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'^^\ The Brethren ^r ^ * j
EvciHgelist
^. January 1979
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The Brethren Encyclopedia
A joint project of five Brethren bodies:
The Church of the Brethren, The Brethren Church,
The National Fellowship of (Grace) Brethren Churches,
The Dunkard Brethren, and The German Baptist Brethren.
The encyclopedia will include:
— A list of congregations and mission stations of all Brethren bodies
— Statistical tables
— Maps and charts
— A chronology of Brethren-related events
— An annotated bibliography
— A statement and history of doctrine and faith
— Other useful data of our general heritage
— Plus much more; 6,000 items already scheduled!
3 volumes, to be completed by 1983
Donald F. Durnbaugh, Editor
Brethren representatives on the Editorial Board:
Rev. W. St. Clair Benshoff, Rev. Brad Weidenhamer
Cost: $150,000
($50,000 already in the bank)
The Brethren Church has a financial obligation
(The 1978 General Conference approved a recommendation that
the Brethren Church become a part of the publication
of this Brethren Encyclopedia.)
Send gifts to:
The Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc. 6611 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19119
The Brethren Evangelist
y ^ The Breihren ^ • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist (USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C. Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor: Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805. One year subscription rates: $6.00 for 100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents Change of address: Please notify us at least three weeks in advance, using the form provided in each issue. Authors' views are not necessarily those of the Brethren Church or the Brethren Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad- dressed to the editor. A writer's packet with query tips is available upon written request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited material not accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Second class postage paid at Ashland, Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
Co
ver
"He giveth snow like wool" Psalm 147:16. As God covers the earth with snow, so His love covers His people. Read of God's unlimited love on page 27.
Vol. 101. No. 1
January 1979
4 The Brethren Evangelist:
Beginning Its Second Century
As the Brethren Evangelist begins its 101st year, a new feature is being introduced in the magazine.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
5 The Signs of Our Times
According to Smith Rose, to be prepared for the eighties we must see and understand the signs of our times.
7 Four Priceless Gifts You Can Give Your Church
Dr. Win Am asks us to consider what we can do for Christ and His church.
10 New Call to Peacemaking:
Statement of the Findings Committee
A distillation of the resolutions and recommendations developed at the New Call to Peacemaking conference.
Ashland Theological Seminary
12 The Seminary and the Church
Dr. Joseph Shultz considers the mutual benefits and respon- sibilities of the seminary /church relationship.
14 Why I Am a Student at
Ashland Theological Seminary
Three seminary students tell how God led them to Ashland.
16 Two New Classrooms Planned
Because of the significant growth of the seminary, two new classrooms are needed.
Departments
18 The Salt Shaker
19 Update
26 Books
27 Finally, Brethren
January 1979
The Brethren Evangelist:
Beginning Its Second Century
As the Brethren Evangelist begins its lOlst year, a new feature is being introduced in the magazine.
WITH this month's issue of the Brethren EvangeUst, the magazine enters its 101st year. As the motto at the top of page 3 states, the Brethren Evangelist is ''Be- ginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church."
As the Brethren Evangelist begins its second century, we want to remind our- selves and you of the purpose of our denominational magazine. That purpose is stated in the editorial policy accepted by the Board of Trustees of the Brethren Publishing Company in September of 1978.
The purpose of the Brethren Evangelist is to help our readers become effective disciples of Jesus Christ and responsible, active par- ticipants in the life, thought, and ministry of the Brethren Church.
To fulfill this purpose, the magazine will: 1) present a biblically-based content that motivates readers to make application to their daily lives; 2) give updated information on the ministries of the Brethren Church; and 3) provide a forum for the interchange of varying viewpoints for the upbuilding of the church as a whole and of its members as individuals.
In the year that is before us, we will attempt to carry out this policy to the best of our ability.
As the Evangelist begins its 101st year, we are also beginning a new feature in the magazine. This new feature is a series of articles under the series title Prospectives for the Eighties. This series will continue throughout 1979.
The idea for this series of articles came from the former Managing Editor of the Evangelist, Ronald W. Waters. The purpose of the series is to stimulate us to think about what faces us as Christians and as a Brethren Church in the decade ahead.
What are the problems and possibilities before us in the 1980s? What changes do we need to make as individuals and as a church in order to serve Christ more effectively in the next ten years?
Each month's Perspectives for the Eighties will be written by a different per- son in the Brethren Church. The first article in the series, which begins on the following page, was written by Rev. Smith Rose, Executive Secretary for the Brethren Church.
In order for this series of articles to be of greatest benefit, we encourage you to respond to them. If your thoughts are stimulated by one of these articles — if you have something to add or a different point of view to offer — we want to hear from you. Or if you have a suggestion for an area of church life that you think should be explored in one of the articles, we want you to tell us.
If you simply want to comment on what someone else has written, then send us a letter to the editor. If, however, you wish to express your opinions more fully on a subject raised by one of the articles, the ''As I See It" column provides a forum for the sharing of opinions. Of course, the editors of the Evangelist reserve the right to edit all contributions and to determine those which will be printed.
According to the editorial policy of the Brethren Evangelist, in order to fulfill its purpose the magazine will "provide a forum for the interchange of varying viewpoints for the upbuilding of the church as a whole and of its members as individuals." It is our hope that Prospectives for the Eighties will stimulate an interchange of thinking which will indeed contribute to the upbuild- ing of the Brethren Church and its mem- bers in the 1980s. R.C.W.
The Brethren Evangelist
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
The Signs of Our Times
According to Smith Rose, to be prepared for the eighties we must see and understand the signs of our times.
WE ARE CALLED to live in cata- strophic but challenging times. The eighties will require of each of us a vital, personal faith. We might well ask ourselves, How prepared are we to meet the challenges before us?
But you may say, **We don't even know what's ahead or what's expected of us. How can we be prepared?"
Is there no way we can anticipate the future? Are there no signs of the times?
In Jesus' day the Jewish leaders were asking for a special sign from heaven. Is our attitude similar? Jesus said to the Jew- ish leaders, ''O you hypocrites, you can dis- cern the face of the sky; but can you not discern the signs of the times?" (Matthew 16:1-4). By observing the sky they could foretell the next day's weather, but they were unable to see the signs of their times. And yet, the Scriptures, the ministry of Jesus, and the events of their day were the only signs they were going to be given ; they were the only signs they needed.
We have the same kinds of signs today. We will deserve a similar rebuke if we do not see these signs and seek to understand them. On the other hand, if we observe these signs, we will gain an understanding of our times and will be challenged to find ways to minister for Christ in the changing conditions we anticipate.
The Scriptures alert us to some of the signs and trends that may be expected in any age. Paul's warning to Timothy (II Timothy 3:13) that evil men would be- come worse and worse still applies. We see this happening today. It is very evident in the political realm — in such things as
Rev. Smith Rose is Executive Secretary for the Brethren Church.
assassinations, invasions, and governmental overthrows, which are occurring with in- creasing frequency. The growing degen- eracy of man is statistically verified by the increased numbers of crimes, abortions, and cases of abuse of children and mates.
In America, where we have been trained to support the idea of freedom to worship, we had not thought of that worship being to anyone but God. But instead it has been turned to the worship of almost everything but God! One of the most significant signs of our times is the amazing growth of false religions — the cults, Eastern religions, the "isms" (including atheism and demonism), astrology, witchcraft, etc.
A tendency which seems to be common to all of us is that of putting unpleasant things out of our minds as quickly as pos- sible. This makes it impossible for us to properly evaluate or even recognize the signs we have and what they may mean. It is one of God's blessings to man that the human spirit is able to face all kinds of difficulties and quickly recover from them. This is certainly much more effective when it is based upon a complete trust in God. But on the other hand, there is the danger that unless something affects us personally, we will forget it too soon. Take the tragic mass suicide in Guyana, for example. When this article is read, that tragedy will be but a fading memory. Yet that episode had a multiple significance, if we are alert to grasp its lessons.
We should have noted, for example, the depth of this group's commitment. It was a commitment to the death. Even though they were deceived, these people were seeking something to commit themselves to. How tragic that this commitment was to a man and not to God.
(continued on next page)
January 1979
''The eighties will be a time when Satan accelerates his attacks upon the church and upon Christian people/'
We should also have noted the need these people expressed to have someone con- cerned for them — someone to care for them. It mattered not that they were some- times misused and abused. Then there is the lesson here that these people not only died, they were lost eternally. This was the greatest price they paid. Yet think — they could have had commitment, love, concern, and salvation in the church.
Much
IS wrong in our wor
Id
In no area of our lives do we escape the awareness that much is terribly wrong in our world. We are constantly informed of the ills in our world by television and radio broadcasts, newspapers, magazines, bill- boards, and other means of mass commun- ication. We might say, "We don't know what's coming." But if we read the signs of our times, we can know! Let's look at some other signs.
Economically the church can expect to get along on far less financal support in the years ahead. This will be due in part to the fact that congregations will be re- duced to those members for whom the church has first priority. Inflation will also be a factor. In fact, inflation has already begun to make this condition evident in many congregations. The church and its members will also be forced into a simpler lifestyle in order to conserve natural resources. This simpler lifestyle will be the result of personal conviction as well as general necessity.
Politically, governments have never been more unstable. In the eighties increasing unrest will demand strong, dictatorial type governments, resulting in a loss of personal and religious freedom.
Church influence will decrease in our nation as ''separation" movements erode and attack the church's privileges and tax exemptions. The very visibility of the evan- gelical church with the consequent influ- ence it now enjoys will but serve to accen- tuate more clearly its vulnerability to attacks from every quarter.
Socially, the apathetic tolerance the church has received is changing to skepti- cism and growing opposition. The general moral heritage of America has all but
leached out of public life. Every contradic- tory religious incident will be blown out of proportion and laid at the door of the church. The Guyana incident, for example, was the most reported newsstory of 1978. I hope it is obvious to each of us that some specific trends are developing for the eighties. Certainly we cannot predict the time, the exact form, the frequency, or the severity of the temptations and trials that will come to God's children in the next decade. But come they will, and at an accel- erating tempo. Satan's avowed purpose is to take over all the people in this world. People are his means of getting his aims accom- plished. He even tried to get Jesus to follow and to worship him. How then can any of us feel that he is not out to get us?
We must be personally prepared
With the evidence we have of Satan's desire to control and use us, we must be on our guard and be personally preparing for the continuing conflict. In John 17, Jesus speaks of His disciples as being '*in the world" but ''not of the world." He did not pray that His disciples be removed from the world, but that they be kept from evil. His petition would likewise apply to Christians today. It is imperative that we know what resources God has provided for us in our struggle with Satan and the world, and that we put these resources to use with the perception and wisdom He has given us.
These are challenging times because they demand that we call upon resources greater than our own in order to help those around us. These are challenging times, also, when we remember that God has placed us here in order to fulfill His plans for our world. It is a difficult time, but it is also a well- known fact that people are most reachable and most capable of making life-changing decisions during a time of crisis.
We can be most effective when we give careful consideration to the signs we see around us and when we interpret these signs in the light of God's Word. This creates within us a sense of calmness and an awareness of God's movement in even the minute affairs of daily life. This puts
continued on page 9
The Brethren Evangelist
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by Dr. Win Arn
A GROWING number of people are finding their church to be a spiritual reservoir of renewal and strength, a refer- ence that gives their lives focus, balance, direction, and hope. They look to their church as a place that provides spiritual and moral training for their children, a caring group of Christian friends, corporate worship experience, plus an opportunity for meaningful service.
It is also a widely held, and generally accurate, belief that practicing Christians are better able to cope with personal prob- lems of life through a strong faith, nur- tured through their church. Ask any in- volved and ''alive" Christian what his church means to him and he will easily recite the benefits of being an active mem- ber in his congregation.
During his 1960 inaugural address, John Kennedy struck a responsive chord in the nation's conscience when he declared, '*Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country." However, few Christians involved in their local church have seriously considered the religious paraphrase to that statement . . . ''Ask not what your church can do for you, but ask what you can do for Christ and your church." Here are four important gifts you can give your church in apprecia-
Dr. Win Arn is President of The Institute for American Church Growth.
tion for what Christ and your church have given to you.
1. Discover and use your Spiritual Gifts.
The New Testament is clear in its teach- ing that "... each of us has been given his gift, his due portion of Christ's bounty . . . 'He gave gifts to men' ... to equip God's people for work in His service, to build up the Body of Christ" (Eph. 4:7-13, NEB). Paul also says, "I would not have you ig- norant of spiritual gifts" (I Cor. 12:1). And Peter reiterates that every Christian has received a gift (I Peter 4:10). To take seriously this biblical concept of each Chris- tian as a unique, contributing member of the Body of Christ (Rom. 12:5) could set in motion a "spiritual revolution" in your church that would bring an outpouring of God's blessing through new growth and vitality.
As one who has served as a "midwife" in seeing scores of churches come alive in new growth and outreach, I know that when those in a congregation identify and apply their gifts, the whole body grows. But the opposite is also true, that a con- gregation which allows its members to be "unemployed" in using their gifts will decline and eventually perish.
What is true of the congregation is also true of the individual. A person who has found and is using his unique gift is pro- ductive, fulfilled, and contributing to body growth and development. The individual
(continued on next page)
January 1979
7
''It is of little value for a church to reach out to others if those who are won are not integrated into the congregation/'
not using his gift will be spiritually frus- trated and will seldom experience real per- sonal growth and development.
As more and more individuals identify their gifts, have them confirmed by others in the congregation, and apply their unique- ness in service, the church is immeasurably enriched and strengthened.
2. Influence your *'web'' of friends and relatives.
Imagine your church being a large water tank, from the bottom of which a one-inch pipe is always flowing. People leave through this "pipe" in your church by death, by transferring out, and by reversion (falling away through indifference.) In some de- nominations the policy used to be to move ministers every year. Now the ministers stay . . . the people are moving! In the average American congregation 40% to 60% of the members have changed resi- dence, and therefore churches, in the last 3 years. To replace and add to our water tank we must have a 2-inch pipe flowing in the top.
How do people come into a relationship with Christ and the church?
I have asked that question to over 8,000 people throughout America in the last 2 years. The results have been strikingly consistent :
4-6% of those surveyed indicated that they were 'Valk-ins." One Sunday they visited, stayed, and are now a part of that congregation. (Usually in their background there is some identification with the denomination of the church they walked into.) 6-8% listed the ''minister" as the rea- son they are now in Christ and that church. 2-4% listed the church program as the major factor . . . perhaps a young single group, a recreation program, or a special interest group. 1-2% listed ''visitation." Someone :. called and because of that they are now part of that fellowship. 3-6% indicated the Sunday school as
the major reason. .0001% listed some evangelistic cru- sade or television program.
70-90% listed the reason they came to Christ and their church as being friends or relatives.
The fact is clear . . . church growth is related to present members influencing their friends and relatives. Since biblical days the church has grown most effectively through natural "webs" . . . people with some social or family ties to each other. Within this group of friends and relatives, a person's ability to influence is far greater than outside the "web."
But why influence one's friends and relatives for Christ and the church? We do it in obedience to Christ's command to "go and make disciples," and because of a loving concern that those close to us know the joy and fullness of life in Christ and the Body. Influencing your friends and relatives for Christ is the second precious gift you can give your church.
3. Keep your circle open.
In every church — regardless of size — visitors and new members must be assim- ilated into the congregation if they are to become an active and contributing part of that congregation. This is most effectively done by incorporating them into a small group (a fellowship circle, task group, Bible study, etc.) where they are known personally, know others personally, and feel a sense of belonging.
While most Christians would agree in theory to this principle, there is a marked tendency in practice for such groups to close themselves off to others, especially "newcomers." Churches may consider themselves to be quite friendly, but many times this friendliness is shown more to one another than to the "stranger."
In my own experience, I vividly recall being an "X" in a congregation. An "X" is one who is a member of the church, but not integrated into any small group. I first tried one group and then another. While I was told I was welcome, I didn't feel that I "fit." In this particular congregation of people with Swedish backgrounds, the Johnsons, the Svensons, the Larsons, the Olsons, all seemed to fit; but the Schmidts, the DiGiulios, the Garcias, and the Arns were unable to "integrate." Following the
8
The Brethren Evangelist
worship service the Swedes hugged each other, greeted each other ... in Swedish . . . and went out to eat smorgasbord to- gether. But no one hugged me or spoke Swedish to me or invited me to the smor- gasbord. Soon, like any **X" in a congre- gation, I drifted out the back door.
It is of httle value for a church to reach out to others if those who are won are not integrated into the congregation. Give a third priceless gift to your church by keep- ing your circles open and encouraging other circles to be open to these new people.
4. Keep before you a vision of the possibilities.
In a survey of pastors the question was asked, ''What is your greatest desire for your church?" The answer that appeared more than any other was: *'For the lay people to have a vision for growth and to be involved in the process."
Perhaps the greatest discouragement a pastor faces is a congregation without vision: self-centered, self-satisfied, self- occupied. In board and committee decision making, a church group has a natural ten- dency to take the ''safe way," which usually translates into little risk, little ven- ture, and little vision.
Many congregations have inadvertently
organized themselves on a "problem base." "Where will we find enough Sunday school teachers?" "How will we pay the bills?" "Can we keep the doors open another year?" The problems are endless, the solu- tions tedious, and the service often joyless.
A far stronger and more effective base is to organize the church and its com- ponents around vision and possibilities. In the ministry area of every congregation there are numerous opportunities for effec- tive ministry. These opportunities can be seen and seized. One denomination encour- ages all of its churches to have a "needs committee" — a group of people actively looking for needs to be met in their com- munity, opportunities to be seized, and ministries to be extended.
Seeing possibilities usually begins with one person, then spreads to others. Being that person in a congregation is the fourth priceless gift you can give your church.
Jesus said, "I will build my church." Wc become builders with Him by giving our gifts. Not just our material gifts, for there are gifts more precious than these. We can give Christ and His church four price- less gifts by discovering and using our spiritual gifts, by influencing our web of friends and relatives for the church, by keeping our circles open, and by keeping before us the possibilities of our church.
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The Signs of our Times
(continued from page 6)
US in a position to witness out of our own experience of the love and trustworthiness of God. But for these things to come to pass and for God to be able to use us effectively, we must begin to live out more practically than ever before our own per- sonal life of faith.
What is really involved is a complete commitment of ourselves to the life that God wants us to live each day. This means that our faith must be personal. One of the great weaknesses of the modern-day church is that our faith is institutionally oriented rather than personally oriented. We depend on the Sunday school and the church to teach us and our children, and we accept little responsibility ourselves. But institutional religion is not sufficient. Our faith must be personal.
God wants to talk with you. He will not do it through dreams or visions, but through His Word. He can do this only as you make it possible by reading and study- ing the Bible regularly. God also wants you
to talk with Him. You can do this through times of meditation and prayer. We need to realize that anything (literally anythmg) that concerns us concerns our Heavenly Father as well. God wants to use you and has prepared you by giving you gifts and talents for His service. Allow Him to gain glory through their use. As you use these gifts, you will find that the gifts of other Christians complement your own.
The eighties will be a time when Satan ac- celerates his attacks upon the church and upon Christian people. Knowing this, we must choose whether or not we will prepare ourselves, under God's guidance, to fulfill all that He had in mind for us when He put us into the world at this time.
We are the only ones who can set our priorities straight. We cannot depend on anyone else making our decision for us. God has given us the wisdom and intelligence to know what personal changes we need to make. Only by making these decisions can we see change and progress. To obey God and to serve Him during the eighties should be the solemn and complete commit- ment of each one of us. □
January 1979
9
New Call to Peacemaking tatement of the Findings Committee
Printed below is the first part of a Statement adopted by consensus at the New Call to Peacemaking conference held October 5-8, 1978, at Green Lake, Wisconsin. The Statement represents a distillation of the resolutions and recommendations developed by 27 small groups, each of which met four times during the conference.
Rev. Doc Shank, Peace Coordinator of the Brethren Church, was invited to attend this historic peace conference. He says, "I accepted and am grateful for the opportunity to share in such an assembly."
Rev. Shank submitted a copy of this Statement to the Brethren Evangelist for publication. The printing of this Statement does not mean that either the Peace Coordinator or the Brethren Pub- lishing Company endorses it in its entirety. It is our hope that it will be read carefully and with an open mind. Rev. Shank notes, "My correspondence indicates a growing concern on the part of Brethren on the issues herewith presented."
Your responses to this "Peacemaking Statement" are welcome. You may direct them either to Rev. Shank or to the Brethren Evangelist.
The remaining sections of the "Peacemaking Statement" will be printed in upcoming issues of the Brethren Evangelist.
Introduction
FOR nearly 300 years, our churches, Friends, Mennonites, Brethren, have worked together for peace. Though we differ in circumstances of historical and ethnic origin and have varied doctrinal emphases, we are united in our conviction that peace is the will of God. This shared conviction has led us to a principled resis- tance to military service and to those insti- tutions and influences which make for violence. The same conviction drives us continually to seek better ways of peace- making.
In past periods of war and civil conflict our churches have drawn together, both
emotionally and organizationally. We have created agencies such as the National Ser- vice Board for Religious Objectors (now National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors) to aid young men and women caught in the conscription network. Our service agencies, American Friends Service Committee, Mennonite Cen- tral Committee, Brethren Service Commis- sion, have often shared resources to meet common problems.
We are now confronted by a new era of danger, underscored by the increasing divergence of wealth and poverty and the threat of nuclear destruction. We have come to a fuller understanding that peace- making includes personal repentance and participation in God's shalom — salvation, wholeness, righteousness, and justice. Since
10
The Brethren Evangelist
'This conference has reaffirmed for us . . . our convic- tion that love is the Christian response to violence in the world/'
1977 we have been cooperating in New Call to Peacemaking to try to do more ade- quately together what none of our churches can do alone. We have discovered a new sense of community and oneness as more than 1,500 of us have met in 26 regional meetings across the USA. This phase of our common activity has culminated in this Green Lake conference. We see this not as the end of our journey but as the beginning stage of a continuing pilgrimage.
More than 300 of us have worked inten- sively here to determine what we **can affirm, proclaim, and do together." We have met repeatedly in 27 working groups and have experienced there unity, joy, and the excitement and frustration of new ideas. The presence of 22 fraternal delegates and observers has enriched our meeting as they have brought their testimonies and con- cerns to us. Major addresses by Dale Brown, Ron Sider, and Duncan Wood have challenged, enlightened, and enhanced our days together.
As a Findings Committee we have been asked to seek those areas of greatest con- vergence. For this reason many excellent initiatives and statements by the small groups are not reflected in this statement.
Findings
Strengthening the Local Base
''Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" (Mat- thew 5:9). This teaching of Jesus still defines our task. Biblical imperatives and the Spirit's presence are still our guide in human relationships. This conference has reaffirmed for us, through worship, lec- tures, and discussion our conviction that love is the Christian response to violence in the world. Participation in and support of war totally contradict our understanding of the Gospel of Christ.
We have rediscovered that this under- standing of peace must first of all be ex- pressed in our congregations and meetings. We need actions that are directed inward
to enhance the integrity of the peace wit- ness and outward to enlarge the visibility of the peace witness.
A. Peace Education
We urge a comprehensive program of peace education in our congregations and meetings. This will require:
1. A renewed openness to the Holy Spirit.
2. Instruction in biblical foundations for commitment to peace and justice.
3. A reaffirmation of our peacemaking heritage.
4. New worship and study aids for all ages.
5. A new emphasis on peace and justice concerns in denominational publications.
B. Proclamation of the Peace Witness We live in a nation which declares that
"In God We Trust." We beheve this affir- mation is contradicted by all who claim Christian faith while supporting war- making. Believing that changed interna- tional relations will grow out of commun- ities of faith consisting of changed individ- uals, we urge:
1. Local groups to engage in ecumen- ical and public dialogue on peace issues and to promote the peace witness among community and church groups through distribution of New Call to Peacemaking ma- terials, audiovisuals, mass media, and other methods of interaction and proclamation.
2. All evangelism efforts should in- clude peacemaking as an integral component of the Gospel.
C. Support Groups
We urge the development of support groups within congregations and meetings for those individuals who are working at peace issues such as war tax resistance, simple lifestyles, and nonviolent action.
D. Mediation Teams
We recommend the development of mediation/reconciliation teams who can assist in conflict resolution in families, churches, the community and beyond. □
January 1979
11
ashland theological seminary The Seminary and the Church
Joseph Shultz considers the mutual benefits and responsi- bilities of the senninary/church relationship.
THROUGHOUT history the only success- ful seminaries have been those related to a church — and the only successful churches have been those associated with a successful seminary. The relationship of a church and a center of training is a nat- ural one. Christianity is a religion with a written document containing not only doctrine but historical facts. Therefore, it requires a teaching/learning context for its members.
The contemporary existential society ultimately results in cults which are suicidal. The tragedy in Guyana is an illus- tration of this. These people had a ''sincere faith," but one which was not grounded in historical, documented, objective faith. Genuine subjective faith must have a gen- uine object. The seminary's role is to teach this real, objective, historical faith — the Bible — to the leaders of the church.
Ashland Theological Seminary has been successful over the years because of its relationship to the church. Particularly in recent years the seminary has developed successfully because the church and its members have shared in the responsibilities with their resources. These resources fit primarily into three categories:
1) Students. This category is placed first because it is the most important and most needful. Local churches, pastors, teachers. Laymen's organizations, and homes are the ''grass roots" where qual- ified men and women are encouraged to consider the ministry. It is at the grass- roots level that young persons get an image of ministry — good or bad. It is also at the grass roots level that they must be chal-
Dr. Joseph R. Shultz is Vice President of Ashland College for the Seminary.
lenged to consider giving their lives to the ministry.
2) Estate Plaiiiimg. Because of infla- tion in the value of farm lands, homes, stocks, etc., and because of the structure of federal and estate taxes, it is critical to the life of the church that its members make careful plans concerning their estates. Farms which were once purchased for $20,000 to $25,000 are now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Houses have also increased significantly in value. Inflation has caused a strain on incomes and cash flows. Therefore, gifts now and in the future will need to come through careful estate planning — life estates, trusts, and wills.
The seminary is thankful for the signifi- cant gifts through wills, annuities, and trusts that have endowed scholarships and
Kenn Goss (above) is student association presi- dent at Ashland Theological Seminary. The seminary now has an enrollment of 272 full-time equivalent students.
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The Brethren Evangelist
developed the campus. We hope to continue the whole program of estate planning and deferred giving.
3) Annual Fair Share Giving. The tui- tion paid by any student in higher educa- tion covers only one-third of the actual costs of his education. All higher educa- tional institutions need the annual finan- cial support of constituencies like the church. The church has been very generous and faithful in making it possible for the seminary to have a balanced budget for the past number of years. The Fair Share Gift of $5 per member is essential to a balanced budget. Ashland Seminary is responsible for its own balanced budget. Because of the heavy indebtedness of the college, the seminary must be totally responsible for its financing.
A $5 Fair Share is ''fair"! We believe this is a ''good bargain." Please continue your Fair Share Giving and check your church's budget concerning this year's gift. Thank you for your generosity and your continued support. Q
Jim Ray (foreground) gave up a career in pro- fessional baseball to come to Ashland Theological Seminary and prepare for Christian service.
Men and women of various ages and backgrounds are studying at the seminary. His family raised, Venus Arnold (far left) came to Ashland from a pastorate near Elkhart, Ind., to take theological training at the seminary. Daniel Dieudonne' (center) is from Haiti and is preparing for Christian service in his country. David Vandenburg (at right of photo) taught classics at Houghton College, Houghton, N.Y., before becoming a student at ATS. Mr. Vandenburg also serves as a student assistant in Greek.
I, i
li 'i
The seminary student body includes 48 full- and part-time women students. Sue White (above), a member of the Park Street Brethren Church, will receive her master of divinity degree tliis year. She plans further training in preparation for a teacJiing ministry.
January 1979
Why I am a Student at
Joe Kposowa
MY name is Joe Konia Kposowa, aged twenty-five. I am originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa.
Sierra Leone is a small country on the west coast of Africa with a population of three and one-half million people. The country has a democratic form of govern- ment with a president as head of state.
When I was in Sierra Leone, I attended the United Brethren in Christ Mission School from the first to the twelfth grade. This school was located in my village, where my father served as a tribal or para- mount chief from 1942-1973, when he died at the age of 83.
I came to the United States on July 14, 1974. I attended Salem College in Salem, West Virginia, and graduated in the sum- mer of 1978 with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, religion, and philosophy. From May to August 1978, I also served as an intern pastor at Iron Springs Brethren in Christ Church in Pennsylvania as a part of my degree requirement.
It has always been my aim to help in the mission schools in my country, so I decided to come to Ashland Theological Seminary to earn a master of arts degree in religious studies. I am planning to return home after my seminary training and to work with the United Brethren Mission.
I like Ashland Theological Seminary. Ashland Seminary is not only concerned with classroom education, but also with the spiritual well-being of the students. Even though there is no place like home, I have always felt at home since I came to the seminary. People have been so good to me.
— Joe Kposowa
DECEMBER 30, 1977, on a cold, stormy night, Pat and I took our eternal vows and were pronounced man and wife. The same night we left the western borders of North Dakota to seek out a place called Ashland, Ohio.
Before this time Pat and I had been active in ministry — Pat had worked in a Teen Challenge center and I had been a youth pastor for two years in Michigan. Our lives came together in Minneapolis, Minn., where we were finishing our under- graduate study.
Both of us felt a desire to attend sem- inary, so we decided that we would try to do it together. We found it difficult to find a school to meet both our needs. Hearing a good report of Ashland Theological Sem- inary, we came to see for ourselves. We cer- tainly weren't disappointed.
We found at Ashland Theological Sem- inary a good, practical counseling program for Pat and an impressive biblical studies program for me. The spirit of love and friendliness with which we were greeted impressed us too. We felt this was the school for us.
At times we have struggled because we are both working and carry a full load of classes. But we do enjoy being in school as a couple and are happy to be at Ashland Theological Seminary. We feel the Lord has guided us here.
— Jim Sorum
Pat and Jim Sorum
14
The Brethren Evangelist
hland Theological Seminary
James Koontz
MY first thoughts about entering the ministry began during my senior year in high school. But as time passed, I thought I could serve the Lord in other ways rather than as a minister. During the course of about six years this desire re- curred several times, but I continued to ignore it. Finally, during my senior year in college the desire returned with even greater intensity. I knew at that point I was going to enter the ministry, but was uncertain when and where.
In that uncertainty, I accepted a teach- ing position in Waynesboro, Pa., and began searching for a seminary. Having been raised in the United Church of Christ, I considered entering one of their seminaries. As I was completing the application, I asked God if this was where He wanted me to go. If it wasn't, I wanted some indi- cation of that fact. He gave me that answer by having me stop filling out the application.
During the spring of 1977 I joined the Wayne Heights Brethren Church. It was here that God really helped me grow spiritually. That summer I had the oppor- tunity to come to Ashland as a delegate to the General Conference. During that Conference I took a tour of the seminary. I was very much impressed with what I saw and heard.
Last winter I received application forms from three different seminaries. After look- ing over the catalogues of these seminaries with much prayer, I felt led to fill out just two of the application forms. I didn't feel that I wanted to send in both applications at the same time. I decided that I would send in the applications one at a time until I got a yes, praying that if the response to the first were negative, I would receive it in time to send out the other. With com- plete confidence in God's help, I mailed in my application to Ashland.
Soon after mailing my application, I re- ceived a letter from the superintendent of schools. This letter indicated that my teach- ing position was being eliminated due to lack of student enrollment. I felt God speak- ing to me and saying, *'Just trust Me." Shortly thereafter I received a letter of acceptance from Ashland. Now I am part of the student body here and am enjoying it very much.
— James Koontz
What's your choice?
— To stay where you are now being successful? — To choose a career which has a potential for making you a success?
The church needs you to tell the truth about Jesus.
The choice is yours. Talk it over with your pastor, or contact:
National Ministerial Recruitment Committee, c/o Charles Munson
910 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805
presented as a public service
January 1979
15
ashland theological seminary
Two New Classrooms Planned
WEST ELEl/Af [O M
Fifteen Years of Growth
Enrollment at Ashland Theological Seminary has increased from 22 full-time students in 1963 to 272 full-time equivalent students in 1978. Students from 130 colleges and universities and six foreign countries are attending Ashland. Students come to Ashland because:
"^Ashland is biblically conservative
^Ashland is evangelical in spirit
^Ashland is accredited.
Fifteen Years of Campus Development
The seminary campus has grown from one old mansion to six beautifully landscaped acres from the Miller and Myers estates. The campus includes the main seminary building which houses the library, administrative offices, classrooms, and the Brethren Archives; Ronk Chapel; and apartment buildings for student housing. All of this was acquired and built without debt.
16
The Brethren Evangelist
Fifteen Years of Graduates Around the World
Pastors, professors, church leaders, and missionaries around the world are graduates of Ashland Theological Senninary. The ultinnate goal of it all is effective Christian leadership.
Providing Hope for the Future
Because of the significant growth of the senninary, the original three classroonns are totally insufficient for the expanded ministries of the schooL The proposed plan shows two additional classrooms. The Board approved this addition on a "cash basis" only. HELP!
FLOOi^ P L A Kl QR^PMiC SC^LE
^ \o
10
January 1979
17
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
r^'y ,-:
^ • • .
Use your imagination to enjoy a better life.
The Gift of Imagination
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE said, 'The human race is governed by its imagina- tion." There is tremendous power in imagination. Most people who have enjoyed some measure of success in Hfe have a vibrant imagination. They beheve that ''What the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve."
To achieve a goal the mind must first visualize that goal. A person must have a mental picture of his goal before he ener- getically pursues it. I happen to believe that one of the greatest gifts given to man is the gift of imagination. An imaginative person will go a long way in this world.
In the older days the radio was the center of attraction. In the evening the family would sit around a radio and listen while the program stimulated the imagination. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a master at using the radio. He stimulated the imagination of Americans with his radio "fireside chats." Television doesn't do as much for you. In fact, television tends to make the mind dull and stagnant.
Do you recall how as a child you played for hours with one or two toys and a bushel of imagination? Children allow their imagi- nations to run riot, and it's good for them! But as we grow older most of us cease using our imaginations. Something terrible happens when this occurs. When hope dies nothing is left ! Imagination is the heartbeat of hope.
The wonderful thing about imagination is that you aren't confined to any time zone. You can go into the past and walk the streets of old Philadelphia with Benjamin Franklin, or watch the battle of Waterloo with the Duke of Wellington. You can even zoom into the future, to the year 2000, and
use gadgets reserved for Flash Gordon! No one can contain the imagination.
But the imagination is not only for the world of fantasy. Children don't have a corner on it. Anyone can use his imagina- tion to become successful in life. Marcus Aurelius said, "A man's life is dyed by the color of his imagination." Albert Einstein declared, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Charles Dickens always "saw his stories before he wrote them down." The artist Raphael said, "I simply dream dreams and see visions, and then I paint around those dreams and visions."
Be careful that you don't try to make a carbon copy. Carbon copies always fail. I grew up in the James Dean era. Dean was a great actor who was killed in a traffic accident.
I had a friend who looked like James Dean. He was told this by several people until he proceeded to act like James Dean. He became a carbon copy of James Dean. He read everything he could about this actor, watched every movie he was in dozens of times, and studied his every move. No one had James Dean down better than this friend — his hair style, his stance, his looks, everything!
My friend wanted to be an actor. He never made it. Today he's an orderly. He failed in his goal because he chose to be someone else and not himself. He allowed his imagination to completely obliterate His own personality. That always brings failure in obtaining a goal.
God never made carbon copies. Look at the success of others. Use them as models if you wish, but be yourself. And strive to become better than the model. □
18
The Brethren Evangelist
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
By the time you read this report, 1978 will be just a memory, leaving us with failures and victories. I wonder how God would evaluate our performance during the past year? Some of the things we thought were great successes he may consider to be futile efforts in egocentric satisfaction, and some of our least esteemed efforts he may consider great successes.
I do know that some of our churches will again show losses in attendance and some will show increases. This makes us wonder why some fail and others succeed, and it is here that we begin to determine our effectiveness in proclaiming the mes- sage of salvation through Jesus Christ. I will hasten to say that somewhere there may be a church with no opportunity for growth — somewhere where everyone in the church community is already a Chris- tian! The possibilities for growth obvi- ously do vary from community to com- munity, but this does not relieve us of the responsibility to harvest the area God has assigned to us.
It seems to me that the basic formula for church growth is contained in two related statements, "I can," and "I will." I realize that these statements would be a good success formula in any aspect of life, but I would like to think particularly how they relate to the church.
"I can" envisions the desired result and the possibility of reaching that goal. "I can" is accepting the promise of Jesus that He will go with us when we go into the harvest fields and that He will give us the necessary wisdom to effectively work for Him. "I can" is the knowledge that Jesus wants the lost saved, and the knowl- edge that He has chosen us to fulfill that task.
"I will" is the motivating force that makes all our dreams reality. "I will" is the reason behind careful planning. "I will" drives us personally into the harvest field of the world with the good news of Jesus Christ. "I will" always finds a way to complete what "I can" has envisioned.
(n Chronicles 7:14)
Brethren attend discipleship consultation
Ashland, Ohio — Thirteen Brethren were among 180 people who attended an NAE sponsored "Consultation on Discipleship" November 27-28 at Chicago, Illinois. The program, planned by The Evangelical Home Mission Association, an affiliate of NAE, brought together top-notch speakers on the topic of discipleship.
Dr. Robert Munger, a successful pastor now teaching at Fuller Theological Seminary, spoke on "Pastoral Leadership for Discipleship" and "Enabling and Equipping the Laity for Disciple- ship." Dr. Richard Halverson, long-term, nation- ally-known pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., presented two excellent lectures on "Modeling Discipleship — ^How the Pastor Prepares to Model Discipleship" and "Eval- uating Discipleship."
"Moving a Congregation into Discipleship: The Holy Spirit, Motivation, and Goals in Discipleship" was the concern of Dr. Thomas McDill, Minne- apolis pastor and current president of the Evan- gelical Free Church. His presentation contained many practical ideas regarding the implementa- tion of discipleship in the local church. Others spoke on the biblical basis of discipleship and the definition of discipleship. All presentations were taped and are available through the NAE office in Wheaton, 111.
Brethren attending the consultation were Brian Moore, Eugene Beekley, Ralph Gibson, Marlin McCann, Spencer Gentle, Jim Black, Jim Sluss, Steve Swihart, Woodrow Immel, Steve Cole, Larry and Candi Baker, and Arden Gilmer. Brethren churches could profit by providing finances for their pastors to attend similar types of "in service training" opportunities.
— Arden E. Gilmer
Hope seen for China Christians
Richmond, Va. (EP News) — At least one China observer predicts that Communist China soon will recognize the presence of Christians in that country.
Paul Kaufman, head of Asian Outreach, thinks that pressures from within and without will make it mandatory for mainland China officials to recognize that there are Christians within their borders. In some places in China, Christians meet openly, Kaufman says, and some who had been caught up in Communism are coming back to Christianity.
January 1979
19
update
Receipt of a $20,000 bequest will enable the Sarasota Brethren Church to pay off the indebted- ness on its new sanctuary in 1979.
Sarasota First Brethren receives $20,000 bequest
Sarasota, Fla. — The Sarasota First Brethren Church has received a $20,000 bequest from the estate of Lewis and Mildred Wilson of Peru, Ind. The Wilsons faithfully attended the Sarasota church during the winter months.
Upon the recommendation of the finance com- mittee, the official board of the Sarasota church designated that $10,000 of the bequest should go for general expenses, including the church van obligation, the radio ministry, and the General Conference "fair share" apportionment.
The remaining $10,000 has been paid on the principle of the church's indebtedness. Because of this bequest and the faithful giving of the congre- gation, the Sarasota church will be able to pay off its remaining debt and burn its mortgage in this new year.
Evangelical relief agencies form association
Chicago, 111. (EP News) — Representatives of ten evangelical relief and development agencies have announced the formation of the Association of Evangelical Relief and Development Organiza- tions (AERDO). The organization brings together these agencies for the purpose of addressing common concerns and needs.
Organizations involved in forming AERDO were World Relief of NAE, World Vision International, Compassion International, Compassion/Canada, Development Assistance Services, Food for the
Plans continue for new church in Kansas City, Kans.
steps continue to be taken toward the establish- ment of a Brethren church in Kansas City, Kans. Plans are to locate a church on a twenty acre tract of land west of Kansas City that has been used by the Midwest District as the site for its Camp Wyandotte.
