Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INISTRY
Ministry Is the international journal of the'
Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association
and has been published since 1928.
If you're receiving Ministry bimonthly and haven't paid for a subscription, it's not a mistake. Since 1928 Ministry has been
Free Subscription published for Seventh-day Adventist ministers. We believe, howeyerfthat- the time has come for clergy everywhere.to experience a
resurgence of faith in the authority of Scripture and in the great truths that reveal the gaspel-ofout salvation by grace, through faith alone in Jesus Christ,
We want to share our aspirations and faith in a way that will provide inspiration and h?ipMiyou as clergy. We hope you will accept this journal as our
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available to all licensed and/or ordained clergy. Requests should be on church letterhead and .addressed to the editoria/ office.
Old issues
ongoing
A
long with Christians since the and living each day with our fallen
first century, Seventh-day human nature upon Him, demonstrated
Adventists have had their strug that through faith in His Father, sin
gles with the question of what kind of could by all means be overcome, and so
nature |esus took when He, "the Word,"
WILL EVA verified that, through the inner work of
became "flesh" (John 1:14). Our ques the Holy Spirit, every struggling
tion has been, To what extent and in Christian may do as He did, in the way
which ways did Jesus possess a sinful He did it.
human nature versus a sinless divine Yet it is important to clarify that when
nature, and how do these two natures all this has been done in the life of the
meet in Him and relate to human salva Christian, the resulting goodness, hav
tion? ing passed through a defective human
The soul mate of the "nature-of- channel, can be acceptable only when
Christ" issue (at least when it comes to hidden by faith in the absolute perfec
the Adventist dialogue over these be both helpful and interesting to tion of Jesus Himself (see, for example,
things) is the question, of course, of the republish an insert (found at the center Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 344). This
role of Christ's imparted sinless perfec of this issue) that Ministry first presented is and indeed must be, because His
tion, worked out in the heart and 33 years ago in its October 1970 issue. nature is and was completely sinless.
behavior of the Christian believer by While volumes of water have passed It seems to me that one of the great
faith, versus the role of Jesus' own per under the theological bridge of our est challenges in all this is to embrace
sonal perfection, "credited to the Church since 1970, we at Ministry find the fact that, regardless of where we
account" of the Christian by faith ourselves in basic agreement with the stand in any dialogue, there is a defiant
(imputed), through an outright gift of positions that were taken on the issues ly frustrating mystery to Jesus' nature.
God's grace. These particular issues and discussed by the three essayists in this This is especially so when we seek to
the way they relate to one another, are insert. For instance, both the collection understand its finer implications.
particularly potent in the Adventist and especially the correlation of Ellen For example, none of us has had,
mind and heart when coupled with the White citations found on and around and therefore cannot know what it real
close of "probation," the final judg page 12 of the insert are some of the ly means to have a divine side, as such,
ment, and the second coming of Christ. most well-balanced and revealing that to our natures, whether quiescent or
Seventh-day Adventists, many at could be presented. not. Further, it is clear that Jesus was
least, are divided when it comes to these Even when these are carefully placed born and came to this earth under
things. While there is a profound fatigue next to similar statements that empha entirely unique circumstances, different
within the Adventist soul when it comes size other important aspects of these from ours, and therefore received a
to such discussions and the tensions and matters, they stand as sentinels one-of-a-kind nature, the Holy Spirit
divisions they tend to bring, there is also unabashedly affirming the absolute sin- being as literally His progenitor for His
a compelling significance to aspects of lessness of the human nature of Jesus human incarnational sojourn as human
the dialogue. The publication of two Christ, who as such is both qualified and words could ever describe such a reality
articles in this journal have and will entitled to stand before God in our (Luke 1:35).
inevitably raise questions about these behalf, so that in Him we may have a But when all is said and done, the
things among some of our readers. well founded confidence before God evidence, experience, and also the qual
First, there is Roy Naden's doctrinal (1 John 2:28), even after the close of ity of the Seventh-day Adventists that
study, "The Nature of Christ: Four "probation" and at the moment of final form the ecclesiastical fault lines com
Measures of a Mystery." Then there is judgment. posing the sides in our struggle over
Woodrow Whidden's important article On the other hand, in this insert these questions, are such that it is cru
in this issue, reporting and commenting there is much to substantiate the cial for us to cease considering someone
on the republication of the book superb truth that Jesus, as a through- less than authentically Christian or
Questions on Doctrine, and-through human being, facing all Adventist if they take a position differ
Given these articles, we felt it would the temptations common to humans, ent from the one we take, m
D
o leadership practices correlate ily life.
