Best Practices
| July 28, 2010
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 Spider
Walt Whitman
A noiseless patient spider,
I marked where on a promontory it stood isolated,
Marked how to explore the vacant vast surrounding,
It launched forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself,
Ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them.
And you O my soul where you stand,
Surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space,
Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them,
Till the bridge you will need be formed, till the ductile anchor hold,
Till the gossamer thread you fling catch somewhere, O my soul.
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Editorial
|  There, but for the Grace of God
By Loren Seibold, editor, Best Practices for Adventist Ministry
A few years ago, a friend of mine was fired, for legitimate reasons, from his position on a large pastoral staff. I asked him about the experience of leaving ministry. "Strange," he said. "The moment I left, it was as though I had become invisible. The few contacts I had with church people were awkward and uncomfortable. No one called me." Not even your fellow staff members? "No. Later I had the chance to ask my senior pastor why he didn't reach out to me in that crisis. He just said he didn't know what to say."
Through the years I've been a pastor I've known many who left the ministry, some fired for misconduct, some with faith struggles, some simply not being able to enjoy the work anymore. I'm embarrassed to say that as I think back on these folks, I didn't contact them, either. I wasn't sure what to say. So I said nothing. They became invisible. Out of sight, out of mind.
We pastors pride ourselves on being good carers. Why do we become so uncomfortable when it's a defeated pastor who needs care? Perhaps it raises our own fears, about how close we may have come to leaving, guilt about our own doubts, transgressions and temptations, and insecurity as we imagine living outside this cocoon of friendships and routine.
I've made a decision that no one is going to leave the ministry in my circle without my friendship. Not pastor to sinner, but colleague to colleague, friend to friend.
Recently I visited a pastor who'd left under a cloud of a moral accusation. Mostly, I listened. When I did get a chance to talk, I told him that in spite of the mistake that ended his career, he had still ministered the gospel beautifully and effectively to thousands of people. That event hadn't erased the good that he'd done. The words he'd spoken and written were still true, because they were God's words. I assured him that all of us have temptations, and the honest among us will admit how close we've been to falling into them. I said that I still respect him, appreciate his skills, and am sad for the tragic mistake that has deprived the church of his ministry, and strained the bonds of his family. I tried to say, too, that because of grace he can continue to make a difference for God even if not working for the church.
I challenge you: Don't let a fellow pastor leave the ministry without appreciation and encouragement. There, but for the grace of God, are we.
Discuss this topic on our Best Practices Facebook page 
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Communication
|  Addressing the Multicultural Clash, 2: Leadership
By Rajkumar Dixit, Associate Pastor, New Hope Adventist Church, Maryland
Worship is one way of bridging the multi-cultural gap. Another strategy is to hire staff who reflect the diversity we are striving to achieve. David Anderson, author of Gracism: The Art of Inclusion, and the senior pastor of Bridgeway Community Church, demonstrates this in his staffing. If you were to visit his congregation in Columbia, Maryland, you would witness the wide range of ethnic diversity not only in his congregation but also in the paid staff. Hiring staff who represent the diversity of God's family demonstrates to the congregation and the community what you really value.
If your church isn't large enough to hire multiple staff, it is imperative to have people of different ethnic backgrounds serving in leadership positions. My first associate pastoral position was in a three thousand-member congregation. This congregation boasted of its racial diversity. And it was true; the ethnic makeup of the congregation was beautiful. Every hue, language, and culture was represented in the pews. However, upon a closer look, the lay leadership of the congregation was monocultural. Every month during the church board meeting, it was evident where the power lay: within a small segment of Eurocentric members. The lack of diversity within the lay leadership of the congregation prevented a full expression of the church's vision.
Take a look at your leadership team. Is it modeling the diversity you're trying to encourage?
Next Best Practices: Anticipating the future and responding prophetically
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| Featured Media |  In 1990 America became the first country to have more
suburbanites than city and rural dwellers combined. As communities changed in
both function and appearance, churches have had to make major changes in the
way they build relationships with surrounding neighborhoods. This Stained Glass Documentary follows the tireless efforts of a growing church plant whose sole
objective is to stay relevant to the residents in the northeast suburbs of
Sacramento. Episode One begins as Pastor Doug Tilstra, the founding pastor
revisits Sunset Oaks years later and reflects upon the good times and
challenges of the early years. The entire five episode documentary is available at AdventSource.  The Adventist Church blossomed in 19th century American Protestantism where most were familiar with Christianity. The role of the Adventist church was to share 'new light' to the believers. In the 21st century we cannot assume that people base their faith in Jesus Christ. Jonathan Kuntaraf reminds us in this teaching presentation that all of Adventist beliefs are predicated on faith in Jesus. Therefore Jesus must be the center of every basic doctrine. This presentation was given at the Adventist Ministries Convention.  Nominations are being accepted for the 2010 NAD
Innovative Church of the Year. The North American Division Church Resource Center is looking for a church that has successfully taken advantage of
opportunities in a changing society with new ways of doing ministry. A cash
prize of $2,000 and an all expense paid trip for three individuals to the
National Conference on Innovation will be awarded to the winning congregation.