Last October the Midwest District Mission Board asked Arden E. Gilmer, national Director of Home Missions, to make a general survey of the area and report his findings to their conference.
Gilmer discovered that population growth in Kansas City is moving steadily toward the camp. In addition a proposed interstate beltway (1-485) around the greater Kansas City area will have a major cloverleaf within one and one-half miles of the camp, making the road past the camp an access road to the beltway. City planners antici- pate a population, industrial, and commercial acceleration in the area when the beltway is com- pleted, possibly by 1983.
In response to these findings the Midwest Dis- trict Mission Board asked Gilmer to make a pre- sentation regarding the Kansas City possibilities in each of the Midwest churches. This was done from December 1-6, 1978. The district also voted to initiate a faith promise program for raising finances for the project and to enter into a dili- gent prayer effort for personnel.
The immediate concern is to begin a Brethren witness in the area. A Brethren couple is being sought who win respond to this vision, locate in the house at the camp, secure employment, and begin visitation and Bible studies in the western part of Kansas City. The purpose of this approach is to bring together a core group of 20-30 people in anticipation of a full-time pastor coming to the area. A bi-vocational pastor motivated to start a Brethren church could respond to this opportunity.
The ministry will proceed under the supervision of Arden Gilmer and the Midwest District Mission Board in cooperation with the national Missionary Board. People interested in this opportunity should contact Arden E. Gilmer, 530 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805 for specific details.
Hungry, Food for the Hungry/Canada, Institute for International Development, Inc., MAP Inter- national, and World Concern.
Arthur Beals of World Concern was chosen as AERDO's first president.
The World Relief Board of the Brethren Church channels Brethren relief funds to needy areas through World Relief of NAE, one of the ten groups which formed AERDO.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update
New Growth Partners call announced
Ashland, Ohio — ^The new Growth Partners Club call is designated for the recently formed Brethren Church in Sarver, Pennsylvania. Funds from the response of club members will aid the new church in meeting the cost of land and construc- tion. The "call" will be open from January 1 through June 30, 1979.
The Sarver work began in February of 1976 when evening Bible studies were started. Two transplanted Brethren families, the Chester McAfoose family of the Brush Valley, Pa., Breth- ren Church and the Kenneth Knabb family from the Pleasant View (Vandergrift, Pa.,) Brethren Church, formed the core group. Sunday school and worship services were begun in April of 1977 in the basement of the Knabb home.
The group is now averaging 24 in worship attendance, and Rev. Ed Wingard is serving as their by-vocational pastor. Three acres of land have been purchased and the congregation is investigating possibilities for constructing its first unit.
In order to meet the needs of new Brethren churches, the Growth Partners Club needs to grow
Marijuana found nnore harmful than cigarettes or alcohol
Oakland, Calif. (EP News) — Prolonged use of marijuana causes more physical harm than the use of cigarettes or alcohol. This is the conclu- sion of two researchers studying the effects of marijuana.
Marijuana can lead to emphysema and bron- chitis and cause damage to the brain, lungs, liver, reproductive system and chromosomes, according to Dr. David Harvey Powelson, a psychiatrist and former professor at the University of California at Berkeley, and Dr. Ethel Sassenrath of the University of California at Davis.
Dr. Powelson, who has observed marijuana smoking students since 1964, noted that they grad- ually lost their ability to think. He found that in some cases students were not even able to under- stand simple proverbs like "Don't count your chickens before they are hatched."
Another ill effect is that, unlike alcohol which is flushed out of the body in a day, THC, the drug in marijuana, is trapped in the body's system for four to six weeks. Dr. Powelson explained. Thus marijuana has an accumulating effect upon frequent pot-smokers. "So people who use mari- juana even socially are stoned all the time al- though they are not aware of it," said Dr. Powelson.
According to the psychiatrist, "Marijuana also ages you about twenty times as fast as alcohol."
from its current 1,248 members to a membership of 2,000 by the end of 1979. Brethren joining this club participate in a group which has made sig- nificant contributions to starting new congrega- tions down through the years. New members who join now will be able to assist the Sarver Brethren Church in its growth and development.
Information about obtaining club membership is available from the Missionary Board, 530 Col- lege Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
— Arden E. Gilmer
World
__ day of
Prayer
' March 2, * 1979
The Substance of Prayer
A Bible-centered worship
guide in booklet form
provided by NAE at
no charge for group
participation in church
and community services.
Please send materials Booklets
in quantity indicated: Posters
D Booklet sample only
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE _
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS BOX 28, WHEATON, IL 60187
Weddings
Cindy Hoimimel to Mark Dravenstott, November 25, at Smithville, Ohio, Brethren Church; Rev. Donald Rinehart officiating. Members of Smith- ville Brethren Church.
Membership Growth
Burlington: 7 by baptism, 1 by transfer
Loree: 6 by baptism, 1 by transfer
Corinth: 2 by baptism
January 1979
21
ypdate
Warnings Issued on Guyana tragedy
Evangelist Billy Graham has warned against identifying the Peoples Temple cult of Jim Jones with traditional, historic Christianity.
In an Op Ed article in The New York Times, the famed preacher said of Jones, the Peoples Temple leader, "It is true that he came from a religious background but what he did and how he thought have no relationship to the views and teachings of any legitimate form of historic Christianity."
Mr. Graham asserted that in Jim Jones "we have witnessed a false messiah who used the cloak of religion to cover a confused mind filled with a mixture of pseudo-religion, political ambi- tion, sensual lust, financial dishonesty and, appar- ently, even murder. None of this has anything to do with true faith in God."
Speaking on the same subject, a California Episcopal priest has cautioned that religious move- ments which overemphasize emotional experience could become dangerous like the Peoples Temple. Father Richard I. S. Parker of St. Cross Episcopal Church in Hermosa Beach, Calif., made his com- ments in an interview with Linda Emanuelson of the Daily Breeze newspaper.
Father Parker said that Christianity is based on intellectual knowledge, faith, and emotionalism, and that when these elements become separated from one another, the religion "loses its sound- ness." He commented that charismatic leaders can lead people "down the primrose path to what happened in Guyana or they can lead people to God."
William R. Bright, president of Campus Cru- sade for Christ, one of the nation's largest inter- denominational Christian organizations, is con- cerned about possible adverse side effects of the Guyana tragedy on legitimate Christian groups. He urged commentators and news media organ- izations to make every effort to avoid harming legitimate religious groups by mistake in the aftermath of the recent mass suicide in Guyana.
Bright called the shocking deaths of more than 900 members of the cult "a tragedy that has jolted and appalled the world, perhaps the Christian community most of all.
"Unfortunately," he added, "there seems bound to be some spillover from that tragic event onto legitimate Christian organizations, but it is urgent that the news media do all in their power to avoid damaging valid ministries which have nothing of substance in common with the Jones group or cults in general.
"Otherwise," he concluded, "fine reputations earned by years or decades of creditable Christian work can be unjustly shattered with as little as one thoughtless or inaccurate phrase."
Dr. Bright urged that news analysts and others examining various ministries in the wake of the
Guyana events look carefully at groups to see if they are characterized by "dedication to the deity and lordship of Jesus Christ, to the Bible as the revealed word of God, and to a spirit of Christian love.
"Not all groups are what they seem to be," he added, "and it is proper that especially pastors and Christian laymen be interested in the doctrines and practices of organizations which represent themselves as coming in Christ's name. There could be no more striking example of this problem than the Peoples Temple situation.
"If, however, God alone is honored as the object of worship, the Holy Scriptures are used as the guide to behaviour, and Christian love is prac- ticed as the basis of relationships," Dr. Bright said, "an organization can in no fair way be con- sidered a 'cult.' "
Selected from Evangelical Press and Campus Crusade for Christ news releases.
American arms buildup compared to Peoples Temple tragedy
New York, N.Y. (EP News) — Two peace activists have compared the buildup of armaments by the United States to the activities of the Peoples Temple. The comparison was made at a disarm- ament convocation held at the Riverside Church December 4-5.
Dr. William Sloane Coffin, Jr., pastor of the interdenominational Riverside Church, compared the Pentagon to Jim Jones and described its con- tingency planning for nuclear war and prepara- tions for civil defense as "the Kool-Aid drill with- out the cyanide."
"Who should refuse to drink from the vats of the Pentagon," he asked, "if not those who feast on the Body and Blood of Christ."
Dr. Richard Barnet, co-founder of the Institute for Policy Studies, asserted that the newest phase of the arms race is "involving us in a continuing drill for Dad (the name Jim Jones' followers used for Jones)." He charged that "like the people of Jonestown, we have lost control over our leaders."
Reporting that weapons now in the development stage will contain far more warheads which can reach targets with far greater accuracy than pres- ent systems. Dr. Barnet expressed concern that a nuclear war is once again becoming all too think- able to military leaders. He added that there had been many narrow escapes in the last two decades: President Eisenhower threatened North Korea with atomic weapons; John Foster Dulles offered the French atomic aid in defense of Dien Bien Phu; the Cuban crisis nearly precipitated disaster.
99
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Dea+h Cults— How Can It Happen?
This question is on the lips of people every- where, even on the lips of dedicated Christians. Why? How?
My first reaction is to say, "Well, what can we expect of people who get a touch of 'Christianity' (or any other religion) but who don't give it all Christ asks?" When you become disillusioned with anything, you become depressed, and the answer — so it seems — is to quit. In this case, quit forever. The Peoples iChuroh (Temple) was neither for people nor was it a church. Temple, perhaps. There are temples to every god imaginable.
Let us do some analysis:
1) People all over the world are discouraged and disheartened. Every institution they have been taught to believe in has failed — politics, edu- cation, religion, etc. They want to "quit." But into what do they go when they quit?
2) People don't hear from God. They want someone to tell them where God is and what He is saying. Any source will do.
3) People want signs. Any sign will do. Mark it! Every "successful" religion has some outward sign that is attractive. Especially the "sign of success." Even many "successful" Christian evan- gelists get that way because they offer outward signs of success and preach a gospel of success, denouncing any other group that disagrees with them. Some people relish this.
4) People want a leader. Any leader who has charisma, who can say, "Here I am, I am your leader (savior?), I will give you what you are looking for." (This is exactly what the antichrist will use to assume power!) Jesus said, "Many will come saying I am Christ (savior), deceiving all but the very elect."
5) People want physical comfort. Anyone who can offer food, shelter, community, you name it, v/ill get a following.
6) People want to "get away." Whether it is to a jungle in Guyana, a separatist movement in the midst of society, some sort of withdrawal will get a following and a good hearing.
The problem is — all but Jesus Christ will end in some form of death. Social death; sacrifice of the personality; sacrifice of family, home, and loved ones. The sacrifice will lead to some form of death. The deaths in Guyana are merely more visible than others all around us.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." His offer is to get us into society, into per- sonal contentment and fulfillment, among our
Rev. Clarence Stogsdill is pastor of the Tucson, Ariz., First Brethren Church. This article M'as orii^inally sent as a mailing to the members of his congregation. It is reprinted here by permission.
by Clarence Stogsdill
loved ones, friends, and even our enemies. But most of us don't have the faith for it. We would rather take the easy way out. Quit. Withdraw. It is a milder form of the same thing we saw happen in Guyana, but it is the same thing. Suicide. Social, personal, spiritual suicide. Paul said, "To be car- nally minded is death. To be spiritually minded is life." Get into it! Jesus offered it. Take it! The alternative is — death!
Books for further reading
Four Christian books now on the market glwe further insights into how people can get caught up in powerful religious movements like the Peoples Temple. Three of these deal with religious movements and cults in general, while the fourth deals specifically with the Peoples Temple.
In The Youthnappers (Victor, 1977), author James Hefley gives several reasons why young people join religious movements. Family prob- lems, disenchantment with parental values, a de- humanizing educational system — these coupled with the deadness of the institutional church cause young people to look for someone who seems to care for them personally and for some- one to show them how to live.
Kenneth Boa, author of Cults, World Religions, and You (Victor, 1977), says the bankruptcy of our materialistic values have promoted the up- surge in new religions. "Materialism and empty humanism do not satisfy . . . spiritual needs."
"Spiritual naivete" is given as the chief single cause for the success of cults, according to Dave Breese, author of Know the Marks of Cults (Vic- tor, 1975). "Too many Christians are content with a superficial knowledge of the Word of God."
In The Broken God (David C. Cook, 1979) Bonnie Thielmann tells about her experiences as a teenager with the Jones family. Thielmann is the only person to defect from the Peoples Temple and yet maintain a close relationship with the Jones family.
According to Thielmann, one of her main pur- poses in writing this book is to help answer the questions of relatives and friends of Peoples Temple members asking "Why?" She believes that some of that answer is found in the failure of the Christian church to take action to try to right some of the wrongs of society.
"Most of all," said Thielmann, "I want to prove that God can get through to anybody — even some- one like me who had been alienated from Him for so many years."
The Broken Crod is full of anecdotes of the Jones family from both the Brazil and California years, illustrating the progression of Jones' beliefs and practices from brave to bizarre.
January 1979
53
update
IRS ruling on private schools challenged
Washington, D.€. (NAE News) — A proposed IRS regulation that would remove the tax exemption of private schools (including Christian schools) not meeting an IRS-imposed racial quota system would have a chilling effect on all tax-exempt organizations, Robert P. Dugan told a public hear- ing on the measure, December 8th.
Testifying in the nation's capital, Dugan, direc- tor of the National Association of Evangelical's Washington Office of Public Affairs, said that while NAE supports all proper efforts to elim- inate deliberate racial segregation in education, the new proposal threatens the existence of many private schools that are totally innocent of dis- criminatory activities or of violating public policy, public law, or the intent oi Congress. As such, Dugan said, the measure represents an abuse of power to the extent that it: 1) establishes man- datory affirmative action without statutory auth- ority or judicial sanction, 2) infringes First Amendment rights, due process, and equal pro- tection under the law, and 3) assumes schools are guilty until proven innocent. Dugan empha- sized that the IRS-proposed procedure for deter- mining possible cases of discrimination is without statutory authority. (According to the procedure, a reviewable school is one "formed or substan- tially expanded at or about the time of public school desegregation in the community served by the school, and having a student body whose per- centage of minority students is less than 20 per- cent of the percentage of the minority school age population in the community served by the school.")
"Consider," he said, "a private school with a publicly-announced non-discriminatory racial poli- cy, minorities attending the school, a black prin- cipal and minorities on the school board. Under the proposed procedure, that school could lose its
tax-exemption for no reason at all except that an insufficient number of minority students chose to attend.
"Beyond any shadow of a doubt," Dugan con- cluded, "such a situation would exceed any record- ed Congressional intent." Dugan urged that if persistent in his desire to enact such a proposal, the Commissioner should wait until Congress has opportunity to express its will in the matter. He noted that at least 70 members of the House and several senators had already written the Commis- sioner regarding the tax proposal.
"We believe," Dugan said, "that such an issue belongs in the legislative arena."
Herman E. Van Schuyver, director of the Na- tional Association of Christian Schools, also gave testimony during the public hearings on the pro- posed revenue procedure. In his testimony on December 6th, Van Schuyver placed the shoe of discrimination briefly on the IRS foot.
Cautioning the IRS not to assume that segrega- tion exists on the basis of circumstantial evidence, Van Schuyver directed his attention to the make- up of the IRS panel (six white males, one white female).
"If we were to decide to evaluate whether or not your panel is discriminating," he said, "cir- cumstantial evidence would have us believe that the panel is almost entirely composed of male chauvinist racists."
Van Schuyver used the illustration to under- score his contention that many private schools are integrated even when they appear not to be. He warned that quick assumption of guilt by the IRS would force these same schools to expend time, energy and money in proving their innocence — a procedure contrary to the American credo of innocent until proven guilty.
Help Wanted
Couples desired as houseparents (couples with children accepted) for a home for troubled boys.
No experience necessary as training and support staff are provided.
For salary, fringe benefits, and job specifics, please call 219-956-3125.
Christian Haven Homes, Rt. 1, Box 17, Wheatfield, Ind. 46392
Outstanding high school students support religious & moral values
Northbrook, 111. (EP News) — The nation's out- standing teenagers "are keen on religion and main- tain traditional moral values," according to re- sults of the Ninth National Opinion Survey of Who's Who Among American High School Students.
The survey showed that 92 percent of student leaders believe there is a personal God or "vital force" in the world, 90 percent said religion plays a significant role in their own moral standards and actions, 81 percent belong to an organized religion, and 62 percent attend services weekly.
These findings were based on opinion question- naires returned by 21,500 of the students whose names appear in the 1978 edition of Who's Who.
24
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Grefna defeats Derby in attendance contest
Derby, Kans. — After a slow start, the Gretna Brethren Church (near Belief ontaine, Ohio) surged ahead to defeat the Derby, Kans., First Brethren Church in their attendance contest.
The contest between the two churches began on September 3 and concluded on December 24. At the halfway point Gretna was behind by 39 points. But an outstanding effort in the second half of the contest gave them an overwhelming victory of 556 points to 249 points for Derby. Points were based on percentage of increase in attendance over one year ago.
Both churches made advances in Sunday school and worship attendances during the contest. Gretna had an increase of 17% in Sunday school attendance (from 69 a year ago to 83 this year) and a 14% increase in morning worship attend- ance (from 81 to 92).
Derby had an increase of 6%) in Sunday school (from 81 to 86) and a 9% increase in morning worship attendance (from 104 to 113).
This is the first attendance contest the Derby Brethren Church has lost during the ministry of its present pastor. Rev. George Solomon. But according to Rev. Solomon, there is no one he would rather get beaten by than his son, Rev. Leroy Solomon, who is pastor of the Gretna Breth- ren Church. Rev. George Solomon adds, "It was fun — and worth the effort if the church makes an advance for the work of the Lord!"
Catholics most numerous in 96th Congress
Wheaton, 111. (EP News) — The Ninety-Sixth Congress includes 128 members from the Roman Catholic Church, with 115 of these in the House of Representatives and 13 in the Senate. This makes the Roman Catholic Church the religious group with the highest representation in Congress.
United Methodists are the next highest group, with 57 Representatives and 18 Senators.
These are among the findings of Ohristianlty Today magazine in its latest religious census of Congress, published in its December 1 issue.
Totals of other religious groups are as follows: Episcopal, 70; Presbyterian, 60; Baptist, 57; Jew- ish, 30; Lutheran, 19; United Church of Christ, 16; Unitarian, 12; Mormon, 10; Disciples of Christ, 6; Greek Orthodox, 5. Fifteen denominations were represented by fewer than five members in Congress, and 19 Congressmen listed themselves as Protestants without specifying a denomination.
Catholics also lead the list of religious affilia- tions of governors with 12. Presbyterians with nine are second-highest, followed by Episcopalians with eight.
In Memory
Anna Brown, 79, December 11. Brethren Church membership at Nappanee and South Bend for 62 years. Services by Larry R. Baker, pastor. Grace Smeltzer, 87, December 6. Member of the South Bend, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Larry R. Baker, pastor.
Wayne J. Crytzer, 41, November 27. Member and deacon of the Pleasant View Brethren Church, Vandergrift, Pa. Services by William D. Walk, pastor. Mr. Crytzer was also a member of the national Missionary Board of the Brethren Church. Edith Marie Steele, 77, November 19. Member of the North Liberty, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Philip Hershberger, pastor, and Rev. Stephen Cole.
Harold Wing-er, 82, November 10. Member of the Smithville, Ohio, Brethren Church. Services by Larry L. Bolinger, pastor.
Donald H. Riggle, Sr., 52, November 1. Member of the Pleasant View Brethren Church, Vandergrift, Pa. Services by William D. Walk, pastor.
Irvin Klzer, 66, October 17. Member and deacon of the Burlington, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Rev. Alvin Grumbling and Rev. G. Bright Hanna.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
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Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
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January 1979
25
hooks
Finding Tinne to be Quiet
A Handful of Quietness by Harold Rogers (Word Books, 1977, 140 pp. $5.95 hardback).
How can we find time for quietness and medita- tion in the overscheduled, hurried routine of our contemporary hves?
A handful of quietness is only a little, but it can benefit our lives greatly. Turning silently in- ward can become a natural part of our daily ex- perience. It means living on two levels. The inner, hidden level prepares us for the outer life of service.
Harold Rogers, who has written several books and over one hundred articles, has, in this book, interspersed personal experience with practical suggestions. His many Scripture quotations and references add biblical authority to his call for quietness. I also appreciated his quotations from outstanding Christian writers such as Paul Tournier, Thomas Kepler, Evelyn Underhill, Hannah Whitall Smith, and Thomas Merton.
Where do we begin? Here. When do we start? Now. "A moment of quietness," says Rogers, "no matter how brief, can bring a new perspective that can be felt and that can serve as an influence throughout the hours ahead. Quietness, calmness, trust, and union with God are not only for the crisis situation but for any time, all the time, any- where, and for everyone."
In my estimation this gentle book is one of the best of the recent devotional works.
— Julie Flora
Julie Flora is an Ashland > Ohio, homemaker and a frequent contributor to the Brethren Evangelist.
Book of the Year
A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken (Harper and Row) has been voted the religious "Book of the Year" by the 180 book reviewers, writers, and observers surveyed in the 20th annual poll taken by Eternity magazine.
The book describes the author's courtship and marriage in the 1940s and the influence the late C. S. Lewis had in bring the Vanaukens to a per- sonal commitment to Jesus Christ. The wife's sub- sequent illness and death prompted Mr. Lewis to describe the experience as "a mercy, but a severe mercy."
Books ranking from second to tenth place in the Eternity poll were Eerdmans' Handbook to the History of Christianity, edited by Tim Dewley;
Finding Freedom
The Law That Sets You Free by David H. Roper (Word Books, 1977, 123 pp., $3.95 paperback).
Have you ever wished for a way to be free — free from worry, anxiety, trials, sorrows, and other daily frustrations? Have you ever been told to pray about your problems, and when you did you felt your prayer never reached beyond the ceiling? Have you ever wondered, "What did I ever do to deserve this?" Or "Why me. Lord?"
If you answered "yes" to any of these ques- tions or even thought a slight maybe, then per- haps you'd enjoy a very helpful book. Try settling down in your favorite chair with your Bible and The Law That Sets You Free.
This book, a verse by verse study of the Book of James, will encourage you to see yourself, your life, and your problems from God's perspec- tive. It will also help you understand how to respond to problems and even how to help others with similar problems.
You will discover exactly what you, as one of God's children, ought to be! You will be encour- aged to try to live one day at a time and to become what Jesus would have you be.
Everyone should read this book. Christians should use it in study groups in order to strength- en one another in the faith. If every Christian would start living today praising the Lord for difficulties and temptations, the world would be a changed place overnight!
This book is a very helpful guide for every believer's life.
— ^Joanne Brelsford
Joanne Brelsford is an Ashland, Ohio, home- maker and an active worker in the Ashland Park Street Brethren Church.
The Worldly Evangelicals by Richard Quebedeaux (Harper and Row) ; Fundamentalism by James Barr (Westminister); Essentials of Evangelical Theology by Donald Bloesch (Harper and Row); Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F. F. Bruce (Eerdmans) ; Christian Counter Culture by John R. W. Stott (InterVarsity Press); Christ and the Media by Malcolm Muggeridge (Eerdmans) ; Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey (Zondervan) ; and New International Commen- tary: Revelation by Robert Mounce (Eerdmans). Eerdmans was considered "publisher of the year," with four books placing in the top ten.
— EP News
26
The Brethren Evangelist
finally^ hrethren
. . . some thoughts to take with you!
Love Unlimited
by Jane E. Hendricks
The Lord God Almighty has an unlimited supply of love for each one of us. This love is total and complete and reserved especially for each person. It is every person's exclusive possession and belongs to no one else. We can live out our lives resting secure in His love, knowing that each in his own way is special to Him. God doesn't play favorites, but each one of us is His ''pet.''
We praise God for His unlimited love. In that love there is no room for jealousy. We need not be jealous of God's love for another child of God, for in His tremendous capacity to love we rest safely, knowing He never neglects us nor forgets us. He is always thinking of us and our needs.
Just as God loves us, so should we strive to love others in our human relationships — husband and wife, parent and child, brother and sister, friend to friend. The love we have for another in whatever relationship flows from God, through us, to the other, leaving no room for jealousy. The love we receive from another flows also from God, and there still should be no room for jealousy.
Praise God for His unlimited love available through us for His glory and honor.
Miss Hendricks is a member of the Sarasota, Fla., First Brethren Church.
January 1979 27
ASHLAND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
it's not only our seminary, it's our only seminary!
for training
ministers, missionaries, Christian education
directors, teachers, chaplains, pastoral
counselors, church leaders, youth
leadership . . .
I ofc t
100% enrollment increase in four years
I mtm *
Fair Share Giving/
Local Church Budgets
$5.00 per member
The seminary has a balanced budget with no
debt. A "Fair Share" from each local
church is necessary to continue a
balanced budget.
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Evangelist
February 1979
Communicating the Faith
through CHRISTIAN DRAMA
World Relief Report
Advertisement
Licking - Ticking - Sticking
I sit at my desk to write another World Relief report for Brethren readers. The temptation is to begin, "World Relief is at work again." But that's really not accurate. The truth is, World Relief effort never stopped.
So, more accurately, I must say to you, ''World Relief continues work- ing!" or "World Relief is still at work!" because that's the way it is. (Sounds like Howard Cosell, doesn't it?)
I'm writing this report in December — two weeks before Christmas. Following are snatches of the SITUATION REPORTS I receive regularly from the World Relief Commission. They inform us . . . and remind us again of where and how our World Relief money was helping to make a difference in crucial situations during the fall months in many parts of the world.
Zaire — Cholera Epidemic:
The presence of cholera in epidemic propor- tions was reported in June and July by Free Methodist and Conservative Baptist missionaries. In one case nearly a whole village was wiped out and in another over 30 cases were reported. WRC worked on details to supply cholera vac- cine, i.v. fluids, antibiotics, sulfa preparations, and Fanasil (a preventative medication) for immediate use and a stockpile against future emergency needs. TWA provided free air freight for the first shipment of 500 pounds of 50% dextrose. Another 1,000 pounds was sent later by ocean freight. WRC committed about $40,000 to the joint operation with other agencies.
Sudan — Famine:
Early in 1978 a serious drought produced an acute famine. Starvation resulted. Then major rains during July created flooding, preventing transportation of emergency food into affected areas. WRC forwarded $26,000 through Sudan Interior Mission and Jungle Aviation and Radio Service for emergency food and transportation costs. Airplanes were used to transport much of the grain.
West Bengal, India — Flood:
'■ Incessant torrential rains hit Calcutta for four days in September. For three days most people were indoors and Calcutta was cut off from the rest of the country. Low-lying areas were sub- merged. Early estimates were that the deluge
affected 14 to 15 million people in 12 districts of West Bengal. Several towns were under water several days.
Jerry Ballard, executive director of WRC, was in Calcutta soon afterwards and designated $10,000 from an emergency fund for blankets, dhotis (men's clothing), and saris (women's clothing). Later $7,000 was dispatched for the purchase of 300,000 doses of cholera vaccine to avert an epidemic. And $3,000 was granted for feeding and clothing flood victims. Total assis- tance was $20,000, channeled through local evangelical relief organizations.
Costa Rica — Nicaraguan Refugees: Honduras — Nicaraguan Refugees:
Civil disturbances in Nicaragua caused thou- sands to leave their homes. Although WRC tried to enter, the borders were closed to outsiders. But refugees did flee to Costa Rica and Honduras — primarily Honduras. WRC responded with over $15,000.
Philippines — Typhoon:
In October a typhoon hit the East Manila area, affecting about 2,000 families or about 14,000 people. Upon confirmation of the intensity of the damage, an emergency grant of $5,000 was made for food, clothing, and medicine to be used in disaster relief. It was estimated that it might possibly be three months before the flood waters would recede enough to allow families to return to their homes. WRC's representative was there.
About the Title
Whereas it is announced (via a TV commercial), ''Timex watches take a licking and keep on ticking," we can proclaim just as widely, "When people take a licking, World Relief is sticking right with them to bring whatever aid it can."
Phil Lersch, Chairman Brethren World Relief Board
V ^ The Brethren 1 * A
Evangelist
The Brethren Evangelist (USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor: Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805. One year subscription rates: $6.00 for 100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents Change of address: Please notify us at least three weeks in advance, using the form provided in each issue. Authors' views are not necessarily those of the Brethren Church or the Brethren Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad- dressed to the editor. A writer's packet with query tips is available upon written request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited material not accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Second class postage paid at Ashland, Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
v^over
The Lamb's Players use drama and pantomime to com- municate the Christian faith. Martha Deardurff tells more about this Christian performing arts company on pages 4 and 5.
Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
Vol. 101,
February 1979
4 Theatre for the Lord
Martha Deardurff is realizing the desires of her heart as she serves the Lord through Christian theatre.
6 A Time to Share
Senator Mark Hatfield calls on American Christians to face and respond to the ominous reality of world hunger.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties 10 Problems and Possibilities
Arden Gilmer looks at basic problems facing the Brethren Church and shares his vision for our denomination in the eighties.
20 AC Campus Ministry: A Time of Reflection
Fred Burkey evaluates the first semester's ministry and shares plans for the second semester and beyond.
The Benevolent Board
13 The Benevolent Board . . .
Dedicated to Human Service
A brief historical overview of the service given by the Benevo- lent Board of the Brethren Church.
14 The Nursing Home Image
Nursing homes have gotten a bad image. How good are ours? To answer this question, the remainder of this section looks at the retirement facilities of the Brethren Church.
14 Brethren Care, Ashland, Ohio
16 The Brethren's Home, Flora, Indiana
18 Topsfield Terrace,
Brethren Care of South Bend, Inc.
Departments
19 The Salt Shaker 22 Update
27 Books
February 1979
Theatre for the Lord
Lamb's Players Mime Troup.
Martha Deardurff Is realizing the desires of her heart as she serves the Lord through Christian theatre.
Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4
BUT LORD, my ''desires" are dreams, fantasies. Impossible!
These thoughts flooded my mind as I approached my last semester at Ashland College. I would have a B.S. in education; I could teach high school speech and Eng- lish. So what? I want to serve the Lord.
Long before college, when I was only eight, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. I had met and read about missionaries around the world serving the Lord. One summer, at camp, I had even said, 'I'll go, Lord, wherever you want me." But now what?
That last semester was getting too close. I wrote Intercristo, a Christian placement service, which responded with several job possibilities. Prompted by my high school and college theatre experience, I wrote to Lamb's Players, a Christian performing arts company listed by Intercristo.
Lamb's Players, National City, Califor- nia! Me, an Ohio farmer's daughter, in California? Encouraging letters, phone calls, a zealous roommate, and wise advice from friends led to my selling my car, buy- ing a one-way ticket, and flying west September 1, 1978.
A sleepy-eyed guy wearing the name tag "Martha Deardurff" met my 2 a.m. flight. Three suitcases and my sewing machine were loaded into a topless M.G., and we sped down Interstate 5. So this is California ?
After getting settled with a Lamb's Players couple, I began attending the Sem- inar on the Performing Arts. This two weeks of intense study was intense: three
hours of class each morning in either act- ing, mime, or dance; afternoon seminars on numerous theatre topics, followed by lectures and discussions. Several evenings we attended shows which we discussed the following morning before class. All these activities were aimed at developing a Chris- tian perspective of the arts.
Meanwhile, two other interns — Cathy and Heidi — and I decided to find an apartment. After hours of searching, we found a two- bedroom apartment only nine blocks from the theatre — good walking distance since
Martha Deardurff is
the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. John
Deardurff of
Bellfontaine, Ohio,
and a member of
the Gretna Brethren
Church. She served
as a Brethren Youth
Crusader for two
years and as a
counselor at Ohio
Camp Bethany. While
attending Ashland College, Martha participated in
several plays as an actress and costumer. She was
also a member of the Ashland College Choir. She
received her bachelor of science in education
degree from the college last May.
Anyone interested in knowing more about Lamb's Players and Martha's ministry may write to her at Lamb's Players, 500 E. Plaza Blvd., Box 26, National City, CA 92050. Her slide show is also available for interested groups.
The Brethren Evangelist
Lamb's Players Street Theatre^
Lamb's Players is a Christian
performing arts company that
uses drama, pantomime, and
dance to share the message
of God's love in Jesus Christ,
we had no car. What about furniture? Cathy's sister and brother-in-law were moving to Germany and needed a place to store their furniture for two years. So, with a few additions from other relatives and the Salvation Army store, the Lord sup- plied all our needs.
After the seminar and a free weekend spent visiting the beach and resting, I, along with the ten other interns, began ** orientation." This consisted of classes in evangelism, the history and purpose of Lamb's Players, and support raising. Pro- spective performers also prepared auditions. And each of us began working in our sup- port department. I was introduced to the costume department and shown where to find pins, fabric, old shoes, and a small beaded purse of wash money for my first responsibility — washing the shirts after the week's shows.
During orientation I planned my flight home. "Lord, I have enough money for the airplane ticket but not for my share of the month's rent, $66." A few days later I found in my mailbox a check for $500 from a church I had never attended, the Notting- ham United Presbyterian Church. 'Thanks again, Lord."
With orientation complete, I headed home for six weeks of support raising. Armed with a slide show, a public relations notebook, and numerous newsletters and support cards, I visited several churches presenting the Lamb's Players' story. Our story began in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1970, with the vision of teacher and former professional actor, Steve Terrell. Knowing that God had used drama and pantomine to speak through some of the Old Testament
prophets, he, using the same methods, decided to share the message of God's love and forgive- ness found in Jesus Christ. In 1973, an original cast of seven moved to the warmer climate of Southern California, Since then, Lamb's Players has grown into an organization of over 50 full-time members, each working in his respective performance, office, and other support staff position.
Lamb's Players brochure
Lamb's Players' street theatre, panto- mime, and dance troupes travel the coun- try the year around presenting Christ's message at college and high school cam- puses, fairs, churches, public parks, mil- itary bases, and penal institutions. These troupes are backed by a support staff of artists, photographers, costume design- ers, construction personnel, administrative staff, and others, all working to carry out Christ's Great Commission.
Each member is responsible for raising his own income by pledges, from interested friends, relatives and churches. So, for six weeks, I presented Lamb's Players to every- one I met, praying that God would supply the needed $450 per month.
With half of this support raised, I re- turned to California on December 29, to begin two years with Lamb's Players. This year I will work in the costuming depart- ment and audition for parts in the Lamb's Players theatre. This 138 seat, theatre-in- the-round is another Lamb's Players min- istry drawing on the acting talent in the San Diego area to present family enter- tainment at a modest price.
The Lord is granting to me the desires of my heart. Theatre for my Lord is the best of both worlds. □
February 1979
Time to Share
Senator Mark Hatfield calls on Annerican Christians to face and respond to the ominous reality of world hunger.
MARTIN NIEMOLLER was a German pastor imprisoned by the Nazis during World War II. While in prison he experi- enced what he called his ''second conver- sion." Niemoller had so despised the atrocities of the Hitler regime that he came to hate the prison guard who brought him his food each day.
Seeing the Nazi insignia on his uniform, all the indignation and outrage Niemoller felt toward that evil system was directed against that guard.
Then one day Niemoller tells how he suddenly realized that Jesus Christ died on the cross for that guard; that Christ loved him that much. And in the same fash- ion, Niemoller was bound to love that guard, and love every man. The atonement of Christ took on a whole new meaning for the prisoner. Its implications were revolu-
Photo by Clifford Bjorkland For many of the world's children, hunger is a daily reality.
6
tionary, for every person was to be loved with the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
One of the tragedies of the church today, which surely grieves the Holy Spirit, is the unbiblical separation we have made between verbal witnessing to the Good News of Christ and acting with His love to meet the needs of our fellow man. This is basic- ally the schism between those who stress evangelism as opposed to "social gospel."
You do not find such a division in the Scriptures; you do not see such distinctions in the life of Christ. This is a false dichot- omy which we have created, and which we must allow God to destroy.
When asked, 'Who is our neighbor," you will remember our Lord's response. He re- lated the story of the Good Samaritan. Our neighbor was not simply the person next door, or our circle of close friends. He was anyone downtrodden, distraught and vic- timized by the world's pain and inhumanity.
Today, my brothers and sisters, we as Christians living in America must face one basic, startling reality about our world and its suffering. That is simply this: most of humanity is hungry.
The most basic physical need of any of us is enough food to simply keep life going. Yet, that is a daily struggle for millions of people — people not only living in other na- tions, but also right here in America. Each day literally thousands of fellow human beings lose that struggle, and die of starvation.
Today our world stands on the brink of famine. Yet, all the world knows that there are harvests of plenty in America. But
Mark O. Hatfield is United States Senator from Oregon,
The Brethren Evangelist
This article by Mark Hatfield
reminds us that "My Brother's
Keeper" is not just a
Conference theme to be
forgotten, but a continuing
responsibility .
^t The Brethren Church
during the last seven years, we have not been as prudent as Joseph in the land of Egypt long ago. Rather, farmers were paid not to grow crops on as much as one- seventh of our cropland, and grain was left to rot in silos.
We have made real attempts to increase the harvests of other countries. But the bodies to feed have expanded more rapidly than food. Further, other forces that seem beyond our mortal control make current prophecies about seven lean years ahead grimly believable.
Let me be candid. There is no problem faced by this world more likely to breed instability and conflict, and increase the magnitude of mankind's suffering in the years directly ahead of us, than the short- age of food.
Before World War II, most all countries of the world had all the grain they needed, and frequently some to spare. Only Western Europe was dependent upon buying grain from other nations. Today, much of the world needs grain, but only North America and Australia have substantial surpluses to export.
The United States produces half of the world's corn and two-thirds of the world's soybeans. Out of 1.2 billion tons of grain produced by the world, 90 million tons are traded between countries, and the United States provides 70 million tons of that amount.
Yet, what is our situation? Two-thirds of the world's population fights for one- third of the world's total protein.
The shortage of energy worsens the shortage of food. With the increasing mech- anization of farming, both here and abroad, it takes about 80 gallons of gas to raise an acre of corn. Far more is required to pro- duce fertilizer, which is essential to the hoped for ''Green Revolution." Thus, while Americans waited in line a few hours for gas for their cars, Indian farmers waited in line for five days for gas for their irri- gation pumps or other machines for grow- ing and harvesting their crops.
More troubling is the report of some scientists who study the climate. They have ascertained that the world's temperature has dropped 2.7 degrees since 1945, and that this apparent cooling trend will cause desert areas to advance toward the equator, expanding the region of drought.
We have already seen the effects of this in the Sahel region of Africa, where the Sahara Desert has expanded southward 30 miles each year of the current drought. For the first time in memory, the Niger River can be crossed by foot. And at least 250,000 people have died from starvation. Continu- ing changes in climate such as this would affect India, South Asia, China and Central America.
Faced with this picture, our hearts as believers in Christ and instruments of His compassion must be pierced with the monopoly on the world's food and protein enjoyed by us as Americans.
Each of us living in America consumes nearly a ton of cereal grains, the most basic food and form of protein, each year. But only about 150 pounds of this is consumed directly in the form of bread, pastry or breakfast cereals. The remaining 1,850 pounds is consumed indirectly in the form of meats, and then milk and eggs.
By contrast, an average person living in a poor country has only about 400 pounds of cereal grains to consume each year for his protein. This he must take directly in the form of grains, such as rice and wheat, for little or none can be spared for con- version into more costly and inefficient means of protein production such as meat.
It takes about seven times as much grain to put protein on the table in the form of meat as it does to consume such cereal grains with an equivalent amount of pro- tein in direct forms.
We can no longer suppose that our extra abundance can feed the hungry of the world. Rather, the world will be fed only by the sharing of resources which the rich of the world have assumed to be their un- questioned possession, and through the
February 1979
Photo by Clifford Bjorkland
"There is no problem faced by this world more likely to breed instability and conflict, and increase the magnitude of mankind's suffering in the years directly ahead of us, than the shortage of food."
changing of values and patterns of life which the affluent have barely even questioned.
Famine cannot be averted by simply thinking we can increase the ''size of the pie" so those who have little may have a little more. What we are discovering is that the pie itself has limits. Most all arable land around the globe is in use.
Increased protein production once hoped for from the sea has not materialized, and now most scientists fear the seas are being ''over- fished," which would deplete this resource. The simple truth, then, is that the "pie" must be shared more equitably.
Ghandi put it cogently and well: "The earth provides enough for everyman's need, but not for everyman's greed."
Faced with these realities, and filled with the compassion of Christ, what is our response? Above all, we must allow our hearts to be made sensitive to the suffering of our fellowman. The facts and statistics must be translated into human realities which we can feel from deep within, and which quicken our conscience.
