Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Ministry's new format religion as being the true one and con Conviction and Learning."
tion of the Pharisees is not accurate to Adventist education Ancient Athenian Aristophenes and
them, to the Jewish people, and to a
better understanding of first-century
Christianity.
T he clarity and balance in Charles
Scriven's "Conviction and Truth in
Adventist Education" (January 2001)
his son were cheated when the young
man graduated from Socrates's school
with no more conscience than when he
The author of the editorial (Will Eva, suggests that this article could easily entered. Their counterparts may be seen
"Fearing the Pharisee More Than the become a discussion paper for any all around us 2,500 years later.
Sinner," March 2000) compounds this Adventist faculty from K-16. His appeal "Liberal" education without convic
ancient error but takes his approach to Ellen G. White was well-placed. Her tion always has had a way of simply pro-
even further by stating that his defini educational principles could well be ducing more mixed-up minds and
tion indicates that he identifies his summarized by Scriven's "Marriage of continued on page 28
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What
causes
fights?
W
hat causes fights and quar tinctly secondary in the light of the new
rels among you?" asks "nationality"we now all equally share as
James. Quite a question, and the citizenry of Christ's kingdom.
a perceptive answer follows: "Don't This magnificent principle tran
they come from your desires that bat
WILL EVA scends all others as an operational base
tle within you?" (James 4:1, NIV). for lasting interpersonal peace. It sur
A dispute in the early Jerusalem passes the pervading approaches used
congregation where James was, illus in facing difference and conflict
trates the truth of his thesis and adds between people, the approaches which
an important dimension: "In those dominate the political and social out
days ... the Grecian Jews among them look of our time. The cross put human
complained against those of the hostility to death and produced a revo
Aramaic-speaking community because lutionary way for people to appraise
their widows were being overlooked in you who once were far away have been one another. It literally gave the world
the daily distribution of food" (Acts brought near through the blood of an effective weapon with which to van
6:1, NIV). The word "overlooked" is Christ. For he himself is our peace, who quish the onset of "the desires that
powerful in the context of this and all has made the two one and has battle within" them.
conflicts. The quarrel centered on the destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall Thinking of how he had boasted in
matter of one group being neglected of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the his heritage as a circumcised Hebrew, a
or brushed aside and another, of dif law with its commandments and regula Pharisee, and an elite Benjaminite, Paul
ferent ethnic origin, being favored. tions. His purpose was to create in him also said "But whatever was to my prof
This scenario is reflective of the con self one new man out of the two, thus it I now consider loss for the sake of
flict which pervaded the life of the first making peace, and in this one body to Christ. What is more, I consider every
century Christian community, when reconcile both of them to God through thing a loss compared to the surpassing
interpersonal discord was compounded the cross, by which he put to death their greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my
by the rift that existed between the hostility" (Eph. 2:13-20, NIV). Lord. ... I consider [all of] them rub
Jewish and Gentile Christians. Evidence Is it a violation of Paul's context to bish, that I may gain Christ and be
of this struggle is omnipresent in Paul's claim that the blood of the Cross has found in him" (Phil. 3:4-9. NIV). Here is
letters, because it threatened the viabili not only abolished religious "com the prism through which early
ty of the early church. Perhaps it threat mandments and regulations"? Hasn't it Christians came to view themselves and
ens the church even more today. The also in fact demolished the national, one another in their multicultural world.
mass of our contemporary ecclesiastical racial, and ethnic norms of our time? In the presence of such a reality,
antagonisms are not all that significant Hasn't it tackled our elitist codifications how must one respond? Beaming the
in themselves, but they can rapidly and definitions, withering the haughty light of this Christian worldview on the
become heavy with nationalism, racism, roots of intemperate self-preoccupation extensive European migrations and col
ethnicism, tribalism, and culturalism. and those worldviews that build walls of onizations, especially of Africa and
These "isms" manifest themselves in our conceit, hostility, and division between North America during the last 300
post-colonial era with unprecedented people? Our new standing and identity years, brings me shame and deep con
potency and on a global scale the in Christ ruins the pride and confidence viction. So much of the exploitative
church has never faced before. I have invested in my whiteness, nerve center of those movements are
What was the all important alpha angloness, nationalness, and ethnicity. still potently present in our world and in
principle that the first-century Christian It disgraces all my supposed advantage, the church. Their underlying spirit still
community summoned to derail this and shames the hollow distinctives I subtly or not so subtly governs the way
threat to the church? Here's Paul's own accentuate in an attempt to inflate my we view one another, whether from
description of its surpassing strength value in relation to other races, cultures one side or the other. And it is not just
and beauty: "But now in Christ Jesus and people. Such things become dis continued on page 28
C
onflict and division destroys you get on your pleasures" (verse 3). Notice
H. Jack Morris
faith and blights the Christian how often the words "you" and "your"
witness in the community. Some appear. Church conflict occurs when people
churches with a great history of in the congregation put their personal ideas,
evangelism and growth have thoughts, and motives above what is best for
been torn apart by dissension and factions the congregation.
and are now only a shadow of what they used 2. Angry people. Another source of church
to be. conflict is anger or hate. The hallmark of the
The potential for conflict exists where two church and its most perfect means of minis
or more people are present, and the church is tering to the world is love. Yet James tells us
people. People often experience conflict as a that Christians are capable of killing (figura
result of divergent ideas and opinions, con tively speaking) one another with hate. When
flicting ambitions and goals, and varying a Christian manifests a hateful attitude
needs and concerns. The potential for conflict toward another Christian it is misplaced
is never far away. It crouches at the door ready anger. Psychology uses the technical term
to move in to disrupt, divide, embarrass, and "transference" when referring to misdirected
destroy all that is sacred and holy. emotions.
