I ance but in joy, for they have sus­ thought: I’ll do this, and I’ll achieve tained me well across the years. that. My grandfather, an Ohio farmer by Rolland R. Reece And your young men shall see vi­ most o f his life, moved to California Akron, Ohio sions (Acts 2:17, RSV). when he was 80 years o f age and pur­ Then I did a silly thing. I kept my­ chased a citrus ranch. He did what he self locked into looking forward to had always done: connected himself my future. Somewhere, on my way to to agricultural experts, used his 50, I made the discovery that I was a knowledge and love of the land, long way into my future. How could worked with his hands, and accepted this have happened to such a nice the challenge of growing a different young man? crop. The complete farmer! I Now I hear people saying terrible wouldn’t be surprised if he is still things to me. “Hey, let us younger farming in heaven. guys carry the tables.” “That’s all The righteous . . . bring forth right, Mr. Reece, w e’ll get it out of fruit in old age (Ps. 92:12, 14, RSV). the trunk in a jiffy.” “No, Mr. Reece, I may never be in style again. you sign on the line above— well, That’s all right. Some o f the prizes I that’s all right, w e’ll correct it later.” won came at a very high cost. I’ll not My children grew to adulthood turn away from those investments overnight. Now they inquire about now. I want the younger generation my health and warn me not to go into to know that when they become se­ certain parts of town: “It’s pretty niors, they can still enjoy themselves rough over there, Dad.” without being driven to act like My glorious future is gone. Now I someone they’re not. am to prepare for the golden years: Ask for the ancient paths, where the time o f harvest, the autumn o f the good way is; and walk in it (Jer. life. I know what those words mean: 6:16, RSV). ’ $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 3 3 Church Administration SOUNDS GREAT! Improving Your Church’s Acoustics by Dennis Baldridge

ave you ever visited another The feeling o f liveness or deadness struments. Choir members especial­ church and wondered why of a room to sound is known as the ly need to hear each other to stay on its small choir sounded reverberation time. It is the number pitch and properly harmonize. Musi­ Hlouder than your choir, though twice o f seconds it takes for a sound to di­ cians love a reverberation time o f up the size? Do your church members minish to a specific level. The more to several seconds. It helps give them comment that they have difficulty lively a room is, the longer the rever­ energy in the music they are provid­ hearing your sermon or soloists? Has beration time. If you were to pop a ing. Too short a reverberation time the joy o f congregational singing dis­ balloon, you would hear not only the yields a lifeless performance. appeared? After rebuilding your plat­ initial pop sound but also sound at Congregational singing is the most form, have you noticed that music reduced levels bouncing off walls, important musical aspect of our wor­ doesn’t sound as good as before? If floors, and other surrounding ob­ ship service. At this time we are you identify with any o f these prob­ jects. It may take from less than one- united together singing praises to lems, then you may have an acous­ half o f a second for this sound to go our God. A sanctuary with a rever­ tical problem in your church. away to over several seconds, de­ beration time that is too low will The science o f sound engineering, pending on acoustics of the room. present problems for congregational known as acoustics, is an extremely The time factor is affected by the vol­ singing. Singing together may even sophisticated and complex subject. ume of the room, the amount of sur­ seem like a drudgery because the However, several aspects can be eas­ face area represented in all sides of people cannot adequately hear each ily understood and applied to our the room, and the material of which other. For this reason, w e need to be church settings. The capacity of a the surfaces are made. Hard walls and sure that a sanctuary is lively enough speaker to be heard clearly in a church ceilings reflect sounds, whereas cur­ for this important aspect of cor­ is affected by three basic acoustical tains and carpeting absorb them, re­ porate worship. aspects: volume level, background ducing the overall reverberation The optimum reverberation time noise, and reverberation time. time. for a sanctuary changes greatly, de­ Volume level refers to how loud a In general, speech intelligibility is pending on the activity. It varies voice is. This is what we hear directly improved by lowering the rever­ from a short time to give clarity to from the person himself and that beration time. This is especially im­ the pastor’s sermon to a long time for which is reinforced by a sound sys­ portant for children and older adults. lively choral music. A good compro­ tem. If the voice is too soft, it w ill be Rooms primarily used for children mise in reverberation time is from impossible to hear clearly. There is a below the age o f 13 and adults over 1.4 to 2.2 seconds. general range of volume levels the age of 50 should be tailored for What can be done to overcome where our ears respond best to sound these persons. Young children have acoustical problems in your church? and easily discern what is being spo­ less-developed listening skills, 1. Remember that acoustical ken. Technically, this is from a range whereas older adults suffer hearing problems require acoustical so­ of about 70 to 90 decibels and losses. For these reasons, classrooms lutions. No amount of sound roughly corresponds to the sound for them should have a minimum equipment can com pletely com ­ level o f an average factory or loud or­ amount o f background noise and a pensate for an im p rop erly d e ­ chestra. reverb time o f no more than 0.4 sec­ signed room. Background noise is sound that is onds. The ceiling should be acous­ 2. Develop an acoustical plan. not specifically needed or wanted tically reflective to provide the best Hire an acoustician, not only an ar­ during our public services. It can use of the first sounds from the chitect, when you plan changes. hinder or mask what the speaker is speaker. The floor should be car­ Many builders may create a beau­ saying. Sources o f background noise peted to soak up as much o f the back­ tiful room and totally ignore include heating and air-conditioning ground noise as possible. Unless a acoustical needs. systems, traffic, or machinery in a sound system is provided, the room 3- Keep the overall sound level nearby room. A sound technician should not be over 30 feet in length loud enough to maintain opti­ knows that noise should be at a min­ or width. mum speech intelligibility. Slight­ imum, especially in the 500- to On the other hand, acoustical ly “too loud” is better than “not 4,000-hertz range. This is the fre­ needs for music in your church dif­ loud enough.” quency range in which we are able to fer greatly from those for speech. 4. If your congregational sing­ best distinguish what is being spo­ Musicians need to be able to hear ing suffers due to an acoustically ken. each other and any accompanying in­ ( Continued on page 3 9 )

3 4 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE A CHURCH MONEY-SAVER by Bob Barrett Erie, Pa.

problem for many churches tional painting and cleaning were project. Although the leader will put is the high cost of mainte­ done; tables were repaired; land­ in many more hours than any one vol­ nance and repair to its prop­ scaping was further improved; and unteer, the volunteers w ill have a Aerty parking lot lines were painted. better attitude. They, w ill not sus­ Volunteer workers from the con­ Again, similar work was accom­ pect that they are toiling at the gregation can do a great deal of the plished at the parsonage. church w hile their leader plays at necessary repairs and upkeep, but One way to measure the amount of the lake. Furthermore, Hill suggests that the leader should work along there seldom seem to be enough work accomplished is to consider with the others, not merely super­ people. Therefore, the church either what the church saved in dollars— or vise. hires workmen, or, more often, the rather, what was accomplished at no All needed materials for the work lies in default from year to year. cost for labor. What would it have project should be available before Harry Hill, o f First United Meth­ cost the church to have hired the the work begins. For example, paint odist Church in Brevard, N.C., found 1,718 hours o f work done by special­ should be purchased ahead o f time, a solution for their shortage of volun­ ists? and not sent for after workers are on teers. He invented the “Ten Hour The Ten Hour Club has been so hand. The delay not only wastes time successful because the volunteer is Club.” but also destroys the working mood. asked to contribute such a small When Hill became chairman o f the When painting, the leader should be Board o f Trustees, he found few avail­ amount o f time that he can hardly aware that he is working with ama­ find a reason to refuse. able volunteers, and those were teurs. He should have huge amounts called on too often. He came up with The important feature is the limit of floor covering to catch the spills a solution that reversed their situ­ on the amount of time requested. and drops. Without a limit, many church mem­ ation. Rather than a few people do­ “Another practice I consider very ing a lot of work, he found a way to bers would refuse to contribute even important,” Hill says, “is to include get many people to do a little one hour o f work. They are afraid everyone who holds a church job— that if they volunteer for even one amount. from the minister to the chairman of The premise of the Ten Hour Club hour, they will be put on a list to be the official board to the music minis­ asks each volunteer to contribute called on for unlimited work time. ter. It helps when the others see the The Ten Hour Club plan removes this only 10 hours o f work a year. The staff working with them.” solution is so simple that one won­ fear. Once the volunteer has put in The required work should be ders why no one thought o f it before. his 10 hours, he is free from further within the scope of the volunteer’s What church member could refuse assignment. abilities, o f course. If no one is avail­ giving only 10 hours out o f a whole Hill points out that, in practice, able within the congregation for year? Ten hours involves only a little many volunteers actually worked complicated wiring or heavy plumb­ many more than the required 10 over three hours a day for three days. ing, these jobs should be hired out to H ill’s plan became an over­ hours. But they were not required to specialists. You don’t want amateurs do so. Thus they feel that their extra whelming success. During 1986, the taking the boiler apart or tinkering hours are genuinely a freewill offer­ first year, 1,371 hours o f time were w ith the air-conditioning system. ing. donated to First Methodist by 110 Hill advises never letting volunteers Although the Ten Hour Club plan persons. work higher than 12 feet above floor Here is a sampling of accom­ works, Hill points out that it does not level. plishments: extensive repainting, work automatically. Telephone calls Benefits to the church from a Ten minor electrical and plumbing work, to volunteers is only part of it. Hour Club are obvious. But there are door repairs, new library walls, Each project must be planned. A benefits to the workers as well. One shelving, furnishings and curtains, time must be chosen. Volunteer work­ reward is the fellowship generated landscaping, and a Communion table ers must be allocated to projects. The by several people working on a com­ built. Similar work was done at the leader should give each volunteer mon project. Morale runs high. There parsonage. advance notice at least a week early. are jokes, banter, and repartee that al­ In 1987 the plan continued under Then the volunteer should be called ways occur in work groups. Some the leadership of Trustee Nels again just before the workday to re­ volunteers who seldom come to Glesne with 1,718 hours donated. mind him. church begin to take more interest The nursery, toddler, and kinder­ Hill feels that it is important for and pride in the building. garten rooms were renovated; addi- the leader to be on hand during each (Continued on page 61)

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 3 5 Social Concerns

A Society Without Crime

by William Goodman Leavenworth, Kans.

mericans are discussing crime, those incarcerated have been abused New incest victims increase by courts, judges, laws, sen- either mentally or physically as chil­ 250,000 children yearly. Sex offend­ L tences, prison, rehabilita­ dren. To reduce crime in our society, ers victim ize an average o f 76 vic­ Ation, reform, and safety for citizenswe need to deal with basic problems: tims before apprehension. An aver­ to live in a free society. America has alcohol, drugs, pornography, and sa­ age of 8 victims per apprehended become a nation tormented by crime distic materials. During a police rapist is the result o f excessive free­ and the fear of crime. seminar on crime prevention, all of dom in a society that has freed itself Though known as “a law and order the police officers agreed that if to self-destruct with pornography. society,” citizens are fearful on the America could rid itself of alcohol Pornography is addictive. Por­ streets and in their homes. It has and drug use in our society, crime nography causes tolerance and esca­ been stated: “At one time we locked would be significantly cut, and their lation. Bigger and bigger doses of up criminals; now the innocent lock jobs would be in jeopardy But they emotional stimulation develop. Por­ themselves in their homes and busi­ concluded: “No one w ill go for that!” nography desensitizes humans to the nesses.” Indeed millions are being With all that we know about nega­ extent that they no longer are held hostage to crime on our own tive aspects of alcohol and drug shocked at bizarre presentations of streets. After centuries o f criminal abuse, why is it unthinkable that we sexuality. People hooked on por­ justice science, it seems we don’t should try to rid ourselves o f these nography desire to participate in acts know what to do about crime and evils in our society? People want the that they observe; thus the increase criminals. Some studies indicate that right to partake o f alcohol, and sig­ of sexual crimes in America. Por­ judges are sentencing more people nificant numbers participate in the nographic peddlers defend their to prison and giving longer sen­ use o f illegal drugs even with the rights to make megadollars. The root tences, especially for sex offenders. knowledge that it contributes to cause for sexual crimes has to do However, a person will have to crime in society. Personal rights to with permissiveness in a sexually ex­ commit many crimes and have been participate in an elected evil must be plicit, pornographic society. on parole several times before going surrendered for the total good, Those who demand their consti­ to prison. health, and sanity o f society. tutional rights to pornography and The trend today is to build more Prohibition was working in the those who do not want morality leg­ prisons, send more people to prison, United States for all the right reasons. islated must accept responsibility for and give longer sentences. Parole The only failure o f Prohibition was the sickness and crime against chil­ boards are required to scrutinize in­ that it was not given a chance to dren and the innocent. Society w ill mates closer before release; thus work. During Prohibition there was a have to answer for allowing greedy overcrowding is occurring in the decrease in crime, alcoholism, dis­ people to take advantage of the prison system. There is constant leg­ eases (cirrhosis of the liver), unem­ weakness o f human nature. islation to alleviate the cruel and un­ ployment, and family strife. America We add more police patrols, de­ usual problems o f overcrowded jails gave in to the demands o f a minority velop improved social settings, de­ and prisons. W hile judges are send­ motivated by greed and self-interest crease poverty, put more people in ing more people to prison, other in the alcohol business. Total absti­ prison, give criminals longer sen­ judges are ordering wardens to re­ nence o f alcohol and drug use in our tences, modernize prisons, and allow lease inmates to end overcrowding in society w ill reduce crime, criminals, basic causes o f evil to exist, and won­ prison. In one situation, a sheriff and prison populations. der where it w ill end. People cause took a sentenced man to prison to On the constitutional grounds of crime, and we must deal with people serve his sentence, but the prison o f­ freedom of speech, a large segment to solve the problems of crime. ficials would not admit him because of society participates in pornography. Without God mankind quickly de­ of overcrowding. The sheriff hand­ Consenting adults claim the right to generates into subhuman behavior. cuffed the prisoner to the prison gate legal voyeurism, announcing: “What Without acknowledging God, our and drove off. The warden had to we do in private is our business.” Yet source of ethical vitality is disap­ empty a toolshed and put a cot in it; what one person does in America af­ pearing. Morally we are becoming it soon became a home for 10 in­ fects all o f society. Statistics reveal nothing more than a species of clever mates. the epidemic explosion of sexual animals. The man without God is Over 80 percent of those who go crimes with its terrible, traumatic in­ doomed. Evidence found in our soci­ to prison have alcohol and drug jury to victims as a result of in­ ety proves that as the vision o f God problems. The largest percentage of creased acceptance o f pornography. (Continued on page 3 9 )

3 6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE The Pastor and the Public School: A Call to Mission and Redemption

by James E. Copple Wichita, Kans.

t the center of the social, cul­ feared any more than any other hedonism. To be sure, these are, and tural, intellectual, and ath- sphere o f mission. Because the pub­ should remain, concerns. But when . letic life of most of our lic school is charged with the educa­ the church is perceived by the pub­ communities is the public school.tional welfare of our children, it lic as being preoccupied with only Pastors and staff serving outside ma­draws considerable public attention these issues, the church w ill have no jorA metropolitan areas find the pub­ and is the object o f intense public choice but to stand outside the insti­ lic school to be the primary meeting scrutiny. Emotional concerns for the tution, looking for ways to enter in. place for a variety of activities. These educational and moral welfare o f our As a public school teacher, admih- activities include concerts, lectures, children need to be transformed into istrator, and pastoral staff member of forums, and sporting events. The rational and systematic approaches a congregation, I see the above issues children in our congregations are, to education reform. Community in­ as important items for discussion, for the most part, enrolled in public volvement was a major component in but they must not be the issues that schools, and public school teachers the 50 reports calling for educa­ define my relationship or attitude to­ worship and serve in our churches. tional reform that have surfaced ward the local school. Mission, re­ In communities with populations since the appearance of the 1983 A demption, and living out the incar­ below 200,000, the public school Nation at Risk report. The church is nation of Jesus Christ must guide our system is probably the second- or a part o f that community. The pastor attitudes and relationships. As Jesus third-largest employer. Somebody in and staff can be a vital resource to was enfleshed in the midst o f a bro­ every congregation is directly af­ the schools. ken and confused humanity, so we fected by the public school system. It Historically, the church has had an are to be enfleshed, seeking to em­ is the one pervasive and consistent important voice in shaping public body His holiness and purity Each social influence in the life of the education. When discussing church- Christian living and working within church. Because o f this reality, it is state issues, we must remember that the public school should view the essential that spiritual leaders o f the it was the church that initiated the institution as a place for redemption. church see the public school, not as separation between church and The schools are a microcosm o f so­ an enemy to be combated, but as a state. It was the church that sought to ciety at large. The staff of our schools field for mission, a source o f social establish the wall o f separation that see hurt and pain in the lives o f chil­ influence, and the object of compas­ seeks to keep the institutions apart. dren who have encountered divorce, sion. Religious leaders o f the 17th and alcoholism, and abuse. Unfortunate­ Many persons within evangelical 18th centuries did not want the state ly, these events come from adults and Christianity have dismissed the pub­ to encroach upon their religious consequently distort a child’s per­ lic school system and have, instead, practices. Supreme Court decisions ception of responsibility and com­ created alternatives with the hope of aside, a pastor and his congregation passion. The metropolitan area in improving educational standards and can influence school board policies, which I live has 15 schools with 51 providing a moral environment more administrative decisions, and class­ percent of the children coming from consistent with Christian values. The room performance by becoming an single-parent families. Thirty-four impulses behind these efforts merit active and positive influence in the percent o f all children living in ur­ our understanding and, in many life o f the school. We must never ban centers are living below the pov­ cases, our support. Most alternative abandon the vision for an education erty line. The Children’s Defense schools fall to the wayside, however, that enlightens the hearts and minds Fund has argued that in just one day because churches cannot support al­ of children. The public schools can in the United States, 72 babies die ternative education at a cost within be a part o f that vision. before one month o f life; 110 babies the realm of the average middle-class In order to create a rational and die before their first birthday; 9 chil­ congregation. Therefore, many stu­ healthy relationship with the public dren die from gunshot wounds; 5 dents w ill return to the tax-support- school, we must move beyond tradi­ teenagers commit suicide; and 609 ed public school system. Until, and tional and often emotional issues teenagers are diagnosed as having in the unlikely event, vouchers or tu­ that have alienated us from public sexually transmitted diseases. The re­ ition tax credits become a reality, the education. These issues include port of the Children’s Defense Fund tax-supported public school needs prayer in public schools, the fear of also revealed that in one day in the our commitment, not our with­ secular humanism, textbook bias, United States, 988 children are drawal. and the belief that the classroom is abused; 3,288 children run away The public school should not be the center o f valueless and godless from home; 49,322 children are in

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 3 7 public juvenile correctional facili­ dialogue. These people attack the 4. Be a Community Resource. You ties; 2,269 illegitimate children are school system. You can anticipate can send a letter to teachers within born; 2,989 kids see their parents di­ when they w ill attack and usually the district whose teaching responsi­ vorced.' how they w ill attack. Teachers’ repu­ bilities might include an area o f your Ask any public school teacher in tations are destroyed and board mem­ expertise. Classes in comparative re­ your congregation about his daily en­ bers indicted under broad and ligion, world history, psychology, counter with the loneliness and hurt sweeping accusations; and, finally, it history, and family issues are classes o f children who suffer from the con­ is the children who suffer most when that often need a minister to speak. sequences o f sin and brokenness. caught in the crossfire. You should be the first person that Children are the victims, and the As a pastor or staff member in a lo­ comes to their mind when a speaker people of God working and living cal congregation, you have potential is needed to address religious or within the public school should be for being a positive, constructive moral issues. I have seen some crea­ force in the public tive ministers develop programs based school system. Due to on their travels and expertise in a the predominance o f the particular area. Teachers are always Many evangelical Christians school system within looking for additional resources. our communities, you 5. Back-to-School Prayer Break­ have dismissed the public should make it a focus o f fast. If your community does not al­ your time and effort. To ready sponsor a back-to-school school system. assist you in that en­ prayer breakfast, you and key Chris­ deavor, I have listed tian business leaders could sponsor several specific sugges­ one. The prayer breakfast could be healers providing the encouraging tions and have identified several pro­ held at a church or even school site word o f the gospel. The Christian in­ grams that might strengthen your with a featured Christian author or volved in the public school may be witness to the school system. speaker to address teachers, adminis­ the only positive and encouraging 1. Know the Players. If you have trators, and staff o f the district. Cus­ force in a child’s life. The gospel af­ not already done so, make an ap­ todians, paraprofessionals, kitchen fects the way we live. Our actions pointment with the school superin­ staff, and all employees o f the school need not be conspicuous or abrasive. tendent and, where possible, the district should be invited. This is an The people of God should view principal of your major high school. excellent way to begin a school year, this reality as an opportunity to share Let them know that you want to be for it demonstrates your commit­ in the cross o f Christ and not as an supportive of the district and are ment to be a supportive community opportunity to publicly “bash” the available, when appropriate, to serve activist. school for its failures. Our repeated on district committees and should be 6. Latchkey Programs. The work­ indictment of the schools to ade­ a resource to individual students and ing and living conditions of our soci­ quately address what we perceive to faculty. An important place for ser­ ety are changing. More and more be the educational needs o f our chil­ vice can be textbook adoption com­ children are living in single-parent dren is an indictment o f ourselves. mittees. Timothy L. Smith has writ­ homes or homes where both parents For the local school is a reflection of ten extensively on what religious work. The need for quality day care the community in which we live and issues should be included in text­ has become a national crisis. As much ___serve. Our schools and the public in­ books.2 stitutions we fund take great pride in 2. Attend Board Meet­ local control and community sup­ ings. At least once a port. As members o f that community, month, attend board Historically the church has the pastor and congregation should meetings of your school ask what their opportunity is for sup­ district. Introduce your­ had an important voice in port, not condemnation. self to school board There w ill always be policies and members and central o f­ shaping public education. actions in our schools that disturb us fice staff. Let them know and challenge the way we think. you are there because These should be addressed as posi­ you care about the education o f our as we might like a parent to always be tively and as redemptively as possi­ children. Community members who at home and available to his ch il­ ble. You are more inclined to be attend board meetings only when dren, the economic pressures o f our heard when you have been seen at a there is trouble are the least effective society demand that we face other re­ school function and when you have in communicating their "nessage. alities. Seventy-two percent of wo­ demonstrated your concern for chil­ 3. Be on Campus. Schedule men over the age o f 20 are working dren. These are people whose opin­ lunches on the campus o f the school for a variety of reasons. Your church ions are valued. As an administrator with students, faculty, and adminis­ can help. You can start a latchkey in a public school system, I have seen trators who attend your church, pro­ program that provides early morning the damage by people within the vided the rules permit. Be at impor­ and late afternoon day care for chil­ broader evangelical community who tant athletic and cultural events held dren whose parents work. The par­ only react and fail to be involved and at the school. Be visible and be sup­ ents pay a minimum fee, and you to choose to enter into community portive. pick up and discharge the children at

3 8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE their appropriate school. You can employ several workers who are Waiting in Prayer available from 6 a .m . to 9 a m and ( Continued from page 32) then from 4 p. m to 6 p. m . The parents o f the pot. On the other hand, in the sincerely seeking first the kingdom pay them directly for their service. rush, we grind to powder. of God or our own kingdoms of This gives your church increased vis­ Waiting in prayer allows the neces­ things, success, comfort, and power. ibility in the community and in the sary time for the joy to grow in our In other words, seek first the King­ school. There is little or no expense hearts. That is why the Bible can dom that is eternal, and let all else to the church, and you have provided speak o f joy in tribulations (e.g., 2 wait! an important, meaningful ministry to Cor. 7:4, KJV). How so? Because of your neighbors. The security of the joy in a closer fellowship with I would resign my right to know knowing that your children are being Jesus, the Source o f “joy unspeakable The morrow with its mystery cared for by responsible, caring and full o f glory” (1 Pet. 1:8, KJV). hidden. adults is a security being sought by Waiting in prayer assures us fur­ Tis only God who has the right millions o f working parents. thermore that we want from Him not To hold the key from now till 7. Early Christian Bible Study. An only things but himself. Waiting in heaven. excellent tool o f evangelism and dis- prayer tests whether or not we are In the meantime, wait in prayer. ^ cipleship is an invitation to students and faculty to participate in Bible studies conducted one day a week, or SOUNDS GREAT! as often as you like, before beginning ( Continued from page 34) the school day. This allows students opportunity to be together in a spiri­ dead room, try singing the hymns carpet, most o f the sound is ab­ tual context before confronting the slightly faster. This tends to sorbed. Plexiglas, a hard surface, re­ challenges of their day. It builds smooth out rough areas and help flects the sound where needed, and community within teen groups. Ex­ avoid some gaps between notes. yet it is visually acceptable. On the citing and interesting ministries can 5. Remember that different ma­ other hand, placing a noisy object evolve from this experience. terials affect sound differently. such as a fan on carpeting would soak These are only several suggestions Hard surfaces reflect sounds, and up the unwanted background noise. soft ones absorb them. Use these to In summary, remember to have the designed to better our relationship control or boost the sound as proper sound level, minimum back­ and ministry to the public school. needed. For example, place a piece ground noise, and appropriate rever­ Many o f you are providing these min­ of Plexiglas on the floor under your beration time for the sanctuary or istries and much more. It is impor­ grand piano to take advantage of the classroom. Applying these principles tant that we begin to see the public sound coming from the underside of encourages participation and active school as a field for mission, a source the instrument. If the piano rests on listening in public services. $ of influence, and an object of our compassion. We must be healers in their midst. We must seek to serve, not condemn. It is easy to criticize, Society Without Crime to stand outside an institution and re­ ( Continued from page 36) ject all that it stands for. God, in Christ Jesus, chose to be enfleshed in fades, men first become like clever cency in society. We must resolve to the midst of a broken and corrupt animals, then prey on one another. be a society that acknowledges God world. Can we do less as His disci­ Great political power has been and follows His guidance to righ­ ples? I think not. Being enfleshed in placed in the hands o f men who have teousness and clean living. Through the midst o f the most pervasive so­ no respect nor fear o f God. Many of grace, God illuminates our minds. cial institution of a democratic soci­ them believe themselves restrained God himself helps us bring human na­ ety is taking the claims of Jesus seri­ by no absolute code of conduct. ture under control. With God’s moral ously. The Church, if we are to be an Thus we have rampant evil and crime principles working in human society, effective change-agent in our world, in our great society. good men do not commit crimes. must not sound the trumpet of re­ If we can restore our vision of God, People say, “You will never get ev­ treat but o f engagement. As we be­ we may halt the increase of crime eryone to quit drinking alcohol, us­ come engaged, we live, speak, and among us. A society influenced by ing drugs, being involved in por­ proclaim the word of redemption. God’s Word w ill be less self-destruc­ nography, and committing crime.” tive if it respects moral rules that Our Heavenly Father inspires us to cannot be changed at the whims of work to help perfect our society and lobbyists and politicians. A living ourselves. With God, we have inner NOTES God is the only valid source o f moral peace. So let His peace flow to oth­ 1. Sec “Save the Children: Too Many Promises, Too Little Help,” U.S. News and World Report, N o­ living. Founded on standards of righ­ ers; through Jesus Christ people can vem ber 7, 1988, 34-44. teousness, legislating morality has be changed and peace can come in 2. See Religion and Public Education 14, no. 4 (Fall 1988), for a reprint o f Smith’s views on text­ worked for centuries. our land. The good news of Jesus is book selection in public schools. Belief in God works to restore de- our only hope. $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 3 9 Wesleyana

At the Edge of Calvinism Again by Joseph Seaborn II Marion, Ind.

t the Methodist Conference thrust him to the ultimates o f his the­ was of their own mere motion.”3 We o f 1745, Wesley raised the ology. Either free w ill was a genuine may deplore the term tolerance in » question, “Wherein may we article, or else it was not. Wesley theological circles, but given the vit­ Acome to the very edge o f Calvinism?”lived and died believing that it was. riolic nature o f the arguments over His answer was multifaceted. “ In as­ He put the point succinctly: “Let it predestination and the numerous cribing all good to the free grace of [Scripture] mean what it w ill, it can­ confrontations that Wesley had with God. In denying all natural free-will, not mean that the Judge o f all the those o f the Calvinist cause, the level and all power antecedent to grace. w orld is unjust. No scripture can o f his charitableness is remarkable. And, in excluding all merit from mean that God is not love, or that his He was as aware as anyone that man; even for what he has or does by church history was ravaged with ex­ mercy is not over all his works; that the grace of God.” ' amples of organizations that had is, whatever it prove beside, no scrip­ For all its brevity this statement seized and overdone individual frag­ ture can prove predestination.” 2 encompasses a broad range o f com­ ments o f the truth. In his weaker mo­ But what startles the contem­ mon ground. Typical o f his persis­ ments, Wesley must have been porary reader o f Wesley is the stun­ tent commitment to a balanced view, tempted to monomania himself. The ning appreciation he showed toward Wesley, even in the heat o f theologi­ clarity o f his positions and the force­ Calvinists in the practical matters o f cal controversy, refused to place a fulness o f his person would certainly faith and life. For all his virulence whole system under interdict be­ have won him a delightfully bigoted against predestination, he recog­ cause he detected here and there cer­ following. But by his own insistence, nized that in points o f practice many tain serious flaws. The very fact that extreme polarity never occurred. Calvinists preached and behaved as if he was w illing to venture near the If Wesley w ere w ith us today, I human w ill made a difference after edge o f a theological system that on a wonder if he wouldn’t call Wesleyans all. That was a welcomed pattern to pragmatic level had caused him and Calvinists to a new level of Wesley, who realized early and cor­ enormous grief is a sign of Wesley’s friendship. Would he argue that our rectly that logic is a marvelous thing, magnanimity and discernment. points of commonality now out­ but it does not always rule the day. Of course, Wesley decried the weigh our points of division? Con­ In the flow of history, human rigid decrees of Calvinism. He re­ sider these issues. thought and practice have a way o f volted from the premise that human making armchair logic yield to real- A. ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED. A free w ill was a useless label incom­ life reason, and in this instance Wes­ more careful statement by Calvinists patible with the nature o f a sovereign ley was delighted with what he saw. of what that maxim means shows God. O f course he did not dulcify his He knew where Whitefield stood, that a growing number o f them do stance against the stringent points o f but he also saw the harvest o f souls not treat it as a neat formula as rigid double predestination in order to from W hitefield’s preaching. He as the double decree. If, after an ap­ placate the Calvinists within his so­ knew that his societies contained parent conversion, a person reverts cieties. Nor did he compromise his members who leaned more toward to the old way of life, many Calvinists position on free w ill in order to make predestination than toward free will, are w illin g to wonder out loud about his teachings more w idely palatable. but in dealing with this mixture, the genuineness of the original com­ Wesley was a reformer o f the high­ Wesley exhibited a wisdom born of mitment. On the other hand, Wes­ est order, and reformers must hemor­ observation; the end result for both leyans are striving zealously to assure rhage in order for others to bleed. He should be the same. All people their followers that salvation is not as was about the business o f transform­ needed to grow in the nurture and easy to lose as one’s umbrella. They ing society, and his radical calling admonition o f God; and what better are arguing accurately that conver­ place for growth to occur than in the sion is not required after every sin. societies? Somewhere along the way, if both When an enemy accused Wesley of sides continue in the same direction, ousting preachers from his confer­ there may be a meeting o f the minds. ence because of their stand on pre­ B. OUTREACH AND EVANGELISM. destination, he roundly denied it. Calvinists are a long sea m ile from “There has not been,” he declared, “a the days when the purist version of single instance o f this kind. Tw o or their theology taught that God’s w ill three voluntarily left us after they so superseded human w ill as to make had embraced these options. But it the latter of no effect. The evan­

4 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Minister's Mate gelism campaigns o f the past gener­ ation alone are evidence that Cal­ vinists have in fact taken the lead in seeking to evangelize the world and persuade men and women to exer­ cise their w ills and turn to Christ. Wesleyans, too, have pursued evan­ Juggling gelism with intense zeal. The num­ ber o f people engaged in the task are different in each camp, but none can doubt but that our goals are pre­ cisely the same. Motherhood C. HOLINESS. The spreading o f scriptural holiness in the land has long been a hallmark o f the Wesleyan movement. But John Wesley taught and Wesleyans today know that per­ with Ministry fection does not mean that every thought that enters the mind is pure. On the other hand, close attention to by Sharon R. Harvey the Calvinist preachment of today Montreal will reveal a surprisingly strong call for holiness in heart and life. We may first child has a way o f taking some, the care of a baby may be still be differing on the hour and arti­ over the time you spent be­ enough to expect for a while. For cle o f entering into one aspect o f this fore in ministry. Bleary-eyed others, unavoidable responsibilities experience, but is it possible that A and up all hours o f the night, a continue.new In our situation, I knew our aim is again remarkably similar? mother can find even ordinary that going with my husband in vis­ Perhaps in the days ahead there church activities overwhelming. As itation was necessary to plant a new will emerge an awareness on both the baby’s needs cry loudly, one feels church. Since our fixed income did sides that if the gospel is to get out, like saying no to all requests that not allow for the cost o f baby-sitting, we need each other more than we come along. we took our son with us. We can­ know. If we can borrow from the Cal­ As a mother, it is important to vassed together in snow and rain. vinist doctrine o f assurance and they know to what God is now calling And can you believe it! Our son got can benefit from the Wesleyan teach­ you. Suddenly you are the caretaker us in many doors! ing on holiness, the whole of evan­ o f a life that is depending on you. Look for new opportunities. Life is gelical fervor can gain a new impetus The influence o f your nurture and meant to be shared. Get out o f your for the task ahead. At the very least care affects the eternity of the young house and join other mothers. There we should refrain from propping up life you now hold. is a tendency to isolate yourself and barriers that should have been al­ Motherhood helps us focus again not go anywhere, since it seems like lowed to crumble long ago. The on our priorities. Like a zombie go­ such an effort. Kingdom’s work is too crucial and ing through motions of diapering, Starved for conversational ex­ our energies are too limited for that. feedings, and laundry, one realizes change and fellowship with other Do you suppose that if Wesley the need to rely on the Lord for mothers, a friend joined me to start a were with us today he would call for strength and endurance. The baby­ Young Mothers Club in our commu­ a closer look at the ties that bind us hood stages that make us utterly des­ nity. This support group took some ef­ rather than the matters that divide perate at times teach us more about fort on our part, but it was rewarding us? Would he think it was time for prayer. in many ways. We enlarged our friend­ Wesleyans and Calvinists to look at Because a new child exhausts all ships as we identified with other their edges again? $ one’s emotional resources, one must mothers. At the same time, we re­ NOTES continue to cultivate the inner life. It ceived helpful information regarding 1. John Wesley, The Works o f John Wesley, 3rded., is easy to neglect daily devotions af­ baby care from professional sources. 14 vols. (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, Through this ministry, though not 1978), 8:285. ter a trying day, but you’ll find your­ 2. Ibid. 7:383- self empty spiritually without those sponsored by the church, my friend 3- John Wesley, The Journal o f the Rev. John Wes­ few moments asking God to speak came to accept Jesus into her life. ley, ed. Nehemiah Cumock (London. Epworth Press, 1938), 5:116. through His Word. Those missed mo­ New mothers are often receptive to ments accumulate to bring despair. the gospel. Reserve two things for yourself— Perhaps as never before, a woman PREACHER’S EXCHANGE first a nap and then a quiet moment desires to make her life count for Wanted: Back issues of The Preacher’s to continue reading. Books can spark God. Daily demands of a growing Magazine from Volume 1 Number 1 vitality, motivating us to continue on child press for attention. But a to Volume 65 Num ber 1. Contact W il­ mother can learn that ministry is an liam Thompson, 9 York Dr., Shore Rd., joyfully. Belfast, B.T. 15, 32Y, Northern Ireland. Mothers must decide what God integral part o f her life, touching all wants them to do in ministry. For she does. $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 41 Finance ______i Can Ministers Opt Out of Social Security? Submitted by the Board of Pensions and Benefits USA of the Church of the Nazarene

A Question Often Asked any public insurance that makes tion under section 1402(e). You “My adviser has recommended payments in the event of death, must certify that you have read the that, as a minister, I can elect out of disability, old age, or retirement; statement and seek exemption on Social Security and put my money or that makes payments toward the the grounds listed on the state­ into an annuity program, thereby se­ cost of, or provides services for, ment. The certification must be curing a better retirement. Is this medical care. (Public insurance made by signing a copy of the true? Is it legal? What forms might be includes any insurance system es­ statement under penalties of per­ involved?” tablished by the Social Security jury and mailing it to the Service Act.) Center that issued it, not later than A Law Often Misunderstood Under the Tax Reform Act of 1986 90 days after the date the state­ The Tax Code does provide a means and effective after December 31, ment was mailed to you. If it is not for some ministers in some denomi­ 1986, any minister who applies for mailed by that time, your exem p­ nations to exercise an option to ter­ exemption from Social Security tion will not be effective until the minate Social Security coverage for based on conscientious opposition is date the signed copy is received by their ministerial earnings. The required to inform the ordaining, the Service Center. Once the ex­ proper form (IRS Form 4361) must commissioning, or licensing body of emption is approved, you cannot be used, and it must be filed on the his denomination that he is con­ revoke it. correct basis of religious belief. If ap­ scientiously opposed to the receipt These measures are to prevent per­ proved by the IRS, only earnings o f “any public insurance that makes sons from seeking exemption simply from ministerial services are exempt payments in the event o f death, dis­ on economic grounds. from self-employment tax. Form ability, old age, or retirement; or that 4361 specifically states, “Once the makes payments toward the cost of, A “Catch” Often Overlooked exemption is approved, you cannot or provides services for, medical Key words in qualifying for ex­ revoke it.” care, including the benefits o f any in­ emption from Social Security cov­ Some are o f the opinion that the surance system established by the So­ erage on ministerial earnings are “re­ form may be filed anytime. However, cial Security Act.” The second state­ ligious principles” and “conscien­ the current version of Form 4361 ment deals with certifying that the tiously opposed to the acceptance of (revised August 1989 and not sched­ applicant has informed the denomi­ any public insurance.” The tax regu­ uled to expire until October 31, nation. lations and court decisions are quite 1991) states that the form must be The third statement certifies that clear. Religious principles cannot be filed “by the date your tax return is the applicant has not filed Form simply the personal conviction that due, including extensions, for the 2031- (Before 1968, one had to sign perhaps Social Security will not be second tax year in which you had at Form 2031 to elect into Social Secu­ there when you retire, or that a bet­ least S400 o f net earnings from self- rity. Now, all ministers are included ter retirement can be purchased employment, any of which came automatically unless there is a basis through an annuity. The b elief must from services performed as a minis­ for electing out.) be an integral part of your religious ter.” Some have misunderstood this The fourth statement deals with system o f beliefs, your theology. provision to mean “two years after the specific request for exemption Further, this religious principle ordination.” However, in some de­ and certifies an understanding as to must be one that would prevent you nominations a district-licensed min­ which earnings the exemption from ever asking for the benefits ister may file taxes as a minister prior would apply if granted. from such a plan based on your to ordination. It is at this same point According to the Form 4361 “Gen­ church salary. No basis exists for an that the two years must begin. eral Instructions,” before your appli­ objection to paying the taxes, or to The individual filing the Form cation can be approved, the IRS must the level o f the taxes to be paid. It is 4361 must certify, by signature, that again certify that you are aware of as though you would be saying, specific statements are correct. The the grounds for exemption and that “Even if I have to pay the taxes, I can first statement is as follows: you want the exemption on that ba­ never file for the benefits, since my I certify that I am conscien­ sis. theology will never allow me to ac­ tiously opposed to, or because of When your completed form cept them.” my religious principles I am op­ 4361 is received, IRS w ill mail you The Church of the Nazarene, for posed to, the acceptance (for ser­ a statement that describes the example, has one o f the highest lev- vices I perform as minister . . .) of grounds for receiving an exemp­ ( Continued on page 44)

4 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Christian Education ______| TEACHING KEENAGERS

by Lois Hoadley Dick Newton, N.J.

he aged in America are no lon­ grets o f the past that tend to return in vice, not especially a Bible study, but ger second-class citizens. later years. Offer seniors a future in simply “story time.” And as a teacher, They are almost 30 million the church. I had to compete with prime-time strong with great political and eco­Seniors need to be stimulated to television, since we met Saturday nomic clout. In 1900 the average learnlife and w ill enjoy the feeling of evenings. Texpectancy was 47; today it is 75. In satisfaction that follows. End the fal­ A common language between 10 years it may be 80. And in the lacy in thinking that says, “ Memo­ teacher and class is a must. Today’s next decade— 100? rizing is for kiddies,” and “The adult slang would not be appreciated nor Americans not only are living lon­ class is for passive listening.” “All understood. Seniors have lovely, old- ger but also are more influential than things being equal, there is no sig­ fashioned values and old-fashioned any other older generation o f the nificant loss in basic memory func­ ethics. The era in which they grew past. tion until after the age of 80— again, up is o f great interest to them, the Therefore, a Sunday morning adult probably for reasons other than age,” years when memory was strongest. class in the church, which lumps to­ states Dr. Muriel Oberleder in her Seniors with a church background gether everyone over the age of 20, book Avoid the Aging Trap. also remember the pioneer mis­ cannot possibly meet the needs of re­ Seniors should have more mo­ sionaries o f the 1800s and love to tired people. tivation to attend a Bible class than hear those stories retold in a modern Senior citizens are not raising fam­ simply “ loyalty to the church.” The way with pictures. ilies. More than 85 percent o f seniors right teacher and Bible lessons w ill In my class, no one was blind, but over age 65 are no longer employed. provide this motivation. all had hearing impairments o f vari­ This presents a vast untapped source How do I know? One year I taught ous degrees. Deafness is even more o f energy and know-how. Many se­ a class o f ladies in their 80s and 90s isolating than blindness. A teacher of niors who appear unresponsive are in a retirement home. About half of seniors must speak loudly, slowly, bored. Not everyone looks upon a them were able to attend their own and clearly without using ampli­ cruise around the world as the ulti­ churches on a Sunday morning, so I fication, which magnifies noises for mate goal of retirement. The con­ chose lessons that would not sound those with hearing aids. tinual menu o f never-ending recre­ like a sermon or duplicate Sunday Each week I photocopied a “Mys­ ation offered seniors soon palls. morning teaching. I used visualized tery Question” as homework and Retired people love to learn. W it­ lives o f famous Christians, both on gave it out after the story I began ness the night courses at high flannelgraph and flash cards. with, “Was Abraham a Jew?” since a schools, studies through the mail, Visual aids for grown-ups? Why few o f us had discussed this. I listed and college credits available to older not? “The eyes are 1,000 times more references in the Bible to look up. people. In the church, seniors relate effective in sweeping up learning as “Mystery Questions” had nothing more readily to a teacher their age, or the ears,” according to one educator. to do with the lesson; they were cho­ middle-aged, than to a young person. Yet some teachers use “talk” as their sen to arouse curiosity and encour­ The Bible class does not have to be only tool with adults. age the ladies to open their Bibles on Sunday morning in a building lo­ We also memorized— sometimes and search. One of my class joined us cated on a certain street, though this several verses at a time. Since seniors each week especially because she is certainly desirable. have difficulty in retrieving stored looked forward to this homework. A The class may be in a housing information, it is important to re­ neighbor who did not attend church project, an apartment development, view. Not to review is to leave the met with us. a retirement home, or a nursing work half done. I made 8 Vi" x 11" Most of the ladies came from home— anywhere in a neighbor­ flash cards with reference and first Christian backgrounds. I kept my hood where seniors are found. Many word printed in large letters. We teaching nonsectarian and avoided elderly people do not drive, have no learned at least a verse a week and any controversy. Old age brings so public transportation, and have no reviewed continually. My ladies al­ many fears and ailments that one of driver to pick them up. ready knew familiar passages of my goals was to be sure they knew The scriptures used should meet Scripture that are read often at there was more to God’s grace than their needs. Address fears common to memorial services, Communion ser­ “saving grace.” There is also “grace to seniors. Deal with physical and emo­ vices, and on holidays, so we added help in time o f need,” for which we tional feelings that come with age. them to our repertoire. may “come boldly” (Heb. 4:16, Settle the memory o f failures and re- Our class was not a worship ser­ KJV). We also discussed heaven,

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 4 3 worsening world events, why Chris­ younger ones in the nursery. With so ways welcome. Oranges, peaches, tians suffer persecution, besides re­ many single parents and working and plums often sell at six for $ 1.00. viewing from time to time the major mothers today, seniors are urgently What are the rewards o f teaching Bible doctrines. needed to serve the Lord. the elderly? Just hearing an occa­ With seniors, a smile and gentle They may be mediators to settle sional answer to prayer is one re­ manner often hides great physical minor problems. They may work in ward. Greta told this story: suffering. When is the last time you the needle arts for missions, cook for During World War I, I worked in saw an elderly person cry or give church suppers, baby-sit, offer chauf­ a factory in Germany. We girls sat vent to their emotions? They have feur service, prepare crafts and hand­ around a long table, cutting pat­ lost that power o f expression, and it work for busy teachers, be a prayer terns and sewing. Everything was is very hard on them. partner to a new Christian, give fi­ rationed. One day I had used all Seniors have a short attention nancial advice to young married cou­ my food coupons, and there would span, so lessons and stories should ples, tend a church bookstore, or be nothing for supper. I prayed. not drag. I tried to avoid stories that send weekly cards to the absent. “God w ill send bread,” I told my continued from week to week. My Seniors in a church w ill feel they friends. “He will send it before I class lasted only 30-40 minutes. belong if the teacher phones them leave tonight at five o’clock.” Seniors bring a wide experience of once a week whether they need it or Around noon the girls began to life with them. The teacher feels re­ not! Be sure each senior member has poke fun at me. No bread. warded, knowing that they under­ a listing of phone numbers of all the By two o’clock they laughed. stand life and that it is not necessary others and a preferred time that each “Will God drop bread from the to explain as one does with children. person would enjoy a phone call sky?” they asked. “W ill it walk in Also, there is no discipline problem from a friend. through the door?” in teaching seniors. My ladies still read widely, so we By four-thirty, no bread. I never One o f the worst fears o f old age is started a library o f Christian books, lost my faith. I knew God would feeling useless. Depression follows. especially those in large print. We answer prayer. At five minutes be­ Many seniors are lost without work added a few moments of prayer time fore five a knock came on the fac­ o f some kind. The suicide rate for before we parted. Awards, simply for tory door. “Does Greta Muller American men is four times higher af­ being there, pleased them. Awards work here?” A strange man handed ter retirement than at any other age. were very inexpensive: a butter­ in a large shopping bag. “ Please In the church, the class o f seniors scotch candy, a bookmark, a home­ give her this.” It was full o f bread! who have so much leisure time may made cookie, a decorated felt cut­ be offered volunteer work. The out, pens, pencils. Many items can be * American Association for Retired found in dime stores for $1.00 a Persons, for example, has 350,000 dozen. Or even a 15tf postcard to BIBLIOGRAPHY registered volunteers. Seniors may write a friend. Creatures made from M uriel O berleder, Avoid the Aging Trap (W ashing­ teach their wisdom and skills to pom-poms. Fruit, especially, is al­ ton, D.C.: A cropolis Books, Ltd., 1982).