We should allow ourselves to feel uncom- fortable about our wealth, our lifestyle, our diet and all our subtle worship of affluence.
We must let God's Spirit move within us, even to convict us anew of sin, and to show us the ways of repentance and renewal.
Most of all, let us cast aside all those rationalizations that would somehow pre- vent us from understanding and reaching out to those who suffer.
There are some who say that perhaps all the worst about famine, disaster and war will indeed come true and that this only indicates and prepares us for the Second Coming of Christ.
I do not want to get into a discussion about eschatology, and all the various doc- trines about the last days which have been such a source of division among us. But let us be agreed about one central biblical truth. We are never told to sit by and watch the world destroy itself in its inhumanity and sin, and console ourselves with the prediction that the end of all things must be just around the corner.
To turn our back on the suffering of the world is to turn away from Christ himself. This is exactly what he has told us.
Thomas Merton has written: "It is easy enough to tell the poor to accept their pov- erty as God's will when you yourself have warm clothes and plenty of food and medi- cal care and a roof over your head and no worry about the rent. But if you want them to believe you — try to share some of their poverty and see if you can accept it as God's will yourself!"
The command and compassion of Christ compel us to respond to the physical and spiritual needs of a hungry world.
What can we do?
What concretely can we do? Let me offer some specific suggestions:
— Every congregation could establish a specific budget amount directed to meeting the needs of starving people in some par- ticular point of the world.
— Christians can be asked to give a specific tithe just for the purpose of re- lieving hunger; further, we should consider a graduated tithe, which increases in its percentage according to the amount of one's income. "From those to whom much has been given, much will be expected."
— We should renew the Christian disci- pline of fasting as a means for teaching us how to identify with those who hunger, and to deepen our life of prayer for those who suffer.
8
The Brethren Evangelist
— We must all analyze, in prayer before God, our own habits of food consumption. Specifically, we can drastically alter our consumption of meat, and the money we save we can give to alleviate hunger. Some Christians may decide that part of their witness means being a vegetarian. Families can decide how to limit their consumption of beef, perhaps to only certain days, or as times of special celebration, or just on certain days of the week.
— Thanksgiving can be a time when Christians throughout the land join to ex- press their thanksgiving for our plenty, not by a feast, but by a sacrificial outpour- ing and sharing of our plenty with the needy, just as the Pilgrims shared with the Indians.
— As Christians, we can, by our word and our living example, call the nation to the task of sharing from its plenty with those who are in need.
These are only suggestions. But the point is that Christ's love beckons us to far more than simply charitable giving.
Our word to the nation
Finally, what is our word to the nation? How can we aid in mobilizing our wealth and resources with urgency and compassion to avert the threat of famine, and give hope to mankind?
First, we must turn back to our history, and realize that we have responded with a generous heart and sacrificial spirit in the past to meet the needs of a hungry and starving world. . . . All our (past) efforts to feed the starving, innocent millions of the world were motivated by a profound humanitarian and spiritually based commit- ment, which attempted to transcend po- litical and ideological barriers.
When relief first was proposed for the starving millions occupied in Belgium, for instance, many objected; there was an eco- nomic blockade against the German occu- pied territories and other political and military factors of World War I. But President Hoover's view was simple, and should be our own today. He wrote:
''Above all, I did not believe that stunted bodies and deformed minds in the next generation were the foundation upon which to rebuild civilization."
We must examine candidly the way our nation is presently committed to the stewardship of its resources. This year* in our national budget, the Congress has been asked to approve the largest peace- time military budget in our history. Over 90 billion dollars will be spent for weapons
'. . . our hearts as believers in Christ and instruments of His conn- passion nnust be pierced with the monopoly on the world's food and protein enjoyed by us as Americans."
of war and destruction, and for the support of our axmies, includnig over half a million men stationed permanently outside our bordsrs. This total of military expenditures amounts to 63 per cent of the funds Congress can actually control, and is being asked to spend this year. That is the money that comes from you and me, as citizens.
By contrast, all the funds proposed in this year's budget for the purpose of pro- viding humanitarian and economic assis- tance to other nations, and to disadvan- taged people comes to $1.9 billion. Even much of this money, in my opinion, is utilized more to gain political influence than to relieve the suffering of people. But this should give us some idea of how we as a nation are exercising the stewardship of our resources.
It comes down to this simple fact. For $1 that is spent in our nation's attempts to aUeviate suffering and enhance human life throughout the world, we spend $50 for the weapons and forces geared for the destruc- tion of life.
Let us consider these facts for a moment in light of our own nation's security, and to the building of peace throughout the world. From where do the threats to peace come? What will be most likely to throw the world into turmoil and instability? It is the one central reality of world hunger. For us, stewardship means molding our own lives to the shape of the Man crucified. It means being conformed not to the world, but to Christ. Our action, individually and corporately, must be the witness and the light to our nation and the world.
In the words of the Old Testament, we have set before us life and death. So let us choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). D
*The figures given are not for the current year. In the budget President Carter sent to Congress in January, he requested that $124.8 billion be approved for defense for 1980 — an increase of 10% over the 1979 defense apportionment.
For more thoughts on the subject of world hunger and world need, see pages 2 and 27.
February 1979
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Problems
and
Possibilities
Arden Gilmer looks at basic problems facing the Brethren Church and shares his vision for our denomination in the eighties.
ATTEMPTING to predict the future is a hazardous task. For example, in 1839 the famous surgeon Alfred Velpeau wrote, "The abolishment of pain in surgery is a chimera. It is absurd to go on seeking it today." In 1902 Harper's Weekly com- mented, 'The actual building of roads de- voted to motor cars is not for the near future, in spite of many rumors to that effect."
Still we must address ourselves to the question, **What will become of the Breth- ren in the decade of the eighties?"
As we move into the future, we can be confident that God's promises are trust- worthy and constant. They are eternal be- cause God's word will never pass away. God's promises provide a stable footing for our journey into the future. The variable is the degree of our faithfulness and obe- dience to the Lord's commands. Faithful- ness will provide a much brighter future than unfaithfulness.
The trends of the past may also throw light on what to expect in the future. What are some of the trends? Between 1965 and 1978 membership in the Brethren Church decreased 14%. If the decrease continues at the same rate, the entire Brethren Church will have a membership of 13,226 in 1990. During the same period (from 1965 to 1978) Sunday morning worship attend- ance decreased 20% and Sunday school attendance decreased 31%. If these trends continue, by 1990 the ''average" Brethren
Rev. Arden Gilmer is Director of Home Mis- sions for the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church. In this position he works diligently over- seeing the planting of new Brethren churches and promoting church growth.
church will have 110 members with an average morning worship attendance of 68 and an average Sunday school attendance of 48.
When writing about the future, my earn- est desire is to be positive and affirmative. But the above figures force me to a stark and bleak realism. I do not believe that God desires the demise of the Brethren Church, but the church will die if nothing is done.
I believe that with some radical changes, the Brethren Church can begin to grow again. If we grow at a rate of 25% per decade (fair growth for a turn-around sit- uation) our membership in 1990 would be 20,655! At this rate the "average" Brethren church in 1990 would have 172 members with 115 in worship and 93 in Sunday school!
Problems we must attack
I see several problems we must attack. One of these is a nearly complete loss of evangelistic fervor and zeal. I know there are exceptions to this, but they do not negate the truth of the generality.
Despite all our talk about evangelism and the sinful condition of our world, very few Brethren are spending time taking the gos- pel to those who are sick and need a physi- cian. We have become dangerously ingrown. We are more concerned with nurture than with missions; with edification than with evangelism; with fellowship than with outreach ; with providing for ourselves than with ministering to the needs and hurts of our communities. Our actions indicate that we take the gospel for granted and that we really do not believe that people outside of Jesus Christ are lost and doomed to an eternal hell.
10
The Brethren Evangelist
''Local churches spend more time deciding how to spend $100 than they do in asking and answering the ques- tion, 'What does God want us to do for Him in our community?' ''
We must intentionally and deliberately change our perspective, vigorously share the gospel, and warmly welcome into our churches those who respond to the mar- velous grace of God. The problem here is not size, but growth. And growth is a mat- ter of faithfulness to God.
Ou
r size a pro!
lem
But our size is also a problem. If all of our 120 congregations were located in one state, we would have a district big enough to do some very positive things. Under those conditions one camping program could serve all the churches with little more expense than it takes to provide a camping program for thirty churches. Mission funds would be available for planting new church-
Perspectives? Prospectives?
// you are an observant reader, you probably noticed that both words were used in the intro- duction to our new feature in last month's Evangelist. I would like to say this was intentional — but it wasnt!
Which should it be? Actually, it takes both words to define the purpose of the series.
''Perspective' speaks of looking into the distance or the future and of evaluating and giving pro- portional importance to the various parts. Putting the future into perspective.
''Prospective," on the other hand, means looking to the future, to the hoped for or probable out- come, and to the chances for success.
In this series, then, we are taking a view of the 1980s, and we are trying to evaluate the various influences, trends, etc., that will affect the Brethren Church. We are trying to get perspectives on the eighties.
At the same time, we are considering the Brethren Church's chances for success in the next ten years, its prospects. We are trying to evaluate our PROSPECTivES for the eighties.
Obviously we cant use both words in our title. So we will call the series "Perspectives for the Eighties." But keep in mind that it takes both words to fully define what we are seeking to accomplish in this series of articles. R.C.W.
es. The district could employ a full-time administrator who would see that district level tasks were done and done well.
But geography hinders us. We are scat- tered all over the country. District level ministries are conducted by volunteers who often have district work as a low item on their list of priorities. So the excellence with which district functions are completed is often unsatisfactory. Some districts have talked of employing a full-time adminis- trator, but none of our districts are big enough to justify the large expenditure of funds needed for such a person.
One solution to this would be to strength- en the essentials of denominational struc- ture and program. But though many desire the outreach and services of denominational ministries, it appears they would like to have them for free. As far as I know nearly every cooperating board of General Confer- ence is suffering from inadequate finances. Some local churches and individuals are complaining about receiving promotional materials from the cooperating boards. Should the present lack of support for denominational ministries be interpreted to mean that the Brethren want them to cease? All of them? Some of them? If some, which ones?
A spiritual problem
Maybe the root of the problem is not with denominational ministries. Perhaps the problem is a spiritual one — failure to trust the Lord enough to tithe. If all Brethren were tithers, neither the local church nor the denominational ministries would be hurting financially. Have we Brethren become so materialistic that we cannot manage our money well enough to tithe? Will Brethren in the eighties willing- ly simplify their lifestyle in order to provide the personnel and funds to do the primary work of the church?
Another problem is the location of our churches. We are a predominantly rural church in an increasingly urban society. Only 22 (18%) of our congregations are located in population centers of 50,000 or
February 1979
11
''Our problems can be converted into stepping stones leading- into a new era of frnitfulness for the Lord/'
more. And of these only six have an average worship attendance of 100 or more. The population flow is to the south and we are mainly northerners. To minister where the people are we must plant churches in southern urban and suburban areas. But the cost will be high. In the eighties we must diligently and deliberately work at this.
Do we have the conviction and the will to pay the price to see new churches planted? Will Brethren people who move to a community that has no Brethren church deliberately trust God, start a Bible study in their home, and do what is needed to bring together a core group to plant a new church? Will a northern district mission board provide the funds to plant a church in a southern city?
As you can tell, I really am thinking out loud. I want to stimulate your thinking, your praying, and your concern.
It seems to me that we Brethren have a knack for majoring on minors. We have trouble grasping the essence of an issue. General Conference will spend years debat- ing a fairly minor point. Local churches spend more time deciding how to spend 5100 than they do in asking and answering the question, ''What does God want us to do for Him in our community?"
We need a sense of purpose
Aren't these symptoms of an organiza- tion that has lost its sense of purpose, that has no vision, that has lost its will to ad- vance? Do we need to make some efforts to answer the questions, ''What is the rea- son for the existence of the Brethren Church? Are the reasons of a hundred years ago valid for today?"
If we do not have a strong sense of pur- pose, we will continually find ourselves re- acting to what's happening around us rather than initiating action which boldly says, "We are the people of God, we are the church of the living Lord, there- fore. ..." Many of our local churches are just plodding along, doing the same old things, not really knowing why. For us to have impact on the eighties, we must know who we are, why we exist, and what we are
to do. Then, of course, we must channel our energies into fulfilling our mission.
I praise the Lord for the Brethren Church, and I long with tears to see the Brethren Church become a dynamic, con- secrated, and willing instrument used mightily of God to bring men and women into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and into a positive relationship with a Brethren Church.
A vision for +he elah+ies
As we look to the eighties, I have many hopes and dreams for our church. I dream of local Brethren churches being power- houses for God. Effective evangelism be- gins and ends with the local church. I wish that each one of our local churches would pray, work, and witness as though the eternal welfare of every individual in their community depended upon them.
I long for the day when a renewal will sweep through our church so that men and women will give themselves unreservedly to the Lord's service and every pastorate will be filled. I dream of the time when we will start twenty new churches every year instead of two. I dream of a growing num- ber of pastors who have a Holy Spirit gen- erated fire and vision to reach people for Jesus Christ, to plant churches, to lead churches, and to faithfully do those things which result in the lost being found, fed, and folded.
I envision a hoard of Brethren lay people eagerly bearing positive witness for Christ and joyfully using their gifts in fulfilling the ministry of the risen Lord. I dream of Brethren joining hearts and minds to dis- cover possibilities and opportunities and to work together to accomplish them.
I dream of the day when our wanderings will cease. I hope for a turn around begin- ning in 1979, with the eighties being a decade of growing momentum. The prob- lems have solutions. We can claim the vic- tory of our Lord. Our problems can be converted into stepping stones leading into a new era of fruitfulness for our Lord. We must not back or meander into our future — we must march into it! Will you enlist? D
12
The Brethren Evangelist
The Benevolent Board
to
9 »
\'' ^:V^
(('''
ervice
Service is the rent we pay for our room on earth, and the mennbers of The Benevolent Board would like to be good tenants.
Arficle I — Ncsme
The name of this organization is: The Benevo- lent Board of The Brethren Church.
Article II — Purpose
The purpose of this organization is to minister to the needs of the elderly by identifying and giving priority to those programs and services which are better implemented through the church.
THE BRETHREN CHURCH has long been concerned with caring for the elderly. As early as 1892 there was a feel- ing that steps should be taken to meet their needs. Funds given by Lydia Fox and her brother, John Early, started an effort that has continued to this day. These early funds were invested, and by 1922 The Brethren's Home was constructed at Flora, Indiana.
At that time The Benevolent Board and The Brethren's Home were one and the same.
In the 1960's new health care regulations and building code requirements caused The Benevolent Board to seriously study the advisability of continuing this ministry. A survey was made of health care and retire- ment facilities in the surrounding states. Not-for-profit homes were visited as well as proprietary homes. From this research it was determined that the church- sponsored homes were, for the same dollar, giving far more care and service to the eld- erly than the proprietary homes. Hence, the recommendation was made by the Board that The Brethren Church should be ministering to this area of special need.
In 1966 plans were made to build a new facility at Flora, and a new 46-bed nursing home was opened on May 5, 1968.
A need was felt for the development of retirement facilities in other areas. So in August 1970 Dorman Ronk, past president of The Benevolent Board, was hired as full- time Executive Secretary to continue the development of retirement facilities and to administer the work of The Benevolent Board. Also, at this time, The Brethren's
Home and The Benevolent Board became separate entities. The Brethren's Home be- came a not-for-profit corporation in the State of Indiana and The Benevolent Board became a not-for-profit corporation with headquarters in Ashland, Ohio.
The Articles of Incorporation for The Brethren's Home were drawn so that any member of The Benevolent Board was a member of The Brethren's Home Corpora- tion and so that the members of The Breth- ren's Home Corporation would elect the Board of Trustees. This same procedure has been followed in establishing Brethren Care, Inc., at Ashland, Ohio, and Brethren Care, Inc., at South Bend, Indiana.
Through the efforts and leadership of Dorman Ronk as Executive Secretary, a 100-bed nursing home known as Brethren Care, with seven connected apartments, has been constructed and occupied in Ashland, Ohio. Also through his efforts nine apart- ments were constructed on College Avenue in Ashland. These apartments are adjacent to the Park Street Brethren Church and are under the management of Brethren Care.
Dorman was also instrumental in getting an 88-unit apartment building known as Martin House built in Ashland, Ohio. The Benevolent Board has no investment in this project other than Dorman's time, which was given from the planning and construc- tion stage through a successful start-up.
Dorman also worked with and guided further expansion at Flora. At present. The Brethren's Home at Flora can accommodate 86 nursing home residents and has 26 apart- ments available for retirement residents.
As these projects were completed and the administrative management of each facility assumed responsibility for its operation, it became apparent to The Bene- volent Board that the financial resources of the board were not sufficient to retain a full-time Executive Secretary. It also became apparent that future expansion of present facilities would need to be accom- plished through the efforts of each home's administration and Board of Trustees. Therefore Dorman relinquished his respon- sibilities as Executive Secretary and has resumed his teaching career. D
February 1979
o
77?^ Nursing Home Image
Nursing homes are among our most stigmatized and investigated institutions. Stories in the media tell tales of neglect and abuse, and the public shudders.
A common reaction to the neglect of older people is, "There ought to be a law against that sort of treatment."
Thinking people everywhere are demanding personal dignity and high standards of care for the older person. But can morality be leg- islated? Brethren people believe there is a better way.
Are We Benevolent* People?
To answer this question we must determine just what benevolence is. This quality that should characterize all of us means . . .
Doing some kind and loving deed or giving a gift to one in need.
How Qualified Are Our Present Facilities?
In case you are unfamiliar with the ministries at our homes, look at Brethren Care, Ashland, Ohio; The Brethren's Home, Flora^ Indiana; and Brethren Care, South Bend, Indiana, as presented on this and the following pages.
BRETHREN CARE
AshlaBi
OMo'
by Ida Lindower
THIS RESIDENCE for our elderly citi- zens is well named, for Brethren do care for our mature people. This concern can be seen in the comfort and content- ment of many who work or live here.
First, let's look at those who work here. A competent, understanding administration figures largely in the smooth operation; nurses, aides, kitchen staff, housekeepers, maintenance workers — all manifest a com- mendable esprit de corps, so essential to conducting such a residence successfully. Listen to some of their comments:
Says Kris GentEe (L.P.N.) : '1 enjoy the work; and Brethren Care has treated me very well."
(continued on next page)
Mrs. Lindower is a retired Ashland College professor of English. She presently spends one day each week in volunteer work at Brethren Care.
Mrs. Glenn with some of her beautiful hand- craft work which is on the wall of her room at Brethren Care.
14
The Brethren Evangelist
The concern which Brethren people show for the elderly can be seen in the comfort and contentment of the many who live and work at Brethren Care in Ashland,
Eileen Hahn (dietitian for 5 years, who plans and prepares delicious meals) : *1 like my work here."
Miriam Esbenshade (nurse's aide for 5 years) : ''I've worked in other nursing and retirement homes, but this one is best. It is so clean and friendly."
Jo Long, (another aide for 5 years) : "I love my work here. These people are so interesting."
Many more comments might be listed, but let's look at some of the residents.
Meet Mrs. Glenn, 95 years old and a de- lightfully pleasant, alert lady. She is a stimulating presence at the Wednesday evening Bible Class which she attends faith- fully, asking intelligent questions and con- tributing to discussion. She has done much lovely embroidery work, some of which adorns the walls up and down the halls as well as in her room. Asked how she likes living here, she replied, ''I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Another resident, Mrs. Estella Budd, has lived at Brethren Care since 1973. This energetic person might be designated "the flower lady," for she has — by actual count
Mrs. Estella Budd and some of her lovely plants. Mrs. Budd has lived at Brethren Care since 1973.
at this time — nineteen African Violets in her room, besides other miscellaneous plants. She must exercise some magic over them, for they are magnificent. During growing season outside, she likes to water plants around the building.
Estella, a youthful eighty-eight, is the soul of generosity, often having friends buy goodies for her — melons, apples, cakes, etc. — which she shares with those at her table. She has no children, but numerous nieces and nephews with whom she might live; however, she enjoys her independence. She too attends Bible study faithfully.
L. U. Todd is one of our scholars in resi- dence. This 95-year-old for many years taught math — geometry, trig., and calculus — at Ashland High School. So much loved was he that former students and fellow teachers continue to visit with him. The writer of this little sketch owes him much for his influence on her children when they attended his classes. Asked how he is treat- ed at Brethren Care, he replied enthusias- tically, "They couldn't treat me better."
To be sure many other fascinating per- sonalities might be listed here: Mildred McElroy, former librarian at the State House in Columbus as well as at Ohio Wesleyan University. Adelaide Scott, age 91, who until 85 years old had her own advertising agency in Cleveland. Esther Gibson, high school English teacher for many years. Ruth Sheets, wife of a former Church of the Brethren minister and long- time foster mother to about 25 children. Gladys Redd, wife of a former United Brethren pastor.
If space permitted, all 78-80 residents might be sketched. These are just a few, but their tranquil, fulfilled lives show forth the crowning brush strokes God makes on some of His masterpieces.
Come in and visit. If you are supporting Brethren Care through your Benevolence offerings, you will be glad to see what your gifts are doing. If you are not presently supporting with your giving, you may want to become a part of it. n
February 1979
15
TTJF
BRET
EN'S
Flora, Indiana
THE BRETHREN'S HOME in Flora is the oldest ministry to the aged and in- firm operating under the auspices of The Benevolent Board of The Brethren Church. The Brethren's Home opened its doors on May 29, 1923, and has been providing care to those in need of long-term health care ever since.
Over its 55 years of existence, the Home has provided more than $400,000.00 in benevolent care to those who could not sustain themselves financially. This year alone, the Home has made available more than $30,000.00 in benevolent care by sup- porting those whose funds are exhausted or through subsidizing care to those under Title 19 of the Medicaid program. This gen- erous maintenance care depends on gifts
from individuals, estates, gifts to the Home, and denominational offerings for its continuance.
Just one example of the way we use the gifts and funds raised during the year is the new hydraulic lift for our van. In Aug- ust the Home sponsored a fish fry which was made possible through the untiring efforts of Stan Gentle (Assistant Adminis- trator), Stan's wife, Judi, and many vol- unteers and friends of the Home. Almost $1,000.00 was raised towards the purchase of the $1,300.00 lift. The remainder of the funds came through contributions from the Flora First Brethren Church Bible School, other Brethren churches, and individual gifts.
Presently our needs include a gift for
Gene Geaslen, Brethren's Home Administrator (left), and Stan Gentle, Assistant Administrator (right), demonstrate the hydraulic lift, which gives new life to the Home's van.
16
The Brethren Evangelist
Stan Gentle (left), Gene Geaslen
(2nd from left), and Jim
Gerard (right) honor Mrs. Neva
Handley as ''Volunteer of the
Year" for District III in Indiana.
Mrs. Handley contributed 150
hours in volunteer service in 1978.
our bus, a tilting fry pan for the kitchen, a new roof for the south wing of the health facility, two blow dryers, and a multi- purpose building where we can hold church services and other gatherings.
Contributions of time are also needed in order to continue the individual care at the Home. Last year more than 3700 hours were given by some QQ volunteers, function- ing under the direction of Mary Blue, our Activities Director. These volunteers do all kinds of things from visiting with our bed- fast residents to helping with parties and activities for our active residents. If we had had to pay for those hours, it would have cost us from $10,000 to $14,000. Time is a money donation!
We were fortunate to have one of our volunteers receive recognition as '* Volun- teer of the Year" for District III in Indiana. Mrs. Neva Handley contributed 150 hours in volunteer service in 1978 and was hon- ored along with seven other volunteers by TV celebrity Jim Gerard at a State Nursing Home Association dinner.
The Brethren's Home provides basically two kinds of accommodations: 26 inde- pendent living apartments and an 86-bed intermediate care health facility. The Health Care unit is licensed by the State of Indiana and certified by Medicaid. We are also active in both the Indiana Health Care Association and the Indiana Associa- tion of the Homes for the Aging and Aged.
The entire operation employs more than 85 people and has a payroll in excess of $400,000.00 per year. Presently the facility has an approximate value of three million
dollars. This has been made possible be- cause the Brethren have a burden and vision for caring for other people.
Presently there are no immediate plans for expansion, although our needs would indicate that we should we considering facilities for a chapel and a multi-purpose building. Since such a building would not generate any income, capital monies will have to be saved or received as gifts before we can begin such a project.
Right now our immediate goal is to main- tain a financially sound facility while pro- viding the best quality health care for a modest price. We need the Brethren to help us accomplish this goal by their continual support. Start by praying for us regularly, and then share of your time and money to assist us in continuing to provide benevo- lent care for those who gave ug life.
We certainly want to thank the friends who faithfully support the ministry in Flora. This includes those who send birth- day cards and Christmas gifts to the residents, those who provide programs throughout the year, those who invest in notes and bonds, and those who give finan- cial gifts — either to the home directly or through the Benevolent Board.
For further information on how you and your church might share in the work r.t Flora, or for information on independent living apartments or our long-term health care, please feel free to contact either Gene A. Geaslen, Administrator, or Stan E. Gentle, Assistant Administrator, at R.R. 2, Box 97, Flora, Indiana 46929 (phone 219- 967-4571). n
February 1979
17
TOPSFIE
Brethren Care of South Bend. Inc.
TOPSFIELD TERRACE will be owned by Brethren Care of South Bend, Inc., an ecumenical, not-for-profit corporation affili- ated with the Brethren Church under the administration of the National Benevolent Board of The Brethren Church.
The facility will make it possible for retirees to remain in the community of their choosing — South Bend. The Terrace will offer a gracious and secure lifestyle to qualified persons over the age of 62 without regard to religious preference, race, or national origin.
Construction has commenced, and in order that you may fully appreciate the excellent accommodations to be available at Topsfield Terrace, a model apartment has been constructed on the building site. The model is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on weekends from 1:00 to 5:00
p.m. Terrace representatives will be avail- able to show you through and explain the program in detail. Feel free to visit any time, no appointment necessary. For infor- mation, contact: Topsfield Terrace, 17881 Inwood Road, South Bend, Indiana 46614 (phone: 219-291-8205).
Although we should be benevolent the year round, in the month of February we have a special opportunity to express this virtue. There are numerous outlets for us, to be sure, but caring for our aging is fun- damental to Christian benevolence. Remem- ber what the poet Browning said: ''Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first was made. . . ." If we would make such a state- ment a reality, we would insure the com- fort and well-being of numerous of God's noble men and women. □
Topsfield
Terrace
Site
Plan
18
The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
If the Brethren Church is to have a future, it must buck the trends of the past.
Futuristics
HISTORIANS often say that the past can help us understand the future. Futurists emphatically agree. In fact, some have even suggested that the study of the future be called ''applied history."
Futurists are not content to simply understand what happened in the past; they want to use that knowledge to im- prove the future. They would do so by applying two basic principles — the Principle of Continuity and the Principle of Analogy.
According to the Principle of Continuity, the future will be a repeat of the past or something like it (give or take a few differences).
The Principle of Analogy is based on observation of sequential events. When the barometer falls, a storm follows. If the light changes to red, the traffic comes to a halt (or is supposed to).
So far so good. Much of our everyday forecasting is routine. In fact, it's so rou- tine that we don't realize we are practicing what is called futuristics.
One method we all use is Trend Extra- polation. For example, if the population of a city is increasing at the rate of two per- cent per year, we can predict what the city's population will be ten years from now. This is Trend Extrapolation and simple mathe- matics. Of course, there are risks involved. Some catastrophe (plague, earthquake) may occur, which would change the entire trend and ruin our prediction. But barring these unforeseen events, our Trend Extra- polation should follow the basic Principle of Continuity. If we take into consideration other things affecting the city's growth, then we have shifted to the Principle of Analogy.
Recently I applied these principles to Brethren statistics. From 1974 (memb3r-
ship of 16,235) to 1977 (membership of 15,344), we had an average drop of 256 members per year in the Brethren Church. This trend has been continuous for as many years as I can remember. If this trend con- tinues, by the year 2000 the Brethren Church will have somewhere in the vicinity of 9,968 members — according to the Prin- ciple of Continuity.
When I apply the Principle of Analogy, the outlook becomes worse. But I won't get into that because it sounds so pessimis- tic, and I'm not a pessimist.
In addition to using Trend Extrapolation, futurists also explore the future by means of scenarios. So what is a scenario?
According to futurists, a scenario is exactly what the Brethren Church needs in the face of present trends. A scenario begins when we start wondering, ''What would happen if such and such occurred?" For example, if it takes 17 people spending $3500 to bring about one conversion in the Brethren Church, what vv^ould happen if ten were able to do the job spending only $2500? It would be much more effective, wouldn't it?
And if we've averaged 458 conversions per year the last few years, what would happen if we got more evangelistic and started averaging 500 or 600? It wouldn't take long for a scenario to change the trends of the church, would it?
What it boils down to is the need for a continuous scenario in the Brethren Church. That is, Brethren people who've finally decided to buck the trend and do the job.
What happens if we don't do it? That's easy to predict using a form of Trend Extrapolation. But you answer the ques- tion. I'm going out to begin a scenario, n
February 1979
19
Some of the 43 Brethren students who are attending Ashland College.
AC Campus Ministry:
A Time of Reflection
by Fred Burkey
SEMESTER BREAK . . . four weeks until the students return to campus ... a breather . . . thank goodness! Now for a time of reflection and evaluation of our first semester's ministry on the Ashland College campus.
My initial reaction is a feeling of grat- itude. I am grateful to the many Brethren churches and individuals who care enough to support our evangelical witness on campus. Budgets are tight — every college department is facing a cut of one-third in controllable expenses. Our budget is no exception. Yet I am thankful that church contributions will make it possible for us to continue.
I am thankful as well for the many ex- pressions of apprec'ation and support we have had for the semester's work. We have counseled many troubled people — students and others. We have seen people's lives changed in Bible studies, discussion groups, counseling sessions, and worship services.
Dr. Frederick T. Burkey is Director of Religious Affairs and Campus Ministry for Ashland College.
Our beginning has been modest. We have not jumped headlong into things, choosing instead to move slowly, identifying needs and priorities.
We are grateful as well for the fine people we have to work with. Our new Office of Religious Affairs has been cor- dially received by faculty, staff, and ad- ministration. President Schultz has been wonderfully supportive of our program and has offered invaluable guidance. He has taken the time to discuss our ideas and concerns even when the pressures of his own job were almost overwhelming. He has given spiritual matters a clear priority in the life of Ashland College. Pray for him regularly.
My assistants, Judy Gifford and Jim Miller, are doing a fine job. Both are dedi- cated Christians and both are working effectively among the students. This task would be impossible without them. Both are taking seminary courses (Jim is a full- time student), yet they give freely of their time in counseling, teaching, and doing the necessary office work.
In addition, we have three adjunct staff
20
The Brethren Evangelist
members, Neil and Mary Sue Smith and Tom Hawks, who work with CoaUtion for Christian Outreach and Ashland College. The Coalition people serve as residence hall directors and work in the Office of the Dean of Students. We welcome their contri- bution to our objective.
We are pleased as well with the role our forty-three Brethren students are playing on campus. They are active in nearly every facet of academic life and in most extra- curricular activities. In many cases, they form the core group around which pro- grams are built. Based on our first semes- ter experience, we estimate that there are about 150 Protestant Christian students who are actively involved in religious pro- grams. (There are many more Christian students, but most tend to be less active than this 150.)
Much more could be said, but I want to share some of our plans for the second semester and beyond.
First, Bible studies will be continued in every dormitory. The Sunday evening worship service (9:00-10:00 p.m.) will be continued, featuring a variety of competent speakers and lots of good music. Our counseling service will be expanded.
Second, some new programs will be offered. At least five non-credit courses are being considered. These include: How to Be a People Helper (a peer counseling course), Evidence That Demands a Verdict (a study of the intellectual basis of the Christian faith). How to Give Away Your Faith, The Measure of a Man, and The Measure of a Woman. These will be taught
by our staff at convenient times during the semester.
Other planned activities include a sub- stance-abuse seminar, a couple of concerts, and presentations by Acts II (our Christian drama group) and HISong. These will be scheduled to supplement the programs of campus Christian organizations.
We are exploring the possibility of con- verting the basement of Memorial Chapel into a ''campus Christian center." The chapel is not being used regularly, but we hope to change that next academic year.
We have several pressing needs which ought to be shared with the brotherhood. First, we need Brethren students ... at least thirty new ones next fall.
Related to this is our second need: scholarship money. It now costs over $5,000,00 per year for a full-time student to attend Ashland College. If individuals, classes, groups, districts, or churches are interested in helping the Brethren students financially, I would be glad to meet and explore the matter with them. I think we should also consider helping more than just pre-seminary and seminary students. There are a lot of potential tentmakers who also need encouragement and assistance.
Third, Ashland College needs the Breth- ren church's support through the Educa- tional Day Offering. Every dollar helps in this day of exploding costs, high interest rates, and inflation.
Finally, do pray for us! This is as diffi- cult a mission field as anyone can imagine. Your prayerful participation in our work will be deeply appreciated. □
AC Trustees propose $11.2 million budget, approve addition to seminary library
Ashland, Ohio — The Ashland College Board of Trustees, during meetings held January 23-25, proposed a budget of more than $11.2 million for the 1979-80 academic year and urged a feasibility study prior to planning a capital fund campaign for the 1980s.
Dr. Arthur L. Schultz, president of AC, said that official approval of the new budget will be given in the annual August meeting of the board. The budget during the current year is more than $10 million, which is the record high for the 100- year-old college.
President Schultz said that the capital fund campaign will be necessary in order to increase the college's endowment and to provide money
for renovations and working capital.
The Ashland Theological Seminary's proposal for an addition to its library was approved by the board, pending the raising of funds for the construction. The added library space is required to meet accreditation standards. The seminary is currently raising funds for an addition of one floor to its main building for extra classrooms and offices.
During the meeting, the board also re-elected its officers. Elton Whitted of Ashland will continue to serve as chairman. Other officers are Thomas L. Stoffer of Canton, vice chairman; Stephen P. Gilbert of Toledo, secretary; and Rev. Doc Shank of Herndon, Va., assistant secretary.
February 1979
21
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
One question I have heard in the past year — in fact, in the past several years — is, "Do we as a church know who we are?" I'm not going to even hint that I will answer that question in this short space.
Our church's identity crisis is a reflection of our society. Man today is questioning his identity and life purpose — and, as a result, his personal worth. We carry our personal prob- lems into the church. Therefore the church reflects our uncertainty.
To be successful in life, we must have a feeling of personal worth, know where we are going, and know how we can get there. We need goals so that we can see our accomplish- ments. Seeing our accomplishments, we begin to understand our reason for being.
Now let's look at the larger group — the denomination. We are congregationally gov- erned, which makes the decision-making process a little slower. This is not necessarily bad. Congregational government (democracy) is still the fairest form available.
We hold the Bible as our only creed, which is as it should we. Our history indicates, how- ever, that we have tended to become very legalistic about some things that are not scriptural mandates. Through the process of our government, things have been corrected.
There have been times when we have lost sight of our primary goal, which is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. If there is anything wrong with our system, it is here. My main desire is to see the Brethren Church renew its faith in the purpose of the church, which is evangelism, and act aggres- sively on it.
I believe the Brethren Church has the cap- ability to proclaim the message of Christ effectively. Our structure can effectively sup- port an active evangelism program. The main problem is the lack of proper vision at all levels.
At the local, district, and national levels some people are utilizing all their time to im- plement change, while others are spending their time resisting change. My intent here is to state that our time could be used to greater advantage. More urgent matters need our atten- tion— namely lost souls.
Let's find our purpose, decide where we are going, how we are going to get there, and we will know who we are!
Ai Shiffleff's views included in Christianity Today article
Rev. Alvin Shifflett, a regular contributor to the Brethren Evangelist ("The Salt Shaker") and pastor of the First Brethren Church of Nappanee, Ind., was one of 36 contributors to an opinion survey which appeared in the January 5th issue of Christianity Today magazine.
The article, entitled "Church Priorities For '79," gave a cross section of opinion on how the church stands in 1979. Contributors to the survey were asked two questions: "What is your greatest con- cern for the church today, and how might the church begin to deal with that concern in the coming year?"
In his response. Rev. Shifflett said that he wants to see more people involved in church ministry. "You can take people into the church, but unless they get involved and become com- mitted disciples, you haven't accomplished much," he said.
Shifflett believes that small group Bible study is the best tool for getting people involved in discipleship and ministry. "When people really begin studying God's Word, it affects them. They become better disciples and often end up minis- tering in the church."
Among the others whose views were printed in the survey were Robert Schuller, pastor of the Garden Grove Community Church, Los Angeles, Calif.; George Gallup, Jr., president of the Gallup Poll; Billy Melvin, executive director of the Na- tional Association of Evangelicals; Karen Mains, author of Open Heart, Open Honie and the W.M.S. inspirational speaker at the 1978 General Confer- ence; and Ronald J. Sider, president of Evan- gelicals for Social Action and the 1978 General Conference inspirational speaker.
Membership Growth
South Bend: 3 by baptism
Burlington: 2 by transfer
Flora: 2 by baptism, 1 by transfer
North Manchester: 2 by transfer
Bits
Elkhart, Ind.— On Sunday, December 24, 1978, the First Brethren Church of Elkhart received a special "Jesus Offering." A total of over $3200 was collected.
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Photo courtesy of Mr. Paul Clapper and the Louisville Herald Part of the congregation present for Founder's Day at the Brethren Bible Church of Louisville, Ohio.
Brethren Bible Church of Louisville Observes Founder's Day
Louisville, Ohio — On January 7, 1979, the Brethren Bible Church of Louisville became the newest Brethren church. On that date this new congre- gation observed Founder's Day and received its first official members.
The Brethren Bible Church had its beginning in September of 1978 when a group of 35 people met to seek the Lord's will in fellowship and evan- gelism. They set up a simple organization and asked Rev. Charles Lowmaster to be their pastor.
Meetings for worship and fellowship began the second Sunday in September in the Community Room of the Citizen's Saving's Association of Louisville. Approximately 35 people attended that service.
By October a Sunday school was organized and staffed. The church continued to grow so that by the new year more than 75 people were affiliated with it. A very active youth group was formed which meets each week in the homes of its members. Midweek Bible studies are also held and are well attended.
The invitation to become "founding-charter
BCE planning Crusader-Intern program
Ashland, Ohio — The final applications for 1979 Crusader and Intern service were received by the Board of Christian Education office at the end of January. The staff is now reviewing the applica- tions and attempting to form tentative team alignments.
You can help the BCE in its planning by send- ing word immediately if your church is thinking of requesting a Crusader team or Intern this summer. All pastors and moderators have been sent request forms on which to list the dates and types of service desired. Please return these forms as soon as possible to enable the BCE to plan realistically for the needs of all our churches.
members" of the Brethren Bible Church was open until December 31, 1978. As of that date, 52 people had responded. These were received into member- ship on Founder's Day, January 7th.
Dr. Charles Munson, chairman of the Ohio Dis- trict Board of Evangelists, was present to bring the Founder's Day message and to assist with and witness the reception of the first official mem- bers into the new church.
The church is praying for direction for its ministry and for location of its worship facility. It presently meets at the Fairhope Elementary School each Sunday for Sunday school (at 9 a.m.) and worship (at 10 a.m.).
— Rev. Charles Lowmaster
NAE olans annual conven+ion
Wheaton, 111. — "Jesus Christ: Now More Than Ever" will be the theme of the 37th annual NAE Convention, to be held March 6-8 at the Sheraton Twin Towers in Orlando, Fla.
This year's convention theme will address itself specifically to the lostness of man, the power of the gospel to transform lives, and the ongoing challenge to make disciples.
Special evening speakers for the convention will be Dr. Adrian Rogers, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tenn.; Dr. Warren Webster, general director of the Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society; and Dr. Paul Smith, pastor of the world famous People's Church, Toronto. The morning Bible studies will be led by Dr. Bruce Dunn, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, 111., and speaker on the "Grace Worship Hour" broadcasts.
In addition to the special speakers, the conven- tion will include numerous workshops and over 60 displays of evangelical materials and services.
February 1979
23
update
New Call +o Peacemaking Statement of the Findings Committee
The following is the second part of a Statement adopted at the New Call to Peacemaking conference held October 5-8, 1978, at Green Lake, Wisconsin. Rev. Doc Shank, Peace Coordinator of the Brethren Church, attended this conference.
Part one of this Statement appeared on pages 10 and 11 of the January 1979 Evangelist. The final section of the Statement will be printed in an upcom- ing issue.