The church must ever be prepared to Transference occurs when a person is angry
become actively involved in the ministry of with someone or something but expresses
reconciliation. We are a new creation, a com that anger elsewhere. For example, a wife may
munity of love, living in answer to Jesus' have pent-up feelings of anger at her hus
prayer, "Father, make them one, even as we band, but unconsciously transfers and
are one." We are a prophetic people empow expresses her feelings toward the pastor or
ered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim by word, someone else in the church. The pastor and
action, and example the redemptive, recon church are usually thought as "safe" places to
ciling message of Christ. For a gathering of express angry feelings because there is often
H. Jack Morris,
people to call itself a church, it must be a little or no retaliation. Many a church conflict
0. Min., is pastor of
Largo Community
reflection of the first assembly that congre is the result of some angry person looking for
Church, Mitchellville, gated in the upper room where there was a "whipping boy" to vent on. Often the
Maryland. prayer, fellowship, and oneness. church, the pastor, or someone else becomes
the recipient of anger transference.
Conflict and people 3. People with emotional problems. The expe
All conflict is not necessarily bad. Conflict rience of salvation does not necessarily mean
MINISTRY
freedom from physical ailment. Sins On the other hand, smaller churches regarding the issues and outcome.
are forgiven, but the physical condi with no vision for growth sometimes The primary concern and responsibil
tion often remains unchanged. The become unchallenged and bored with ity must be managing the process and
same is frequently the case with peo the status quo. As a result, they turn in dynamics of the dispute to a satisfac
ple who suffer from an emotional or on themselves and begin to dicker tory resolution. The manager will
mental disorder. Depression, anxiety, and pick at each other. function much like the facilitator or
and fear persist, along with other Should a conflict erupt, every chair of any ad hoc committee, seeing
problems associated with poor emo effort should be put forth to resolve it to it that there is fairness, thorough
tional and mental health. In verse 1, early. When a conflict is resolved in ness, and agreed-upon rules of debate
James speaks about "desires that battle the spirit of submission and love, that can be adhered to.
within you." These inner, untreated believers will be unified and the 3. Select a secretary. A secretary of
and unresolved emotions "battle church's mission will be refocused high spiritual qualification and matu
within" and cause conflict that may and pursued. If there is a conflict, rity should be selected to record
be brought into volatile congregation- make it a good conflict by resolving thoroughly and accurately the pro
ceedings/conversations as the process
moves toward resolution.
ROBLEMS WITHIN THE CHURCH DO NOT 4. Gather information. The manager
G
Invitations come from wildly diverse
ood morning, pastor ..." I took groups: The city business council, the senior
Dick Duerksen
a deep breath before respond alliance, a Pathfinder club, nurses, X-ray tech
ing because the telephone voice nicians, teachers, the pastors' association,
had the sound of, "This won't thrift shop volunteers.
take much of your time, so I Three questions guide me as I try to sense
expect you to say Yes!" the needs and interests of each group.
Although petitioners and requests are var 1. What topic will the group be discussing
ied, there is a haunting similarity to the plea. at this meeting?
Most are asking me to prepare a personalized 2. What unique needs does their work
sermon, make it super-short, and get their open up for these people?
meeting off to a good start. 3. What current news issue touches this
"Could you please give us a brief devotion group?
al at Rotaiy Club next Tuesday?" Sometimes I call the group leader, or some
"Pastor, would you please share a few one who works closely with members of the
words at the beginning of our Ladies' Aid group, and ask them to help me work
Society?" through the questions. Asking for help always
"The Senior Alliance meets on Fridays at strengthens my presentation.
noon. Would you be able to talk for four or Often I discover an issue that is causing
five minutes before we begin?" stress among the group, an illness that has
I used to fear these calls, knowing that focused their concern or a current news item
preparing a meaningful four-minute devo that energizes their conversations. That infor
tional could take as long to prepare as a full mation focuses my preparation.
sermon. Sometimes I confess I was a bit insult
ed that they wanted me to be only a four- Target your study and plans to the
minute introduction to the "real meeting." audience.
I've discovered a method, though, that When the senior alliance lost their leader
Dick Duerksen is
reduces preparation time while giving me a to cancer, my message was on comfort. The
director of mission
chance to be "meaningful" in only four Pathfinders were studying flowers, so I talked
development at
Florida Hospital, minutes! Now when I receive one of these about Solomon and the lilies. The student
Orlando, Florida. invitations, I reach for my calendar with nurses were preparing for finals so I spoke on
anticipation, pleased for another opportuni "God, the Great Rememberer." The thrift
ty to open the gospel door to a new group in shop volunteers were having trouble with
the community. rude customers, so we discussed acceptance.
school of i
WWW.CS.SDUTHERN.EDU
Church conflict
tion consultant who understood that a major
part of the problem was that the strong advo
cates for and against these proposed changes
had dominated congregational meetings. An
important part of the congregation had
The role of the third voice become painfully silent or silenced.
This congregation was like most faith bod
ies in that it had a problem-solving procedure
B
in place. This may be a formalized disputing
lessed are those who are willing to process, congregational meetings, grievance
Scilla Wahrhaftig
enter into the process of being healed, procedures, prayer sessions, or board of
for they will become healers. Blessed trustees meetings. A common element is that
are those who recognize their own these procedures handle difficult conflicts
inner violence for they will come to better when all voices are heard: not just
know nonviolence. Blessed are those who can for when adversarial factions are considered.