Conference administrators, pastors, and lay leaders are invited to fill out an
application that can be downloaded here and return it to Dave Gemmell at dave@vervent.org. The deadline for
nominations is August 16.
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Reading for Pastors
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Joel Osteen and the gospel of success: Here's a good analysis of the prosperity gospel movement. Quote: "If God matters [in the prosperity gospel], it is for the most trivial concerns - or at least
those quite secondary to the real crisis that the gospel
addresses. One could easily come away from this type of message
concluding that we are not saved by Christ's objective work for
us, but by our subjective 'personal relationship with Jesus'
through a series of works that we perform to secure his favor
and blessing. God has set up all of these laws and now it's up
to us to follow them so that we can be blessed."
Monte Sahlin on the General Conference session: Some of the things that didn't get a lot of press.
Using the Bible on both sides of the issues:
The population boom in third world countries, and immigrants from them, may account for a lot of religion's growth worldwide, says one researcher. Quote: "In 1950, Europe (including the USSR), North America and Australasia
comprised about 30 per cent of the world's population. Today these
regions account for just 11 per cent of those under the age of 15. In 1950 there were 2.5 Europeans for every African. By 2050, the UN projects, there will be four Africans for every European. According
to the World Religious Database, the proportion of the world that is
religious increased from 81 to 85 per cent between 1970 and 2000, and is
projected to rise to 87 per cent by 2025."
Methodists have paid big money to a NYC consultant to discover what makes a church healthy. Quote: "The report identified four key areas that fuel vitality: small groups
and programs; worship services that mix traditional and contemporary
styles with an emphasis on relevant sermons; pastors who work hard on
mentorship and cultivation of the laity; and an emphasis on effective
lay leadership. These four factors 'are consistent regardless of church size, predominant ethnicity, and jurisdiction,' the study concluded."
One surprise from the Methodist study: "According to the data, it did not matter whether ministers held seminary
degrees; whether pastoral ministry was a first or second career; or how
long the minister had been engaged in pastoral ministry."
Tony Hayward, CEO of British Petroleum, blew it! Three mistakes he made in handling the crisis.
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| To the Point
| Thanks to Carolyn Winchell for this week's quotes
Paul had been a religionist. He had learned the art of condemning others while hiding behind his pompous self-righteousness - which, by the way, is one of the great dangers of religion.
- Erwin McManus The Barbarian Way
I find hymns easier to tolerate. I prefer the traditional. Hymns seem
much more benign and ordinary. But I just can't handle praise music
because it is so out and out about God.
- A 26 year-old atheist attending church for the 2nd time in his life
Criticism is the devil's substitute for intercessory prayer.
- Oswald Chambers
If I may speak of my own experience, I find that to keep my eye simply on Christ, as my peace and my life, is by far the hardest part of my calling... It seems easier to deny self in a thousand instances of outward conduct, than in its ceaseless endeavors to act as a principle of righteousness and power.
- John Newton, Works
The problem has not been that these individuals of significant influence were outside the sphere of the church's influence, but that, in fact, they sat in the center of the church and remained unchanged at the core. It is rare to find a person who is a passionate enemy of the church who has not had contact with her. The diminishing influence of the American church on American society is not simply because fewer are going to church, but fewer are going to church because of the diminishing influence of Christ on the church itself.
- Erwin McManus
I have never forgotten that Daystar began his great insurrection by frowning and skipping his morning Alleluias. It must have seemed minor at the time, but hell grows out of paradise gone sour. Joy is a discipline, and fallen angels were always those who grew negligent in their praise.
- Calvin Miller, The Valliant Papers
Blake wrote the Marriage of Heaven and Hell. If I have written of their Divorce it is not because I think myself a fit antagonist for so great a genius... but in some sense or other the attempt to make that marriage is perennial....If we insist on keeping Hell (or even Earth) we shall not see Heaven: if we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs of Hell.
- C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce
The thing about hell is that it is so nearly nothing.
- C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce |
News, Ideas & Reminders
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- From Jim Nix: "October 1, 2010, marks the 150th anniversary of choosing the name 'Seventh-day Adventist.' The Sabbath closest to the actual anniversary date is October 2, 2010. We're working on ways to help all our churches and other institutions worldwide to commemorate the adoption of our church's name. But more than just balloons and cake, we are suggesting that Sabbath, October 2, 2010, be a time for reflection as to what being Seventh-day Adventist means today - for each of us individually, as well as collectively. It is worthwhile occasionally for all of us to take stock of what being a Seventh-day Adventist means, including looking at the impact that our local congregation, church school, hospital, college or university is having on the community where it is located." For more information and a number of great resources, go to the website.
- From Samantha Nelson at Hope of Survivors. "The Hope of
Survivors' purpose is to provide compassionate support, referral,
seminars and resources to victims of pastoral sexual abuse and
misconduct; as well as provide educational and informational materials
and seminars to pastors and churches worldwide. To learn more, visit http://www.thehopeofsurvivors.com.