Can Ministers Opt Out of Social Security? ( Continued from page 42) els o f participation in Social Security mation. As a result o f their expressed emptions and “opt back into” Social o f any denomination o f its size or lar­ desire to reenter the Social Security Security. If there were such a formal ger. This has been true since the very System, Congress made provision in provision, no doubt it would include earliest days o f Social Security cover­ the Tax Reform Act of 1986 for a paying the back taxes, interest, and age for ministers. Most local church­ brief “window of opportunity” to be penalties. Usually, amended tax re­ es have a practice of reimbursing opened to those persons to opt back turns can only be filed retroactively part, if not all, o f the minister’s Social into Social Security without having for three years. If you are a minister Security tax, as w ell as that o f lay to pay the back taxes (SECA). Of who has opted out of Social Security staff. By practice and polity, there ap­ course, no Social Security coverage based on erroneous information and pears to be no basis for an exemption was to be retroactive for the years wish to now participate, it will no from Social Security self-employ- one was exempt from SECA tax. doubt require the services of profes­ ment tax for Nazarene ministers. (O nly earnings on which SECA tax sional legal and tax advisers to deter­ was paid is included when one’s ben­ mine for your unique situation if efit is calculated.) The “window of there is any course o f action that may If You Made a Mistake in a opportunity” closed as of April 15, accomplish that end. ^ Past Election for Exemption 1988.

Some ministers who previously The Pensions office o f the Church The information contained in this article is of a made an election for exemption have o f the Nazarene is unaware o f any for­ general nature. It is not offered as sp ecific legal o r tax “advice.” Each person, local church board, and dis­ become aware that they made their mal provision that now exists to al­ trict should evaluate their own unique situation in decision based on erroneous infor­ low ministers to revoke previous ex­ consultation with their local legal and tax advisers.

44 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Church Music

Our Responsibility to Train Musicians for Church Music Ministry by Evonne Neuenschwander Hastings, Nebr

aul instructed his understudy, sidering a minister as pastor, if his Timothy: w ife can play the piano or organ. Our son and his family moved to a P university city where he taugnt in Devote yourself . . . to teaching. Do not neglect your gift the physics department. On Sunday . . . Be diligent . . . give yourself morning, as he and his w ife and two wholly to them . . . Persevere in small children would leave their them [students] because if you home, the music from the great pipe organ in the church next door would do, you will save both yourself and ring out the great hymns that he your hearers (1 Tim. 4:13- 16). dearly loved to hear, played in a way Music is The Church o f the Nazarene was he loved to hear them. When they ar­ founded by educated leaders but in rived at their church across town, its beginning days ministered pre­ one factor they walked into dead silence, ex­ dominately to the poor. The poor of­ cept for conversation with friends— that keeps ten do not have the means to obtain a and on many, many Sundays, no ac­ formal education, therefore many of companiment of any kind for the our ministers were self-educated. congregational singing. The one and churches Our leaders, o f course, saw the need only person in the congregation who for an educated ministry, so they de­ could play a little was an air force small. signed the Ministers Course o f Study. pilot who was out on flying missions Also, the Church of the Nazarene more often than he could attend the early began the establishment o f col­ service. This meant the people sang a leges and universities. Today we are cappella much of the time. proud to have 30 institutions of Our daughter and her husband higher education. moved to a city in Texas near the Thirty or 40 years ago there were army base where he is stationed. not many professional people in our Their first Sunday in that local churches. Dr. Howard Hamlin said church found no accompaniment that we “ Nazarenes have raised our and the pastor leading the singing professional members, not won them out o f necessity. Since our son-in-law to the church, for the most part.” sang a little, and because he was w ill­ Perhaps this accounts for the fact ing, he was appointed song director that even though we were early the very next Sunday. His directing known as a “singing church,” we simply meant calling out the hymn probably were rarely accused o f hav­ number to be sung. They still have no ing formally educated musicians, ex­ accompaniment of any kind other cept near our colleges. than tapes for special music. Today, happily, we do have many If you have traveled much across educated musicians, both raised in the church at the grass roots level, and won to the church. However, you know the problem— unless you many o f our churches have inade­ have brought your musicians or been quate music programs. It would be the speaker or singer where musi­ shocking to know how many cians have been brought in for you. churches have no keyboard accom­ Perhaps you are saying, “But those paniment at all. must be very small churches.” The It is not uncommon for a church fact is most churches are small board to ask the question, when con­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 4 5 churches. In my opinion, far too of­ with us, and leading the choir. Give church. Without it the church plant­ ten, the music is one factor that them opportunities to direct congre­ ing endeavor is greatly hindered, and helps keep them small. gational singing, teach them proper the goal of church growth is not real­ According to Dr. B. Edgar Johnson’s technique that enhances freedom ized. o ffic e as o f June 3, 1989, in the and the liberty o f the Spirit. It could A friend o f mine whose husband Church o f the Nazarene: mean placing a second piano in the pioneered a church in Minnesota was Only 5 .9 percent of our church­ sanctuary and allowing your under­ forced to become the church pianist. es have more than 300 members; study to play along with you, feeling There was no one else to do it. My 6.3 percent have 200-300 mem­ the tempo and interpretation with friend did her best, even though she bers; 21.4 percent have 100-200 you as you feel it. Teach him skills had had only three months o f piano members; 29 9 percent have that not only include proper tech­ lessons, w ith only one lesson per 50-100 members; 34.4 percent nique but also enhance the sponta­ week. She could play the piano with have 50 members or less. neity o f the Spirit. Perhaps the organ her right hand only. Approximately two-thirds of our student could sit by the organ bench, Wouldn’t it have been helpful if a churches have 100 or less members. watching the organist at work, learn­ denominational leader could have More than half o f those churches ing to anticipate his every move as looked through a file of applicants have 50 or less members. the particular needs arise. for church planter musicians and The district my husband serves as with the Lord’s guidance selected a superintendent has 39 churches. person or a couple who had said, “ I Two o f these churches have excep­ w ill give two years to help a church tionally good music programs. Two get started. I’ll work full-time to sup­ others are excellent: something you Musicians are port myself, if necessary, give my would tell your friends about. Eigh­ time to the church, and have a music teen have acceptable music— noth­ pleading for help. program that w ill honor the Lord and ing offensive, but nothing you would the church. Non-Christians hope­ probably write home about or invite fully w ill come to hear and be drawn your neighbors and friends to es­ to Christ and the church and return, pecially hear. Eleven other churches In an excellent church in Ne­ bringing others with them. I’ll also have much to be desired musically. braska, a husband and w ife team, train someone else w hile I am there The remaining 6 have no musicians graduates o f a very fine local college, to carry on after I leave, if the Lord at all. They may have a person w ill­ served effectively as ministers o f mu­ provides the person who is willing to ing to do the best he can; any o f us sic on minimal salary. Their talent far learn. I believe God w ill supply an would agree it is totally unaccept­ exceeded what the local church was income to meet my needs.” able, but only the most loyal Naza­ able to pay. Therefore, when an offer The church could encourage and rene would stay for the service and came, they left, but the church suf­ recognize church planter musicians, endure the pain. The musicians fered a drastic decline. If, when they home mission musicians, or musi­ themselves are pleading for help! had left, this music team had been cians w illin g to assist any church. IS THERE A SOLUTION TO THIS training someone consciously and Many musicians would be w illin g to PROBLEM? What can be done to consistently by example and person- contribute their services for a desig­ strengthen areas o f weakness at the to-person, on-the-job training, that nated period of time, not only pro­ local level of church music? church might not have lost nearly so viding adequate music, but also, by We need many Timothys— or min­ much of its “flying high” altitude to means of training, leaving that isters gifted in music, not neglecting a near “crash landing.” A musically church with an acceptable music their gifts, and giving themselves dil­ unskilled layman was left to direct program that would enhance church igently to teaching others. We need the congregational singing, the pas­ growth. to extend our own ministry, “saving tor directed the choir numbers, and a The church has this kind o f volun­ ourselves,” if you please— not a lady had to play the piano who plays teer ministry for other programs, but “take it or leave it” proposition. predominantly by ear. very little, if any, for the music needs Therefore, I suggest four steps to­ I would challenge all church musi­ o f the church. We appreciate local ward a solution. cians to not neglect to give them­ volunteer musicians. What a difficult selves to teaching others, whether on STEP 1: EACH CHURCH time we would have without them, a formal or informal basis. but we need musicians willing to go MUSICIAN SHOULD HAVE AN BEYOND their local congregations UNDERSTUDY WHERE HE STEP 2: ENCOURAGE CHURCH to be used as musician missionaries. SERVES AND SHOULD PLANTER MUSICIANS. In other areas, volunteers apply, CHALLENGE ALL CHURCH District superintendents talk are brought into headquarters for MUSICIANS TO DO THE SAME. about church growth and the need training, sign a contract, are given an I mean, not only have students in for church planters. The need is assignment, and upon completion o f the classroom, though we must do equally obvious for church planter that assignment receive recognition that, but have an understudy— a per­ musicians who would give them­ for their services. This could and son receiving on-the-job training. A l­ selves as completely as the church should be done with musicians. We lowing him to stand by our side dur­ planter pastor to assist with the im­ need church planter musicians, ing choir practice, directing along portant ministry of music in the church musicians w illin g to sacrifice

4 6 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE the comforts of multi-musician lady is asked by her parents and gree with a major in religion are to churches and willing to seek out grandparents every time she comes be commended. churches with needs where they can home for a holiday or the summer, In colleges where music is offered minister and train, to persevere in “Have they taught you to play the pi­ as an elective, I know o f student min­ teaching, receiving a blessing them­ ano for church yet?” isters most needing the training in selves, and saving others— perhaps Each time, though eager to learn music who stayed as far away from even saving a church. It would help hymn improvisation, she replies, those courses as possibe. They make small churches into larger “Not yet. They tell me there may be a avoided music like a dreaded dis­ and/or more effective churches for course offered in hymn improvisa­ ease. winning the lost to Jesus Christ. tion next semester— or the one after In one college where a course in that.” music is required for ministers, a stu­ STEP 3: ENCOURAGE COLLEGES Her mother told me recently, “We dent was overheard to say, “Well, I AND UNIVERSITIES TO MAKE sent her to a holiness college be­ may not have learned much about MORE ROOM FOR PREPARING cause we thought for sure she would music in this class. But I can tell you learn how to play hymns for church. for sure, I will appreciate the musi­ MUSICIANS TO SERVE AND But she cannot, and we are terribly cians in my church from now on.” TEACH AT THE LOCAL CHURCH disappointed.” I have heard state­ Thank the Lord for new insight in LEVEL. ments like this from one end o f the this future minister. He w ill be a bet­ We are grateful for the foresight o f continent to the other. ter minister for having had this re­ our early leaders to establish institu­ Nazarene schools require that all quired class. tions for the training o f ministers and students seeking Unfortunately laymen for academic excellence in a a degree must ministerial training Christian environment. Where pass a course in programs often would we be without them? How­ Old Testament Each church have not dealt with ever, far too few o f our church pi­ and New Testa­ this problem. There anists and organists have learned the ment. Why can’t musician should is not ONE, not skill of improvisation at a holiness we require that even ONE course of college. all Nazarene key­ have an music o f any kind, Only a certain percentage of our board majors take not even music ap congregations attend or have at­ classes in hymn understudy. predation, listed in tended one of our colleges. O f those improvisation? the entire course who do attend, only a small per­ Sadly, some of o f study required centage choose music as their major our colleges and universities do not for ordination of elders in the studies. O f those students with mu­ offer hymn improvisation, even as an Church o f the Nazarene. Therefore, sic majors, subtract music educa­ elective on a consistent, in-depth ba­ a planned, adequate music program tional majors that prepare for state sis. for the church worship service has certification in the public school Academic deans often suggest that not been a priority with many o f our with little or no time for electives. there is no room in the schedule for pastors. W ho can blame them for Then subtract students who choose such a program. They know they their lack of understanding? an instrument other than piano, or­ must prepare students w ith music It has been said that John Wesley gan, or voice. From those who do majors for positions where they can ministered with the Bible in one study these instruments, subtract earn money upon graduation. I be­ hand and his hymnbook in the other. those who study serious music only, lieve that our schools could offer a With often half of the church service or major in performance. Then of the degree that would prepare a student given to music, is it asking too much very, very few who do receive ade­ for a full-time job teaching class and that the importance o f music be em­ quate training in hymn improvisa­ private piano and organ if hymn im­ phasized in our ministerial training tion or of those who receive a church provisation pedagogy were included program? How can the local church music degree, how many actually re­ in their requirements. What prepara­ expect to grow if such an important turn to their home church to minis­ tion could better meet the descrip­ part o f the ministry is neglected? ter and train? tion o f the purpose o f our Nazarene A lot o f churches need musicians, colleges to “meet the needs of our CAN WE IMPROVE THE MUSIC trained in church music. A lot o f Naz­ churches” as described in the Edu­ PROGRAM OF THE CHURCH? I arene musicians with degrees feel in­ cation Commission report? Surely THINK WE CAN. adequate to teach, or even play for this is not asking too much to “save” We have barely scratched the sur­ the church service, unless it is a writ­ ourselves, as Paul said to Timothy. face o f a great need. We have a lot to ten arrangement. If it is difficult to do at the grass roots level in our find a piano teacher inside the STEP 4: ENCOURAGE THE churches concerning music. Music is church who can teach improvisa­ INCLUSION OF MUSIC COURSES the universal language that speaks to tion, it is almost impossible to locate IN THE COURSE OF STUDY AS A one in the local community. the heart o f all mankind! REQUIREMENT FOR A brilliant young lady, a junior in I know the devil trembles at the one of our colleges, is majoring in ORDINATION OF MINISTERS. vibrations o f a hymn, sung or played, music and is the accompanist for the The colleges and universities re­ to the glory and honor o f our Lord college concert choir. This young quiring music courses for an A.B. de­ and Savior, Jesus Christ! $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 4 7 Missions

THE REST OF THE STORY by Charles Gailey Olathe, Kans.

ome pastors feel compelled blessings and soak them up. They more about his own reputation than to trot out the Great Commis­ were rather to be a vehicle and a con­ about people being saved. In fact, S sion and “Jesus Saves” on mis­ duit of bringing God’s blessings to Jonah in that sense can also be seen sionary night, as though that amount­ others. His salvage plan was not for as an archetype of the children of ed to the total call to mission. No one people or one city but for the Israel, who constantly seemed to wonder people don’t show up! Pas­ whole world. withdraw into their ethnocentric na­ tors like that are missing a great This principle continued in God’s tionalism. Again and again God w it­ truth. They are missing— the rest of covenant with David. David echoed a nessed the failure o f His chosen in­ the story. world vision in much o f his writing, strument. God then sent Jesus, that The truth is that God has always including the beautiful Psalm 96: “other Israel,” into the world. been a missionary God. Much o f the “Declare his glory among the na­ Christ was the ultimate missionary, romance o f the Bible centers around tions” (v. 3; see also 1 Chron. 16:24- bridging the gap between heaven God using persons to reach out to 32). Psalm 67 is another missionary and earth. He inspired and instructed persons in other cultures. This psalm, reflecting the Aaronic bene­ His disciples to become missionar­ doesn’t begin in the New Testament diction of Num. 6:24-26, but en­ ies. He showed us that the idea o f but the Old, not in Matthew but in larged, so “that your ways may be mission is central to the Christian Genesis. known on earth, your salvation faith. God’s purposes for the world are among all nations” (Ps. 67:2). It is The New Testament clearly teach­ illuminated in Genesis. He created clear that God wanted to use Israel as es that God desires all people “to be persons with freedom o f choice, “in His vehicle o f salvation to the world. saved and to come to a knowledge o f his own image” (1:27). God desired It should not surprise us that the the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). The infant to reproduce His traits o f holiness New Testament begins by intro­ Church was to bring to fruition what and love in human beings. His pur­ ducing Christ as “ the son o f David, Jesus did and taught (see the Book o f pose was frustrated when man and the son o f Abraham” (Matt. 1:1). Acts). Mission is a basic ingredient in woman failed the test. But in that My own call to missionary service the Christian faith. The salvation early hour, God began a great salvage came through the words of David’s theme of the Bible is the rescuing operation for the world. In His judg­ son, Solomon, on that great day of and saving o f Israel and all o f the ment on the serpent (3:14-15), He the dedication of the Temple: “So other nations of the world. This is heralds His redemptive plan for hu­ that all the peoples o f the earth may why God sent Jesus: “ to save the mans. know that the Lord is God and that world through him” (John 3:17). In God’s call to Abraham we see there is no other” (1 Kings 8:60). Jer­ That is why the missionary travels o f that God is going to wrap His re­ emiah, Ezekiel, and Isaiah (esp. Jesus’ disciples are recorded. I re­ demptive message up in persons. He chaps. 9; 42; and 49) all confirm that cently heard a professor of New Tes­ states that “all peoples on earth w ill God planned to use Israel to reach all tament say, “ If you take mission out be blessed through” Abraham (12: nations. of the New Testament, you have 3). From the start, God makes it clear This message is beautifully encap­ nothing left.” that the covenant with Abraham is sulated in the Book o f Jonah. Nearly Peter had a difficult time getting not to be a narrow, ethnocentric cov­ everyone knows about the Book of Jo­ the message (the sheet was let down enant. Abraham is to be not just a re­ nah, especially its more sensational- three times), but he finally caught cipient but a vehicle o f His love. He istic aspects, but few seem to grasp on that God intends His followers to repeats to Abraham, several times, the main point: Jonah is a missionary cross cultural boundaries w ith the not just a recital o f blessings but also book! Jonah was called to deliver gospel. Finally, John had a vision on that “all nations on earth will be God’s message cross-cultural ly to the the isle o f Patmos. He saw standing blessed through you” (cf. 18:18; Ninevites— the Gentiles. He didn’t before the throne, “a great multitude 22:18). In virtually the same lan­ want to go; he ran away from God’s that no one could count, from every guage, the charge, “through your off­ call. When Jonah finally grudgingly nation, tribe, people and language” spring all nations on earth w ill be relented, that whole great city re­ (Rev. 7:9) - John repeats this wording blessed,” is also delivered to Isaac pented! Pastor, why not preach on Jo­ over and over in the book (10:11; (26:4) and Jacob (cf. 28:14). It is nah for your next missionary mes­ 11:9; 13:7; 14:6; 17:15), thus high­ clear at this early time that the chil­ sage? And the following Sunday, you lighting the cross-cultural univer­ dren o f Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob could preach about Jonah’s bad atti­ sality of the gospel. were not to simply bask in G od’s tude (chap. 4) because he cared ( Continued on page 55)

4 8 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Biography LIOM HEART by Albert J. Lown Keighley, West Yorkshire, England

ith characteristic under­ war had taken a desperate turn, was quietened in death on January statement o f his own ac­ May 13, 1940.) 24, 1965. His passing was tranquil complishments in World We shall not flag or fail. We shall after a peaceful approach to the river WWar II, Winston Churchill dis­ go on to the end. . . . We shall fight that hath no bridge. It was a contrast claimed for himself the mantle of on the beaches ... on the landing to a life so full that it is difficult to Richard the Lionheart, declaring, “ It grounds . . . in the fields and in the conceive o f one man playing so many streets . . . in the hills. We shall was the British nation that was the parts in a span o f 90 years. Not every­ never surrender. (Part o f a speech lion, but I had the luck to utter the one would include the profession of held to be one o f the most moving roar.” religious faith as a vital contribution ever delivered in the House of The world-renowned warrior- to Churchill’s stature. Leading a Com­ Commons, June 4, 1940.) statesman kept his date with destiny monwealth that is “a unique associ­ Let us brace ourselves to our du­ in assuming the leadership o f Britain ation o f races and religions,” a war­ ties, and so bear ourselves that if in 1940. No one can doubt that he time Prime Minister faced the di­ the British Empire and its Com­ possessed the heart and roar o f a lion. lemma o f relating Christian faith to monwealth last for a thousand total war in a nation that included His was the voice that literally years, men w ill still say, “This was “all creeds, classes, and every recog­ growled at Hitler when minions and their finest hour.” (This clarion nizable shade of opinion.” Never­ allies of the Nazis were grovelling be­ call coincided with the capitu­ theless, the wartime speeches o f an fore his juggernauts and jackboots. lation o f France, leaving Britain to eloquent warrior reyeal an under­ His voice uttered sentiment and sat­ fight on alone, June 18, 1940.) lying faith essentially biblical and ire, conviction and defiance, com­ Here is this strong city o f refuge Christian in inspiration. fort and prophecy that w ill be cher­ which enshrines the title deeds o f In a series o f direct appeals to the ished as long as literature and free­ human progress . . . we await un­ Almighty in 54 speeches— “God dom exist and as long as English is dismayed the impending assault. bless you,” “In God’s time,” “under spoken. This voice reached occupied . . . Be the ordeal sharp or long, or Providence,” “with God’s help”— countries and concentration camps, both, we shall seek no terms, toler­ these were never political stock-in- nerving men and women to resist the ate no parley. We may show mercy; trade or theatrical oratory. “Ah, yes, oppressor, to fight, hope, and die. we shall ask for none. (France had there are times when we all pray,” he fallen; America was friendly but admitted, recalling his early years at Steeped in H istory nonbelligerent. In isolation Britain Bangalore, India. There he had writ­ From the darkest days o f the war awaited the fury of Germany and ten that whatever he might think or came memorable words that stir Italy, July 14, 1940.) argue, he did not hesitate to ask for imagination and abide yet in the Never in the field o f human con­ divine protection when about to minds o f those who heard. Exquisite flict was so much owed by so many come under fire. So too, as leader of in the craftsmanship o f oratory and to so few. (The few were the out­ the free world, he “prayed long and spirited as only the fighting chivalry numbered, valiant pilots who won earnestly for help and guidance,” and of a noble family intertwined with the Battle o f Britain, August 20, was able to record, “My prayer . . . Britain’s history since the days o f 1940.) was swiftly and wonderfully an­ Charles I could impart. A lion’s roar. Like the Mississippi, it just keeps swered.” A John Bull growl. A modern Eliza­ rolling along. Let it roll. Let it roll Churchill used religious phrases bethan. The speech of Parliament on full flood, inexorable, irre­ like “cities of refuge,” “cast into the and the Bible, o f the public school sistible, benignant, to broader pit o f death,” “better a millstone,” and political arena, o f the trumpets lands and better days. (A reference “Ask, and it shall be given you,” “let of war and the pipes of peace. Say­ to the U.S.A., still not in the war, him that thinketh he standeth, take ings that enriched the English lan­ and the British Commonwealth heed,” “the wages of sin,” “the un­ guage, as a few well-known gleanings getting “some o f their affairs . . . profitable servant,” “the eye o f faith,” from a single year reveal: mixed up together . . . for mutual “the mills o f God,” and “God helping I have nothing to offer but and general advantage,” August us, we can do no other.” His frequent blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We 20, 1940.) use o f words in his speeches like “de­ have before us an ordeal of the liverance,” “destiny,” “the good most grievous kind. (His first Bible Based cause,” “faith and hope” are an un­ speech as Prime Minister when the The voice of Britain’s Lionheart conscious revelation of heritage and

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 4 9 attitude. Thankfulness also abounded: ing, “Let God defend the right; heed Church Growth “ If the Almighty God in His mercy the call o f duty and honor, and see ( Continued from page 27) should lighten or shorten our labors that our policy and conduct are upon always have an honored place on the and the torment o f all mankind, all the highest level, and that honor field o f battle. In fact, we are fond o f His servants w ill be thankful.” This is should be our guide.” And he gave a saying that the commitment to short­ but one instance and a moving plea. most moving plea: “We must cherish term pastorates is the mark o f a faith­ the strong courage o f when you are ful minister. We hold to the idea that Graced w ith Hum ility doing your duty, and you are sure of someone “who is part of the itiner­ that, you need not worry too much Humility is not generally associ­ ancy,” someone who w ill live with us about the dangers or consequences; ated with Churchill; yet the constant in the past, is a true and faithful ser­ we shall not be denied the strength use of the passive tense in his speech­ vant o f the order. And many local pas­ to do our duty to the end.” es indicates this grace: “We have been tors join the bureaucracy in this men­ Who can fail to be moved by W in­ delivered, led, upheld, spared, saved, tality. They do so because they know ston’s White House Christmas broad­ persevered: our cause will not be it is easier to move as old sermons cast with President Roosevelt aboard suffered to fail. Bearing ourselves run out. Also, many see short-term the Prince of Wales battleship, in­ humbly before God— I hope, indeed itinerancy as a good way to get into cluding “ that gleaning flash o f re­ I pray, that we shall not be found un­ position to climb the next rung of solve which lifts the hearts o f men worthy. More than that it would be the ladder without having to do it and nations, and springs from the boastful to say— I hope I do not speak where they are currently assigned. vain or boastful words.” Beyond rhet­ spiritual foundations of life itself.” The mood o f the 17th and 18th cen­ Reflecting later, he wrote: “But all oric there was reverence and depen­ tury was, “Give us variety, for we comes out right at the end o f the day: dence. have none!” The 20th century cries, all will come out yet more right at Churchill’s conviction insisted, “ It “Give us stability, for we have none!” is not given to the cleverest and most the end of all the days.” His perspec­ Show me one church, o f any de­ tive o f history and philosophy for life calculating o f mortals to know with nomination, that is vital, growing, and service did not lack faith in the certainty what is their interest. Yet it and burning the world up for Christ, sovereign justice of God. He pos­ is given to quite a lot of simple folk where the minister has not enjoyed sessed the conviction that all things to know every day what is their duty.” the luxury and privilege o f long-term must work together for good to those He appealed to duty, justice, honor, involvement! I have been in hundreds who are called by God. and truth with the assertion: “We did of churches, worked in several dozen not make this war; we did not seek it. His favorite hymn, sung at his fu­ conferences all across the nation. I neral service, was John Bunyan’s “Who We did all we could to avoid it. We can’t name one! On the other hand, I would true valor see, / Let him come did too much to avoid it”— meaning can name numerous churches that are hither.” Each verse of the “ Pilgrim” that the policy of appeasement had alive, prosperous, missional, socially song is eloquent testimony to Chur­ failed. involved, and growing like a weed. In chill’s faith and courage in dark days: Faith and Duty these churches the minister has had No foes shall stay his might, time and occasion to win trust and Since war could not be avoided, Though he with giants fight; bring stability. Churchill said, “We must stand with­ He will make good his right He has grown weary of hearing out flinching in faith or duty”; pray­ To be a pilgrim. $ someone say, “I sure would like to move to your church, but I know you w on’t be here long, so I guess I’ll stay where I am.” They have become em­ barrassed by the mentality that says stay here three or four years, don’t rock the boat, and then move up to “a better appointment.” These pastors PREACHER’S EXCHANGE sense the need to succeed where they are, or they don’t deserve a bet­ ter appointment. They are saying, Wanted: “Give me a chance to compete from Works of John Fletcher (4 vols.) by a solid and stable base!” They are say­ John Fletcher. ing, “ Move me if you need me, but A Compendium of Christian Theol- don’t move me just to be moving me!” ogy (3 vols.) by Richard Watson. By giving the pastor a stable place o f ministry, the church can become Contact Glenn Kell, c/o Nazarene Bi­ the place o f trust, continuity, and sta- ble College, P.O. Box 31766, 10101 bility. In this atmosphere, the Lusaka, Zambia. preacher can extend an invitation that motivates. ^

From Invite: Preaching fo r Response, 6-15. Copy­ right © 1987, Discipleship Resources, P.O. Box 840, Nashville, TN 37202. Used by permission.

5 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Evangelism ______i Altar Training Through Role Demonstrations by Rickey Short Oklahoma City

ood altar work is an asset fol­ Oke; You Need a Family Altar, by Jo­ a. What are some attitudes lowing a time of moving by seph Gray. we would like to see in our the Holy Spirit in a revival These resources supplemented by church when someone goes to Gor special service. Often seekers yourwait own experiences will help you the altar? (List four or five.) for the pastor to move from person to prepare a brief lecture for each ses­ b. What do you think are person because many concerned sion. some of the basic qualifications people are not sure what to do. SUGGESTED SCHEDULE FOR for someone to be an effective Equipping laypeople with good SESSION ONE altar counselor? (List four or altar-work skills increases the effec­ five.) Guidelines for Working with c. When should we come tiveness o f the altar call. Seekers at the Altar down to help someone who is Altar worker training combined Song: “Have Thine O w n Way, Lord” praying at the altar? (N ew in with a role demonstration commu­ Song: “O to Be like Thee” church, a lifetime member, a nicates concepts and principles nec­ Announcements child, a visitor.) essary for good altar work. During a Prayer role demonstration a person may see Offering (if appropriate) Encourage people to discuss issues and hear proper methods. Learning LESSON: 1. Lecture— 6 minutes (pre­ around each question. Do not look theory teaches that people remem­ pared by pastor) for the “right” answer. Watch your ber much more of what they see and 2. Group Discussion— 6 min­ time. utes hear than what they hear or see. The 3. Role Demonstration— 8 3. Role Demonstration (6-8 min­ most effective kind of learning oc­ minutes (pastor and helper) utes) curs when a person is also allowed to 4. Closing Discussion/Appli­ Recruit someone to play the role practice under supervision what cation/Review— 7 minutes of “seeker” for the demonstration. they have just seen and heard. Thus Closing Prayer Set up a time to practice role play. the most effective kind o f altar work 4. Closing Discussion and Review training should involve a demonstra­ Materials and Preparation Session (5-7 minutes) tion and practice session. Required for Session One: Ask for people to share a new con­ Why practice? A role demonstra­ a. It’s Altar Time, by Wilbur cept, new skill, or something helpful tion combined with a practice ses­ Brannon from the lesson/demonstration that sion insures that your altar workers b. Role-play helper who can they will be able to use in helping are following good procedures. The practice ahead o f time someone at the altar. practice session allows people to be­ c. Copies o f review sheet for When a person shares a specific come comfortable with new skills everyone to take home behavior, make an appropriate com­ and to be assured in their own mind d. Chalkboard, overhead pro­ ment like, “Yes, that is an important that they are doing the work cor­ jector, or newspaper pad for part of working with someone at an al­ rectly. Since the session is only prac­ brainstorming tar. Why do you think it is important?” tice, they can relax and focus on How to Do Session One Duplicate the following guide­ learning. lines for everyone attending the ses­ Two training sessions with two 1. Introduction and Lecture (4-6 sion, and review it briefly following short demonstrations and one prac­ minutes) the demonstration. tice session are recommended. Ses­ Prepare brief introductory com­ sion One deals with “Guidelines for ments related to the importance of Ba s ic G u id e l in e s f o r W o r k i n g Working with Seekers at the Altar.” the altar call. Share some of your per­ w i t h Seek e rs a t t h e A lt a r Session Two deals with “Helping a sonal views or experiences. Explain 1. Pause and pray for guidance Person into the Experience o f Heart that the two meetings will focus on before speaking. Holiness.” The schedule for each ses­ training altar workers. 2. Introduce yourself and ask sion would fit a Wednesday evening 2. Group Discussion (4-6 minutes) his name, if not known. study time. The basic schedule can Set up an overhead projector or 3. Ask if he can share with you be easily adapted to other formats. It chalkboard for use during discussion why he has come to the altar. would be helpful to read at least one time. Record comments suggested by 4. Repeat what the seeker said o f the following resources: It’s Altar your group. to make sure you understand. Time, by Wilbur Brannon; You Can Conduct a discussion of the fol­ 5. Give simple Bible guidance Be a Better Altar Worker, by Norman lowing three questions: on what to do.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 51 6. Ask the person if he wants The helper should say something Materials and Preparation to do this. like this: “I want Jesus to come into Required for Session Two: 7. If he does, give encourage­ my life and forgive my sins.” a. One copy of role play for ment and further guidance P a stor:------, you are here be­ every two people attending cause you are ready to ask Jesus to on how to pray. b. Role play helper forgive your sins and come into 8. Encourage him to pray aloud; c. Introductory lecture and your heart so that your life can be follow up with a prayer by review the counselor. different. Seeker: Yes. 9. Give the seeker assurance How to Do Session Two that God has heard and an­ Pastor:------, would you let me swered prayer. Offer further show in God’s Word how your sins 1. Introduction and Lecture (5 min­ help and support he may can be forgiven and you can invite utes) Jesus into your life? (After your need. Review the Basic Guidelines helper consents, open your Bible 10. Emphasize to the seeker the shared in last week’s session. Explain and act as if you are talking and ex­ importance of making a that this session involves practicing plaining the Scripture for a few public testimony concern­ at the altar with another person. Share seconds. Your helper should con­ from your personal experiences the ing any spiritual decisions tinue to respond as if he under­ importance of helping a person into he has made. stands what you are explaining.) the experience o f holiness. Pastor:------, if you are sincere Some of your people may experi­ Role Play for Session One and really mean it in your heart, ence anxiety at the thought o f “prac­ Guidelines for W orking with you can pray this prayer right now, ticing” with another person. Allow Seekers at the Altar and God w ill hear you. Is that what them to express that anxiety. Gently Use the following role play you want to do? (Helper consents.) in Session One or create your own. You pray first and then I w ill pray. encourage them to participate. Read or share the follow ing in your own Before beginning the role demon­ Pastor (to audience): A fter------has prayed, I would close in prayer, words: stration, you w ill need a folding thanking God that He has forgiven W h y P r a c t ic e A l t a r W o r k ? chair, piano bench, or small table to ------and th a t------has in­ People ought to be able to use as an altar. Position the “altar” so vited Jesus into his life. I would practice a task before they are that everyone w ill be able to see the want to thank God for hearing this charged with full responsibility demonstration. You should be posi­ prayer and coming into his life. At for it. This is the basis for intern­ tioned sideways to the audience. this time I would also want to en­ ship in medicine and in the Have your helper kneel beside the courage him to make a public tes­ practice teaching o f educators. chair as if he is praying at the altar. timony in this service, sharing It is a learning and testing time. In your own words say or read the what has happened in his life. I Altar work is important following, “I would like to demon­ would encourage him to begin his enough for people to do well. strate a simple method o f how to new walk with Christ by sharing in Each person who volunteers to find out why a person has come to a public way what God has done help others at the altar should the altar. While a person is at the al­ for him at the altar. learn proper skills for the task. A tar, he w ill be very sensitive spiritu­ A llow your helper to return to his practice period can be a time ally to what we have to say. It is im­ place. where new and old experiences portant that we understand why he is At the conclusion of the role dem­ are blended to better equip the at the altar so that we can provide the onstration, distribute the Basic Guide­ spiritual seeker. help that he needs if at all possible. lines handout in order to review the We should never assume that we role demonstration. 2. Extended Role Model by Pastor know why the person has come to SUGGESTED SCHEDULE FOR (7-10 minutes) the altar.” Recruit someone to play the role SESSION TWO Kneel on the opposite side of the of “seeker” for the extended role chair. Pause for a moment o f silent Helping a Person into the demonstration. Set up a time to prac­ prayer before speaking to the person. Experience of Heart Holiness tice the role play. Using your hand on the side opposite Song: “Jesus, I Com e” Make a copy o f the role play mate­ o f the audience, reach out and touch Song: “Take My Life, and Let It Be” rial, “Be Filled with the Spirit,” for the shoulder o f the praying person to Prayer everyone participating in the ses­ attract his attention. When he looks Offering (if appropriate) sion. This presentation is a basic plan up, introduce yourself by saying, Announcements for explaining the way into holiness. “Hello, my name is ------. Can you LESSON: 1. Introduction of Material Encourage the group to follow the pre­ — 5 minutes tell me your name?” After the helper sentation during the demonstration. 2. Extended Role Model by has told you his name, say: Pastor— 7 to 10 minutes During the demonstration and “------, can you share with me 3. Practice Session (breaking practice session, the altar counselor what you are asking God to do for into pairs)— 15 to 20 min­ should simply read the material to you?” Or, “ ------, can you share utes the “seeker.” The seeker should re­ with me why you came to the altar?” 4. Review and Sharing of Ex­ spond appropriately to each question. Or, “ ------, is there something I periences— 5 minutes A few brief illustrations or scriptures Closing Prayer can help you pray about?” may be added as deemed necessary.