The printing of this Statement does not mean that either the Peace Coordinator or the Brethren Publishing Company endorses it in its entirety.
II. A Peacemaking Lifestyle
We are called to a peacemaking lifestyle that follows Jesus' way in personal relationships and in economic decisions.
A. Personal Relationships
A peacemaking lifestyle requires creative love and respect for the integrity of each person, starting with the members of our families. It requires us to speak the truth in love, and to confront personal and structural evil. It requires us to take the way of the cross — to absorb suffer- ing rather than to inflict it, and to demonstrate the power of forgiving love.
Because we are called to be a community of faith and mutual helpfulness, we must act in cooperation rather than in competition.
B. Economic Decisions
An affluent lifestyle contributes to violence because it is based on waste, on competition, and on demanding more than a fair share of the world's resources. We need to hear John Wool- man's admonition: "May we look upon our treas- ures, the furniture of our houses, and our gar- ments and try whether the seeds of war have nourishment in these our possessions."
We urge these specific responses:
1. Examine our personal and corporate ste- wardship of money.
2. Conserve natural resources.
3. Reduce our level of consumption and seek the courage of the Spirit where we must make fundamental changes in our way of living.
4. Become more discerning in financial deci- sions, withdrawing investments from banks and corporations which serve mili-
tarism, economic exploitation or unjust governments, and investing rather in life- enhancing enterprises.
III. Confronting Militarism and the Arms Race
Because our security is in Jesus Christ, we reject reliance on "national security." We reaf- firm our membership in Christ's kingdom and in the global community by denouncing national and military idolatry. Because the earth is the Lord's we declare that the resources presently wasted on national military systems in all coun- tries should be transferred to meet the genuine needs of the world's people.
A. Disarmament
We are committed to the goals of worldwide abolition of nuclear weapons, an end to the arms race, and general disarmament.
1. We support the United Nations initiatives for disarmament and also the US-Soviet Strategic Arms Limitations Talks. We urge use of the national debate on these talks to stress the urgent need for disarmament.
2. We call upon our government to make these initial steps toward disarmament, thus challenging other governments to do the same:
a. Reduce military spending by 10% in the coming year.
b. Stop further testing, development, and production of nuclear weapons.
c. Halt arms transfers to other countries.
B. Conversion to a Peace Economy
With awareness of the destructive, wasteful, and inflationary effects of military-related expend- itures, we support:
1. Research and action toward economic con- version to non-military production, with assistance for those who are temporarily unemployed during the process.
2. Transfer of tax monies from the military budget to programs meeting human needs.
C. War Tax Resistance
1. We call upon members of the Historic Peace Churches to seriously consider re- fusal to pay the military portion of their federal taxes, as a response to Christ's call to radical discipleship.
2. We challenge ourselves and also our con- gregations and meetings to uphold war
continued on next page
24
The Brethren Evangelist
Marion Pastor G. Bright Hanna
(center) and Mr. Donald Ruse
burn the promissory note
while (left to right) Rev. Ralph
Gibson, Rev. Alvin Grumbling,
and Mr. Gary Taska of the
Indiana District Mission Board,
and Mr. Joe Nice (right side)
of the Marion First Brethren
Church look on.
update
Marion, Ind. — The First Brethren Church of Marion held a note-burning service on Sunday afternoon, December 3, 1978.
The congregation had completed payment of its loan from the national Missionary Board's Re- volving Loan Fund on October 13, 1978. They were aided in paying this loan by the Indiana District Mission Board, which paid two dollars for each one dollar paid by the church.
Rev. St. Clair Benshoff, pastor of the College Corner Brethren Church, delivered the message at the special service. Scripture was read by Rev. Alvin Grumbling, representing the Indiana Dis-
(continued from previous page)
tax resisters with spiritual, emotional, legal, and material support.
3. We call on our church and conference agencies to enter into dialogue with em- ployees who ask, for reasons of moral conviction, that their taxes not be withheld.
4. We suggest that alternative "tax" pay- ments be channeled into a peace fund initiated by the New Call to Peacemaking or into existing peace funds of constituent groups.
5. We call on our denominations, congrega- tions and meetings to give high priority to the study of war tax resistance in our own circles and beyond.
D. World Peace Tax Fund
In keeping with our past support of alternative service provisions for conscientious objectors to the draft, we urge support for congressional enact- ment of a World Peace Tax Fund as an alternative to compulsory financial support of war and preparation for war.
E. Conscription and Military Recruitment
In view of possible reinstatement of military
trict Mission Board, and prayer was offered by Rev. Fred Snyder, the first pastor of the Marion church.
Music for the service was presented by Mr. Don Ruse of Marion, who played the organ pre- lude, and by Mr. Paul Lemaster of the Loree Brethren Church, who sang two vocal solos.
The note-burning service was preceded by a carry-in noon meal.
iBible smuggling into USSR
Helsinki, Finland (EP News) — Finland's new customs laws now state that "all carriage and dispatching of the Bible and other religious mat- ter" from Finland to the Soviet Union will be treated as "smuggling."
Transport of Bibles and other religious matter from Finland to the USSR has caused much fric- tion between the two countries.
conscription and in light of expanding ROTC programs, we call upon members and churches to:
1. Oppose renewal of draft registration and induction.
2. Provide educational and counseling oppor- tunities for draft-eligible youth in our communities.
3. Provide for and encourage peace registra- tion of our members.
4. Plan counter recruitment programs to the military-sponsored "career" preparation programs.
5. Urge action to eliminate ROTC programs in high schools and colleges.
February 1979
25
update
ABCT Seminar schedule announced
Ashland, Ohio — The Board of Christian Education has announced the schedule for the spring 1979 ABCT Seminars. The dates and locations are as follows :
March 10: Ohio — Asbury U.M. Church, Delaware
March 17: N. Indiana — Jefferson Brethren Church, Goshen
March 31: S. Indiana — North Manchester Brethren Church
April 7: Southeast — Maurertown Brethren Church, Virginia
April 21: Pennsylvania — Pittsburgh Brethren Church
April 28: Central — Lanark Brethren Church, Illinois
This year's seminar leaders will be Elma Delagrande, Ken Van Duyne, Alberta Holsinger, Brad Weidenhamer, and Fred Burkey. Ten differ- ent topics will be offered: Planning a Family Life Program, Preparing to Teach the Bible, Children's Summer Ministry, Children's Weekday Ministry, Camping and Retreats, Sisterhood and Brotherhood, Effective Planning for Your Church, Using Audio-Visuals, Church Recreation, and BYC Advisor's Advice. Each seminar participant will be able to choose two of these topics.
Pastors and ABCT members have been sent brochures giving more details about the seminars and containing registration blanks. Be sure to ask your pastor for a brochure so that you can pre- register for the seminar of your choice. Don't miss this excellent training opportunity.
In Memory
Mrs. Kimberly Aim (Cox) Bell, 17, December 28.
Member of the North Manchester, Ind., First
Brethren Church. Services by Woodrow Immel,
pastor.
Mrs. Martha Frye, 74, December 28. Member of
the Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services
by Alvin Grumbling, pastor.
Phyllis W. Deck, 82, December 26. Member of the
Roann, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by
William H. Kerner, pastor.
Mae Ambrose, 84, December 26. Member of the
Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church. Services
by Clarence R. Kindley, pastor.
Mrs. Hazel Cripe, 80, December 24. Member of the
Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by
Alvin Grumbling, pastor, assisted by Rev. Bert
Hodge of South Bend, Ind.
Bertha M. Gochnour, 75, December 16. Member of
the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Carl
H. Phillips, pastor.
Lester Cavender, 65, December 10. Member of the
Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Carl H.
Phillips, pastor.
Article abouf Brethren couple appears in Hagersfown paper
Hag-erstown, Md. — Few couples ever see their 66th wedding anniversary. So the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Greorge W. Spielman of Hagerstown celebrated theirs on January 8th was duly noted by the Hagerstown Daily Mail.
The newspaper article mentioned some of the high points of the Spielmans' lives, including the fact that Mrs. Spielman (Nora) has been a mem- ber of the Brethren denomination for 70 years. She first joined the St. James, Md., Brethren Church, but now holds membership with her husband in the First Brethren Church of Hagerstown. George was originally a Lutheran, but later joined the Brethren Church.
The article noted that "The couple made some sort of record when they attended the Brethren Church's General Conference at Ashland, Ohio, for 32 successive years" (boldface added).
Mr. Spielman is a retired railroader. He left the Western Maryland Railway in 1958, after 42 years of employment as a brakeman and conductor.
In spite of the fact that Nora is 86 (one year younger than her husband), the article mentioned that she still does all her own housework and cooking, including doing all her washing and iron- ing in one day.
The Spielman's have two children, five living grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
V/0iddliii^s
Kavena Renee Anderson to Gary W. Loveless,
December 30, at the North Christian Church, Ft. Wayne, Ind. Bride member of the North Man- chester, Ind., First Brethren Church.
Catherine S. Hoover to Alan I. Pritchard, Decem- ber 23, at the North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren Church; Rev. Woodrow Immel, pastor, officiating. Bride member of the North Man- chester First Brethren Church.
Carolyn Kay Landes to Nell James Van Boening:,
December 2, at the Morrill, Kansas, First Breth- ren Church; David Manning, pastor, officiating. Bride member of the Morrill First Brethren Church.
Marjorie Berkshire dies
Shortly before the Evangelist went to press, the editors learned of the tragic death Feb. 3rd of Mrs. Marjorie Berkshire, wife of Clayton Berk- shire, pastor of the Papago Park Brethren Church, Tempe, Ariz. Mrs. Berkshire died from injuries received in an automobile accident.
A memorial service was held for Mrs. Berkshire Feb. 5th in Tempe, and the funeral Feb. 7th at the Hillcrest Brethren Church in Dayton, Ohio.
26
The Brethren Evangelist
hooks
More About Hunger
Hniijger Awareness Dinners by Aileen Van Beilen (Herald Press, 1978, 48 pp., $.95 paperback).
The record of the Brethren Church in giving to world relief projects has improved nearly every year for the past thirteen (from $1,546 in 1966 to $31,650 in 1978). Brethren do care about people who live in crises.
Herald Press (Scottdale, Pennsylvania) has just published a book to help concerned Christians continue to grow in their understanding and empathy for the hungry. In 48 pages. Hunger Awaren€»ss Dinneaps by Aileen Van Beilen equips church committees with not only facts about the problem but plans to dramatize hunger. Detailed instructions are given for sponsoring three church-wide hunger-awareness dinners to enable people to "feel with those who lack food."
The cover of this paperback book boldly an- nounces the hunger problem. In shades of black and pink, the countries of the world are depicted according to the adequacy of their calorie intake. A further value of the cover map is the two shapes given each country — one according to actual size and another showing the same countries sized according to population.
Three all-church dinners are described in the book. For each there are specific menus and recipes, descriptions of physical room arrange- ments, suggested Bible passages to use with accompanying programs, and helpful advice in dealing with different reactions of the partici- pants. The dinners approach the hunger problem as follows:
Dinner 1, The World Comes to Dinner, "shows the average amounts of calories and proteins which peoples of different continents receive in their daily food."
Dinner 2, Energy and Your Dinner, "creates an awareness of how much energy goes into grow- ing, processing and serving different foods and relates these facts to world hunger."
Dinner 3, Dinner for Tomorrow, "demonstrates that more responsible eating habits are possible with good-tasting food." Menus include some from Doris Longacre's More-With-Less Coolc Book.
A particularly helpful part of the book is the section of charts and tables. These show energy consumption by continents, energy content of various foods, livestock consumption of grain, and the complementary protein relationships of grains, seeds, milk products, and legumes.
Lists of additional resources — books, cookbooks, films, filmstrips, charts, brochures, and organiza- tions— are also included.
But even with all of this information, the author does not conclude without suggesting pos-
sibilities for motivating different levels of com- mitment by participants. To involve Christians in attacking the problem of world hunger, she offers options for personal commitment, develop- ment commitment, and organizational commit- ment.
My only point of difference with Ms. Beilen is with her directive to send the children to a differ- ent room for after-dinner reflections. Children would gain from this discussion and might them- selves offer valuable insights.
This book offers Brethren churches another way to understand and become involved with world need.
— Jean Lersch
Jean Lersch is a Christian Education Consuhant with Brethren House Ministries^ St. Petersburg, Fla., and a free-lance writer.
More About the Cults
The Mind Benders by Jack Sparks (Thomas Nel- son, 1977, 280 pp., $3.95).
Many modern religious cults, says the author, preach heresy, while they capture converts by bending their minds. This book deals with seven of the most popular cults today.
Three of these mind benders are related to "Eastern" or Hindu ideas. They are Transcendental Meditation, Divine Light Mission, and Hare Krishna. The other four cults have emerged from "Western" or "Christian" thought. These include The Unification Church of Sun Myung Moon, The Children of God, The Way-International, and The Local Church of Witness Lee.
After looking at these seven cults, the author concludes the book with a defense, although a little weak, of Christianity, or how the church takes on the cults.
It is good for us all to be knowledgeable of the cults because we may be parents, friends, or rela- tives of people who are dragged into one of these groups. This book provides us with this knowledge.
Jack Sparks is a former professor of behavioral psychology with a doctoral degree from the Uni- versity of Iowa. He has worked much with youth in Berkeley, California, and has written two other books. He is now a minister overseeing several churches.
— Julie Flora
Julie Flora is an Ashland, Ohio, homemaker and a frequent contributor to the Brethren Evangelist.
February 1979
27
WHAT?
What do Ashland Garber, Bethlehem, Bryan, Corinth, Morrill, New Lebanon, Northwest Chapel, Park Street, White Dale, and 20 other Brethren churches (including the new congregations at Brandon, Fla., and Medina, Ohio) have in common? They sub- scribe to the Brethren Evangelist for 100% of the families in their church.
WHY?
Because they think it is important for every family to receive Christian inspiration, biblical based articles, information about ministries of the Brethren Church, and news about other congregations. And they can do so at a savings of $1.00 per sub- scription over the individual rate.
HOW?
How about you? Don't you think every family in your church should receive our denominational magazine?
Who do you contact if you want more information? Write or call Dick Winfield at The Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio (phone: 419-289-2611).
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Blessings
from
abova
"^r*^ The Brethren ^ • j
Evangelist
March 1979
Ann DeVeny tells how
Craft projects took a great amount of my time before I became a Chris- tian. After accepting Christ as Lord and Savior nearly five years ago, I experienced a real conflict between my desire to spend time doing crafts and my commitment to spend time learning more about Jesus.
Therefore, I quit knitting, embroid- ering, sketching, and doing any other handwork that competed for the time I could spend reading Christian books and becoming familiar with God's Word. But gradually God gave me a new perspective on my talents.
Ohio District Conference
March 24, 1979, 9 a.m.— 3:30 p.m.
Asbury United Mefhodist Church Delaware, Ohio
Program: Bible Study and Business Theme: Who Cares? Brethren Do!
Leaders: Dr. Charles Munson, Rev. Leroy Solomon
Responsibility for Caring Ronnans 12:9-10
— ^to one another
Possibilities for Caring Romans 12:11-21
— with one another
Study the Scripture. Come prepared.
Follow-up Conference fo be held September 15 Theme: Brethren Do Care— Here's Proof
See page 21 for more details.
Board of Christian Education seelcing new Director
The Board of Christian Education is now accepting applications for the position of Director of Christian Education.
Qualifications
1. Education: The Board is flexible in this area.
2. Administrative abilities: Experience in marketing, management, and supervision would be helpful.
3. Personal characteristics: Open commitment to Christ, active member of the Brethren Church, rapport with laity and pastors, ability to communicate well with congregations, enthusiastic with youth.
4. Time requirements: A part-time director may be considered.
Applicants should send a r^sum^ of experience and a letter of application to:
Rev. Brian H. Moore
23370 Ardmore Trail South Bend, IN 46628
Applications must be received no later than April 25, 1979.
"Jp^ The Brethren ^j • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist (USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor: Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805. One year subscription rates: $6.00 for 100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents Change of address: Please notify us at least three weeks in advance, using the form provided in each issue. Authors' views are not necessarily those of the Brethren Church or the Brethren Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad- dressed to the editor. A writer's packet with query tips is available upon written request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited material not accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Second class postage paid at Ashland, Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
Cover
Ann DeVeny is a person of many talents. On pages 4 and 5 she tells how God gave her a new perspective on the use of these talents.
Vol. 101, No. 3
March 1979
4 The Place of Talents
in a Christian's Commitment'
Ann DeVeny tells how God gave her a new perspective on the use of her talents.
6 Speaking Out: A Christian Duty
Joan Martin says Christians must speak out against the distorted values of our day.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties 8
es
Fred Burkey proposes five steps the Brethren Church must take to meet the challenges and opportunities of the eighties.
World Missions
12 Are Missionaries Still Needed Today?
Virgil Ingraham answers "Yes,'' and demonstrates this need in India and among the Chinese.
14 Go Ye Into ALL the World
For Chantal Logan, going into all the world includes going into the largest federal penitentiary in Colombia, South America.
15 Medical Ministry in India
Prasanth Kumar reports on the successful outreach of the medical ministry of the Brethren Church in India.
17 Colombian Brethren Church Inventory
Kenneth Solomon takes inventory of the leaders and oppor- tunities God has given the Brethren Church in Colombia.
Departments
11 The Salt Shaker
25 Books
26 Letters
March 1979
The Place of Talents
in a Christian's Commitment
Ann DeVeny tells how God gave her a new perspective on the use of her talents.
T AM REALIZING that for many people, giving up things" is something they go through when they become Christians. This may include their talents and abilities. They look upon these talents as part of the old life that was to die when they came to Christ. Therefore any desire to hang on to these talents seems to indicate a lack of spirituality!
In the face of this, it's tremendously liberating to discover that Christ makes the judgments on our lives. He decides what portions must be discarded as no longer useful and what portions can be used to serve Him and His kingdom. This was something I experienced in my own life.
Mrs. DeVeny is an Ashland, Ohio, homemaker and church school superintendent at Park Street Brethren Church. Her husband is manager of The Carpenter s Shop {the Brethren bookstore).
A
Craft projects took a great amount of my time before I became a Christian. After accepting Christ as Lord and Savior nearly five years ago, I experienced a real conflict between my desire to spend time doing crafts and my commitment to spend time learning more about Jesus.
Not only was time a problem, but the finished product was the cause of more struggle. I wanted to make certain the craft project was given for God's glory, not mine — and I couldn't be certain about my motives. Therefore, I quit knitting, em- broidering, sketching, and doing any other handwork that competed for the time I could spend reading Christian books and becoming familiar with God's Word.
But gradually God gave me a new per- spective on my talents. When we moved to Ashland, and the new bookstore — The Carpenter's Shop — began to take form, my husband Dan asked if I'd macrame a couple of plant hangers for the store. I agreed, since it was a Christ-related service.
Then I saw a need for some new bulletin board ideas at our church. I waited a rea- sonable length of time to see if anyone else would change the boards. When no one did, I justified my desire to accept the challenge. After decorating the bulletin boards, I pulled back for awhile. Then I eased in again and did some more bulletin boards. Banners for the Medina Bible Fellowship were my next project. This new Brethren church meets in the YM-YWCA, and the banners were needed to provide an atmosphere of worship for the services.
My first breakthrough came after a sem- inary retreat, when Dan and I wanted to express to a special couple how they had touched our lives. Funds were limited, yet we had a pressing desire to show our thank- fulness. The result was a paraphrase of a psalm worked into a picture. The couple's
The Brethren Evangelist
kind acceptance of our gift was a new begin- ning for me. I felt a change in my attitude towards using my hands. I now reahzed that I could relate Christian love through my handwork.
I also think it made a difference to me that the end result was a working togeth- er of both Dan's and my gifts. Dan has al- ways given me incen- tive and direction and has laid the founda- tion for the majority of my work. This falls in line with scriptural teaching that we are one and that I am to be submissive to his headship. This reali- zation added that in- gredient of boldness I needed in order to step out further. Since this experience months ago, both Dan and I have experienced an explosion of ideas. We have used writings and sketches to convey to others messages of Christ's love that otherwise wouldn't have been ex- pressed. I have found that when situations call for a bulletin board or a banner, ideas come together more readily. For example, I saw banners with Christian symbols and a child's name on them as a way of per- sonalizing God's love for children in my Sunday school department at Park Street Church. And I drew pictures with specific people in mind as a way of communicating their uniqueness to God in their particular ministry.
And what is just as important, I've been released from the guilt feeling that I'm wasting time when I work on these proj- ects. I now see my ability to use my hands as a gift from God and as a means of communicating how much He loves each one of us.
We're such inhibited people! Words fre- quently fail us when we try to relate our Christian experiences or when we want to
For Ann, making plant hangers for The Carpenter s Shop was Christian service.
convey love to special people. But these inhibitions can be overcome when we use our God-given talents to communicate our faith and love. We should not be afraid to try new avenues of expressing praise and thanksgiving, using the natural abilities God has given us.
I rejoice that God has freed me. Many other people stiffle their talents just as I did. But if each of us can see his or her abilities as tools God has given, then we can use these abilities as a means of ex- pressing that which is bottled up within us.
At one point in my life I felt that com- mitment to God meant giving up the use of my talents. Now I understand that com- mitment means dedicating these talents to God so that they may be used to His glory and as a means of sharing my faith and life with others. Q
To personalize God's love for the children in her S. S. department, Ann made every child a banner. Each 2- by 3-foot banner has a Christian symbol, the child's name, and a personal message for that child.
March 1979
Speaking
Out:
A
Christian
Duty
Joan Martin says Christians nnust speak out against the distorted values of our day.
L..
DO YOU ever get the feeling that black is really white and pro actually con? I sometimes wonder if I don't belong on the * 'funny farm" after all and if the moral and biblical principles I have lived by aren't outdated and no longer true.
A woman from India was telling us about life in her country. Her mother and father had found Christ in India through the wit- ness of missionaries who had come to their village. After she had enlightened us about the worship of snakes and cows and about child marriage in her country, Chandra said, ''Who can say what is truth? Can anyone? If we do not have a guideline which never changes as we do in our Bible, we will wander, not knowing which way to go. Ephesians 4:14 tells us that if we have Christ, 'we will no longer be tossed here and there by waves and carried by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in d3ceitful scheming.' "
Several v/eeks ago I read in our news- paper of a woman who is founder and president of an organization representing "the other woman" — the mistress. This woman was seeking to justify mistresses. She stated that the wife must have done something wrong or there would be no need for a mistress. She further claimed that the "other woman" knows more about the man than does his wife and children. She is his best friend. It isn't his fault, she said, that he left his wife.
The end of the article told how she really feels. "As for myself, I'm done being a mistress," she said. "I succeeded. My mar- ried man is getting a divorce and marrying me." How heartbreaking it is when we realize that many mixed up individuals will read this article and pattern their lives by it!
Several months ago the toy industry came out with two male dolls, one homo- sexual and the other straight. With the help of newspaper and TV coverage, sales have skyrocketed. In the name of news the media, unwittingly perhaps, helped to pro- mote this sick toy that will harm innocent children. And when the child who has such a toy does something shameful and disgust- ing, the parent who bought it for him will say, "Where did I go wrong? I gave him everything."
The couple living together is encouraged to "come out of the closet." Living togeth- er, some say, is just another way to decide if two people will be compatible when
Mrs. Martin is a free-lance writer from Liberty- ville, III.
The Brethren Evangelist
married. Whatever happened to the com- mandment which states, ''Thou shalt not commit adultery"?
Perhaps the rapist and the murderer will be the next to protest, ''I'm just doing what comes naturally. Let me alone."
Yes, the devil does come like "an angel of light" (II Cor. 11:14). He shows us all that is beautiful, until we fall for his lies.
A young woman who had become in- volved with astrology said, "He made
'We must care that the world is seeking to make evil look like good.
We must speak out and tell it like
• I • III it is!
everything come true for me. The horo- scope was so correct that I found myself even choosing my friends by what it said. I made myself a pest trying to persuade everyone that the stars truly do guide our lives. Then when the devil had me hooked, everything fell apart. It was then I decided to take my life."
Yet everyday people by the millions read their horoscope and live by what it says. Books written by self-called prophets try to tell us that Christianity, science, and astrology are compatible. We have only to read these books and compare them with the Bible to see that they are filled with error.
With all of Satan's deception, is there anything the Christian can do? Yes, there is! When some of our states legalize mari- juana, we can still pray and warn our chil- dren to leave it alone. When one of our large church denominations states in assembly that it will not denounce homosexuality as sin, we can still speak out.
As Christians, we are still "the salt of the earth," and we can stand firm even if we stand alone. More often than not, some- one will come and stand beside us and say, "I wanted to speak out, but I thought I might be the only one."
Voices are crying everwhere, "Let us do our own thing." Christians also stand everywhere listening and weighing what they hear against what they read in the Bible. Some people say the Bible is passe'. Others twist its teaching and say, "My interpretation is as good as yours." But if we read the Bible in the light we receive from the Holy Spirit, and if we read what great men of God have taught, we will find the truth. I have never found error or been misled when I truly understood the passage in the Bible I was reading. Proverbs says, "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 14:12).
When a course in astrology was being offered at a local YWCA, I wrote a letter protesting that a Christian organization would offer such a course. I heard nothing from them, but several weeks later I attended a neighborhood coffee party. "When does that course in astrology begin at the Y?" someone asked. "It doesn't," a woman replied. Someone wrote a letter of protest, and they canceled it." There may
"As Christians, we are still 'the salt of the earth,' and we can stand firm even if we stand alone."
have been many letters, but I knew mine had made some impact on the decision of the board.
If we see a person following the foolish- ness of the world and we say nothing, we are not the salt the Bible speaks of. And we are aiding the person in his walk away from Jesus.
Neither salt nor truth can change and become anything else. We are the salt of the earth. We must care that the world is seeking to make evil look like good. We must speak out and tell it like it is! It's often difficult to be salt. But it's worth the suffering to see another soul brought out of his confusion and misery by our love. n
March 1979
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Challenges
and
Opportunities
Fred Burkey proposes five steps the Brethren Church must take to meet the challenges and opportunities of the eighties.
THE BRETHREN CHURCH at the threshold of the eighties . . . forty years after the traumatic Grace contro- versy. What is the current status of the ''Ashland Brethren movement"? How will it respond to the challenges and opportun- ities that are bound to present themselves in the decade just ahead?
These are important questions . . . im- portant because they deal with our future. I have no crystal ball ... no special insights ... no axe to grind. As part of this ''Breth- ren movement," I will attempt to evaluate the present status and the future of my church from the perspective of one privileged to have been close to the center of denominational activity for a number of years.
In this article the term "movement" is used because, by definition, a movement involves "... a series of organized activities by people working concertedly toward some goal." A denomination, by contrast, is defined as "... a class or kind of thing having a specific name or value ; a religious sect." In view of these definitions, I prefer to think of the church as a movement; hence I use this term.
In some respects it can be said that the Ashland Brethren movement has run aground in the very midst of the evan- gelical stream. During a period of un- paralleled effectiveness for many evan- gelical churches, membership in the Breth-
Dr. Frederick T. Burkey is Director of Religious Affairs and Campus Ministry for Ashland College. Before assuming this position in September, he served IIV2 years as Director of Christian Educa- tion for the Brethren Church.
ren Church has declined — from 17,282 in 1940 to 15,344 in 1977! Whether or not these figures fully reflect the vitality of the movement, it is nevertheless evident that people are being won and discipled by Brethren churches at an unacceptable rate.
Positive signs
On the other hand, there are signs that our segment of the Brethren movement may be overcoming its inertia. For one thing, the Brethren seem to be slowly awakening to their need for one another. For a long time many congregations con- ceived of themselves as self-contained entities. They were dependent upon no one and owed allegiance only to themselves (and God). District and national activities were of little interest and ranked very low on the congregation's priority list. Both district and general conferences met annu- ally to transact "business" that was gen- erally ignored by the churches and by sub- sequent conferences.* Congregations exist- ed a few miles apart for decades without ever worshiping or fellowshipping together. We were "Brethren," but we had never become brothers in Christ. The feeling of "usness" so vital to any kind of movement — political, social, or religious — began to diminish, and the larger movement stalled.
*/i classic example of how Conference action is ignored is noted by A. T. Ronk in his History OF THE Brethren Church, pages 454-458. Ronk quotes extensively from the 1955 moderator s address of Woodrow Brant who traced a decade of Brethren inactivity.
s
The Brethren Evangelist
''As we stand at the threshold of a new decade, the first item of business . . . should be a massive effort to artic- ulate and unify the Brethren behind a specific state- ment of mission/'
Happily, these attitudes seem to be receding into the past. In recent years Brethren have been drawn into a number of cooperative programs which encourage a sense of camaraderie. Both the summer Crusader/Internship program and the area seminars sponsored by the Association of Brethren Church Teachers (ABCT) have helped. A spirit of optimism has grown among Brethren Youth resulting in the largest number of potential recruits for missions and ministry in many years. These are quality young people who see the possi- bilities and yearn for worthy challenges. What's more, they love and respect one another and their church.
Operation Impact — the planting of new Brethren congregations following a Spirit- led, research-based strategy — is an exciting venture of faith. Church planting, a labor- ious and inexact science, seems to hold the key to the future of the Brethren move- ment. Brethren everywhere are praying daily and contributing faithfully to this outreach effort.
A new Hispanic ministry
God is also leading in the new Brethren mission to Hispanic peoples. Juan Carlos Miranda is strategically placed to open doors to ministry beyond our wildest dreams. As Director of Hispanic Ministries for Fuller Evangelistic Association, Juan Carlos oversees the new Brethren mission to Mexico and is working to establish Spanish-speaking Brethren congregations in the greater Los Angeles area. He is a man of vision and great ability.
Recently, I caught his vision of an aggressive ministry to Latin Americans in Southern California, which could provide a base of operations and a training center for missionaries preparing for service in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and the USA. This is important! Spanish is now the second most spoken language in the United states. Los Angeles has the third largest
Spanish-speaking population of any city in the world (3.7 million). Talk about oppor- tunity . . . WOW!
Many other good things are happening. A number of churches are having a pow- erful impact in their communities. A new cordiality exists between Ashland College and the Brethren Church. General Confer- ence seems interested in getting its organ- izational house in order. And we are doing more positive thinking about the church than ever in my memory. I could go on.
How will Brethren respond?
So we have both positive and negative factors to consider as we look to the 1980s. How will the Brethren movement respond to the challenges and opportunities just ahead? I don't know. It is my hope, how- ever, that the following will characterize our behavior and attitudes during the coming years.
First, let us strive to capture the vision of what God wants us to be and do. If we let it, that vision can unite us in a sense of mission so powerful that we can achieve fraternal cohesiveness and doctrinal con- sensus. If our mission is clearly articulated, and if we mutually commit ourselves to it, our differences will be kept in perspective. We will be free to move decisively in establishing priorities, setting goals, mak- ing plans, allocating resources, and accom- plishing God's will for our time.
As we stand at the threshold of a new decade, the first item of business in "get- ting our act together" should be a massive effort to articulate and unify the Brethren behind a specific, biblical statement of mission. Then preach it, pray it, do it!
Second, simultaneously with the above, the Brethren need to publish a "Statement of Faith" (or theology). For too long we have asserted that our creed is the New Testament. On the surface, this statement is impressive, and we can rejoice in it. Yet, when carefully examined, the statement is
March 1979
9
a
. . . a small movement such as ours needs a statement of faith which declares to all men : This is who we are and what we believe.' ''
hardly distinctive. Many other denomina- tions say the same thing. It will not be enough simply to affirm the Bible as our creed in the eighties. I believe we must open the book and state clearly and concisely what we believe it teaches.
Reasons for a statement of faith
There are several reasons why Brethren should write down their beliefs:
(1) It is a distinctive interpretation of Scripture which makes people Brethren. Our movement needs this as its source of identity.
(2) A statement of faith is needed for the instruction of our own people. Many of our adult members would have a difficult time stating what they believe and why they believe it. Few could really explain what it means to be Brethren (in contrast to being Baptist). In view of this uncer- tainty, is it any wonder that Brethren are slow to reach out to the unchurched?
(3) In an era of rapidly proliferating cults, a small movement such as ours needs a statement of faith which declares to all men: ''This is who we are and what we believe." That statement should go well beyond the outline format of 'The Message of the Brethren Ministry." Useful as this "Message" is, a fuller presentation is badly needed.
(4) Scripture seems to endorse doctrinal statements. For instance, we read in I Peter 3:15 (NIV) : "Always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." I believe we can state our beliefs without doing violence to the traditional Brethren idea of openness to new light. We can't begin too soon!
Third, we should consciously work to build espirit de corps — group spirit, a sense
of pride in our common mission. We must continually encourage one another — cele- brating our successes and consoling one another in failure. A spirit of graciousness and charity should be cultivated in all our relationships.
Fourth, we must foster a boldness of spirit to move into new and promising areas such as Operation Impact and His- panic ministries. Our boldness must be rooted in confidence that we are following the will of God and moving toward His purpose for our church. With our eyes fixed upon Christ and His will for us, we can move boldly while avoiding foolhardy mistakes.
Finally, we need to adopt more pragmatic approaches to leadership, decision-making, and some distinctive practices. Anything that hinders the achievement of our God- given mission should be critically examined and, if necessary, discarded. To become a viable movement in the eighties, we Breth- ren must do far more than preserve our traditions. We must aggressively pursue our mission in the midst of a radically changing world. The alternative is to accept the defense of our historic practices as our primary mission, while others carry out God's harvest.
The Pronnise of the eighties
In conclusion, I assert that the 1980s hold promise proportionate to the magni- tude of our vision. No more; no less. The Scriptures pointedly outline the timeless mission of the church. Decisions relating to methods, materials, motivation, and manpower are in our hands. Whatever changes occur in the 1980s — social, eco- nomic, biological, technological, or theolog- ical — they can be dealt with constructively if we make God's mission our mission. The ball is in our court. □
a
. . . I assert that the 1980s hold promise proportionate to the ma.^nitude of our vision/'
10
The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
r
^ • ' .
by Alvin Shifflett
For some people, life is a constant connplaint.
Living With the Discontented
IT'S STRANGE that in such an agreeable world there should be so many disagree- able people. They seem to be everywhere, no matter where you go.
Of all the ills that flesh is heir to, a cross, crabby, ill-contented person is the most unbearable. Nothing passes without a growl. Nothing, I say nothing, pleases the discontended. They live a lifetime of dissat- isfaction, and are forever crabby.
"Of ai! the ills that flesh is heir to. a cross, crabby, ill-contented per- son is the nnost unbearable,"
When these most unusual people go out, they make others miserable. If they go to the symphony, they complain that the music is terrible. If they go to the finest restaurant, they complain about the food or the smell or the service.
In church, they put up a constant squawk. The sermon is either too didactic or too evangelistic. The preacher is either too smart for his pants or not smart enough. They yawn, gape, and twist in the pew, and pretend to be asleep, then com- plain: "I could not keep awake. Did you ever hear anything so dead? Can these dry bones live?"
This kind of person wishes the choir could sing differently, or that the preacher would preach differently, and that the elders (mostly hypocrites by this person's measure) would pray differently. In the
morning the church is too cold — "Why do we pay a janitor?" In the evening it's too hot — 'It's hot as blazes in here!"
According to these people, the church was painted the wrong color. The isles were carpeted much too extravagantly. Nothing suits them!
A disagreeable person is exactly like a crab. Have you ever seen a crab and tried to catch one? A crab, you know, always goes the other way. It moves backward in order to go forward and turns in four direc- tions all at once. You try to catch the crab, and the crab, before you know it, catches you! Disagreeable people are like that.
It requires the grace of God, the patience of Job, and a sense of humor to stand them. The only conclusion one can make about the perpetual grumbler is this: '*Let us leave it to the owl to hoot, the pig to snort, the frog to croak, the beast to growl, and the grumbler to find fault!"
And let us pray that we are not arrested for assault. Q
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you nnay be innocent and pure as God's per- fect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people."
Philippians 2:14-15 TEV*
*From the Today's English Version of the Bible. Copyright American Bible Society 1966, 1971, 1976.
March 1979
11
World Missions
Are Missionaries
Still Needed Today?
Virgil Ingraham answers "Yes," and demonstrates this need in India and among the Chinese.
SOMEONE has said that sim- plicity is often the difference between communication and confusion. Clarity of expression leads to understanding. We can be thankful that many of God's truths are stated clearly and concisely.
Consider the words of Jesus. Simply stated, His last com- mand to His followers was to go and make disciples of all nations. This is our missionary mandate. It never has been withdrawn or set aside. We can
Above, Rev. Ingraham distrib- utes blankets during his October 1978 visit to India. Below, babies and children receive a nutri- tional drink at the clinic in Visakhapatnam.
conclude, therefore, that mis- sionaries are still needed today. And in view of world population growth to nearly four billion people, missionaries are needed more now than ever before in man's history.
We Americans have the Gos- pel readily available. The abun- dance of Christian television and radio programs, Bibles, books, and periodicals and the numerous churches in every city, town, and hamlet offer ample opportunity for the earn- est, seeking person to know the Lord. All that is needed is for the church to penetrate into new or neglected areas and for individual Christians to give a winsome witness for Christ to needy, unsaved persons wher- ever they may be located.
The rest of the world is not so fortunate. Large concentra- tions of people are still un- reached with the Good News. Even within countries where missionary work has been going on for many years, there are areas where people have never heard about the love of Jesus Christ and His salvation.
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Great need for the Gospel exists among the people of India. With a population of more than six hundred million people, less than three percent profess to be Christians.
Our Brethren Mission in India is experiencing a growing re- ceptivity to the Gospel, especial- ly among the villagers in rural and remote areas that are dif- ficult to reach. Our mission-
aries, the Prasanth Kumars and the Vijay Kumars, along with the pastors and evangelists, are starting new Bible classes, prayer groups, and congrega- tions each year in hitherto un- reached villages.
More than sixty villages have weekly services, in addition to the services held in the city churches at Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam. Nearly fifty villages, many in remote areas, have resident pastors or evan- gelists to minister in evangel- ism and provide Christian nur- ture.
Since its beginning in 1970, the Brethren Church in India has grown to more than 1300 members. Growth in churches and prayer groups has in- creased each year, along with added numbers of baptized believers.
Brethren Missions in India ministers to both spiritual and physical needs. The clinics in the two cities give medical care to hundreds of the poorest peo- ple and take their medical ser- vices out into villages along with the message of salvation. Literacy classes are also con- ducted, teaching young and old alike to read in Telugu and thus enabling them to read the Bible for the first time. Exten- sive Christian literature distri- bution also contributes to evan- gelism and development in discipleship.
Many thousands of these people barely exist, often eating only one meal a day. A fire, flood, strong wind, or some other catastrophe in their vil- lage leaves these stricken people utterly destitute. In these times
Rev. M. Virgil Ingraham is General Secretary of the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church. His 16 years experience in this position enable him to write knowledgeably about missions.
12
The Brethren Evangelist
of desperate need, Brethren Mission personnel become a channel for providing food, clothing, blankets, and other basic necessities.
Other assistance in the name of Christ is given through self- help programs such as the Typewriting Institute in Visak- hapatnam. Needy young people are taught typing, helping them to escape from the mass of un- skilled laborers into useful em- ployment. The medical clinics in both locations also train selected people for semi-skilled dispensary work.
Scholarship aid is given to promising students for educa- tion in Bible college or for training as para-medics or for some other kind of service. The orphanage provides a home for neglected boys, fostering their spiritual development as well as providing their food, clothing, medical care, education, and other needs.
The need among Chinese
Turning to the Chinese, we find a population block of near- ly a billion people. Almost two hundred million of these live outside mainland China — ^dis- persed throughout the world. Chinese people represent close to one-fourth of the world's population, yet only a tiny frac- tion of them are Christians.
Our Malaysia-born Chinese missionaries, David and Jenny Loi, are finding their work among the Chinese to be more effective among children and youth on the island of Penang. The adults, mostly Buddhists by
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profession if not in practice, are more resistant to the appeal of the Gospel message. Like the Hindu of India, they are reluc- tant to leave their traditional family religion, handed down from generation to generation.
Our missionaries continue their witness to adults, ever- conscious of their need to know Christ, the living Way. This wit- ness goes on regularly in Sunday school, Bible classes, and special activities. A kinder- garten for pre-school children gives opportunity to teach the pupils about Jesus and also pro- vides a means of getting into the children's homes for con- tact with the parents. It is only through a consistent witness over an extended period that resistance to Christianity will be overcome.