give self, for they will become forgivers. Blessed When a Friends (Quaker) Meeting recently
are those who are willing to let go of selfishness was locked in conflict, a member, Ruth
and self-centeredness, for they will become a Dymond, observed: "I believe people should
healing presence. Blessed are those who listen come to a Business Meeting with strong con
with compassion, for they will become compas victions and that the expression of those
sionate. Blessed are those who are willing to enter views leads to a strong Meeting. It is impor
into conflict, for they will find transformation. tant to the process and will help, if those who
Blessed are those who know their interdependence are neutral, as well as the clerk (chair of the
with all creation, for they will become unifiers. meeting), make sure that all are heard. If this
Blessed are those who live out a contemplative is not done, it leaves members not only feel
life stance, for they will find God in all things. ing unheard and angry, but we also miss the
Blessed are those who strive to live these beati joy and excitement of a decision made by
tudes for they will be reconcilers. true unity." This was a spontaneous plea for
Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kansas, Used by Third Voice participation.
permission
The role of the Third Voice
One of the greatest needs in conflict situa The role of the Third Voice is not easy.
tions is to nurture the decision-making One is likely to feel buffeted and indecisive
process. It becomes sorely tested because when faced with the strong convictions of
strong advocates for and against an issue are others. It is tempting to withdraw or just
Scilla Wahrhaftig is seldom able to concern themselves with the wait and see. The key tasks of the Third
an active member of process. The group most able to do the nur Voice are to reach out to both sides, to ask
the Pittsburgh turing consists of those whose voices are least questions, to listen, to keep the dialogue
Friends Meeting heard. These are the people who are less tied open in any way they can, and again to lis
(Quakers) with a
up in the outcome and more with their strug ten. This approach is vital because members
long-term interest in
gle to find truth in the conflict situation. I of the vocal faction often feel isolated, lone
conflict resolution.
call them the Third Voice. They are likely to ly, and estranged from the congregation.
Growing a
kindness and the disclosure of Himself to us.
The practice of spiritual disciplines such as
Bible study, prayer, and meditation have the
healthy church
purpose of opening us up to recognizing the
Lord's presence and hearing the Spirit's joyful
assurance that we are, indeed, the children of
God (Rom. 8:16). Knowing that Jesus lives
part 3 and getting in contact with God's grace
through Him is what fires passionate spiritu
ality!
Practical actions that increase passionate
This is the final article in a three-part series by spirituality in a congregation include:
Greg Schaller
and John Grys John Grys and Greg Schaller. Greg Schaller is the + Encouraging church leaders to devote
sole author of this article. time to Bible study and prayer.
M
+ Making sure church members are serv
y wife loves red raspberries. ing in roles best suited to their spiritual gifts.
The trouble is, raspberries f Mobilizing those with the gift of inter
are expensive. So I planted cessory prayer into a prayer ministry.
three healthy raspberry + Leading involvement in weekly small
plants in our garden. I groups.
added fertilizer, wood chips, and water. A year + Preaching sermons on God's grace and
later the three little plants multipliedto how to know Him.
fifty! I was amazed, and so was my wife, who
John Grys is is enjoying the season's daily supply of Loving relationships
administrative pastor mouth-watering raspberries. Passionate spirituality affects our relation
of the Hamilton The analogy, of course, is simple: what ships with others. Jesus said that "'all men
Community Church in dynamics cause a church body to thrive and will know that you are my disciples, if you
Chattanooga, multiply, like the raspberry plants? What is love one another'" Qohn 13:35, NIV). The
Tennessee. the environment in which God is free to step expression of God's love in a church body
in and make a church grow? "I planted the generates a magnetic attraction. And with
seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it love comes unity.
grow" (1 Cor. 3:6, NIV). Researcher Christian It is difficult, however, to enhance loving
Schwartz sought to understand church devel relationships in the church if love is absent at
opment from studying growing churches. 1 home. The expression of love between a hus
After researching 1,000 churches on six conti band and wife needs encouragement. Parents
nents, he concluded that eight characteristics need empowerment to repeatedly show and
were closely linked to spiritual and numerical tell their children, "I love you." Increasing the
growth (see Ministry, January 2001, p. 9). The expression of love in a congregation takes
Greg Schaller, preceding article in this series of three dis time because it is not done simply through a
D.Min., is pastor of cussed the first four of these eight principles program but through the building of relation
the Stone Mountain
(see Ministry, March 2001). This final article ships.
Seventh-day
Adventist Church in
addresses the remaining four of these charac Small groups are an exceptional way to
Lawrenceville, teristics exposed in the church program called nurture love and form positive relationships.
Georgia. Natural Church Development (NCD). The acts of spending time together, getting
Did the gospel rest Jesus introduced at His first advent make the rest of the seventh-day Ssbbath of Eden and Sinai
obsolete? How does the "new covenant" affect the "old," particular!}' as it relates to the question ot law and Sabbath:
Ifus adaptation and expansion of Will Evas two well-received Ministry editorial article;, addresses these and other
questions, 1 he trim pamphlet format makes the material more accessible and convenient for study and distribution.
Quantity discounts available.
Mentoring
come to see this as normal teenage behavior.
They may say hopefully, "Maybe they'll come
back when they have children of their own."
children into
When one of my young members has been
lost to the fellowship it has felt like all my
efforts, energy, thoughts, and prayers have
ministry
been wasted. I have asked myself how I could
best prepare children for the difficult years
ahead in their youth.
C
Our church seemed to stumble upon a new
hildren are the church of tomor idea for using kids in ministry. The pastoral
Dan Stevens
row." I cringe every time I hear staff wanted to make the church a friendlier
that cliche, either from the pul place for members and visitors alike. One
pit or the pew. It's been used to thing we decided was to have people stand at
cajole people into working in the entrance doors of our church to assist and
the children's divisions, or spoken with pride greet people.
after a cute kids' program. Often implied is "That's a job the kids could do!" I said.
the sincere hope that someday the children Thus was born the "Doorkeepers," a ministry
will take over the reins of church leadership tailor-made for Primary and Junior kids. They
and ministry. readily signed up for their post and were
In our church we've decided that if chil faithfully on duty each week. As people
dren aren't recognized as the church of today approached the entrance, they were greeted
they may not be around to be the church of by the child with a smile and a warm greet
tomorrow. If we are not actively involving our ing. The children assisted the elderly, the
children in ministry now, how can we expect mothers with babies, and people with potluck
them to be active in their youth or adult dishes or Sabbath School supplies. On rainy
hood? days, armed with large umbrellas supplied by
"Train up a child in the way he should go the church and with the church's name
and when he is old he will not depart from it" imprinted, they met people outside, escorting
can work negatively if in their formative years them into the vestibule. This ministry was an
we've encouraged children only to be still and instant success. Members and visitors alike
listen. appreciated it and regularly thanked the chil
dren for their service. More importantly, the
Good programs aren't enough kids felt they provided a useful service for
As a children's pastor for 16 years, I have their church. After five years, it's still a regular
done lots of creative programming for ministry here.