Roger Dudley
and Skip Bell with successful pastoral min 8. A ministry that contributes to unity in
istry? We ask this question the church.
because we frequently notice 9. A ministry that builds trust among
that, while programs and constituents.
resources vary and change, progress seems to 10. A ministry that multiplies loving rela
be a constant with certain pastors. tionships in the church.
What empowers these church leaders to 11. Attendance increases.
continue with unusual success, even when 12. Giving patterns that are improving.
their ministry context or emphasis changes? 13. The ability of the church to sustain
The question becomes more complex when healthy growth.
we consider that people equally devoted to
Roger Dudley, Ed.D., is Jesus, seem to experience differing levels of A framework of leadership practices
director of the Institute
success; thus suggesting that it is difficult to The opening questions, identified above,
of Church Ministry,
Andrews University, conclude that spiritual commitment alone is also require that a cluster, or "framework," of
Berrien Springs, the factor that predicts pastoral success as we leadership practices be defined. A practice is a
Michigan customarily define it. recurring pattern of behavior predictable
Is leadership practice, rather than particu within a person in response to a certain envi
lar programs or resources, the "constant" that ronment. In the case of pastoral leadership
accompanies pastoral success? practices, it is the dominant way a person
thinks, feels, or acts in an environment that
Success criteria for pastoral ministry evokes pastoral leadership behaviors.
Such questions require agreement regard Innumerable systems exist for the con
ing the criteria composing pastoral success. struction of a leadership practice framework.
Achieving such agreement is an ambitious We referenced a framework with five practices
pursuit. The conversations and perspectives applicable to church leadership the research
Skip Bell, D.Min., is from TCP/Learning Systems founded by Jim
of varied constituencies of the church must
associate professor of
be assimilated, objective analysis provided, Kouzes and Tom Peters.
church leadership and
director of the Doctor of and a set of criteria put forward. Five key leadership practices make up the
Ministry program, We have identified a set of criteria for qual Kouzes-Posner leadership framework: chal
Andrews University, ifying success in pastoral ministry through lenging the process, inspiring a shared vision,
Berrien Springs, interviews with pastors, members, and church enabling others to act, modeling the way, and
Michigan. administrators, a focus group composed of encouraging the heart.2 This leadership frame-
work has been assessed in numerous these conferences. Each of them was Practices Inventory for "Observers,"
studies with an instrument known as asked to list five pastors in that con to each lay leader along with a letter
the Leadership Practices Inventory, ference who significantly fitted the including these instructions: "Your
which has been used in several stud success criteria, and randomly select pastor has been selected to be part of
ies of church organizations.3 five pastors who would represent an a research project of leadership prac
average performance under this stan tices among Seventh-day Adventist
The research samples dard. pastors across North America.
To investigate possible correlation Sixteen conferences responded, "As a leader in your local congrega
between leadership practices and suc sending 66 names for those recom tion, your help is needed for this proj
cessful pastoral ministry, we had to mended as meeting the success ect. Included in this envelope you will
secure two sample groups of pastors criteria, and 56 as representing the find a Leadership Practices Inventory
distinguished by this set of criteria, average. We then examined confer survey called 'Observer' with instruc
one group representing distinctive ence directories and identified tions on the front cover ... as well as
success and the other a more average congregational leadership lists for a self-addressed, postage-paid, return
norm. To achieve this in our study, each congregation served by a pastor envelope. We are asking that you sim
we selected a purposive sample of 23 named on either list. From these we ply fill out the survey according to the
conferences in the NAD. We sent a selected three lay leaders from each instructions and return it in the enve
list of the pastoral success criteria to congregation. We mailed the assess lope provided."
the ministerial secretary of each of ment tool, the 30-item Leadership The lay member was also informed
that "all responses are anonymous
WESTPOINT OF EVANGELISM and highly confidential, so please do
not discuss this survey with anyone."