Miss Sow-Lin attended ser- vices at the Tanjong Bungah area since its beginning. After a time she accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. Later she decided that she wanted to serve the Lord. Last August and September, when the Lois were in the United States, Sow- Lin assisted Dennis Lau with services in the three locations of the Brethren Mission in Malaysia. She experienced joy in the Lord and in His service.
Now word has come that this promising high school junior is no longer able to meet with the other Christians because of her mother's objections. The mis- sionary has requested prayer for Sow-Lin and for her mother, that the mother's heart might be touched and the situation reversed.
Above, newly constructed prayer house in the village of Kanuru, with Prasanth and Nir- mala Kumar. Below, baptismal service for 51 people of Kanuru.
Kindergarten graduation shows some of the many children David and Jenny Loi work with on the island of Penang in Malaysia.
Occasionally we hear it said that people should be allowed to continue in their own religion without "interference" by Chris- tians. This might be comfort- able human reasoning, but it is unacceptable from God's point of view. Scripture emphasizes the need for people of every nation to trust in Jesus Christ, God's Son, for salvation and eternal life.
Salvation is God's gift to peo- ple of all nations through faith in Jesus Christ. He is the only way into life eternal with the living God. Consider how God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have ever- lasting life. Had there been any other way of salvation, this gift of God which is beyond under- standing would not have been necessary.
Unsaved humanity stands des- perately in need of the Good News of Christ and His salva- tion. As Christians, we need to go with the Gospel wherever there is opportunity. Every (continued on page IS)
March 1979
13
World Missions
Go Ye Inio ALL the World
For Chantal Logan, going into all the world includes going into the largest federal penitentiary in Colonnbia, South America.
THE RIDE on the bus is taking me to the out- skirts of the city. The trip is uneventful as we travel on a four-lane highway, with only a few stops to load or unload passengers. Then we take a left turn and the road gets suddenly worse.
As we cross a bridge, I see big piles of gar- bage on the banks of the river. Two men are shoveling it into the river while some women or children rummage through it in search of some- thing to eat or sell. The scene is familiar enough.
Finally, I see the high gray walls and start praying silently. I get off the bus. I must be a familiar face now, for they do not question me when I step over the chain stretched across the road. As I walk to the entrance door, I meet a few men pushing wheelbarrows of smelly gar- bage and others sweeping the dirt along the road.
I am now at the door; this time I have to show my credentials to get in. Inside I report to the desk and leave my identity card. I go through another door and open my pocketbook for somebody to look through it. The one in authority nods his approval; I can go on. At the end of the hall the next door is opened and nobody stops me.
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Mrs. Chantal Logan is a Brethren missionary in Medellin, Colombia. She is shown here with "Pajaro" ("the Bird"), an ex-guerrilla fighter and prisoner of 18 years who is now a Christian and a trustee at the prison.
At last I have reached my destination. I have crossed the border into a new country — a new world whose laws are not written on any books but which you must know if you want to sur- vive. I am in a jail — not just any jail, but the largest federal penitentiary in Colombia, with a population of 3,800 male inmates and a capacity for only 2,500!
I finally find the guard who is to let my class of juveniles out of their cell block. While he goes to bring them, I wait in the classroom. Some of the adult inmates look in, wondering who I am. Then one of them comes in and sits at one of the desks.
"Aren't you afraid to be here alone?" he asks. And just to make certain that nobody comes in to annoy me, he stays with me until the guard comes back with the group of students.
We sit in a circle. While we talk, I look at their faces, familiar to me by now, and at their appearance — ragged clothes, bare feet. . . . Each one has a name; each one has a tale to tell, a story to be listened to. Each one is a human being like you and me who has been led astray and needs to be brought back into the sheepfold.
While I am teaching this class on human re- lationships, I easily forget that I am in jail and that the students are prisoners. They always treat me with respect and thank me when the class is over. But when they go back to their cell blocks, they will not be the "nice students" I taught. They will again be prisoners — criminals who will react according to their environment of violence and corruption which is theirs both inside and outside the jail.
Before leaving I walk to the evangelical chapel, the first of its kind in a penitentiary in Colombia. A family of Baptist missionaries from Canada started the work a few years ago. Now the overall jail ministry is under the sponsor- ship of South American Crusades. Our Canadian friends got us interested in this ministry before they left. The Colombian chaplain kept in touch with us and introduced us to the officials of the jail. Finally I was given a special permit to teach the juveniles. My teaching is done under "official premises," but I am still a part of the evan- gelical team and its effort to reach out. Mark does not have a regular permit, but comes
14
The Brethren Evangelist
occasionally to show Christian movies and set up the public address system.
I chat with some of the prisoners who are now believers. They share with me their newly found joy in Christ, which they have experienced in spite of the oppressive atmosphere in which they are confined.
I am on my way out now. Outside the entrance door a prisoner of eighteen years is waiting for me. He was converted a couple of years ago and the change in his life is so radical that he is allowed to live outside the walls and carry the responsibility of watching the jail property at night. He often tells me that he is more free than the people "out there," for he has been liberated from all his vices since he gave his life to Christ. He talked to my class one day and told a group of dumfounded boys the kind of man he had been and how radically he had been changed since Christ came into his life. Their eyes were bright with excitement because he gave them what they needed most: hope — real hope for change, a hope as tangible as the reality of his life. Hope is such a comfort to men who have lost all their dreams about others and themselves.
Today he asks how I got along with my "kids," and as I get on the bus and wave good- bye to him this is the very question I am asking myself. How did I get along? What do you think. Lord? Did my words, my attitude show them my faith in You? Could they see some reflection of You in me? How much will they remember of what I told them? Will it make a difference in their lives? O Lord, I need to get closer to You! I need Your Holy Spirit! Empower me, Lord!
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Bellavista — the largest federal prison in Colom- bia, South America.
I look out the window of the bus; I cannot see the walls any more; they are gone. No, that's not it! They are not gone! I am the one who is going, and if I leave or forget about these walls, they still won't disappear. So often we do just that — we think that if we close our eyes or our minds to the needs of others and to the reality of evil at work in our world and that if we do it long enough these things will finally vanish. How foolish can we be?
The only thing that will bring these walls down (and any others that man has built) is the transforming power of Jesus Christ in the lives of people inside and outside the walls. Humanity in distress needs hope^ — the blessed hope of the Gospel. We can't keep it from them. And besides, we don't have any choice: to take this hope to them is the commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ. □
Medical Ministry in India
by Rev. K. Pransanth Kumar
IN INDIA there is a dire need for medical assistance and care. Many people living in vil- lages lack the basic necessities of life such as health care and nutrition. For this reason Reverend and Mrs. Prasanth Kumar felt the immediate need to attend the poor and sick peo- ple and to enlighten them about the Master Healer, Jesus Christ, who has the power to heal.
In 1971 Rev. and Mrs. Prasanth Kumar gave first aid training to Mr. Christian Das, preacher for the Brethren Mission, and entrusted him with the free village dispensary in the agency village of B. Velamalakota. Many sick people were able to get first aid treatment and medi- cines for their simple diseases.
Finding considerable need for medical atten- tion and care in other villages, the missionaries started two more medical centers. One of these was in Madhurapudi, where they appointed Pastor Daniel, who had a good knowledge of
Ayurvedic medicine (Indian herbal medicine), to serve. He proved to be very useful working among the sick and poor people of that village. When Mr. Daniel became too old for the work, Pastor S. Chantibabu, who was trained in the same type of medicine, was appointed to take his place. In Bobber Lanka, an island village, a similar type of dispensary is being operated for the poor people.
Some of the other pastors have also been trained to give first aid and medicines for simple diseases. They are helping the sick in other villages. Thus the villagers are receiving medical service.
On September 16, 1972, the Brethren Health Center was inaugurated in Rajahmundry. A qualified physician was appointed for part-time service with the assistance of a leading physician of Rajahmundry, who serves as the honorary medical superintendent of the Brethren Health
March 1979
15
Center. This center was started to serve the poor, needy, sick people without regard for their caste or religion in order to relieve them of their chronic, neglected diseases. Because of the large number of women who came for medical aid, the missionaries appointed a qualified lady medical officer to serve part time (twice a week).
In 1973 the Brethren Health Center became known as the Brethren Mission Hospital. This change was made to fit into the pattern of Indian medical establishments. At that time there was one full-time residential medical officer, a part-time woman doctor, and a full- time evangelist, with minimum staff assistance. Although it is called a hospital, for all practical purposes it is actually an out-patient clinic, with two beds for emergency use.
The mobile clinic in service, bringing medicine and the Gospel to a remote village in India.
The hospital is opened each day with prayer and meditation and is closed each day in like manner. Each patient is given a Gospel tract along with the registration card, and the pa- tients are encouraged to believe in the Lord and in His power to heal their bodies. When the people are healed, they are drawn to the Lord Jesus and join the worship services of the Brethren Church with thankful hearts.
The woman doctor attends the children's needs and also gives prenatal and postnatal care to the women. By the abundant grace of God, she is able to heal a great number of women and children of chronic and neglected diseases. Surgical and hospitalized cases are cared for by the medical superintendent.
Another highlight of the medical ministry of the Brethren Church in India is the mobile clinic. This clinic enables the mission to extend its services to those previously neglected. Occa- sionally the missionaries make a trip to the interior villages with the doctor, the staff, and a load of medicines. The day's stay provides time to preach the Gospel in these remote vil- lages. Thus the mobile clinic has paved the way for sharing the Word of God in areas we might not otherwise get into.
The devastating cyclone of November 1977 laid ruin to many villages. Many people were injured and disease spread. The major role of the Breth- ren Mission at that time was to expand its med-
"When the people are healed, they are drawn to the Lord Jesus and join the worship services of the Brethren Church with thankful hearts."
ical services. This was made possible through the financial assistance provided by the World Relief Commission. The missionaries and the mobile clinic visited the cyclone affected areas many times. They gave out preventive medicines, multi-vitamins, milk food, B-complex tablets, and glucose packets, as well as fulfilling other needs. Prasanth and Nirmala were also able to give spiritual assistance at this time when it was vitally necessary to get body and soul together.
Every year thousands oi people are served through the mobile clinic, the village dispen- saries, and the Brethren Mission Hospital in Rajahmundry. A wide variety of illnesses are treated, ranging from the common cold to tuberculosis and hepatitis, and including various tropical diseases. Since its opening in September of 1972 to the end of December 1978, the Brethren Mission Hospital has treated a total of 93,775 patients. A total of 28,598 patients were treated in 1978 alone!
Reverend and Mrs. K. Vijaya Kumar are also deeply involved in a medical ministry. They are conducting this ministry in the Visakhapatnam area. In September of 1976 a free clinic was opened there in which Sujata renders free med- ical service. A maternity center with two beds was added in 1977. Dr. Sujata delivers babies and provides prenatal and postnatal care. Polio vaccine and triple-antigen are given to the babies.
Rev. and Mrs. Vijay Kumar also go into the villages with the mobile clinic and assist the ill and those suffering with malnutrition. This is a dual outreach ministry since both medicine and the Gospel are shared with patients in Visakhapatnam and the remote villages.
The Brethren Mission plans to significantly extend its services to the medical needs of chil- dren in India during this International Year of the Child. There are 92 million children in India v/ho live below the poverty standard. They exist under conditions difficult for survival, thus accounting for 49 percent of the total annual deaths in India.
Children make up 42 percent of India's popu- lation. This means that there are 230,245,000 Indian children — more than the total population of the United States! Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." We pray that the Lord will give us all the means to show love and concern to children in India.
The missionaries serving Brethren Missions in India are thankful for the assistance the Brethren in the States give to our medical ministry. Q
16
The Brethren Evangelist
World Missions
Colombian Brethren Church Inventory
by Rev. Kenneth L. Solonnon
History
OUR REQUEST before leaving the United States in November of 1973 was that of the Apostle Paul found in Colossians 4:2-3: "Continue in prayer, and wateh in the same with thanksgiv- ing; withal praying also for us, tliat God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ. . . ."
Now that we have completed five years of missionary effort here in Medellin, Colombia, we can gratefully report that God has opened many doors of opportunity and that He has also provided the necessary Colombian leadership to aid us in taking advantage of these "open doors."
To date, in the area of leadership, we have two missionary couples (the Solomons and the Logans), one ordained elder, and two deacons and a deaconess active as lay evangelists.
As to results, the Lord has added to the church 151 members in these past five years and has made possible the organization of two Brethren congregations. These are located on opposite sides of this large, modern city of more than one and one-half million inhabitants. The pres- ent activities of these two congregations include an average of 40 weekly Bible studies held in 30 different homes located in four different cities in this long valley called the "Aburra."
The Present
The present ministry is principally involved in two major areas: personal evangelism and church planting.
In the area of personal evangelism, our only ordained Latin elder. Reverend Luis Chacaiza of Eicuador, is our most experienced and our only full-time evangelist. The Holy Spirit has opened doors of opportunity to him in the cities of Itagui, Envigado, Medellin, and Girardota.
Rev. Chacaiza is a firm believer in the promise of God's Word as stated in H Corinthians 9:6: "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." And he believes Isaiah 55:11, where God promises: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall
Kenneth L. Solomon is a Brethren missionary serving in Medellin, Colombia.
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Kev. Luis Chaciaza (at back in white shirt and tie), an ordained pastor from Ecuador, is shown with a group of Quechua Indians prepared for baptism.
not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Tlierefore Rev. Chacaiza is a great "sower" of the Gospel "seed." He sows the seed through literature dis- tribution as well as through verbal testimony and personal sharing of the Word.
But this is not all. He has also been blessed of the Lord in the area of church planting in the nine months he has worked with our mission. He has been instrumental in beginning a new congregation among the Ecuadorian Quechua Indians who live and carry on business in Medellin. To date, eight adult members have been baptized. These new Christians are already being trained in stewardship to share their tithes and offerings to help support the national church's united evangelistic effort.
Deacon and acting pastor of the Campo Valdes congregation, Dario Tobon, a 33-year-old father of two boys, is also very gifted in personal evan- gelism. He is now serving in his own "Jeru- salem"— among his boyhood friends in the com- munity where he grew up. For some years, now, he has been successfully involved in this, his favorite ministry.
But Dario has also shown himself capable of pastoring a local congregation. Under his lead- ership this congregation has grown from an
March 1979
17
Rev. Kenneth Solomon (left) prays for Dario Tobon upon Dario' s ordination as a deacon in 1976. :
attendance of 70 to a Sunday morning attendance of 90. He has also succeeded in beginning 11 home Bible studies. These meet each week in different homes and are taught either by Dario or by one of his lay helpers. Many fine young couples have been won to the Lord and are being trained for leadership by the example and teaching of this lay evangelist.
Even though Dario has very little academic training, he has been gifted of God for the min- istry to which God has called him. We have endeavored to provide him with additional train- ing during the past four years without taking him from his weekly ministry of soul-winning and pastoring.
In the first National Conference of the Colom- bian Brethren Church held in August 1978, the Brethren revealed their support for Dario by electing him for a third term on the National Directing Commission. This commission then named him president of the national church.
Deacon Jaime Gonzales, a 25-year-old univer- sity student and father of two girls, has been a part-time lay worker for the mission for the past three years. God has given him organiza- tional gifts and gifts for teaching believers. Therefore he has been quite helpful to the church. His gifts are especially important in the Colombian church, for the church is still in its infancy and most of the members had no knowl- edge of the Word of God before their conversion.
In evangelism, Jaime has teamed up with Mark Logan in showing Gospel films in private schools, businesses, and clubs. He also gives a bold testimony to his professors and fellow students at the university. He is presently in- volved as moderator and teacher in the Campo Valdes congregation and was also re-elected to serve his third term on the National Directing Commission.
In the area of literature evangelism and Bible course by correspondence. Deacon Jaime has been given the full responsibility as "promotional director" of the monthly Christian periodical La Voz. He is responsible for answering all the students and for sending them correspondence Bible lessons geared to their age and academic background.
Mrs. Etelvina Gonzales, widow of a former lay pastor of the Colombian Brethren Church, is a very valuable asset to the Campo Valdes congregation as deaconess and teacher. The Lord is also using her as a personal evangelist to children, youth, and adult women. She has also made, and is continuing to make, a valuable contribution as a member of the National Direct- ing Commission and the National Women's Mis- sionary Society. She is now a member of the newly formed "Elders Commission" that will have as its principal responsibility overseeing all that pertains to the spiritual state of the churches and their missionary outreach.
Jeannette, my wife, has been led of the Lord to enter another open door of service in addition to being a housewife, mother, and missionary helpmate. She has returned to the classroom as fourth and fifth grade teacher in the school for missionary children. God has given her improved health, thus making this added daily responsi- bility possible. She testifies that it is quite re- warding to be once again in this ministry for which she was prepared by five years of training at Ashland College and by several years of teaching experience in the Ashland city schools.
As for my own responsibilities, I continue to concentrate in the areas of leadership training, personal evangelism, and church planting organization.
v^onciusion
God answered that prayer of 1973 to "open doors." He has given a steady growth to this infant church of 150%, 300%, 50%, 32%, and Z2% in the years from 1974-1978. Therefore we look forward with faith and optimism, believing that He will continue blessing His church until He comes.
Thank you, Brethren, for your part in making it possible to respond to these "OPEN DOORS" of opportunity and ministry here in Medellin, Colombia. D
Are Missionaries Still Needed Today?
continued from page 13
Christian is needed for this task, and there is a place for everyone in the work.
Hear the Word of the Lord: "There is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' "
This, then, is our missionary task. We must keep pressing on with sharing the Gospel, making disciples of all the nations. And this work must continue unabated until the Lord Jesus Christ comes again. Q
18
The Brethren Evangelist
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
Does the Brethren Church have a future? I have heard that question asked many times in the past few months. In view of our statistical trends, the ques- tion is a valid one.
Yet, I find that this question disturbs me very much. The Brethren Church is part of an even greater body — the Body of Christ. It is in my understanding of the true meaning of the church that I have difficulty with the above question.
The church does have a future, and the Brethren Church has a future because we are of Christ. Whether or not we fulfill the plan ordained of God (which is to win people to Christ) is going to depend on how we utilize our facilities toward that purpose.
For some reason unknown to us, God has given us the choice of serving Him fully or of refusing to serve Him. It is here that a new question begins to form in my mind. Am I (are you) going to take the life that God has given me and use it to His glory, or am I (are you) going to use my life for my own personal convenience.
Our time is too precious, our egos are too great, our possessions are too im- portant for us to sacrifice them for the sake of the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ. We should be ashamed! Do you remember the rich young man who walked sorrowfully away from Jesus because he had many possessions?
Let's take a serious look at our reasons for not growing. Let's purge ourselves of the jealousies that are causing divisions. Let's learn to love and trust one another. Let's make a special effort to accelerate our spiritual growth. Let's become so con- cerned about the unsaved around us that we are driven with a compulsion to lead them to Christ.
God has a future for us! But we are afraid to open our eyes to see what it is for fear He may be asking us to person- ally get involved. How about it?
Doran Hlostetler named Citizen ©f the Year.
Lost Creek, Ky. — Doran Hostetler, administrator of Riverside Christian Training School at Lost Creek, was named Breathitt County Citizen of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Jackson, Ky. The announcement was made at the Kiwanis Club's awards dinner in October of last year.
In addition to his responsibilities as adminis- trator, Mr. Hostetler is also a teacher and coach at Riverside School. He and his wife Nancy have served at the school since 1959.
When it was announced that he had been select- ed Citizen of the Year, Hostetler received a stand- ing ovation from those in attendance at the awards dinner.
Former Brethren missionary Marguerite Kraft authors book
Dr. Marguerite Kraft, former Brethren mission- ary to Nigeria, has authored a book entitled Worldview and the Communication of the Gospel, and subtitled A Nig^erian case study (William Carey Library, 1978, 220 pp., $7.95 paperback).
The book is a case study of the communication of the Gospel to the Kamwe (Higi) people of northeastern Nigeria. It shows three decades of church growth among the Kamwe, including 2,600 baptisms during 1977.
The book illustrates how much missiology can learn from anthropology and vice versa. It deals v/ith such questions as: How does the hearer's perception affect his understanding of the Gospel? How can Christian strategy be effectively related to the hearer's value system? Are there untapped resources for more effective communication of the Gospel? How does worldview relate to pre- senting the Gospel, training leaders, nurturing Christians, and explaining the Scriptures?
Mrs. Kraft first came into contact with the Kamwe (Higi) people when she and her husband Charles served as Brethren missionaries in Ni- geria from 1957 to 1960. The Krafts worked among the Kamwe people. Mrs. Kraft has visited Nigeria several times since 1960, and in 1974 she spent time among the Kamwe people doing field research for this book, Mrs. Kraft also spent many hours in interviews and discussions with John Guli in preparing this case study. John Guli is one of the Kamwe people.
Mrs. Kraft is presently serving as Associate Professor of Anthropology and Linguistics at Biola College in California.
March 1979
19
update
Nappanee has "Stewart Roast"
Nappanee, Ind. — Rev. Clarence Stewart celebrated his 94th birthday on Valentine's Day, 1979. In recognition of Rev. Stewart's birthday, the First Brethren Church of Nappanee held a "Stewart Roast."
The celebration was a total surprise to Stewart, who was given the "hot seat" of honor at the affair. Rev. Alvin Shifilett, pastor of Nappanee First Brethren, led in the "roast."
As a part of the celebration, Stewart was given a calendar of 28 pre-arranged meal engagements with Brethren people. Stewart, who believes he has eaten more Brethren meals than anyone else his age, is apparently going to eat a few more!
Following the "roast" the ladies of the Nappanee church served birthday cake and homemade ice cream.
Rev. Stewart, who began his ministry in the days of the horse and buggy and pot-bellied stoves, is now Pastor Emeritus of both the Sarasota First Brethren Church and the Nappanee First Breth- ren Church. He is still quite active in the church, never missing a Sunday morning or evening service.
He is loved by all in the Nappanee community, where his favorite pastime is spinning yarns or telling jokes. After 94 years, he has bushels of them.
According to Pastor Shifflett, at the end of the "roast" Rev. Stewart was heard to comment, "I feel well done!"
ABCT Training Senninars now underway
Ashland, Ohio — The Board of Christian Education reports that another successful series of ABCT Training Seminars is now underway. The 1979 schedule includes:
Delaware, Ohio March 10
Jefferson (Goshen), Indiana March 17 North Manchester, Indiana March 31
Maurertown, Virginia April 7
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania April 21
Lanark, Illinois April 28
If there is still time to attend a seminar session near you, ask your pastor for a promotional bro- chure or contact the BCE office (524 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805, 419-289-2748). Pre- registration with the BCE office before the sem- inar date is advisable, but registrations will be accepted at the door the day of the session.
ABCT Seminars are excellent learning oppor- tunities for people in all areas of Christian educa- tion ministry.
Even though he is 94 years old, Rev. Clarence Stewart is still popular with the children. There's no generation gap here.
* ^*t» »
Ashland College announces cost* increase
Ashland, Ohio — Ashland College President Arthur L. Schultz has announced an 8.4 percent increase in tuition and room and board for the 1979-80 academic year.
Yearly tuition will increase from $3,490 to $3,782 and room and board from $1,500 to $1,630. A semester at Ashland College will cost $2,706 as compared to $2,495 this year. The president said that the higher cost is due to inflation and to increased services.
In spite of the increase, AC's costs continue to rank below the median cost of private, independ- ent colleges in Ohio. Many other state and private institutions have also announced tuition and fees hikes.
Dr. Schultz said that the college is most con- cerned about the rising costs, and pointed out that the board of trustees has urged that a feasibility study be made prior to planning a capital fund campaign for the 1980's.
"We must meet the challenge of rising costs through student recruitment and fund-raiising," said the president. "All private colleges are facing the same problems."
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Ohio District to consider "Who Cares?"
Ashland, Ohio — "Who Cares? Brethren Do!" will be the theme of the Ohio District Conference meeting on March 24th. The meeting will be held at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Delaware, Ohio, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bible study and business will make up most of the day's program, with time also allotted for meetings by conference auxiliaries.
Dr. Charles Munson and Rev. Leroy Solomon will be leading the Bible study, which will focus on Romans 12:9-21. The study will be divided into two parts: "Responsibility for Caring," from Ro- mans 12:9-10; and "Possibilities for Caring," from Romans 12:11-21. All those planning to attend the conference are asked to study the Scripture passage and come prepared. Worksheets will be passed out and used during the Bible study.
The conference meeting on March 24th will be
Churches to advocate U.S. aid reform study
New York, N.Y. — U.S. aid programs which provide aid to developing nations are riddled with conflict- ing aims which often result in increased depend- ency rather than self-reliance, according to Arthur Simon, Executive Director of Bread for the World. "The long, hard way out of hunger and poverty is self-reliant development," Simon maintains.
In order to focus attention on the need for re- form in U.S. food and development assistance programs. Bread for the World (a Christian citizen's movement on hunger), in cooperation with the churches, is initiating and coordinating a network of public events to be held across the nation in April.
The theme for the events will be "Hunger and Self -Reliance: The Role of Aid." The aim is to enlist new public policy advocates for the hungry who will work to bring about changes in foreign aid legislation more oriented toward self-reliant development of poor countries and their peoples.
"Christian citizens have demonstrated that, working together, they can have a significant impact on shaping legislation that benefits hungry people at home and abroad," says Simon. "Though other policy initiatives can be more important in the long run, aid will continue to be one of the main ways the United States responds to hunger and poverty abroad, and it can and should be made more productive and more focused on encouraging self-reliance in the poor countries. It is crucial that concerned citizens work to help bring that about."
Part I of a two part emphasis on the theme "Who Cares? Brethren Do!" The District Conference "Harvest Festival" planned for September 15 will be Part II of the emphasis on this theme.
The particular thrust of the September meeting will be on "What happened with 'who cares?' " Delegates will be asked to give proof that Breth- ren care by sharing what has happened since the spring meeting. They will be reporting on "Responsibility Assumed" and "Possibilities Fuliilled."
Bible study, music, singing groups, praise, and celebration are also planned for the fall program.
Life story of C. S« Lewis filmed
The life story of C. S. Lewis has been made into a full-length motion picture. This "documemory" of Lewis, entitled "Through Joy and Beyond," was filmed by Lord & King Associates, Inc., of Chicago.
C. S. Lewis is one of the Christian world's best- known authors and champions of the faith. His wide fame rest on his books, which have sold over 50 million copies. They include: The Screwtape Letters, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, The Great Divorce, Mere Christianity, Till We Have Faces, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Space Trilogy, and many more.
"Through Joy and Beyond" was produced and directed by Bob O'Donnell of Lord & King Asso- ciates, Inc. It was filmed entirely on location in Great Britain and Ireland. Lewis's childhood home, located on the outskirts of Belfast, was filmed, as well as other important locations which illustrate Lewis's early years in Ireland and England.
Rev. Walter Hooper, private secretary and friend of the late Lewis, wrote the script and is the narrator of the film. Featured as the "voice" of Lewis is Peter Ustinov, the renowned British playwright, orator, actor, director, and TV star.
Premiere showings of "Through Joy and Be- yond" began in the U.S. on February 27 and will continue throughout March and early April. Be- ginning in April the film will be available for rental through Gospel Films, Inc.
Lord & King Associates and the trustees of the Lewis estate also plan to produce several other major motion pictures based on the works of C. S. Lewis — in particular, The Great Divorce and eventually a film version of The Screwtape Letters.
March 1979
21
update
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Rev. Keith Bennett, pastor of the new Brandon Brethren Church, Brandon, Fla., was a participant in the Evangelism Explo- sion III International Leadership Clinic, held February 2-7, 1979, at the Coral Ridge Presby- terian Church in Fort Lauderdale. The Brandon Brethren Church, of which Bennett is pastor, is one of the two Operation Impact churches being started in Florida.
Bennett was one of a total of 150 ministers, wives, and lay people who attended the clinic and investigated this ministry of evangelism, disciple- ship, and church nurture.
The clinic was led by Dr. D. James Kennedy, Senior Minister at the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and founder and president of Evangelism Explosion III International (EE III). Kennedy was assisted by Rev. Archie B. Parrish, executive director of EE III.
The Evangelism Explosion ministry has made Coral Ridge one of the fastest growing Presby- terian Churches in the United States for several years. The church has grown from 17 members to more than four thousand.
It was this phenomenal growth at Coral Ridge
Rev.
Keith Bennett
which led to the founding of EE III, the focus of which is to help pastors disciple and train lay people to effectively share their faith.
Bezaleel! Ahollab! Are you there?
When God gave Moses the blueprint for the Tabernacle, He told Moses that He had endowed two men with special skills. These men would use these skills in constructing some of the intri- cate artwork for the Tabernacle.
Bezaleel was given unusual ability to work in gold, silver, and brass. Aholiab was granted skill to work with wood. (Exodus 31:1-11.) Thus God assured that the workmanship on the Tabernacle would be of the kind worthy of such a special project.
There are "Bezaleels" and "Aholiabs" among the members of the Brethren Church — people who have specialized skills in the building trades. If you are such a person, you might not think of yourself as a missionary. But you can share in an important missionary ministry.
The Brethren Church has a number of mission- ary properties which are under the supervisory care of the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church. Some of these properties are located in Ashland, Ohio, and in Krypton and Lost Creek, Kentucky. These properties urgently require some repairs and alterations.
Someone is needed who can install a conversion burner and controls in the present coal furnace which heats the church building at Krypton (where Margaret Lowery is ministering). The church is also badly in need of scraping and paint- ing. Windows should be glazed and some of the masonry around the windows needs repaired.
In the mission cottage some replumbing is re- quired. A new electrical service box is awaiting installation. There is need for new floor covering, some wall paneling, and painting. The missionary home in Ashland also requires some painting and repairs.
If you have been given skills in any of these areas and would be willing to lend in missionary service to your church, the Missionary Board would like to hear from you. Maybe you could even organize a work project with some of the men and women in your church.
If you can help, please write or phone Rev. Charles Lowmaster, Special Ministries Commis- sion Chairman, Missionary Board of the Brethren Church, 2851 Ravenna Ave. N.E., Louisville, Ohio 44641 (phone 1-216-875-2723).
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
New Call to Peacemaking Statement of the Findings Committee
The following is the final section of a Statement adopted at the New Call to Peacemaking conference held October 5-8, 1978, at Green Lake, Wisconsin. Rev. Doc Shank, Peace Coordinator of the Brethren Church, attended this conference.
The first section of this Statement appeared on pages 10 and 11 of the January 1979 Evangelist, and the second part on pages 24 and 25 of the February issue.
The printing of this Statement does not mean that either the Peace Coordinator or the Brethren Publishing Company endorses it in its entirety.
IV. Witness to Peace
We have affirmed that the sustaining base for peace witness is the local Christian community committed to Christ's way of peace and justice. Such a base will provide the initiative and support ±or confronting the oppression of militarism and creating alternatives to a society plagued with violence. In addition to the actions already noted, we urge the following as examples of action needed to cooperate to strengthen that base, to witness to other Christians and all our fellow citizens, and to speak truth to governmental authorities.
A. Contiiniatlofi of the New Call to Peaceinaklng:
We urge the continuation of the New Call to Peacemaking as a means for Friends, Brethren, and Mennonites to extend and consolidate the momentum of the two year effort culminating in this conference and to incorporate this new vitality into the ongoing structures of our churches. We suggest the Steering Committee continue as a coordinating body with staff provided by constit- uent groups and with whatever organization is needed to further local, regional, and national Interests. Activities may include periodic confer- ences, facilitating the publication of New Call materials, promotion and coordination of peace caravans, and the establishment of a peace Institute. We recommend the establishment of a peacemaking fund to provide support for these efforts.
B. Sharing the New Call
We urge new efforts to share with Christians of all denominations and ecumenical bodies the biblical and theological interpretations and chal- lenges to action which have emerged in this conference.
C. Delegation to President Carter
We urge the leadership of the Friends, Men- nonites, and Brethren to send a delegation to meet with President Carter as soon as possible. In connection with the Camp David peace initiative, the President has quoted peace scriptures from the Old and New Testaments. This week he indi- cated that nonviolence is at the heart of his con- cept of Christianity.
The purpose of the delegation will be to:
1. Commend and support the President in his concern for peace and human rights.
2. Dialogue with President Carter as a fellow Christian about the implications of the Christian faith for issues of peace and justice.
3. Lay before the President our concerns about military spending, nuclear weapons, arms sales, and related matters.
D. Southern Africa
Apartheid is sin; the injustice and violence it creates are contrary to the will of God. We urge a joint committee of Friends, Mennonites, and Brethren to coordinate and extend their efforts to promote justice and reconciliation in Southern Africa. We ask them to consider implementation of the careful proposals from the Southern Africa interest group meeting at this conference and from the New Call to Peacemaking Task Force on "Building the Institutions of Peace."
E. World Friendship Center
We encourage continued support for the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima, Japan, by the constituent groups of the New Call to Peacemaking. [^
WRC launches resettlement operation
for Southeast Asian refugees
Wheaton, III. — In response to the buildup of a quarter of a million refugees in Southeast Asia, World Relief Corporation has launched a massive refugee resettlement operation in cooperation with WRC's parent organization, the National Association of Evangelicals.
Churches, families, businesses, or individuals are being sought to sponsor resettlement of refugee families from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Forty sponsors a month will be needed.
Those interested in considering sponsorship may secure details from World Relief Refugee Ser- vices, Box WRC, Nyack, N.Y. 10960 (phone 914- 353-0640).
March 1979
23
update
Mother of Jenny Loi in accident
Ashland, Ohio — The sad news has come from Rev. David Loi that Jenny's mother was killed November 18 at Sibu, East Malaysia. She was knocked down by an oncoming auto while riding her bicycle home from the city.
The Lois returned to Sibu, their former home on the island of Borneo, for the funeral. Our sympathies are extended to our missionaries to the Chinese in Malaysia.
— Rev. M. Virgil Ingraham
In Memory
Williain Y. Pottenger, 85, February 14. Member of the North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Woodrow Immel, pastor. Ira Cox, 86, January 22. Member of the North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Rev. Bert Hodge.
Aubrey R. Black, 80, November 16. Charter mem- ber of the Firestone Park Brethren Church, Akron, Ohio, and charter member of the Bradenton, Fla., Brethren Church. Services by Rev. W. E. Thomas.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
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Address Correction
Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
Goldenaires
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Kingery, 62nd, March 16. Mem- bers of the First Brethren Church, Flora, Ind. Bryon & Margaret Nixon, 55th, February 16. Members of the Brethren Church, Oakville, Ind. Frances & Cletus Ulbricht, 50th, February 16. Members of the First Brethren Church of South Bend, Ind.
Mina & Lucian Green, 51st, February 12. Mem- bers of the First Brethren Church of South Bend, Ind.
Catherine & William Yoder, 54th February 5. Members of the First Brethren Church of South Bend, Ind. __
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Douglass, 54th, January 25. Mrs. Douglass a member of the First Brethren Church, Flora, Ind. Mr. Douglass a member of the Church of the Brethren.
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Warren, iSr., 60th, January 18. Members of the First Brethren Church, North Manchester, Ind. , .. , i
Ethel & Virgil Demike, 56th, January 16. Mem- bers of the First Brethren Church of South Bend, Ind.
Mervin & Gladys Hinseh, 56th, January 16. Mem- bers of the First Brethren Church of South Bend, Ind.
Bert & Anna Nordblad, 58th, January 15. Mem- bers of the First Brethren Church of South Bend, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Harry A. Leidy, 56th, January 3. Mem- bers of the Brethren Church, Vinco, Pa.
Mr. & Mrs. Garl Wiley, 50th, December 25. Mem- bers of the First Brethren Church, North Man- chester, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Roy Zellers, 63rd, December 24. Mem- bers of the First Brethren Church, North Man- chester, Ind.
Weddings
Lisa D. Cummings to Leslie L. Shrock, February 3, at the Bradenton, Fla., Brethren Church; Russell C. Gordon, pastor, officiating. Groom member of the Bradenton Brethren Church.
Bible ownership and Bible reading are at high levels in the United States according to an exten- sive survey released recently by the Christian Bible Society. More than a third of the families in the study indicated Bible reading to be a part of their life patterns, and nearly a fourth of all church members are involved in some kind of group Bible study.
— Ronn Kerr associates release
24
The Brethren Evangelist
Christian Response to Hunnan Need
A Quiet Revolution by John Perkins (Word Books, 1976, 226 pp., $4.50 paperback).
John Perkins, author of A Quiet Revolution, is founder and director of the Voice of Calvary in Mendenhall and Jackson, Mississippi.
In the preface to this book, Perkins makes two significant statements that explain why the book is subtitled The Christian Response to Human Need ... a Strategy for Today. In the first of these he says:
"The story of the Voice of Calvary Ministries is not the story of one man's personal struggles but of how a group of people have struggled together to know God and make him known, right down to the very basic needs with which they wrestle every day." In the second statement he says:
'T hope that this book will serve as a testi- mony of hope for black people who see the massive problems in their communities and wonder, 'Can anything really be done?'; a testimony of encouragement to white people, that 'yes, you can do something; yes there can be racial reconciliation'; and a testimony of power to all people of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ."
The book contains the following topics: I. The Call (to ministry); II. Evangelism; III. Social
Stories for Children
Ethel Barrett Tells Bible Stories to Children,
Volume 2 by Ethel Barrett (Regal, 1977, 143 pp., $2.95 paperback).
This book of Bible stories by Ethel Barrett is another of her excellently written books. This one is comprised of short stories about the lives of Moses and Jesus.
Perhaps the best feature of the book is its many helps for the parent or teacher. Included are tips on how to read to a child and on how to use each story as a teaching tool for family devotions or story time. Fun-to-do activities are also suggested with each story.
Any person working with children would find Ethel Barrett Tells Bible Stories to Children, Volume 2 an excellent and worthwhile investment.
—Ellen Clough
Mrs. Clough is a mother, homemaker, and wife of the pastor of the Bethlehem Brethren Church, Harrisonburg, Va.
Action; IV. Economic Development; V. Justice; VI. The Church. As Perkins works through these topics, he successfully applies the power of Christ to the whole of man's needs.
This book is a well-written biblical challenge to the church to deal with every aspect of human need. It should be read by at least every pastor in the Brethren Church, and by the leaders of each local church as well.
There is a lot in the book. It is probably necessary to read it at least twice with an open mind to begin to get its full benefit. But if the reader will do this, his concept of the min- istry of the Body of Christ will surely be expanded and enriched.
—Robert B. Clough
Rev. Clough is pastor of the Bethlehem Brethren Church, Harrisonburg, Va.
Facing Grief
But For Our Grief by June Filkin Taylor (Holman, 1977, 126 pp., $3.95 paperback).
Most people have to face grief sometime in their lives. This well-written book will surely help anyone who is going through the grief of the death of a loved one. It will also benefit someone who just wants to understand the feelings of grief.
Mrs. Taylor writes from her own experience of losing her daughter. She presents some advice that helps the reader get through this trying time. While there aren't any easy answers, Mrs. Taylor does reveal that the experience of grief can bring stronger faith and belief in Jesus Christ.
Reading this book and looking back on my own experience, I realized that grief is not always expressed in the same ways. But the goal is al- ways the same — accepting death and living on.
— Val Rowsey
Val Rowsey is a junior at Ashland High School, Ashland, Ohio. Val lost her mother in 1975.
Nearly 12 million copies of Scripture have been openly and legally circulated in Eastern Europe since the end of World War II. This figure in- cludes 339,000 copies in the Soviet Union and over four million copies in Poland. This accomplish- ment is almost entirely due to the efforts of the United Bible Societies.
— American Bible Society News
March 1979
25
Likes the Evangelist
I have been a subscriber of the Evangelist for many, many years. Can't imagine a Brethren being without it. I like everything about it. Especially news from other churches. Wish there was more of this. I also realize you can't print it if it is not sent in.
Keep up the good work. I don't always get it all read but I really like and enjoy it.
— ^Mrs. Clarence Coleman Mulvane, Kans.
January issue
To all that had anything to do with the writing, editing, publishing, etc., of our most recent Evangelist (Jan. '79), may I express my thanks for the best Evangelist in many years. I again read it through from front to back, the first time I have done that in several years.
The articles were real good, especially the one by Smith Rose and the one by Win Arn and the short one by Jane E. Hendricks. Keep up the good work.
— Wilbur L. Thomas Plymouth, Ind.
The "New Call to Peacennaking"
I would like to direct some comments to you concerning the Peacemaking article appearing on page 10 of the January issue.
I am aware of the historical stand of the Brethren Church as it pertains to refusing to fight in the Revolutionary war, and its "principled resistance to military service." I was not aware that we were part of an organization "to aid young men and women caught in the conscription network."