Dan Stevens is
Sabbath School, Children's Church, and That was the seed that inspired a new way
children's pastor at
Vacation Bible Schools, all with the hope of of doing children's ministry in our church:
Kettering Seventh-
day Adventist Church inspiring children to give their lives to God team ministry for kids. We don't have to wait
in Kettering, Ohio. now and keep that commitment into adult until they're teenagers or older to begin min
hood. Usually children are grateful for quality istry. Children can be active ministers now.
programming geared for them, and they read This idea, along with its accompanying
ily respond to invitations to accept Jesus as philosophy, happily coincided with our
IntemationafJournalfor Pastors
2000-INSIDE OUT-
Authentic Ministry in an Image Conscious Age
Speakers: Dr. Haddon Robinson, Dr. Andrea Luxton,
Dr. Barry Black, and Dr. Paul Scott Wilson
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Children's Ministry Teams at Kettering exact moment the 'Amen' was sound
ed, the van turned up the driveway of
DoorKeepers the rehabilitation center. The kids
"Front-line" greeters on Sabbath morning at the entrances of the church were so excited to see that God had
God's Handworks Puppet Team come through for their ministry, they
The art of puppetry, used to share the gospel within and outside our church went crazy!" Pastor Hohmann knows
from experience that children who
God STIX With You discover ministry in their preteen
A creative way to illustrate Christian music through the use of dowel rods years are much more likely to be
Christian's Choir active leaders in their adulthood than
Giving choral instruction for children's praise and worship songs those who don't.
Ironically, large churches with
Children's Handbell Choir more resources available to them are
Playing for worship services and in neighboring churches not usually good at empowering chil
Clown Ministry dren for ministry. Small churches
Giving Christian care a happy face at special events, hospital and nursing home have done the best at including chil
visitation, and just plain good fun dren if for no other reason than they
don't have enough adults to do every
PETZ thing. Jobs like taking up the offering,
Children take puppies and kittens from local animal shelters to patients in ushering, folding and handing out
nursing homes bulletins, and helping their parents
KIT' " '. ' " ' ." '-;.'.'''.-:..: ':'..:- : ''}.,.. ' . * :' ..' clean the church have helped young
Kids in Training, an introductory program that gives children the tools to equip people feel that this is their church
them for ministry, helping them choose which ministry they would like: to join. and that they are contributing in
their own way to its upkeep.
It's been two years now since our
church's efforts at the time to estab been equipping kids for eight years in Children's Ministry Team consciously
lish a new statement of mission and outreach and missions. He tells of a moved away from entertaining our
core values. Two values that surfaced time when his children experienced children with good programs toward
had particular bearing upon children: first-hand the faithfulness of God: the goal of mentoring kids for service,
(1) that every person in the church is "We were scheduled to do outreach at leadership, and outreach. We recog
being equipped by the Holy Spirit for a drug rehabilitation center. Normally nized that this would necessitate
ministry, and (2) that the best way to the kids would do an hour of singing finding adults who love children and
disciple people is to mentor them in with choreography, drama, and testi enlisting them to work with a few
spiritual growth and service. Our monies and then individually pray kids in joint ministry, that is, team
newly formed children's ministry with the people who came to listen. ministry. Since we couldn't ask others
team took the position that God An advance team was supposed to to do what we hadn't tried ourselves,
doesn't wait for kids to grow up arrive an hour early at the ministry adult team members started the first
before He pours the Holy Spirit upon site with sound equipment so that all teams. We chose to launch a puppet
them. And what better way to grow would be set up and ready when the team and had 16 children join us. No
faith in children than for them to rub kids arrived. Well, the kids arrived, one told us that puppets was the
shoulders in ministry with adults but the van with the sound equip hardest ministry to do.
who love and value them? ment was lost and was almost an Everyone loves puppets and we use
Unlike many adults, children want hour late. To make matters worse, we them often in Children's Church and
to serve. They are looking for ways to had accidentally left the backup tapes outreach. But the greatest benefit has
put hands and feet on the faith they and emergency boom box in the been seen in the kids on the team,
have received from their parents and same van. What were we to do now? who now demonstrate a greater com
teachers. What really turns them on Minutes before the outreach was mitment to their faith and each other
is when they see God come through, scheduled to begin, one of the chil than ever before. They are progres
even in the simplest ways. dren said, 'We need to pray.' Of their sively taking on more responsibility
own initiative, they gathered in a cir and leadership, just as we hoped they
Children doing ministry cle and began to pray for the missing would.
Pete Hohmann, a children's pastor van. After several of the children Because of this and because pup
at the Mechanicsville Christian prayed, one of the children ended the pets are popular, we soon had more
Center near Richmond, Virginia, has prayer time and said 'Amen.' At the applicants than we could handle ask-
Courage:
courage, to face conflict in life or to make
tough decisions? Three principles can help to
deal more effectively with these difficult mat
A learned skill
ters: Remember that God is all powerful,
reinforce your confidence from a divine per
spective, and resolve to face the difficult
matter.