Thus, the pastors were not aware that
"Share the Vision%
i?
lay leaders were rating them.
Analysis
Simi Valley, California ^ We received 199 usable surveys,
evaluating 109 pastors.4 These data
A special Councilfor evangelists, consist of 120 responses on 62 pastors
pastor-evangelists, lav from the "success" group, and 79
ami people
4 *
of
^
all aees interested ^S^^v. ;-'-: responses on 47 in the "average"
In winning hearts for Christ group. Each pastor received a score on
the five leadership practices, with a
maximum score of 60. These data
Keynote speaker: were analyzed using the Statistical
Ron Halvorsen Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
program for the difference between
two independent means. An average
Find more information online at: http://www.puconline.Qrg/article.php7itt64 score for each group of pastors on
Sponsored by The Voice of Prophecy and Pacific Union Conference, in association each of the five leadership practices is
with Amazing Facts, Faith For Today, It Is Written, The Quiet Hour, and the North Pacific Union Conference shown in Table 1. The percentage
Want to li
within o
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ose to be on lire instead
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MINISTRY
Salvation in
Jesus
Seventh-day Adventist Statement of God. On the other side of Jesus'
of Belief #9: The Life, Death, and earthly life is His resurrection from the
Resurrection of Christ. "In Christ's life of dead and ascent to the Father.
perfect obedience to Cod's will, His suffer It is clear that while Jesus was a real
ing, death, and resurrection, Cod human being, He was no ordinary per
provided the only means of atonement for son. The one who walked the hills of
human sin, so that those who by faith Galilee and the streets of Jerusalem,
accept this atonement may have eternal who healed the sick and challenged reli
life, and the whole creation may better gious authority and imperial power by
understand the infinite and holy love of giving new status to the oppressed, and
the Creator. This perfect atonement vindi who was crucified by Pontius Pilate and
cates the righteousness of Cod's law and died as a criminal this was the Son of
the graciousness of His character; for it history throughout the Old Testament. God who stood in a special relation to
both condemns our sin and provides for It explained Israel's past, gave meaning both God and humanity.
our forgiveness. The death of Christ is sub- to its present, and inspired hope for its He was the eternal Word made flesh,
stitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and future. the supreme revelation of the nature
transforming. The resurrection of Christ What the Exodus was to the Old and purpose, love and grace of God.
proclaims Cod's triumph over the forces of Testament, the life, death, and resurrec When He spoke, He spoke with divine
evil, and for those who accept the atone tion of )esus are to the New. These authority. When He acted, He brought
ment assures their final victory over sin interrelated events cast their salvific divine intervention in behalf of a lost
and death. It declares the Lordship of radiance over all time. In Jesus a new and struggling humanity.
Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in exodus occurs. An exodus from sin and He died as a result of religious politics
heaven and on earth will bow. (John 3:16; guilt, evil and suffering, the demonic, and Roman power, but it was no ordi
/so. 53; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, and even death itself. nary death. In the biblical witness, He
20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; The expression "God our Saviour," died for our sins as our Representative
3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 John 2:2; 4:10, Col. found in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim. and Substitute and as an atoning
2:15; Phil. 2:6-11.) 1:1; 2:3; Titus 1:3; 2:10) is an appropri Sacrifice through which forgiveness of
ate title for God since it sums up the sin and newness of life are granted.
T
he good news of Scripture cen whole history of His saving activity in In His death and resurrection He was
ters in the reality that "God is behalf of His people. Significantly, a par victor over the forces of evil and the
love" (1 John 4:16). Because of allel to this phrase in the Pastoral dominion of death. Through union with
"the great love with which he loved us" Epistles is the expression "Jesus our Him as the resurrected Lord, this victory
(Eph. 2:4, NRSV) He has become "the Saviour" (Titus 1:4). This juxtaposition is ours. Until the day He comes again,
God of our salvation" (1 Chr. 16:35; Ps. reveals that what God does redemp- when every knee bows and confesses
79:9). As the Savior He calls all human tively, He does primarily in Jesus. Jesus Him as Lord to the glory of God the
ity to turn to Him and be saved (Isa. embodies God's saving purpose. Father, it is our privilege to already call
45:22). In response we can affirm: "But Him Savior and Lord, and to accept His
as for me, I will look to the Lord, I will Jesus: the divine and the gift and receive His summons, "Come
wait for the God of my salvation; my human and follow Me."