5 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE 3. Practice Session (15-20 minutes) new life in Christ is, they begin to 1. Have you accepted Jesus After completing the role play have problems. They discover that Christ as your personal Savior? demonstration, ask for comments or they are not able to be the kind of 2. Do you want to end the fight questions. Keep this time brief. Christian they want to be deep in between your spiritual nature and their heart. They know that they are Divide “trainees” into groups of the sin nature? not living on the level Jesus talks two persons. Be sure each team has a 3- Do you have a growing desire copy o f the role play. Ask them to be­ about in the Scripture. This struggle is described in the for more o f God’s work in you? gin as if they were starting to help 4. Do you believe it is God’s de­ someone at the altar who wanted to Bible: “For the sinful nature desires what sire for you to have a spiritual life be sanctified. Have them take turns is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spir­ o f love, joy, inner peace, and vic­ reading the material to each other. it what is contrary to the sinful tory over the sin nature? Allow each person about 10 min­ nature. They are in conflict with 5. Are you willing to give Jesus utes. each other, so that you do not do Christ control o f every area o f your Circulate among the groups, pro­ what you want” (Gal. 5:17). life? (Your struggles, talents, abili­ viding assistance and help as needed. Since your conversion, have you ties, your very self?) 4. Review and Sharing o f Experi­ experienced this kind of struggle in 6. Can you say, “ I surrender all ences (5 minutes) your spiritual journey? o f me”? Would you like for me to share Call all your teams back together SOME GOOD NEWS how you can find God’s solution for and allow them to discuss their ex­ If you answer, “Yes,” to these ques­ this struggle? periences as they shared the role tions, you have described what we play material. Ask how the role play GOD’S PATH TO LOVE, JOY, AND mean by the word “consecration.” In helped them, what was difficult, or PEACE order for God to act on our behalf any general comments they wish to God desires that we live a clean and fill us with Hi* Spirit, we must make. and holy life. Power to live that kind be willing to totally consecrate— of life only comes by being filled surrender ourselves and every area of Role Play for Session Two with the Holy Spirit. This filling is our life— to Him. called “sanctification” in the Scrip­ “Therefore do not let sin reign in Be F il l e d w i t h t h e H o l y Sp i r i t ture. When a person is saved, he your mortal body so that you obey its Use the follow ing material in the finds forgiveness from acts o f sin. But evil desires. Do not offer the parts o f role demonstration segment of Session it is through sanctification that God your body to sin, as instruments of Two. You may substitute your own or has chosen to cleanse the sin nature wickedness, but rather offer your­ other prepared material if so desired. as well. selves to God, as those who have This material is used after qualifying Sanctification is a wonderful work been brought from death to life; and why the person is at the altar. that God does in a moment o f time offer the parts o f your body to him as How to begin the role and then continues to do. He not instruments o f righteousness” (Rom. demonstration only fills us the moment we are sanc­ 6:12-13). tified by faith in Him; He keeps fill­ Begin with your seeker kneeling as THE KEY QUESTION ing us day by day. Sanctification is in Session One. Approach the seeker. What is the deep desire of your not a condition in which we stop Kneel on the opposite side of the heart? chair. Pause for a moment o f silent growing and have all o f God. Rather, ASKING FOR GOD’S SOLUTION TO prayer before speaking to the person. it is a relationship that opens our life to a moment-by-moment walk with THE STRUGGLE Using your hand on the side opposite The best way to express our faith is o f the audience, reach out and touch Jesus. by a simple prayer, telling God that the shoulder of the praying person to WE ARE TOLD TO RECEIVE THE we want Him to cleanse our heart attract his attention. When he looks HOLY SPIRIT BY ASKING from all inner sin, to fill us with His “ If you then, though you are evil, up, introduce yourself by saying, Holy Spirit, and to give us power to “Hello, my name is ------. Can you know how to give good gifts to your live and witness for Him. tell me your name?” After the seeker children, how much more will your When we pray that kind o f prayer Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit has told you his name, say: — and really mean it— we receive to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13). “------, can you share with me the sanctifying fullness of the Holy what you are asking God to do for IN FAITH Spirit by faith. There may or may not you?” (Christ speaking) “. . . so that they be a great emotional response at this The seeker should say something may receive forgiveness o f sins and a time. A deep conviction comes that like this, “ I want a deeper Christian place among those who are sanc­ God has done what He has promised experience.” tified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18). to do. You will sense that God is Begin reading the role play GOD IS WILLING TO CLEANSE AND here, releasing His love and power Do you remember when you ac­ FILL US WHEN WE ARE through you. cepted Jesus Christ as your personal SPIRITUALLY READY Is this what you want to do? If so, Savior? Everything seemed so new. The following questions will help you may say the following prayer: Perhaps you felt a great weight lift, you decide if you are ready to ask the “Father, I want to give You com­ and life seemed so fresh. Christians Father to cleanse and fill you with plete control of my life. I want to soon discover that, as great as this the Holy Spirit. ( Continued on page 61)

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 5 3 Holiness " ■______' , ______J ANOTHER LOOK AT CHRISTIAN PERFECTION by R. B. Acheson New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

Phil. 3:4-16 in the garden with his daddy when it Paul was not perfect in knowl­ occurred to him that his dad might wo old men were passing a edge. He admitted to these Philippi- be thirsty. To surprise him, he holiness church, and one was ans that he didn’t know it all: “I slipped away and returned with a heard to say, “What does this haven’t learned all I should even yet” glass o f cold water. Dad hesitated church teach?” (v. 12, TLB). This is especially inter­ when he saw mud trickling into the “Oh, they say you’ve got to be per­ esting since this is written seven water from two little dirty fingers. fect, and you know there ain’t no­ years before his martyrdom. At this But seeing the look on his son’s face, Tbody like that.” writing Paul had been one o f Christ’s he gulped it down, mud and all, and Many sincere people are confused brightest pupils for many years. It then gave him a big hug of thanks. by the term “perfection” as applied was Saul, the egotistical Pharisee Technically, it was not a perfect to Christian experience and life. But who had Christians jailed and killed; deed, but it was the best the boy the Bible uses the word! God said to Saul, the bigoted Jew who hated the could do. Dad saw the imperfection Abram, “Walk before me, and be thou Lord Jesus and believed he was or­ and through love thought it was per­ perfect” (Gen. 17:1, KJV). Jesus said, dained of God to stop the spread of fect. “Be ye . . . perfect, even as your Fa­ His gospel. But something happened In Psalm 103, David said that God ther . . . in heaven is perfect” (Matt. at Damascus that changed Saul into pities us as a father pities his chil­ 5:48, KJV). The author o f Hebrews Paul, a lifelong seeker after truth. A f­ dren; He knows our frame and under­ exhorted, “Let us go on unto per­ ter his conversion, God led Paul to stands us better than any earthly fa­ fection” (6:1, KJV). The word “per­ Arabia for an extended course in ther ever could. That little boy’s dad fect” appears too many times to be New Testament theology. It took only w ill expect more from his son when ignored. three days at Damascus to fix his he is older. Even so, our Heavenly Fa­ Our text sheds some light on the heart; it took much longer to fix his ther expects us to grow, to learn bet­ problem. In verses 12 and 15 there is head. N ow he is in a Roman jail, ter, and do better; but there w ill al­ a perfection Paul claims to have and much older but still learning. ways be room for improvement. a perfection he does not claim. Most o f us are rather slow to admit W hile the NIV translates it “mature” H. PAUL SPEAKS FROM ignorance. I thought I knew more at in verse 15 and “perfect” in verse 12, PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. age 16 than I’m sure I know now. it is from the same root word in the Certainly Paul was not perfect Converted in a Calvinist group, I Greek; teleios and teleiod mean physically. According to tradition, fully accepted their doctrines and “complete” or “end.” Paul is saying, Paul was neither robust nor hand­ standards. I had all the answers and “I am complete and not complete! I some. There is evidence in the Book was impatient with anyone who dis­ have reached the end but still have a of Acts that he suffered from a agreed. The Corinthians were like distance to go!” It may sound like a chronic illness. No one should know that, divided into little “know it all” contradiction, but it isn’t. In verse 15 this better than Luke, who wrote the groups, always fussing about some­ he testifies that, as a Christian, he is account. Since he was a medical doc­ thing. Some adopted Paul and were sanctified wholly (completely). In tor, he was a handy and providential labeled liberals; others adopted Pe­ verse 12 he testifies that, as a person, companion during Paul’s missionary ter and considered themselves con­ there is plenty of room for improve­ journeys. The apostle quoted some servatives. ment in his walk with God. o f his critics in Corinth as saying, One of the Corinthian controver­ “His letters . . . are weighty and pow ­ sies concerned meat that had been I. PAUL SPEAKS WHAT EVERY offered to idols that later found its SANCTIFIED CHRISTIAN erful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible” way into discount markets. The UNDERSTANDS. (2 Cor. 10:10, KJV). Later in chapter church was divided over whether or He was saying, “I know my sins are 12 Paul tells o f his “thorn,” some­ not it was all right to eat this meat. forgiven. I’m walking in all the light I thing he felt to be a real handicap to Paul wrote, “ Next is your question know. My consecration is complete, his ministry. He sought God three about eating food that has been sacri­ yet I’m not as good as I would like to times for its removal, but God’s an­ ficed to idols. On this question ev­ be. I am satisfied with Jesus, but I’m swer was always, “No!” So Paul ac­ eryone feels that only his answer is not satisfied with myself!” It is nor­ cepted it, quit chafing under it, and the right one! But although being a mal for sincere, honest, and pure- quit praying for its removal. God was ‘know-it-all’ makes us feel important, hearted Christians to feel this way. pleased to use Paul like he was— what is really needed to build the A little four-year-old was working handicap and all! church is love. If anyone thinks he

5 4 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE knows all the answers, he is just low my Divine Teacher? Do I want to Paul testifies for us all: I know showing his ignorance. But the per­ “grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, but long to know Him better. son who truly loves God is the one our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”? “I don’t mean to say I am perfect. I who is open to God’s knowledge” (1 (See 2 Pet. 3:18.) Paul wrote, “When haven’t learned all I should even yet, Cor. 8:1-3, TLB). To set out to dis­ I was a child I spake as a child, I un­ but I keep working toward that day cover what God knows is to engage derstood as a child, I thought as a when I w ill finally be all that Christ in a lifetime pursuit: walking hum­ child: but when I became a man, I saved me for and wants me to be. No, bly, ever learning, with ever more to put away childish things. Now we see dear brothers, I am still not all I learn. through a glass, darkly; but then face should be but I am bringing all my Even sanctified folk should make to face: now I know [only] in part; energies to bear on this one thing: some changes as they walk humbly but then shall I know even as also I Forgetting the past and looking for­ am known” (1 Cor. 13:11-12, KJV). ward to what lies ahead, I strain to When it comes to knowing what God reach the end of the race and receive knows, we w ill always be children. the prize for which God is calling us To discover what To admit our mistakes and to be up to heaven because o f what Christ ready to change is a mark of Christian Jesus did for us. God knows is to humility. Some o f the most important “I hope all o f you who are mature words for church members are, “I am Christians w ill see eye-to-eye with engage in a sorry. I was wrong. You were right.” me on these things, and if you dis­ More churches would enjoy the agree on some point, I believe that lifetime pursuit. unity of the Spirit if their members God w ill make it plain to you” (Phil. could practice the simple rule: 3:12-15, TLB). “Don’t be afraid to vote with the mi­ PRAYER: nority, but be ready to cooperate with our Divine Teacher. John Wes­ “Heavenly Father, thank You for with the majority.” Imperfections! ley kept a detailed journal o f his life. cleansing my heart from all sin. We all have them. Only when we are The account shows that he made Thank You for being so patient with able to admit our shortcomings can some interesting changes across the me as I work out my salvation with we work at the job of self-improve- years. It is evident that the years mel­ fear and trembling. I sincerely want ment. lowed him. He confessed that in later my life to glorify the Christ I profess A scriptural view of perfection years he sometimes slept until 8 a.m. to know. Amen.” jj> Commenting on this, he said, “ Fifty will help us to be charitable, not so years ago I would have said you were quick to condemn others who aren’t on your way to hell for such a prac­ exactly like us. tice.” He said he used to teach that There was an old Scottish teacher sanctification “delivered from who, on the first day of school, The Rest of the Story moods and human fears”; later, how­ wanted to set some disciplinary stan­ (Continued from page 48) dards. He had the students stand, ever, he admitted that this was too When the apostle Paul began to “Raise your papers in your right strong. He used to teach that “Chris­ study, he discovered the truth that we hands.” One boy held his in his left tian perfection ends all spiritual have already enunciated relative to hand, and the old teacher repri­ struggle” and later admitted this was the Old Testament scriptures. Paul manded him harshly. misleading. says in Gal. 3:8: “The Scripture fore­ “But, sir,” said the boy, “I have no Sanctified people can and should saw that God would justify the Gen­ right hand”— and he held up a stump. change their minds occasionally. tiles by faith, and announced the gos­ The old man put his arm around One old preacher testified, “ Bless pel in advance to Abraham: ‘All him, tears in his eyes: “ I’m sorry, lad, God, I haven’t changed a bit in 60 nations w ill be blessed through I just didn’t know.” years.” Neither Paul nor Wesley you.’ ” Paul had discovered some­ It is often the case that we judge could say that! Nobody gets perfect thing that many people do not know and act harshly when we really don’t knowledge imparted to him at con­ today He discovered that God, even know. version. It is detrimental in your spir­ in the Old Testament, was trying to itual journey if you cannot or will HI. PAUL CLAIMED PERFECTION do missionary work all along: God is not be humble enough to learn and OF HEART. a missionary God, and the Bible, make changes. God has so much to By His grace we can be perfect in both Old and New Testaments, is full teach us throughout life. We need to heart and pure in motive. Christian o f mission. learn the difference between essen­ perfection is the state of being fully Now that you know that mission is tials and nonessentials, traditions committed to God’s will, to the best not founded solely on a few verses in and truth, the voice o f God and the o f our knowledge and ability. The Matthew, why don’t you preach from voice o f people. We need to learn the purest saint yet has a mortal body, a one o f the Old Testament passages difference between convictions and finite mind, and a soul that was de­ next missionary service? There is notions. signed to live in the perfect environ­ nothing wrong with the Great Com­ It seems hard for most o f us to ad­ ment o f Eden. This explains why the mission. It is great. But you don’t mit when we have been wrong. We sanctified are still dissatisfied. Re­ have to use it every time because may fear what people may think of demption will not be complete until now you know— the rest o f the story! us. But what is important? W ill I fol­ the Day o f Resurrection.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 5 5 Theolo

CLINICAL CHRISTIANITY by Leon O. Hynson Professor of Church History and Theology United Wesleyan College, Allentown, Pa.

remember the day o f my visit to there is a subjective orientation that sacraments that too are given for our the medical center for tests that contin u ally asks concern ing the comfort and consolation. would determine if I had hypo­ strength o f “my” faith and keeps me John assures us that our faithful glycemia (low blood sugar). First, Ifrom knowing the strength of His participation in the community of drank a bottle o f an abominable glu­faithfulness. In Wesleyan theology, faith is a mark o f our adoption. He Icose mixture, designed to make my this subjective posturing appears further stresses that our works o f love blood sugar level accelerate like a jet more frequently than we wish to demonstrate our grounding in God in takeoff. Then, for the next five confess. who is love. Finally, the absolute hours, at specific times, the nurse Wesley offered the world a con­ truthfulness of God undergirds the came to practice bloodletting, taking cept o f Christian life centered on ex­ promises that He has given us; that a vial o f the precious substance to perience. Christian experience is He w ill forgive, and cleanse, and sus­ the technician for testing. After the founded on the divine gift of grace tain those who trust in Him. All o f ritual was finished, the physician taught in biblical revelation. For these— participation, works of love, showed me the pattern o f change the Wesley, our experience is to be the absolute integrity of God— are “soda pop” had wrought in my sys­ tested by the Word of God. Our ex­ objective, i.e., standing apart from tem. For about an hour, the level of perience, in turn, assists us in a more our personal “feelings.” As such they sugar in my blood climbed, peaked, faithful interpretation o f Scripture. prevent us from placing undue de­ then steadily descended until it first Further, Wesley gave particular at­ pendence upon inner impressions. reached and then dipped below the tention to the witness o f the Spirit, Our faith is not certified or validated normal level. When it dropped be­ the union of God’s Spirit and our by a whispering wind that soon pass­ low that “Maginot Line,” my defenses own in a confident sensing o f son- es. When the subjective conscious­ flopped, and I felt the kind o f deep ship. This “inner witness” is a subjec­ ness o f sonship is joined to these ob­ weariness and flushed countenance tive perception of the new life in jective realities, the Christian life is that I had previously experienced Christ, characterized particularly by seen to be solid and sure. from low blood sugar. Sure enough, I the “feeling” or sense o f belonging to Wesley taught that membership in was a victim. God. By itself, separated from other the church of God was defined by Many Christians are acquainted kinds o f testimony concerning our three objective realities. The Church with the clinical method with re­ spiritual position, this inner witness was found wherever: spect to their Christian lives. In what is fluctuating; it ebbs and flows at 1. There are faithful men, i.e., men may be compared to the ritual o f test­ the affective (or emotional) level. o f living, trusting faith, gathered to­ ing I experienced, they engage in fre­ This happens because our self-con­ gether; quent reflection upon their spiritual sciousness and self-awareness is a shift­ 2. The sure Word of God is journeys. Beset by a compulsive fix ­ ing pattern of feelings, impulses, cog­ preached; and ation upon their spiritual health, nitions, impressions, or sensations. 3. The sacraments are rightly ad­ they test, examine, and detail their The words By itself are qualifying ministered. condition. Plotting the trajectory of words. Wesley, however, did not per­ Each one of these offers an impor­ their emotional climb and descent, mit the “inner witness” to become tant objective dimension for secure they alternate between exaltation the sole criterion for judging the au­ faith. Faithful men gathered togeth­ and gloom. Their charts show their thenticity of our Christian life. He in­ er! Pure word preached! Sacraments spirits’ upward movement after ex­ sisted that we consider also the “ex­ rightly administered! periencing some victory and the ternal witness,” the testimony o f the Wesley believed that regular com­ downward trend when life “tumbles Word, o f our works, and our partici­ muning at the Lord’s table was partic­ in.” pation in the ordinances and sacra­ ularly important wherever the church “Clinical” Christianity is char­ ments o f the Church. W hile the inner was the Church indeed. The sacra­ acterized by recurrent self-examina- witness is subjective (that is, cen­ ment is a valid expression of the life tion, spiritual X rays, or pulse taking tered upon the individual subject), o f the Church, that is, o f the life o f in order to gain an up-to-date pic­ the external witness is more objec­ men who have faith. In other Chris­ ture. The quality o f “my” faith is ana­ tive. It homes in on the works that tian traditions— Catholic, Orthodox, lyzed; the intensity of “my” devotion are evident to observers; on the testi­ Lutheran, Reformed Episcopal— the is criticized; the length of “my” mony o f God in Scripture, the Word sacrament represents a comforting prayers is observed; the adequacy of o f Him who cannot lie set forth in affirmation of Christ’s presence. Cal- “my” witness is probed. In short, sure and certain promises; and the ( Continued on page 61)

5 6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE GOSPEL: IS NO NEWS GOOD NEWS? by Jerry Harvill

ark Twain once said that in Paul’s letters (every Epistle except ous a situation is anticipated that all the difference between Titus), and elsewhere only at 1 Pet. are called upon to admire the swift­ the right word and the 4:17 and Rev. 14:6. In addition there footed messengers who bring the Malmost-right-word was the difference is the cognate noun, euangelistes, glad message (Isa. 52:7. Cf. Paul’s between lightning and lightning “evangelist,” found three times (Acts “. . . beautiful feet" allusion, Rom. bug. Anyone who writes or speaks 21:8; Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:5). It is cu­ 10:15). But God’s messenger does knows Twain was right. But getting rious that the verb is not found at all not bring good news to Israel alone, the words right isn’t easy, especially in Mark, John’s Gospel or Epistles, rather his proclamation signals a new when the words are familiar. James, 2 Peter, or Jude. Striking also era for the Gentile nations as well. Take, for instance, the familiar is the fact that neither verb nor noun “Declare his glory among the na­ term gospel. In contemporary par­ is found in the writings o f St. John. It tions, his marvelous works among lance, it covers everything from a is worth noting from these statistics all the peoples . . . Say among the genre o f popular religious music, to o f distribution that gospel is a term nations, ‘The Lord reigns” ’ (Ps. a slang expression meaning you-can- favored by Paul, since almost two out 96:3-10). Daily the glad tidings are rely-on-this-statement (“the gospel of three of the total occurrences in to ring out among the heathen truth!”), to the theological category the New Testament are found in his (96:2), so that they come themselves for a conservative Christian move­ letters (63 percent). to Zion and proclaim the praises of ment (evangel-\c2l\ — the Anglicized the Lord (Isa. 60:6). transliteration o f the Greek word for Old Testament Background Here, then, the Old Testament gospel). Gospel in the New Testament was mebaser is the messenger of God But what does the term gospel not a word in a linguistic vacuum but who proclaims the royal dominion of mean? More to the point, what does was a term with rich semantic links God, and who with his effective the term gospel mean in Scripture; to the past. In Hebrew the verb b-s-r word ushers in the Age to come. This what is its biblical use and meaning? has the general sense “proclaiming act of good-news-telling (b -s -r ) is Is it possible that our contemporary good news,” e.g., o f military victory linked in scripture with righteous­ vocabularies, rich in evangel-terms, (1 Kings 31:9), or of the birth of a ness (Ps. 40:9), salvation (Isa. 52:7), hide a changed meaning, so that al­ son (Jer. 20:15). Semitic linguists in­ and peace (ibid.)— all of which though we use the same terms, we no sist that a sense o f joy is inherent in merge in the New Testament applica­ longer mean by gospel what Paul the basic meaning o f this key Old tion o f gospel. Furthermore, it may meant by that word? Far from pre­ Testament term.1 w ell be this Old Testament concept serving our sense of biblical good In the Psalms b-s-r is used of herald­ o f God’s “messenger” which is the news, our frequent evangel-terms di­ ing the righteousness and salvation clue to why gospel is so prominent in lute our sense o f the significance of o f God. This salvation may be a per­ Paul’s writings: Paul saw himself as the word. sonal blessing the joy of which is God’s mebaser to the Gentile na­ proclaimed to the assembly (Ps. tions whose proclamation was ush­ Biblical Use o f Gospel 40:10), or it may be declaring God’s ering in the Age to Come. He cer­ As in our own vocabularies, the wonderful acts among heathen na­ tainly saw his commission as a divine term gospel is bib lically frequent tions (96:2). selection to bear God’s name before and important. This is especially true O f special importance for the mean­ the nations (Acts 9:15), and he was in the New Testament, where the ing of gospel in the New Testament is in awe o f the fact that God had cho­ verb and noun forms o f the word oc­ the Old Testament expectation of the sen him “.. . to preach to the Gen­ cur some 130 times. The verb eu- “new age” at the victory o f Jehovah, tiles the unsearchable riches o f angelizomai, “to evangelize,” is His accession, and His kingly rule. Christ” (Eph. 3-8; cf. 1 Cor. 9:16; 2 found 53 times, only once in Mat­ Prominent in this expectation is the Tim. 1:11). thew (11:5), 25 times in Luke— mebaser, “messenger,” “ herald,” who Acts, 20 times in Paul, and elsewhere announces the victory of the Lord Jesus and the Gospel in Hebrews (4:2, 6), 1 Peter (1:12, over the whole world: he proclaims Jesus’ application o f Isa. 61:1 to 25; 4:6), and Revelation (10:7; 14: it, he publishes it, and it comes into himself and to His activity at the syn­ 6). The noun, euangelion, “gospel,” effect. From a high mountain the agogue of Nazareth (Luke 4:18ff.) is even more frequent, occuring 74 mebaser proclaims to Zion and Jeru­ certifies that in His proclamation o f times: 12 times in Matthew/Mark, salem the glad tidings ( = gospel) of the good news of God the long antic­ twice in Acts (15:7; 20:24), 60 times God’s appearing (Isa. 40:9). So joy­ ipated New Age became actual: “7b-

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 5 7 day this scripture is fulfilled in er specific good news proclaimed Christ. Jean Hering is correct, there­ your hearing” (v. 21). Indeed, it was and applied. The gospel Paul preached fore, when he says o f this passage, the fact that in His ministry “ . . the and applied carried always at its cen­ “For it was not with ideas, but with poor have the gospel preached to ter the historical facts o f Jesus’ life, facts that the oldest narrative them " which was offered by Jesus as death, resurrection, and exaltation about Christ was written.”* proof of His Messiahship to the (Rom. 1:3-4; 1 Cor. 2:1-5; 15:1-8; 1 interrogators sent by John the Baptist Characteristics of Gospel (Mark 11:5; Luke. 7:22). Jesus, there­ Tim. 3:16; 2 Tim. 2:13). Therefore, From Paul’s summary in 1 Cor. fore, is not only the mebaser par ex­ while gospel occasionally is applied 15:1-5 several important characteris­ cellence who inaugurates the New by Paul in a broad, comprehensive tics of gospel may be extracted. Age, He is himself the good news: to sense, we need to see that the word His person is attached all three o f the gospel never loses for him its defi­ A. Gospel is good news. nitive historical reference. That gospel is inherently good news is self-evident from the mor­ The Historic Gospel "Gospel" in the phology of the Greek word, which Explicit verification of this point contains the prefix eu, m eaning new Testament had regarding the specific denotative “well” or “good,” joined to angelos, content of the biblical term gospel is the word for “message” or “commu­ rich semantic links found in the opening verses o f 1 Co­ nication.” Paraphrases like “glad- to the past. rinthians 15. This passage is o f spe­ tidings” or “joy-bringing-word” accu­ cial importance, first, because it pre­ rately echo the upbeat semantic serves an explicit summary o f what tones in euangelion. Furthermore, special Old Testament elements asso­ Paul preached as gospel to the Corin­ in verse 1 Paul combines both the ciated with the gospel of the New thians, but also, second, because this verb and the noun forms o f gospel in Age— salvation, righteousness, and passage leaves no doubt as to the an expression difficult to translate, peace (Luke 1:67-79). continuity of semantic meaning in but which emphasizes “the good­ Paul and the Gospel the term gospel from the earliest Je­ ness and gladness o f the message, "5 rusalem disciples (v. 3), to the literally saying, . . the good news However, it is in the letters o f Paul “other apostles” (v. 11), to Paul him­ which Igoodnewsedyou with.” Our that we find the New Testament self (w . 1, 3, 7, 11). In the Early English term gospel is the modern home o f gospel terminology. Almost Church, gospel was not a generic fill- form of the Anglo-Saxon godspell = two out of three occurrences of the in-the-blank concept but rather a god-story, which in turn was origi­ word in the New Testament are found term that conveyed specific mean­ nally good-spell = good-story.6 Like in Paul. He uses gospel in a variety of ing. applications. It can be a kind of the Old Testament word b-s-r, gospel shorthand summary of the whole “Now I would remind you, is essentially a joy-bringing-proc- contents of the Christian message brethren, in what terms I preached lamation-of-divine-events. (Rom. 10:16), or it can be defined to you the gospel. . . . For I deliv­ When, therefore, gospel is pro­ more particularly in its relation to ered to you as of first importance claimed as messages of psycho­ God (1 Thess. 2:2), or to Christ what I also received, that Christ logical self-help, or as the power of (3:2), or to the apostle himself as died for our sins in accordance positive thinking, or as the key to entrusted with its proclamation (1:5; with the scriptures, that he was personal success and a Christian ver­ Rom. 2:16). At other times Paul buried, that he was raised on the sion o f the American Dream, w e have draws attention to the characteristic third day in accordance with the profoundly distorted the term’s orig­ aspects o f his gospel by such phrases scriptures, and that he appeared inal God-centered meaning. Positive as “the truth o f the gospel” (Gal. . . (1 Cor. 15:1-5, RSV). thinking may be good news in con­ 2:14), or “the faith of the gospel” This four-point summary of gospel temporary neurotic culture, but it is (Phil. 1:27).2 is not exhaustive, since Paul else­ not gospel. What makes gospel good It would be a distortion, however, where varies the particular points news is precisely its God-focus, since to think that gospel for Paul was sim­ enumerated, e.g., Jesus’ death/burial He is Good. To shift that semantic fo­ ply a fill-in-the-blank term, capable are not mentioned in Rom. 1:3-4, in­ cus away from God’s acts is to lose of meaning whatever he wanted it to stead Davidic ancestry is mentioned, what is “good” in the good news. mean. A. P. Stanley was on target whereas Jesus’ heavenly exaltation is Furthermore, the nature of the when he wrote a century ago in his included in 1 Tim. 3:16. Neverthe­ evangel=gospel vocabulary with its commentary on First Corinthians, less the conclusion emerges from etymology rooted in good news, “The Gospel is not necessarily lim­ ited to the historical facts o f the comparison o f these lists, together calls into question the fundamental­ death and the resurrection of with the sermons recorded in Acts, ists’ reputation as “doomsayers.” Christ. . . . Still the historical mean­ that although the data may vary, it all Fighting for issues such as biblical ing of the word is always implied, pertains to the person and work o f inerrancy, and crying out against ex­ and is here p r e d o m i n a n t This Jesus Christ— not to speculations, or cesses of contemporary secularity, judgment is confirmed by Paul’s to hypotheses, but to the facts of are certainly legitimate pursuits and identification of gospel with the act what God has done in Christ. Gospel, may even be viewed as having pro­ o f preaching (e.g., 2 Cor. 8:18; Phil. therefore, is not the word of man’s phetic precedent. However, bad 4:15; 2 Cor. 2:12). Gospel for Paul activity but rather the news o f God’s news, no matter how eloquently and was not random good news but rath­ gracious initiative through Jesus passionately presented, is not the

5 8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE good news, and to claim a reputation claimed as the good news=gospel of from the Lord” (1 Cor. 11:23). This as a defender of the faith is to miss Jesus. Furthermore, Paul and the does not require that Paul’s general the heart o f evangelicalism. Early Church faced their share o f reference here in 1 Corinthians 15:3 problems and issues, their share of be taken to exclude special revela­ B. Gospel is historical news. conflict and error— as the First Epis­ tion (cf. Gal. 1:11-12), since it may In the original text o f Paul’s sum­ tle to the Corinthians simply demon­ be deliberately unqualified, as mary of the apostolic gospel, there strates. In spite o f those issues and Godet suggested long ago, " . . that are four clearly marked grammatical threats, however, the gospel was not it might embrace both human tra­ ribs, each indicated by a “that” defined in terms o f them but rather dition and Divine teaching.’’1 (h o ti) clause. That Jesus died . . . in unambiguous terms o f the life of The thrust o f Paul’s message here that He was buried . . . that He was Christ. It is highly significant, there­ in 1 Cor. 15:1-11 is to match his own raised . . . and that He appeared to fore, that when Paul writes to his message with that o f the other apos­ witnesses, was the substance of problem church at Corinth, a church tles. His meaning is clear: The gospel Paul’s gospel. What is clear here is so full o f problems and in such jeop­ did not originate with Paul, or with that the apostolic gospel consists of ardy o f losing its faith as w ell as its anyone else, but was a communal historical events in the life o f Christ, regard for Paul, the apostle does not message received and faithfully selected in the light o f the Christian recast gospel in terms that might passed on, and ultimately is trace­ experience o f salvation. Gospel is, in “whip the Corinthian radicals into able to divine initiatives. It was im­ other words, the glad-message of shape” but recounts to them the portant to Paul’s relationship to the God visiting history, transforming four-point story o f Jesus’ victory over Corinthians to establish that he had human experience by real events sin and death. My point is that Paul neither tampered with the original that impregnate time with eternity. could not do anything else, since contents of the gospel nor was he This firm historical content to the gospel was not a fill-in-the-blank preaching a substandard, recent im i­ apostolic gospel stands in sharp con­ term capable of meaning different tation o f the Jerusalem original. He trast to the blurred semantic content things but rather that in the Early establishes this uniformity by argu­ in our contemporary usage. What be­ Church it was a term with specific ing that there are not gospels, plural, gan in the Early Church as a strong historical content and meaning. The but o n ly gospel, singular, and denotative term having specific his­ church believed that something spe­ chooses his language carefully, as torical reference has become a slip­ cific had happened which radically Robertson and Plummer point out, pery connotative term for us, de­ changed history, and it was telling so it " . . indicates the exact agree­ pendent upon its context for meaning about that “ happening” in terms of ment of what he received with what and often revealing more about the its good news for men which made he passed on to them.”8 speaker than about historical events. their message distinctive. There is something here in Paul’s The consequence o f this semantic Now we may judge that Paul’s commitment to preserve the origi­ shift is a form of linguistic inflation meaning of gospel is too narrow and nal, historic sense of the gospel, in which our words become deval­ that we today require a broader which is strangely absent from our ued: We use more and more o f them, sense. However, my point is that to word usage today. He was evangel­ but we’re not sure what they’re retain biblical terms without biblical ical in a sense many today are not. To worth. An example o f this is our glib meanings is to risk diluting our lan­ compare his usage and ours, just as use o f evangel-words to label virtu­ guage into form without substance. he compared his and the other apos­ ally everything except the historic message defined by Paul. We speak of C. G ospel is historic evangelism, evangelists, and o f evan­ news. gelicals. But are we using these gos- In Paul’s opening See that the word gospel pel-words in Paul’s sense? “Evange­ statement in 1 Corinthi­ lism” and “evangelistic” point more ans 15, we have the se­ never loses its today to distinctive recruitment em­ quence, "I received. . phasis than to anything specific in (v. 1), " . . I delivered historical reference. the history of Jesus, while “evangeli­ . . (v. 3), “ • • You re­ cal” often merely distinguishes a ceived” (v. 1). This ac­ “conservative” from a “liberal” be­ tivity of faithfully deliv­ ering precisely what was received so liever. tles’, is to see two applications o f the that the same message is preserved But recruiting and conserving are same vocabulary but reflecting very intact is important in the New Testa­ not the same as gospelizing. To see different centers o f gravity. For Paul, ment (cf. 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6; 1 Tim. this, one has only to remember that handing on without modification 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13). That w hich is precisely what was handed down to Christianity began in a world o f com­ faithfully delivered— the paradosis, petitive religious recruiting spon­ him, was the supreme priority. It’s the “ tra dition ”— is the technical worth asking ourselves whether our sored by Greek mystery religions, Ro­ term in Greek for teaching that is his­ own priorities have changed. man emperor cults, and even Jewish toric in the sense that it is uniform synagogues. Membership drives were w ith the original (1 Cor. 11:2; 2 D. Gospel is scriptural news. common then as now. It was not re­ Thess. 2:15; 3:6). Paul does not here Tw ice in Paul’s brief summary he cruitment, therefore, which set the identify his source as he does when repeats that gospel is . . according Early Church apart but rather the he locates his information concern­ to the scriptures’’ (w . 3, 4). It is in­ specific historic events that they pro­ ing the Communion as “ . . received teresting that the testimony o f Scrip­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 59 ture is here adduced before the apos­ nate. Gospel, as Paul knew it, was sized? And what of our own personal tolic testimonies that follow. Scrip­ something very different. For him, witnessing? Do our personal “first ture in this case refers to the Old Tes­ gospel was embedded in the long principles” for faith-sharing match tament and probably suggested ex­ course o f God’s salvation-history and Paul’s? Examination o f last year’s ser­ amples of familiar testimonia such could no more be separated from mon outlines, or a check of our re­ as Isaiah 52— 53; Ps. 2:7; Isa. 55:3; scripture than it could be separated cent personal witnessing or teaching Ps. 16:10 (see Paul’s discourse at Pi- from God. notes, may be revelatory. It seems to sidian Antioch, Acts 13:33-34). The E. Gospel is priority news. me that matching our contemporary point o f this reference to “the scrip­ In verse 3 Paul states that what he practice to apostolic models is man­ tures” is that because the gospel is had received he delivered to the Co­ dated for those of us most inclined to “according to the scriptures" there rinthians . . as of first impor- claim the evangel-vocabulary. O f all is no break or incompatibility be­ believers, we have least excuse for tween the Old Testament and the hawking apostolic language while gospel but rather fulfillment o f Old Retaining biblical abandoning apostolic priorities. Testament promise.9 Perhaps im­ Conclusion plicit in Paul’s phrase “according to terms without the scriptures” were semantic links There’s no doubt that getting the for the original readers connecting in biblical meanings words right in Mark Twain’s sense is a pattern as follows: according to the no easy matter. Words, as the Hasidic Rabbis used to say, are living things, scriptures = according to God’s Word risks diluting bringing forth either angels or de­ = according to God’s will and pur­ mons, therefore we must take care pose = according to God’s salvation- language into form how we release them into the world. history. Therefore the good news of Because language is dynamic and not Jesus is of one piece with the good without substance. static, words shift and alter their news of God’s redemptive acts meaning over time, like coins worn throughout history, the only differ­ and defaced with usage. This feature ence being that in Christ God’s ac­ tance" (en protois). This phrase is of all living languages is generally an tions reach their goal (= telos, Rom. not a chronological reference to the asset, not a liability— except in the 10:4), the culmination of the pro­ initial things he talked about, but case of a living tradition founded cess (Gal. 4:4, 5; Eph. 1:3-11). To rather it is a qualitative valuation o f upon unique historical events and put it simply: the New Testament the importance of the four-point gos­ dedicated to keeping alive an origi­ gospel is the joyous proclamation pel Paul delivered. This is clear from nal set o f values. In such a context, of that now God has done what in the the fact that he did not say en toispro­ which Christianity is an example, Old Testament He promised He tois, . . among the first (things),” changes in the meaning of core would do. but instead, he said more pointedly, words become critical for the future Paul’s description of gospel as “ . . en protois, which R. St. John Parry o f the tradition. according to the scriptures” opens translates, “first o f all.”'0 Gospel, together with the cognate complex issues of hermeneutics and Here, then, is Paul’s version o f first evangel-terminology built upon it, biblical interpretation, which can­ principles, his priority list o f things is a core term in Christian history not be explored in detail here. How­ to know and tell as a Christian. These which had specific original mean­ ever, what is certain in Paul’s state­ priorities consist o f historical facts ing. From its Old Testament roots in surrounding the death and resurrec­ the Hebrew word-group surrounding ment is his sense o f continuity, of tion o f Jesus. To Paul’s mind these b-s-r with its emphasis on joy- unbroken tradition, in his definition historical facts are not secondary but bringing news of divine events, to o f gospel. There is here no trace of primary; they are not subpoints or the New Testament usage and its cavalier disregard for biblical roots rhetorical embellishments or foot­ home in the Pauline writings, eu- nor an eagerness to abandon heritage notes at the bottom o f the page. The angelion meant good news of life- by pioneering an alternative gospel. historical facts o f Jesus’ death and changing events in the life o f Christ. Instead, Paul models for us a sense o f resurrection were Paul’s central Specifically, we found that in the interconnectedness that stretches theme. Early Church gospel was not a fill-in- through time into eternity, and that It’s worth asking ourselves the-blank term but pointed to spe­ requires the gospel together with ev­ whether those historical facts of cific salvation-history events in the erything else in life to be according Jesus’ victory over death are our cen­ life o f Christ: that He died for our to God’s will. tral theme today. Have we relegated sins, . . . that He was buried, . . . that Such a sense o f molding, shaping, to the periphery what was central for He arose, . . . and that He appeared. controlling heritage may appear cu­ Paul, shifting his priorities away In place of Greek philosophy’s fatal­ riously old-fashioned and restrictive from the center to the edge of our ism and despair the Early Christians to us today. However, integrity de­ concerns? What is it w e’re “ deliv­ offered faith, hope, and love by pro­ mands that when we read into scrip­ ering” today as gospel? Is contem­ claiming the good news o f God’s dra­ ture modern gospels of individuality porary televangelism, for example, matic invasion o f history and the di­ and pluralism we remind ourselves delivering . . as o f first impor­ vine victory over sin and death. Their where those imported notions origi­ tance” the same things Paul empha­ good news was authentically good,

6 0 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE it was historic, it was scriptural, and Paul to the Corinthians (Edinburgh: T and T Clark, NOTES 1914), 331. 1. G. Friedrich, article “euangelion” in G. Kittel, it was news that took priority over 5. Milligan, Thessalonians, 141, n. 1. ed., Theological Dictionary o f the New Testament everything else. 6. F. Godet, Commentary on St. Paul’s First Epis­ (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964, E. T.), 2:707. tle to the Corinthians (London: Longman, n.d.), To see Mark Twain’s point about get­ 2. See the neglected but classic essay in the best 2:33 0 . ting our words right is to know the matical exegesis, “On Euangelion, Euangelizomai” in 7. Robertson and Plummer, 333. See also T. C. world of difference there is between George Milligan, St. Paul’s Epistles to the Thessa- Edwards, A Commentary on the First Epistle to the lightning and lightning bug. And to see lonians (London: Macmillan, 1908), 141-44. Corinthians (London: Macmillan, 1885), 392, 3. Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, The Epistles o f St. Paul where the point is emphasized that the doctrine o f the gospel in its apostolic context is to to the Corinthians (London: Greene, 1882), 185. Cross would have been so repugnant to Paul’s Jewish know also that when it conies to gos­ 4. A. Robertson and A. Plummer, A Critical and consciousness that nothing short o f divine revelation could have given him insight into its meaning. pel, no news is not good news. $ Exegetical Commentary on the First Epistle o f St. 8. “Th e kai indicates the exact agreement o f what he received with what he passed on to them,” Rob­ ertson and Plummer, 333. 9. G. Friedrich, T D N T 2:730. 10. So R. St. John Parry, Cambridge Greek Testa­ ment: First Corinthians (London: Cambridge Uni­ Clinical Christianity versity Press, 1916), 214. Also Robertson and Plum­ ( Continued from page 56) mer, 332; Stanley, 286, et al.

vin insisted upon the “spitiual pres­ lief often think they can see a psy­ ence” o f Christ in the sacrament. We chological vacuum and therefore ex­ recognize and agree with Wesley’s perience sharp ‘fever-curves’ and can understanding that fellowship in the find no stable point of certainty” Church Money-Saver Christian ecclesia (the Church) and ( The Evangelical Faith 3:19-20). ( Continued from page 35) spiritual fellowship with Christ “ Fever-curves!” Such is the experi­ Another benefit to the volunteer is through the Lord’s Supper are insepa­ ence o f those who chart their own the satisfaction of working on the rable experiences of the people of spiritual temperature rather than re­ Lord’s house, no matter how humble God. lying on the healing of the Sun of If Holy Communion is a mark o f Righteousness. The Christian life is the work. I can testify that painting the Church the people of God (those designed for rest o f soul in a restless the interior of a chapel is a totally who have living faith who gather to­ world. Those who are heavy laden by different experience from painting gether in fellowship), then it serves their fears may find rest under the anything else. as a significant witness to the integ­ yoke o f Christ. $ A church considering a Ten Hour rity o f our faith in Christ. O f course, Club, Hill suggests, should start by there are those who eat unworthily, establishing the need. At First Meth­ which means to eat without recog­ odist Church, like many others, main­ nizing the spiritual presence of Altar Training tenance was falling behind. There Christ in His body— the Church was no money to hire work done. (“Not discerning the Lord’s body”— Through Role Once the church has established 1 Cor. 11:29, KJV). that work needs to be done, “ Find These “ marks” o f the Church, the Demonstrations someone that’s really committed to identifying characteristics of the ( Continued from page 53) this type o f thing. That person makes people of God, are constant, un­ one-on-one contact with people in wavering evidences of the divine life give You everything that is me. W ill order to get their names on the list.” within us. Together they provide ob­ You cleanse my heart from all sin and Include women, o f course. After the jective bases for Christian confi­ fill me with Your Holy Spirit? Give first year, Hill says you can just up­ dence. The subjective “inner wit­ me the power to live and witness for date the list. You. Amen.” ness” accompanied by these objec­ When assembling volunteers, find tive sources of certainty offer com­ BEGIN TO LIVE EACH DAY OPEN out from each one what he can do fort for the soul. TO THE HOLY SPIRIT and what talents he has. Also find out Faith is always “the substance o f God hears and answers the prayer which days are best for each one to things hoped for, the evidence of o f faith. “Therefore I tell you, what­ work. The list, once completed, can things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). Most ever you ask for in prayer, believe be divided into teams, such as paint­ highly blessed is he who believes that you have received it, and it w ill ing teams, carpentry teams, ele c­ without requiring the touch of the be yours” (Mark 11:24). trical teams, etc. pierced hand (John 20:29). The glo­ “May God himself, the God of “You should be assured that there rious integrity of God our Savior of­ peace, sanctify you through and is at least one skilled person in each fers us a sure foundation for the through. May your whole spirit, soul group who can pay attention to the hopefulness o f faith. and body be kept blameless at the quality o f the work being done,” Hill According to Helmut Thielicke, coming o f our Lord Jesus Christ. The states. “There has been a time or two “Assurance can come only at the one who calls you is faithful and he when we had to do a job over, but point where in faith we are not alone w ill do it” (1 Thess. 5:23-24). that’s the exception. By and large, but creep into Christ and let the Let’s thank God that He has heard the results have been outstanding.” Word attested by the Spirit be might­ and answered your prayer. (O ffer a Hill insists, “There is no reason for ily toward us. Those who believe in simple prayer of thanksgiving for a church to be in bad repair if the their own b elief or their own unbe- what God has done.) $ people care.” $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 61 TODAY'S BOOKS for TODAY'S PREACHER