I
Remember that God is all-powerful
could feel the hair begin to rise on the "Have no fear of sudden disaster" says
Marion T. Perkins, Sr.
back of my neck. I stiffened every mus Solomon "or of the ruin that overtakes the
cle as his six foot, six inch, 280-pound wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence
frame loomed over me. I expected him and will keep your foot from being snared"
to swing violently at me as he grimaced (Prov. 3:25, 26, NIV). Sometimes when we are
and mumbled threateningly under his breath. facing a difficult situation, such as a disre
Yet, as I stood facing his nervous wife, I still spectful church member, an unruly child, an
felt confident that my tactful chastisement of abusive spouse, or an intimidating neighbor
her was in perfect order, regardless of what he or co-worker, we have the tendency to feel as
might do to me. After all, she had spoken dis if we have no control over the matter. We
respectfully to an elder during a church may then feel afraid and powerless. This, in
business meeting and I thought it was my turn breeds frustration and anger in us. I have
place, as pastor, to tell her so. Apparently her found that whatever the nature of the matter
husband (himself an elder) did not agree. that leaves us feeling powerless, it is comfort
Thankfully, I don't have one of these ing to know deep down that God is in
episodes every day! But this experience under control. The scripture declares confidently
scores a truth I've discovered about the that "[He] will keep your foot from being
indispensable human quality known as snared."
courage: It can be a learned skill. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his book Stride
Toward Freedom, chronicles the major events
Grace under pressure that shaped the infamous Montgomery Bus
Ernest Hemingway once defined courage as Boycott of 1955. In the chapter, "The Violence
"grace under pressure." Somehow I didn't feel of Desperate Men," King shares feelings of fear
so "forceful" that Saturday evening in the he experienced as a result of threats made
church foyer facing this behemoth of a man. against his life as a leader of that movement.
When I say that courage is a learned skill, I He writes, "One night toward the end of
Marion T. Perkins, Sr.
mean that it can be acquired through various January [1955], I settled into bed late, after a
is pastor at Calvary
Seventh-day
life experiences. Coming to this realization strenuous day. Coretta had already fallen
Adventist Church in was a defining moment in my life. For years I asleep and just as I was about to doze off, the
Davenport, Iowa. struggled with a fearful spirit, afraid to face telephone rang. An angry voice said, 'Listen,
anything that made me feel threatened. This nigger, we've taken all we want from you;
fear had had a paralyzing effect on me and I before next week you'll be sorry you ever came
often wondered if I would ever be free from it. to Montgomery.' I hung up, but I couldn't
Elder's Digest
had come down on me at once. I had
reached the saturation point.
"I got out of bed and began to walk
the floor. Finally I went to the kitchen
and heated a pot of coffee. I was ready Subscription Form
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ting untouched before me I tried to
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The environment
cause for the present ecological exploitation
of nature.3
Bouma-Prediger lists the "Eco-Theological
Models" of Reuther and Sittler as important
contributors in the present "greening" of the
Created and sustained by whom? church. Rosemary Reuther was one of the first
to mix Eco-theology and liberation or political
theology as a single issue. She felt it was nec
D
essary to create a "link" between social justice
Patrick A. Travis uring the past thirty years and Christian ecology. Joseph Sittler was an
across the globe, interest in early pioneer of "nature theology" and once
environmental issues has been wrote an article on "ecumenical ecology."4
increasing. Author Charles With the creation of the National
Rubin notes that in 1955 there Environmental Policy Act of 1969, political
were no references in the New York Times voices have multiplied. Virtually every
Index under the term "environment." In nation has some policy structure designed to
1965 there were two. In 1970 the first "Earth protect the environment. In the United
Day" was organized, along with 86 notations States, most congressional and presidential
under the word "environment" in the Times. candidates have a declared environmental
In 1972 the United Nations held a confer policy as part of their candidacy and political
ence in Stockholm on the human platform. The United Nations Environment
environment. In 1992 we had the "Earth Program (UNEP) recently published Earth and
Summit" in Rio. 1 By 1998 we were seeing Faith: A Book of Reflection for Action. This
almost regular national evening news "Interfaith Partnership for the Environment"
updates on "El Nino." effort explores earth issues from the various
More recently environmental weather faith traditions and touches on eco-justice,
changes were being attributed to the "La global warming, and other issues it considers
Nina" effect as well as to "global warming." linked to the health of the environment.
Everywhere, even in the churches, voices are Klaus Topfer of the UN Environment
crying out; for many the environment has Program states, "We have entered a new age.
become nothing short of a crusade. What are An age where all of us will have to sign a new
some of these voices, what are they saying, compact with our environment... and enter
and how may Christians relate to this grow into the larger community of all living
Patrick A. Travis,
ing movement? beings. A new sense of our communion with
D.D.S., is a chaplain
planet Earth must enter our minds."5 The
at Florida Hospital in
Orlando, Florida. The Voices blending of political and religious environ
In The Green Crusade, Charles Rubin lists mental voices is a global phenomenon.
the most significant early "populizers" within Discussion of the "redemption and rejuvena
the environmental movement over the last tion" of the planet by "people of faith" is
thirty years such as Rachel Carson, Barry proliferating.