God will hear me" (Mic. 7:7, RSV). Jesus' earthly life is framed on both
When the budding Israelite nation sides by divine events and meanings. The invitation of Jesus
was in slavery in Egypt, God heard their Mark begins the story of Jesus with His In a pithy summary of the essence of
cry (Exod. 2:23, 24) and, with a mighty baptism, when He was empowered by Jesus' teaching ministry, Mark 1:14, 15
hand, brought them out to freedom God's Spirit and identified as God's Son. says that Jesus entered Galilee with a
(Deut. 26:8). The Exodus was the great Matthew and Luke begin with Jesus' threefold announcement.
est salvation event prior to the coming virgin birth by the action of the Spirit. First, "the time is fulfilled." This state
of Christ as Messiah. Its themes are John traces Jesus' origin to His preexis- ment must have sent shivers up the
woven into the description of salvation tence as the Word in the eternal realm spiritual spines of His hearers, for they
A
ndrews University Press recently she was quite emphatic in repeatedly stating
Woodrow W.
Whidden released a new edition of the that Christ took 'our sinful nature' and that
groundbreaking 1957 book, 'He took upon Himself fallen, suffering
Seventh-day Adventists Answer human nature, degraded and defiled by sin.'"2
Questions on Doctrine. 1 While the
original turned out to be a watershed factor Key background issues and
when it came to Seventh-day Adventist/ personalities
Evangelical relations, it also proved to be one The publication of QOD in 1957 was the
of the most controversial publishing events in culmination of a series of conversations held
the history of Adventism. between conservative evangelicals and SDA
Before we further describe the background leaders from March 1955 into 1956. The main
events and controversies surrounding QOD's evangelicals were Donald Grey Barnhouse,
(Questions on Doctrine's) original publication, radio preacher and editor of Eternity, and
and assess the ongoing impact of the publica Walter Martin, a young researcher. The
tion, prospective readers will be interested in Adventist conferees included noted historical
a number of the helpful features included in theologian Leroy Edwin Froom, W. E. Read (a
the new edition. General Conference Field Secretary), and Roy
Allan Anderson, prominent evangelist and
Features in the new edition editor of Ministry.
First, the original text is retained. However, One of the positive results of the dialogue
the book has been editorially supplemented was that Barnhouse and Martin declared
with an introduction, annotated footnotes, Seventh-day Adventists to be bona fide
and an updated bibliography by well-known Christians who should not be considered to
Adventist historian and writer George R. be cultish. This affirmative reassessment of
Knight. Adventism came after these leaders became
Drawing on the latest QOD research, the satisfied with the Adventist answers given to
Woodrow W.
introduction and footnotes provide back questions that addressed four key perceptions
Whidden, Ph.D., is
ground on the central theological issues, key of Adventist teaching:
professor of religion at
Andrews University, conferees, and serious reactions provoked by 1. That Adventists did not believe that the
Berrien Springs, the book from within both the evangelical atonement was completed at the cross;
Michigan. and the Adventist communities. 2. That salvation is gained by faith through
Second, Knight has sought to honestly and grace, plus works of the law;
fairly review the controversial charges and 3. That Jesus was a created being and did
2OO4
Leadership and Membership
Touting Hands in Evangelism
Contact your Division Year of World Evangelism *with Jesus Christ
Handling
revelations from Heaven, and claimed to have
been divinely commissioned to carry forward
to its completion the Reformation which,
extremism and
they declared, had been but feebly begun by
Luther. In truth, they were undoing the very
work which he had accomplished." 1 Then, as
fanaticism in
in our day, some felt that the mainstream
reform had not gone far or fast enough.