PASTORAL CARE FOR of the book, for it helps those in brought along through many diffi­ SURVIVORS pastoral/counseling roles under­ cult times with Gorsuch, from flight OF FAMILY ABUSE stand the reasons for the behavior o f school to the darkness o f combat and by James Leehan victims; behaviors that would nor­ back home again. Westminster/John Knox, 1989 mally “try the patience of those they The stories are gripping. Many o f PA066-425-0254 811.95 come into contact with.” them will keep you on the edge of Chapter 5 is a clear and balanced The purpose o f this book is found your seat. Yet, they are not for mere treatment of scriptural admonitions in the preface. The author hopes that entertainment but are shared to show of disciplined parenting and how “it will contribute to a better under­ how they tested and tried his Chris­ they differ from abusive behavior. In­ standing of the physical, psycho­ tian faith. He writes about how he cluded in this chapter is an impor­ logical, and spiritual needs o f the came to the end o f his answers and to tant discussion on the marriage/di- many survivors o f family abuse. . . . the end of discovering why God al­ vorce issue. The author’s view is that Its goal is to instruct and inspire re­ lowed such evil to take place. The no partner should feel obligated to ligious leaders o f all faiths so that reader meets people and situations remain in a threatening situation. they will be more aware of the vio­ different in detail, but not in prin­ Leehan goes on in the book to lence occurring in families, more re­ ciple, from what a Christian may face present forms of spiritual guidance sponsive to the needs of the victims, in his daily “battles.” It was not until and ideas for pastors and churches o f and more committed to joining the he came to the end o f his own an­ all sizes that w ill enable them to give struggle to end such abuse.” swers that he was able to rely upon help to survivors and abusers. The content of the book came and understand God. This is an important book. With from years o f counseling and therapy Gorsuch opens himself up in this the staggering statistics of family w ith “ survivors” o f fam ily abuse. book. There are some similarities to abuse, a book o f this nature should Leehan points out that he opts for the the person of Job. His emotional en­ be in the hands o f every pastor and word “survivor” rather than “victim ” ergy struggling with God in difficult counselor. It was w ell written, scrip- because it sets a more positive tone times can be clearly felt by every turally sound, culturally relevant, for helping those who have experi­ reader. At times one may wish that and very helpful and useful for a pas­ enced abuse. The author’s under­ the author would tell more of his tor, even in a small rural setting. standing and expertise in the area of stimulating stories and deal less with Wherever there are people, there family abuse becomes more and his theological questioning and an­ w ill be some form o f family abuse! more apparent as the reader moves swers, but the two go hand in hand in — Robert Sherwood through the book. this book. This is a well-written book with a Written on the front cover is the great deal of helpful information. ON EAGLES’ WINGS phrase, “A Spiritual Odyssey of a Young There is a good flow of thought American Pilot in Vietnam.” That is ex­ by Geoff Gorsuch through the book beginning with de­ actly what it is— a journey of faith that Colorado Springs: Navpress, 1989 scriptive information moving toward begins asking, “Where is God?” and PA089-109-2625 $7.95 methods o f help and healing. ends up resting on the wings of faith. Leehan begins the book by dis­ Veterans o f the Vietnam War are At times you may disagree with closing the troubling reality that many, and so are stories and books some of his conclusions. However, abused children and adults who written of the experiences. If there is one needs to remember that this is were abused as children exist in ev­ an underlying principle in many o f something that has been worked out ery social strata o f society. And they the Vietnam books, it is that “war al­ on the battlefield, a faith that has exist in our churches! Leehan then ways changes a person.” The experi­ been through the fires of darkless moves on to descriptions of the dif­ ences of combat necessitate change; and doubt. Developing a theology in ferent kinds o f abuse: physical, sex­ however, what kind of change de­ a study on easy street is one thing, ual, verbal, psychological, neglect, pends upon how each person in­ but what happens to one’s theology battering, sibling, elder. wardly deals with his struggles. on the difficult roads that a Christian The third chapter gives descrip­ G eoff Gorsuch went into the heat sometimes has to travel? tions of recurring behavioral pat­ o f the Vietnam War and came out a Gorsuch shows us that one’s faith terns o f grown-up abused children: changed person: a process that was and theology in dark times w ill ei­ lack of trust, low self-esteem, poor not an easy one. On Eagles’ Wings is ther become stronger or die. Why social skills, etc. The author then fol­ not a simple, run of the mill, Viet­ don’t you take some time to travel lows up with a chapter titled “Behav­ nam biography. It is a story o f how with Gorsuch on his journey. You too iors That Try the Patience o f a Saint.” one’s faith reacts to life’s darkest mo­ may come out a changed person. This chapter alone is worth the price ments. In this book the reader is — Scott E. Delbridge

6 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE ership novice, is intentionally ele­ or should be! The emphasis is found LEADING THE WAY mentary in content, focusing on the concisely in the last paragraph: “The by Paul Borthwick importance of “being” as the founda­ Church is not a building, a pro­ Colorado Springs: Navpress, 1989 tion for what the leader does. The gram, a denominational headquar­ PA089-109-2781 87.95 reader who wants to identify con­ ters, or an organizational unit. It is crete handles for leadership devel­ people— those called out by God.” The subtitle, Leadership Is Not opment might be disappointed that Chapter 3 is a logical follow-up. Just fo r Super Christians, grabbed more specific handles are not given. Here the author attempts to identify my attention, and so did the first 10 The chapter urging readers to dis­ and define the five principle tasks pages. Borthwick helped me crys­ cover a good mentor offered such suf­ o f the church: worship, fellowship, tallize and substantiate some o f my ficient guidance that I w ill be inclined evangelism, nurturing, and service. concerns. In a time of worldwide to use the book in special settings. Chapter 4 discusses “principles leadership transition, too few young — Carl C. Green people are willing to lead the way. that shape church life.” Subjects dis­ The leadership vacuum in the cussed include strict obedience to church is growing larger. Inter­ Christ, leadership of the Holy NEW LIFE FOR YOUR CHURCH estingly, he says, this is our culture’s Spirit, change or progress and oppo­ by Doyle L. Young problem too. It is o f concern to secu­ sition to change, the importance of lar writers and sociologists. Baker, 1989 putting people first. This chapter Gordon Fee of the University of PA080-109-9234 88.95 was especially hard-hitting and to Colorado’s research, cited in U.S. The book New Life for Your Church the point. Included is a very impor­ News and World Report, is quoted: is meant to be practical. The author tant discussion on the difference “ In the seven years between 1973-74 has been involved both in academ­ between fundamental, essential and 1980-81, the proportion o f fac­ ics as a seminary professor and in tasks o f the Church and historically ulty members over the age of 50 in­ practics as a pastor o f a semirural conditioned methods. creased from 31-3% to 42%, w hile church. He states clearly in the pre­ Chapter 5 provides a historical those under 35 decreased from face, “This short work is not an ex­ sketch o f churches/groups who at­ 20.3% to 6.3%. The Carnegie Coun­ ercise in ivory-tower reflection.” tempted, or are attempting, to “rise cil on Policy Studies in Higher Edu­ Though the author remains true to from the ashes” of the dying cation has estimated that by about this “practical” principle, the read­ Church. He briefly describes Hip- the year 2000, professors over age 46 er can see that Young has thought polytus, Anabaptism, Pietism, the will constitute 65% of all faculty through, from an academic perspec­ Moravian Brethren, and the Wes­ members.” From Inter-Varsity Fellow­ tive, all that he proposes. leyan movement. The purpose here ship Donald Posterski observed a The message o f the book is found was to put into tangible form and paradox many pastors have tried to on the first page of the introduc­ expression what was discussed in understand and overcome as they try tion: “ I suggest that Western Chris­ the previous chapter. to identify local church leaders who tianity may be in its death throes. Finally, in chapter 6 is a very ba­ will propel the church into the next The flames are leaping around the sic but helpful strategy for getting generation: “Young people today pyre. The institutional Church may started with renewal. There are hunger for friendship and simulta­ w ell be breathing its last, in the three simple points: (1 ) understand neously avoid leadership.” ashes, struggling to rise and take the principles o f renewal, (2 ) make Not surprisingly, Borthwick insists new flight.” sure the people understand them, that withdrawal from leadership in­ Young sees as the basic problem and (3 ) start! volvement has not improved self­ o f the Church today that it has One cannot read this book and esteem or made people happier. In­ “been captured by our culture.” not sense the burning in the heart deed, “ Many young people in their There has arisen a “general seculari­ of the author. He writes with brutal twenties and thirties are entering adult zation” o f the Church in that it has honesty and clear convictions. One life disillusioned, apathetic, or bored.” allowed society to set the agenda. can hardly read it without participat­ The remainder of the book was an- As a result, “ the churches usually ing in Young’s urgency. The book ticlimactic. Some choice lines are endorse and defend some set of was w ell written and, for the most sprinkled throughout the text. They ‘cultural (not biblical)’ values.” part, had a good flo w o f thought. are not so much new insight as in­ Young then proceeds to explain I’m not sure Young achieved what sights revisited and reinforced. how we can rise up from the ashes he had hoped in chapter 5. Were Borthwick’s chapters include the fol­ o f a dying church. these examples actually instances lowing assortment o f topics: what we Chapter 1 contains a description of groups rising up from a “prob­ do and say is important; love must be of the author’s own development lem” or “dead” church, or were evident if w e are to live and lead with reference to those who helped they schisms caused by differences with Christian impact; effective form his thought and position. I of opinion on issues such as doc­ leaders w ill build their own faith, be would have expected this material to trine and methods? committed to purity and enthusiastic be included in the preface. Though This book forced this reader to for God; knowledge must be ap­ valuable information, it hardly war­ evaluate why we do what we do. plied; and growing leaders will ranted its own chapter, much less the Perhaps there is a better, more ef­ never lose an essential idealism— first chapter of the book. fective way. This alone made it rather conventional wisdom, ele­ Chapter 2 is a plea for the Church worth the reading! Sooner or later, mentary, and tending primarily to the to define itself: “Who are we?” After every pastor will have to wrestle spiritual side of the leadership task. asking that question, Young gives with the issues Young raises. The book, written for the lead­ descriptions of what the Church is — Robert Sherwood

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 6 3 THE ARK ROCKER The Irrelevance of Preaching

reaching ranks ninth, far be­ announcement, “ It’s a boy,” as my In view of the low esteem in hind greeters and nursery at- daughter gazing out over the vast ex­ which preaching is held, it is puz­ tendants,” declared the panse from the top o f a mountain zling why, when pastoral vacancies PChurch Growth specialist, “ in rea­singing softly, “To God be the glory, occur, churches still doggedly insist sons why people choose a new great things He hath done.” upon calling a preacher, why young church.” His was only the latest in a What is preaching? Fundamentally, people continue to be aroused by a mighty chorus o f voices that have it is an act o f speaking words: incon­ misty-eyed, soul-gripping, and all- arisen in the last two decades— sequential little words like “God cre­ consuming call to preach, and why ironically from the ranks of ecclesi­ ated the heavens and the earth,” the preaching services continue to astical authorities, declaring that “God so loved the world that he draw more people than any other ac­ preaching is ineffective in winning gave,” “God was in Christ reconcil­ tivity to which the Church regularly converts, irrelevant to the real work ing the world unto himself,” “This gives itself. of ministry, and unproductive in Jesus whom you crucified, God Considering how nonproductive, “growing a church.” raised up again.” ineffective, and irrelevant preaching As I reluctantly face the facts, I Why should we get excited when has proven to be, it is a mystery past confess that preaching is as ineffec­ the Spirit of the Lord is upon us to finding out why Jesus came preach­ tive as a hymn sung by the sea at preach good news to the poor, to ing, why Paul felt under such an obli­ eventide, as a walk in the high coun­ proclaim release to the captives, to gation to preach the gospel, why the try, as a love-note scratched in the bind up the brokenhearted, to bring apostles ordered their ministry to sand, as a Handel’s Messiah filling recovery o f sight to the blind, and to give priority to prayer and the preach­ the Advent air. set free those who are oppressed? It seems to me that the sociologists All that happens when the Word is ing o f the Word, or why every fresh are right: preaching is as irrelevant as biblically, prayerfully, and passionately breakthrough in the history of the a father flying a kite with his son, as preached is that light shines, darkness Church has been keyed to powerful a rainbow on the edge o f an autumn is dispelled, sinners are converted, preaching. It contradicts the evi­ storm, as lovers walking hand in saints are nourished, Satan falls like dence, violates logic, and flies in the hand through dew-dusted meadows. lightning from heaven, sin’s power is face of the experts. Who am I to argue with the stud­ broken, the Kingdom comes, God’s In short, it just doesn’t make any ied conclusions of the experts? w ill is done, and downcast souls rise sense at all why “ it pleased God by Namely, that preaching is as nonpro­ on the wings o f the Word to sit in the foolishness of preaching to save ductive as a whispered, “Will you heavenly places in Christ Jesus! them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21, marry me,” as a spoken, “ I do,” as an That’s all! KJV). 1

64 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE WORSHIP & PREACHING HELPS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 6 5 September/October/November 1990 by David E. Downs

INTRODUCTION here are few, if any, passages of scripture that are more signifi­ cant to the life-style and theology of Christians than the Ser­ mon on the Mount. It has been seen as a synthesis of the complete Ttheology and ethics of Christ himself. It was preached to people who share much in common with many in our congregations. Jesus spoke to the downtrodden and disillusioned masses of His society. They were down­ trodden by the Roman Occupation armies and disillusioned by the appar­ ent failure of their religion, which to the common man was nothing more than an impotent system of unlivable rules and regulations. To these downtrodden and disillusioned people, Jesus brought a re­ markable, revolutionary, and radical message of hope. He brought to them in the Beatitudes, which make up the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, a prescription for blessedness, or as we would define it, “sheer happiness.” Our own people still desperately need to hear this message of hope. Many are still downtrodden and disillusioned. Today they are down­ trodden not by occupying armies but by social systems, disease, fear, and materialism. They are often disillusioned as well. The basic themes of the Beatitudes are at least as contemporary today as ever. It is an enjoyable challenge to preach from these exciting passages. Whenever I do, I find myself stretching to practice what I’m preaching. I used to think the Beatitudes represented unattainable ideals that only ex­ asperated spiritual frustration for many. I have since discovered that they are, in fact, livable expressions of God’s love and grace. They are more “user friendly” than most of our people suppose. I sincerely pray for, and expect, God’s blessing upon our congregation and upon you personally as you rediscover the Beatitudes together.

EDITORIAL NOTE: The usual format of placing one sermon on a front and back page had to be altered in this issue due to the brevity of content. — Randal E. Denny

THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE THE BLESSEDNESS OF INSUFFICIENCY Matt. 5:1-11 September 2, 1990

INTRO: The world attempts to buy and sell happiness, but true The Sermon on the Mount was preached by Jesus to blessedness ( makarios) is found through faith. downtrodden, ordinary, disillusioned people. They were downtrodden by the Roman soldiers who occupied their C. Christian happiness is a character trait. It is a pri­ homeland. They were disillusioned by a religion that mary characteristic of godliness. In Ps. 68:35; 72:18; seemed to consist of unlivable rules and laws. They, like 119:12, and elsewhere, we read, “Blessed be God.” We the downtrodden and disillusioned in our own time, serve a happy and blessed God. needed to hear a message of hope and happiness. To be truly blessed, truly happy, we must be Christlike. The heart of the Sermon on the Mount is found in the Christlikeness begins by being “poor in spirit.” Beatitudes. The Beatitudes have been called the “Owner’s Manual” for Christianity. Jesus taught those who heard II. Poorness of Spirit Is Defined. Him the true meaning of fulfillment, purpose, and hap­ A. Poorness of spirit is not: piness. — meanness — sadness I. What Is the Biblical Meaning of Happiness? — moodiness The New Testament word most often translated — a critical spirit “blessed” is makarios. It is an adjective that basically What a shame it is that many Christians are seen by means “happy” or “blissful” but not in the normal sense. others as possessing these ungodly characteristics. Human happiness depends on the circumstances of life. B. Poorness o f spirit is humility. It is recognizing our Christian happiness is different. total dependence on God. A. Christian happiness (makarios) is not dependent IIIUS. I recently attended the high school graduation upon wealth or circumstances but rather upon faith. ceremony of a small rural school district in Tioga Center, This world can rob you of everything but your faith. N.Y. I was very impressed by their custom of having each If our hope of happiness is built on anything less than graduate’s parents walk across the platform with their “Jesus’ blood and righteousness,” it is in precarious dan­ child to receive his diploma. The participants were ac­ ger. knowledging the fact that these students didn’t reach this Ulus. In human terms, Solomon had everything going graduation alone. They shared the challenges, trials, and, for him. He was the wisest man alive. He came from a now, the victory with their parents. noble family. His palace was indescribably fabulous. His Poorness of spirit shares all the glory with our father wealth was immeasurable. He ate luxurious foods. He (see Matt. 5:16). We don’t deny happiness and light, but had incredible stables with thousands of the finest rather we share all the glory with Jesus, who sacrificed all horses. He had countless beautiful women. Yet, when he glory for us. considered those things, all he could say was, “Vanity of CONCLUSION: vanities . . . ; all is vanity” (Eccles. 12:8, KJV). That Christian happiness is a characteristic of God and of leaves emptiness. the godly. Blessedness is experienced not when our goal B. Christian happiness, blessedness, cannot be taken in life is to be happy but rather when our goal is to be like away by man. Jesus promises a coming day when “you Jesus. will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (John 16:22). Christians cannot be totally separated from the world, SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER but they must not buy into its definition of happiness. For Call to Worship Ps. 95:1-7 our society, happiness has become a sales commodity Hymn “Jesus Is the Joy of Living” Words of Praise A Selected Layman lllus. The fact that happiness has become a sales com­ Choir “Wonderful Saviour" modity is most evident in the recent generation of TV Welcome Guests/Announcements beer commercials. Rather than emphasizing taste, price, Tithes and Offerings or tangible benefits of their product, beer producers em­ Special Music “Stepping in the Light” Prayer Chorus “Seek Ye First” phasize happiness, winning, friendship, adventure, and Pastoral Prayer excitement, i.e., “Here’s to Good Friends.” Message THE BLESSEDNESS OF INSUFFICIENCY Ironically, a recent ESPN documentary on the dangers Closing Hymn “In the Garden” of mixing drugs and sports was “brought to you by Miller Benediction Rom. 15:3 Lite.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 67 MOURNING ON THE ROAD TO HAPPINESS Matt. 5:4 September 9, 1990

INTRO: The Spirit groaned within Him (v. 33). The Sermon on the Mount was delivered to down­ In that situation, Jesus was validating their mourning. trodden, ordinary, disillusioned people. As He spoke to the multitudes from the mount, and as 1. They were downtrodden by the Romans. He speaks to us today, He gives us strength to mourn for: 2. They were disillusioned by legalism. Death The meaning of blessed is divine happiness. Divorce Blessedness is a Christian trait because it is a godly Failure trait. In Ps. 68:35, 72:18 and elsewhere, we read, Disappointment “Blessed be God.” To be blessed, we must allow Jesus to make us more Christlike. C. The ability to cry is a gift from God. This second beatitude is perhaps the most paradoxical Tears of mourning are good and healthy. The Bible is — “blessed are the mourners.” The promise is “happy are filled with examples: the sad . . . they will receive comfort.” The Psalmist shed tears of loneliness. Timothy shed tears of discouragement. I. God Understands Sorrow and Sadness. Jeremiah shed tears of disappointment. Blessedness is a godly trait and so is sorrow. Paul shed tears of concern. A. Jesus is using the most severe form of the word, “Jesus wept”— what a powerful phrase! “mourning.” He is making use of the idea, “Blessed are Blessed are they who have endured the bitterest sor­ those who mourn for the dead.” row that life can bring” (Barclay).

Illus. At a recent seminar on ministering to the be­ reaved, Chaplain Earnie Stephensen of Lourdes Hospital II. Blessed Are Those Who Are Truly Sorrowful in Binghamton, N.Y., made the following statement: “The for Their Sins. most important thing we can do for those who are griev­ Jesus refers to persons who are sorry enough, mourn­ ing is not to offer answers or even sympathy. But, rather, ful enough to repent. to validate their loss ... to say to them, ‘You’ve lost This doesn’t suggest that we must be constantly dredg­ much. The pain is very real. It is normal; it is good to ing up sins of our past. Rather, we must maintain a con­ grieve.’ ” stant experience of God’s forgiving grace. Illus. Dr. James Hamilton’s pastor friend entered the We can be truly happy when we are forgiven. We can home of a grieving family who had just learned of their only be forgiven when we’ve mourned our sins. son’s tragic death in a car accident. Throughout his visit, the pastor was completely silent. He sat with the an­ CONCLUSION: guished parents. He grimaced in empathy. He wept Jesus was saying, “Those who mourn their sin, those openly. He wrung his hands and shook his head in sor­ who are as sorry for their sin as they are sorry for death row and shock. His spirit groaned with theirs. And then, itself . . . they are the ones who can be cleansed, com­ silently, he rose and left. He had said nothing, but he had forted, forgiven. They can know true happiness.” communicated everything. God doesn’t give us a lot of answers about mourning. Trite answers don’t help very much anyway. God gives us SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER His presence. He validates our loss. He knows what it Call to Worship Matt. 11:28-30 means to mourn. Hymn “When Morning Gilds the Skies" Choir “No One Understands like Jesus” B. In John 11:17-35, we read of Jesus’ dealing with Welcome Guests/Announcements Tithes and Offerings grief Pastoral Prayer Jesus knew the answers. Special Music “Hiding in Thee” Jesus knew that He was the resurrection of life (v. 25). Prayer Hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour" Message MOURNING ON THE ROAD TO HAPPINESS Jesus knew Lazarus would rise again. Closing Hymn “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” But when faced with the death of His close friend, Benediction Jude 24-25 Jesus wept (v. 35).

68 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN RESPONSIBILITY Matt. 5:5 September 16, 1990

INTRO: times.” Selective obedience prevails among many Chris­ Blessedness is characteristic: “Blessed be God.” tians who think of themselves as disciples of Jesus, but who, in fact, neglect to listen to His voice or obey His A. Blessed means joyful, happy, blissfulness, a deep abiding peace through trial. commands. B. Romans and Greeks hated the idea of meekness. II. The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth. They misunderstood meekness. Jesus’ phrase could have two meanings.

I. Meekness Isn’t Weakness. A. Jesus’ phrase could refer to the glory of rulership in the new world. We will be rulers with Christ. But, A. Jesus is often misrepresented as a blow-dried glory and rulership don’t seem to mean much to the wimp. He, in fact, was rugged, strong, and courageous. meek. B. He wasn’t weak; He was meek. Jesus was meek, but B. Jesus’ phrase could refer to Ps. 37:11. The word He was strong (Phil. 2:5-8). “earth” is best translated land (i.e., Canaan, the Promised Land). To inherit the land is to take responsibility to love C. The New Testament word used by Jesus is praotes. the land and care for it. Praotes was used often in ancient times to refer to a mighty beast that has been domesticated. CONCLUSION: Illus. In certain parts of America’s West there are still Blessed are the meek, for they accept responsibility for packs of beautiful wild mustangs. They deserve to live the earth. and roam free. But apart from their historical value and natural beauty, they serve no purpose because they are Illus. I have often seen on TV the faces of the home­ not domesticated. less, abandoned, and poor. Until recent years, I did little or nothing to assist them. However, through volunteer Illus. I flew low in a small commuter plane over the work with an orphanage, I came to know many orphans. Amish country near Lancaster, Pa., recently. Beneath us, Two have become my daughters. They are now my per­ in the fields, were powerful teams of plow horses carving sonal responsibility. Jesus calls us to make His world our agricultural designs into the farmland. They stood in responsibility. stark contrast to the wild mustangs of the West, who pos­ Orphans and abandoned children are easy to overlook sess strength and drive but lack the training and purpose until you adopt or inherit them. The meek, the blessed, of these Amish teams of horses. accept responsibility for caring for the world. Illus. Contrast the wild mustang with the beautiful, graceful horses of the Olympic equestrian events. These SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER horses, once properly trained, are virtual extensions of Call to Worship Ps. 95:1-2 their rider/master. So it should be with the Christian and Hymn “Let All the People Praise Thee” Hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” his Heavenly Father. Opportunity for Testimony Jesus was saying, “Blessed are those who are strong as I Choir “When I Survey” am strong, and yet whose strength and power are under Welcome Guests/Announcements control, under God’s control.” Tithes and Offerings Prayer Chorus “His Name Is Wonderful" Meekness is characteristic of obedience. Pastoral Prayer Special Music “O to Be like Thee” Illus. I overheard a conversation between my three- Message HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN RESPONSIBILITY and four-year-old daughters recently. The older one de­ Benediction Num. 6:24-26 clared to the younger, “I always obey my mommy— some­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 69 THE BLESSEDNESS OF A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Matt. 5:6 September 23, 1990

INTRO: good. It means to be cleansed. In John 16:5-8, we read Blessedness of Christian happiness is experienced by that the work of the Holy Spirit is, in part, to convict the Christians who have a healthy and dynamic relationship world in regard to righteousness. with God. This growing and changing type of rela­ In other words, the conventional definition of righ­ tionship is experienced by those who really want such a teousness to which most Jews ascribe, “doing good and relationship with God. There must be a desire for the giving alms to the poor,” is not enough. Righteousness is things of God and His kingdom. a matter of grace and faith. Jesus was saying, “Blessed are Jesus refers to this desire as “hungering and thirsting those who desperately desire the experience of God’s after righteousness.” This beatitude teaches us three forgiveness and grace. Happy are those with faith.” things about such a dynamic desire. B. Our desire should be like Paul’s: “For to me, to I. This Beatitude Is the Expression of Intense live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). Desire. Illus. Fill in the blank. For me to live is ______There­ A. “Jesus speaks of the hunger of one who will die if fore, for me to die is ______If for me to live is money, he is not fed.” William Barclay points out that a working then to die is total poverty. If for me to live is popu­ man, in Jesus’ time, earned only a few cents daily. He ate larity, then for me to die is rejection. If for me to live is meat only once per week. He was never far from the my family, then for me to die is loss of relationship and borderline of real hunger and actual starvation. loneliness. But, if for me to live is Christ, then even death itself, and every other experience in life, is gain or B. Water was difficult to fin d in Palestine. Occa­ profit. sional sandstorms filled men’s mouths and nostrils with hot sand until they nearly suffocated. Today, few of us III. This Beatitude Is a Promise of Satisfaction have had any experience of such thirst. of Our Desire: “They Will Be Filled.” The splendid promise of 1 John 1:8-9 is for those Illus. I’m not sure that he was correct, but my high whose greatest desire is to be filled with the righteous­ school basketball coach believed that we should not of­ ness of God. ten be allowed drinks of water during practice. Some­ times we would have a long, grueling session, complete CONCLUSION: with countless wind sprints, before he would allow us to race to the water fountain in the corner of the gym. Righteousness is the result of desire, not of deeds. It is The water tasted great because we were truly thirsty. We available to those who are consumed by a hunger and were willing to race to quench our thirst. thirst for the things of God.

Illus. When I was a child growing up in Portales, N.Mex., we often experienced massive sandstorms while on the school playground. Our eyes, noses, and mouths would get coated with dirt. In each classroom a sink had SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER been installed so that we could wash after each recess Call to Worship Ps. 146:1-2 period. We learned at an early age the true meaning of Hymn “Praise Him, Praise Him” the word thirst. Responsive Reading “God’s Goodness” (No. 545) Choir “Jesus Is All the World to Me” C. Jesus is asking His followers, “How much do you Welcome Guests/Announcements want righteousness?” As much as a starving man wants Hymn “More Love to Thee” food? As much as a man dying of thirst craves water? To Tithes and Offerings Special Music “The Closer I Walk” experience God, we must desperately desire Him. Pastoral Prayer Prayer Chorus “Spirit of the Living God” II. This Beatitude Is a Description of the Object Message THE BLESSEDNESS OF A RIGHT of Intense Desire: Righteousness. RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Benediction Rom. 15:5-6 A. To be righteous means more than simply doing

70 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE MERCY: THE PREREQUISITE FOR HAPPINESS Matt. 5:7 September 30, 1990

INTRO: II. To Be Happy We Must Receive Mercy. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” A. It is difficult for some people to receive forgive­ (KJV). ness because they aren’t certain that God loves them. Blessedness is a godly characteristic. We can receive mercy from God because He loves us so Blessedness is not a matter of packing up your trou­ much. bles and smiling. Christian blessedness is not blind na­ Illus. I recently received a letter from retired minister ivete. Thomas Thomas. On the envelope, beneath the return address, was printed the expression, “Jesus Loves Me!” IllliS. Pop philosophy has given birth to last year’s big­ What a healthy and beautiful thought! We are so quick to gest hit single, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” The spin-off tell others that Jesus loves them. How good it is to know T-shirts are still around today. The message of the song is that “Jesus Loves Me.” He loves us all. basically, “Forget your problems, and they will go away.” It has a nice thought and a catchy tune, but it is a far too The Bible teaches us that Jesus is faithful to forgive simplistic worldview. and cleanse (1 John 1:8-9). As Christians, we are not to be encumbered by worry­ B. God’s mercy transforms. He cleanses us as we are ing, but we are to face our responsibilities to God and forgiven. other men seriously. Illus. Bob Lowry had been the town drunk in our Blessing is not experienced by ignoring the issues of small community for 50 years. Ever since he came back life but by developing a Christlike response to the major from World War II, he had been drunk. Everyone in town issues of obedience, mourning, persecution, and mercy. knew who he was, but no one had been able or maybe Mercy is a godlike characteristic, and those who ex­ even willing to help. Finally Damon Tinkham took him perience it are indeed blessed. under his wing. He sponsored Bob’s trip to a detox­ ification hospital. He brought him into his own home as I. To Be Happy You Must Be Merciful. his adopted father and grandfather of his children. Damon gave Bob love and support. A. The Scriptures teach of the imperative nature of Most importantly, he led Bob to Jesus. Now the entire mercy. Giving mercy is not optional for the Christian. community marvels at the transformation of Bob’s life. (See Matt. 6:14-15; Col. 3:13; James 2:13; Luke 6:36.) Bob is truly transformed. He is sober, happy, and for­ given. B. Mercy begins with understanding and empathy. CONCLUSION: True happiness is found and experienced through for­ Illus. The Hebrew word for mercy is chadeth. It giveness. As we forgive others and as we experience the means much more than just feeling sorry for someone. It transforming experience of God’s grace in our lives, we means genuine empathy. It means to get inside his skin learn to forgive ourselves as well. Jesus invites everyone and feel what he feels. To experience what he experi­ to come to Him who desires God’s gift of forgiving oth­ ences. To truly relate to and attempt to understand ers or His forgiveness for his sins. someone. When we do this in a relationship, we begin to be ready to express true forgiveness. In light of chadeth we SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER can see the genuine merciful nature of the incarnation Choir “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” of Jesus. Call to Worship Ps. 30:4-12 Hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” C. Understanding leads to desire to forgive. God Welcome Guests/Announcements won’t make you forgive if you don’t want to forgive. Tithes and Offerings Hymn “It’s Just like His Great Love” Special Music “My Tribute” D. True mercy is a gift from God. Paul teaches us Pastoral Prayer that merciful characteristics like patience, kindness, and Message MERCY: goodness are characteristics of the fruit of the Holy THE PREREQUISITE FOR HAPPINESS Spirit, which is love (Gal. 5:22). Therefore, pray for Closing Hymn “Give of Your Best to the Master” love. Often we would like to forgive, but we don’t want Benediction 1 John 3:18 to love our enemy. Until we can love, we can’t forgive.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 71 THE FOURFOLD MEANING OF COMMUNION Matt. 11:28-29 October 7, 1990 INTRO: It’s as if Jesus is saying, “Come unto Me, you who are Today is worldwide Communion Sunday. In countless struggling to do right and yet always failing, you who are languages and in countless cities, towns, and villages seeking salvation through your own works, you who are around the world followers of Jesus are coming to the frustrated and discouraged about religion and the law Lord’s table. and I will write My law on your hearts. I will be your Though we do not fully understand the majestic sig­ personal Friend and Lord.” nificance of this feast, we partake in its symbolism and IV. Communion Is a Symbol of Christian Fel­ joy The symbolism of Communion does not lessen its lowship. significance. A. There is something significant about sharing I. Communion Is a Symbol of Remembrance food with one another. of Christ’s Death. 1. Eating together breaks down barriers and builds A. When we sing the song, “When I Survey the Won­ bonds. drous Cross," do we mean what we are singing? 2. In most societies sharing food is a courtship rite. Illus. We hired a crew to provide a complete topo­ 3. Some psychologists point to the lack of eating graphical survey of our church property. They did a together as a contributing factor to the breakdown of the thorough job. They didn’t simply look at our land. They family. didn’t simply photograph it or describe it on paper. 4. There is something equalizing about the break­ They took expensive equipment and meticulously sur­ ing of bread and sharing of drink. veyed it— every square foot. To survey the wonderful B. As we eat this meal, it is symbolic o f our fellow­ cross of Jesus is to carefully, meticulously consider its ship with all Christians, particularly with each other. meaning in our own lives. We are urged not just to be­ lieve in it, not simply to appreciate it, but to “survey” it. C. Jesus desires fo r us all to share at His table. B. To consider Jesus’ death is to recognize that His Illus. It hasn’t always been easy, but my wife has con­ suffering expresses God’s ultimate love. tinually made great effort over the years to protect our evening mealtime. It is often the only time when our 1. Jesus experienced physical pain. whole family can be together to share events of the day 2. Jesus experienced public humiliation. as well as our hopes and dreams for the future. It grieved 3- Jesus bore our sins. Jesus, without sin, bore all of her when our oldest son, in his middle teenage years, the sins of the world on the Cross that day. His sacrifice began to miss this family time. was the greatest significance of His death. We celebrate It was disappointing to prepare a meal, to look for­ today His sacrifice. Jesus is saying, “Come unto Me, you ward to the fellowship, and then to hear our oldest son who are toiling with sin and death, and I will give you make a typical teenage statement like, “I’m not hungry. life.” I’m gonna skip supper.” That was difficult for us both. II. Communion Is a Symbol of Thanksgiving Imagine Jesus’ sorrow over people who will not come to His table. and Praise. Jesus is saying, “Come unto Me, you who are strug­ A. Communion is not a funeral. Our celebration of gling with your relationships with each other: brothers, the Lord’s Supper is dignified but not defeatist. It is seri­ sisters, friends, husbands, and wives; you whose rela­ ous but not somber. tionships are in turmoil. Come, and I will bring restora­ tion.” B. When we consider the gift o f abundant life made possible through Jesus Christ, we can no longer be CONCLUSION: defeated and discouraged. Though Christians face diffi­ Communion is profoundly symbolic. In many ways culties and problems, we do not face them alone. Jesus Communion is like a lover’s kiss— symbolic of love, but offers victory and healing. Jesus is saying, “Come unto also conducive to a deeper relationship. Me, you who are discouraged, you who are facing trial and defeat, you whose hearts are broken and lonely, and SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER I will give you rest. I will give you cause for rejoicing and thanksgiving.” Call to Worship Ps. 104:24-34 Choir “How Great Thou Art" III. Communion Is a Symbol of the New Cov­ Welcome Guests/Announcements enant in Christ’s Blood. Read Jer. 31:31-33. Hymn “At the Cross” Tithes and Offerings A. Jesus’ death on the Cross made this promised re­ Special Music “Here at Thy Table, Lord” lationship possible. Pastoral Prayer B. The word “covenant" means testament or con­ Communion tract. Chorus “There’s Just Something About That Name” Message THE FOURFOLD MEANING OF COMMUNION 1. The old covenant— contract/promise— was a Closing Hymn “Blessed Assurance” testament of Law. That’s the yoke of which Jesus spoke. Benediction Gal. 1:3-5 2. The new covenant is a contract of love and grace.

72 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE HAPPINESS OF A HOLY HEART Matt. 5:8 October 14, 1990

INTRO: Illus. I rode a typically crowded subway car in Tokyo. The sixth beatitude is a powerful challenge to every Though the Japanese people are very careful not to stare Christian. Jesus challenged us to live with spiritual sta­ at foreigners, nevertheless, I felt very conspicuous. I bility and holy consistency Those persons who are pure could not hide if I wanted to. I was different. I stood out. in heart, and they alone, will see God in His fullness. For one thing, I was about eight inches taller than any­ one else in the car. By my very nature, I was con­ I. This Beatitude Is a Call to Religion of the spicuous. Heart. B. Christianity ought to make a difference in our A. The people of Jesus’ day were caught in an op­ society. It will if our hearts are pure. It is not an accu­ pressive religion of human achievement characterized rate statement to say that America is a Christian nation. by legalism, sacrifice, and ceremonial cleansing. In many ways, we are a pagan nation. Our culture has Jesus was saying, “Happiness is not found in these become predominately secular and godless. things; happiness is found in religion of the heart.” Illus. I am specifically supportive of whales and also B. To the Jew, the heart was the seat of a person’s of the preservation of wildlife in general. However, I was personality. More than their emotions (or bowels), the puzzled last year as half the world watched with baited “heart” was the mind and spirit. breath as the United States and Russia joined forces for Illus. “1 weeks and spent millions of dollars to rescue two The phrase, love you with all my heart,” is doomed whales in the Arctic. often spoken frivolously Such a phrase would mean During these weeks, thousands of people died of star­ much more to the Jews of Jesus’ time. The heart was seen vation. Countless unborn children were aborted. Crime, as the very essence of the person. More than an emo­ disease, and famine ravaged millions. We were con­ tional seat, the heart was the very center of a person’s fronted with the stark reality of the unbalanced nature being. of our priorities. The Bible says, “As [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7, KJV). Your heart— mind and spirit— C. Christians can only make a difference when they can only be made pure by the cleansing power of God’s become conspicuous. We only make a difference when Holy Spirit. our hearts are pure. II. This Beatitude Is a Call to Christian Con­ III. How Can Our Hearts Be Made Pure? spicuousness. A. Realize that we can't do it on our own. Prov. 20:9 A. Purity of heart means purity of life and action. asks the rhetorical question, “Who can say, ‘I have made Purity does not simply mean sincerity. Sincerity or good my heart clean?’” (RSV). motives are not enough. B. Allow God to cleanse our hearts by faith (see Illus. Pilgrims often demonstrate their devotion to Acts 15:8-9). God and/or the church by climbing hundreds of steps C. Be obedient to God. “But if we walk in the light, as up to the shrine on bruised, blood-stained knees. he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, Illus. In opposition to Elijah and Yahweh, prophets of and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from Baal beat themselves and cut themselves in a vain effort all sin” (1 John 1:7, KJV). to invoke the attention of their false god. CONCLUSION: Illus. I was in Tokyo last year, shortly before Emperor God is calling His Church to be holy. We must have Hirohito’s death. Outside the walls of his palace gath­ clean, pure hearts. He is calling us to religion of the ered hundreds of sightseers, dozens of reporters, and a mind, spirit, and life-style. He is calling us to con­ small group of people kneeling at the palace gate. They spicuousness. were praying for the emperor. They knelt for many long, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” uninterrupted hours. People may have sincere, perhaps even pure motives, SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER but they can be misguided and wrong. Their lives have not been made pure by sincerity alone. Call to Worship Ps. 63:1-2 The New Testament word for “purity” is katharos. It Hymn “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” means cleansing from filth and iniquity or to be free Scripture Reading Col. 3:1-14 from sin. It has to do with attitudes, integrity, and single­ Choir “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” Hymn “Holiness Forevermore” ness of heart and action. In the Old Testament, Micah Welcome Guests/Announcements speaks of this type of purity of life (6:7-8). When Jesus Tithes and Offerings spoke of heart purity, He was speaking of a cleansed Special Music “Glorious Freedom” life-style from within. Pastoral Prayer If your heart is pure, then your actions are pure. That Message THE HAPPINESS OF A HOLY HEART means a Christian can’t simply try to fit in. Our Chris­ Closing Hymn “Take Time to Be Holy” tianity ought to be conspicuous. Too often we try to fit Benediction 1 Thess. 3:12-13 in at work, at school, and in church.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 73 TO BE CALLED A SON OF GOD: PEACEMAKING Matt. 5:9 October 21, 1990 INTRO: of God,” is not to be confused with the only begotten The Beatitudes seem to build up one another. Son of God, who possessed all of the qualities of God. The first beatitude— “blessed are the poor in spirit” “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily — is the root of all blessedness. Those who are poor in form” (Col. 2:9). spirit: To say, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be — learn to mourn over the proper things. called sons of God” is to say, “Blessed and happy are the — become meek in that they learn the proper time for peacemakers, for they are doing a godlike work.” anger; they discover the proper medium between too Are you a peacemaker? Some people are peacemakers, much and too little anger. and some are peace disturbers. — hunger and thirst after what is righteous and good. III. God Is Our Only Source of True and Lasting — are characterized by their ability to forgive and un­ Peace. derstand the motives of others. If we wish to bring lasting peace to the world, then The sixth beatitude— “blessed are the pure in heart” we must first experience and share the peace only God — speaks of the cleansing power of Christ’s blood avail­ can provide. able for those who serve Him. We learned that it is pos­ sible for our motives to be pure in the eyes of God. A. He who makes the world a better place to live in The final result of these beatitudes mentioned so far is does a good thing, but it is not necessarily an eternal that if they are practiced and experienced, the individ­ good. ual can experience true inner peace. The person who 1. The earth, as we know it, will pass away. has this peace is a “pacifying force” to people around 2. Though we endeavor to make worldly peace, him. The truly peaceful person is a peacemaker. only spiritual peace really counts in the long run. Jesus “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called asked, “What good will it be for a man if he gains the sons of God” (v. 9). whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). I. What Is Peace? B. What if we are able to live in peace with our A. We often see peace simply as the absence of a brothers? disturbance. “Where there is no war, there is peace.” 1. What good will a few years of worldly peace do But this is true only in the negative sense of the word someone if people do not find spiritual peace and end peace. up spending eternity in a place where there is no peace B. “Peace” has a positive usage also. It doesn’t refer and no rest? only to the absence of hostility; it also refers to the pres­ 2. What good have we done if we break up a school­ ence of something good and wholesome and satisfying. yard fight, then allow hundreds of children to mature, age, Peace is everything that makes for men’s highest good. and die without telling them about Jesus Christ? This kind of peace is possible only through Jesus. Medi­ 3- In view of eternity, what good have we done by cine and medical vocation are peace in action. A kind ending war in South America, or the Middle East, or Eu­ smile is peace in action. Listening to the problems of rope, or Africa, if we neglect to tell people about the another and trying to help is peace in action. Love, our one source of lasting peace: Jesus! expression of love, is peace in action. CONCLUSION: C. Peace is more than something you experience. It What will we have gained if we save the world— but is something you should make. “Blessed are the peace­ lose our own souls? Only as we experience and exhibit makers, for they will be called sons of God.” God’s peace will we be worthy to be called the “sons of II. What Does It Mean to Be Called the “Sons of God.” God”? A. The Hebrew language does not have many adjec­ SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER tives. So a common way of describing a characteristic of Call to Worship Rom. 5:1-2 someone was to refer to them as being the “son of” Choir “Near to the Heart of God” someone or something that he resembled. Hymn “He Keeps Me Singing” 1. Barnabas was called the “Son of Consolation” be­ Scripture Reading Psalm 133 cause he was known as being a consoling and com­ Hymn “It Is Mine” forting man. Welcome Guests/Announcements Tithes and Offerings 2. Judas was called the “Son of Perdition.” Special Music Sweet Peace, the Gift of God’s Love” 3- A strong man might be called the “Son of Strength.” Prayer Chorus “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” 4. A peaceful man might be called the “Son of Pastoral Prayer Peace.” Message TO BE CALLED A SON OF GOD: PEACEMAKING B. To be called a “Son of God" means that a man Benediction John 14:27 possesses a quality o f the Almighty. This phrase, “Sons

74 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE HAPPINESS IS A BY-PRODUCT OF PERSECUTION Matt. 5:10-12 October 28, 1990

INTRO: C. A genuine Christian stirs opposition because he Jesus speaks of the happiness of genuine Christianity. interferes in the world’s affairs. But a price is paid by those who follow Jesus. 1. As a conscience, the Christian rebukes preju­ dices. I. Jesus Tells of the Reception the Genuine 2. As a conscience, the Christian identifies atroci­ Christian Receives at the Hands of the World. ties. 3. As a conscience, the Christian interferes with A. Christians do not receive universal acclaim. sinful pleasures. When the church speaks out, it is hated by society. 1. Jesus himself was the object of scorn. The church moves against alcohol and drugs, against 2. Paul and other first-century Christians were vic­ slavery, and against abortion. tims of persecution. III. What Is God’s Response to Our Persecu­ B. Those who live godly lives in Christ may suffer tion? persecution. Goodness provokes opposition. God does not offer pity but congratulations: “Rejoice and be glad.” There are some benefits to persecution for II. Why Do True Christians Provoke Persecu­ righteousness’ sake. tion? A. Persecution offers proof of Christian citizenship. Satan doesn’t waste his time on the unsaved. A. A genuine Christian is different. B. Persecution offers a pathway to spiritual growth. 1. Samson admitted, “I’ll become as weak as any other man” (Judges 16:7). 1. Persecution stimulates personal growth. (See James 1:2-4 and 1 Pet. 5:10.) 2. Our goal is not peculiarity but Christlikeness. If 2. Persecution stimulates collective growth. Histor­ we are Christlike, we will be resented. (See John 15:18- ically the Church has grown in the face of persecution. 20.) Illus. Recent reports from Mozambique tell of drastic Illus. Our three-year-old daughter, Courtney, wanted persecution experienced by Nazarenes, including beat­ to be like her older sister. On the day Kimberly, age five, ings and violent murder of pastors and laymen. Yet, in had her hair cut professionally, Courtney decided to cut face of this persecution, the annual growth rate of the her own hair. With a pair of scissors from my wife’s sew­ church is nearly 25 percent. ing kit, she cut her hair in front down to the scalp. It took many months to grow out. CONCLUSION: Her energy and efforts had followed her intense desire Persecution is still a significant aspect of Christian to conform to the image of her big sister. experience. In some cultures, persecution is subtle. We Christians desire to be more like Jesus. Our energy can hold steady. We can grow spiritually. We can draw and effort will follow our sincere desire. closer to our Lord and the martyrs before us.