T
attended the gathering at Assisi. In ship, many of the existing ecological
1986 at Assisi, the pope met with 150 HE GROWTH OF movements deserve the focus of a
religious leaders who corporately healthy skepticism in at least three
prayed for world peace and the ENVIRONMENTAL areas:
restoration of the planet's environ 1. The tendency of addressing
ment. The pope said: "We hope that MOVEMENTS WITHIN environmental issues on a purely nat
this pilgrimage to Assisi has taught us uralistic and scientific basis. Does
anew to be aware of the common ori THE CHURCH OVER humankind really have the ability to
gin and common destiny of humani understand such a massive global
ty. Let us see in it an anticipation of environmental system, with all its
what God would like the developing innumerable fluctuations and varia
history of humanity to be: a fraternal tions? At the local level it is entirely
journey in which we accompany one consistent with the biblical world-
another toward the transcendent goal view to support such concerns as the
which he sets for us."8 movement against the spread of toxic
Perhaps the pope's most signifi "Eco-Justice Task Force," is one of waste, but we need to be realistic
cant environmental work came in many other similar ecclesiastical enough when thinking globally to
1990 in the publication of his paper organizations that have recently been remember that "only a stall with no
written for the World Day of Peace formed. When the World Council of ox is perfectly clean."
titled "Peace With God the Creator, Churches (WCC) met in Vancouver in 2. Then there is the tendency of
Peace With All Creation." Statement 1983, the adopted theme was "Justice, some ecclesiastical movements to
6 of that document states, "The grad Peace, and Integrity of Creation." 11 tackle environmental issues on a
ual depletion of the ozone layer and The Ecumenical Review (of WCC) purely political basis. It is difficult to
the related 'greenhouse effect' has reports that a resolution was adapted maintain the integrity of a legitimate
now reached crisis proportions as to "promote preservation of creation" Christian worldview while working
consequence of industrial growth, at all levels. A different lifestyle was from a strictly political perspective.
massive urban concentrations and encouraged in relation to "wants and 3. There is the potential for the
vastly increased energy needs.... The needs" so that "survival of the natural widespread abuse of inappropriate,
resulting meteorological and atmos world can be assured." Along with intrusive power over virtually every
pheric changes range from damage to other ethical issues that make up aspect of human life when it comes
health to the possible future submer "new Sundays" as special days, it rec to orchestrated attempts to "solve"
sion of low-lying lands. ... It is ommended that an "Ecological this "global problem," particularly
necessary that the entire human Responsibility Sunday" be added.12 when the environmental issue
communityindividuals states and becomes the sole concern of a given
international bodiestake seriously Legitimate cautions organization.
the responsibility that is theirs." The growth of environmental Consider some of the theological
Number 10 says: "The ecological cri movements within the church over implications of many of the assertive
T
O WHAT EXTENT AND IN WHICH WAYS DOES boasts, boast in the Lord'" (1 Cor.
1:30, 31, NASB).
THE HUMAN COOPERATE WITH THE DIVINE? It is our responsibility to speak with
a courageous voice in a world embrac-
ing an essentially evolutionary
ings and the mighty sovereign voice concern that is vitally important to be outlook. It is ours to speak with a true
of God echoing over His creation as a part of. In fact, openness in this area voice in a world undecided between
revealed in Psalms 29, 96, 104, 148 offers Christians the opportunity, "Baal" or the living Creator.
and Job 37:39? Are these expressions among other things, to spread the To worship the creature or the cre
simply the articulation of a kind of gospel. It may well be urged that ation over the Creator is foreign to an
mythical view of how God relates to Seventh-day Adventists, who have authentic biblical faith. Our message
His creation? been and are so deeply committed to is to "fear God, and give him glory,
the "conservation" of both the soul because the hour of His judgment has
Affirmations of the Christian and the physical body, should in all come; and worship him who made
faith consistency also be profoundly con the heaven and the earth and sea and
Christian faith affirms that Christ cerned with the conservation of the springs of waters" (Rev. 14:7). We
actually did create and still maintains magnificent gifts God has provided look forward to the restoration that
all things by His mighty voice (Col. through all He has created and made will begin when Jesus returns, when
1:16, 17). To what extent and in for humankind; that is, the ecosys we expect that all of the blighted cre
which ways does the human cooper tems of our planet. At the same time, ation order will be replaced with a
ate with the Divine? Does God still however, Christians must resist blind new heaven and a new earth.
bring the blessing of rain or the curse ly syncretizing religious belief with "Turn to me, and be saved, all the
of the drying of the Euphrates, or are ecological purpose, merely for the ends of the earth;
all such things simply the function of sake of creating inter-religious peace For I am God, and there is no
natural phenomena which humanity and harmony, and considering exclu other" (Isa. 45:22). m
may increasingly manipulate at will? sively the scientific, environmental,
In addition, are there political and and political concerns that are
religious interests and overtures in involved. As with any other reform, 1 Charles Rubin, The Green Crusade: Rethinking the
the environmental movements? Is the creative sovreignty of God must Roots of Environmentalhm (Lanham, Md.: Rowmnan
& Littlefield, 1994), 6.
the "eco-theology-justice wing" noth be judiciously brought to the center of 2 Ibid., 18, 26, 30, S3, 85, 155.
ing but another expression of the the Christian approach to environ 3 Robert Royal, The Virgin and the Dynamo: Use and
Abuse of Religion In Environmental Debates (Grand
"social gospel," dressed in the con mental reform. Rapids: Ecrdmans, 1999), 34.
4 Steven Bouma-Prediger, The Greening of Theology
temporary garb of "eco-justice"? All (Atlanta, Ga.: Scholar's Press, 1995), 12, 14.
Christians should have compassion Conclusion 5 Earth and Faith. United Nations Environment
Programme (New York: 2000), 3.
on the less fortunate and a deep sense There is no question that Chris 6 Al Gore, Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human
Spirit (New York: Penguin Books, 1993).
of responsibility for God's creation, tians have been called to be good 7 Ibid.
but that does not mean that we stewards of their environment. We 8 World Day of Prayer for Peace, Assissi, 27 October
1986, no. 5.
should automatically approve all the should care about our planet, the 9 John Paul II. "Peace With God the Creator, Peace
With All Creation," World Day of Peace, January 1,
political movements designed to purity of its water and its air, and all 1990.
bring about social, economic, and the other aspects of its magnificent 10 Nancy G. Wright and Donald Kill, Ecological
Healing: A Christian Vision (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis,
ecological justice. eco-systems. But even such a good can 1993), 162.