When such extremism afflicts a movement,
E
xtremsim and fanaticism are not On a personal level, extremism may result
John E. Tumpkin
uncommon in the local church. from an imbalanced preoccupation with a par
Left untreated, they can quickly ticular aspect of Christian belief or lifestyle.
spread in the body of Christ and Surface or careless reading of spiritual writings
destroy that body's vision, mission, may result in the tendency to force texts or
and unity. I suggest a threefold redemptive passages to strit a "pet" belief. Sometimes a
approach: Recognize, Rectify, and Reclaim. clash with church authority and an unwilling
ness to persuade patiently may lead to a
Recognize the particular ingredients persecution, prophet, or martyr complex, and
Dealing with spiritual imbalance in a con a spirit of independent assertiveness.
gregation requires recognizing certain basic As important as recognizing the causes of
ingredients that are at the core of such imbal extremism is identifying the groups at risk. It
ance. These include the causes, the groups at is tempting for a frustrated pastor to think of
risk, the signs, the methods, and the results of extremists as loony crackpots with as much
the extremism. sense as a saltshaker. The opposite is often
A major cause of extremism is a major true! Some of our most dedicated and earnest
cause! That is to say, the most fertile breeding members are in danger of being deluded by
ground for extremism is what is perceived as the counterfeit righteousness of extremism.
a worthy and important cause. Extremism Many younger and older people with a sin
implies the carrying to extremes of something cere desire to prepare others and themselves
that in itself may be good, important, and for the coming of our Lord are disheartened
exciting. Thus a cause that seeks to acquaint and distressed by worldliness and the lack of
humankind with vital, unusual truths that are consecration within the church. When people
largely unknown or neglected, offers a superb or documents come, deploring these condi
setting for the development of extremism. tions and upholding the "faithful few," it is
Consequently, it is not surprising when hard for them to discern the subtle denigra
extremism afflicts wholesome and urgent tion of leadership, cohesiveness, and authen
causes such as nuclear-disarmament, vegetar tic spirituality that accompany such pleas,
ianism, and environmental preservation. In pushing them over the line into extremism.
the religious sphere, a return to primitive god One of the signs of extremism may well be
John E. Tumpkin is a liness, preparation for the soon coming of fervent study of "spiritual" material.
pastor in Zimbabwe, Christ, and the need for holy living are some However, the extremist revival always con
Africa. of the good causes that become hurtful when tains the double-edged sword of exhortation
By invitation Only
You're invited if you area:
• Full or part-time pastor of a new church
Lay ministry leader of a new church
Coach of a church planter
Spouse of any of the above
Entertainment
invite you and you will eat their sacrifices. And
when you choose some of their daughters as
wives for your sons and those daughters pros
as worship:
titute themselves to their gods, they will lead
your sons to do the same" (Exod. 34:15, 16).*
"No Israelite man or woman is to become
Old Testament
a shrine prostitute. You must not bring the
earnings of a female prostitute or of a male
prostitute into the house of the Lord your
trends
God to pay any vow, because the Lord your
God detests them both" (Deut. 23:17, 18).
In spite of these divine warnings, Israel did
not allow itself to go unscathed when it came
to the despicable practice, and prostitution
appeared in the so-called "high places" around
P
rostitution is part of the sad side of the country. Shrine prostitution, often con
Kai Arasola
the Old Testament story. But what nected with the "Asherah" poles, is men
is sadder is that it has often been tioned about 40 times in the Old Testament. 1
associated with the history of reli These poles were found in all parts of the
gion and with its places of worship. country. "Judah did evil in the eyes of the
The Bible speaks of prostitution even in Israel, Lord. They also set up for themselves high
at times practiced in the surroundings of the places, sacred stones and Asherah poles on
Jerusalem temple. One has to wonder how every high hill and under every spreading tree.
prostitution could have been tolerated so There were even male shrine prostitutes in the
close to a temple that, among other things, land; the people engaged in all the detestable
contained in its holiest sanctum the divinely practices of the nations the Lord had driven
inscribed code, "Do not commit adultery." out before the Israelites" (1 Kings 14:22-24).