B. A genuine Christian is a constant rebuke to the world’s sinfulness. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Christians become living consciences. We are to be Call to Worship 2 Cor. 4:7-11 Hymn “Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today” lights to the world. Some people will respect us; others Hymn “I Would Be True” will feel guilty beside us. Welcome Guests/Announcements Choir “Hallelujah, What a Savior” Illus. When I prearrange a pastoral call in a parish­ Tithes and Offerings ioner’s home, I often arrive to find the Nazarene Manual Scripture Reading Matt. 5:43-44 on the coffee table, alongside their Herald o f Holiness. Special Music “It Is Well with My Soul” Pastoral Prayer Strangely, when I drop in, I seldom see the Manual or Message HAPPINESS IS A BY-PRODUCT Herald o f Holiness. The anticipated presence of a pastor OF PERSECUTION slightly alters the reading or decorating habits of a Naza­ Closing Hymn “0 Jesus, I Have Promised” rene family. Imagine how the presence of godly people Benediction Eph. 6:10, 13 affects the people in their world.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 75 INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION: THE GIFT, THE PRIVILEGE, THE TEST 2 Cor. 8:1-7 November 4, 1990

INTRO: ue. The real question for us is, “Do we want to be spec­ In two weeks, many churches will participate in a tators or participants?” Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism. At a time B. The Macedonian church saw themselves as par­ when the potential for reaching millions who have not ticipants in the international church. heard of Jesus is at its greatest opportunity, many 1. Their identity was wrapped up in generosity for churches are retrenching. We need to rediscover, as did others. Their gift is all that we know of them. the church in Corinth, the joy of participating in the international mission of the church. 2. Every church has an identity. Let ours be gener­ To understand 2 Cor. 8:1-7, we should realize that the osity. Macedonian church had taken a love offering for their brethren in Jerusalem. In past years, the church in Jeru­ III. Participation Is a Test of Sincerity (v. 8). salem had looked down on Macedonian and other Gen­ Christian sincerity is tested by selflessness. tile Christians. But the church in Macedonia, one of the poorest regions in the empire, wanted to participate in Illus. The timeless words quoted by John F. Kennedy the international church. on the occasion of his presidential inauguration still ring in the memories of all who heard them: “Ask not I. Participation in the International Church Is a what your country can do for you. But ask what you can Gift. do for your country.” A. God makes our participation possible through His grace (v. 1). Since grace is a gift, we should never CONCLUSION: boast about our giving. True generosity is a gift from The question facing every church is not, “What can God (v. 7). the Body of Christ do for us?” But, rather, “What can we B. We must rediscover the wonderful gift of global do for the Body?” Part of the answer is sacrificial, gener­ participation. ous giving for world mission.

Illus. Our 11 -year-old son was ecstatic. “Dad,” he ex­ claimed, “there is a brand-new toy that is really fun. I’ve SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER got to have one! All my friends are getting them. It’s like Call to Worship Ps. 29:1-2 a little flat ball that rolls up and down on a string at­ Choir “All Creatures of Our God and King" tached to your finger. It’s called a yo-yo!” Prayer of Praise Hymn “Springs of Living Water” His generation was rediscovering an old friend of my Responsive Reading Church Growth (No. 572) childhood and of my father’s childhood. Each generation Hymn “In the Service of the King” makes its own discoveries of past knowledge. Ours must Welcome Guests/Announcements rediscover the knowledge and experience the joys of Tithes and Offerings participating in the international church. We must redis­ Pastoral Prayer Special Music “The Morning Light Is Breaking” cover world mission and missionary giving. Message INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION: THE GIFT, THE PRIVILEGE, THE TEST II. Participation in the International Church Is Closing Hymn “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” a Privilege (v. 4). Benediction Heb. 13:20 A. God’s work internationally is going to contin­

76 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE CHRISTIAN COURAGE Matt. 9:2, 22; 14:27 November 11, 1990

INTRO: gift of courage. The New Testament word for courage is In the Wizard o f Oz, the cowardly lion asked pro­ tharsos. found questions: “What makes a king out of a slave? B. There is a difference between human courage “What makes the flag on the mast to wave? and Christian courage. “What makes the elephant charge his tusk, in the Human courage comes from within. Have you ever misty mist or the dusky dusk? experienced inner courage? “What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Illus. I was only seven or eight years old when my “What makes the Sphinx the seventh wonder? cousin and I fell through a thin layer of ice while skating “What makes the dawn come up like thunder? near my grandfather’s house in Nebraska. In three or four “What makes the Hottentot so hot? frantic, fear-filled, adrenalin-charged minutes, we wres­ “What puts the ape in apricot? tled breaking ice until finally we miraculously swam “What have they got that I ain’t got?” under the surface to the shore where we broke through Do you ever feel like that? I do. Most of us do. In fact, to shivering safety. many psychologists agree that the most basic human A human courage seems to be built into people. It is emotion is fear. We experience it from birth. We saw it psychological and biochemical, equipping for fight or in the Garden of Eden. It is all around us. We know what flight. it means to be afraid. I think that Satan really likes it when we’re afraid. Sa­ C. Another type o f courage is given to us by Jesus. It tan thrives on fear. is tharsos. It is trust. Tharsos means “take heart, be of good cheer, be bold, be confident.” It means “have I. Fear Immobilizes People. faith.” In the New Testament, it is almost always found Satan likes it when people, especially Christians, are on the lips of Jesus. immobilized. Have you ever been so afraid that you 1. “Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on couldn’t move? a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the para­ lytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven’” (Matt. A. Angels told the shepherds about the birth of the 9 :2). Christ child. The Bible says, “They were terrified” (Luke 2:9). Or, “They were sore afraid” (KJV). Have you ever 2. “Just then a woman who had been subject to been that afraid? Have you ever been immobilized by bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and fear? Satan loves fear— especially fear in Christians— touched the edge of his cloak: She said to herself, ‘If I because fear immobilizes people. only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’ Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has Illus. When I was a college student in Oklahoma City, healed you’” (Matt. 9-20-22). I worked on the late-night shift transporting newspapers from the printer’s shop to the distribution office. One 3. “When the disciples saw him walking on the night, while waiting in a van in the back alley behind lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried the printer’s shop, I was mistakenly identified by two out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take cour­ police officers as a burglar. I was almost asleep when age! It is I. Don’t be afraid’” (Matt. 14:26-27). they threw open the door of the van and put a shotgun You can see that fear immobilizes disciples, but Jesus to my head, shouting, “Freeze!” I froze. I was sore afraid. offers courage. I learned an important lesson: “Fear immobilizes peo­ D. Peter and Andrew knew about courage. ple.” To be a fisherman in those days meant to be coura­ B. Some people here this morning may be afraid. geous. To the Jews of Jesus’ day there was great mystery Some are afraid to step out on faith. Satan loves that. and awesomeness surrounding the sea. Couples may be afraid of an honest relationship. Some Illus. In the beautiful village of Mystic Seaport, Conn., Christians may be afraid to tithe. Sinners may be afraid there is a museum honoring the whalers and housing the to seek forgiveness, and some are afraid to forgive. Some whaling vessels of the Atlantic’s port. Whaling was a saints are afraid to really live because they are afraid to highly dangerous occupation. Many sailors lost limbs and fail. Our enemy loves fear. The good news of Jesus even lives. In the museum, I noticed the journal entry of changes things. one young sailor who wrote home to his wife, “Dear, I am afraid. The sea is so large . . . and my boat is so small.” II. Jesus Offers Courage. When we Christians get to feeling fearful, Jesus comes A. Christian courage is a gift from Jesus. Jesus be­ to us and says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” stows a certain type of courage on the Christian. Time (Matt. 14:27). We need courage to cope. Human courage and time again in the New Testament we read about was not enough for Peter and Andrew in the storm. They Jesus giving hurting, downtrodden, fearful people the needed Jesus.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 77 III. Christians Need Courage to Contribute. If Melissa could do it, you can. If Gloria can do it, you A. We don’t need courage to receive and be fed and can. It takes courage. But you can do it if you trust Him. be ministered to. But if we wish to contribute, and make a difference, we need tharsos, a divinely given courage. CONCLUSION: Sometimes we feel like the whaler who said, “The sea B. Many Christians never tell anyone about Jesus or is so large . . . and my boat is so small.” But Jesus comes to even mention His name. Why? Because they are scared. us and says, “Take courage, My son, your sins are for­ They are fearful because they don’t trust God to give given.” “Daughter, take courage, your faith has made you them the necessary courage. well.” “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Take cour­ Illus. Melissa Ira was probably the most shy girl in our age. Be of good cheer. Be bold. Follow Me.” church’s youth group. One Wednesday evening, the Dorothy came to the Cowardly Lion and asked, “Your youth group was buzzing over the event in Melissa’s life majesty, if you were king, you wouldn’t be afraid of any­ that had transpired that day, the first day of school. thing?” He answered, “Not nobody, not no how.” The teacher in Melissa’s llth-grade homeroom had “Not even a rhinoceros?” asked the students to stand and tell one important fact “Imposserous.” about themselves. The pressure mounted as each student “How ’bout a hippopotamus?” stood and spoke. Most of them exaggerated. Finally it was “Why, I’d thrash him from top to bottomus.” Melissa’s turn. She slowly stood, and as her voice cracked, “Suppose you’d meet an elephant?” she heard herself proclaim, “I’m Melissa Ira— and I’m a “I’d wrap him up in cellophant.” Christian!” “What if it were a brontosaurus?” “I’d show him who’s King of the Forest.” Courage. IIIUS. Gloria Jakat was worried as we drove to Leon and Thelma Hopkins’ house for a personal evangelism call. “I wonder if Leon will remember me,” she said. “Thirty years ago we worked together in the shoe factory. I often SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER told him about Jesus, until one day he became very angry and demanded that I never speak to him about Jesus Call to Worship Ps. 46:1, 4 again. Shortly after that, I got another job. I haven’t seen Welcome Guests/Announcements or spoken to him since then.” Hymn “Come, We That Love the Lord” Hymn “Constantly Abiding” Gloria was quiet during the call. Leon, however, glori­ Tithes and Offerings ously prayed through and received Jesus Christ as Lord Choir “Singing I Go” and Savior. It was truly a blessed event. Pastoral Prayer Special Music “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” As we left, Leon spoke to Gloria. “Mrs. Jakat,” he said, “I Message CHRISTIAN COURAGE don’t know if you remember me or not, but 30 years ago Closing Chorus “They That Wait upon the Lord” you used to tell me about Jesus. I never listened then, but Benediction Eph. 6:10 I’m so glad you had the courage to tell me about Him. I’m so glad you were here tonight!”

BEYOND BELIEF ttts: (?)Wo

78 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE ______—— 11 ...... ■ ------— A LIFE OF THANKSGIVING Rom. 12:1-2 November 18, 1990

INTRO: This dear lady is in her 90s and still going strong, but On Thanksgiving, our greatest need is not to be re­ she does glow in the dark. minded to be thankful. Nor do we need to be told to Illus. The largest, most modern office building has whom we should give thanks. been vacant for years in Binghamton, N.Y. Shortly after What the church needs to hear is, “How should our the government office complex was completed, in­ thankfulness be demonstrated?” spectors discovered large amounts of asbestos used in Words are cheap. Every parent has heard the words the construction. What a waste! Today we know better “thank you” vainly spoken— especially on Christmas. than to use asbestos in public and private construction. It is important to sing praises to God. Unless heartfelt, Many Christians needlessly expose themselves and those praises that are sung or spoken are totally in vain. their families to morally and spiritually hazardous mate­ It is easy to sing praise. But God looks for something rial regularly. They are conforming to this world. more. Through His grace, you may live a life of praise. I. Paul Speaks of Living Sacrifices. 2. There is an interesting twist to conformity. We are born into this world or age, therefore, we are origi­ A. Paul says, “Presentyour bodies a living sacrifice, nally conformed to this world. We cannot successfully holy, acceptable unto God” (v. 1, KJV). We realize that “nonconform” ourselves. as Christians our bodies belong to God as much as do our spirits. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. III. Paul Announces That Christ Transforms Us The Holy Spirit works through our bodies— eyes, ears, by Grace. feet, and even brain. A. We are not rescued from our state of conformity B. The principle is to take your body— all the things to the world by our own decision to be nonconform­ that you do every day with it on the job, in the car, at ists. We are rescued by Christ’s decision to transform us. your desk, in front o f your TV, with your family— We are sanctified by grace. take that body and offer it as an act of worshipful B. “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your thanksgiving to God. m ind” (KJV). Let God place within you the “mind of C. What is the meaning o f true worship? It is more Christ.” The Greek word used for transformed is meta­ than sitting in a beautiful sanctuary, listening to beau­ morphosis. Christian transformation is much like the tiful music, and listening to profound words. That sacred metamorphic process of changing a caterpillar into a hour of spiritual encounter is only the beginning of wor­ beautiful butterfly. ship. CONCLUSION: 1. True worship is the offering of one’s body to Why are we to be transformed? “That ye may prove God. what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of 2. True worship is the offering of one’s everyday God” (v. 2, KJV). life to God. We are called not to test God’s will but to prove by II. Paul Wages, “Don’t Be Conformed.” our lives that God’s grace is effective. That is how we can live a life of thanksgiving. A. “Be not conformed to this world" (KJV)— or age, aeon. 1. Don’t be the devil’s fool! Don’t expose yourself SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER needlessly to spiritually dangerous material and experi­ Call to Worship Eph. 1:3 ences. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. Hymn “O Worship the King” Illus. There was a lovely, elderly woman in my church Responsive Reading Thanksgiving (No. 555) Choir “Count Your Blessings” who had a peculiar job during the Second World War. Welcome Guests/Announcements She painted the self-illuminating figures on the instru­ Tithes and Offerings ment panels of air force fighter planes. She used glow­ Hymn “He Never Has Failed Me Yet” ing, radioactive paint on a small brush, which she was Special Music “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Prayer Chorus “Thank You, Lord, for Saving My Soul” taught to occasionally put in her mouth in order to keep Pastoral Prayer the bristles pointed. This occurred long before defense Message A LIFE OF THANKSGIVING contractors were fully aware of the dangers of radio­ Closing Hymn “Now Thank We All Our God” active materials. Such a practice would never be allowed Benediction 2 John 3 today. Now we know better.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 79 THREE FEARS THAT CAN CRIPPLE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY Mic. 6:6-8; Isa. 58:6-12; Matt. 25:32-46 November 25, 1990 INTRO: few suggestions: (1) Begin a personal encouragement Today is Compassionate Ministries Sunday. Many ministry to the lonely and poor. (2) Visit the sick and churches around the world join today to pray for God’s aging in hospitals and nursing homes. (3) Involve your­ anointing as we serve people in need. We renew our self in a Big Brother or Big Sister program. (4) Visit peo­ efforts to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. We ask ple in jail. (5) Give regularly to denominational Hun­ for God’s forgiveness for neglect. ger and Disaster Funds. (6) Support with your ideas and Each hour one person in a thousand dies of starvation. your time a new social ministry organization in your Yet many Christians do little to help. Why do Christians church. fail to obey Jesus’ words? Three fears cause failure. We can’t do everything, but we must do something! I. Many Christians Fear a Social Gospel. D. Read Isa. 58:6-12. A. At the turn of this century, many Christians III. Many Christians Fear Anonymity. turned away from the message of salvation and fo­ Sometimes people don’t serve because they are afraid cused their efforts entirely upon a “social gospel.” they won’t get credit for it. B. Evangelicals rejected the principles of liberalism, A. Everyone appreciates praise. Some personality but in ministry to the poor we have thrown out the types seem to require more praise than others. There is baby with the bath water. much motivational power in praise. C. Social concern is a central Christian tradition. B. We have raised a generation of “praise junkies” 1. The tradition of the early holiness movement in­ who won’t do anything good unless they get full credit cluded ministering to the poor. fo r their actions. 2. The current standard of the holiness denomina­ Illus. I was amused during the months leading up to tions include ministering to the poor. the 1988 Olympic Games to notice the level of com­ D. Today’s answer is not either the social gospel or mercial sponsorship for the US. Olympic team. Spon­ the evangelical gospel but both/and. The compassion­ sorship has always been needed, but the response has ate ministry goes hand in hand with evangelism. The been traditionally low. Now that companies can receive two must not be separated. a great deal of public recognition, the response has shot up. So we now have the official Band-Aid, soft drinks, E. Read Mic. 6:6-8. tuna, and popcorn of the U.S. Olympic team. II. Many Christians Fear Ineffectiveness. (Peo­ C. Praise can be dangerous spiritually. Read Matt. ple wonder, what can one person or one 6:1-4. You can lose your reward from God if you strive to church do?) gain the reward of men. A. The era o f post- World War I developed social pes­ D. Our spiritual reward comes from knowing that simism. we have obeyed God. Before World War I, there was a sense of invincibility, a frontier spirit among Americans, including church E. Our final reward comes in heaven. Read Luke leaders. Following the war, a sense of pessimism and 14:12-14; Matt. 25:33-40. As surely there will be pun­ fatalism set into society. What could one person or one ishment for those who refuse to obey the Lord. Christian or one church do to alleviate the world’s grow­ CONCLUSION: ing problems? The time has come for us Christians to overcome our The psychological effects of living in a nuclear age fears, which have often crippled our ministry to the have taken their toll even upon the church. poor and needy. Join me in a renewed effort to be the Illus. A few years ago, my son, then about eight, asked body, the hands, the feet, and the mouth of our Lord me to mail a letter he had written to his grandparents. Jesus Christ. He said I could read it. At the end of a typical letter to Grandma, I was amazed yet shocked to read the closing SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER sentence: “I hope to see you sometime soon, if we aren’t Call to Worship Ps. 126:6 all blown up by a nuclear bomb.” Hymn “My Jesus, I Love Thee” B. Satan thrives on despair, but Jesus offers hope. Hymn “A Charge to Keep I Have” One of the major myths about world hunger is that there Welcome Guests/Announcements aren’t enough resources in the world to feed everyone. Choir “Bring Them In” There are enough but much is wasted. Tithes and Offerings Prayer Chorus “Trust and Obey” Illus. Countless acres of the world’s most fertile soil Pastoral Prayer in the southeastern section of the United States are Special Music “I Love to Tell the Story” wasted. The U.S. government subsidizes production of Message THREE FEARS THAT CAN CRIPPLE tobacco products, supplying smokers throughout the COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY world. What a great waste in face of worldwide starva­ Closing Hymn “Rescue the Perishing” tion! Such a waste is an obscene outrage. Benediction 1 John 3:18 C. There are specific things you can do. Here are a

80 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE FROM TEXT TO SERMON

Biblical Resources for Holiness Preaching

Editors H. Ray Dunning and Neil B. Wiseman provide a comprehensive collection of holiness sermon resources. Drawing from the experiences of 28 esteemed theologians and preachers, Biblical Resources for Holiness Preaching presents a contemporary expositional focus on various holiness scripture passages. Each chapter is complete with exegesis and practical applications.

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Ask Largely

ou may ask me for any­ ed to have prayed, "O God, give me t t thing in my name, and I Scotland, or 1 die!” Now we are talk­ will do it” (John 14:14). ing big — really big. Y Moses prayed that the Israelites be Surely Jesus had some restraints in mind when He said this. He must not forgiven or that his name be blotted have intended selfish requests. Out- out of the book that God had written. landish petitions were undoubtedly That sounds big to me. excluded. Even so, "everything” cov­ Christians who pray for God to ers a lot of territory. save their city are asking largely. God Jesus encourages His followers to undoubtedly answers lesser prayers ask largely. Perhaps what He wants to but He wants His followers to ask for discourage is asking for small requests something in keeping with the size of — like material goods and personal His love. happiness. Ask largely — "That the World Some people think that wealth and May Know.” well being are large requests. Those petitions reveal a materialistic value system. They aren’t too big. They are too small! So what’s big? John Knox is report­

To contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom by fostering growth in the Church of the Nazarene. Mission To promote aggressive evangelism in all its many forms throughout the denomination. of Church Growth To create an awareness throughout the church regarding the necessity for planting new churches, including : Division the mission potential among cultural minorities. To increase participation and effectiveness in a reproductive ministry that is engaged in Christian mission.

GROW / Fall 1990 Children of Hope at Community of Hope, Washington, D.C

or the children of hope, the Community of Hope promotes aca­ demic excellence and teaches Christian values while nurtur­ F ing self-esteem, creativity, and belonging in a caring environ­ ment. In response to the barriers faced by children growing up in Washington’s drug-torn neighborhoods, we are committed to pro viding opportunity for enrichment and positive growth. GOD IS REAL TO INNER CITY CHILDREN

he faces of homelessness are changing. The traditional portrayal of bag ladies and skid-row bums is no longer an adequate depiction of poverty. That image can no longer adequately T describe our nation’s homeless population. The picture of homelessness now includes families — mothers, fathers, little boys and girls, teenagers, and babies. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that on any given night in America, 735,000 people are homeless — of which 100,000 are children. The Community of Hope, located in our nation’s capital, is well noted for services that help homeless people move out of shelters and into affordable housing and employment, but it is best represented by its work with children. Its commitment to the development of young people at their most formative age expresses confidence and hope for impoverished people of the inner city. Children of the inner city are basically no different than any other child living in America. They get excited when the ice cream truck approaches their block. Coloring, playing "Candyland,” running, jumping, and swimming on a hot summer’s day are favorite activities. Bedtime stories and snacktime are the most important activities of the day. Their hugs, smiles, and unconditional love bring joy to a proud parent. Sunday school songs are traditionally sung at the top of their voices with much enthusiasm. God is real to inner-city children. They are creative — you can step into their street-side cafe for a mud pie just about any day of the week, old mattresses are substituted for trampolines, and give them a board and an old barrel and they’ll make one "bumpin’ ” teeter-totter. They are street smart. They know what is going on in their neighborhood, and, at this point in their lives, they want no part in the violence, crime, and the lie of drugs. Like all other kids living in America, if they are given a home, love, discipline, direction, and motivation, they just might make it in Our competitive world. —by Rod Green, Community of Hope, and Jim Hubbard, photographer, with Tom Nees

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• 40 children attend daily Homework Lab. • 9 teens employed as teaching assistants. • 15 teens attend Teen "Family Life Skills” course, offered Thursday evenings. • 25-50 children attend Chapel, held every Friday. • 20 teens involved in basket­ ball league. • 15 parents are involved in parents’ support group. • 15 teen girls attend weekly discussion and Bible study group. X like, cominq

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T life + k pKyqnW ; X I'Ke +he. BooK.s . X 'rr\ e j k e f f o b-e a t Com reunify of f|ope Content Ask Largely by Bill M. Sullivan inside front cover Children of Hope in Washington, D.C. by Rod Green 1 Will Breckenridge Summit Shape Clergy Preparation1 7 Growth Markings and Main Points 11 Sentence of Death/Promise of Life 13 Church on Wheels Plants Exposition Park Church 16 A New Church for Chesterfield Charlie by Larry McK ain 18 Research and Trends by Dale E. Jones 25 A New Skid Row Mission in Los Angeles 26 Evangelist’s Directory 31 Minister Becomes Missionary Without Leaving Home 34 Changed Lives 39 Rooted in Christ by C. S. Cowles 41 New Work Victory Reports 48 Growth Reports From Nazarene Chaplains 51 Benefiels Raise Young Family in Los Angeles 53 Revival Reports 57 A Great Door Is Open — Toronto by Marjorie Osborne 59 The Excuse Industry by Neil B. Wiseman inside back cover

GROW / Fall 1990 Will Breckenridge Summit Shape Clergy Preparation?

75 LEADERS PLAN FOR NEW CENTURY

heological educators, pastors, district superintendents, col­ lege presidents, and Church GrowthT Division personnel worked together for four days at Breckenridge, Colorado, June 20-24, in a Consulta­ tion on Nazarene Clergy Preparation for the 21st Century. Sponsored by the Division of Church Growth, the conference faced spiritu­ ally weighty issues impacting ministe­ rial training for the new century. Dis­ cussions centered on changing contexts for ministry, clergy economic strug­ gles, theory vs. practice of ministry, how various preparation tracks impact the church, and the pressing need to build more evangelism, church growth and church planting training into ex­ isting curriculum strategies. Infor­ mative and friendly dialogue between practitioners and professors was one of the consultation’s most significant values. A group of highly skilled resource persons from outside the denomina­ tion and their topics included Dr. George Gallup, Jr., "Environment for Ministry in the 21st Century”; Dr. Tom Graham, "Assessment for Clergy Preparation”; and Dr. Ted Ward, "Cre­ ative Clergy Preparation.” Ward also Dr. Stephen Nease offers counsel on clergy preparation.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 7 BRECKENRIDGE SUMMIT . . . served as a facilitator for three plenary sessions. General Superintendent Donald Owens presented an insightful paper, "Church Growth Concepts in Clergy "Is it unrealistic to suggest Preparation,” discussing Donald that the demand and duty McGavran’s book, Effective Evangelism. of the Great Commission McGavran is considered by many to be be the integrative orienta­ the father of the modern church growth tion of a theological train­ movement. ing institution? Here’s my Other major presentations by Naza- rene leaders included "History of Clergy challenge — the Great Com­ Preparation,” Paul Bassett and Gerard mission across the curric­ Reed; "How the Christian Faith Affects ulum in every school.” Clergy Preparation,” Albert Truesdale; Donald Owens, General "Contemporary Nazarene Contexts for Superintendent Ministry,” Bill M. Sullivan; and "Crea­ tive Clergy Preparation,” Ted Ward. Three devotional messages on "How the Church Nurtures the Call” were presented by Millard Reed, Steve Green, and Hiram Sanders. Jerry D. Lambert chaired the Steer­ "I think you need to be ing Committee; other members of the planning group were Wilbur Brannon, clear on what each of your Stephen Nease, Terrell Sanders, Rich­ programs is actually doing. ard Spindle, Bill M. Sullivan, Albert You need an agenda of Truesdale, and Neil B. Wiseman. next steps to take every Nazarene Bible College faculty one of those programs in planned the Sunday worship service its own unique direction including the communion sacrament; Janet Smith Williams preached and in a way that is deeper, Millard Reed led the singing. more thorough, or more The Division of Church Growth rounded to the task. Diver­ expects to offer follow-up information sity is a powerful strength through the Course of Study Commit­ if it is managed well.” tee to help schools and districts imple­ ment the main concerns expressed at Ted W ard, Resource Leader, the conference. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School —by Bill M. Sullivan with Jerry D. Lambert and Neil B. Wiseman

"We prepare ministers with the idea that they will pastor a church of 100 or more — probably more. Yet, three out of four of our churches are less than 100. We have Mercedes-Benz taste in clergy preparation and Yugo opportunities for pastoral service.” Bill M. Sullivan, Director, Division of Church Growth

8 GROW / Fall 1990 "Denominations as well as indi­ "I would like to suggest W es­ viduals must choose whether ley’s theology is nothing if it is the wide vistas and integrity of not practical, and worship is not the Christian story will shape worship if it is not service in the the ministry they practice or world.” David Whitelaw, De­ whether it will be formed prin­ partment Chairperson, Olivet cipally by the prevailing politi­ Nazarene University cal, economic, and cultural milieu of a particular era.” Albert Truesdale, Academic Dean, Nazarene Theological Seminary "The value of this consultation on the life and future of the church could possibly be greater "The equipping task must be than any of us can presently placed in the authentic arena of see.” Jerry D. Lambert, Presi­ theologizing. For the enterprise dent, Nazarene Bible College of doing theology only takes place in conversation between the theorist and the practitioner — a conversation which is pos­ sible only as we recognize and affirm our distinctiveness.” Millard Reed, Pastor, Nashville "Theological education is the First Church church learning to think criti­ cally about its identity and mis­ sion in the context of its word. "In my recent research, I discov­ W e deal with the church’s re­ ered most Nazarene ministers sponsibility to itself.” Roger begin their ministry in small Hahn, Department Chairperson, churches in small communities. Southern Nazarene University The models used in our pro­ grams apparently tend to pre­ pare them for larger congrega­ "There is something about nur­ tions in growing communities. "In considering the educational turing the call to ministry that This discrepancy may result in formation of ministers, three fun­ has to do with getting people an unnecessary frustration over damental questions must be con­ ready to hear but not telling worthy ministry in the smaller sidered: 1) W ho is the person to them what they are to hear.” congregations.” K en n eth E. be? 2) What is the person to do? Steve Green, Pastor, Cincin­ Crow, Department of Sociol­ 3) W hat should be the results of nati Springdale Church ogy, Mid-America Nazarene "A ll of us involved in ministe­ their service?” Donald King, College rial preparation can implement Pastor, Lompoc, California much of what we discover in this consultation by simply writ­ ing it into our courses without "The part of the world where lengthy department or full fac­ leaders and pastors are best pre­ ulty meetings.” Neil B. Wise­ pared in church growth and evan­ m an , Dean, Nazarene Bible gelism is the part of the world College where the greatest growth is be­ ing seen today — the third world.” Paul Orjala, Profes­ sor, Point Loma Nazarene "Are we now demanding of cler­ College gy preparation that it produce ministers who are safe and pre­ dictable rather than probing or even disturbing. Is it possible that we have reached the place "Professors — be sensitive to that our religious symbols — the the power of your position and words and rituals — have be­ "I want to go on record as the lasting echo of every word come more important than the strongly believing in the total you utter in the presence of the realities they represent.” Jess educational program of the pliable minds under your influ­ Middendorf, Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene.” T er­ ence.” Hiram Sanders, Super­ N.W. Oklahoma District rell Sanders, President, Naza­ intendent, Missouri District rene Theological Seminary

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 9 DENOMINATIONAL MEMBERSHIP SUNDAY November 4, 1990

Rejoice in the opportunities offered by membership in the Body of Christ

RECEIVE NEW MEMBERS ON THIS DAY Growth Markings & Main Points

Mhe most characteristic and uplifting o f the manifestations of conversion is rapture — an inexpressible joy which suffuses our whole being, making our fears dissolve into nothing, and our expectations all move heavenward. Malcolm Muggeridge

HI ow can those who know nothing about it, who pray little or not at all, dare speak so frivolously of prayer? Georges Bernanos

^ 4 spiritual gift is a supernatural attribute given by God’s grace to each member o f the body of Christ. The gifts determine the function o f ministry. God’s way o f looking at the different kinds o f people in the church is not by intelligence, education, beauty, or social status. These categories divide; God unifies through the use o f spiritual gifts. All Christians should use their gifts to build up the body. Kent B. Hunter That's the problem with spiritual gifts — we have a preacher who wants to lead the music, a song leader who wants to preach, an organist who wants to head up the Christian Life Board. Now all we need is an usher who wants to play the organ.

WL i (applied to a church, web evangelism is the principle of the new convert reaching those closest to him or her. By working through web relationships, a church can evangelize its extended congregation and guarantee a smaller dropout of new converts and transfer members. Elmer L. Towns

I knew it did not matter where our church was located; if we had something good, people would come across the country to get it. Henrietta Mears

M,lost of the innovative companies get their best ideas from customers. That comes from listening, intently and regularly. Thomas J. Peters

It's obvious by now that the Church Board didn't understand mu when I asked for a ball-park figure for the church plant. his □ BE® ■ eople today who respond to the Christian faith — its people and its message — are those who respond to the love and caring of Christ’s people, not to a set of ideas or theological statements. W. Charles Arn

^ T h e people least likely to become inactive members are those who become part of a group, where membership in that face- to-face small group is meaningful before formally uniting with that congregation. They are assimilated before they join. Lyle Schaller CS- Y o u would misuse Christ’s gifts if you used them solely for the service of existing Christians. It’s increased our attendance 300 percent! Donald McGavran

A Journal of Church GrowrtH, Evangelism and Discipleship 11 CHAPLAINCY MINISTRIES

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Each packet includes: ★ NIV New Testament with camouflage cover ★ Now That You’re in the Military Service, by Chaplain David Grosse ★ Forward Edge of the Battle Area, by Chaplain Curt Bowers ★ The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples, by Win Arn and Charles Arn ★ Family Wherever You Go, a directory of Nazarene churches near military installations around the world ★ Special Edition, Under Orders, Chaplaincy Ministries’ newsletter to ser- vicemembers ★ Sheep in Wolves’ Clothing? Serving Christ in the Military, by Chaplain Curt Bowers A $20.00 value for only $9.95

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Available from Nazarene Publishing House SENTENCE OF DEATH PROMISE OF LIFE

A first-person account by Evangelist Joyce Hughes

utumn 1988. Fall months are heavy with revival meetings, and I had just enjoyed one Jm nightA with my family before hitting the K revival trail for an uninterrupted sched­ ule of several meetings in the States, followed by four in Canadian churches. Nine years earlier, doctors had in­ formed my family and me that I was I "full of malignant tumors and inopera­ ble . . . three months to live, give or take a little.” After that startling sentence, I arose early the next morning in the hospital and informed the nurses that 1 would be in the chapel if anyone needed me. Kneeling at the altar, 1 prayed through on dying and said a complete yes to the will of God. However, as I prayed, God quietly assured me, "But you shall live.” I conferred with a cancer specialist who, after studying my case, informed / me that the tumors could be removed, and the remaining cancer might re­ spond to treatment. The tumors were "Cancer of the liver! Thousands removed and chemotherapy began — three months of light treatments fol­ of miles from home* Should I lowed by six months of hard ones. Fol­ lowing that extremely difficult period catch the first plane or finish of suffering, my doctor felt that I had a the meetings in Red Deer? I 20-percent chance, and I knew God would add the other 80 percent. He stayed.” had given me assurance. _

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship Sentence of Death, Promise of Life

Less than a year later, I was again was over 1,000 — 200 is considered his persistent suggestion. scheduled for surgery, to make certain high. He explained that the tumor was After the anointing service, I went there was no cancer. Following surgery, large. I was aware that cancer of the back to the platform and shared my the doctor told my family, "It’s just liver does not leave much hope. present need with my Canadian friends. plain spooky. There is no sign that she I called home again. I can’t remember W e had another time of anointing with ever had cancer.” the conversation, but I recall praying nearly everyone coming forward to "Not spooky, doctor — miracu­ and weeping over the long-distance pray. Jesus gave me peace that was to lous!” my husband, Harold, responded. wires. Harold said that he would drive last and carry me through the long In the nine years that followed, I cus­ to Nashville to tell our son and daugh- months that lay ahead. tomarily shared my miraculous healing ter-in-law. I phoned my pastor, Dr. Arriving in Nashville was dra­ experience on the last evening of each Millard Reed, for support and then my m atic. My familiy and my pastor met revival effort, closing with a time of brother in Michigan. All urged me to me and we had a time of hugging, cry­ anointing and praying for the sick. I catch the first flight home, but it seemed ing, and praying. I thought, "Boy, was careful to explain that physical that God was asking me to finish the Joyce, they don’t think you’ll ever fly healing is temporary, for one of these meeting at Red Deer. into this airport again.” days, if the Lord tarries, we shall all die. Looking back on that week, it Then it was back to Dr. Spiegel, my However, I honestly thought I would seems an impossibility, but God gives oncologist, and the battery of tests that never face the dreaded sentence of strength as we need it — sufficient unto I had come to expect. The tumor on the cancer again. the day. Now, as I neared the end of a revival meeting in Canada, I noticed that my rib cage was definitely expanding. I’d better take myself for a medical check, I thought, before beginning in Red Deer "Talk about a series of miracles! West Park. That Sunday morning, a Each time there friend mentioned that she did not remember my belt being that tight in was a crisis, there was a miracle.” the midsection. It was a relief to share my suspicions with someone. There was no great anxiety, but Sophie gave me just the push I needed. The church had provided accom­ right side of my liver, he explained, Monday morning, in the doctors’ modations at a lovely inn at Red Deer, engulfed the entire side (15 ci.), as large building in the small town of Bendy, and God provided four angels to care as a baby’s head. It would be difficult to Alberta, my heart sank. The facilities for my emotional and physical needs remove, but he felt he could shrink it were very unimpressive, and I felt that I during the remaining days of meetings. some with hard chemotherapy. The should be in a city, with modern These four precious Nazarenes carried tumor seemed to be attached to the technology. When will we learn that me on the wings of prayer and stayed vena cava artery that leads to the heart. God is always in control? with me each night until I felt sleep "M y suggestion, Joyce, is to give My doctor was a born-again Chris­ would come. W e ate together, prayed around-the-clock chemo non-stop for tian. After a brief examination, he together, and wept together. On Satur­ a week, then give a couple weeks of informed me that I had a "greatly day morning, following a prayer break­ rest, and chemo again. Our only hope enlarged liver,” and, before saying fast, I shared my physical condition seems to be in the possibility of shrink­ more, asked if he might pray. Taking with Pastor Hugh Gorman and the min­ ing this and a faint hope of surgery to my hands in his, he prayed a touching ister of music, Steve Fillmore. W e follow.” He was emotional at times, prayer; a holy presence filled the room. prayed together, then planned the Sun­ and I had to reassure him that I was not He ordered extensive bloodwork and day service. W e had previously agreed living for this world, but there was a suggested that I go ahead and preach in that it would be a hindrance to revival if better land promised to the children of Red Deer, then return on Wednesday we let the church know of my condi­ God. His response was, "There better for the results. tion, diverting their attention to the well be.” I called Harold in Tennessee and two evangelist’s needs instead of their own. Following what Dr. Spiegel felt was prayer partners, sharing what little in­ Sunday evening I shared my past the best shrinkage he could get, he formation I had. healing miracle, as I customarily did, called in a leading surgeon. His progno­ Preaching in Red Deer was difficult, and gave an evangelistic appeal. The sis was bleak. He advised a liver trans­ but God gave strength for each day. On devil fought me that night in a way I plant, adding that he had seen only two Wednesday, the- doctor gave me the have never encountered. "You’re tell­ people in my condition. One died on computer printout with the devastating ing of your healing, and you know the operating table, the other a week diagnosis. Cell destruction of the liver you’re dying even as you speak,” was later.

14 GROW / Fall 19 90 Dr. Spiegel consulted yet another wheeled off, with 16 life-saving at­ brother could give marrow. Again, we surgeon, who confirmed that surgery tachments inserted into my body. called the prayer line. was out of the question because of the For three days, my husband and fam­ By morning, the count had risen to location of the tumor, but he menti­ ily repeated, 'Is she going to live?” The 26,000, and by the third day it was up oned a special surgeon in Houston, answer was, "W e really don’t know to 86,000. Again, the word unexplain­ Texas, at Anderson Cancer Center. As yet.” The first thing I remembered able appeared in the medical records. I caught these words, they seemed to hearing was Dr. McBride saying to me Easter Sunday morning, I was in me the leading of God and, after much the night after surgery, "Joyce, I got the chapel at Anderson Medical Center urging, they got an appointment for me you all the way to St. Peter’s gate, and with many other cancer patients. What for the next day. Carrying all our cat he turned you down.” an Easter parade! W e were celebrating

"What an Easter parade! We were celebrating our risen Lord, attired in our robes, our IVs, our tubes, and our bald heads. Easter had never meant more!”

scans and myriads of reports, we went The ten days in intensive, critical our risen Lord, attired in our robes, to Houston, knowing well it was our care were sleepless for Harold and my our IVs, our tubes, and our bald heads. last hope. son, Kent. They interceded for me at Easter had never meant more! After further chemo, Dr. McBride the throne of God and, slowly, life was Home again! A red-letter day. "W hy said he was willing to try surgery, and returning. Harold was my nursemaid are you crying, Joyce?” Harold asked the date was set for March 7. during the slow healing process after I me. Prayers from around the world left intensive care. "I’m home! I’m home!” was all I and another special time of anointing in Talk about a series of miracles! Each could say, but in my heart I knew I was my home church helped to prepare me for time there was a crisis, there was a mir­ not really home, that one of these days I that date. There were no visions in acle. In the doctors’ record of surgery, will truly go home where Jesus has pre­ those days, only peace. we read that a thick coating surrounded pared a place for me and has promised, My eight hours in surgery were a the artery leading to the heart. "Medi­ "I will come again and receive you, that difficult waiting period for my family, cally unexplainable.” I don’t know where I am, there you may be also.” but I went in with peace. Two hours when I received that coating, only that Twice I have returned to Houston into surgery, a doctor came out and it was there when it was needed. Also for checkups. Following surgery, I was told Harold that it would be impossible inexplicable in the report: "An extra left with only a small section of the left to remove the growth, but possibly supply of blood flowed to the liver.” lobe of my liver. But the liver, being a they could cut the blood supply to the Fourteen days after surgery, my regenerative organ, has grown back to tumor and go back in after a few blood was not making platelets. The its complete size and is in miraculous months. That was their plan — but count was down from 360,000 to working order. God had another. 4,000. A specialist was called in. He Presently, I have been in revival Dr. McBride, the leading surgeon, explained the grave picture and ordered meetings for four months, and now I’m told us afterwards that two hours into a platelet transfusion, which my body going back to Canada to preach in the surgery, when that decision was made, rejected. churches where I had to postpone. I’m he felt compelled to keep going. He A bone marrow test was then sched­ still living with dying grace, because could not explain why. Eight hours and uled. There was no hint of encourage­ there is a Balm in Gilead to make the 71 units of blood later (it flowed out as ment from the specialist, but tests were wounded whole — there is a Balm in fast as they could administer it), I was scheduled to see whether my son or my Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.