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Upcoming NAD Events
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Do you have an event you'd like to invite NAD pastors to? Send details to BestPractices@Ameritech.net.
Abuse Prevention Emphasis Day (APED) August 28 Women's Ministries is
joining with ADRA to enditnow, to work
with the global campaign to raise awareness and to advocate for ending violence
against women and girls around the world. The campaign aims to mobilize
Adventists and community groups to join together to resolve this worldwide
issue. The initial goal of enditnow is to
collect 1 million signatures to present to the United Nations in October, to
make it clear that Adventists want the violence to end now. Go to http://www.enditnow.org/
GODencounters 2010 SAC & CC. Sep 17, 2010 - Sep 19, 2010, Blue Ridge YMCA
Assembly, 84 Blue Ridge Circle, Black Mountain, NC 28711. The South
Atlantic and Carolina Conferences are happy to present GE2010 an awesome
gathering of young adults aged 18-35 who are genuinely seeking a divine
change in their lives. The world is full of makeovers, but the
attendees of this event are looking for a transformation only GOD can
offer! Come and enjoy a weekend filled with fun, fellowship and worship.
Take advantage of the serene surroundings, powerful speakers and
incredible group experiences as you encounter GOD. Phone: 404-792-0535
or 843-324-6771. For more information, email: thairston@southatlantic.org;
karenthrower@gmail.com
Hispanic Heritage Week. Sep 19, 2010 - Sep 25, 2010, North
American Division. `
K.I.D. University. Sep
26, 2010 - Sep 29, 2010, K.I.D. Center, 4829 College Drive E,
Collegedale, TN 37315. Details forthcoming. Phone: 423-893-3266. For
more information, email: kidcenter@southern.edu
Children's Sabbath.
Oct 2, 2010, Division Wide. Visit NAD Children's Ministries website for
program ideas. For more information, email: childrensministries@nad.adventist.org
National Conference on Innovation. Oct 3, 2010 - Oct 5, 2010, Embassy
Suites Columbus-Dublin, 5100 Upper Metro Place, Dublin, OH 43017. A
gathering of Seventh-day Adventist innovators to explore mission and
ministry ideas. Includes presentations and group discussions. Featured
Speakers: Alan Hirsch, Neil Cole, Barbara Bradley Hagerty, Zdravko
Plantak, and Samir Selmanovic. Phone: 740-397-4665 x165. For more
information, email: information@ohioadventist.org
Children's Ministries Training.
Oct 7, 2010 - Oct 10, 2010, Leoni Meadows Christian Retreat Center,
6100 Leoni Road, Grizzly Flats, CA 95636. North American Division
training event. Phone: 301-680-6425. For more information, email: childmin@nad.adventist.org
Arminianism and Adventism. Oct 14, 2010 - Oct 17, 2010, Andrews University,
Berrien Springs, MI . "Celebrating Our Soteriological Heritage." We
will discuss the roots of Adventist understanding of salvation as found
in 17th century Arminianism and in Wesleyan thought. Top scholars will
explore issues relating to a biblical understanding of human nature,
free will, God's grace, atonement and predestination. Phone:
269-471-3607. For more information, email: arminiansymposium@gmail.com
Society of Adventist Communicators Convention. Oct 14, 2010 - Oct 16,
2010, Hyatt Regency Rochester, 125 E Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604. A
convention where students, beginning communicators, and seasoned
professionals will have the opportunity to share ideas as well as
participate in fields trips, workshops, networking, and inspirational
worships. Keynote speaker is Phil Cooke, PhD from "Christianity Today."
More details coming. Phone: 301-680-6057. For more information, email: info@adventistcommunicator.org
Spirit of Prophecy Sabbath.
Oct 16, 2010, Division Wide. Special materials provided.
180° Symposium 2010. Oct 18, 2010 - Oct 21, 2010, Andrews University,
Chan Shun Hall, Whirlpool Room, 4185 E Campus Circle Drive, Berrien
Springs, MI 49104. "Models of Youth and Young Adult Ministries."
8am-5pm. Sponsored, in part, by the Center for Youth Evangelism, this
third annual symposium will bring together church and lay leaders
passionate about creative ideas to spiritually engage those on public
college campuses. Research papers will be presented. Phone:
800-968-8428. For more information, email: director@180symposium.org
Pathfinder Sabbath.
Oct 23, 2010, Division Wide. Special materials provided.
Creation Sabbath.
Oct 23, 2010, Division Wide via satellite from Andrews University.
Celebration of Creation. Join Adventist scholars, leaders and fellow
believers for a special Sabbath celebrating our fundamental belief in
the recent six-day creation revealed in God's word. This event is
sponsored by the General Conference's Faith
and Science Council.
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Best Practices is a Vervent publication of NAD CHURCH RESOURCE CENTER. Editor: Loren Seibold, Ohio Conference. E-mail:
Best Practices. You are free to republish pieces from Best Practices in your own
newsletter or blog, with attribution to the Best Practices newsletter and the
author of the piece. |
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