I am unable to reconcile this stand with the biblical command of I Peter 2:13 and Romans 13:1
and Titus 3:1. In addition I find it hard to con- ceive of an organization which desires and takes advantage of the laws, particularly the guaranteed freedom of religion, as well as the tax laws, but is unwilling to support, and organizes against, the very government which guarantees them the right to be.
The notion that mankind will bring peace seems to contradict the teaching of Scripture, i.e., Matthew 24:6-7. And what of that final war when Christ Himself will wage war (Rev. 19:11), along with the armies of heaven (Rev. 19:14)? The idea that man is able to bring about a better world by refusing to fight against the evil for right seems to be twisted logic.
Please don't misunderstand. I am not saying we should wage war just because we cannot bring peace. I believe and support the notion that we should be striving for peace. But in the event that those efforts fail and we are faced with a choice of "Red or Dead," I for one will fight to ths death for the right not to be enslaved, for the right to worship God, for the right to be what God desires me to be, and for the right to pass on to my fam- ily what has been given to me.
I have no quarrel with those who see differently than I. That is a God-given right which I will not violate. But, please, do not violate my right to my opinion by imposing upon me the need to see it as others do. We do a great disservice to Chris- tianity when we attempt to impose our beliefs and prohibitions upon others.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
— David Scheurer Louisville, Ohio
(The Brethren Church is not a MEMBER of the New Call to Peacemaking Coalition. Member groups are the Friends, the Mennonites, and the Church of the Brethren.
Rev. Doc Shank, Peace Coordinator of the Breth- ren Church, was invited to attend the conference and went as an observer.
Rev. Shank reports that even within the member groups there were some representatives who voiced strong opposition to certain points in the Peace- making Statement. — Ed.)
26
The Brethren Evangelist
^BK-^j
More on the "New Call"
I am writing in response to the article in the January issue of the Brethren Evangelist con- cerning "New Call to Peacemaking." I am glad that you have asked for comments on it. I would like to comment also on an article in the Septem- ber issue of the Evanglist concerning one of the speakers at National Conference, Dr. Ronald Sider, and his addresses to the Conference.
I read the September article and was very upset by it — that the Brethren Church would invite a speaker with the views he projects. This ties in with the "New Call to Peacemaking" statement. I clipped a newspaper report on the conference, where this statement was drawn up, at the time it was being held.
Quoting from the report on the conference, written by David E. Anderson, UPI religion writer: "The 400,000 members of the nations historic peace churches — Mennonites, Friends (Quakers) and Brethren— have been challenged to renew their peace witness with radical acts, in- cluding civil disobedience and tax resistance."
Ronald J. Sider was one of the principal speakers at the "Peace" conference. I do not agree with anything he advocates. They (the "Peace" conference) are pushing for a cause, and
we, as a church, are commissioned to preach Christ, and Him crucified.
I believe it is high time we. The Brethren Church, withdraw our association with those who would follow this cause, and pursue peace as God's Word dictates. You will find that the Church of the Brethren has been so taken up with social action and political affairs that they are forsaking scriptural truth, and I'm sure that is the last thing we want to do.
The world is in turmoil, but it needs Christ, not social action. The poor, especially in the U.S., have been made an elite group. Everything is geared in their direction, to the point that they are being exploited for someone else's gain.
Jesus said, "For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always" (Matt. 26:11). Isn't it about time we look at spiritual values (the unseen) instead of the material (the seen) in men's lives?
Let us put our time, energy, and money to work in giving the world something money can't buy, nor can anyone take it away, which is the Gospel which offers man peace with God and salvation from sin through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
My prayer is that the Brethren Church, from the smallest church to the national leadership level, will rededicate itself to getting out the Gos- pel message, at any cost, while it is still day. In John 9:4 Jesus said: "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work." Surely we can see that night is fast approaching.
Romans 13:11: "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."
I am very interested in hearing other comments on this "New Call to Peacemaking" issue. Per- sonally, I do not wish to be associated with, or contribute anything whatsoever, directly or in- directly, to the "New Call," and I would like to see the Brethren Church take a stand, for or against, so we as individual members can know the church's position.
—Mrs. Robert D. Miller Vandalia, Mich.
clip and save
When Writing Your Congressman
If you are called upon to support or oppose a legislative bill in your state capital or a federal bill in Washington, D.C., permit me to suggest a few pointers in communicating with legislative people:
1) Be brief. A one page letter is best.
2) Do not use wording from a form letter. Compose your own thoughts and use your own words.
3) In the top right hand corner of your letter write RE:, then the number of the bill and its title.
4) Briefly state your position on the bill and
logically explain why you urge a vote in a par- ticular way.
5) Be positive — if possible, even complimentary. If you know some good the legislator has done, let it be known that you appreciate his or her service as a law maker.
6) Ask others to write. As my friend Ralph Yarnel says, "If we do not write and get others to write, and the bill fails, it was our fault. If we and others do write and the bill fails, we did all we could. Our God will provide some other way."
From Christian School Comment, published by the Western Association of Christian Schools, Whittier, Calif. 90607. Used by permission.
March 1979
27
Reaching Out With The
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Providing Fund}
To meet the ^i^?00b goal foFWorld Mission 1979 a 20% increase over last year is needed
Needed: Increased local church budgets Faith promise principle applied Sinnplified lifestyle sharing
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Brethren World Relief Giving
Last year (on page 16 of the April Evangelist) I concluded the financial report by saying: "Well, what will 1978 hold? €an we surpass $30,000? Not anyone alone . . . but together! If we do, it will mean FOOD FOR THE BODY AND FOOD FOR THE SOUL for more unfortunate people in de-
pressing need. Let's extend the hand of Christ a little further in 1978."
The graph tells the story! We did respond to Christ's leading and "extended His hand further" than ever before through our giving. Ohupoh offeringrs and individual gifts totalled $31,050 in 1978.
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1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
We had 6 churches giving over $1,000 last year: Ashland (Park Street), Ohio .... $2,267
Maurertown, Virginia $1,825
Goshen, Indiana $1,672
Pleasant Hill, Ohio $1,351
Vinco, Pennsylvania $1,231
New Lebanon, Ohio $1,099
These 9 churches gave between $900 and $500:
Teegarden, Indiana $876
Elkhart, Indiana $769
Bryan, Ohio $740
North Liberty, Indiana $628
Louisville, Ohio $583
St. James, Maryland $541
Mt. Olive, Virginia $535
Bethlehem, Virginia $510
West Alexandria, Ohio $500
Actually, fewer churches gave over $500 last year than in previous years, but those who did, gave quite well. And gifts from individuals rose from $1,805 in 1977 to $2,769 in 1978. The Confer- ence Fasting Banquet remained about the same at $606 profit.
Again we must ask, "What will our response be
in this new year?" Our "track record" is good. But each new year is like a new race . . . and we start all over competing against the material "opponents" that would take our attention and money away from doing the work Christ has called us to — that of helping to provide the basic physical and spiritual necessities for those who have so little of what we take for granted.
God has certainly blessed us, Brethren! Let's continue demonstrating our willingness to be a blessing to others through our support of World Relief.
Phil Lersch (for the Brethren World Relief Board)
Send your Worid Relief offering to:
BRETHREN WORLD RELIEF George Kerlin, Treasurer
1318 E. Douglas Goshen, Indiana 46526
Advertisement
^^^ The Brethren ^ • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist (USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C. Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor: Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805. One year subscription rates: $6.00 for 100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents Change of address: Please notify us at least three weeks in advance, using the form provided in each issue. Authors' views are not necessarily those of the Brethren Church or the Brethren Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad- dressed to the editor. A writer's packet with query tips is available upon written request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited material not accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Second class postage paid at Ashland, Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
Cover
Ashland Park Street Brethren Church is celebrating its 100th anniversary in May. See story on page 6 and announcement on back cover.
Drawing of church by Steve Huber Cover design by Howard Mack
. 101, No. 4
April 1979
4 The Grave in the Garden
An Easter meditation by Dr. Peter Marshall
6 Paric Street Brethren Church
A review of 100 years of praying, serving, and believing at Ashland First Brethren Church.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties 8 A Positive Look at Brethren Potential
Dr. Charles Munson assesses the pov.'cr in the Brethren Church and raises questions about possible weaknesses.
11 Realizing a Vision in Sarver, Pennsylvania
A look at the progress of a new Brethren Church in the Pennsylvania District.
World Relief
12 He Conquers His Mountains
Lillian H. Graffam tells how Dr. Jean-Claude Noel of Haiti has spent his life conquering one obstacle after another.
15 World Relief Resources
Information about books and films to educate us about world need and to motivate us to action.
16 "Jesus Road" in Africa
A report of how Christian love in action has caused many Africans to turn to the ''Jesus Road."
Departmen+s
18 The Salt Shaker
19 Update
26 Books
27 Letters
!•/
April 1979
The Grave in the Garden
>*n
by Peter Marshall
So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
Matthew 27:66
AS [the enemies of Christ] made their way down the hill and back to the city, such thoughts as these ran through their minds :
'*He is finished. We shall hear no more of Him. Now His fishermen can get back to their nets and their boats ... We shall hear no more talk about His kingdom.
As for this Jesus, He is dead enough. There is no doubt about that.
''Even though He had a breath of life left in the bloodless body, it is now being suffocated by the hundredweight of spice with which He was embalmed.
''He, who said He could summon twelve legions of angels to His assistance, died crying that He was forsaken. He will trouble us no more.*'
Thus they left Him on Friday evening — just before the Sabbath began, His dead body hastily embalmed,
wrapped in bandages on which a hundred
pounds of myrrh had been hastily
spread . . .
From MR JONES, MEET THE MASTER: Sermons and Prayers of Peter Marshall. Edited by Catherine Marshall. Copyright 1949, 1950 by Fleming H. Revell Company. Used by permission. Illustrations of the microscope, measuring tape, litmus paper, etc., are credited to Beverley Nichols.
Artwork and photo by Howard Mack
the tomb closed with a huge stone and soldiers standing guard around it.
Then came Sunday morning.
The first rays of the early morning sun cast a great light that caused the dew drops on the flowers to sparkle like diamonds. The atmosphere of the garden was changed ... It was the same garden . . . yet strangely different. The heaviness of despair was gone, and there was a new note in the singing of the birds
Suddenly, at a certain hour between sunset and dawn, in that new tomb which had belonged to Joseph of Arimathea, there was a strange stirring, a fluttering of unseen forces ...
a whirring of angel wings the rustle as of the breath of God moving through the garden.
Strong, immeasurable forces poured life back into the dead body they had laid upon the cold stone slab; and the dead man rose up
came out of the grave clothes walked to the threshold of the tomb, stood swaying for a moment on His wounded feet, and walked out into the moonlit garden.
We can almost hear in our hearts the faint sigh, as the life spirit fluttered back into the tortured body, and smell in our
The Brethren Evangelist
own nostrils the medley of strange scents that floated back to Him
of linen and bandages . . . and spices
and close air and blood.
Then came a group of women as soon as they could, bringing spices and materials with which to complete the hasty anointing of their Lord.
They came with all the materials with which to anoint a dead body, and when they came to the grave in the garden, they found that the stone had been rolled away from the door of it, and the
grave was empty.
* * *
Is it true? Is Christ really risen from the dead?
As that question begins to knock — gently — on your heart's door, you realize that you have gone back through the centuries to when the world was nmeteen hundred years younger, back to the country of the camel, and sandaled footprints in the sands of Palestine . . . back to the time of the Roman eagle flut- tering over bronze breastplates
shining in the Syrian sun back to the days of the Caesars.
And you feel quite funny — almost ridic- ulous— for you have your microscope in your hand your measuring tape your litmus paper
your biology textbook your test tube
and your college diploma.
In the half -shadow in the womb of time your microscope glitters like a diamond. You tape measure gleams like a line of gold. Your litmus paper is a purple ribbon from a royal standard.
IB'
r^rtPT
Your test tube, a silver bugle to sound a note of triumph.
And the noise and confusion of unbelief has died away.
And in the quiet Easter morning you are standing in front of a grave in a garden, and you see a stone in the doorway, but the stone is moving ... is moving!
And before you are aware of it, you will realize suddenly that Someone is standing beside you, and your eyes are fixed on His hand, and you see a mark in the palm of it, like the print of a nail.
And as a great realization dawns over you, you hear His voice: '*Lo, I am with you always, even unto
the end of the world." ''Whosoever believeth in Me, though he
were dead, yet shall he live,
and whosoever liveth and believeth in
me, shall never die . . ." ''Because I live, ye shall live also."
Because we can't stand it any longer — in the secret places of our hearts, we cry out to God for help — and then it comes, the supreme miracle for which we have been seeking.
It is so tremendous a thing that we can't describe it.
It is so delicate a thing that we can't even bring it into view for anybody else to look at.
We can never explain it to anybody else. We only know that it is true.
The Voice has said: "Because I live, ye shall live also."
Our hearts knew all along it must be so. It was what we wanted to hear, and now that we have heard it, we feel that we have solved the mystery of life.
"If a man die, shall he live again?" Yes, because the Resurrection is a fact. Aye, and I, too, shall live, because I know it's true.
We pray to Thee, 0 Christ, to keep us under the spell of immortality.
May we never again think and act as if Thou wert dead. Let us more and more come to knoiu Thee as a living Lord ivho hath promised to them that believe: "Be- cause I live, ye shall live also.''
Help us to remember that ive are pray- ing to the Conquerer of Death, that we may no longer be afraid nor dismayed by the ivorld's problems and threats, since Thou hast overco'me the world.
In Thy strong name, we ask for Thy living presence and Thy victorious power. AMEN.
Peter Marshall
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7
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April 1979
Park Street Brethren Church
100 Years of Praying - Serving - Believing
ASHLAND TIMES, Thursday, May 15, 1879 — The Reverend S. H. Bashor, editor of the Gospel Preacher, preached on the authenticity of the Bible to a large congre- gation in the chapel of the new Brethren College, in South Ashland, on Sabbath morning last. The occasion was an impor- tant one, being the initial service in the netv college, as well as the first Dunkard service ever held in the town. Heretofore, the denomination has conducted its meet- ings entirely in the country, and the begin- ning of a series of meetings in the college marks a new era in the brotherhood. The sermon was an excellent one, and was attentively listened to by the congregation. Hereafter, in order to accommodate the general audience, the services will be held at three o'clock p.m.
The above report is the newspaper account of the first worship service of what later became the First Brethren Church of Ashland, Ohio.
The First Brethren Church of Ashland was formally incorporated in the State of Ohio on October 30, 1917. It is a descendant congregation of the German Baptist Breth- ren Church begun in Schwarzenau, Ger- many, by Alexander Mack in 1708 and the successor of the congregation organized in Ashland by Elder S. Z. Sharp in 1879.
Progress in those early days after 1879 was difficult. In fact, it was necessary to reorganize the congregation in 1883 after several setbacks.
For more than forty years the First Brethren congregation worshiped in the chapel of old Founders Hall on the Ashland College campus. During this period no par- ticular minister was designated as pastor, but those ministers who were members of the congregation preached. Usually they were men serving Ashland College as presi- dent or on the faculty or as the editor of the Brethren Evangelist.
Before the church structure was built,
two other locations were considered — one on Main Street in 1912 and one on West Washington Street in 1919 — but both were abandoned.
The first building committee, of which Joe Stookey is the only member still living, began work in 1924. In March 1925 Brother E. L. Kilhefner purchased a tract of land on Park Street with a frontage of 151 feet and a depth of 210 feet. He offered the lot to the church as a gift, if the congregation would build a house of worship on it. With this gift was an additional offer to match the giving of the congregation dollar for dollar. The members accepted the challenge, drew plans, and agreed to build when total cash gifts reached $20,000.
In September 1925 construction began. The building was completed at a total cost of $65,000. When the church was dedicated on May 23, 1926 (with an indebtedness of $42,000), Dr. Charles A. Bame was pastor. In May 1929 a booklet was printed request- ing members to renew their pledges. But the indebtedness was not completely retired until about 1947.
In November 1946 the congregation voted to assume the responsibility for the
E.L.
Kilhefner
donated the
land on
which the
Park Street
Brethren
Church was
built, and
matched the
giving of the
congregation
for the
church
building
dollar for
dollar.
'S
in.:-'
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vr ^^,^
The Brethren Evangelist
Thos© Vvho H
Eaiiy Preachers (1879—1894)
Isaac Kilhefner A. L Garber William C. Perry J. M. Tombaugh
Part-Time Pastors
1894 — S. J. Harrison 1894 — A. D. Gnagey 1894— J. Allen Miller 1902— Charles F. Yoder 1905— J. L Gillin 191 |_W. D. Furry I9I9_J. A. Garber
ave Served
Full-Time Pastors
1923 — Charles A. Bame 1929— Dyoll Belote l935_Willis E. Ronk l939_Charles F. Yoder I94I_L V. King I946_W. C. Benshoff 1947— H. H. Rowsey 1953 — Clarence Fairbanks I960— Phil Lersch 1967 — George W. Solomon 1973 — Eugene J. Beekley
Garber Brethren Church on Sherman Ave- nue. The Garber Church was chartered and the deed signed over to that congregation in 1959.
In the summer of 1953 the old parsonage just south of the church was torn down and replaced by a spacious brick house, which was dedicated on June 26, 1955. Adjoining properties behind the parsonage and church were purchased in 1958, 1960, and 1975 for parking space.
Plans for a new educational unit were begun as early as 1959 with the appoint- ment of a Sunday School Evaluation Com- mittee. Following complete surveys, recom- mendations, and a fund-raising campaign, ground was broken on September 15, 1963. Construction began immediately, and on March 21, 1965, dedication services were held for the new educational unit and the remodeled church. Dr. Charles L. Anspach was the speaker.
In this centennial year, the congregation averages 220 in worship, with a total mem- bership of 525. Eleven part-time ministers and eleven full-time pastors have led this congregation into many avenues of service during its first century. Members have gone into many professions and occupations. Full-time Christian service has been stressed, and both elders and laymen from this church have carried the name of Christ around the world.
Due to the location of the church, the congregation has been referred to frequent- ly as the Park Street Brethren Church. Emphasizing the *TSB," the verbs — pray- ing, serving, and believing — were inscribed on printed materials and practiced in daily living.
Prayer and study groups are organized for individual spiritual growth. At least one meets each day of the week.
Serving opportunities are countless for individuals and for the corporate body: the Care Line (a 24-hour telephone min- istry), a clothing room, the Wednesday After-School Special (for elementary-age children), sewing for World Relief, the Over-Fifty Club, and three prayer chains provide meaningful opportunities for reach- ing out.
Believing is the reason why we are Brethren. The Word of God and the doc- trines of the church were the foundation of the Ashland congregation 100 years ago. These are the same truths which we carry into the second century of service.
To God be the glory for the great things He has done in and through the First Breth- ren Church of Ashland, Ohio! n
|
1979 |
Church Staff |
|
|
astor |
Eugene J. Beekley |
|
|
Assistant |
Kenneth D. Hunn |
|
|
vioderator |
Char es Bee' ' |
|
|
Church Schoo |
1 S |
upt. |
|
Miin. of Music |
Brad ' |
|
|
Organist |
Mrs. Uorman 1 |
|
|
Office Sec'y. |
Mrs. Howard Mack |
|
|
Custodians |
. Dick Keffer Marvin Shonkwiler |
April 1979
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
A Positive Look at Brethren Potential
Charles Munson assesses the power in the Brethren Church and raises questions about possible weaknesses.
DR. PETER WAGNER said of the Brethren Church, "It will grow because it has the Gospel." These may not be his exact words, but they reflect accurately the thought he expressed at a recent con- ference at Ashland Theological Seminary.
Dr. Arthur Schultz, president of Ashland College, said of the Brethren Church, ''It is searching and seeking God's will for itself." Again this may not be an exact quote, but the sense of what he said is there. Dr. Schultz, speaking at a chapel service at the seminary, went on to express concern for the Christian church in general and to indi- cate that he shared the concern of Brethren for their church. Quoting Roy L. Smith, Schultz said, ''Is there any late word from God?" Any church with late news from God is bound to succeed.
Power in Christ's presence
Well, friend, that's what we have, late news from God. It's the same news He had for the early church. That church believed and practiced that Jesus Christ was present with them. Everything about the worship of the early church was geared to the belief that Jesus was present. They offered prayer in His name; they declared His Word; they sought His will. His invisible presence held them together and formed
Dr. Charles Munson is Professor of Practical Theology at Ashland Theological Seminary.
Dr. Munson has a deep interest in the Brethren Church, and he is currently making an in-depth study of the denomination. He has called twelve people with an interest in helping the church move forward to assist him in this study. This "Committee of Thirteen" is attempting to take a positive look at the Brethren Church.
them into a working unit. They ate a meal in His name and were baptized into His name.
We have Christ's presence, also. But we aren't growing, that's true. Nevertheless, our secret of power is in His presence; our hope for growth is in His being with us. Let's look at our power. If we genuinely want that power to work — the power of the presence of Jesus — can we expect other- wise? Surely it will work!
The Bible is true. We Brethren believe that earnestly. Then let's take it at its word. The Bible says the church can be the church to the extent that its members take one another into account. When there is a genuine concern for one another within the body (the church), then God will get His work done. Why? Because everything that is supposed to happen will happen.
Read the Bible ! You will find that it calls for maturity more than it calls for anything else — including evangelism — because evan- gelism will take place directly out of what is happening in the body. It doesn't matter whether we are looking to the eighties or the nineties, the same truth will hold.
To quote another Shultz, "The Brethren function, or ought to, out of the body and the Book." Don't hold me to the actual wording, but you get the point. If the body is being the body and is grounded in the Book, then God will get His work done.
Is the "one another principle" at work? One wonders! God's Word says build one another up, find ways to tell people their good and bad points. "Teaching and ad- monishing one another," Paul tells the Colossians. And he tells the Thessalonians
8
The Brethren Evangelist
"Our secret of power is in Christ's presence; our hope for growth is in His being with us."
cent are consumers. Have you looked lately at what is happening in your church ? The eighties for the Brethren Church will be determined by how many of our congregations are in the first category — with less than 40 percent of the congrega- tion as consumers and with 20 percent of the congregation facing outward. Our power is in our friendships and our exten- sions outward.
to ''exhort one another, and build each other up. . . ." Now you can't get rows of people sitting in pews out of that, nor can you get one man doing ministry and the others resting. You get people working with people. That's the point of our name — Brethren. That's what we are supposed to be all about — a brotherhood.
Power in friendships and kinships
But our power is not only in the presence of the Lord and in our brotherhood, but it is in our friendships and kinships beyond our circle in the body. Dr. Wagner says that 70 to 80 percent of church growth comes as a result of friends and relatives. Other statistics put that as high as 90 percent. But the point is this: people come into the body of believers mainly through friend- ships and relationships.
Other estimates say that walk-ins pro- vide 3 to 8 percent of church growth, pro- grams 4 to 10 percent, visitation evangelism 10 to 25 percent, Sunday school 3 to 6 percent, and the pastor 10 to 25 percent. However you add them up, church growth in the eighties will come not from a running pastor but from a leading pastor, and not from persons being attracted on their own by the program, but because time has been spent in developing friendships.
When a church is growing, Wagner says, it is friendships which are doing it. When it is declining or remaining stationary, it is kinships. Our power is in our friendship connections, plus something vital in the body to keep people coming. Read on.
In a growing, reproducing church, says Wagner, about 40 percent of the members will be leaders focused inward, approxi- mately 20 percent will be focused outward, and less than 40 percent will be consumers. In a surviving church, about 33 percent of the members are leaders working inward, 2 percent are working outward, and 60 per- cent are consumers. And in a nominal or inactive church, about 20 percent of the members are leaders working inward, 1 percent are working outward, and 75 per-
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Our power is also in the flames that are burning in the denomination. A number of our churches are growing, and others want to. Where there are such fires, we must fan the flames. We might have to ask questions of these and other congregations to find out why the fires are burning. Many of these fires were started out of the emphasis on church growth sponsored in the main by the Missionary Board. Things did happen! God can move us — we know that now! But we dare not slip back. New churches are beginning to take shape, slow- ly but surely.
There are fires burning. Brethren, and there is power in that. It's just a sample of what God can do. I'm not ignorant of our decline, but I'm not ignorant of God's wish to bring people to Himself through the Brethren Church either.
I've said thus far that our power is in the fact that we have the Lord's presence; in the fact that we have one another; in the fact that we have the power of friend- ships and kinships; and in the fact that there are fires burning among the Brethren leading us to believe that others can be started.
exclu<
1 -^
Now as we look to the eighties, we are going to have to ask ourselves about our exclusions. Who are we keeping out of our churches and for what reasons? Who can't get in for one reason or another? Who doesn't want in for whatever reason ? What physical or spiritual or mental limitations are we putting on what people for what reasons? Who hasn't been able to break into the fellowship circle but has gotten only as far as the membership circle? "How high are the walls of the fellowship circle?" asks Lyle Schaller in his book, Assimilating New Members. How ingrown is your con- gregation, or the Brethren Church?
Our name demands that we pay attention to whether we are a brotherhood or an
(continued on next page)
April 1979
exclusive club. That will determine in large measure whether we have anything left of the church after the eighties. McGavran says, ''Congregations that grow to 50 or 75 persons and remain one fellowship unit will not grow larger unless they create other substructures of belonging" (small groups of 7 to 10 persons).
What is our attitude
toward inactives?
Then ask yourself what is the policy of our church regarding inactives? These atti- tudes can largely determine whether we can hope for any growth there in the eighties. Schaller says that if people aren't moved from the membership circle into the fellowship circle within about one year, they will probably be on the way to either partial or complete inactivity. To repeat — can people break into your fellowship circle? You probably say, ''Yes," but ask serious questions about yourselves. Are there enough circles of fellowship to allow people in?
What assumptions do you make about inactives? The tendency has been to be negative. Schaller, again, says we probably assume that they weren't sincere in the first place. Or we say, "They can hear the bells," or "They know we are here." That gets us nowhere. Rather assume that their
inactive. Listen, not just once, but many times, if necessary. You say you don't have that kind of time? Or they are not worth it? I know some people want to be left alone, but we can't assume that about every inactive member. I ask you to look positively at your inactives. It's crucial for the eighties.
Are
we c
loset
universa
lists?
Finally, how many of us are closet uni- versalists? How many of us are saying, "All roads lead to God"? Or "God will get everyone eventually because love is persis- tent and doesn't wear out"? Do we believe that people without Christ are without God and that's final? If the eighties are to see us as Brethren growing, it will be because we believe that our church needs evan- gelized from within so that we can evan- gelize outside.
We must face the fact that 2,400,000,000 — that's two billion four hundred million people — are outside the circle of effective gospel witness. Is God going to save every- body— do you believe that? If so, that goes against everything Jesus said. We need to see that people will end up where God is not if they turn Jesus down.
People need to have handles to help them say a good word for Jesus. Evangelization within means that pastors teach people to
''We will never get to the inactive adequately unless we assume that some of the fault may have been within the church/'
reasons for not coming are honest ones for them. Take time with them; ask questions; and don't be satisfied with first answers. Please don't assume that their departure is all their fault, which is where most of us begin. Don't say, "It couldn't be anything we've done. It must be them."
Families, good ones, work with their chil- dren to find out why they are acting in an antisocial way toward the family or toward others. God says the church is His family, so why shouldn't we have a positive con- cern about children who have departed from us?
I'll say it again: we will never get to the inactive adequately unless we assume that some of the fault may have been within the church. Don't speculate! Ask why they are
be ministers. In addition to being shepherds, that is the only other job a pastor is called to carry out. The eighties will have to see pastors doing what they are called to do — shepherd the ministers. That's a step toward evangelism and a step away from consumerism. It's a must for the eighties.
I have said:
We have power
In the Presence of Christ
In one another
In friendship and kinship
In the flames already burning. I have asked:
Who is excluded?
What is our attitude toward inactives ?
Are we closet universalists ?
What do you say?
n
10
The Brethren Evangelist
Realizing a Vision in Sarver, Pennsylvania
8t'*^;4g^l^- ^/!>:,-~Jt>'^.*^k"^!^m Mi/jdliimA\
THE SIGN on the three-acre tract of land announces "Future Site of Sarver Brethren Church." It proclaims that a congregation of Brethren people in western Pennsylvania is one step closer to the realization of a vision.
The vision began in 1976 with the Pennsylvania District Mission Board and two transplanted Brethren families. The two families — the Chester McAfoose family of the Brush Valley, Pa., Brethren Church and the Kenneth Knabb family from the Pleasant View (Vandergrift, Pa.) Brethren Church — were now living in the area of Sarver, a small community approximately 25 miles northeast of Pittsburg. Pennsyl- vania Brethren looked at these families and saw a vision — a vision of a flourishing Brethren Church, housed in its own build- ing, faithfully serving the Lord.
The first step in realizing this vision was taken on February 7, 1976, when an evening Bible study was begun. These studies con- tinued to meet every Thursday in the homes of the participants. In November of that year three area Brethren ministers — Rev. William Walk of Vandergrift, Rev. Norman Long of Pittsburgh, and Rev. Thomas Kidder of Brush Valley — began providing Bible study leadership on a rotating basis.
While the Sarver work was developing under the Holy Spirit's leadership, God was at work arranging pastoral leadership for the young congregation. Rev. Ed Wingard resigned as pastor of a church in Danville, Ohio, and accepted a transfer by his secular employer to the Sarver, Pa., area. He and his family made the move praying that the Lord would provide them an opportunity for ministry.
Even before he and his family were settled in the area. Rev. Wingard learned of the Brethren congregation. And the very first Sunday after he and his family moved into their new home, he was asked to meet with the Sarver group and to prayerfully consider assisting in the establishment of this new Brethren Church. As a result, in March of 1977 Rev. Wingard was chosen to pastor this congregation.
The next step in realizing the vision of a Brethren Church in Sarver, Pa., was taken on Sunday, April 10, 1977. On that date Sunday school and morning worship services were begun. These services were held in the basement of the Knabb home, with 33 people attending the first service.
Other significant steps in the realization of the vision include the following: On May 15, 1977, Rev. Arden Gilmer and representatives from three area Brethren churches shared with the local group in a door-to-door canvass of the area. In October 1977 the Sarver congregation, with assis- tance from the Pennsylvania District Mission Board, purchased the three-acre building site. On November 16, 1977, the congregation held its first official election of officers. And on July 9, 1978, thirteen people were taken into the charter member- ship of the congregation.
The Sarver congregation is now prepar- ing to take a giant step in the realization of its vision. That step is the construction of a church building. The congregation is investigating various possible plans for its first building unit.
Brethren people throughout the denom- ination have the opportunity to share in the realization of the vision of the Sarver Brethren. The current Growth Partners Club call, sponsored by the national Mis- sionary Board, is for the Sarver congrega- tion. The money will be used to assist this congregation in building a house of worship and study.
The Brethren at Sarver are prayerfully looking to the future, desiring first and foremost to be found faithful in serving and sharing the Lord Jesus Christ. They have a vision. Furthermore, they are well on their way to making this vision a reality. □
The Sarver Brethren Church has been designated as the recipient of the current Growth Partners Club call.
April 1979
11
world relief
He Conquers His Mountains
Lillian H. Graffam tells how Dr. Jean-Claude Noel of Haiti has spent his life conquering one obstacle after another.
This is a story about a man — Dr. Jean-Claude Noel. But it is also a report about a program — a program that we Brethren have supported through the World Relief Commission. It helps us understand some specific ways our World Relief efforts are aiding people in need.
The author, Lillian H. Graffam, staff writer for WRC for several years, now writes for World Evangelical Fellowship (where her husband, Everett S. Graffam, now serves as Director of Develop- ment).
The article is reprinted by permission from the November issue of Moody Monthly. Copyright 1978, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago.
— Phil Lersch, Chairman
Brethren World Relief Board
BEHIND MOUNTAINS are more moun- tains is a saying in Haiti, a little Caribbean country with 8,000 miles of tier upon tier of towering highlands. The mountains are symbolic of the uphill life of the people, descendants of slaves im- ported by the French, as they struggle against lifelong poverty and illiteracy.
''My whole life has been that — when one mountain is conquered there stands another," says Dr. Jean-Claude Noel, a Haitian evangelical still climbing his mountains.
His first obstacle was malnutrition.
''For the first three years my body had to fight just to stay alive. At that time 70 percent of the babies were dying. (Now it's 50 percent.) It was survival of the fittest. As I look back, I believe God had a plan and a purpose."
God's plan for Claude, as he is known to his friends, included attending the Un- evangelized Fields Mission primary school where his heart and mind were prepared
to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, which he did in his teens.
Then the Holy Spirit implanted a deep desire to preach. But how? He didn't have enough education.
Should he take the hazardous, unknown road to becoming a preacher or the more secure one of the saddle-maker, his father's trade? Showing unusual spiritual maturity, seventeen-year-old Claude spent a whole day fasting and praying.
"I took it seriously," he says, "and I know God led me. I realized it takes preparation to fulfill a vision."
He enrolled at UFM's Evangelical School of the Bible in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's cap- ital. Problems started immediately.
"There's no future in preaching!" his father said. When he saw Claude's mind was made up, he cut off financial and emo- tional support.
Claude caught a missionary vision and yearned to share Christ with the mountain people. Most were voodoo worshipers.
After graduation, without a vehicle or donkey, he walked barefoot along well-worn mountain footpaths to the remotest places. He had no guaranteed support. He knew that hardship, and perhaps rejection, lay before him, but he did not shrink from it.
In four years of mountain ministry he suffered malaria without anyone to care for him. The sun and altitude took their toll. But worst of all were the continuous cramping hunger pangs. His diet on the trail was bread softened with a little sugar-water. He would think longingly of the last good meal of rice and brown beans, perhaps two weeks previous. This memory of hunger would later direct one segment of his work.
12
The Brethren Evangelist
i V
V^'^i^.i
■.. *t
%v
Dr. Jean-Claude Noel
The Lord blessed Claude's missionary en- deavors. He says: 'Those places I pio- neered, alone and without food, now have big churches. The buildings are too small to receive all the people coming to Christ."
In spite of successes, he felt the need for further education. ''Educational standards in my country were rising. Evangelical na- tions needed to prepare for leadership."
So Claude Noel tackled another mountain — getting an education in the USA. He chose Harrington College.
His first job was as helper at the Bar- rington Summer Bible Conference. Dr. Everett S. Graff am, then the director, remembers Claude as a slender, soft-spoken (with French accent), shy but determined young man who had to learn how things were done in the U.S., including to wield a broom. In Haiti the women do the sweep- ing with twig brooms.
Honors
He graduated in 1957 with a B.A. in Bible-Philosophy. In 1976 his alma mater acknowledged his leadership and diligence by conferring a Doctor of Divinity degree. Later his own country recognized his humanitarian concern and knighted him in the National Order of Work.
While at Barrington he met and married Lydie Lariviere, an equally dedicated Haitian. Their home is open to those in need. Lydle encourages her husband, and he appreciates it.
Dr. David Madeira, pastor of Barrington Baptist Church, tells of a New Year's Eve visit to the Bolosse Baptist Church which Dr. Noel pastored in Port-au-Prince. The church was jammed. Dr. Noel performed a
wedding, baptized fifty people, quizzed new members, administered communion, and preached. With tears trickling down his cheeks he paid his wife a public tribute, rarely done in their culture.
Though he loves his own people, Claude is not provincial. Recently he was elected first President of the newly-formed Carib- bean Evangelical Association. He is on the board of the World Evangelical Fellowship, and has traveled around the world as a mission conference speaker.
Meal program
Through the years, Dr. NoePs heart's desire has broadened from preaching to ministering to the whole person — spirit, mind, and body. Remembering his own thirst for knowledge, and the hunger and illness that often hindered him, he inspired the Bolosse Church to provide meals to malnourished youngsters who attended their Bethany Primary School. For many this would be the only meal of the day.*
''I have a feeling in my heart for the children," he says. "They wanted to learn but were sick and apathetic from malnu- trition. I found 90 percent had no break- fast. When I asked: 'What will you eat when you go home?' 70 percent didn't know if there would be anything to eat."
The Bolosse Church's success encour- aged him to enlist other churches to reach their communities with schools and feeding stations. Now, about 6,000 children are educated and fed daily, and are taught about Jesus. He would like to expand the feedings to all 44,000 children in the evan- gelical churches.
!ed«c^
^ I « I, «<
'ac
ties
Dr. Noel was distressed by the poor dying without medical aid because govern- ment hospitals were too crowded and pri- vate ones too expensive. He and his wife started the Bolosse Health Center in their living room, attended once a week by a government student doctor. Later a church medical committee was formed. Twelve years later the church now runs a full- fledged medical and dental facility.
Dr. Noel also motivated pastors of moun- tain churches to work together in providing two simple clinics. The one at Bauger out- grew its space. Now, using local labor, a
(continued on next page)
*Our Brethren gifts, through WRC, have helped provide funds for this meal program for several vears. P.L.
April 1979
13
complete health center providing both pre- ventive and curative medicine is being built, financed by WORLD RELIEF COMMIS- SION. The three clinics care for about 24,000 out-patients annually.
CEEH
All projects come under the umbrella of the Council of Evangelical Churches of Haiti (CEEH) which Claude Noel helped found in 1965. He is now full-time Secre- tary General. CEEH was organized to pre- sent a united front in proclaiming the gospel, to coordinate evangelical relief, and to nurture church growth and spiritual fellowship. With thirteen member missions and church councils, it is recognized by the Government as the official evangelical voice of Haiti.
''We are building a solid Haitian inter- church structure," says Dr. Noel. ''This will hold the churches together and help them stay strong even when no foreign mission personnel would be here."
He struggles to improve the self-image of the people, assuring them they are capable of running and maintaining proj- ects without external authority. "It is a question of getting Haitians to believe in themselves and their own power to improve their lives."
Though the people are encouraged to be self-sufficient wherever they can, the Chris- tians are generally too poor to support the broad spectrum of CEEH programs. (Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with an average rural annual wage of $70.) So CEEH has to depend on out-of-country churches, denominations, missions, and relief organizations.
CEEH's outreach covers many avenues of economic development. Education is undoubtedly the most important. Seminars are held for Christian teachers in both academic and vocational subjects. Craft teachers receive guidance in making and selling new items on both the local and foreign market. This helps combat the 80 percent unemployment rate.
In addition to physical aid CEEH carries on a broad spiritual ministry through its member churches via TV, films, books, and radio. Dr. Noel is one of the speakers on a daily radio program which combines evan- gelism, Bible study, and practical family- life helps.
CEEH conducts a Bible extension school for pastors in their own areas. And other nationals are studying in the States and one in England. Two are potential MD's.
Dr. Noel says: "We need administrative
Cuba
North Atlantic Ocean
Caribbean
50 Mii4s
Haiti lies between Cuba and Puerto Rico in the Carribean Sea. It is about as big as Maryland, but has a population of nearly 5 million (a million more than Maryland). Most of Haiti is covered with rugged mountains.
advisors and technical aides on a short- term or semi-permanent basis, people who are dedicated to the cause of the indigenous church rather than representing foreign organizations."
riTics
As is true of all leaders in the Lord*s work, Dr. Noel has his critics. Some feel he is not intellectual enough and others that he lacks administrative ability. He doesn't let this discourage him from working right along with these people.
"The only way not to be criticized is to hide oneself in a hole and do nothing," he says. "The choice for me becomes simple. Every day I face my limitations, my lack of ability to sell my ideas."
Dr. Noel is proof that God can do extra- ordinary things through ordinary people who are willing to be used and will pay the price.
He admits that sometimes he gets tired in the struggle and wishes for easier paths. He tells of once when he and his family were in the States where life is so much easier.
"I wished I could make a resting place and stay there for life. But the Lord said: 'I have more mountains for you to climb in Haiti. Stay here for a few days, but you must return home.' "
Like the Apostle Paul who could say, "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision," Dr. Jean-Claude Noel returned home to Haiti to accept the further chal- lenges of his mountains. Q
14
The Brethren Evangelist
World Relief Resources
Hunger Awareness Dinners by Aileen Van Beilen (Herald Press, 95t).
This book outlines how to plan three all-church dinners that will help those who attend grow in their understanding of and empathy for the hungry. It also gives many nutritional facts.
Order from The Carpenter's Shop 709 Claremont Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805
Beaching Out ... to Lend a Helping Hand
from Heifer Project.