A Journal of Church Groivth, Evangelism and Discipleship 15 Mission Achievement in Los Angeles

Innovation and Hard Work Start a Church oly Spirit-directed creativ­ Sponsorship for the new work in­ ity, often an absolute ne­ volves many people through the com­ cessity, always impacts the bined efforts of Los Angeles Thrust methodsH Nazarenes use to plant to the Cities, Nazarene churches of churches across North America and the Bay Zone and the Los Angeles around the world. Recently, another District. innovation has been added with a Pastor Harrie Trotman and his wife, Church on Wheels — a bus/truck- Juliette, started the work in 1987. type vehicle similar to a mobile lend­ Trotman, a product of Nazarene mis­ ing library — being used to plant a sions in Barbados, graduated from church-type mission in the Exposi­ Northwest Nazarene College. His bur­ tion Park section of Los Angeles. den for Exposition Park developed

GROW / Fall 1990 while he studied at the Bresee Insti­ tute at Los Angeles First Church. As part of effective church planting strategy, the Church on Wheels con­ cept makes it possible to test respon­ siveness before securing a building. Much different than a Sunday school bus, the Church on Wheels is an ac­ tual chapel — with pews, musical in­ struments, pulpit, and altar — where services are held. In a neighborhood of Los Angeles that has recently changed from Carib­ bean Black to Belizian to American Black to immigrants from Central America, compassionate ministries are especially needed, including week­ ly food distribution and a thrift store. With increasing attendance of more than fifty, the Exposition Park Church is outgrowing the Church on Wheels and has rented a hall for serv­ ices. However, when the hall is not available, the church continues to meet in very crowded conditions in the Church on Wheels, or, in good weather, it may even meet out of doors. Such growth presents a won­ derful problem. As the congregation secures permanent housing, the Church on Wheels will be used to start new churches in other areas of the city. And God keeps challenging us with the next place, the nearby neighborhood and the people across town.

—by Neil B. Wiseman with Paul Benefiel

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship A Church Plant Near Washington, D.C.

A NEW CHURCH FOR CHESTERFIELD CHARLIE CHURCH COMMITMEHT “IF YOU’RE GOOD EHOUOH FOR 1ESUS, YOU’RE GOOD EHOUGH FOR US.”

" W hen I moved to Brandermill in Chesterfield County, Virginia, I made up my mind never to get involved in another church. ’ ’ That was Sandy Vance’s stubborn deter­ mination on the day she received a blue brochure in the mail. But an attractive mailer inviting her to Christian Fellowship Church caught her attention with the lead phrase, "We are not perfect, but we’re accepted!” Inside the folder she read a headline, "I’m Im­ pressed With Christian Fellow­ ship Church!” followed by testimo­ nies from people who attend this new church. On the back of the mailer she noticed a picture of my wife, Denise, and me.

The Lord used this timely brochure to remind Sandy how spiritually indif­ ferent she had become. "I also struggled with loneliness and depression,” she said. "I knew I needed Christian friends, but I didn’t want more of the close- minded, judgmental church scene I had experienced before. My heart was a mass of confusion, but I felt God wooing me to church through that blue brochure.” Sandy Vance is typical of many peo­ ple who now attend Christian Fellow­ ship Church of the Nazarene. It started when Denise and I answered God’s call to leave an effective church we planted in Waterloo, Iowa, to begin a new work in upper middle-class Chesterfield

18 GROW / Fall 1 9 9 0 ■ Christian Fellowship Church of the Nazarene at worship.

County, Virginia, near Richmond. income, is well educated, likes his job, gion, likes contemporary music, is Since this is our third church plant, we enjoys where he lives, makes fitness a over-extended in time and money, knew how to start from scratch. We high priority, thinks he is enjoying life wants to exceed his present income, is used our knuckles as our starting point more than he did five years ago, is self- heavily involved in the "m e” genera- because we knew no one. After three months of door-to-door visitation and direct-mail advertising, 97 people at­ tended the first Sunday. Now, two "This church is refreshingly different! years later, we average 130 in Sunday morning worship. It’s a church on the move... Reaching Chesterfield Charlie is the main focus of our ministry. He is a place you feel like you typically unchurched, living in Ches­ want to be every Sunday. terfield County in the southwestern Richmond metro area. He is a baby boomer, average age 34, with two chil­ I believe it is destined dren. He is a successful business or pro­ to become one of the fessional man, and his wife is employed outside the home. strongest churches in Richmond ...” Let me tell you a little more about —Bill Poynter, church member Charlie; I learned some of his charac­ teristics from a profile article in The Village Mill, our small, local newspaper. satisfied about his place in life, would tion values, does not know his children Charlie and his family are always on the rather be in a large group than a small because of his work schedule, is com­ go; he has a middle to upper-middle one, is skeptical about organized reli- petitive, and thinks "success” is the

IA Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 19 CHESTERFIELD CHARLIE’S NEW CHURCH HOME

most important word in the English language. As you might imagine, trying to reach Chesterfield Charlie is not easy. W e have learned the traditional church service will neither attract nor hold him. Those who now attend have taught us that Charlie comes into the sanctu­ ary with four strong preferences:

/ 1 do not want to say any­ thing; I just want to listen.

/ 1 do not want to sing songs I do not know.

1/ 1 do not want to sign any­ thing.

1 do not want to sacrifice anything.

Since Charlie prefers the casual, the fact that we worship in a middle school cafeteria is a plus. Dress is informal; since Charlie wears a tie all week and his wife wears dress pumps, they want to dress down on the weekend. When Charlie comes to church, he wants to remain anonymous; he wants to watch without making commitments. Our competition in getting Char­ lie’s attention is not other churches. Hardly! Our competition is recrea­ tion — boating, sailing, golf, and Sun­ day brunches at 10:30 a.m. So what kind of service will reach Chesterfield Charlie? From experience, we know it must be somewhat different from the typical edification-of-the-be- lievers type service. Although edifica­ tion happens, we intentionally plan our service around three concepts de­ signed to appeal to Charlie: 1) Cele­ bration, based on Psalms 122:1, "I rejoice with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ ” Al­ though our house begins as an empty cafeteria, a group of volunteers trans­ "W e have found a church forms it into a sanctuary complete with our whole family enjoys attending. 5 altars, sound system, orchestra equip­ ment, carpeted aisles, trees, plants, and —The Peterson family altar curtains.”

20 1 GROW / Fall 19901 2 ) Inspiration, based on Isaiah 40:31, "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Everyone must feel lifted when they leave. 3) Prepara­ tion, based on Ephesians 4:11-12, which prepares people to face the week ahead. In addition to Sunday morning serv­ ice, we have 18 diverse groups meeting throughout the week and month to provide definitive teaching that brings change in people’s lives. In these small groups, biblical answers to their prob­ lems are discovered. In addition to public services and small groups, we provide Christian growth classes through our Lay Ministry Training Institute. Although this three-pronged ministry is not the only way to build a church in the 1990s, it works for us. God transforms people’s lives through these ministries. Let me introduce you to Chesterfield Charlie’s neighbors, Joe and Diane Tassone, A1 Hillman, and Julia Bolger. Listen to their ideas about how Chris­ tian Fellowship Church has impacted them:

Joe: W e first heard about Christian Fellowship Church when Pastor Larry came knocking on our door. Diane was looking for a church, but, being raised Roman Catholic, I was not. W e had never really been involved in a church as a family. But from that first service, I noticed a big difference in the atmos­ phere of this church compared to any­ thing I had experienced. I never knew how to talk to God, but now I talk to God just as I would to a close friend. The Sunday night Bible study is re­ laxed; any questions are accepted. I have learned mountains of knowledge about Jesus.

"W hat impresses me most I used to think Christians were about this church square, but I know now that is not true. People in this church have given is all the happy, friendly people. me examples of what to follow and They are fun to be with! what to do. Because of this, I have come to have a personal relationship It’s a great place with God. It has made a real differ­ to meet new friends ence in our home. W e say grace before meals — something we never and get to know my neighbors.” did before — and Diane and I have —Frances Hillman, church member gotten on our knees together and prayed. It has changed our family.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship CHESTERFIELD Christian Fellowship Nazarene Church Strategies C lear Priorities — W e are more interested in building people than build­ CHARLIE’S NEW ings. W e feel church buildings should be tools and not temples. CHURCH HOME F ellowship — Fellowship is our middle name. W e offer you friendliness, Diane: I, too, had never prayed audi­ openness, and a genuine family atmosphere. bly in a group. Christian Fellowship Church and the Bible study have C on temporary Worship — W e offer music and a style of worship that is changed my life in a great way. This culturally different. year, I made a spiritual recommit­ ment of my life to God. imple Structure — W e emphasize relationships, not organized religion. God’s timing is perfect. He has S intervened in our lives, and now we arget Defined — Our goal is to be responsive to the needs, hurts, and pray and try to communicate right T interests of the people of Chesterfield County. values in our home. W e try to focus on behavior that would be accept­ R each Out by Advertising — W e advertise because we want to share our able if Jesus were sitting in our family church with you. room. Christian Fellowship Church brought spirituality to our lives. It A. cceptance — "If you’re good enough for Jesus, you’re good enough for us” is exactly what we needed. is not just a slogan, but our commitment. Al: At Christian Fellowship Church, EAM Ministry — Our members operate a network of different Lay Min­ no one, including the pastor, is ever T istries. With all of us working as a team, we experience ministry together. on a pedestal; you are never talked down to. E ncouraging Preaching — Our pastor emphasizes the personal, practical, You don’t feel like you are being and positive solutions from God’s W ord for life’s common problems. brought up, but you know you are being brought along. You do not feel G rowth Commitment — W e plan to keep on growing, because everybody like you are going to a place where needs what Christ offers. everybody has been going for twenty years. You’re accepted where you Y early Strategic Plan — We annually evaluate and plan our ministries to are, and, as you get involved, you see better serve you and your family. Everything at Christian Fellowship Church your life begin to change. is guided by four purposes: 1) To celebrate God’s presence; 2) To communi­ cate God’s Word; 3) To educate God’s people; 4) To demonstrate God’s love. Julia: I really wanted and needed a close relationship with Jesus. I knew I needed to make a personal com­ mitment to Christ. Now I have, and my priorities are back in order.

I find I can cope with my problems better. This church is one that spirit­ ually rejuvenates you. It is my belief that truth shared with a person in need will do its own work, just as it did with the woman at the well in the Bible. Truth need not be bludg­ eoning for the Spirit to bring convic­ tion. When people have a felt need and we show them God’s answer, they usu­ ally respond affirmatively. Christian Fellowship Church of the Nazarene offers Chesterfield Charlie the Word of God, which does not need to be defended, just shared. Charlie holds out his cup to be filled. May God help us at Christian Fellowship Church to fill his cup to overflowing. —by Pastor Larry McKain Brandermill, Virginia

22 GROW / Fall 199 0 BOPHUTHATSWAN CAPE VERDE CISKEI IVORY COAST KENYA MALAWI MOZAMBIQUE NIGERIA AUSTRALIA BURMA HONG KONG INDONESIA JAPAN KOREA NEW ZEALAND PHILIPPINES BAHAMAS BARBADOS BELIZE BERMUDA CUBA GUYANA HAITI JAMAICA AZORES BRITISH ISLES CYPRUS EGYPT FRANCE HOLY LAND INDIA IRELAND ITALY COSTA RICA EL SALVADOR GUATEMALA HONDURAS MEXICO NICARAGUA PANAMA ARGENTINA BOLIVIA BRAZIL CHILE COLOMBIA ECUADOR PERU VENEZUELA... WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

THANKSGIVING OFFERING FOR WORLD EVANGELISM D S H I CHURCH GROWTH METRO AREA POPULATION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

Percentage of District Population in Metro Areas of 1,000,000 or more

The challenges facing Nazarenes in North America New York District has a few areas outside official differ from district to district. Big city evangelistic metro definitions, but its 17 million metro inhab­ strategies differ from those in small towns. But itants present the largest challenge of any North w hich areas call for w hich strategies? And w hich ar­ American district. At the other extreme. Northern eas need both big city and small to w n strategies? Michigan and Navajo Nation districts have no metro This map, prepared by the Church G row th Research areas of any size w ith in their borders. Center, shows the different metropolitan challenges The Church G row th Research Center exists to faced in North America. help districts and local churches recognize the chal­ The entire Anaheim District population is part of lenges facing them in proclaiming scriptural holiness. the Los Angeles Consolidated Metropolitan Area. How may we serve you?

Church Growth Research Center 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131 R

Provided by Church Growth Research Center Dale E. Jones, Manager

Reverse Age groups important in outreach. Nazarene churches have traditionally Youth had large children’s departments ... 30% of enrollment throughout 1980s. Decline Youth proportion has "been declining during decade . . . 18% in 1980, 16% today. Time to reverse youth decline . .. build up children. Projections for USA. show growth in all children and teen groups... from kindergarten through senior high... for 1990s. Good time to reach entire families.

Attendance Nazarenes are a denomination of large-church attenders and small church­ in Large es. Nearly three-quarters of our North American churches average under Churches 100 in morning worship... 72% of organized Canada/USA churches in 1989. But larger churches, by definition, hold more people... so nearly two-thirds of our attenders are in large churches... 63% worship with 99 or more others each week.

Small Churches When organizing district activities, do you want to attract people from each and District church? Then aim for the smaJl-church crowd... do-it-yourself involvement, Activities friendliness over polish. If you want to reach the largest number, try to draw from the large-church group... well-structured format, professional quality leadership.

Pastoral Implications for pastoral training as well. The largest number of members Training and expect professional, full-time clergy... the bulk of the week spent in sermon Small Churches preparation, couseling, office administration The largest number of churches may require bivocational pastors . . . much of the week spent in earning a living for the family in non-church work.

Pastoral Nazarene pastors stay an average of three years at each church... accord- Tenure ing to a study done by Kenneth Crow in late 1980s... but over one-third tend to remain beyond four years. Study being updated to see effects of recent Manual changes on call of pastor. Many pastors new to the job ... nearly half of all pastors began within last 10 years. Only one-fourth have 20 years or more experience in pastoral work.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 25 THIS IS THE FUTURE HOME OF THE

SERVING THE HOMELESS OF LOS ANGELES CAUt CONTINUALLY SINCE 1949 call/oio^ x o o : 1 0 0 1 Mission Achievement in Los Angeles A NEW SKID ROW MISSION GROWS IN HEART OF LOS ANGELES

Pastor R og er B ow m a n o f Los Angeles Grace Church leads altar prayer.

Since Bresee’s time, LOS ANGELES MISSION much has changed in Los Angeles — SCHEDULE OF SERVICES BEDS ISSUED but the gospel’s promise of hope, MON THRU SAT 715 “ 1030 AM CLOTHING ISSUED salvation, and a holy life MON THRU SAT 716 * 1000 AM MON THRU FRl 130 - 300 PM remains the same. SHAVES & SHOWERS MON THRU FRl 830 - 1000 AM SFRViCESSERVluLo nc-LuHELD 1200-1245 PM itK M E A t AFTERactpr SERVICEKFftVlCi T he new Los Angeles Mission and Women’s

SEN INTERESTED IN OUR si>™JUM. THf Shelter stands as an impressive testi- kOWTM PROGRAM NEED TO A SI* AT INTACT OFFICE a b o u t o p e n in g s mony to the commitment of a group of .1 rirtcF T S ARE GIVEN OUT FOR THE holiness people who have a vision to do some­ HT SER vIcE AT 600 PH IN FRONT 0. b u ild in g thing significant for those at the end o f the line. Just a few blocks from where Bresee started the Church o f the Nazarene at Sixth and Wall, this impressive 113,000-square-foot building is

|A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship

being constructed to serve down-and- outers on skid row. Since Bresee’s time, much has changed in Los An­ geles — but the gospel’s promise of hope, salvation, and a holy life re­ mains the same. Tom Bradley, mayor of Los An­ geles, says of the mission, "W hen we see Rev. Mark Holsinger take home­ less, hopeless persons off the street, clean them up, find them jobs, and renew their lives, we realize how im­ portant the lifesaving work of the mission is.” The mission’s new building covers most of a city block. The new facili­ ties include space to serve 2,000 meals per day, 160 beds for transient men, 35 beds for transient women, 98 beds for rehabilitation men, 3 class­ rooms, 4 counseling rooms, 400-seat chapel, 33 parking spaces, plus space for a barber shop, medical clinic, thrift shop, workshop, laundry, li­ brary, and recreation. The Los Angeles Mission has his­ toric roots in the Peniel Mission Movement, the spiritual birthplace of many Nazarenes. The mission, not a Nazarene-sponsored ministry, is led by a ten-member board o f directors. Nine are Nazarenes: Dick W illis (chairman), Mike Edwards, G. A. Gough, Jack Holeman, Mark Holsing- er, Marion McCandless, Tim McCand- less, Herb Smith, and Howard W oot­ en; Mr. Dean Caliborne is a member o f the Free Methodist Church. Funds for building the mission— more than $10 million has been re­ ceived to serve the hungry, homeless, and hopeless — have been raised through newspaper advertising, direct mailings to more than 250,000 peo­ ved, all the ends ple, interested individuals, and foun­ ot the earth • for I dations. Although a few larger gifts came from TV / entertainment person­ am God an 4 there is alities and foundations, the main fund­ none else. ing source is small gifts from individ­ '■A 45 22 uals on the mailing list who have con­ cern for the hurting people of the cen­ tral city. GROW salutes these members of our Nazarene family who offer nutri­ tious meals, comfortable shelter, gen­ erous love, and genuine hope. By experience and example, they show us that a hot meal and a warm bed some­ times lead to a new life. —by Neil B. Wiseman with Dick Willis and Roger Bowman

lA Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship STEWARDSHIP SERVICES

YOURSELF

GOD'S HANDS

There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but w hat are they am ong so many?

JOHN 6 :9

STEWARDSHIP

SEPTEMBER IS STEWARDSHIP MONTH EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

CONDRY, CONNIE. (R) 1732 Fish Hatchery Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169 CONGER, DELOSS. (R) 4737 Dresden Ct., Jacksonville, FL 32257 CONRAD, BYRON. (R) 7151 Franusich Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828 COOK, DANNY. (R) 506 N. 6th St, Weatherford, OK 73096 COOK, DAVID. (R) 757 S. Bosart St, Indianapolis, IN 46203 •COOK, JAMES. (R) 418 West Ridge Dr, Fostoria, OH 44830 EVMTGEEUST’S vCOOK, LEON G. 2418 Maple, Wichita, KS 67213 COOPER, DALLAS. (R) Rte. 1, Box 57, Okemah, OK 74859 •COOPER, DONALD S DOLORES. (R) 905 State St, Pekin, IL 61554 vCOTTAM, T. W. 2011 Palm Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918 COVINGTON, NATHAN. (C) 724 W. Knollwood, Broken Arrow, OK DIRECTORY 74011 CRABTREE, JAMES C. (C) 3436 Cambridge Dr, Springfield, OH 45503 CRANDALL V. E. & BARBARA (C) 11177 S. Indian Lake Dr. E, EVANGELISM MINISTRIES, CHURCH OF THE Vicksburg, Ml 49097 ♦CRANE, BILLY D. (C) Rte, 5, Box 447, Parkersburg, WV 26101 NAZARENE INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS vCREWS, H. F. Box 180302, Dallas, TX 75218 •CRIDER, JAMES & JANET (R) P.O. Box 284, Shirley, IN 47384 •CROFFORD, DON. (R) 151 Pond Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 •CROFFORD, TODD. (R) 2301 Westside Dr., Rochester, NY 14624 BRAATEN, DANIEL W. (R) Braaten Family Ministries. Box 764, •CROSWAIT, MILDA. (R) 33 Edgecombe Dr, Milford, OH 45150 ABNEY, JOHN K. (R) R.R. 1, Bo* 214, College Grove, TN 37046 Bethany, OK 73008 vCURTIS, H. M. 1709 E. 17th, Ada, OK 74820 •ABRAMS, KATHY (R) Rte. 1, Box 126, Rose Hill, IA 52586 •BRADFORD, KIM. (R) 6750 Woodview Dr., No. 200, Fort Worth, TX VAGNER, J. C. Rte. 1, Box 2570, Lee, FL 32059 76112-8622 D ______ALBRIGHT, WAYNE L (R) P.O. Box 184, Chapman, KS 67431 •BRALEY PAUL (R) 1878 Lake Hill Cir, Orlando, FL 32818 vALDRIDGE, DAVID J. 8079 Elmlawn St N.E., Louisville, OH 44641 •BRAND, MARGARET. (R) Box 10332, Fori Wayne, IN 46851 vDABNEY FRANK. 1890 17th St. N.E, Salem, OR 97303-1110 •ALLEN, JAMES. (R) 2803 Jonathan, Texarkana, TX 75503 BREWINGTON, JANE. (R) 140 Hickory Hollow PI., Antioch, TN 37013 •DAFOE, RAY. (R) 7873 Hickory, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 V ALLEN, JIMMIE A. 205 N. Murray, No. 244, Colorado Springs, CO BRICE, GLEN W. (R) 3115 Mission St, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 v DAGGETT, TROY J. 208 West Due West Ave, Madison, TN 37115 vDALE, BENNIE. 717 Proctor PI, Midwest City, OK 73110 80916 VBRIGHT, MERLE. 5316 E. St. Clair, Indianapolis, IN 46219 ALLEN, NELSON B. (R) P.O. Box 87, Mowrystown, OH 45155 ♦BRISCOE, JOHN B. (C) Box 78, Canadian. OK 74425 ♦DALE, TOM. (C) 911 Florence, Nampa, ID 83686 vANDERSON, GEORGE R. 3335 S. Florida Ave„ Lakeland, FL 33803 BROUGH, NICOLAS. (C) P.O. Box 1813, Temple City, CA 91780-7813 vDANIELS, DR. M. BERT. P.O. Box 75412, Oklahoma City, OK 73147 ANDERSON, GERALD W. (R) 2451 215th PI. S.W., Brier, WA 98036 •BROWN, LOWELL. (R) 4618 Bostick Cir., Tampa, FL 33614 vDANIELS, M. HAROLD. P.O. Box 470, Littleton, CO 80120 APPLE, DALE. (R) 1128 S.W. 32nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 BROWN, MARK. (C) 6209 W. McArthur Ln, Muncie, IN 47304 V DARNELL H. E. P.O. Box 929, Vivian, LA 71082 •ARCHER, RONALD E. (R) 4304 N. Peniel, Bethany, OK 73008 •BROWN, ROGER N. (C) Box 724, Kankakee, IL 60901 V DAVIS, HAROLD C. P.O. Box 189, Choctaw, OK 73020 AREY, DONALD. (C) Arey Evangelism Ministries, RFD 1, Anagance BROWN, RON. (C) Rte. 2, Box 230, Ironton, OH 45638 DAWS, LEONARD J. (R) 3286 Wyoming Ave, Xenia, OH 45385 Ln, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 BROWN, SAMUEL R. (R) 1557 Jeffords St, Clearwater, FL 34616 DAWSON, JAMES A. (R) R.R. 1, Box 189, Wapakoneta, OH 45895 ♦ARMSTRONG, LEON & LINDA. (C) No. 10 Foxcroft Dr., Blue Ridge, vBROWNE, CHARLES. 2532 Parchmount Ave, Kalamazoo, Ml vDAYTON, WEBSTER. 201 Suffolk Ave, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 VA 24064 49004 vDEBOLT, TED i DOROTHY. 203 Swan Lake Dr, 2400 N. Tamiami ARMSTRONG, ROBERT W. (R) P.O. Box 187, Skowhegan, ME 04976 BRYANT, GROVER. (R) P.O. Box 200, Carthage, MO 64836-0200 Tr„ North Fort Myers, FL 33903 ATKINSON, DEAN I PAT. (R) Atkinson Family Crusade, P.O. Box 517, BUDD, JAY B. (C) 1385 Hentz Dr, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 •DECKARD, KENNETH. (R) Gloryroad Quartet, 3227 Washington Newcastle, OK 73065-0517 vBURKE, OWEN. 3414 N. Evergreen, Chandler, AZ 85224 Ave, Bedford, IN 47421 ♦BURKHALTER, PAT & DONNA. (C) P.O. Box 801, Atlanta, TX 75551 •DECKARD, STEVE. (R) R.R. 14, Box 459, Bedford, IN 47421 ♦DELL, JIMMY. (C) 4802 E. Mitchell Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018 •BURNEM, ANN. (R) 103 New Hampshire Dr, Ashland, KY 41101 B ______DeLONG, RUTH. (R) c/o Norman Moore Ministries, P.O. Box 1630, V BYERS, CHARLES I MILDRED. 2121C S. Ingram Mill Rd, Spring­ v BAGGETT, DALLAS. 1313 Fletcher Ave. S.W., Decatur, AL 35601 Chandler, AZ 85244 field, MO 65804 •BAILEY, TONY & TRICIA. (C) 207 Edgewood Rd, Eureka, IL 61530 DENNIS, JAMES A. (JAMIE). (R) 166 N. Sugar St, Chillicothe, OH BAKER, HOWARD. (R) P.O. Box 604, Bargersville, IN 46106-0604 45601 ♦BAKER, RICHARD C. (C) 3590 Coal Fork Dr., Charleston, WV 25306 C ______♦DENNISON, MARVIN E. (C) 1208 S.E. Green Rd, Tecumseh, KS BAKER, SAMUEL (R) 617 East Wood Ave., Raymondville, TX 78580 CANEN, DAVID. (C) Rte. 2, Box 12B, Adrian, GA 31002 66542 BALIS, DONALD E. (R) 120 S. Roberts, El Reno, OK 73036 CANFIELD, DAVID. (C) 503 Short White Oak, Russell, KY 41169 vDEPASQUALE, JAMES. P.O. Box 5462, Bellingham, WA 98227 vBALLARD, DON, 7231 German Creek Park, Memphis, TN 38125 vCANNON, DURWOOD. Rte. 2, Box 280, Gallion, AL 36742 DEWEY, KENNETH. (R) Box 636, Rte. 2, Spring Hill, TN 37174 BALLARD, GARY D. (R) Rte. 4, Box 201 -AB, Summit, MS 39666 •CARATHERS, DELORIS. (R) 9823 Cherry Tree Ln, Indianapolis, IN ♦DICKSON, RICHARD J. (R) Living Way Gospel Team, 821 Lonsvale BALLARD, JUNE. (R) 327 King St, Chadron, NE 69337 46236 Dr, Anderson, IN 46014 VBALLARD, OLIVER H. 7113 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK vCARPENTER, R. W. (Bob). 4805 Airport Rd., Nampa, ID 83687 vDISHON, CLARENCE, 2555 Carmine Rd, Venice, FL 34293 73159 CARPENTER, VERNON. (R) 3800 E. Hampden, Englewood, CO vDISHON, MELVIN. 936 Shive Ln, Lot 184, Bowling Green, KY 42101 BAPTISTE, MATHIEW-JEAN. (R) 3715 Eastview Ave., West Palm 80110 vDIXON, GEORGE t CHARLOTTE, c/o Evangelism Ministries' Beach, FL 33407 •CASWELL, GERALD. (R) 2258 Wise Rd, North Canton, OH 44720 DODDS, JOHN. (C) 272 Jack Oak Rd, St. Marys, OH 45885 BARNES, JACK. (C) Rte. 1, Box 150-A, Chapel Hill, TN 37034 CAYTON, JOHN. (C) 16 Southworth St, Lakeville, MA 02347 •DODDS, LARRY W. (R) Rte. 5, Box 385, Burlington, IA 52601 vBARTZ, JAMES. 3006 Euclid Ave., No. 9, Helena, MT 59601 CERRATO, R, J. (R) 11210 Cherry Ct, No. 526, Palos Hills, IL 60465 DODGE, KENNETH L. (C) 1150 W. Winton Ave., No. 221, Hayward, CA •BEHA, LUCILLE A. (R) 3908 Ninth Ave., Parkersburg, WV 26101 vCHALFANT, MORRIS. 860 Bunker Hill, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 94545 •BELL, JEAN. (C) P.O. Box 776, Bethany, OK 73008 vCHAMBERLAIN, DOROTHY H. Rte. 21, Box 28, Mobile Park, •DOLE, VERA. (R) 22210 Salt Fork Rd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 BELL, WAYNE. (R) SO-HI Estates, 3485 Mountain Dr., Kingman, AZ Carmichaels, PA 15320 •DOOLITTLE, KEVIN. (C) 866 N. Main St. Ext, Meadville, PA 16335 86401 •CHAMBERS, EUGENE. (R) P.O. Box 1187, Bethany, OK 73008 DOROUGH, WILLIAM M. (R) 219 Oak Hills Dr, HHH, Mabank, T X BELZER, DAVE 1 BARBARA. (C) Box 32, Miller, SD 57362 vCHAMBERS, LEON & MILDRED. 218 Regan Dr., Magnolia, MS 7 5 1 4 7 BENDER, TIM. (C) The Tim Bender Family, 1278 Smith Chapel Rd., 39652 •DOWNING, ANN. (C) Box 767, Hendersonville, TN 37075 Shelbyville, TN 37160 vCHANDLER, WILLIAM. 705 Meadow Lark Ln, Durant, OK 74701 DOWTY, PAUL (R) Rte. 3, Box 741, Broken Bow, OK 74728 •BENNETT, ROBIN. (R) 2899 Eldon Dr., Uniontown, OH 44685 •CHANEY, BARBARA. (C) 4070 Monza Dr, Richmond, VA 23234 DRESSLER, R. H. (R) Box 750177, Duncan, OK 73573 VBERRIAN, HAROLD F. 186 Highland Ave., Pennsville, NJ 08070 vCHANEY, REEFORD. 4070 Monza Dr, Richmond, VA 23234 DRYE, J. T. (R) 5130 Trinity Church Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28081 •BERRY, CHARLES. (R) 2524 Brierwood Dr., Albany, GA 31705 vCHAPMAN, W. EMERSON & LOIS. Rte. 1, Box 87, Miltonvale, KS DUNCAN, HERSCHEL (R) 350 Birch Dr, Charlestown, IN 47111 •BERTOLET, GRACE. (C) 2770 S. Garden Dr., Bldg. 21, No. 308, 67466 DUNLAP, BARRY L (R) Rte. 3,226 Forester Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO Lakeworth, FL 33461 CHASE, FRANK. (R) Lake Country, Box 25, Mannford, OK 74044 63701 •BICKFORD, BERNADETTE. (R) 2518 Lindenwood, San Angelo, TX ♦CHEATWOOD, HENRY t PHYLLIS. (C) Rte. 4, Box 96, Kissee Mills, •DUNMIRE, RALPH i JOANN. (C) 202 Garwood Dr, Nashville, TN 76904 MO 65680 37210 BIRD, LANCE. (R) 1001 Laurel Hills Ct„ Haines City, FL 33844 CHIPP, VERLIN E. (C) 127 S. State St, Indianapolis, IN 46201 DUNN, DON. (C) P.O. Box 132, Bartlett, OH 45713 ♦BLUE, DAVID & DANA. (C) P.O. Box B, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 •CHIZUM, DENNIS. (R) 53569 C.R. 7 N„ Elkhart, IN 46514 DUTTON, BARRY i TAVIA. (C) P.O. Box 119, Clarksburg, MD 20871 BLYTHE, ELLIS G. (C) 7731 S.W. 10th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32607 CHOATE, KIRBY. (R) Rte. 2, Box 805, Raymondville, TX 78580 BOCK, DON. (Cl Box 412, Washington Court House, OH 43160 CHRISTNER, JACK. (R) 1560 Newark Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 E ______•BOGGS, JERRY (R) 203-A Linden Ave., South Point, OH 45680 vCHRISTOPHER, CHRIS C. 343 Kenlock S.E, Lot 66, Grand Rapids, •EBY, PAUL & MARTHA (R) P.O. Box 100441, Nashville, TN 37210 BOHANNON, WILLIAM. (R) 542 Maple St., East Alton, IL 62024 Ml 49508 •EDWARDS, BOBBY (R) 1080 Jameson Ct. New Castle, IN 47362 •BOICOURT, MARU. (R) 1413 Willow Dr., Olathe, KS 66062 CLARK, RON. (R) 1522 Hwy. 261, Newburgh, IN 47630 EDWARDS, CHARLES. (C) 19924 Teresa Way, Cerritos, CA 90701 ♦BOND, GARY t BETH. (C) 410 S. Clay St., Sturgis, Ml 49091 VCLAH D. E 400 S. Edgewood Rd, Box 142, Mount Vernon, OH •EIFERT, FRANK i JO. (R) 18424 Dakota Rd, Odessa, F I 33554 BOQUIST, DOUG i DEBBIE. (R) c/o 16001 Glen Rd., Mount Vernon, 43050 vEMRICK, C. ROSS. 8000 M-68, Alanson, Ml 49706 OH 43050 vCLAY M. E. P.O. Box 526, S t Marys, OH 45885 ♦ESSELBURN, A. C. BUD. (C) The Kings Messengers, 28241 S.R. •BOUGH, ALICE. (R) 638 Oxford, Valparaiso, IN 46383 V CLIFT, NORVIE O. 25440 Guitta Ct, Hemet, CA 92344 60 N, Warsaw, OH 43844 BOWDEN, AL (C) 6760 Belfast Ave., Cocoa, FL 32927 •COBB, BILL 1 TERRI. (R) P.O. Box 761, Bethany, OK 73008 EVERMAN, WAYNE. (R) 109 Cox St, Box 377, Stanton, KY 40380 •BOWERS, LUCILLE. (C) 701 N. Buchanan, Little Rock, AR 72205 ♦COFFEY REV. i MRS. RUSSELL E. (C) 1841 128th Ave, Hopkins, BOYNTON, RICHARD. (C) 6312 E. 98th St, Fishers, IN 46038 Ml 49328 F ______♦FADER, WES I MARY. (C) Quail Ridge Dr, Rte. 3, Box 310, (C) Commissioned (R) Registered ♦Preacher & Song Evangelist •Song Evangelist Salisbury, MD 21801 VRetired Elders in Evangelism vFARLOW, T. J. Box 1145, Robertsdale, AL 36567 ‘Evangelism Ministries, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131 v FARRIS, A. A. 1503 Orchard Ct, Science Hill, KY 42553 FAULK, A. RAY. (C) HC 67, Box 872, Many, LA 71449 An adequate budget for evangelism at the beginning of each church year is imperative fo r each congregation. •FELKNER, MR. i MRS. BUTCH. (R) 173 Heartz, Coppell, TX 75019 A revival savings account is useful in building toward adequate support fo r the evangelist. •FIGHTMASTER, ANTHONY. (R) 198 Convent Bourbonnais, IL 60914 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