11 Grandberg-Michaelson. 73-82.
Peter Berger, notable church soci be taken further than it might be, or 12 Ecumenical Review (WCC), vol. 51, no. 4, October
ologist, states that no matter the emphasized in an imbalanced man 1999.
13 John Neuhaus, American Apostasy: The Triumph of
political agenda of the religious left or ner. It is the Creator and not His cre "Other" Gospels. Essay by Peter Berger, 12.
Tending to the
stranger on
the roadside
T
he older I get, the less willing I cal crusade of some kind. He told me
am to stop along a road, even a that he had spent the night sleeping in
well-traveled one, to give a ride a car in a junkyard just a short distance
to a stranger. There have been too from where I found him alongside the
many stories of tragedy befalling peo
LARRY LAPIERRE road. That made me wonder just what
ple who offered a ride to someone kind of a person I had picked up. Worse
who seemed to be in need. On the yet, I was a little suspicious of his clergy
other hand, at least three times in my credentialsa wallet-sized card, that he
life 1 have been one of those strangers showed me. On the other hand, who
on the side of the road who needed was I to question someone whom the
help, and I was grateful every time that Lord seemed to want me to help along
someone stopped to help me. his journey.
Nevertheless, my fear continues to nowhere. Clearly, this man in my dream We traveled another sixty miles
this day to interfere with my natural needed a ride because he was a long along that forsaken stretch of highway
desire to help someone in need. There way from anywhere. That was the sim before I had to turn off at a little town
was one time, however, when God ple content of the dream. known as Alexander. The man got out
intervened to help me to offer a ride The next morning I awoke, got up, of the car, wished me a good day and
when it was needed. It was in May of and drove along "The Airline." I was went on his way. I have never seen or
1980, and I remember that only about thirty miles into the country with heard about this man since, but I have
because I was completing my first year no one else around when who should often wondered who he was and what
of seminary in Bangor, Maine and I had appear but the man in my dream wear God meant for him to do. What is clear
accepted a four week assignment to ing the gray clergy shirt, the suit, and to me is that God meant for me to pick
lead worship in two little remote towns the hat. I had just a few seconds to him up, despite our mutual uncertain
in far eastern Maine known as Pem react, and I decided to listen, not to my ties about each other, and bring him a
broke and Robinston. fear, but to the dream. I pulled the car little further along his journey. I have
The shortest route from Bangor to over to the side of the road and offered always assumed that God had some
these two churches lay along a road so him a ride. He was very cautious and thing for him to do and all I needed to
winding and bumpy that it was known wanted to know who I was and where I know was that I was supposed to help
as "The Airline." It was also 125 miles was going. After he got into the car he him along in that journey. IB
long. Because I was from Massachusetts, explained to me that he was an itiner
the idea of driving that far, except on a ant minister from California who felt he Larry LaPierre is chief of chaplain services
business trip or to see a long-lost rela had been called to travel to New at the Veterans' Hospital in White River
tive, was beyond my experience. So I Brunswick, Canada to lead an evangeli Junction, Vermont
went to bed as early as possible, know
ing that I needed a good night's sleep to
be up early on Sunday morning so that
I could arrive on time for worship. I was
to find out, however, that I needed PLANT THE FUTURE
more than sleep to prepare for what I
would have to deal with on my way to
it; Want to reignite your passion for soul-winning? Plant a church!
This book is for frustrated but loyal members eager to invest
those churches the next morning. So their lives in hastening Jesus' return. Using an effective,
the Lord sent a dream to help me. storytelling style, author Ron Gladden gets right to the heart of
In the dream I saw myself driving the matter. If his statistics don't persuade you, his enthusiasm
along a highway lined with evergreen will. "Church planting is the Gospel Commission at its finest."
trees and very little else. All of a sudden, Ministerial Association Resource Center
an older man with a gray clergy shirt Phone: 888.771.0738 (toll-free) or 301.680.6508 Fax: 301.680.6502
and wearing a suit and hat appeared Email: paynec@gc.advenrist.org Web site: www.ministerialassociation.com
alongside the road in the middle of Also available at your local ABC
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MINISTRY
system of merits, good works, sacra
ments and penances" in the teachings
Ministry to be both inspiration and
intellectually challenginga combina A Path Straight
of the Catholic Church, so it is compro
mised by the increasingly confusing
tion that is all too rare. Graduate
students are usually presented with
to the Hedges
systems of Adventist theology of salva readings that either have a slightly by Borge Schantz
tion where individual sanctification anti-religious bias or with inspiration
frequently merges with the divine act of and devotional publications from
justification and where our eternal des church presses that lack the intellectu Who are the hedge
tiny was not decided on the cross as al rigor that many young people are
dwellers? Author Borge
much as in the characters of believers, seeking. Ministry does an excellent job
of maintaining a strong Christian focus
Schantz defines them as
so that at the end of the day our hon
oring of Christ's finished work of while exploring interesting, as well as the world's forgotten
salvation appears more like a lip service difficult topics. people. They exist on the
than a genuine belief. I particularly enjoyed the November margins of both rural and
Whether the gospel is infused into 2000 issue, which dealt with Luther's urban society. They may
indulgences, sacraments, merits of the theological differences with the lack physical necessities,
saints, or into the character shaping Catholic Church. I was a bit perplexed, but even more desperately,
doctrines of investigative judgment, however, that with all the discussion they need the saving
vindication of God's character through and praise of Luther's notion of justifi
knowledge of Jesus Christ.
the lives of the believers and almost cation by faith, no mention was made
immaculate law keeping, it makes no of the centrality of predestination in his This book is a much-
difference. Both approaches are respon thinking. For Luther, as for Calvin, belief needed manual for cross-
sible for confusing the believer as to the in salvation by grace alone presup
cultural evangelism among
method and place where salvation takes posed God's predestination of fallen
place, and as such they are an offense humanity to either salvation or damna
these unreached people
to the gospela serious deviation that tion. He believed that for human beings groups. This practical guide
undermines the fullness of salvation in to contribute anything to their salvation will both inspire and equip
the person of Jesus Christ. was an attack on God's sovereignty.... you for ministry.