Of course, no one could claim that temple By the time of King Asa, shrine prostitution
prostitution is a central theme in the Old went beyond the high places and, as already
Testament. However, prostitution, as we mentioned, was well established in the
encounter it in the Bible, is a disturbing com precincts of the Jerusalem temple itself. So the
plexity. Close to one hundred biblical king fired and expelled the male prostitutes
references speak about prostitutes or prostitu (1 Kings 15:11-13). The practice was so deeply
tion. In many instances the word is used rooted that Asa's son Jehoshaphat had to con
metaphorically to refer to idol worship or the tinue the work of expulsion (1 Kings 22:45, 46).
practice of false belief and worship. Some texts A few generations later the great reform of
refer to prostitution without any link to reli Josiah may finally have put an end to temple
gion. About a dozen biblical passages clearly prostitution, both male and female (see Ezek.
refer to sexual prostitution connected to the 8:14). At that time the Asherah poles were
temple what the New International Version also destroyed and their housing near the
translates as "shrine prostitution." temple was demolished (2 Kings 23:6, 7).
Hosea, from the Southern Kingdom,
Shrine prostitution and Israel expresses horror at the prevalence of both
KaiArasola, D.Min., All these references are in the earliest parts temple and common prostitution: "I will not
teaches religious of Old Testament history in patriarchal nar punish your daughters when they turn to
studies at Mission ratives, in the law formulated in the prostitution, nor your daughters-in-law when
College, Saraburi Pentateuch, in the book of Job, and in texts they commit adultery, because the men them
Province, Thailand. dealing with the first temple era (the histori selves consort with harlots and sacrifice with
Viewpoint articles are designed to stimulate thought and do not necessarily reflect the position of our editorial staff or of Ministry.
1» TAGnet
Three Angels Global Networking, Inc. Empowering Infet
Developing a North American
Division Web site directory
Every North American Division
Honoring
pastors
W
hen Pastor Tercio Sarli, presi What unions or conferences can
dent of the mega-size Central do. Uplift the role of ministry, value pas
Brazil Union, writes me twice tors, and ask each local congregation to
about the same issue, the matter is clear plan something special which will
ly important. When this twice-scribed honor their pastor. Perhaps designate a
topic is expressing appreciation for pas specific date for your territory and
tors, the matter is clearly important to request that each church plan accord
each of us, and its significance provokes ingly. Follow Pastor Sarli's example by
us to publish this article simultaneously writing each minister to express your
in Ministry, Elders Digest, and Shepherdess personal appreciation for the valuable
Journal, along with my personal request contribution they bring to Cod's work.
that every reader copy and distribute a Charles Heskey, Ministerial Secretary
copy to all church officers. tor serves." Believe me, I answered that of the North Caribbean Conference,
Why express appreciation to pas letter and sent a copy to the pastor and sent a bookmark to every church mem
tors? Note the Bible command: "Now the conference president. ber in the conference. Titled, "Pray for
we ask you, brothers, to respect those What the denomination can do. Your Pastor," it listed specific prayer
who work hard among you, who are Pastor Sarli encourages the entire objectives for the minister's personal life
over you in the Lord and who admonish church to adopt an annual Pastor's Day and family needs (you can view a sam
you. Hold them in the highest regard in in which we affirm the role of ministry ple at www.ministerialassociation.com).
love because of their work. Live in peace in general and express appreciation for What the local church can do. Host
with each other" (1 Thess. 5:12, 13, our local pastors particularly. And he a special Sabbath that celebrates the
NIV). "Remember your leaders who puts his energies and money alongside blessings your congregation receives
spoke the word of Cod to you. Consider his opinion. Recently he sent every pas from the pastor. Even weak performers
the outcome of their way of life and imi tor a letter of commendation with a might respond to you affirming higher
tate their faith" (Heb. 13:7, NIV). special gift. Plus, pastoral families in his expectations. Plan a fellowship meal,
Today's increased societal suspicion union are regularly affirmed in special provide flowers or a cake, and present
of all leaders has combined with clergy conventions designed for their spiritual your pastor with a plaque, a new Bible,
scandals, occasional mediocre perform growth and continuing education. or a useful book (better yet, a gift certifi
ance by some pastors, and unrealistic cate so they can select their own).