vFILES, GLORIA R. 1102 N. Peniel Ave., Avon Park, FL 33825 HICKS, JOHN DAVID. (C) 240 Daniels St, McMinnville, OR 97128 ♦LIDDELL R L k JUNE. (C) 3530 W. Allen Rd, Howell, Ml 48843 v FISHER, CLAIR H. RD 1,103 Valley View Rd., Phoenixville, PA ♦HIGGINS, CHUCK k MARGE. (C) c/o Biltmore Church of the LINN, HERMAN. (R) Rte. 6, Box 178, New Castle, IN 47362 19460 Nazarene, 5604 N. 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016 vLISTON, CLARENCE D. P.O. Box 23576, Tuscon, AZ 85734 vFISHER, C. WILLIAM. No. 1, Antigua a , Coronado, CA 92118 vHILDIE, DWAYNE W. 3323 Belaire, Cheyenne, WY 82001 vLITTLE, HAROLD N. 7045 S.W. Hyland Way, Beaverton, OR 97005 FLETCHER, RAY (R) Box 6225, Elgin, OK 73538 VHILU WILLIAM G. k KATHRYN. 6600 Hitler Rd, No. 2. Circleville, LOHR, DONALD. (C) P.O. Box 7056, Charleston, WV 25356 FLINT, ROBERT. (R) 11388 Rte. 36, Marysville, OH 43040 OH 43113 LOMAN, LANE. (C) 137 Timber Ridge Dr., Nashville, TN 37217 FORTNER, ROBERT E. (C) Box 322, Carmi, IL 62821 vHINKLE, FRED C. Rte. 1, Box 102, Tishomingo, OK 73460 •LORENZEN, LINDA. (C) Rte. 3, Box 231 A, Blanchester, OH 45107 FOSTER, A. D. (R) 1017 N. 20th St., St. Joseph, MO 64501 HINES, RAYMOND L (R) Box 114, Nocatee, FL 33864 LOUGHRIDGE, WILLIAM. (R) Rte. 2, Box 38, Wister OK 74966 VFOSTER, HALLIEk MARTHA. P.O. Box 375, Stonington, IL 62567 •HISE, RON. (R) 2035 Hancock, Demotte, IN 46310 LOVE, ROBERT. (R) 6425 Nanette, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 vFOSTER, J. R 1805 N. Union, Decatur, IL 62526 HOECKLE, WESLEY W. (R) 642 Vaky, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 •LOVING, BECKY. (R) 1101 S. Park Rd, Texarkana, TX 75503 •FOSTER, MARY. (R) 1805 N. Union, Decatur, IL 62526 HOLDER, SYBIL (R) 249 Winthrop St, Brooklyn, NY 11225 vLOWN, ALBERT J. c/o General Secretary’s Office FOSTER, STEVEN C. (R) P.O. Box 11,124 S. Elm, Troy, OH 45373 HOLLOWELL JERRY. (R) P.O. Box 2, Paris, TX 75460 LYBARGER, EVERETT. (C) P.O. Box 1534, Conway, AR 72032 VFOWLER, IRA E. Rte. 3, Box 345, Hollywood, MD 20636 HOLSINGER, MARK. (C) 9231 E. Aero Dr, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 FRANK, RICHARD A. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' HOLSTEIN, J. TED. (R) 11619 Hanover Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45240 M ______•FRASER, WILMA. (R) 305 High St, Brilliant, OH 43913 HOOTS, BOB. (C) 309 Adair St, Columbia, KY 42728 FREEMAN, MARY ANN. (R) P.O. Box 129, Gas City, IN 46933 •HORNE, ROGER k BECKY. (R) P.O. Box 17496, Nashville, TN 37217 MACK, WILLIAM M. (C) 106 Youpon Dr, Hubert, NC 28539 FREY, DENNIS. (R) 291 Avant, Hazelwood, MO 63042 vHOUSE, JOHN W. 2503 Division St, No. 200, North Little Rock, AR MADDEN, JOSEPH. (R) 704 Golden Arrow Dr, Miamisburg, OH 45342 •FREY, DONALD. (R) The Frey Family, 509 Sturgis Ave., Sturgis, Ml 72114 •MADDOX, HOMER k MARTHA. (R) 1917 Wiikens St, Indianapolis. 49091 vHOWARD, DICK. 7901 N.W. 28th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 IN 46221 vFRODGE, HAROLD. Rte. 1, Getf. IL 62842 HUBARTT, LEONARD. (R) 8612 Timbermill PI, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 •MAHANEY, PATRICIA. (R) 115 Elm Ave, No. 4, Quincy, MA 02170 FULKS, DAVID, JR. (R) 9430 Cleveland, No. 124, Kansas City, MO HUBBARD, JEFFIE. (R) 3213 W. Ave. T, Temple, TX 76504 vMANGUM, PAUL D. 416 Ivy St, Nampa. ID 83651 64132 HUGHES, JOYCE. (C) 4524 Ashland City Hwy, Clarksville, TN 37043 MANLEY, STEPHEN k DELPHINE. (C) Box 522, Upland, IN 46989 vFULTON, CECIL 6413 Gateridge Cir., Garland, TX 75043 HUNDLEY, JOHN D. (C) P.O. Box 764, Nashville, GA 31639 ♦MANN, THURL S MARY KAY (C) 90 Sycamore Ln, Fort Myers, FL vHURRY, CECIL P. P.O. Box 667, Lynn, IN 47355 33908 G VMARLIN, BENJAMIN F. P.O. Box 5572, Deltona, FL 32728 I ______vMARSH, A. MILTON. Box 234, Remington, IN 47977 •GABEL, JIM. (R) 5028 Burma Rd. W, Mobile, AL 36609 vMARTIN, LEON. Rte. 3, Box 242A, Bonham, TX 75418 vGADBOW, CLINTON. 1207 S. 2nd St., Marshalltown, IA 50158 ♦ICE, CHARLES k BETTY. (R) 702 S. Malcolm, Chanute, KS 6 6 7 2 0 vMARTINE, SHEPPIE. P.O. Box 184, Ramah, NM 87321 GADBOW, DONALD C. (R) 49 Julie Ln., S t Peters, MO 63376 VIDE, CHARLES. 114 Kingsway Rd, Brandon, FL 33510 MATTER, DAN k ANN. (R) 2617 Carew St. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 GALVEZ, MARCO. (R) 316 N. Lincoln (Rear), Barnesville, OH 43713 INGLAND, WILMA JEAN. (R) 1170 Princeton Rd, Monroeville, PA vMAY, JOHN. Rte. 1, Box 17-SG, Colliers, WV 26035 GAMBLIN, C. LEE 4 WILMA. (R) 613 Ellis Ave., P.O. Box 1245, 15146 •MAYNARD, WAYNE. (R) 1830 'E' St, Bedford, IN 47421 Ottumwa, IA 52501 J ______MAYO, CLIFFORD. (C) P.O. Box 345, Dickens, TX 79229 GARDNER, JOHN M. (C) 4102 Carlisle Rd., Lakeland, FL 33813 vMAZE, KENNETH, Rte. 9, Box 102, Parkersburg, WV 26101 GAWTHORP, WAYLAND. (C) Rte. 1, Box 97AA, Crowley, LA 70526 JACK, GLORIA JEANNE. (R) 701 Kenwood Dr, Russell, KY 41169 McADAMS, DOUGLAS D. (R) Rte. 4, Box 140-D, Huntsville, AR 72740 VGERBIG, BERNICE ROEDEL. 315 N. 8th St., Boonville, IN 47601 •JACKSON, PAUL k TRISH. (C) Jetstream Ministries, Box 739, ♦McCALLIE, JAMES. (R) Rte. 6, Box 254, Columbus, IN 47201 •GESSNER, DON SHIRL (C) 103 N. 8th St., Sunbury, PA 17801 Meade, KS 67864 k McCANDLESS, MARION L (C) P.O. Box 97. Midway City, CA 92655 vGHOLSON, LAWRENCE. 2918 Berkshire Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150 JACKSON, THOMAS. (R) Rte. 1, Box 242, Flemingsburg, KY 41041 McCARTY, DONALD. (R) P.O. Box 1561, Sitka, AK 99835 GIBSON, NORRIS. (C) Tobie S Company, Rte. 1, Box 385, Manchester, vJAMES, R. ODIS. 323 Winter St, St. James, MO 65559 McCOOL EARL (C) 1331 N. Iowa, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 GA 31816 JANTZ, ORLANDO. (R) HCR1, Box 185, Minneola, KS 67865 MCDONALD, CHARLIE E. (C) 920 W. Olive St, West Monroe, LA GOLAY, GEORGE. (R) 4450 Midway Dr. N.W., Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 ♦JANTZ-OWENS, MARJORIE. (C) P.O. Box 6864, Kokomo, IN 71291 GOODWIN, LESLIE. (R) 12181 Rich, Loveland, OH 45140 46904-6864 v MCDONALD, G. RAY. 720 Carroll Wood Village, Apt. 305, Gretna. •GORDON, BOB. (C) 1628 Rutland Dr., No. 21, Austin, TX 78758-6003 JAYMES, RICHARD W. (R) 617 W. Gambier, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 LA 70056 •GORMAN, CHARLES AND ANN. (R) 12104 Linkwood Ct, Louisville. •JEFFRIES, JEFF k JAN (R) 21308 120th St, Apt. B, Bonney Lake, vMcDOWELL DORIS M. 540 Sierra Madre Blvd.. No. 6, Sierra KY 40229 WA 98390 Madre, CA 91024 GOULD, LOREN W. (C) 4479 Hialeah Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23464 vJENNINGS, LEON. 7107 N.W. 30th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 McELFRESH, RONALD. (C) 1964 Osage Cir., Olathe, KS 66062 ♦GRABKE, RONALD k MARTHA. (C) 225 Pleasantview Dr., Brain­ vJENNINGS, PAUL R. 722 N.W. 32nd, Lawton, OK 73505 vMcELVEEN, ROUND T. 667 Powell St, Rock Hill, SC 29730 tree, MA 02184 •JEWETT, LARRY k PATRICIA. (R) 1441 Robin Hood Dr, Seymour, McGEE, JERRY. (C) 3115 Goldmine Rd, Monroe, NC 28110 vGRANT, COOLIDGE. P.O. Box 31, Glens Fork, KY 42741 IN 47274-1949 McGUFFEY, JAMES. (R) 1580 Cape Charles Ct, Cicero, IN 46034 vGRAY, C. PAUL. 4016 Riverside Dr., Bethany, OK 73008 JOHNSON, ALBERT. (R) Rte. 2, Box 217, Kenbridge, VA 23944 •McKINNON, JUANITA. (C) Box 126, Institute. WV 25112 ♦GREEN, JIM k ROSEMARY (C) Box 385, Canton, IL 61520 JOHNSON, BOB. (R) 3135 Oro Blanco, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 •McMAHAN, W. T k MARGARET. (R) 1015 E. Southport Rd, •GREEN, SHARON. (R) The Gospel Sounds, P.O. Box 66, Lithopolis, v JOHNSON, COMER, P.O. Box 668, Excel, AL 36439 Indianapolis, IN 46227 OH 43136-0066 JOHNSON, DONALD EUGENE. (R) Box 196, Ogden, IL 61859 vMcVEY, V. L 173 E. 2nd St, Fond du Lac, Wl 54935-4463 GRIBBEN, GEORGE. (R) Longvue Dr., W in te rs *, OH 43952 •JOHNSON, RON. (C) 3208 Eighth St. E, Lewiston, ID 83501 McWHIRTER, STUART. (C) P.O. Box 458, Corydon, IN 47112 GRIMES, ANDY (C) Andrew Evangelistic Ministries, 110 Copperfield V JONES, BERT. 1926 Lakeside Dr, Erie, PA 16511 vMEADOWS, NAOMI C. 2626 Washington Ave, Lot 65, Vincennes, Dr., Chillicothe, OH 45601 JONES, GRACE L (C) P.O. Box 251, Leming, TX 78050 IN 47591 GRIMM, HUGH. (R) 5845 Kentview Ave. N.W., North Canton, OH 44720 ♦JONES, TERRY k LAQUITA. (C) 2002 Judy Ln, Pasadena, TX vMEEK, WESLEY E. 5713 S. Shartel, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 GRIMSHAW, MICHAEL E. (R) 1307 Wheaton Way, No. 307, Bremer­ 77502 MEENACH, CHRIS. (R) Rte. 2, Box 80A, Franklin Furnace, OH 45629 ton, WA 98310 •JONTE, JOHN. (R) 3905 N.W. 56th PI, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 •MEHR, BETHANY. (R) Box 37, South Lyon, Ml 48178 •GRINDLEY, GERALD & JANICE. (R) 414 W. Oliver, Owosso, Ml JORDAN, JOSEPH R. (C) 42 W. Hunter St, Logan, OH 43138 •MELICK, RANDY. (R) 8705 Countryshire, No. 1, Kansas City, MO 48867 ♦JUSTICE, MEL k DONNA. (C) 142 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 64138 GROSSMITH, FREDERICK. (C) 4 S t Helliers Rd., Cleethorpes, MELVIN, DOLORES. (C) HC 60, Box 224, Greenup. KY 41144 England DN35 7LQ K ______•MEREDITH, DWIGHT k NORMA JEAN. (C) 315 E. 8th St, Box 1, GROVES, C. WILLIAM. (C) 3986 Cypress Ave., Grove City, OH 43123 KEENA, EARL. (C) 2160 D St, Oroville, CA 95966 Harper, KS 67058 GUNTER, WILLIAM. (R) 12609 29th PI. W, Everett, WA 98204 KEETO, MARSHALL (R) P.O. Box 158, Mentmore, NM 87319 MERRILL ROGER E. (R) R.R. 2, Box 20. North Berwick, ME 03906 KELLER, GREGORY. (R) P.O. Box 4322, Morgantown, WV 26504 vMEYER, VIRGIL k DOROTHY. 3112 Willow Oak Dr, Fort Wayne, IN H ______VKELLY, R. B. 4706 N. Donald, Bethany, OK 73008 46809 •HAAS, MR. k MRS. V. WAYNE. (C) 3508 S. 10th St, New Castle, IN •KIDDER, KERMIT. (R) 516 Flamingo Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803 ♦MICKEY BOB. (C) 504 N. Sixth, Lamar, CO 81052 47362 ♦KIZZEE, JOHN. (R) Rte. 2, Box 65-C, Junction City, KS 66441 MILBURN, GARY (R) P.O. Box 475, Braddock Heights, MD 21714 ♦HAINES, GARY. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' vKNIGHT, JOHN L 4000 N. Thompkins, Bethany, OK 73008 MILEY, TROY J. (R) 102 Nazarene Dr, South Charleston, WV 25309 HALL, CARL N. (C) P.O. Box 7086, Clearwater, FL 33518 KOHR, CHARLES A. (C) Rte. 2, Box 360, Brookville, PA 15825 VMILLER, BERNARD F. 514 E. Crawford St, Van Wert, OH 45891 HALL, DAVID. (R) 3220 N. Wildan, Springfield, MO 65803 VKONKLE, DONALD A. 2908 Moore Rd, Anderson, IN 46011 vMILLER, NETTIE A. 1313 14th St., Apt 801, Columbus, GA 31994 VHALL, HADLEY A. 2105 Juniper Dr, Plant City, FL 33566 KONKLE, MiCHAEL C. (R) 409 S. Franklin, Parker City, IN 47368 VMILLER, PAULINE 0 .307 S. Delaware St, Mount Gilead, OH 43338 HAMBLIN, MERLE E. (R) 2616 Fairfield Ave, Kalamazoo. Ml 49004 vKRATZER, RAYMOND C. 4305 Snow Mountain Rd, Yakima, WA MILLER, RICHARD S. (R) 2727 Sugar Tree Rd, Bethel, OH 45106 HANCOCK, TIM (R) 416 S. Edgewood Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 98908 MILLHUFF, CHUCK. (C) Box 160, Olathe, KS 66061 •HANKINS, GEORGE W. (C) 3 E. Buttonwood St, Wenonah, NJ •KRAUTER, DARREN. (R) 10132 Lake Oak Cir, Tampa, FL 33624 MILLS, CARUON A. (C) P.O. Box 260728, Tampa, FL 33685-0728 08090 L ______vMITCHUM, C. R. 1225 Rockport Rd, Apt 342, Boonville, IN 47601 VHARCOURT, HAROLD C. 1301 Newbury Dr, Norman, OK 73071 •MOATS, MARILYN. (R) 617 W. Oak St, Carmi, IL 62821 HARRINGTON, MILTON. (R) 4005 Little Rock Dr, North Highlands, CA LAING, GERALD k MARCINE. (C) 11436 East St, Vicksburg. Ml vMODESITT, BRUCE. 1114 Henley St, Decherd, TN 37324 95660 49097 ♦MONCK, JIM. (C) 971 Madrone Ave, Chico, CA 95926 HARRISON, ROBERT. (R) 7215 Acacia, Leander, TX 78641 VLAMBERT, J. WILMER. 710 Chaffin Ridge, Columbus, OH 43214 MOONEY, MARCUS LEE. (R) 5762 S.E. Windsong Ln, Stuart, FL vHAWKINS, RAY. 1615 Kickapoo, Pueblo, CO 81001 ♦LaSALLE, RAY k JAN. (C) P.O. Box 350, Fort Scott, KS 66701 34997 HAYES, ALVIN B. (R) 15812 W. 129th St, Olathe, KS 66062 LAWSON, WAYNE. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' •MOORE, GARY. (R) 14915 Quivira Rd, Olathe, KS 66062 HAYNE, JAMES S. (C) 1917 E. Whitton, Phoenix, AZ 85016 LAXSON, KIP. (C) 675 Harding PI, G-6, Nashville, TN 37211 MOORE, NORMAN. (C) Box 1630, Chandler, AZ 85244 HAYNES, CHARLES k MYRT. (C) P.O. Box 3563, Cleveland, TN •LAXSON, WALLY k GINGER. (C) Rte. 3, Box 118, Athens, AL 35611 MOORE, RUDOLPH. (C) P.O. Box 56, Fortville, IN 46040 37320-3563 •LAYCOCK, ERIC L (R) 146 Wendover Dr, Hamilton, ON L9C 5X5 MORGAN, EARL L (R) ONU, Box 6115, Kankakee, IL 60901-0592 HEATON, K. D. (C) 14 Martinsburg Rd, Apt. A, Mount Vernon, OH CANADA MORLEY, FRANK. (C) 4080 Pedley Rd, No. 151, Riverside. CA 92509 43050 LEAF, JOHN D. (R) Rte. 1, Box 300, Dover, OH 44622 MORRIS, CLYDE. (C) 101 Bryant Lake Rd, Cross Lanes, WV 25313 HECKATHORN, JIM. (R) 713 Lake Lowell Ave, Nampa. ID 83686 ♦LECKRONE, LARRY. (C) 403 E. Main, Morenci, Ml 49256 MORRIS, JAMES. (R) 141 Dutch Rd, Charleston, WV 25302 ♦HELMS, MIKE k GLORIA. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' LEFFEL ROBERT L (R) Rte. 13, Box 573, Fayetteville, AR 72701 MORSCH, J. V. (R) 9924 Bay Vista Ests. Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 VHENDERSHOT, HARVEY. Rte. 4, Lakeview Dr, Mount Juliet TN LEIDY, ARNOLD G. (C) P.O. Box 124, Moriarty, NM 87035 MOSER, THOMAS W. (R) 555 Barts Church Rd, Hanover, PA 17331 37122 LEMASTER, BENJAMIN D. (R) 813 N. Tyler Dr, Santa Maria. CA •MOSGROVE, REED. (R) 2155 Third Ave. N, S t Petersburg, FL vHENDERSON, LATTIE. 3006 Liberty Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406 93454 33713-8005 vHERMON, THOMAS M. 936 Ave. T S.E, Winter Haven, FL 33880 vLEONARD, J. C. 1410 Armory, Chariton, IA 50049 •MURPHY MARK. (R) 410 S. Clay St. Sturgis. Ml 49091 v HESTER, JAMES C. 1 Red Oak Ct, Mansfield, TX 76063 LEONARD, LARRY L (R) 13202 Moran Dr, Tampa, FL 33618 ♦MYERS, HAROLD k MRS. (C) 575 Ferris N.W, Grand Rapids, Ml vHICKE, S. F 4923 Forest Ct, Oak Forest, IL 60452 V LESTER, FRED R. 7404 Ed Rice, Mesa, AZ 85208 49504 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

RUSSELL DOUGLAS J. (R) 3644116th Ave, Edmonton, AB T5W 0W6 v THRASHER, OREN 0. 2414 High Pine Dr, Louisville, KY 40214 N ______CANADA •TINSLEY, MARVIN k DENISE. (C) Rte. 1. Box 215A, Waldron. IN NAJARIAN, BERGE k DORIS. (R) P.O. Box 50904, Fort Myers, FL vRUSSELL J. REYNDAL 3809 San Ramon Dr, Arlington, TX 76013 46182 33905 VTOLBERT, WILLIAM A. P.O. Box 85-7935, Port St Lucie, FL 33485 vNASH, FORREST. 725 W. Cedar, Olathe, KS 66061 ♦TOOLEY, JIM. (C) 2108 Burlington Rd, Rte. 4, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 NASH, JACK W. (R) 8840 Oakdale Ave., Northridge, CA 91324 s______•TRAMMEL JERRY. (R) 21 Stanwood Loop, North Little Rock, AR •NAYLOR, EDWARD. (R) 6 Rubydale Gardens, Weston, ON M 9L1B3 SCHMELZENBACH, DENNIS R. (R) 1713 N. Glade Ave, Bethany, OK 72118 CANADA 73008 TRIPP, HOWARD. (C) 4218 Lazaid St, Chattanooga, TN 37412 •NEFF LARRY k PAT. (C) 625 N. Water St., Owosso, Ml 48867 SCHMIDT, MILFORD. (R) Rte. 3, Box 268, Clinton, MO 64735 •TRISSEL MARY A. (R) Rte. 3, Box 359L Wildwood, FL 32785 vNEES, L GUY. 181 Lawrence Ln., Kalispell, MT 59901 SCHWOB, WAYNE. (R) 1823 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516 TRISSEL PAUL J. (R) 117 Avenida del Fuego, Belen, NM 87002 NEWTON, DANIEL (R) P.O. Box 323, Fairland, IN 46126 SCOTT, SR., DR. WILLIS R. (C) 1000 Lake of the Woods Blvd., No. vTRUE, IRA L. 500 W. Santa Maria, No. 77, Santa Paula, CA 93060 NEWTON, TYREE. (R) 4326 Briarwood Dr., Richmond, VA 23234 F-203, Fern Park, FL 32730 TSO, ALVIN. (C) P.O. Box 1541, Page, AZ 86040-1541 NEWTON, VIRGINIA R. (R) 1810 26th St. E, Chattanooga, TN 37407 •SCRIVNER, VICKIE. (R) 5818 Floyd, Overland Park, KS 66202 TUCKER, RALPH WILLIAM. (R) R.R. 1, Box 55, Woodbine, IA 51579 vSELF ERWIN. 11397 Main St, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 TURNER, BEVERLY (R) 709 Holbrook, Lebanon, OH 45036 0 ______•SEMRAN, KIM k CINDY. (R) 3465 N. Van Dyke Rd, Filion, Ml 48432 ♦TURNOCK, J. JAMES. (R) Rte. 1, Box 365, A-1, Williamsport MD SEXTON, JACK A. (R) 2615 Ontario St, Cincinnati, OH 45231 21795 vOLIVER, L S. 5115 N. Carefree Cir, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 SEYMOUR, J. KEVIN. (R) 97 Grant, Newark, OH 43055 V OLIVER, W. CHARLES, c/o Kansas District Office, 1919 N. Amidon, •SHADE, HAZEL (R) P.O. Box 24368, Huber Heights, OH 45424 u______Suite 220, Wichita, KS 67203 SHANK, JOHN H. (R) 2204 Braeburn E. Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46219 ONEY HOBERT. (R) 3832 Chah Dr, Zephyrhills, FL 34248 VULMET, ALECK. 63 Hope Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72714 •SHARP, ALBERT. (C) 8760 W. Adams Rd, Elwell, Ml 48832 UMSTEAD, CLAIR E (R) P.O. Box 7, East Charleston, VT 05833 OVERTON, BILL k DOT. (C) Family Evangelists and Chalk Artist c/o SHARP, R. H. (R) Rte. 2, Rock Falls, IL 61071 Evangelism Ministries' •SHEPHERD, WILEY (R) 1324 Gen. MacArthur Dr, Brentwood, TN OWENS, DENNY G. (C) 6802 N.W. 45th, Bethany, OK 73008 37027 V ♦OYLER, CALVIN k VIRGINIA. (C) P.O. Box 727, Wellsville, KS 66092 •SHIREY, DWIGHT. (C) 38092 Butcher Rd, Leetonia, OH 44431 WARCE, PAUL H. 621 2nd Ave. N.W, Waverly, IA 50677 SICKENBERGER, ARDEN. (R) 3803 W. Walnut, Yakima, WA 98902 •VERTREES, MARK S. (R) Rte. 1, Box 152, Cunningham, TN 37052 P ______•SIMMONS, IRVIN. (R) 3216 N. Peniel, Bethany, OK 73008 VIARS, V. DALE (R) 5896 Karen Ave, Largo, FL 34644 PALMER, NORMAN. (R) 200 W. Branigan Rd, Franklin, IN 46131 SIMPSON, EDWIN C. (R) 10 Wimbledon Way, Tabernacle, NJ 08081 •VICE, MARK. (R) 315 "S' St, Bedford, IN 47421 VPARIS, WENDELL O. P.O. Box 159, Henryetta, OK 74437 vSISK, IVAN L. P.O. Box 17555, San Diego, CA 92117 VPARSONS, T. O. 4025 Gossett Dr, Wichita Falls, TX 76308 vSMITH, C. HASTINGS. Box 937, Bethany, OK 73008 vPASSMORE, A. A. Passmore Evangelistic Party, P.O. Box 202, vSMITH, DOYLE. Rte. 2, Box 1050, Wrightsville, GA 31096 w______Snydertown, PA 17877 ♦SMITH, DUANE. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' •WADE, E. BRUCE. (R) 3029 Sharpview Ln, Dallas, TX 75228 •PASSMORE, DOROTHY. (C) P.O. Box 202, Snydertown, PA 17877 SMITH, GEORGE E, (R) 9378 Watson Rd, Wolverine, Ml 49799 •WALKER, BRIAN & DEBI. (R) P.O. Box 25964, Colorado Springs, CO vSMITH, HAROLD ORPHA. 3711 Germania Rd, Snover, M l PATTERSON, ROBERT & FRANCES. (R) 373 Richlandtown Pk, k 80936 Quakerlown, PA 18951 4 8 4 7 2 •WALKER, REV. k MRS. EARL J. (R) 3650 Roswell Dr, Columbus, •SMITH, JERRY it BETH. (R) 3629 A Helen Ln, East Ridge, TN 37412 PAYNE, DAVID. (R) 2710 Maroon Bells Ave., Colorado Springs, CO OH 43227 ♦SMITH, LARRY. (C) 547 Kiely Blvd., No. 4, San Jose, CA 95117 80918 vWALKER, LAWRENCE k LAVONNA. Rte. 1, Box 368 B. Interlachen, VSMITH, EUGENE It LANORA. The Singing Smiths, 205 Drayton St., PEAL DONALD. (C) P.O. Box 518, Rowlett TX 75088 FL 32148 ♦PENDLETON, JOHN. (R) 1116 S.W. 72nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73139 Winnsboro, SC 29180 vWALLACE, J. C. P.O. Box 2183, Plant City, FL 33566 vSMITH, OTTIS. 60 Grant St, Tidioute, PA 16351 PERDUE, NELSON. (C) 1559 Grimes Ave, Urbana, OH 43078 WALTON, JAMES. (R) 203 E. Bond, Patoka, IL 62875 •SMITH, RICKY STERLING k JOANN. (R) Rte. 2, Box 786, Hawkins, PFEIFER, DON. (C) Evangelistic Team, 661 S.R. 220, Piketon, OH •WARD, DAVID. (R) 6900 Stillmore Dr, Englewood, OH 45322-3746 TX 75765 45661 WARNER, C. LEROY. (C) Rte. 1, Box 396-116, Paradise Palms Tri Ct, SNELLGROVE, HENRY G. (R) 3587 Thornhill Dr, Jacksonville, FL PFEIFER, MARK. (C) 910 Briar Ave, Washington Court House, OH Dover, FL 33527 32211 43160 vWARNOW, ROBERT E. 701 Grand Ave, Rear Apt, Aliquippa, PA SNYDER, BILL G. (R) 9935 Columbus-Cincinnati Rd, South vPHILLIPS, JACK. 7328 Yarberry Ln, Little Rock, AR 72209 15001 Charleston, OH 45368 PHILPOT, LARRY. (R) 117 Kay Dr, Middletown, OH 45042 VWATKINS, FRANK. P.O. Box 715, Banning, CA 92220 SOMMER, MICHAEL. (R) Mesa Ministries, 6416 Harris, Raytown, MO PHIPPS, TILLIE. (R) Rte. 2, Box 477, Oxford, MS 38655 vWATSON, LOY. 3412 N. Flamingo Ave, Bethany, OK 73008 64133 ♦PICKERING, ROLAND. (R) Box 160102, Altamonte Springs, FL WEBB, SHARON. (R) P.O. Box 61, Waco, KY 40385 SOUTHERLAND, SAMUEL. (R) 1841 Trimble Rd, Melbourne, FL 32716-0102 WEBSTER, KENNETH. (R) 5608 G Villas Cir, Montgomery, AL 36116 32934 •PIERCE, CATHERINE. (C) 1427 Meitzler St, Danville, IL 61832 •WELCH, MRS. DARLENE. (R) 8302 Laverne Dr, Louisville, KY 40299 SPARKS, JONATHAN D. (R) 11323 S. W. 165th Terr., Miami, FL 33157 vPITTENGER, CLAUDE E. 2027 Woodhue Dr, Spring, TX 77386 vWELCH, FRANCES M. 10338 Carreta Ct, Santee, CA 92071 ♦SPEARS, DAN. (C) Visual Ministries, Rte. 5, Box 400, Conway, AR PITTENGER, TWYLA. (R) 413 N. Bowman St, Mansfield. OH 44903 ♦WELLS, GENE k NANCY (C) Rte. 1, Box 174B, Thompsonville, IL POSEY, WARREN. (C) 433 Monroe St, Fortville, IN 46040 72032 62890 VPOTTER, HAROLD J. 2926 Randa Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34235 •SPEER, BROCK. (C) The Speer Family, 5318 Anchorage Dr, WELLS, LINARD. (C) P.O. Box 531527, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-1527 Nashville, TN 37204 ♦POWELL FRANK. (R) 13579 Colter Rd, Caldwell, ID 83605 WESLEY, E. RUTH. (R) Rte. 1, Box 143, Springport IN 47386 STALLINGS, RICHARD. (R) 1708 Plum Creek, DeSoto, TX 75115 VPRICE, JACK L P.O. Box 395, Waxhaw, NC 28173 vWEST, EDNA M. 130 S. Front St, No. 1512, Sunbury, PA 17801 STANIFORTH, KEN. (C) 44566 3rd St. East Lancaster, CA 93535 ♦PRICE, JOHN. (C) Rte. 4, Box 326-1, Muldrow, OK 74948 WHEELER, FREDERICK F. (R) 3814 Barnard Ave, Kalamazoo. Ml VSTANLEY, HARRY T. 1111 Highgate St, Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 v PRICE, ROSS E. 1540 Hiawatha Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80915 49008 •STANTON, TED DONNA. (R) P.O. Box 722, Sarasota, FL 34230 •PRINTUP, JUANITA. (R) 1207 Scott Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46807 k WHEELOCK, GEORGE E. (R) P.O. Box 126, Petersburg, IL 62675 STARK, EDDIE. (C) 6906 N.W. 36th, Bethany, OK 73008 PURSLEY, PHILIP. (R) 3345 S. Fork Terrace Rd, Glasgow, KY 42141 •WHITE, JANIE. (C) Rte. 2, Box 775, Hawkins, TX 75765 STEENSLAND, JUDITH. (R) 1608 Clark, Ames, IA 50010 vPUTNAM, ROBERT E. 319 Humphrey St, Dracut MA 01826 •WHITWORTH, MARCUS k DONNA. (C) 1513 W. Santa Fe, Olathe, STEVENSON, GEORGE. (C) 4021 Pebble Dr S.E, Roanoke, VA 24014 •PYLES, RICK. (R) 309 N. 7th St, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351 KS 66061 •STEWART, HARRY. (R) 2058 Camden Ct, Huntington, IN 46750 WILCOX, WALTER. (C) Rte. 2, O'Leary, P.E.I. COB 1V0 CANADA STEWART, ORVILLE. (R) R.R. 2, Box 658A, Hawesville, KY 42348 WILDER, EDD. (R) 3859 Hazelwood, Muskegon, Ml 49444 Q------•STONE, LOIS. (R) 618 N. Lockwood, Chicago, IL 60644 vWILKINSON, LLOYD. 2840 1 8th St, Columbus, IN 47201 •QUALLS, MAE. (R) 5441 Lake Jessamine Dr, Orlando, FL 32809 ♦STONE, PAUL. (R) Lakeland Manor, Shell Lake, Wl 54871 •WILKINSON, MARGARET. (R) 2840 1 8th St, Columbus, IN 47201 STREET, DAVID. (C) Rte. 1, Ramsey, IN 47166 WILLERSON, BILLY. (R) 1113 Cambell Ct, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 R ______STRICKLAND, DICK. (C) 1141 Woodhaven Ct, Springfield, OH 45503 WILLIAMS, C. PHILIP (R) 259 W. 5th St, Winona, MN 55987 SULLIVAN, DAVID P. (R) P.O. Box 1836, Ashland, KY 41105-1836 RADEBAUGH, B. D. (R) 1608 S. College, Tulsa, OK 74104 vWILLIAMS, E. VERBAL. 4925 Cypress Garden Rd, Lot 22, Winter •SUMWALT, JOSEPH k VIRGINIA. (R) Box 8, Warren, IN 46792 vRAKER, W. C. Rte. 1. Box 213, Lewistown, IL 61542 Haven, FL 33880 SUTTON, BILL. (R) PO. Box 164, Bamberg, SC 29003 VREAZIN, LAURENCE k LEONE. P.O. Box 130162, Tyler, TX 74713 •WILLIAMS, EILEEN. (R) 21 Robert E. Lee Ln, West Chester OH V SWANSON, ROBERT L 1102 Glenwood Dr, Yukon, OK 73099 REED, DOROTHY. (C) P.O. Box 814, Hannibal, MO 63401 45069 REED, SHERMAN R. (C) 1232 Oakwood Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46260 WILLIAMS, LAWRENCE. (C) 6715 N.W. 30th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 REID, JR., DOUG. (R) 15453 Landon Rd, Gulfport MS 39503 T ______WILLIAMS, R. T„ JR. (R) 326 Elmington Ave, Nashville, TN 37205 RICHARDS, JERRY. (R) 612 N. Grant, Chanute, KS 66720 •TACKETT, GAYLE. (R) 4832 Taylorsville Rd, Huber Heights, OH WILSON, ARNO. (R) 3918 State Rte. 46, West Harrison, IN 47060 •RICHARDS, LARRY k PHYLLIS. (C) 2310 Appleton Dr, Indianapolis, 45424 •WILSON, CHARLES. (R) 909 S.W. 45th, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 IN 46227 TAYLOR, BOB. (C) Box 669, Dayton, OH 45409 •WILSON, J. BARRY. (R) Rte. 1, Box 182R, Temple, TX 76501 RICHARDSON, KEN. (C) 1621 31st St, A, Moline, IL 61265 TAYLOR, BOBBY L (R) Evangelistic Team, Rte. 1, 477-B32, South WILSON, RONALD. (R) 421 College Hill Ave, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 RICKEY, HOWARD. (C) 1827 Stone Rd, Xenia, OH 45385 Shore, KY 41175 •WISNER, ALMA. (R) 7900 Salem St, Rte. 4, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 VRIFFLE, BRADY 0 . 4154 Bowman Hill Rd, Huntington, WV 25701 TAYLOR, CLIFF (C) Family Evangelist, E. 619 32nd Ave, Spokane, WA VWITHROW, JAMES. P.O. Box 4424, Charleston, WV 25364 RISNER, SUSAN L (R) 6610 Brooklyn, Kansas City, MO 64132 99203 WOFFORD, DAVID L (R) 118 Fairdale Rd, Albertville, AL 35950 ROBERTSON, IAN. (R) 236 E. Walnut, No. H, Monrovia, CA 91016 VTAYLOR, EMMETT. 2724 S. Independence, Oklahoma City, OK WOLFGANG, DONALD D. (R) P.O. Box 541, West Branch, Ml 48661 VROBERTSON, JAMES H. 2014 Greenapple Ln. Arlington, TX 76014 73108 WOMACK, PAUL W. (R) 2831 Harrison, Quincy, IL 62301 ROBISON, ROBERT. (R) Heaters, WV 26627 VTAYLOR, MENDELL. 1716 N. Glade, Bethany, OK 73008 WOMACK, ROBERT. (R) 14 Dunham, Texarkana, TX 75503 vROEBUCK, L H. 1280 Lakeview Rd, Lot 241, Clearwater, FL 33516 TAYLOR, RON. (C) Rte. 1, Box 265, Johnson Rd, Chickamauga, GA VWOOD, DENVER. 3 E. 41st St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 vROGERS, WARREN A. c/o Josephine Dukes, 3215 Adeline, Oak­ 30707 VWOOLMAN, J. L. P.O. Box 616, Tuttle, OK 73089 land, CA 94608 THICK, RONALD. (R) 2513 Olive St, Racine, Wl 53403 WOOTEN, D. J. (C) P.O. Box 262, Cambridge, MD 21613 ROSE, WAYNE. (C) 705 S. Mahaffie, Olathe, KS 66061 VTHOMAS, HOYLE C. P.O. Box 72, Nampa, ID 83653-0072 vWRIGHT, AUSTIN, 1198 Jamaica Rd, Venice, FL 33595 ROSSITER, LARRY (R) 9867 Shellbark Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45231 VTHOMAS, J. MELTON. 3619 Skyline Dr, Nampa, ID 83686 WRIGHT, E. GUY k LIL (C) 1531 Cranbrook Dr, Charleston, WV ROTH, RON. (C) 2645 E. Cozy, Springfield, MO 65804 THOMPSON, L. DEAN. (R) P.O. Box 963, Carl Junction, MO 25311 ROTZ, DARRELL E. (R) 3620 Hampton Rd, Pasadena, CA 91107 64834-0963 VWYRICK, DENNIS. 603 Reed Dr., Frankfort, KY 40601 ROWE, GENE. (R) P.O. Box 1022, Cherokee, NC 28718 •THOMPSON, ROBERT k TERESA. (R) P.O. Box 21467, Chat­ ♦ROYSE, C. E. (R) 2105 Taylor Ave, Racine, Wl 53403 tanooga, TN 37421 Y RUARK, JAMES. (R) 2014 Northcliff Dr, Columbus, OH 43229 ♦THORNTON, REV, k MRS. WALLACE. (C) 1200 Grundy Rd, •YATES, GREG. (C) 505 E. Alabama, Casey, IL 62420 RUFF, ROY. (R) 10 Bell Dr, Garden City, SC 29576 Somerset, KY 42501 Mission Achievement in Hew England

Minister Becomes Missionary Without Leaving Home

PASTOR TURNER TUTORS IMMIGRANT CHILDREN

S omerville, Massachusetts, has ex­ erville, creating a mission field of 70,000 strangers even as they experience over­ perienced a tidal wave o f immi­ people packed into a 4.1 -square-mile area. whelming diversity o f color, language, grants during the last several years. Unlike world mission areas where and culture; this creates frustrating Following Anglo flight to the suburbs, people speak the same language and repercussions that none has faced newcomers from around the globe are understand the same customs, these before. building new lives for themselves in Som­ immigrants are forced to live among In this unpredictable environment,

i GROW / F all 1990 Pastor Ken Turner ministers through immigrants’ children about Jesus. As a and the pastor were barely able to com­ an eighty-nine-year-old church that result o f their improved learning at municate. But the minister prayed in was organized in 1901. The church school, the young people tell their fami­ his heart that this contact would pro­ and community, as it might be expected, lies about the helpful people at the vide an opening to start a Bible study in suffer from drastic changes in the busi­ church and about the Christ those peo­ the Vo home. nesses, neighborhoods, and schools. ple represent. It is slow, hard work — a About this time, Pastor Turner be­ The situation is further complicated by lot like missionaries learning new ways gan teaching for two days each week as the fact that old-time Nazarenes from and languages — but the results are a permanent substitute at Somerville the first and second generation have worth all the effort. High School. The pastor happened to died, third generation Nazarenes are Here’s how the Holy Spirit direct­ meet Khanh’s sister, Tuyen Vo, in the bewildered by the changes, and others ed Pastor Turner to develop this evan­ school cafeteria a couple o f days after have moved away. gelistic strategy o f tutoring the refu­ calling in the V o home. He remarked to Though positive response to change gees’ children. The pastor called in the Tuyen, "I hope your father understood is always difficult, this church is do­ Vo home after their son, Khanh, visited what I was trying to say about God ing exactly what Jesus wants done. Our West Somerville Church with a friend. when I called in your home.” Shaking Lord sent His disciples into the world, During the pastoral call, Turner learned her head, Tuyen responded, "I don’t near and far, to share the good news that the family were Buddhists from know anything about God; I am just with all people regardless o f their color, Vietnam who had lived for five years in having trouble understanding U.S. custom, or culture. Through a tutoring the camps o f Thailand before coming history.” ministry to young people, West Somer­ to the Boston area in 1985. Although As the pastor walked away, he felt ville Church earns the right to tell new the father, Due Vo, was friendly, he impressed by the Holy Spirit: "If you are going to help Tuyen understand Christ, you will have to help her with her history.” So he went to the Vo home a couple o f nights during the next week to tutor Tuyen. Imagine how elated Tuyen, her parents, her teacher, and Pastor Turner felt when she earned a 90 on her history test the next Friday. That was the beginning of a cross- cultural strategy o f friendship evangel­ ism for the West Somerville Church. At the same time, Lan Mac, a fun- loving twelve-year-old girl in the sev­ enth grade, began attending school. Her grades for the first quarter revealed a need for help in social studies, so the pastor began going to her home and Tuyen’s home about two nights each week — a full schedule for one who also taught school two days per week. Then Tuyen wanted to know if her friend Tien Ong could study with them. In a few more weeks, Tien’s brothers, Trong and Dai, started attending church and asked the pastor to help them with their school lessons. As a result, tutor­ ing sessions were moved to the church and the van picked up the children. Before Christmas o f 1987, there were 12 or 15 students sharing in this ministry two nights each week. These students, their families, and their friends, along with a more established Cape Verde family, formed the nucleus for the church’s growing cross-cultural ministry. The tutoring continues to the pres­ ent, with assistance from Samuel Fin­ lay son, a graduate o f Eastern Nazarene College employed by the Massachu­

IA Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 35 r MISSIONARY WITHOUT LEAVING HOME setts Health Department, and Rosa Ann Orlando, a recent education grad­ uate of Eastern Nazarene College. The amazing list of young people who have benefited from this program sounds like a United Nations roll call: Maria and Christina Nielsen, Korean-born adopted daughters of an economics professor from the University of Co­ penhagen; Tuyen Vo, Khahn Vo, Lan Mac, Chung Mac, Tien Ong, Trong Ong, Dai Ong, Thao Ly, and Hien Pham from Vietnam; Daniel Kwong from Hong Kong; Gloria Pinto, Gama­ liel Pinto, and Ilidia Pinto from Cape Verde; Gannai and Mari Mayan from Haiti; Darla Salazar from Costa Rica; and Ranjith Suresh from India. Think of the benefits o f the tutoring ministry which are both Christ-exalting and evangelistic: 1) It offers a safe har­ bor emotionally, physically, and spir-

"If you are going to help Tuyen understand Christ, you will have to help her with her history.” would never touch without the tutor­ and you looked after me; I was in pri­ ing services. 10) This entire effort son and you came to visit me.” Appar­ itually for young people who have allows benefits from the tutoring min­ ently God has added a phrase for Pastor known lots o f pain and suffering. 2) It istry to overflow into other ministries Turner and the West Somerville builds bridges between the church, the in the church and community. Church: "I was a refugee and you children, and their parents; it does Specific results show young people tutored me.” what families cannot do for their chil­ baptized, worship services energized, Of all the benefits of the West Somer­ dren’s learning because o f language families attending church and district ville Church’s tutoring ministry, the barriers. 3)It helps identify the Church camps together, Christian weddings, most touching comes from Pastor Ken o f the Nazarene as a place of compas­ and new people loved into the King­ Turner’s heart. After describing real sion and care. 4 ) It puts the children in dom. Jesus clarified the significance of pain, loss, and even depression that frequent contact with the church for His kingdom a long time ago with these lasted for years in his own life, he local, zone, and district youth func­ words: "I was hungry and you gave me wrote, "However, my cup began run­ tions including youth camps. 5) It something to eat; I was thirsty and you ning over with laughter and joy as 1 develops cross-cultural communication gave me something to drink; I was a tutored Tuyen, Tien, and Lan. I liter­ and ministry skills for all who are stranger and you invited me in; I needed ally lost myself in serving them, laugh­ involved; once seventeen people from clothes and you clothed me; I was sick ing and sometimes crying with them five different countries camped in one and finding a renewed depth o f emo­ cabin at the district camp. 6 ) It refo­ tional joy 1 had not known since the cuses the church’s work on its com­ death o f my father. This joy remains munity and helps them reach out in and has helped to deepen my intimacy ministry to their changing environment. with Jesus.” 7) The program provides a nucleus of A cup running over with laughter potential leaders for the future. 8 ) It and joy is an experience every Christian brings missions close to home for the shares when he discovers a God-given Somerville congregation as they wor­ strategy for impacting his situation ship Sunday by Sunday with people with the power o f Christ. from ten or twelve nations. 9) It helps — by Neil B. Wiseman with Ken Turner the church minister to people they and Dennis M. Scott

36 GROW / Foil 1 9 9 0 • AND I SAW THE MOUNTAIN By Kenneth E. Sullivan

A collection of 366 devotionals that can be started any time of the year. A variety of daily themes. Kenneth Sullivan has a literary flair that gives these meditations depth. Each comes from the heart of a man who feels deeply and leans heavily upon his God. 374 pages. Paper. GM083-411-3449

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“Human love is but a drop of God's love and a mere symbol of His affection. It is a mere speck to begin with, but when we know its agony, its passion, its mystery of suffering and multiply this by infinity DEVOTIONAL we can say ‘This is the beginning of God's love.' GUIDE And we learn that the 'how much more' of love is as boundless as God's eternity." —from June 12

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Love offering envelopes will be mailed to you in October CHANGED LIVES New Converts Share the Joy of Salvation

PRAYER OF PARENTS AN­ PERSONAL EVANGELISM CALL 30 PEOPLE PRAYED FOR HER SWERED. "I was raised in a godly WAS FUN. "The night an evangel­ RECOVERY. "I was hospitalized and Nazarene home. My parents were ism team came to our house was a the medical team did not expect me to crushed when 1 announced at seven­ fun time for me. I was comfortable live. Neither did I. teen that I was an atheist; I claimed with the belief that I was a Chris­ "But, during my illness, someone Christianity made no sense. For the tian and welcomed these people told me that 30 Christians at church next seventeen years, I lived life my from the church — but a seed was were praying for me. Two friends own way, which included joining a planted in my heart that night as from the church presented the gospel traveling band, having affairs, living my wife, Janet, accepted the Lord. and led me to rededicate my life to the with different people, marijuana addic­ I was happy about that. Janet com­ Lord. I am thankful for the opportu­ tion, going through a divorce, and gain­ pleted the Bible studies and I could nity o f serving Christ. The grace of ing custody o f my young son. During see she was growing in the Lord. God is something wonderful to this long rebellion, my parents kept I saw a big change in her life, and I behold.” Gloria Widel, housewife praying, loving, and accepting me. began to feel something was lack­ "Last October 30,1 decided to admit ing in my life. these seventeen years o f making my "I now know it is possible to grow own misery were enough. At that time 1 away from the Lord. He came back said to God, 'If you are there, I’m going into my life and saved me. He gave HINDU HOUSEKEEPER MAKES to listen to you. I don’t know how to do me strong convictions and an influ­ CHRISTIAN PROFESSION. this. It’s been such a long time, but I’ll ential testimony. "During a personal evangelism listen.’ I went back to church the next "Then He helped me to see the Work and Witness trip to Guyana, Sunday, only to find it was financial need for the personal evangelism I shared the gospel with Bibi, a commitment Sunday. But when the classes and for people who visit housekeeper in the home where altar call was given, I couldn’t move fast non-Christians.” Mike Duncan, we stayed. enough; my commitment was much medical supply sales representative "Bibi said, 'I want to say some­ more than financial. I turned my life thing. No one ever sat down and over to God — no strings attached. He talked to me or explained about saved me, and I asked the people God. Not my father, not my around me to pray for my wife, because WAITRESS FINDS CHRIST. "I mother — nobody.’ She had tears I knew she would not be thrilled about spent eleven years popping pills and on her cheeks when she told the this. The church people faithfully drinking booze to help me cope with pastor’s wife, Debbie, that she had prayed — and God answered. Early on reality. But on July 17,1 asked God to invited Christ into her heart. Sunday, November 7, my wife and I forgive my sins. I received Jesus Christ knelt in our home and she welcomed as my Saviour. What a high! "The next day, just before we Christ into her life. If you have a loved "N o drug or booze could replace the left, her husband, Errol, told me, one you think is not going to make it to elation within my heart for Jesus Christ. 'I hope you live to be a hundred so heaven, or if you wonder if God is still I could talk all night about the blessings you can help many other people speaking to that person, never give God has given me during this past find Christ.’ ” Beverly Burgess, up.” Dennis Manion, data processing year.” Taresa Hartman, waitress at personal evangelism coordinator, manager, Federal Reserve Bank Denny’s International Headquarters