Although designed as a collection of fund-raising projects for Heifer Project, the hunger facts and unique prayers, reflec- tions, litanies, dramas, and other resources in the 27-page appendix are both creative and sound. There may be a slight charge, but the appendix makes it worth it. Order from Heifer Project
P.O. Box 808, Little Rock, Ark. 72203
Hunger Activities for Children by Phil and Jean Lersch and Bonnie Munson ($5.75 postpaid).
This 124-page book is full of activities whereby children and adults can become involved in hearing, seeing, feeling, and doing hunger-awareness experiences. Illus- trated with 49 photographs, it also con- tains words and music for two original
songs. One song is ''How Much Is Enough," used on Monday night of the 1978 General Conference.
Order from Brethren House
6301 56th Avenue, N. St. Petersburg, Fla. 33709 Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ron Sider (Intervarsity Press, $4.95).
The messages in this book prod readers to look for ways to live more simply, thus less consumptively, so that more resources are available to share around the world. ''The Bible teaches that God is on the side of the poor. And we must be too if we claim to be his people," the author says. These and other key thoughts throughout the book challenge the reader.
Order from The Carpenter's Shop World Relief Films from the World Relief Commission.
Write to order these films or just to request a listing of the titles available. There is no charge for their use, and they are excellent messages of information and inspiration for church services, church suppers, class meetings, youth meetings or retreats, etc. Use this valuable source frequently.
Order from World Relief Commission Box WRC, Wheaton, 111. 60187
.j.^4..j.4.^.j,.j,^^.|..t,^4,^.j,4,.|,.j.^^.j.4.^^.j,^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
WORLD RELIEF
and
BRETHREN MISSIONS
in India
The Board of Directors of the World Relief Commission has again budgeted funds for relief work in India, to be administered by our Brethren missionaries there.
These funds (increased to $2,700 in 1979), which are channeled through our Missionary Board, are used for medicines, clothes, build- ing supplies, food, etc.
In this respect, money given to World Relief is returned to assist Mrs. Prasanth (Nirmala) Kumar distributes clothing to some our relief and evangelistic efforts needy villagers in India. in India.
April 1979
15
ft!™*jo«{ Jii
"Jesus Road" in Africa
Christian love in action has caused many Africans to turn to the "Jesus Road."
' I 'HIS year's harvest in the Upper Volta region 1 of West Africa is in. The farmers have finished putting their harvested corn, sorghum, and millet into small mud graineries. The verdict? Grain was expected to run out by February.
Samuel Key, national pastor in the village of Dounkou, tells why. * 'Ordinarily the rainy season lasts into October, but this year we received only two major rains since the middle of August. Our corn harvest was almost totally ruined because the rains quit just before the corn was to mature. Only in a few low spots where the moisture remained in the ground did the grain fully mature. All the other fields dried up completely."
Pastor Samuel goes on to report, ''In a regular year the road would have been covered with water, but since the rains were lacking, we walked on solid ground. The wells are already low and will dry up very quickly this year."
Herb Nehlson evaluates the quality of this year's sorghum harvest in Upper Volta. For the 6th year in a row, most grain did not mature because of a lack of rain.
Growing up in a West African village is often a day-to-day existence characterized by uncertainty and waste of human re- sources. World Relief not only helps pro- vide basic needs of food, water, clothing, and medicine, but also opportunity to hear the message of Christ's love through local Christian churches and missions.
Th0 Response
The World Relief Conunission has been distributing grain, working through national Christians and vil- lage leaders, and digging wells in this area since the first drought began in 1972-73. They have also provided for the necessary storage facilities and transportation to outlying vil- lages. Herb Nehlson, WRC's IJpper Volta representative, has been re- sponsible for this work since it started. When asked about the pro- gram he replied, "Last year the famine was very bad. It was all over our district which is about 10,000 square miles. With the help of our local Christians working with the village chiefs, we distributed over 500 tons of grain. I asked the chiefs what they thought of the distribu- tion, and they said we were really helping the people that needed it. I'm sure we were getting grain to 90% of the desperate, needy people in our area."
16
The Brethren Evangelist
WRC has already begun to buy grain at the current low price and is storing it for distribution next spring and summer. As a result the farmers will be able to stay and work their fields instead of being forced to go to the cities to look for work and food, causing a worse shortage next year. New wells are also being dug and older dried up ones are being deepened. The drought has not ended and neither has World Relief's commitment to these people. All indications point to another bad year. Much work will be needed to make sure that all the people in need, especially the ones in outlying areas, are given help.
Word about the * 'Jesus Road" is spread- ing in the Upper Volta region of Africa's Sahel drought. As World Relief Commis- sion grain is distributed to those in need
Grain is distributed to villages of drought striken West Africa. National church leaders make certain that it gets to those who need it most. As a result many people have become Christians. One man commented, "We see that the JESUS ROAD is a road of love."
(to Muslims, animists. Catholics, and Prot- estant Christians alike), the Christian church is receiving favorable attention. People see Jesus' love demonstrated and come asking about the "Jesus Road." Herb Nehlson gives the following account:
''Reports coming in from many areas within Upper Volta indicate a very positive response to our grain distribution program. We're known as the people who show love. Because of that, our reputation has spread far and wide to villages that have never before shown any interest in Christianity. This has also been an encouragement to our Christians.
"It's been fantastic the way the Lord has brought people in for grain. They come back and say, *We'd like to hear about Jesus.' We give grain to everyone in need,
In the Sahel area of Africa, cattle look for water in this recently dried-up water hole. Short rainy seasons for several years now have caused the water table to drop significantly and wells to dry up.
without any questioning or pressure about their religion. Because of this, within the last several months seven villages now have Christians in them for the first time, with churches beginning to form. This happened during the rainy season too, which is usually a poor time to have church growth due to the poor transportation and every- one out working in the fields.
"Our established churches are also grow- ing. The local church here in Tougon has had converts almost every Sunday since the beginning of the year . . . somewhere around 130 people in this church alone. It's becoming quite crowded, but that's a prob- lem we're glad to have. And we're seeing the same thing happen in our other churches. We're glad to have a part in pro- viding *food for the body and food for the soul.' "
(Compiled from WRC news releases and photographs.)
Many people are turning to the "Jesus Road," as shown by the crowded conditions of this Sunday morning service in Tougon, Upper Volta.
April 1979
17
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
Should we end spanking or spank the end?
Cruel and Unusi'
|
|--:i |
«hment?
THE U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that beatings administered by school authori- ties are not prohibited by the eighth amendment's ban against cruel and unusual punishment. The rendering was a close five to four decision.
The Court was actually considering a 1970 Dade County, Florida, (of gay orange juice fame) case. A high school student by the name of James Ingraham, age 14, had been beaten by a school principal. (I don't believe James is any relation to the Virgil that most of us know!)
According to Ingraham's story, two mean old school officials jumped him while he was lingering in the auditorium after an assembly. These guys held him down while the principal whacked him more than 20 times with a two-foot-long board (or paddle). Ingraham claimed that the result- ing blood clots on his buttocks kept him in bed for a whole week! The boy's mother filed suit against the school officials.
There has been considerable discussion as to the psychological damage done to a child by spanking. Many sociologists claim that spanking is harmful to the child, and largely ineffective. Others swear (Brethren affirm) by Proverbs 23:14: ''Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell."
Some local laws still prohibit spanking in the public schools. If your child comes home with his derriere hurting, it may be that your locale still allows spankings.
I think I can speak of the psychological damage that occurs during or as a result of spankings. I was often spanked by my mother (but never by a school official). Mother used lilac bushes, so it should be referred to as a whipping rather than a spanking — just to set the record straight.
In retrospect, I can clearly assess the psychological damage I suffered from re- ceiving this form of punishment. I share this assessment with you for what it's worth:
(1) My pride was hurt and my body felt intense pain (especially the derriere). I vowed never to be caught doing the same thing twice. I never was.
(2) There has been long-term psycho- logical damage. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and wonder where I am. It may take me up to three minutes to clear my mind on such occasions!
(3) On other occasions I have detected a strong propensity to smash a badminton birdie with full force toward my opponent's face. I even have the urge to write an enemy's name on my golf ball. So far Providence has restrained me from doing it! Recently, I ran a stop sign. Not delib- erately. But it worries me. There's a pat- tern here. I suspect my subconscious evil propensity caused me to do it; the old Jekyll and Hyde complex. So you see, I have never recovered.
(4) Finally, the worst possible thing happened to me. I became a low-down preacher! I can imagine all the other good things I might be doing today if this spank- ing bit hadn't happened.
Now don't get me wrong. I don't hate my mother, or anyone for that matter. But I detest lilac bushes! I have an urge to rip them from the ground and burn them. I love making weiner forks out of them. I've contemplated going to a psychiatrist, but the cost is prohibitive.
I guess I'll have to live with it, until the end . . . since it all began on my end. D
18
The Brethren Evangelist
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
Sometimes the logic of the Brethren mind confuses me. We say that we want the church to grow, but we refuse to become personally involved in the outreach program. I'm sure our excuses sound good to us, but anyone with an elementary knowledge of the Bible knows that we are commanded to be directly involved in building the church.
We want bigger and better churches with bigger and better programs, but we are unwill- ing to spend the time and money to build these churches or programs. It seems easier to move to a large church where we can hide in the crowd and have no obligation beyond appearing at worship services. We are willing to send large amounts of money to radio and TV min- istry empires, while our own missionary efforts and denominational work are seriously hindered by lack of funds. This seems very inconsistent.
Do we want our missionaries brought home? Do we want the ministry of Christian education discontinued? Do we want to continue receiving our church publications? Do we want to be involved in world relief? Do we want to train qualified men and women for service in the church? Only you can answer these questions and many other related ones.
I would strongly urge you and your pastor to look at all the denominational needs with the idea of supporting the work of your church totally. While you are doing this, it would be good for you to examine your commitment to the lost of your community and to implement plans to assure a complete ministry.
The executive committee is committed to search for ways to encourage you (local churches and individual members) to reach out in personal growth programs and to reach be- yond yourselves into other areas of ministry through your financial support. Without you we do not have need of any programs. As we meet, we are constantly aware of the growth needs of the church. Therefore we are search- ing for ways to assist you in this important task of proclaiming the message of Christ. We meet regularly with the executives or representatives of all the denominational boards. We also urgently desire pertinent information from individuals and churches. We need your help. Christ wants the church to grow! Do You?
N. Califarnia District plans to plant new church
Manteca, Calif. — ^The Northern California District of Brethren Churches held its district conference March 1-4 at the First Brethren Church of Manteca.
At this meeting the conference voted to begin investigations and preparations toward the plant- ing of another Brethren church. The church would be planted somewhere in the area of the present three Northern California Brethren churches.
Other business at the conference included elec- tions, district board reports, a report of national work, and caring for other district matters.
Dr. Richard Allison, Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Ashland Theological Sem- inary, was the inspirational speaker for the conference.
Deacons and Deaconesses
oTdaioed af Saraso+a -
Sarasota, Fla. — Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Stump and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Moneyheffer were ordained as deacons and deaconesses in the Sarasota First Brethren Church on Sunday, January 14.
The pastor, Dr. J. D. Hamel, officiated during the service of ordination. He was assisted by area Brethren ministers and by Mr. Walter Davis, chairman of the board of deacons of the Sarasota Brethren Church.
Rev. Robert Dillard, assistant pastor of Sara- sota First Brethren, presented a message entitled "Full of Faith and the Holy Spirit" for the ordina- tion service.
Board &f Christian Education seeking new Director
Ashland, Ohio — As previously announced, the denominational Board of Christian Education is now accepting applications for the position of Director of Christian Education. Dr. Frederick Burkey, Director for eleven years, is now the Director of Religious Affairs at Ashland College. He is serving this year as Interim Director for the BCE, until a new Director is obtained.
If you are interested in applying for this posi- tion, please check inside the front cover of the March Evangelist for qualifications and procedure. Applications must be submitted to Rev. Brian Moore, president of the Board of Christian Educa- tion, by April 25, 1979.
April 1979
19
update
During the ground-breaking service
at Northwest Brethren Chapel, Rev.
Arden Gihner (center) presents a
Growth Partners Club check to
Northwest moderator Jack Edgerton,
while Northwest pastor Bill Curtis
looks on and applauds.
photos by David Curtis
Northwest Chapel Breaks Ground
Tucson, Ariz. — Using a three-handled shovel pre- pared for the occasion by church trustee Wesley George, the congregation of the Northwest Breth-
Conway Craft, Ray Marks, and Francis Ellis (left to right) take a turn breaking the desert sand using the special shovel prepared for the Northwest Chapel ground breaking by Wesley George.
ren Chapel in Tucson broke ground for its first church building on Sunday afternoon, February 18.
More than 100 people attended the ground- breaking service, including most of the 63 mem- bers of the Northwest congregation. Also attend- ing were a number of members from the Tucson First Brethren Church (the mother congregation of Northwest Chapel), and also representatives from the Papago Park Brethren Church in Tempe, Ariz.
Rev. Arden Gilmer, Director of Home Missions for the national Missionary Board, was also present for the ceremony. During the service he presented a check to Northwest Chapel moderator Jack Edgerton. The check was for money collected in response to the Growth Partners Club call for this new mission church in Tucson.
The ground-breaking service began with a time of devotions. Then Rev. Clarence Stogsdill, pastor of the Tucson First Brethren Church, and Rev. William Curtis, pastor of Northwest Chapel, gave the historical background leading up to this ground-breaking service. Following additional comments by various dignitaries present, several groups of three persons took turns breaking the desert sand with the three-handled shovel.
Construction on the new building began in the days immediately following the ground-breaking service.
Rev. William Curtis, pastor of Northwest Breth- ren Chapel, gives this report of the progress of the church there:
"The congregation (of Northwest Brethren Chapel) has grown steadily since the first meeting on January 18, 1976, in Thornydale Elementary School. It is felt that the rate of increase will accelerate once we are in our own facilities.
"The building is now under construction and progressing rapidly. The roof should be complete and inside work under way by the time you read this article. The expected completion date for the building is July 1. When completed, the structure
(continued on next page)
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Board of Christian Education Announces 1979 Summer Crusaders and Missionary Interns
The Board of Christian Education is proud to announce the Summer Crusaders and Missionary Interns for 1979. This year's program will include one musical unit of six members, two educational units of four members each, and one unit of six young people who will be working as missionary interns with Rev. Juan Carlos Miranda in California and Mexico.
Education North
Dean Showalter, Captain — Sarasota Chip Keplinger — Washington Shirley Swihart — Roann Kathy Wilson — ^Masontown
Music Unit
Mark Britton, Captain — Derby
Mike McCann — Bryan
Dave Stone — Sarasota
Jenny Walters — North Manchester
Jill Slee — Roann
Margaret Ronk — Park Street
Education Soutli
John Crowe, Captain — Nappanee
John C. Mills— St. James
LeAnne Icenhour — Ashland Park Street
Missionary Interns
Scot Millhouse, Captain — Milledgeville Dave Kerner — Meadow Crest John Black — Milledgeville Becky Grumbling — Mt. Olivet Barb French — Eldorado Judy Gifford — Derby
In addition to the teams listed above, there are six young people who are being placed in pastoral, church staff, or camping internships.
These 26 young people were selected from the total number of worthy applicants because they are mature, talented, and capable of leadership. We hope you will join us in wholehearted support of them as they prepare for their individual summer ministries. Please keep the entire summer program in your prayers. And watch future issues of the Evangelist for further announcements and progress reports.
Norfhwesf Chapel breaks ground
continued from previous page
will seat 160 persons and have a nursery and kitchen. These two rooms will also be used for Sunday school.
"Our district churches, First Brethren of Tucson and Papago Park of Tempe, are joining with us in raising the necessary funds. The slogan for the fund-raising project is ^Southwest is building churches . . . starting with Northwest . . . $5,000 by East(er).' The Papago Park Brethren have printed paper wrappers which can be taped to an empty pop can and used as a bank. There have been many sizable gifts, for which we praise the Lord.
"Naturally we are all excited as we work and build for our Lord in this beautiful, sun-bathed desert. The chapel Itself sits near the base of the towering Catalina mountains affording a breath- taking landscape.
"Our people enjoy working in this community where God has placed us to minister in the short time before our Lord returns for His own. It is a blessing to welcome new families into our fellowship. The atmosphere at Northwest is like one closely knit family in the Lord. As we grow, we are working hard to keep that friendly feeling.
We extend an invitation to you to visit Tucson and worship with us. Better yet, come and be a tentmaker as you move to Tucson to work or retire.
"We of Northwest Brethren Chapel do wish to express our sincere thanks to the brotherhood for helping us build 'the house of God' in Northwest Tucson. The response from the Growth Partners Club call was beyond our expectation, totaling $11,455 for the second call. Your prayers are deeply felt and appreciated. May God continue to bless us as we work together building His church."
In Memory
Bay Pottenger, 82, February 8. Member of the Roann, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by William Kerner, pastor.
Richard O'Cromian, 70, February 2. Member of the
Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church. Services
by Clarence R. Kindley, pastor.
Mary Jane Ettkig-er, 68, January 28. Member of
the Mt. Olive Brethren Church, Pineville, Va.
Services by Rev. W. F. Garber and Rev. W. H.
Rodeffer.
Charles Powell, 72, January 3. Member of the Mt.
Olive Brethren Church, Pineville, Va. Services by
Rev. W. F. Garber.
April 1979
21
update
China wide open for evangelism former missionary believes
Sarasota, Fla. — "God has prepared the way in China," said Rev. Harry Liu at a recent meeting of the Sarasota First Brethren Church.
The arguments presented by this native of China and former missionary to that country are impressive.
First, he says, the Communists in China succeeded in creating one nation with one language and in which there is nearly universal literacy.
Second, in order to carry out government direc- tives and to unite the people, the Communists provided more than 85 percent of the Chinese households with radios. They also built a network of good roads that have made almost all parts of the nation accessible.
Then they destroyed or suppressed all forms of religious expression, including most of the centuries-old ancestor worship that in the past made it difficult to lead Chinese to Christianity.
Now, Liu says, the Chinese family patterns have become fragmented. The young no longer feel bound to old customs and to their families. Those who accept Christianity today may not be ostracized by their families — the penalty many earlier Christian converts had to pay.
Finally, Liu says, by bcmning religion, the Communists have created a serious vacuum in the hves of the people — a hunger for some link to God and for something more than the "Little Red Book" (of Mao Tse-tung's sayings) to give meaning to their existence.
Rev. Liu is convinced that Christianity will offer the Chinese the answers that they seek. "All of China is now virgin territory," he stated. Given this premise, he believes that the recent opening of relations between the United States and China has set the stage for an evangelistic assault that could be more successful than anything possible in the old days.
In fact, this evangelistic assault has already begun, according to Liu. Powerful Christian radio stations surrounding China are now beaming Christian programs across the borders. These stations are also teaching English to their listen- ers, using Bible stories. Bibles and pocket-size New Testaments are being printed in the new simplified Chinese that has become the national written language. These Bibles and Testaments will soon be flooding into China one way or another.
In addition, about 10,000 Chinese students are expected to arrive in the U.S. for technical train- ing and will be exposed to Christianity for the first time. Add to that the thousands of American technicians and teachers who will be going to China on exchange and trade missions — most of
Rev. and Mrs. Harry Liu Rev. Liu is a native of China, where he was converted to Christianity 4! years ago. Following his conversion, he came to the United States as an employee of the Bank of China, but while in the U.S. he received a call to mission service. After graduation from Moody Bible Institute, he returned to his homeland as a missionary .
When the Communists came to power, Rev. Liu was forced to flee China. Since then he has worked as a missionary around the world, most recently as a member of the Pocket Testament League, Inc.
Now semi-retired, he lives with his wife in Sara- sota, where he has assisted the Sarasota First Brethren Church as a speaker and in planning its missionary conferences. He is also an American correspondent for "Sharing," a Chinese-language Christian magazine published in Hong Kong.
them presumably of Christian background — and the die is cast.
The prospects make Rev. Liu glow with delight — especially since he recently had the opportunity to try out a little evangelism of his own on Chinese newsmen and television technicians attending the Washington welcome for People's Republic Vice Prime Minister Teng Hsiao-ping.
Rev. Liu said that as an American correspond- ent for a Chinese-language Christian magazine, he obtained press credentials to attend a White House reception for Teng. Although he was not able to interview Teng, he did get an opportunity to talk with several Chinese technicians.
He gave them copies of two pocket-size book- lets— one, "The Gospel According to John," pub- lished by the Pocket Testament League as an American Bicentennial souvenir edition; and the other, "Mark's Good News," a Chinese-language version of the Gospel of Mark.
continued on next page
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Here's Life begins billion dollar fund-raising effort
San Bernardino, Calif. — This month has been selected as kickoff month for a billion dollar fund-raising effort to support Here's Life Inter- national, a discipleship and evangelism program sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ International.
The purpose of the Here's Life program is to help share the gospel with every person in every nation, tribe, and culture on earth.
Oilman and investor N. Bunker Hunt, chairman of the International Executive Committee of Here's Life, has said that the Here's Life program represents the most massive program of Christian discipleship and evangelism in history. According to Hunt, "The Here's life budget was not picked out of the air because a billion dollars is a nice round number. Every penny is allocated to specific programs for communicating the gospel in 210 nations and protectorates.
"As we have learned ... a billion dollars is less than half the cost of a nuclear aircraft carrier. Yet the success of the Here's Life cam- paign could obviate the need for the world ever to employ the billions of dollars in armaments that it amasses every year. Further, a billion dollars is only a tiny fraction of the 35 billion dollars that will be contributed to charitable causes this year — 80 percent by religious organizations.
"Since our goal is to tap new sources of funds, Here's Life should not deprive any church or organization of its present needed funding. Rather it will stimulate new funding for churches around the world. At the same time, as an interdenom- inational Christian movement, Here's Life is based on a cooperative effort of churches and organizations worldwide."
China wide open for evangelism
continued from previous page
The Chinese booklet has no identifying title on the cover or any information inside to reveal its source. The cover is solid red and it is similar in size to Mao's "Little Red Book." The words on its title page are also slightly deceiving, since the Chinese symbols for Mark's are the same as those for Marx.
With a gleam in his eye, Liu recalled that his own conversion to Christianity at the age of 25 came after he asked an American missionary to teach him English and was given the Gospel of Mark as his textbook.
—Dr. J. D. Hamel
Pastor, Sarasota First Brethren Church
Wallace E. Johnson, co-founder and a member of the executive committee of Holiday Inns, Inc., is international chairman of Here's Life. Roy Rogers, entertainer and businessman, is vice-chairman.
1
11 S_J ( I, V^
m
Aishland, Ohio— Ashland College has signed a letter of intent with The Art Institute of Pitts- burgh to develop mutual career and liberal arts programming between the two institutions.
Ashland College students interested in careers in the arts will have the opportunity to spend their junior year at The Art Institute in programs leading to careers in advertising, art, fashion illustration, interior design, and photography/ multi-media.
The cooperative program will also give Art Institute graduates the chance for continued edu- cation at Ashland in the liberal arts and comple- mentary career programs, notably business, home economics, and radio and television. The joint endeavor is expected to begin this coming fall.
According to Albert Goad, chairman of Ashland's art department, "The Art Institute of Pittsburgh has long been recognized as one of the top schools of its kind in the country. We are very fortunate to be associated with its program." Professor Goad is a member of the Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland.
s 'n Pieces
Dr. J. D. Hamel, pastor of the Sarasota, Fla., First Brethren Church, was a regional director for the Billy Graham Crusade which was held in the Tampa, Fla., stadium March 21-25.
Rev. Robert Dillard, assistant pastor at Sara- sota First Brethren, was a district leader.
Rev. Dale RuLon, Rev. Keith Bennett, and Rev. Russell Gordon also participated in the crusade.
The deacon board of the Third Brethren Church of Johnstown, Pa., sponsored a Valentine's day fellowship on February 14. The fellowship includ- ed an evening meal followed by an entertaining program and devotions led by the pastor, Rev. C. R. Kindley.
The First Brethren Church of Waterloo, Iowa,
is helping one of its members, Neil Hoppenworth, attend Ashland Theological Seminary. Neil is entering the seminary this spring to begin work toward a degree in religious education.
April 1979
23
update
NAE posifJon paper proclaims Jesus Christ the only answer
Orlando, Fla. — The 1979 National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) Convention theme, "Jesus Christ: Now More Than Ever," was explained in a position paper adopted by voting members of NAE attending the convention, held March 5-8 in Orlando.
Attending this convention from the Brethren Church were Eugene Beekley, Keith Bennett, Duane Dicl^son, Robert and Juanita Dillard, Spencer and Eleanor Gentle, Arden Gilmer, Russell Gordon, Bud and Jean Hamel, Virgil Ingraham, Phil and Jean Lersch, Smith Rose, and Dale RuLon.
The position paper declares that while Chris- tians in 20th century America face grave spiritual, social, political, and economic problems, still the answer to these problems remains changeless — Jesus Christ.
"Now more than ever," the paper states, evan- gelical Christians must follow the changeless Christ to speak the truth, show compassion ?nd seek the lost if we will save our generation."
The position paper assesses the world condition as "dangerous, marked by ecological pollution, the possibility of nuclear war, food shortages and the population explosion.
"World events occur with startling rapidity and increasing intensity. Our attention shuttles from the Near East to Africa, from Iran to Red China without letup.
"Ethical and moral standards continue to erode. Corruption, sexual license, greed, violence, injus- tice, the shattering of the institution of marriage and the home — all these convey a brutal fact — the deep-seated and seemingly irreversible decline of western culture."
The answer, stated in the position paper, is not to build more extravagant church buildings or to simply provide a pleasant sanctuary for worship by prayerless people living undisciplined lives.
"We affirm that the Christ of the Scriptures — and He alone — is the answer to the world's need today."
"Now more than ever, the message of the changeless Christ must be proclaimed to a world searching for reality and certainty.
"Now, more than ever, the motive of the change- less Christ speaks to our lifestyle, to our steward- ship in a world of poverty and riches, of inequi- ties, of cries for compassion and justice.
"Now, more than ever, the method of the changeless Christ must be our method. 'There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved' (Acts 4:12)."
In addition to accepting this position paper, voting members of NAE also passed resolutions on Taiwan, arms restraint, religious freedom, abortion, and equality of the sexes.
Concern over Taiwan growing out of U.S. recognition of Communist China prompted NAE to pass a four-point resolution calling for: (1) The conscience of world opinion to respect the right of the people of Taiwan to exercise human liber- ties; (2) The Congress and the President of the U.S. to support the preservation of the human rights of the people of Taiwan; (3) The Congress and the President to protect American citizens in Taiwan; and (4) The church in America to pray for and identify with our fellow Christians in Taiwan that religious freedom and spiritual oppor- tunity be preserved. _^
In its resolution on arms, NAE urged the U.S. government to exercise reasonable restraint in the production and use of its military capability and to encourage other nations to do the same. "We also urge Christians everywhere to acknowledge that their trust is in a sovereign God rather than in any human agency and to invoke His overruling providence in the affairs of nations so that His people may live in accordance with His commandments."
Alarmed by developments which jeopardize religious freedom — such as the proposed Chari- table Contribution Disclosure Act, the proposed Lobby Disclosure Act, and recent decisions made by the Commissioner of the IRS against tax- exempt groups — NAE called upon members of Congress to carefully consider the adverse effect that the two proposed Acts would have on all philanthropic organizations and churches in particular. At the same time the resolution urged evangelical organizations to adopt principles and practices of self-regulation as assurances against the abuses prompting such legislation.
The resolution further requested Congress to enact legislation that would clearly stipulate the limits of power which the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service could use against tax- exempt groups in the enforcement of social policy as distinct from the collection of taxes.
On the subject of abortion, NAE reaffirmed its resolution of 1971 attesting to the sacredness of life, opposing abortion on demand, and recog- nizing the possible need for therapeutic abortion to preserve the health or life of the mother.
Concerning the equality of the sexes, NAE resolved to adhere to marriage and family as the divinely ordained institution for love and pro- creation; oppose all attempts to obliterate sexual distinctions between men and women in order to promulgate unisexual or homosexual preferences and practices; oppose those interpretations of equal rights which would force women and men into roles which are contrary to those specific and complementary functions based upon sex differ- ences in the biblical order.
24
The Brethren Evangelist
-""~1S
update
Mt. Olive Church burns parsonage note
Pineville, Va. — The Mt. Olive Brethren Church had a note-burning ceremony during a special congre- gational meeting on Sunday, January 21. During the ceremony trustees Winston Hensley and Harvey Davis burned the note on the church's parsonage.
The note-burning was a celebration of the com- pletion of a concerted effort begun in July of last year. At that time the congregation began a project to finalize payment of the long-standing debt on the parsonage.
A target date was set of October 31, but this was later changed to December 31. A poster was made to remind the congregation of the project and to show the progress being made in paying off the debt.
The note-burning ceremony was originally scheduled for January 7. The event was delayed, however, when winter weather forced cancellation of services on the 7th.
Weddings
Candy Nifong to Timothy Van Duyne, January 7, at the United Methodist Church, Argos, Ind. Rev. John C. Shultz, Tiosa Brethren pastor, and Rev. Richard Lewke, Argos United Methodist pastor, officiating. Groom member of the Tiosa, Ind., Brethren Church.
Stephanie Dawn Heatwole to Stephen Lynn Line- weaver, December 29, at the Mt. Olive Brethren Church, Pineville, Va. Rev. W. F. Garber offici- ating. Groom member of the Mt. Olive Brethren Church.
Scientist says solar drying
could hpJn f^nA v^nrlA hiinnpr
Provo, Utah (EP news) — The virtually untapped process of solar food drying could help eliminate the hunger crisis in many developing nations, according to Dr. Clayton Huber of Brigham Young University, who has developed food for U.S. space flights.
In the solar drying process, raw fruit and vegetables are dried by using the direct or indirect rays of the sun. The food is placed in specially constructed solar dryers.
"The implications of solar drying for under- developed countries and for food storage in the U.S. and abroad are tremendous," said Dr. Huber. "Using the sun's energy for food drying is ideal for countries where electricity is not readily avail- able, and where home canning facilities are non- existent."
Dr. Huber, who developed the foods used for NASA's Apollo and Skylab space flights, recently completed a study of solar drying and its feasibil- ity in South and Central America.
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Winston Hensley and Harvey Davis burn the note on the Mt. OUve Church parsonage.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
. • • pilose l^t US know.
1. Give old address:
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Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
April 1979
25
hooks
Christ in All the Scriptures
Christ in All the Scriptures by A. M. Hodgkin (Baker Book House, 1976, 249 pp., $2.45 paper- back).
Christ in AH the Scriptures is not the kind of book you curl up with in a comfortable chair in front of a roaring fire for an evening of reading pleasure. Rather, it is a very valuable resource tool. It should not only belong on the shelf of any serious Bible student, but it should be well used.
As the title suggests, Christ in AH the Scriptures is a presentation of Christ as found in each book of the Bible. Throughout the book, the images of Christ from Genesis to Revelation are dealt with, and Christ is clearly seen as the focal point of all Scripture.
For those who are interested in the person and work 01 Christ and who are willing to do some study to discover Christ in depth, the money paid for this book will be money well spent. Remember, though, this is not and does not pretend to be a simple book to read.
(Christ in AM the Scriptures was originally pub- lished in 1S07. This is a paperback reprint of the earlier book.)
—Robert B. dough
Rev. Clough is pastor of the Bethlehem Brethren Church, Harrisonburg, Va.
Christian Lifestyle
Learn to Live with Style by Eileen Guder (Word Books, 1978, 144 pp., $4.95 paperback).
What is the Christian hfestyle? Does it have to be goody-goody, repressed, or dull?
Eileen Guder says, "No, living the Christian lifestlye is not a matter of following a list of rules or giving up your individuality. Consider Jesus and Paul, for example; they were anything but dull and they had dynamic qualities that people noticed and responded to."
The author uses many Scripture passages to bolster her position. Among these she includes Paul's Letter to the Galatians, which describes an authentic Christian style of life including self- control, love, tolerance, joy, faithfulness, peace, generosity, patience, and kindness.
Eileen Guder is a popular author, speaker, and churchwoman. She has written eight other books, including Deliver Us From Fear, We're Never Alone, and The Many Faces of Friendship. She
Memories of China
The White Pagoda by Fay Angus (Tyndale House, 1978, 192 pp., $3.95 paperback).
This book held my interest and gave me enjoy- ment from beginning to end. Its fascination stemmed from the fact that Fay Angus lived in China much of her life. She now resides with her husband and two children in Sierra Madre, California.
In this book the author expresses in detail her impressions and experiences in China, peaceful China as well as wartime China. Her father was a businessman, so as a child she lived in a sophis- ticated community in Shanghai. After her parents were divorced, she entered the Convent of the Sacred Heart School.
The climax of the book comes when she tells about the war years — ^during which she was put in a Japanese internment (prison) camp. There she had a stirring personal encounter with God. She recalls: "The faith . . so carefully planted in my life, now gnawed at me, hungering and thirst- ing to be fed. I yearned to be filled with all the fullness of God." The fullness was to come through a lifetime of circumstances.
Finally, after the war, when many were trying to get out of China, she and her mother were fortunate enough to get passage on a freighter, sharing a small cabin with two other ladies bound for the New World.
This book demonstrates the endurance Christ gives us when He is the center of our lives.
— Julie Flora
is married to Dr. William Triplett, a faculty mem- ber of the School of Music at the University of Southern California.
This would be a good book for groups to read and discuss together.
— Julie Flora
Mrs. Flora is an Ashland, Ohio, homemaker and a frequent contributor to the Brethren Evangelist.
26
The Brethren Evangelist
Plea for Brethren to cooperate
I appreciate subscribing for and reading the Brethren Evangelist.
As I carefully read, I am iieartsick at the revela- tion of the decline of our Brethren congregations in the Ashland fellowship and the decrease of mem- bership continually. I received Christ over 50 years ago in the Eagle Creek Church of the Brethren near Findlay, Ohio.
I have been active in opening new Brethren congregations for over 27 years in Findlay, Bowling Green, and Fremont, Ohio, and in Ander- son, South Carolina, and now at Clearwater, Florida. It is thrilling to see the Brethren multiply in our Grace Brethren Churches all over the nation. Our evangelism, missions, quality funda- mental literature, and thriving Home Missions program are reaping wonderful harvest. Many new churches are growing wonderfully in towns and cities as they are being established. Glory to Jesus!
My love for all our born again Brethren people and for our rich heritage makes me to desire to write in to the Brethren Evangelist readers and declare our love and fellowship and prayers and devotion to the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ together !
The February issue of the Evangelist listed some sad facts and this should cause each one of us to say, let us get together again and with sold out devotion to Jesus cooperate in our Brethren churches instead of any competition or ignoring of each other, which is not worthy of the name Brethren nor Christian. Brethren — brothers and sisters in Christ — let us get back together and use our hearts and let the Holy Spirit work in our midst in vital fellowship. Then God can bring the increase. Divided Brethren — how could such a misnomer ever be?
Holy Spirit revival will come when we pray and work and attend and evangelize together! Try it and you will like it!
Our men of God are cooperating in Ashland Seminary and growth came there and growth will come when we get good spiritual sense and fully
work together in the Ashland and Grace Brethren —not enemy— churches ! ! !
O Holy Spirit of God, melt and move us to- gether; O Lord Jesus, melt us together; O great God of Heaven, melt us together in Thy work!
Our Clearwater Grace Brethren Church is really moving ahead with great rejoicing with Church of the Brethren, Brethren, and Grace Brethren all together in an active, spiritual, happy, born again fellowship. I know it can be done for I am in the midst of it!
— Pastor Marion Thomas Dunedin, Fla.
Beguiling issues
I couldn't help but respond to the recent issue (February 1979) of the Evangelist. I am a student pastor of the Milford First Brethren Church, currently completing my studies at Grace Theological Seminary. I hope that that does not make me a bad guy!
There seems to be a spirit of defeat and pessimism pervading the churches of the Ashland group. Many are asking, "What is our mission?" "Why aren't we growing?" The problem as I see it is that "the serpent has beguiled the denom- ination through his subtilty, so that our minds have become corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (II Cor. 11:3). This fact is evident just by leafing through the Evangelist. Its pages are clouded with such "beguiling" issues as world hunger and peacemaking. It is almost laughable that the church in its small, powerless state should attempt to call upon the government and demand anything. My Brethren, these issues are certainly important. But they are secondary to the preach- ing of Christ and Him crucified (I Cor. 2:2). This message changes lives. If we let it become clouded by these issues of secondary importance, issues that will only ultimately be dealt with upon the return of the Lord Jesus Himself, then we will follow the steady paths of decline which every denomination in history has experienced. I trust that the leadership at the helm of the church will take serious and drastic measures to redirect her course. Failure to do this may be fatal!
— Pastor Jeff Carroll Milford, Ind.
April 1979
27
YOU ARE WELCOME!
YOU ARE INVITED!
Centennial Celebration Park Street Brethren Church
Ashland, Ohio Sunday, May 6, 1979
All former pastors, members, friends, and students are invited to help us praise the Lord for our first 1 00 years and the beginning of our second 1 00 years.
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Coffee Fellowship 9:00
Church School 9:30 1
Worship 10:30
Dinner 12:00
Service of Celebration 2:00
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The 1979 Pastors' Conference wil! also meef at Park Street Brethren Church May T-2.
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Further Centennial Celebratioh at PSB will
be the CREATIVE MINISTRIES of Frank f ^ f
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Q O OJ O O ci- c-^ »— ♦ O
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Roughton, September 21-23, 1979, includ- ing "Paul Speaks," "The Centurion," and "The Sermon on the Mount." Also, a Cen- tennial Directory with pictures of members, friends, classes, etc., will be distributed.
it is the hope and prayer of all mem- bers of PSB that many will come and praise the Lord with us as we cele- ^
brate this occasion — beginning our ^ ^
second century of serving the Lord. o^ t
iO «<
YOU ARE WELCOME!
YOU ARE INVITED!
Letters
7<t t^ S^Utoft
Concerning a "Statement of Faith"
I truly appreciated Dr. Burkey's article in the March Evangelist, "Challenges and Opportunities," except for the second characteristic he lists as his hope for the brotherhood . . . the denomina- tional adoption of a "statement of faith" .... His fourth reason ... is that "Scripture seems to endorse doctrinal statements," and he cites I Pet. 3:15. The Scripture that I read seems to claim to be doctrine . . . itself (eg., II Tim. 3:16); and all the creeds which I have ever read seem to be attempts to radically abridge the Scriptures .... However, their brevity limits them and excludes the fullness and richness found in the whole Scriptures; also, too often the composers of the various . . . creeds have "picked-and-chosen," in order to fit the statement of faith into their own preconceived theological framework. I Peter 3:15 seems to me to be more of both a warning to the church to admit believers who know what-and-why they believe in their hope (which is their faith in Jesus Christ, and not . . . the Brethren Church), and also an admonition to believers to be ready to witness whenever the opportunity arises, rather than, as the article asserts, an endorsement of doctrinal statements.
Dr. Burkey's third reason ... is to distinguish us from the "rapidly proliferating cults." I per- sonally feel that the Brethren neither need such a defense, nor that this implication of confusion with any cult is even worthy of consideration ....
Dr. Burkey addresses in his first and second reasons . . . (and hints in his third reason) what I infer to be his major concern . . . and that is our increasing lack of "IDENTITY" .... A state- ment of faith is neither needed as our source of identity, nor as an instrument of instruction for our people. In one of his summary paragraphs Dr. Burkey says, "To become a viable movement . . . we Brethren must do far more than preserve our traditions." And yet I have seen little con- certed effort ... of either the Brethren, or Brethren churches, at promoting and preserving Brethren traditions or history .... Therein lies our identity ... an identity of brothers and sisters in Christ communing together in a New Testa- ment based covenant-community; accepting for their rule of faith and practice the Bible (you know the rest), and for their theology not a creedal theology, but a theology of lifestyle — a living out of their faith. If working properly this lifestyle theology should identify us as brothers and sisters in Christ, rather than ... a "statement of faith" ....
In fact it is "statements of faith" which have divided the Christian church throughout history .... And it would be a "statement of faith" which could tear the Brethren asunder. I am glad that the Brethren do not require me to profess to theological beliefs which make no difference to my salvation, but which may . . . cause divisions,
and even may arouse historical denominational hostility. I am happy that I can worship with those of Calvinistic . . . and Armenian persuasion, and pro-predestination and anti-predestination per- suasions, and eternal security and non-eternal security persuasions, and pre-millennialists and post-millennialists . . . etc. I praise the Lord that I can worship with brothers and sisters in this denomination without the shackles of a "state- ment of faith," but in the freedom and full rich- ness of the Scriptures alone.