The integrity of the Church and its It is true that modern Protestant the
mission in the days to come does not ology owes a great debt to the Price: us$ 12.95 + 18%s8Ji
depend on how skilled it becomes in Protestant Reformers, but we must be
maneuvering through the challenges careful of anachronistically transposing
our distinctive beliefs will continue to our theology back onto them. In my
face. Ultimately, the Church will be opinion, Luther's brand of justification
tested by its honesty toward the by faith cannot be understood without
integrity of the gospel, for no church reference to his fundamental belief in
or a movement has ever been given predestination.
commission other than to preach the Gregory Dodds, doctoral candidate,
gospel without strings attached. And Claremont Graduate University, Oaremont,
how far will the gospel go in the California.
Adventist Church this time depends on
those ministers, evangelists, teachers, Ministry welcomes letters
scholars, writers, editors, and lay mem from readers
bers who treasure the gospel above I etters must be exclusive to Ministry,
the loyalty to any ideological concept. Lmust be signed, and must include
For all of us the first step should be to the writer's home address. Because of
stop hinting at the gospel and start space limitations, published letters are RESOURCE CENTER
preaching it deliberately and without subject to abridgment. Although we GC Ministerial Association
apology. are unable to acknowledge letters we 12501 Old Columbia Pike
Tihomir Kukolja, pastor, Melbourne, cannot publish, we value the views of Silver Spring, MD 20904
Australia. those who send us their comments. Phone: 888.771.0738 (toll-free)
Letters should be addressed to the 301.680.6502
D uring the past three years, as a Editor and may be hand-delivered, sub Fax: 301.680.6502
Email: paynec@gc.adventist.org
graduate student at a secular sem- mitted via mail, or via our email address
Web: www.ministerialassociation.com
inary, I have found the articles in at norcottj@gc.adventist.org m
New way
to pray
I
had believed that I prayed for my involved in Bible studies that originated
members every day. Without fail I in the prayer chest. I cannot envision
would ask a hurried blessing for my ever pastoring a church without the
congregates as I rushed to the office or benefit of this spiritual tool."
to attend some urgent duty.
JAMES A. CRESS John D. Morgan, pastor of Houston's
Then one day, as I analyzed my per Sagemont church says, "I have never
sonal praying patterns, I realized I was seen a tool more effective for ministry. In
primarily asking only that God would only three weeks I received over one
make my membership larger and my hundred prayer requests. Many of our
problems fewer. I also admit that I reg members have spoken to me personally
ularly threw in a few texts from the as to how much they appreciate my sen
imprecatory Psalms, which fervently sitivity to their desire for confidentially."
echoed David's petition for God to The administrative assistant to Charles F.
smite my enemies and to wreak the ignore my offer to pray for particular Stanley, pastor of Atlanta's First Baptist
havoc I was so certain His vengeance issues. This process, alone, refocused Church, says they receive requests from
promised. my prayers and changed meboth their prayer box daily.
In reality however, I was seeking short spiritually and professionallyas I lifted "Beyond your congregation, these
cuts to spiritual discipline. It wasn't that the names and needs of my members prayer boxes can dramatically impact
I refused to pray. Instead I neglected a before my heavenly Father. If my mem the wider community," says Terry Teykl,
deep interaction even as I convinced bers mentioned a particular need, then a Methodist pastor who places prayer
myself that I was a "praying pastor." my prayers grew even more focused on boxes in businesses such as banks,
After all, isn't that what pastors do? the day I "remembered" them. I came stores, professional offices, and even
We pray! Like a physician dispensing to understand experientially that when bars. The most creative placement
pills, we offer up prayers for any occa I pray for someone, I am not praying in mounted a box where motorists could
sionfrom opening worship services to order to change God's mind about that drop in requests from their cars. Teykl
opening a hospital room door, from individual or their need; rather, God says, "strategically placed prayer boxes
committees to counseling sessions, changes my mind about that person give God's address to people in need."
from prayer meetings to potlucks, pas and their situation. Clarence Phairas of the Pendleton
tors pray publicly and often. Like most Recently, I have examined a remark Church of God, Anderson, Indiana, says
pastors, I prayed a dozen times or more able tool for providing even more effec his congregation has placed eight
in a typical day. All my contactsfrom tive guidance to my prayers. Pastor's boxes around their small community.
the couple struggling with marital Confidential Prayer Box, offers a simple, "While some locations do not generate
problems to the Pathfinder drill team beautifully-constructed, secure method many requests, you build spiritual rela
received their share of the pastor's by which members can alert their pas tionships even from those who allow
prayers. tor to specific requests which, other placement of the boxes. I told one busi
Wanting to bring more depth and wise, might go unnoticed or unknown ness owner I was praying for her." He
greater intentionality to my prayers, I (see ad on next page). encourages participants to collect the
devised a method for systematically Sam Martz, president of Exotic requests from these various locations
praying for my members on a pre Wood, Inc., has presented a number of and give them to the intercessory
planned schedule. I even published the these boxes to active clergy. My prayer team.
schedule and invited my members to Adventist pastoral colleague, R. P. 1 encourage you to try this new way
respond at the appointed date if they Stafford, Nashville, writes, "This locked to pray for your own ministry. I am con
wished to inform their pastor's prayers. box has allowed my members to vinced it will enhance your personal
I purposed that I would focus on a express thoughts and requests, which prayer life as well as the pastoral care
specific family even if they chose to heretofore was not possible. I am you give your members, n
VJSV S^^S
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