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 39 ROOTED IN CHRIST I I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me” (Pslams 23:4). belt. The younger brother tried to seat! Where does divinity intersect intercede, protesting it was he who humanity? At the mercy seat! Where threw the ball, not John. But the father does a holy God meet unholy man? At WEEK SIX didn’t stop until John was screaming the mercy seat! No wonder the author THE MINISTRY OF COMFORT and twisting in pain to the ground. of Hebrews could exult: "For we do Then he glared down at John and not have a high priest who cannot sym­ "... who comforts us in all our afflic­ barked, "W ell, maybe you didn’t do it pathize with our weaknesses, but one tion so that we may be able to comfort this time, but I know that you’ve done who has been tempted in all things as those who are in any affliction with somethin’!” Sadly, this describes many we are, yet without sin. Let us there­ the comfort with which we ourselves people’s concept of God — a stern, fore draw near with confidence to are comforted by God” (2 Corin­ exacting disciplinarian who knows that the throne of grace, that we may thians 1:4). "you’ve done somethin’!” receive mercy and may find grace to A six-year-old girl’s best friend died Paul’s understanding of God, how­ help in time of need” (Hebrews of leukemia. A few days later, her ever, is quite different. What kind o f a 4:15-16). father asked her at suppertime, "Where father is God? He is the kind of were you this afternoon?” father who could have a son like "I was over at Mary’s house.” Jesus! Rather than punishing sinners, "What were you doing?” He says to the paralytic, "M y son, your "I was comforting Mary’s mom.” WEEK FIVE sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5). Instead "But how did you do that?” of casting the first stone, He said to the THE GOD OF COMFORT "I crawled up in her lap. I let her hug woman taken in adultery, "Neither do I me. She cried. And I cried.” " Blessed be the God . .. o f all comfort condemn you” (John 8:11). God comforts us so that we may God is the kind of father who runs to . . . who comforts us in all our afflic­ tions” (2 Corinthians 1:3-8). have a genuine ministry o f comfort to embrace the returning prodigal (Luke others who are going through a dark 15:20). The Psalmist testified, "The The Greek word for comfort is para- valley. The best kind o f comfort we can Lord is compassionate and gracious, cletos, the same word that Jesus utilized give is not answers to their questions slow to anger and abounding in loving­ to describe the special office work of nor pious platitudes; it is to follow the kindness” (Psalms 103:8). the Holy Spirit. It means "alongside example of this little girl. It is to be their of.” It is variously translated as encou- paracletos, the one who comes along­ rager, advocate, helper, counselor. side them, encouraging, strengthening, WEEK FOUR Because o f a basketball injury, my and enabling. GOD IS MERCIFUL daughter underwent major knee sur­ There is no more effective way of gery. I was in the room when she was comforting those who are suffering loss "Blessed be the God and Father of our wheeled in. The nurse lifted the bed­ and distress than to simply be with Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Mer­ spread covering the metal cage protect­ them, to hug them, and to cry with cies” (2 Corinthians 1:3). ing her knee. I saw blood seeping them. In so doing, we are embodying When the Apostle Paul describes through the bandages and draining out the personal care and loving concern of God as the "Father of Mercies,” he o f tubes into hemovacs. Immediately I God Himself. undoubtedly had in mind the Ark of headed for the door of the room and the Covenant, the centerpiece within lost nearly every lunch I had eaten for the Holy of Holies. G od’s instructions the previous month! to Moses regarding the construction Having spent 17 years as a pastor, I included this: "And you shall make a am not a stranger to hospitals or the mercy seat of pure gold . . . And you sight of blood, so why was I so sickened shall put the mercy seat on top of the this time? It was my daughter’s ark, and in the ark you shall put the blood! When she bleeds, I bleed. When testimony which 1 shall give to you” she hurts, I hurt. When she suffers, I (Exodus 25:17,21). Then follows one suffer. of the greatest promises of the entire If I, a human father, feel that kind of Bible — one that reveals the tender, identity with my daughter, how much compassionate heart o f God: "And more is G od’s care for us! G od’s kind there I will meet with you, and from the o f love is Calvary love! The cross mercy seat. . . I will speak to you” (v. reveals a God W ho really bleeds, W ho 2 2 ). really suffers, and Whose face is wet Where does heaven touch earth? Not with tears. The Psalmist knew about at the judgment bar, but at the mercy the God of all comfort: "Even though

GROW / F a l l 1990 ROOTED IN CHRIST taken up jogging and was thus showing undue concern for her body, perhaps God was trying to get her attention and change her priorities. She was not only a faithful member o f the church, but a WEEK SEVEN ters, closing down the hospital, shut­ Sunday school teacher as well! GOD IS NOT A KILLER! ting off water and electricity, leaving Paul’s mighty declaration in Romans residents and tourists in a state of 8 presents a vastly different under­ ”... we should not trust in ourselves, panic” (Time, Oct. 2,1989, p. 18). It is standing of God, namely, God is not but in God who raises the dead” (2 a paradox o f our times that a secular against us! God is not the one Who Corinthians 1:9). culture that is unwilling to credit God "condemns” (v. 34). Neither does He A woman recently shared that her with creation nevertheless blames Him initiate "tribulation, or distress, or per­ daughter and all three o f her grand­ for destructive natural occurrences. No secution, or famine, or nakedness, or children had been killed in an automo­ wonder people fear Him and flee from peril, or sword” (v. 35). bile accident. His presence! W ho wants to cultivate a To the contrary, God is for us! He is "I’m so sorry,” I responded. relationship with a malevolent deity on our side, helping us "overwhelm­ "Oh, there’s nothing to be sorry whose power is manifest primarily in ingly conquer” (v. 37). W e can trust about,” she replied. "Actually, it was a destructive acts? Him because "nothing can separate us beautiful answer to prayer.” The God revealed in Jesus is quite from the love of God, which is in When I questioned her, she told me different. Isaiah the prophet said of Christ Jesus our Lord” (v. 39). that while taking care o f her grand­ Him W ho was to come, "A bruised children one day, she began to pray for reed He will not break, and a dimly WEEK TEN them. She asked God that, if in His burning wick He will not extinguish” THE CHRIST-LIKE GOD foreknowledge He saw that they would (42:3). To the contrary, the great heart turn against Him in adulthood and thus o f God is disclosed in this Messianic "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself...” (1 Corin­ lose their souls, He would take them announcement: "The Spirit of the Lord thians 5:19). while in their innocency. In less than a God is come upon me, because the month, the accident occurred. She con­ Lord has anointed me to bring good "I don’t want to go to Sunday school cluded, therefore, that God had an­ news to the afflicted; He has sent me to anymore,” a six-year-old girl an­ swered her prayer. bind up the brokenhearted, to pro­ nounced to her mother one Sunday I was horrified! What does this say claim liberty to captives, and freedom morning. about God? Is He a celestial "hit man” ? to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable "W hy not?” A child killer? If it were in God’s nature year o f the Lord .. . to comfort all who "Because I don’t like God!” to peremptorily knock off those who mourn” (Isaiah 61:1-2). After reading "W hy do you say that?” might sin against Him and thus lose this prophecy in the Nazareth syna­ "Because He doesn’t like me. The their souls, wouldn’t it have been a far gogue, Jesus added, "Today this Scrip­ Bible says that I am a sinner and He greater act o f mercy not to create the ture has been fulfilled” (Luke 4:21). sends all sinners to hell. But I do love human race in the first place? Or at least God is not a destroyer, but a Jesus,” she continued, "because He make sure Adam and Eve had no deliverer! died so that I won’t have to go to hell.” children? This little girl expressed one of the Whatever else it is that we believe WEEK NINE widespread misconceptions concerning about God — the God Who has fully GOD IS FOR US the sacrificial death o f Christ — that of and finally revealed Himself in Christ — playing a loving Jesus against an angry "If God is for us, who is against us?” is that He is not a killer. "The wages God. (Romans 8:31). of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Death Nothing could be further from the is an "enemy” (1 Corinthians 15:26), A hospital chaplain related two inci­ truth. The whole Christ-event is heav­ and God does not deal with the enemy! dents that occurred on two successive en’s grandest expression of the truth Our God is a God W ho, after sin has days in his hospital. A pastor asked a that "God so loved the world that He paid its "wages,” raises the dead! woman in intensive care why she was gave His only begotten Son. . . ” (John there. 3:16). In the light of the total revelation "The doctors say I’ve had a heart o f "G od in Christ,” we can confidently WEEK EIGHT attack,” she answered. make these assertions: Jesus did not GOD IS NOT A DESTROYER "Well, good enough for you,” he die to change God’s mind about responded. "Now, maybe God can get men, but to change men’s minds " f God has] delivered us from so great through to you!” about God! Jesus did not die to a peril of death, and will deliver us” The second incident involved a pas­ appease the wrath of an angry God, (2 Corinthians 1:10). tor sitting with a parishioner while his but to demonstrate the love of a "It was an act o f God that devastated wife was undergoing a mastectomy gracious God! The cross reveals a St. Croix last week,” declared Time because o f breast cancer. He suggested God W ho would rather die than magazine, "blowing houses into splin­ to the husband that, since his wife had damn — and W ho did!

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 43 ROOTED IN CHRIST I I lost consciousness. I awakened five hours later in a Denver hospital. "W hat a magnificent comfort God has given us! I know that even when the WEEK ELEVEN large frame shaking with sobs. I over­ storms o f life shake the very founda­ heard him repeating, over and over tions o f my soul, I can rest secure in GOD IS IN CONTROL again, "He didn’t even mention it!” Christ and whistle this confident tune: "And we know that God causes all "Excuse me, Peter,” I interrupted. "Blessed assurance, Jesus is things ...” (Romans 8:28a). "What are you talking about?” mine! "M y denial, man!” Peter shot back. Oh, what a foretaste of glory In a praiseworthy but misguided de­ Then, apologizing for his abrupt re­ divine! sire to glorify God — not only in all sponse, he told me how he had so failed Heir of salvation, purchase of things but for all things — there are many Jesus — his best friend — on the night God, who believe that "G od causes all before His crucifixion. But then he Born of His Spirit, washed in things.” Whatever comes into our lives, went on to share the incredible event His blood.” be it good or evil, comes from the hand that had occurred that very morning. —by C. S. Cowles of the sovereign God. Admittedly, there Jesus Himself, risen from the dead, met is comfort in knowing that somebody them on the beach early in the morn­ out there is driving the bus! ing. He had a fire going and fish broil­ Yet, we must ask this question: If ing. And throughout their entire break­ God causes cancer, heart attacks, car fast conversation, Jesus didn’t bring up wrecks, bankruptcies, AIDS, then who the matter o f Peter’s denial — not even needs a devil? Such a God would be once. "The only thing that Jesus really more satanic than Satan in that He seemed to care about,” Peter contin­ masquerades as a God of love! ued, "was whether or not I really loved It is vitally important that we read Him. In fact, He asked me that question the whole verse: "A nd we know that three times — the same number of God causes all things to work to­ times that I denied Him!” gether for good to those who love As I continued on my way, I thought: God, to those who are called accord­ How like Jesus, not even to mention ing to His purpose.” The essence of our denials, our sins, our failures. The God’s character, as revealed in Jesus, is only question that really concerns Him that of holy love. God cannot do any­ is: Do we really love Him? thing contrary to His own nature. Con­ sequently, He does not cause all things! WEEK THIRTEEN "The wages of sin is death (disease, disasters, etc.), but the gift o f God is OUR SECURITY IN GOD eternal life through Jesus Christ our "For I know whom I have believed Lord” (Romans 6:23). God does not and I am convinced that He is able to do evil that good may come. guard what I have entrusted to Him The good news, however, is that God until that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). can take the broken pieces o f our lives and make something beautiful out of Angie Tlucek, one of my students, them. He is the artist W ho can blend even the dark and ugly pigments into a concluded her term paper with this striking testimony: beautiful portrait to the praise o f His great glory and grace. "In times of hurt or terror, the Spirit does not forsake us. I felt the glow of the Spirit sustain me when the mon­ WEEK TWELVE sters o f the sky became the jaws of death in Denver two years ago during THE FORGIVING GOD the crash o f Continental Flight 1713. "For God did not send the Son into the Upon takeoff, the plane wobbled, rolled world to judge [condemn] the world; over, and was jolted hard as it skidded but that the world should be saved on its back and broke apart. I hung through Him” (John 3:17). upside down in my seat belt, terrified, as a ball o f orange fire hurtled toward I was walking down the road of my me. I prayed. imagination one day when I came upon "Immediately I could feel the pres­ Simon Peter, sitting on a stump, his ence o f the Holy Spirit easing my fears.

44 GROW /Fall 1990 NAZARENE WORLD MISSION SOCIETY

Oafeu>ay to the future

NWMS 75th ANNIVERSARY PROJECT The Church of the Nazarene has committed itself to assisting Chinese Nazarenes in an assertive evangelistic effort by means of: ■ Evangelism ■ English as a Second Language ■ House Churches ■ Bible Studies ■ Radio ■ Training for Youth and Children ■ Family Life Ministries ■ Literature Offering to be received on Celebration Sunday October 7,1990 Goal for the offering is $750,000

“Changing events of Asia today will decide the future of the world tomorrow — Arnold J. Toynbee A humorous and thought-provoking video on how we use our time. Chuck is an overworked young businessman whose hectic life-style may not be too differ­ ent from yours. This 30-minute video follows Chuck as he deals with the “tyranny of the urgent” at work, at home, and at church. Designed to he used in a small-group setting with the discussion guide provided. Focuses on ways Christians use their time and how this is an important clue to our own priorities. Special appearance by Win Arn, founder of Church Growth Institute.

Order toll-free NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE 1 -800-877-0700 Box 419527 • Kansas City, MO 64141 LIFE INCOME GIFTS SERVICES

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Telephone: Church:__ District:______I I Please send the brochure “Answers to All the Questions You Have Wanted to Ask About Life Income Gifts Services." I I I/We would like to talk to someone about scheduling a wills seminar at our church. God Helps Hazarenes Plant New Works Everywhere NEW WORKS VICTORY REPORT

TWO NAZARENE BIBLE COLLEGE WORK AND WITNESS TEAMS GRADUATES TEAM IN CHURCH HELP NEW CHURCH REPAIR PLANTING: Tualatin Fellowship BUILDING: Forks Church (Wash­ Church of the Nazarene (Oregon ington Pacific District) started in Feb­ Pacific District) was organized with ruary 1988, and was organized on 56 charter members on October 29, June 23, 1989, with ten charter mem­ 1989. Twenty-nine of those members bers. The District Teen W ork and joined by profession of faith. On Witness Team and local church teams August 8, 1988, the David Whites from Centralia, Sumner and Grand­ and Chris Conrads, recent Nazarene view helped the infant church reno­ Bible College graduates, arrived in vate a church building purchased by Portland to begin a team church- ARMY RETIREE STARTS CHURCH the district. Dozens of individuals planting effort in southwest Portland, came from other churches to help. IN HIS HOME: China Regional sponsored by the Oregon Pacific Dis­ Sixty-eight people attended the dedi­ Church (Maine District) met for trict. A third family, the Lee Harts, cation. Pastor Ken Pelts leads this four years before being organized on soon joined the team as ministers of church in a ministry directed mostly September 10, 1989, with 28 mem­ music. Home Bible studies began in to street people. bers — 15 by profession of faith. September 1988. The first service When Joe W . Kilgore retired from DISTRICT NYI AND GEORGIA was held on March 5, 1989, in Tua­ the army as a chief warrant officer, he DISTRICT START CHURCH WITH latin Elementary School, with 177 moved his family to Maine, where TELEMARKETING: Roswell present as a result of a telemarketing they built a home near his wife’s Church (Georgia District) had 100 effort where 23,000 homes were birthplace. In 1983, while leading the people present on its first Sunday. called. The church now averages Sunday school in Augusta First church, Twenty thousand phone calls were more than 90. God renewed Kilgore’s call to the made announcing the start o f a new ministry which he experienced years church in this rapidly growing com­ earlier. In response to that call, Pas­ munity. Seven months after its first tor Kilgore started a church in his service, the average worship attend­ own home. Kilgore was ordained at ance is 69. Pastor Mike Jackson the 1989 district assembly. serves as the pioneer pastor.

48 GROW / F all 1990 VETERAN PASTOR STARTS NEW OVERSEAS MISSIONARIES START CHURCH WITH 29 MEMBERS: CHURCH IN LONG ISLAND: La Shepherd Community Church of Primera Iglesia del Nazarene (New the Nazarene, Lexington, South York District) was organized on July Carolina (South Carolina District) 16, 1989, by Revs. Kenneth and Bar­ was organized on Easter Sunday, 1989. bara Jones. After eighteen years of After nineteen years o f effective pas­ overseas mission service, the Joneses toral service, Pastor Jay R. Smith were asked in April of 1987 to ex­ moved to Lexington to plant a new plore the need and assist in beginning church. On their first Sunday, June 5, Hispanic work on Long Island. There, 1988, they had 97 persons present in they found a Spanish-speaking popu­ response to 6,700 phone calls in "The lation of nearly three hundred thou­ Phone’s for You” program. sand, with no Hispanic Nazarene Their first convert, a deserted churches. The Joneses describe the mother with two children, came as a WITHOUT MONEY, CHURCH potential, "From all over Latin Amer­ result of their phone efforts. On the CLAIMS BUILDING FOR THE ica, Hispanics have streamed into the fifth Sunday, a medical doctor and his LORD: Carrollton Church of the USA, some to escape persecution and wife were saved. And within two Nazarene (Akron District) started in poverty, others looking for the Amer­ months, two brothers, active mem­ May 1987 with a week o f evangelistic ican dream. Instead, many have found bers of a religious cult, were saved. services and weekly Bible studies. In themselves alone and penniless.” After reading about their work in the the beginning days o f the Bible stu­ In August o f 1987, Kenneth and newspaper, a woman called to say dies, the church prayed for a building. Barbara were missionary speakers for that, although she had to work every Soon they located a building just the New York District family camp. Sunday, she would send financial suited to their purposes offered for At the camp meeting, thirty-two peo­ support. Every week since June 1988, sale. The problem — they were not ple met with them to share concern she has sent the Shepherd church a financially ready to consider buying a for beginning a Spanish church in the tithe check. The church has also church. So they proposed a rent or Brentwood area. Some in this group reached two couples who lived togeth­ lease arrangement, but the owners had been praying for eight years for er without being married; both cou­ refused, insisting that they were only the Nazarenes to begin a church for ples were converted and asked the interested in selling the building. Pas­ their people. This is the story for sev­ pastor to marry them. tor A . E. Leonard said, "In Decem­ eral Puerto Rican families who were The first year, the church averaged ber 1987, after we claimed the church established in English churches; never­ 41 in worship, had 26 converts, and for the Lord, we were informed that theless, they were concerned for His­ gave $33,830. Although they started the owners might be willing to enter panics who were not able to under­ in the Performing Arts Theater, they into a lease agreement. They leased stand English. The Joneses met with now have a worship center and hope the building to us, and we held our the district superintendent and it was to construct a building in the near first services in February 1988. In decided they would begin Spanish future on a parcel of land they have September 1988, we were able to services and lead the group until purchased. organize, and one year later, in Sep­ someone could be found to serve as tember 1989, we purchased the build­ pastor. The church started services on ing.” There are other miracles, too, October 6 in a borrowed church. such as G od’s supplying the church After some adversity, the Bay Shore with organ, piano, pulpit furniture, English Church invited the baby copy machine, offering envelopes, church to share their building, so bulletin covers, and tables and chairs Sunday morning Sunday school and as they moved into the building. afternoon worship services began. God has put several immigrants from strong Nazarene backgrounds in touch with this new church. Overseas mis­ sions has come to Long Island with power and vigor.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 49 STEPS TO A LOCAL MINISTER’S LICENSE

The licenses are now obtained 2. Review the procedures and through Pastoral Ministries by follow­ have the candidate fill out the ing these simple steps: application. 1. Request a Local Minister’s Li­ 3. Schedule an interview with the cense Packet from Pastoral church board using the Inter­ Ministries. The packet con­ view Guidelines. tains: 4. After the local church board a. Procedures for Issuing a Lo­ approves the granting of the cal Minister’s License license (and approved by the district superintendent when b. Application for Local Minis­ necessary) fill out the Local ter’s License Minister’s License Information c. Interview Guidelines: Candi­ Card and send it to Pastoral date for Local Minister’s M inistries. A license will be License sent as soon as the card is re­ d. Renewing the Local Minis­ ceived. ter’s License 5. Enroll the licensee with the e. Local Minister’s License In­ District Ministerial Studies formation Card Board.

Pastoral M inistries • 6401 The Paseo • Kansas City, MO 64131 • (816) 333-7000 GROWTH REPORTS FROM NAZARENE CHAPLAINS

a missionary ministry in military and institutional settings

20 BAPTIZED BY CHAPLAIN AT AIDS CHAPLAIN INSISTS NO the next morning, not alone, but FORTBENNING Chaplain James ONE SHOULD DIE ALONE Hos­ connected to the Source of eternal G. Leston reports on his evangelism pital Chaplain Michael J. Chris­ life. efforts: "The gospel is continually tensen writes with obvious pain in "I thank God that Mel didn’t have being planted on a road march, in the his heart, "Melvin grew up as a Roman to die alone. I am outraged that others field, during morning physical train­ Catholic but, after getting married, he do! Not everyone who dies of AIDS ing, out on the ranges, or during the joined an evangelical fellowship in has loving family who will sit by his or worship service. San Francisco. He told me o f his her side and pass the long and lonely "G od has touched over fifty young tainted blood transfusion in 1985 and hours of approaching death. men who have made personal com­ about his devoted wife and family. "N ot everyone who dies of AIDS mitments. Twenty have been baptized. 'God only knows, God only knows,’ knows the love of the Lord. I feel like All these soldiers have started on the he said repeatedly about why he now I’m watching a gathering storm. Before Basic Bible Studies and have been had AIDS. the end of the decade, I predict that encouraged to become a part o f either "Mel drifted in and out of con­ nearly every Christian in America will a chapel on post or church when they sciousness during our final conversa­ know someone who will die of AIDS. enter their initial duty assignment. 1 tion. The sound o f fluid in his lungs Most already do. As many as two mil­ see the chaplaincy as being a mis­ and his deep and erratic breathing lion Americans may be infected, and sionary in uniform.” through his oxygen mask warned me we have only begun to feel the impact that death was near. o f this modern-day plague. What can JEWISH SOLDIER FINDS CHRIST "Placing my hand on his chest and we do? What will we do?” Army Chaplain Jim Roberts shares feeling the perspiration soaking the story o f a young Jewish soldier through his gown, I was impressed to named Jeremy who suffered great pray for his troubled spirit. I POLICE CHAPLAIN SHARES stress during basic training at Fort anointed him on his brow in the CHRIST WITH COUPLE Pastor Knox. After a frightening dream, the name o f the Father, Son, and Holy Wally Johnson tells how he, while soldier came to his chaplain asking Spirit and quietly prayed for God to serving as a police chaplain, first met a about his dream and discussing his comfort him. couple during a combative marital problems. Roberts suggested that Jer­ "Later, as Mel clutched his oxygen dispute when the neighbors called the emy get acquainted with Jesus by mask, gazing into his wife’s loving, police. reading the gospels of Matthew tearful eyes, I prayed a prayer of and John. Jeremy agreed and ten days affirmation and release. Gently rub­ The couple asked Johnson for later reported, "I’ve found Him.” bing his chest that had become so help and, during their third counsel­ After Chaplain Roberts explained thin, I attempted to say goodbye: ing session, he was able to share the the way o f salvation, Jeremy prayed 'Mel, the Lord loves you so much. plan o f salvation and they invited and received the Lord into his heart. Your family loves you, too, and Christ into their lives. They also Roberts reports, "A s Jeremy prayed, thanks you for providing for them. went on to complete the Basic Bible 'Christ, come in and take over my life,’ W e will all miss you. Your family will Studies series. there was both joy and sadness in his be okay. You can stay here with us as eyes. He knew faith in Christ would long as you wish, or leave us anytime. Johnson writes, "I am grateful for require a high price to pay with his Whenever you’re ready, whenever the ministry opportunities that the parents. He knew that now his family the Lord calls, just go and reach for chaplaincy provides. I’m also grateful would no longer accept him as before. the Lord’s hand.’ that Christ can turn a scream in the Yet he wanted to pray that somehow "I left the hospital room about 8 night into an opportunity of hope.” God would be able to use him to p.m. Mel’s wife and brother remained introduce his parents to Christ.” with him all night long. He died early —Reports supplied by Curt Bowers

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 51 PENSIONS AND BENEFITS

A Retirement Income Plan To Meet A Diversity of Needs Together We Can Make It Work! Teamwork is the key to achieve­ ment. Ministers and laymen to­ gether can create retirement secu­ rity for Nazarene ministers. It’s a challenge Nazarenes have loved to accept through the years, be­ cause it means we care deeply for those who have served us well.

From the earliest days, the Church of the Nazarene has recognized an obligation to provide financial assistance for retired ministers. In the beginning, the Church “did what it could” through “ benevolences.” As time progressed, improvements were steadily made. The benevolences were replaced by stable pieces of today’s four-fold Nazarene Minister's Retirement Program made of up four essential sources. The Concept Has Been Developing Since 1919: 1919 1955 1963 1971 1982 Relief Ministerial Nazarene "Basic" Nazarene And Social TSA Pension IRA Benevolence Security Plan Plan Plan

Today, the four essential sources of the Nazarene Minister’s Retirement Program The Nazarene Minister’s provide the framework for a financially secure retirement for every Nazarene minis­ Retirement Income Plan ter. For detailed information about each segment of the program, contact the Pensions office. The program is in place, but it won’t work for you unless you and your local church make it work. Together, let’s make it work for you.

/ G o v e rn m e n t Denomination Board of Pensions and Benefits USA ' (Social Security) (“ Basic” Pension) I 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131-1284 Local Church Personal Savings j \ (TSA) (IRA, etc.) / (816) 333-7000, ext. 282

“Are All the pieces in your plan?' Mission Achievement in Los Angeles Benefiels Raise Young Family in Urban Ministry

L os Angeles — what a confusing place of make-believe, business, culture, and crowds; the city adds 1,000 people each day to its population, mostly ethnics. Los Angeles — the metropolis o f 9 million, 74 percent non-white, must be part o f our Lord’s command to go "to the ends o f the earth.” The massive needs are frightening and the contrasts are mind-boggling. Los Angeles — the center o f Nazarene history, includes names like P. F. Bresee, C. W . Ruth, and Seth Rees, and places like Sixth and Wall and the Glory Barn. The city continues to be creatively and redemptively served today by a number o f Naza­ rene congregations. Although the good news about the specific min­ istries through Los Angeles First Church has been told in several Nazarene periodicals, little has been

IA Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 53 FAMILY IN LA reported about Ron and Janet Bene- fiel, a parsonage couple who lead Los Angeles First Church. Their courage for Christ and their commitment to Los Angeles is the same "everything” dedication that Christian workers have always made at home and overseas. Whether in steaming Afro-Asia bush country, metro asphalt jungles, or quiet coun­ try hamlets, effective service always costs relinquishment, but it pays King­ dom results. Ron and Janet married in December 1980, only two years before Ron was called to be senior pastor o f Los Angeles First Church. But First Church has been home for a long time to both o f them. Al­ though Janet grew up in South Pasa­ dena, she is a lifelong member o f Los Angeles First Church; she is quick to say that she could not imagine living anywhere else. Ron’s father pastored Los Angeles First Church, beginning in 1972, and Ron served on staff for more than six years as youth pastor, music director, and minister to single adults before coming as pastor in 1982. A short while ago, the Benefiels decided to do what some consider a daring action when they moved their young family (Leanne, 5, and Robyn, 2Vi) from the suburbs to be near the church — three-fourths of a mile, to be exact. They expect that the children will benefit by growing up "color blind,” developing an automatic broader world view because they see and know people from many nations and enjoy the cultural advantages and excitement of the city. Being near the church, Leanna and Robyn can count on seeing their pastor-daddy when he drops by to romp on the floor — a kind o f ther­ apy away from the pressures of city ministry for him, and pure joy for them. Another advantage is the fact that other city families know the par­ sonage family has firsthand under­ standing of the problems they face every day. Then, too, closeness between home and church makes it possible for Janet to be active in church life, where she serves as nursery coordina­ tor and leads a Mom’s Bible Study dur-

54 i GROW / F a l l 1990 i ing the week. And her gift of hospital­ ity shows in her home entertainment schedule. Safety is one of the problems the Benefiels face; they must know ex­ actly where the children are at all times. It just makes good sense to have security bars on the windows and high fences in the yard; a noisy dog helps, too. Because life in the city is so transient, saying goodbye to friends happens too frequently for the girls, but schooling will take place at the excellent Christian school spon­ sored by their church. O f course, it’s too soon for the Benefiels to know whether or not liv­ ing in the heart of the city will be good overall for the children. But there are many gospel advances in Los Angeles because of Ron and Janet Benefiel’s commitment, skill, and consecra­ tion — including their family’s future. Two things are obvious: the Benefiels are more closely knit because of liv­ ing in the city near the church, and the Because life in the city is so transient, family invigorates Ron’s ministry. saying goodbye to friends It could be that in two or three decades Leanne and Robyn will be happens too frequently for the girls. front-line gospel workers to the city. Their parents love living in Los An­ geles and think it is worth every cost to serve the city in the name o f Jesus.

— by Neil B. Wiseman with R on Benefiel and Janet Benefiel

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 55 NAZARENE WORLD MISSION SOCIETY

ALABASTER

Many areas throughout the world rely on Alabaster funds for property and buildings such as churches, clinics, parsonages, and schools. DO YOU One hundred percent of Alabas­ HAVE ONE ter funds are used directly in the construction of these buildings YET? and the purchase of building sites for many Work and Witness projects.

Your church is important in the furtherance of this ministry. Where will the building stop? THE NWMS HANDBOOK AND CONSTITUTION 1989-93 Order from NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE P.O. Box 419527 • Kansas City, MO 64141

Toll-free number: 1 - 8 0 0 - 8 7 7 - 0 7 0 0

Order number— GM083-411-3228

QUANTITY DISCOUNT COST PER BOOK 1 book $2.95 5 books 10% $2.65 25 books 20% $2.36

No NWMS leader should be without it!

NOTICE! The NWMS 75th Anniversary Celebration and Project Promotional Packets of in­ spiring and helpful materials were mailed to the local churches in August. r REVIVALS REVIVALS REVIVALS

42 FIND CHRIST IN FLORIDA REVIVAL IN FIRST PASTOR­ EIGHTY-YEAR-OLD RECEIVES REVIVAL—During revival services ATE REMINDS PASTOR OF CHRIST—Pastor Claude Smith of at the Perry, Florida, Church, O c­ HIS CONVERSION—In his first the Gorham Church in Illinois re­ tober 31 - November 5, 1989, ten revival in his first pastorate, God re­ ports that an eighty-year-old man tes­ teens, eight children, 19 adults, and minded Pastor Bruce Guillot that tified to God’s saving grace in revival five senior adults found Christ. This he was converted in a similar revival services held February 11-16, 1990. group o f new believers included a only eleven years earlier and called to The series was led by Evangelist teenager released from jail on bond, a preach shortly thereafter. He reports, Ronald W . Roth. Pastor Smith sum­ cocaine addict, and a family o f four. "W ords cannot convey what God ac­ marized the work o f God in this reviv- Rev. David L. Canen served as the complished in the last week. It is good al: "The Holy Spirit anointed evangelist for the series. to see it happening again like it did Brother Roth as he ministered to our Pastor Mark S. Armstrong re­ eleven years ago.” The meeting was congregation. Roth and I have worked ports five persons were received into held February 14-18, at the W hit­ together in seven revival meetings membership by profession of faith on ney, Texas, First Church of the since he became an evangelist in 1979. the Sunday morning following the Nazarene with Evangelists Dan and W e will invite him back again.” revival. Four were baptized the next Debbie Braaten. Sunday. With gratitude, Armstrong About the results o f the revival, FOUR WEEKS OF EXTENSIVE commented, "There is nothing more Guillot said, "W e averaged 89 during PRAYER PRECEDES OUT­ exciting than seeing new converts the six services and 103 on Sunday. POURING—Trinity Church, at express their faith by stepping for­ That compares with an average attend­ Plainfield, Indiana, experienced a ward to be baptized.” ance o f 50 only nine months earlier. special outpouring of God’s spirit in a The biggest victory was the unity of revival series last fall. Pastor R. C. POWER OF PRAYER the people and their increased will­ Keeley believes the revival was a PRODUCES REVIVAL IN ingness to volunteer for service in the result o f four weeks o f prevailing CALIFORNIA CHURCH—Pas­ church.” Concerning the evangelists, prayer by their church family. On tor Michael W . Allen reports that the pastor added, "Evangelists Dan Sunday morning, after Evangelist P. prayer vigils involving children and and Debbie Braaten have an un­ L. Liddell preached, eight persons youth, 24-hour prayer meetings in usual gift that many need to experi­ recommitted their lives to Christ. As the always-open church, daily staff ence in our generation.” soon as they found victory and left prayer meetings, and a fasting empha­ the altar, another group of seekers sis in the midweek services resulted in ASBURY REVIVAL MOTI­ knelt in a second wave o f glory. Five the best revival meeting in four years. VATES OKLAHOMA LAYMEN persons sought the blessing of a clean Evangelist Gary Haines led the TO PRAY FOR REVIVAL—After heart. Keeley reports, "In my five Wayside Church, Tulare, Califor­ hearing an account of the Asbury Col­ years at Plainfield, this was the most nia, in this awakening during January lege revival, a lay member o f the magnificent outpouring of the Holy 6-10, 1990. Three entire families and Tulsa Regency Park Church began Spirit we have experienced.” many teens received Christ. Fifteen weekly prayer meetings with three to Revival reports—The church wants news about people sought sanctification and many five other people. After eight months, how God uses revivals to change ordinary people committed themselves to consistent God honored their prayers with a and renew churches; one purpose of GROW is to tithing. Allen added, "Haines’ music genuine revival in their church. Pas­ report such miracles of grace. The editor wel­ was a great drawing card for new peo­ tor Michael M. Hancock reports, comes revival reports, which should be type­ ple. Our evangelist was a friendly, "G od used the dynamic ministry of written in concise sentences, giving specific de­ tails, precise dates, and accurate spelling of confronting preacher — a new voice Evangelist Nelson Perdue and church, city, and individuals’ names. Your name, motivating listeners to think about Song Evangelists Tony and Tricia address, phone number, and mailing date should where they really were spiritually.” Bailey to bring revival to our church. be typed on all items. We want to hear from you, The church plans to disciple new The Spirit o f the Lord moved might­ even though revival reports cannot be acknowl­ edged or returned because of the rush of publica­ converts by using the Baiic Bible Stud­ ily upon several young couples who tion deadlines. Revival reports can be sent to ies for 'New and Growing Christians by dedicated their lives and marriages to GROW Editor, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Charles Shaver. God.” MO 64131. REVIVALS REVIVALS REVIVALS

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)RD BY C. PETER WAGNER Toronto Thrust to the Cities

"A great door is opened ♦ ♦ ♦ ” (1 Corinthians 16:9)

• Have the doors of opportunity for church planting in this city always been open? • Have they opened now because this is God’s time for Toronto? • Is this perfect timing because the prayers of righteous people across a nation and a denomination are powerful and effective? (James 5:16) • Is it because here in Toronto Nazarene eyes are finally opened to see the ripe fields? • Is the Lord of the harvest opening doors because he knows the church in Toronto finally has the courage, faith, and enthusiasm to walk through this?

W hatever the reasons — the doors have swung wide, and in each case the hand of the Lord is evident! Frank Seixas is a young man from Brazil. He came into the Mississauga Bethel Church o f the Nazarene and subsequently became a part o f the Toronto Institute o f Lay Training (a Target Toronto project). He felt God’s call to begin a Portuguese church. Frank was having difficulty finding initial contacts. He presented this need during a Target Toronto month­ ly Celebration Service and 240 peo­ ple stood to their feet to pledge daily prayer support for Frank during the coming week. Frank met eight good contacts that week. One month later, his father, a retired pastor in Brazil, arrived in Toronto for a two-month visit to help Frank establish the church. Twenty Portuguese people gathered at a banquet to welcome him. This church is on its way. The "white apartments” are not just built with white bricks. They are "white apartments” because of the amount of "crack” prevalent in them. Two Nazarene sisters and their fami­ lies, whom God had already placed in this needy area, opened their apart­ ments for Bible studies. These meet­ ings provided the nucleus for the Lawrence Avenue Church o f the Naz­ arene, which now meets in a nearby school cafeteria. After three months, the average attendance is 36. This church needed partial help with rent, but can now cover this and is moving toward being able to support a full­ time pastor.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 59 Professor David Ashton, Canadian Nazarene College, Dean of Training, and Rev. Ian Fitzpatrick, Target A DOOR IS OPEN Toronto staff, Dean of Ses­ sion, provide an exciting practical IN TORONTO eight-weekend course preparing lay- people for outreach ministries.

Twenty-one students are commissioned for service in P H * Target Toronto ministries at the * am ■ first graduation ceremonies of the Toronto Institute for Lay Training.

Toronto Nazarenes gather in a Celebration Service to meet the pastors and people of eight new church plants: Rosewood Chinese, Markhan Village, Lawrence Avenue, Toronto Spanish, Toronto Filipino, Toronto Portuguese, Toronto Egyptian, and Victoria Park Avenue.

The Rosewood Chinese Church of the Nazarene Choir. Another door opened when an Angio area became 53% Chinese in a four-year period. Liz Erdis an d C ath y H olm es opened their homes in the "white apartments” for Bible studies. The Law­ rence Avenue Church began as a result.

60 GROW / F a ll 1990 Glen McLachlan was employed by Air Canada, where he met a fellow employee who was a recent convert. He needed some nurturing. Glen Rev. Ian Fitrpatrick agreed to have Bible studies with him introduces Rev. and at lunch hour on a weekly basis. Mean­ Mrs. Glen McLachlan time, Glen, who had graduated from and family who are pas- Bethany Wesleyan College in New toring the new Victoria Brunswick some years before and was Park Avenue Church. now attending the Rosewood Church o f the Nazarene, began to hear the Lord talking to him about planting a church for the Toronto Thrust. The new convert told Glen that he had been saving up some money to give to a charity but felt the Lord would have him give it to Glen. The amount was $3,171, which provided the initial funds for this new church to be born. Don Dearlove, a real estate man, was invited by a friend to study at the Toronto Institute o f Lay Training. He was not a Nazarene, but was capti­ vated by the Target Toronto vision. Don and some o f his associates are now planning to plant three Nazarene churches in their part o f the city. Their motto — "Reach Rexdale.” Rev. Sonny Accocoro was brought from the Philippines to Toronto to work for a parachurch group. Cir­ cumstances changed, and they were not able to use him. Sonny prayed for G od’s direction. He was led by the Lord into the Grace Church o f the Nazarene, where he heard o f Target Toronto. He had planted six churches for a sister denomination in the Phil­ ippines the previous year and his heart rejoiced at the news o f 27 churches to be planted. Rev. Acco­ coro began the Nazarene Filipino Church on the east side o f Toronto. He has just gone to Manila for his daughter’s wedding. When he returns, he will bring a second pastor with him to plant a Nazarene Filipino Church on the west side o f the city. Five stories! There are many more! God is at work! May Toronto Naza- renes be able to see and walk through every door He opens.

— by Marjorie Osborne with Ian Fitzpatrick

Toronto waits for the gospel... "A great door is open.”

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 61 CHURCH GROWTH Resources Available tor the Large Church Part o1 Church Size Strategies

Resources Available for the FIRST Time RICK WARREN Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Sad­ at the October 1990 dleback Valley Community Church in Mis­ sion Viejo, Calif. In its first 10 years, the School ot Large church has grown to 4,000 in attendance and sponsored 15 new daughter churches. Church Management: Established with a specific focus on reach­ ing the unchurched, over 65% of the mem­ bers have been saved and baptized through the church's ministry. THE LARGE CHURCH OPERATIONS MANUAL

HOW TO GO TO MULTIPLE SERVICES MANUAL DOUG ANDERSON H. B. LONDON Doug is the founder and CEO of H. B. London, Jr., is the senior Nehemiah Ministries, Inc., a con­ pastor at Pasadena First Church. sulting agency serving not-for-profit Rev. London ministers with MUSIC IN THE organizations in planning devel­ several staff persons and cur­ opment and fund-raising services. rently hosts a daily radio program LARGE Doug brings years of experience to titled "Lifeline to Truth.” CHURCH our school as a consultant. MANUAL

JOHN VAUGHAN John Vaughan is currently serving as pro­ VIDEO FOR fessor of the Chair of Church Growth at Southwest Baptist University. Dr Vaughan is the assistant professor of Church Growth THE PASTOR'S and the founder director of the International SECRETARY Mega-Church Research Center. OF A LARGE CHURCH Provided by the Church Growth Division ^

The Church October 1990 School Information Growth Division ■ Date: October 15-19, 1990 Also Provides ■ Location: Los Angeles, Calif. Los Angeles Airport-Hilton Resources for the ■ Pastors desiring to register must have 250 Following: members or average 250 or more in atten­ dance for 1989-90 morning worship, evening worship, or S.S. The Smaller Church 0-99 Tor Your Personal GR0WTH-TIMER Call Today] 816-333-7000 ext. 463

BOB KRIETNER PETER WAGNER The Mid-Size Bob Krietner is a senior lecturer Peter Wagner is a professor of in mangement at Arizona State Church Growth at the Fuller Church University. He is presently a self- Theological Seminary in Pasa­ employed college textbook author dena, Calif. He was a missionary 100-249 and management specialist. to Bolivia, 1956-71, and author of over 30 published books. For your THREE YEAR CALENDAR and ROOK BOB ORR Ten Steps to Rev. Robert Orr is vice president of Church Growth, Inc., primarily responsible for semi­ Rreaking the nars and professional training. Bob is a keen leader and practitioner in the field of 200 Harrier church growth. Call Today! 816-333-7000 ext. 463 "G o ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

GROW — A JOURNAL OF CHURCH GROWTH, EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP Volume 1, Number 3, September 1990 Fall Issue $4.00 Bill M. Sullivan, Director, Church Growth Division, International Church o f the Nazarene • Neil B. Wiseman, Editor

Contributing Editors: Curt Bowers, Chaplaincy Ministries Director • M. V. Scutt, Evangelism Ministries Director Michael R. Estep, Church Extension Ministries Director • Wilbur W . Brannon, Pastoral Ministries Director

—Cover and inside photography by Michael Lewis. —Graphic and page design by Don Ellis, art director, Wellspring. • Composition by Ada Fae Nichols, typographer, Wellspring.

G R O W is produced quarterly, in March, June, September, and December by the Church Growth Division of the International Church of the Nazarene, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. GRO W is published by the Nazarene Publishing House, 2923 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64109. G RO W is designed by The Wellspring Advertising Agency, a division of Christian Booksellers Association, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

G R O W welcomes local and district reports o f revivals, church plants, and church growth but because o f publishing deadlines, reports cannot be acknowledged or returned. Manuscripts on related subjects are also welcome, but unsolicited manuscripts can be returned only if accompanied with a return self-addressed envelope and adequate postage. Reports and manuscripts may be addressed to Neil B. Wiseman, G R O W Editor, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.

64 GROW / F all 1990 Church Growth Lessons From Newsweek1

ewsweek published an editorial late last things should be? N year titled "The Excuse Industry.” In Samuelson concludes that what is wrong with that article, Robert J. Samuelson complained about The Excuse Industry is that "someone else —

corporation executives, special interest govern­ or something else — is always to blame.” Then he

ment leaders and academic advisers who work boldly declares, "Just the opposite is true.”

hard — even overtime — to find excuses to That editorial started me down a path of ques­

explain why American industry does not tions I was forced to ask myself. Does The Excuse

compete well in the global marketplace. Industry affect the church? Does it have anything

As I recall, Samuelson’s article appeared on the to do with church growth or the lack of it?

last page — probably not read by many. But as a Does The Excuse Industry say anything about

print media connoisseur — or is it an my own Christian character devel­

editorial freak? — I often start to opment? Does it show up in the ra­

read magazines from the back. Per­ tionalization I make to God, myself,

haps that is one reason why his idea and others about my lack o f Christ-

captured my attention. likeness in some dimensions of my

After these months I still cannot life?

shake his accusation that executives, production D oes The Excuse Industry say anything about

workers, bankers, and government officials might our revival results? Our passion for souls? Our

spend energies, creativity, and money to create assimilation o f new members? Our manipulations

clever and sophisticated strategies to excuse poor of others to serve our own purposes — even when

performance in the workplace. The notion is sim­ the stated intentions sound lofty?

ple — it is easier to hype difficulties than to solve 1 wonder if Newsweek says anything about

them. church growth and evangelism? Does God ever

The Excuse Industry — doesn’t the term have speak through news magazines?

an intriguing ring? The Excuse Industry — — NEIL B. W ISEM AN doesn’t the idea sound out o f sync with the way Editor, GROW

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship "There is not enough heartbreak over the lost, not enough soul burden, not enough groaning and weeping and fasting/’ —J. B. Chapm an