expectations from some members to General Conference Ministerial Volunteer for a specific task that will
reduce the levels of high esteem with Association requests every lighten your pastor's work load; offer to
which professional ministers have tradi reader to duplicate and visit or give Bible studies with your pas
tionally been viewed. distribute this article to your tor; establish a pastoral resource fund
Too often it seems easier to criticize local church board. from which your pastor can purchase
than to affirm and express appreciation useful ministry tools. Invite your pastoral
for the outstanding service that pastors Various denominations have empha family to lunch, or send them to dinner
give. For example, one member recent sized one weekend in October. My own and babysit their youngsters. Rather
ly wrote to complain that his pastor congregation commemorates the than criticizing, try "grandparenting"
does not spend sufficient time preparing anniversary of the date when our pastor their teens. Express concerns quietly and
sermons, while someone from a differ first came to serve our church. While it only to the pastor. Above all, express
ent church, griped that all their pastor may be impossible to select the same your appreciation verbally and write a
does is study to prepare sermons. One day throughout the world, surely every letter of praise to conference leadership.
complains that pastors never visit, while field can schedule a Pastor's and What pastors can do. Serve your
another opines that the pastor only goes Ministerial Vocations day upon which churches in a worthy manner. Give your
from house to house. Why can't we get currently-serving pastors are honored best to ministry and your example lead
more letters like the elder who recently and young people are invited to prayer ership of the power of God's Spirit in
said, "I have no other reason to write fully consider whether Cod is calling your life will rally others to eagerly fol
except to say how wonderfully our pas- them to ministry. low and honor your leadership. IX!
Entertainment. . . wood, nightclubs, or rave parties make accommodations and maintain the
converts much faster than the church life and nature given it by God.
continued from page 24
of God, we cannot afford to compro Instead Christian worship must
relevant and meaningful. Perhaps they mise the essential aspects of our heart truly and actually uplift God and Him
wanted, or felt they needed, to have felt devotion to our Lord. We cannot alone. It has to be done not only in
their temple and its services compete allow commercial entertainment to spirit but in truth, and not only in
with the beauty and allure of the Baal dictate the agenda of Christian wor truth, but in spirit (John 4:23). This
temples that surrounded them. ship. The church must not, indeed, by does not, of course, mean that gen
A more fundamental reason, how the nature of things, it cannot com uine Christian worship should not, or
ever, was their estrangement from pete with the world on its turf. cannot, be animated and enjoyable
God and thus their lack of heartfelt This is not in fact an issue of cul and even "fun." Indeed, it can be in
commitment to Him. This led to tural contextualization, as it may the best and purest sense of the
meaninglessness and emptiness in seem to be. It is not about rhythms or word—in the sense of the abject joy
their understanding of the true faith music or art forms or even particular that is found in loving commitment
of Yahweh, and thus to neglect and forms of worship, per se. It is rather to Him who promised life, and that
apparently urgently needed compro about blatantly crossing a line that "to the full" (John 10:10). m
mises with all that surrounded them; God has drawn through Jesus Christ
and thus finally to the adoption of in the very nature of what is of His * All passages, except as otherwise stated,
practices diametrically opposed to the kingdom and what is of the kingdoms are from the New International Version.
essence of the true faith, despite the of this present age.
Ruth Hestnrr, "Undc-rstarrdirrg Asherah: Exploring Semitic Iconography,"
divine warnings presented in the law True worship has no room, that is, BrWicir/ Atcluimlagy Revu'ir, September/October 1991.
and by the prophets. it cannot by its very nature make Susan Ackerman, "Sacred Sex, Sacrifice and Death Understanding a Prophetic
I'oem," BiWc RewfW, tebrnary 1990, Roland deVan.x, Atumit fired, Iri life mul
room for compromise with some ImMittnm (London: Dartoir, Longman & Todd, 1973, 1988), 3?4, James D.
Laubion, "Hietos Gamo; Typology and the late of passron," Paiiiiwtfmr Culture,
What of today? thing as foreign to the essence of 10 3 (http //muse ]hn edu/demo/pmc/mdex html)
As part of the contemporary world, God's kingdom as is so much at the Baalbek was an old Phoenician temple site with buildings or structures that
where the "religions" of increasingly heart of contemporary entertainment. these temples aie from the Seleucid and 1-tolenidic period
See Beth Alpert Nacho, An iMevloxy ami the Hellions of Cnnrimr nun hrael
promiscuous entertainment, Holly Christian worship cannot make these (American Schools of Oriental Research, 2001)
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