— John F. Edwards, Jr. Burlington, Ind.
Response to "Beguiling Issues"
Allow me to say at the outset that there are two ways of presenting criticism. The first seeks to belittle another person's position by disparaging his character or motivations, while the second desires to present the truth in a spirit of love and genuine brotherly concern (Eph. 4:15). Let us not accuse our brothers and sisters in the faith of following the "beguiling" influence of Satan; such is not becoming of "Brethren."
It has been characteristic of the Brethren from their inception to desire to obey the whole of the Gospel as they find it in Scripture. The Brethren Church, from the tim.e of its split from the Ger- man Baptist Brethren in the 1880s until now, has always seen its primary task as the sharing of the Gospel with those outside of Christ. However, they also realized that the Gospel is not only to be shared, but it is also to be lived. It places responsibilities on all who claim Christ as Savior and Lord to portray Him visibly in the way they relate (1) to their Father in heaven — by a love- motivated obedience to His will; (2) to the Chris- tian community — by giving of themselves in loving commitment and sacrifice; and (3) to the outside world — by going the "extra mile" in self-denying service. Because they viewed Matt. 5:9, 43-47 and Matt. 25:31-46 just as much Jesus' words as Matt. 28:19-20, they believed one's attitudes toward the hungry and toward war in general were visible means of manifesting His Spirit to a lost world.
I fully agree with Brother Carroll (April "Letters") that these problems will not be resolved fully except by Christ's return, and I also realize that theologians quibble over the meaning of the phrase "the least of these my brethren" (Matt. 25:40) and over the application of the Sermon on the Mount to the present age. But will the One who felt indiscriminate compassion for 5000 hungry men (besides women and children) be impressed by the excuses American Christians give when confronted by their general insensi- bility to the needs of a spiritually lost and physi- cally hungry world? Will the One who told us to love our enemies and who blessed the peace- makers be swayed by our reasons for not being fully committed to the work of reconciliation among our neighbors, whether they be local, na- tional, or international? Let us preach, teach, and live the whole Gospel!
—Dale R. Stoffer Pasadena, Calif.
The Brethren Evangelist
^^^ The Brethren ^ • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist (USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor: Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805. One year subscription rates: $6.00 for 100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual subscriptions.
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Cover
"Sisters" of the Brethren: Mary Sterling (top left), Laura Grossnickle (top rt.), Sarah Righter Major (hot. left), Mrs. U. J. Shively (hot. rt.). See article on pages 4-7. Cover design by Howard Mack
Vol. 101, No. 5
May 1979
4 The Sisters of fhe Brethren
by Susan White
8 Words I Never Heard My Mother Say
by Jean Lersch
10 Appreciation for Faithful Service
by Virgil Ingraham
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
11 Challenges and Opportunities for Women
by Joan Ronk
Brethren Christian Education
14 Seeking and Serving
15 New in 1979: Cerro Gordo BYC
16 Demonstrating Potential: Walcrest BYC
17 Life Under the Son: Sarasota BYC
18 May: National Youth Month 27 Summer Crusader Program:
Off the Drawing Board
Departmen+s
2 Letters
19 The Salt Shaker
20 Update
26 As I See it
ABOUT THIS ISSUE
The feature section of this issue of The Brethren Evangelist focuses on women. This is a particularly appropriate emphasis for May, when the celebration of Mother's Day turns our attention to mothers in particular and women in general.
In the lead article, The Sisters of the Brethren, Susan White looks at the role women have played in the Brethren Church since its be- ginning in 1708. The next two articles, Words / Never Heard My Mother Say by Jean Lersch and Appreciation for Faithful Service by Virgil Ingraham, provide present-day examples of the contributions of Brethren women.
The monthly feature. Perspectives for the Eighties, is also written by a woman. It is entitled Challenges and Opportunities for Women, and in it Joan Ronk expresses her belief that the eighties will offer women even greater opportunities to fulfill their God-given role as helpmeets.
Drawings on pages 15, 16, 17, and 27 are by Chuck Bowers, a student at Ashland College.
May 1979
Sarah Righter Major
sketch by Susan White
•T^E YEAR is 1708. The place is Schwar- 1 zenau in Germany. On this memorable day the Brethren Church, after years in gestation, was born. Down into the waters of believers' baptism went eight people, declaring by this act their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, their obedience to Him, and their separation from the organized church.
Who were these eight individuals who stood boldly for their faith? Led by Alexander Mack, there followed four other men and three women. Here we see making up almost half of the original ''Brethren Church" the sisters of the Brethren.
The name Brethren is perhaps mislead- ing, sounding very male oriented. But it was, in fact, a name to suggest a family and to indicate the love and unity among its members. It in no way eliminated the sis- ters or put them in inferior standing. In fact, in some areas the church was later referred to as the ''Community of Brethren and Sisters."
Persecution followed. The Brethren found themselves pushed from town to town, territory to territory. It was a hard time for them, especially for Brethren women who were constantly pulling up their home
The Sisters of the Brethren
by Susan White
roots and moving on to another temporary dwelling.
Wherever the Brethren went they were not silent about their faith. Although much
Susan White is a student at Ashland Theological Seminary from which she will receive a master of arts degree in biblical studies this June. She is also a member of the Park Street Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
^
of the response was unfavorable, many- people did count the cost and enter into the fellowship. Of the 255 recorded bap- tisms in Europe, 88 of those joining the Brethren were women.
There were also women in leadership positions during this time. Brother Jacob Schreder and his wife were both called and invested with the office of elder. Sister Schreder was invested by Alexander Mack, himself, at Schwarzenau. She continued serving the church in this office even seven years following her husband's death.
By 1719, the Brethren were ready to make a more drastic move. America ap- peared to the Brethren as the fertile ground on which their faith could grow. So in that year, the first group of Brethren set sail for the distant shores of the New Land. A special strength from the Lord was surely needed for the sisters to meet this new challenge of cutting all old ties to establish a home in a distant and foreign environ- ment.
In America
The Brethren were able to live and to continue the growth of their church with relative peace in their new country until the 1770's. Then conflicts with the ideas of the revolutionaries and the fear of hav- ing their religion come under subjection of the new nation caused the Brethren to seek out the freedom of the West. Communities were begun primarily in Ohio, Indiana, and ininois. This migration not only required much bravery on the part of the Brethren men who went out into the wild and un- charted areas to establish new settlements, but also on the part of their women who remained at home.
As the Brethren moved west, individual families became isolated from the rest of the congregation. This put a whole new emphasis on the importance of the family. Each family was forced to develop an inde- pendence and unity of its own. Although the father was the head of the household, the mother could certainly be character- ized as the head of the home. The man's responsibilities called him away from the house. The woman's activities, on the other hand, were centered in the home.
Besides keeping house in her small, often inconvenient, cabin, the wife was also called upon to serve as chief educator of the chil- dren, giving them their religious as well as their general education.
Women were regarded as equals within the church, for the most part. As with the men, they were expected to follow the or-
dinances of the Brethren. Their garments were to be simple and modest, following the guidelines given by the church.
One controversial issue did arise in the church in regards to women — primarily due to the activities of Sarah Righter Major. That issue was, ''Does a sister have the right to preach?"
Sarah Righter Major
Sarah Righter, the daughter of Brethren minister John Righter of Philadelphia, was born August 28, 1804. At the age of 18, under the ministry of Harriet Livermore, she made a definite commitment to Christ. It seems that Sarah not only received the Lord at this time, but also the seeds to her particular calling in life. For it was not long after this that she began to feel the call to preach. This unsettled her greatly, because this was not the acceptable role for a young woman in the church. Her father, however, did not scoff at her. On the contrary, he encouraged her and helped her to begin her public ministry right there in Philadelphia. From there she was invited to preach at the Amwell Church in New Jersey, then by many different churches.
Her ministry was generally well-received, and there was seldom a church that did not eagerly invite her back. Many attended her services out of curiosity at hearing a ''woman preacher," but it was not long until it was the desire to hear God's Word vibrantly presented that drew them.
All did not favor the right of a woman to preach, though. The Annual Meeting of 1834 did not approve of a sister preaching, "Considering such sister to be in danger, not only exposing her own state of grace to temptation, but also causing temptation.
"The desire of the women +o work within the church came from hearts intent on doing the will of God."
discords and disputes among other mem- bers."* Then again in 1839, Annual Meeting declared that a sister may prophesy but may not preach or teach.
Concerned about Sister Sarah's welfare and that of the denomination, a delegation was sent to inform her that she was to stop preaching. Their mission was never quite accomplished, however, because upon
"^ Henry Kurtz, ed., The Brethren's Encyclo- pedia (Columbiana, Ohio, 1867) p. 181.
May 1979
their arrival the men just could not tell her to stop preaching. One of them, James Tracy of Indiana, recorded, '1 could not give my voice to silence one who can out- preach me." They left her to continue her ministry.
Sarah Major was not the only woman preaching during the 1800's. Mrs. Clara Flora was called to the ministry in the Brethren Church in 1892 and continued for many years afterwards. She was regularly employed as a pastor and evangelist, some- times preaching for three or four congre- gations and holding her own revivals. All of the rights and duties of the ministry were hers, including conducting baptisms, marriages, communions, and funerals.
In 1899, Mary Bauman, the wife of Brethren minister Louis Bauman, was ordained to the ministry in Indiana. In her husband's absence she would take his place in the pulpit, and his people were delighted to have her do so.
Mary Sterling
was a strong
supporter of
the SSCE.
She was also
an ordained
minister
in the
Pennsylvania
District and
baptized 48
converts
between
1889 and
1900.
Ca+h
erine
Myers
Not all of the strong female personalities left their mark on the Brethren Church by way of preaching. An unpublished bio- graphy by J. C. Myers tells of the influence his sister Catherine had on those around her.
Catherine's life (1833-1863) was charac- terized by her service to others. She loved to teach children, especially about the gos- pel. Her correspondence with friends was filled with encouragement. Her brother wrote of her, 'In nothing was her fidelity to Christ and her piety more strikingly exhibited than in her fondness for her Bible and her intense anxiety for the Salvation of others."*
Catherine's short life manifested the goals and ideals of many Brethren women at the time. The fact that their names have not been recorded makes them no less important.
In 1882, a schism took place in the church. From the more moderate group split off in one direction the Brethren who wanted to keep the old ways and traditions. In the other direction split off those Breth- ren who wanted to utilize all of the new opportunities being presented around them. It is this group of Progressive Brethren that we will continue to view.
In the process of organizing the new church body, it was apparent that th?
'^•Roger Sappington, The Brethren in the New Nation (Elgin: The Brethren Press, 1976), pp. 236-237.
women's work needed a structured place in the church. So in 1887, after having a committee deal with the problem, a resolu- tion was made at General Conference for the establishment of an organization to be known as the Sister's Society for Chris- tian Endeavor (SSCE). Its primary pur- pose was to raise money for the Brethren Evangelist.
Although a women's organization was officially recognized by the denomination, few women eagerly supported it. It was totally without precedent in their church tradition, and they were unsure of its scriptural basis. Mary Sterling and others encouraged the solid establishment of SSCE groups in local churches. Laura Grossnickle, an ordained minister in the church, pre- sented stirring addresses at General Con- ferences emphasizing the need for women to use their God-given talents for the work of the church. She effectively used her own talents to help organize many local SSCE groups. By 1897, the church had a total of 88 working societies with about 2000 mem- bers. The SSCE was no longer an experi- ment but an integral part of the church.
The women's projects branched out from the original purpose of supporting the Evangelist. They were concerned about the preparation of young men and women for the ministry, so they helped to establish a theological department at Ashland College. Much of their finances also went toward the individual support of those being edu- cated for the ministry. This did much to promote the growth of new leadership with- in the church.
The Brethren Evangelist
Many literary contributions were made by women during this time, with their arti- cles appearing regularly in the Brethren Evangehst. The April 22, 1908, issue of the Evangelist was devoted primarily to the women of the church.
As the need for communication among the Brethren women increased, sections in the Evangelist were seen as inadequate. Therefore, in 1912 The Woman's Outlook was first published, a magazine devoted entirely to the work of women in the church.
In 1911-1913, the issue of women preach- ing in the church appeared again. As women had so many other areas of service now opening up to them, they could not understand why preaching was a problem. Well-written articles giving sound scrip- tural arguments were presented by women in the Brethren Evangelist.
Down through the years the sisters of the church continued to heed the call to service. As mission awareness grew within the church, the women sought to do their part in spreading the gospel. Many women, both singly and with husbands, went boldly to the foreign mission field to serve as nurses, teachers, and helpmeets. Those who remained at home supported them in every way possible.
Woman's Missionary Society
As the outlook of the women became more and more mission oriented, they decided that the name Sister's Society of Christian Endeavor no longer suited them, so in 1919 it was changed to the Woman's Missionary Society (WMS).
In addition to supporting mission work abroad, WMS came up with some creative home ''mission" projects. One of the first of these was the development of the Sister- hood of Mary and Martha (SMM). Its aim was to train the young women of the church for the deepening of their spiritual lives.
Other important recipients of the sup- port of WMS were Ashland College and Seminary. Between 1913 and 1937, the WMS donated over $50,000 to these insti- tutions. Then in 1941, they took on the job of raising money for a new chapel for Ashland College. During the next ten years they raised over $46,000, and in 1950 they were ready to begin construction. The ded- ication of the finished chapel was held at the General Conference of 1952, standing as a fitting monument to the dedicated work of so many of the sisters in the church.
V, A,
^ ^ •**
■ \-^]-7^, ;,;:-
Laying the cornerstone of the Ashland College chapel. Mrs. U. J. Shively (at right), WMS presi- dent from 1919 to 1952, initiated this project among the women, who raised over $46,000 for the chapel.
Much has transpired in the work of the women in the church since 1952. Brethren women have explored new areas of service and have accepted the new challenges that have come. But these areas, which make up an entire subject of their own, are be- yond the limits of this article.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it must be said that the men and women of the Brethren have both served indispensible roles in the building of their church. Neither role has been su- perior. The desire of the women to work within the church came from hearts intent on doing the will of God. Whether the job was cooking, cleaning, raising children, or sewing ; or whether it was teaching, preach- ing, building churches, or praying, each woman ministered in the area of her own calling. Roles and areas of ministry were ever changing even as the times in which they lived were filled with change.
The ministry of women in the Brethren Church today is probably the most efficient and far-reaching it has ever been. That does not mean that they may now stop striving or setting new goals. Tomorrow is filled with an abundance of new challenges and opportunities. May women, who have been characterized in the past by hearts of faith, seek to use their abilities and talents even more effectively for the work of the Lord in the future. May the men of the church be filled with faith as well, as they not only allow, but encourage and support their women in the endeavors which they attempt. The strength of the church lies in the freedom each member gives the other to be and to do all which the Lord directs. □
May 1979
Words I
Never Heard
My Mother Say
Ida Oliver Lindower
Jean Lersch pays tribute to her mother, Mrs. Ida Lindower.
MY MOTHER doesn't grope for words. She has miUions of them stored in her mind. Words hke prestidigitator, melliflu- ous, ennui, modicum cascade from her hps and typewriter as easily as children sled- ding down the snow-covered hill at the McKinley monument in Canton, Ohio, where she was born. And like the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, where she lived at one time, that mind is the source for streams of quotations from the Psalms, the prophets, the Gospels, and the epistles, as well as Browning, Keats, Shakespeare, Milton, and Wordsworth. All of these add zest regularly to her conversations and have in the past spiced lectures to college composition classes. Why, there are few words my mother doesn't know.
But there are some words my mother has never spoken. And this avoidance has not been predetermined. I don't believe she has it in her mettle to utter these words I have often heard elsewhere. She did study Greek in college in 1926, but some phrases are totally foreign to her.
One resounds in minor key from many others her age and younger. Some of her contemporaries self-righteously proclaim, "IVe done my share!" Mother never said that. And yet, she has more right than most to make that claim.
How many times we entertained at our Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter table a student far away from home. And, too,
Jean Lersch is a Christian Education Consuhant with Brethren House Ministries, St. Petersburg, Fla., and a free-lance writer.
the occasions when Mother scrubbed Grandma Shiveley's (no relation, just a sweet old friend) kitchen and bathroom floors remain clear in my mental scrapbook of memories.
Yet today, in her ''retirement," Mother still entertains the lonely as well as her own children and grandchildren when they come to town. And several older ladies at a con- valescent center weekly receive her special care. She'll drive them to a gift store to select greeting cards, hem and alter their dresses to fit age-stooped backs, read to blind Savilla, and even calm those recalci- trant from senility with a constant supply of Life Savers. And when one of her ''old people" is too weak or tired to attend the house social event, Mother will trek back to her room, tuck her in, and kiss her good night. She wheels them back and forth from bedroom to club room several days each week.
For several years Mother also helped exercise Cathy, a brain-damaged daughter of a friend. This young girl in her early twenties, whose skull was fractured in an automobile accident, gave little sign of recognition during all of those years. But Mother, along with many other concerned friends, spent hours patterning Cathy and stimulating her with conversation.
My mother say, "I've done my share"?
Never ! Neither can I dream of Mother saying, "I owe it to myself."
It's just not in her character. But why shouldn't she claim that right? After all, her father worked twelve hours a day seven days a week for the Pennsylvania Railroad
8
The Brethren Evangelist
and had little for extras for his wife and three daughters. And later, during those depression years, pay checks sometimes didn't appear at the parsonage in the small Indiana town where Dad was pastor. And then when he had moved to the Ohio col- lege job during the war years. Mother squeezed dozens of capsules of yellow color- ing into white blocks of oleomargarine.
As the pay checks became steady and even increased in amount during my dad's years as college dean. Mother never enter- tained the idea of hoarding. In fact, I know of several college students she has finan- cially assisted, anonymously. Her church contributions increased as the salary did, and my folks gave regularly to the college fund-raising campaigns.
Still, today, Mother keeps on giving. In- stead of stockpiling trinkets to dust and fashionable clothing to wear and store, Mother sews many of her own clothes and some for her teenage granddaughter, and also crochets sweaters and afghans for friends. Her most recent creation is Hugo, a rakish crocheted panda bear with rolling eyes for her great-grandson Michael.
Mother say, '1 owe it to myself"? I'd sooner expect to hear William Buckley talk jive or Gomer Pyle converse in Elizabethan English.
The other refrain I've heard repeatedly, but never from my mom is, "We never did it that way before," implying, ''You shouldn't try it."
Even though her perspective is aligned to knowledge of antiquities, her vision en- compasses today's events and she has an eye for the future. Whether she's learning the fine points of wrestling from her grandson in college or supporting educa- tional innovaters, she shows interest in people and their dreams.
In her
"retirement,"
Mrs.
Lindower
continues to
offer a
helping hand
or a gentle
push.
Rather than say, "I've done my share," Mrs. Lindower spends one day a week doing volunteer work at Brethren Care. Reading letters for resi- dents is just one way she continues to serve.
To keep her own mental machinery oiled these days that she is away from teaching in the college classroom, she recently helped organize and later attended a com- munity course in humanities taught by professors in music, literature, science, and philosophy. One of the subjects of study in the course was an electronic synthesizer. Although Mother prefers Mendelssohn, her evaluation of the contemporary music- producer was, "Well, Mozart wasn't exactly cheered in his day."
No, Mother wouldn't ever chide, 'We never did it that way before." Instead, she would say, "We'll never know until we try,"
My mother does disseminate words as profusely and appropriately as she scatters acts of service. But never have I heard her utter these short-sighted declarations: *'Fve done my share." "I owe it to myself." "We never did it that way before."
This poem I discovered that Mother wrote years ago explains her philosophy that precludes such statements.
Dear Lord, I long to honor Thee With mighty deeds ivrought by
Thy grace; But I cannot create a ivorld Or fling bright stars out into space. I have no power infinite Whereby I bid the lame mari, ''Rise And walk/' or yet the blind man, ''See" ; But warmly in my heart there lies Abundant love. Enable me To spend it — 71 ot on friends I pHze Alone — on all in need, I've found; Then by my love Thou shaft be crowned!
by Ida Oliver Lindower
May 1979
Appreciation for Faitliful Service
by Virgil Ingraham
THE retirement of Mrs. Marion M. Mellinger on February 28th marked the conclusion of an unusually fine missionary ministry. Mrs. Mellinger, better known to her friends as "Mickey," served for more than fifteen years as Administrative Assis- tant of the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church.
Mrs. Mellinger will be remembered by the Brethren attending General Conference over the years as the congenial secretary who assisted them and answered their varied inquiries about Brethren missions. She will be remembered by board members, missionaries, and staff as the person who performed endless tasks in seeing to their needs — whether it be during board meet- ings, providing special information, or giv- ing a helping hand to someone requiring assistance.
A person of remarkable ability, Marion not only carried out most capably her many office functions, but also wrote missionary articles, edited the board's publications, supervised at missionary banquets, and oversaw the Missionary Board displays at
At a luncheon on February 28th, friends and associates honored Mrs. MeUinger and her husband Delbert for their faithful service to the Lord and the Brethren Church.
Mrs. Marion Mellinger at the desk where she performed her missionary ministry so faithfully and capably for more than 15 years.
General Conferences — just to mention a few of the extra contributions she made.
Friends and associates met on February 28th for a luncheon held in her honor. A portable television set was presented to her as a token of appreciation and remem- brance by Missionary Board members and the Missionary Board staff. Her husband, Delbert, was appropriately included in this occasion, for few people have any knowl- edge of the extent of the behind-the-scenes assistance and support he gave his wife as together they faithfully served the Lord and the Brethren Church.
We join their host of friends in extending our best wishes to Marion and Delbert Mellinger as they continue their ministry in the love of God, perhaps at a slower pace, but with ever-present joy and fulfillment.
Rev. Ingraham is General Secretary of the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church.
10
The Brethren Evangelist
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Challenges and Opportunities
for Women
Joan Ronk believes that the eighties will offer women even greater opportunities to fulfill their God-given role as helpmeets.
THE concept of women in leadership roles in contrast with being **just housewives" is not new. Incidentally, who wants to be the wife of a house? A home- maker is the term I prefer for that pro- fession !
From biblical history we quickly think of Sarah, the homemaker, who became a mother at the old (according to our modern standards) age of 91. We also remember Deborah in politics, Lydia in business, Esther in government, and Ruth, the widow who labored. The list could continue.
My point is that women have always been leaders in various professions. There tends to be a cycle of independence, de- pendence; equality, inequality; conserva- tive, radical. Woman's suffrage, women's lib — these movements have brought changes, no doubt about it. Some changes have been good.
Now, what will be the role of women in the next decade? I believe the role women
Mrs. Ronk is a wife, the mother of two married and two high school age children, and secretary for the Vice President for Resource Develop- ment of Ashland College. She is also active in the Brethren Church at the local, district, and national level.
' \ jA m* • '' 1 \ I- • -' * 'is'^l
i^f,
will play in the eighties will be very similar to that for which they were created — but culture or society will affect the method of performing this role.
Women to be helpmeets
We remember that the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam. Then, from one of Adam's ribs. He made a woman to be a helpmeet for him. (Gen. 2:18, 21-22). As a helpmeet, what is expected of us? Woman is to be a helper suitable for man — a companion who will assist, encourage, support, and love her husband. Behavioral guidelines for wives (and husbands) abound in the Bible. Proverbs 31, Ephesians 5, Philippians 4, Colossians 3, and I Peter 3 are my favorites.
Woman has the desire to love and to be loved. It is my belief that love encompasses all the other definitions of a helpmeet. Because I love my husband, I will assist, encourage, support, respect, honor, and obey him. He and I are willing to accept each other's weaknesses because I love him and he loves me.
There are different kinds of love. Nothing can compare with the supreme love — God's love for me and mine for Him. This is the first and great commandment, that I love Him. Then I am commanded to love my neighbor. Who is he? Neighbor/friend; teacher/student ; pastor/parishioner ; em- ployer/employee. Family love is special, too: husband/wife; parent /child ; sister/ brother.
Christ instructs us how we should live in His new commandment, sometimes re-
May 1979
11
a
It is my belief that love encompasses all the other definitions of a helpmeet. Because I love my husband, I will assist, encourage, support, respect, honor, and obey him/'
f erred to as the 11th commandment: ''A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13: 34). Christ loves each individual in a gen- eral way and in a specific way. In general — He died for all the sins of all of us. Specifically — he loves us each according to our need.
This is the pattern for our love : generally — that we love one another; specifically — as we can strengthen or complement needs. And so we love, and the way we love in each classification will vary. Remember to love the right way at the right time, and don't mix them up!
Woman also has the desire for self- respect. After her love for God and her love for her neighbor and family comes love for herself. Because it is last, it need not be least. A low self-esteem is harmful, depressing, and against God's will. God made us in His image and He does not make mistakes! I have gone through some days of self-pity but soon realized what a waste of emotion and energy they were! Replace self-pity with self-love ! A woman's attitude can establish the tone of the home and set the pace for the day. Think on Philippians 4:8.
God's plan for the unmarried
Up to this point I have written to women who are married. I believe, however, that it is in God's plan that not everyone be married. Some ladies, as well as men, are chosen to live their lives unmarried. Paul gives instructions to the unmarried in I Corinthians 7. Unique opportunities are given to those without responsibility for husband/wife/children. Accept this special gift of celibacy (being able to remain un- married), and be a helpmeet to your fellowmen. Immediately we think of priests and nuns, but also consider for a minute the multitude of Marys and Marthas who serve in all occupations around the world. Their first responsibility is to someone in need, not to a family.
Widows also serve in an outstanding position. Much of I Corinthians 7 applies to them. Sometimes the widows and wid- owers are not able to leave their homes and embark on a new vocation. But they can serve as an important helpmeet to a younger parent, to a child, or to a shut-in. Some may identify with a program: Big Brothers, Pal-Gal, Gray Lady, pen pal, prayer partner, a listener. Others may do their own thing as the Lord leads.
Oppor+uni+ies in the eighties
In the eighties there will be more oppor- tunities and challenges for women who want to be employed away from home. Inventions and research will continue to open up new occupations, many of which have not even been thought of today. We don't know how women will fit into these opportunities; that will be the challenge. For the employed woman there are new requirements. Status is nothing compared with demand, responsibility, competition, and endurance.
Along with those new professions (those yet to be discovered) are the current pro- fessions (those which will never be re- placed)— the helpmeet at home and the mother.
Competition with men in public life is sometimes tough, but being a mother is designated for women only! The joy of conception, feeling the wiggles inside, then holding a new creation are indescribable. Being a mother is a unique experience, but being a Christian mother is particularly blessed. Hannah's example of loaning Samuel to the Lord established the prin- ciple that we follow of dedicating our chil- dren to the Lord (I Samuel 1:28). Paul refers to Timothy's mother (Eunice) and his grandmother (Lois) and the faith they instilled in young Timothy. In the eighties, will anyone refer to the sound Christian teaching in our homes?
Mothers need to realize the impact of their years at home with pre-schoolers. During these formative years a child needs
12
The Brethren Evangelist
''Within the next decade, the Brethren Church will continue to find needs and to meet those needs. . . . Women will continue to play a major role ... no matter where they serve or in what capacity.''
to learn self -worth, values, and security. Soon enough the world will become the teacher, providing some necessary and some unnecessary knowledge. How fortunate is the child who has learned the importance of himself — respect, not conceit — and has been taught good values by his mother. The best opportunity for training on a one-to- one basis comes before grade 1, with mother as the teacher.
So far my thoughts have been on women in general and Christian women in par- ticular. First, I am a woman; second, a Christian ; and then a Brethren. This is how I categorize you. As a Christian woman, I have presented the preceding thoughts, applicable to Christian women of any de- nomination. To Christian women who are Brethren, I ask, ''Where do we fit in the eighties?"
Opportunities for Brethren wonnen
There are opportunities to serve Christ in more than Christian education and music or as a missionary or minister's wife. The denominational boards, Ashland College, and Ashland Theological Seminary will need women in administrative, teach- ing, and secretarial positions. Consider, too, professions coupled with world missionary service. I fondly remember Dr. Florence Gribble, the lady doctor-missionary in French Equatorial Africa. More recently we have had Beatrice Bischof, Jenny Loi, and Dr. Sujata Kumar following in the medical profession. The need for medical mission- aries will increase as population and pov- erty increase. Teachers at the Riverside Christian Training School in Kentucky are needed annually. Tentmakers have been welcomed in Derby, Medina, Town and Country, and Brandon. As the Brethren
denomination plants additional churches (two per year), many additional tent- makers will be needed.
Full-time Christian workers
Actually, Christ called us to be full-time Christian workers in everything we do. This does not apply to a few occupations only. Where I am, I see obvious needs. In your community, you look for the obvious needs.
Within the next decade, the Brethren Church will continue to find needs and to meet those needs with its resources — human and material. Women will continue to play a major role in that ministry as Christians, no matter where they serve or in what capacity. The Brethren Church will grow, but each congregation needs to be organized to meet the needs of its locality — knocking, inquiring, helping, and nurturing. The rate of growth is in direct proportion to the lay leadership — the women being the helpmeets to the men.
What are women's challenges and oppor- tunities in the eighties? Women will con- tinue to be liberated so that they can be individuals, not extremists. They will be free to be helpmeets, not revolutionists. The success of this freedom depends upon our own attitudes. Where have we placed God in our own lives?
Our prayer
Our prayer should be the couplet from the hymn-writer, William Bradbury. It will be effective in the 1980's, just as it has been since the 1880's:
Savior, like a shepherd, lead us. Much we need Thy tender care.
''Women will continue to be liberated so that they can be individuals, not extremists . . . helpmeets, not revolutionists/'
May 1979
13
tion
Seeking and Serving
CQ
T HAVE just finished reading the
official magazine of another Breth- ren denomination, and I am amazed at the number of new churches they are planting. The pages were full of pictures of new congregations that are seeking and serving the Lord. God is working with people who are working with Him.
But what about our Brethren denomination? What is the Brethren Church doing about church planting? Certainly we are doing something! Yes, the churches are growing in Tampa, Brandon, Medina, and Butler. Two years ago there were no Breth- ren churches in these communities; today there are. God is working with those who are willing to work with Him. Plans are underway for more churches to be planted in the near future. Through church planting the Brethren Church is reaching out.
But there is another kind of church planting in which the Brethren Church should be reaching in. For many years we have heard that "our Brethren young people are the church of tomorrow." And this is true. Our most valuable resource, besides the Lord, is our youth. They will become the church of tomorrow. And wheth- er we realize it or not, we are plant- ing the Brethren Church of tomorrow with our Brethren Youth of today.
We have a responsibility to see that our youth are nurtured to be- come mature Christian adults who are seeking God's will. We need to
"Our most valuable resource, besides the Lord, Is our youth. They will become the church of tomorrow."
cultivate their interest in serving Christ and the Brethren Church.
We are planting and growing a new Brethren Church among our- selves. We need to be aware of the examples and teaching we are giving our youth. We must lead and encour- age them to grow into a strong brotherhood — one which God will bless because it is seeking and serv- ing Him.
The following pages share what some of our Brethren churches are doing to encourage their youth and to help them grow into a strong church. They also share what the youth are doing in serving Christ. We should be excited by what we read and what we see. New congregations will grow because of these activities. God is working with people who are willing to work with Him. I pray that the Brethren Church today is willing to follow God's leading in ministry to its youth in order to build a church that will grow — both inwardly and outwardly. Q
14
The Brethren Evangelist
Brethren Christian Education
Klew in 1979:
Cerro Gordo BTC
A BRAND new addition to National BYC this year is Cerro Gordo, Illinois. Over forty youth from this church are registered nationally for the first time!
The youth here are actively seeking God's presence in their lives through a weekly Bible study program. The senior high group, led by Mike and Becky Dunn, is studying ''Caution: Christians Under Construction," and the junior highs, with advisors Larry and Judy Shafer and Norma Martin, are using the ''Son Power" series from Scripture Press.
In addition to these two groups, Cerro Gordo has two younger groups — "Jet Cadets" (grades 4-6), led by Orville and Nancy Ryder and Karen Livingston, and "Whirlybirds," for children in grades 1-3. Both of these groups use the materials from Success with Youth. The attendance at these four Bible study programs is very good, and the youth are learning a great deal.
Perhaps the most outstanding facet of their program is the Learning Center on Sunday mornings. The Learning Center attracts approximately 20-30 children from the church and community each Sunday. Several children are members of other churches, but come to Cerro Gordo Breth- ren for the Learning Center. It is conducted for children in grades 2-5, but the children aren't the only ones benefitting from it. The teachers realize their responsibility to these children and strive to make it worth- while for all. In the process, they learn as much as the children do!
Cerro Gordo should be congratulated for its active, growing youth program. Al- though they have the smallest church building in the community, they have the largest attendance. And they will continue to grow as they go on seeking God's will and serving in the ministry He has planned for them. □
May 1979
15
Brethren Christian Education
Demonstrating Potential:
Walcrest BTC
UNDER the direction of Ralph and Jan Brown and Linda Zerbe, the Walcrest BYC (Mansfield, Ohio) is seeking the Lord in many ways. While the adults are having their weekly Bible studies on Wednesday evenings at the church, the youth are having their own innovative studies on subjects which are applicable to today's way of life. The studies are led by Ralph Brown, who digs into his own research and uses a variety of materials on subjects he feels will be interesting and useful to the youth. The response is very positive.
One way Walcrest BYC'ers are serving God is by volunteering to clean the church building once a month. (This volunteer service is shared by other members of the church in the absence of a full-time jan- itor.) Usually the cleaning is made into an all-day event, with lunch and recreation following the completion of the chores.
This group of approximately fifteen youth worked hard on an Easter pageant for the annual Easter sunrise service. They had complete charge of the service and were excited about serving the church in this way. The play they gave required props, costumes, and much coordination, which the kids handled all on their own.
Another large project the group has undertaken is raising money to rent "Friendly House," a nearby recreational center, for the fall district youth rally they are hosting. Some of the methods they used to raise money have been a rock-a-thon, a bake sale, and a booth at a local school fair to sell crafts they had made themselves.
The Walcrest church is undoubtedly proud of its youth, who, though young, are becoming active in the church's total pro- gram. They occasionally have charge of an
evening service, and they enjoy singing together as a group for special music on Sunday mornings. This group certainly possesses much potential and should be commended for its efforts to seek the Lord and serve the church. Q
16
The Brethren Evangelist
Brethren Christian Education
Life Under the Son:
Sarasota BTC
LIFE under the Son in Sarasota, Florida, is bringing growth to the Brethren Youth there. The church is in full support of its youth, and both church and youth are growing in spiritual health and out- reach for Jesus Christ.
Associate Pastor Robert Dillard, with the help of his wife Juanita, Ken and Linda Newsome, and Tom and Kathy Provenzano, is leading the Sarasota BYC in many ser- vice projects, fund-raising activities, Bible studies, and community outreach programs.
A strong base for the Sarasota youth program is provided by seeking God in Bible study. The youth have used various ma- terials, including the ''10-4 Good Buddy" series from Serendipity. In open, honest discussions, they have been able to express their feelings and ideas about Jesus and their faith.
Another form of expression is in service to God in their community. Both the BYC advisors and several of the youth were involved in Christian Life and Witness classes, which prepared them to be coun- selors for the Billy Graham Crusade in Tampa in March.
The youth have been involved in many projects which support their local church, like raising money to help buy a van for the church. They have also been faithful in giving to the national BYC project and have this year challenged the Park Street youth for highest total offering to the project ingathering.
Finding youth advisors is sometimes a problem for our churches, but Sarasota would like to share its solution. The church used a program called Nexus, which is a group learning kit that helps those going through the program to discover their
spiritual gifts. Using it, the Sarasota church has been able to help members of the body to find and use their talents for God. They have acquired willing and cap- able leaders for various ministries of the church in this way.
The Sarasota people feel strongly that their youth should have viable, mature Christian models to imitate. These models should not include only the pastor and youth advisors, but all other members of the church as well. Our Florida brethren are working hard to glorify our Lord and to build up His church. We are thankful for the ways they are seeking and serving Him. n
^^
^\nn^
\\
May 1979
17
Brethren Christian Education
May: National Youth Month
AS the previous three pages show, Brethren youth are on the move. They care about their church. They're seeking to know their Lord better and are raising money to give to His work. They are finding worthwhile ways to serve Him through their home churches.
What part does the denominational Board of Christian Education play in all this? Let us share with you an outline of the BCE's extensive program with youth.
In the fall, at the beginning of the new year, the BCE encourages every local church to register its youth members. In this way, we discover where our youth are and some of their possible needs. Each advisor then receives a packet containing a one-year planning calendar, national project promotion, resource ideas, and activity suggestions. Each youth member receives a subscription to the Brethren Youth magazine, the Morning Star.
Throughout the year, the Morning Star brings BYC members inspira- tion, ideas, and news. Each group is sent a poster to promote the national project (this year's project is the mission work in Mexico). All Breth- ren college students whose names are sent to us receive a 4-page inspira- tional newsletter each month.
The BCE sponsors a monthly prayer project in which local youth
"Through all these BCE- sponsored youth activities, we are continually striving to develop our youth into mature Christian adults."
18
groups are encouraged to pray for a specific concern each month. In addition, individuals are paired with BYC members from other districts as prayer partners. In these two pro- grams the youth learn the importance of prayer for others.
The BCE also coordinates the ac- tivities of the National BYC Council. This is a body of Brethren youth leaders from across the nation who meet at least twice annually to help plan the annual youth convention and make suggestions on other youth- related activities.
Each August, the Board of Chris- tian Education sponsors the National Youth Convention — the grand finale of the BYC year. Included in the convention are times of Bible study, inspirational speakers, inter-district fellowship, business meetings, and just plain fun. Some of the activities tentatively planned by the BCE for this year's convention are a film festival, an outstanding inspirational speaker, a sacred music concert, and the Second Annual Anjrthing Goes contest. The BYC project monies for the Mexican mission work will be turned in as the capstone to the year's hard work. Youth communion will, as usual, be a highlight of the week.
Through all these BCE-sponsored youth activities, we are continually striving to develop our youth into mature Christian adults. We are en- deavoring to discover their talents, train them, and use them in service and leadership.
Will you help us in this mission? Aren't our youth worth the effort? A gift to the Board of Christian Edu- cation for the May Youth Offering could help to influence the life of a young person you know. Please give, as the Lord leads, toward this vital work. Thank you. D
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5
The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
The Christian is slowly, but surely, salting the earth
The Christian as Salf
TT takes courage to be salt. I am reminded
of the words of Pericles to the citizens of Athens — ''The secret of hberty is courage."
The Christian is often like a lone sentinel holding forth an ethical standard that far surpasses any other philosophical or hu- manitarian system. He is the only true revolutionist in society today, and not part of the corrupt and depraved tyrannical nature of man that is intent on replacing one bad government with another bad government. Christians are not seeking to overthrow thrones and principalities. Their weapons of revolution are not grenades, guns, tanks, or missiles. Not even the fiery darts of condemnation. Their weapon is love.
The Christian is slowly, but surely, salt- ing the earth. His ethic is, "Do unto others as you would be done by." He is a peace- maker— not a warmonger! Christians are the diplomats and mediators of society, not the agitators and saber rattlers. To voice the philosophy of the latter is to sit in the wrong pew in the wrong camp.
To be sure, the Christian's very presence in society, if he is worth his salt, will have a revolutionary effect upon that society. The early Christians, by their leavening effect, turned society upside down (or right side up) . As far as I can discern, they never marched in protest, did not lie down in the streets halting the chariots, did not picket the temple fertility rites, and never rioted for religious freedom.
Yet their presence so permeated society that it affected even the economy. Deme- trius, a maker of silver shrines, called to- gether the Guild of Shrine Makers (GSM)
and blasted Paul for messing up the idol business. As a result, Paul and his com- panions had a riot on their hands. Not be- cause they had attempted to overthrow the city government of Ephesus, but because of the salty effects of the gospel they preached. Paul didn't instigate the riot; Demetrius did!
We know the gospel is right when the world is opposed to it. A gospel of com- promise and saltless flavor raises no protest.
It is always the case that the true test of a Christian comes, not in conflict with the civil authorities (though that may come too), but in his contacts with his neighbor, his employer, his friends, even his own family. It is precisely here that he must begin to practice love. ''Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). It is here that the Christian learns to go the second mile, and sometimes beyond, if necessary.
The Christian, by the very nature of his being a Christian, resists evil. If it does not begin at home and with your neighbor, it will never begin in the streets. For Jesus said that our light is to give light to all that are in the house. And that's where a lot have burned out! □
'. . . the Christian's very presence in society, if he is worth his salt, will have a revolutionary effect upon that society."
May 1979
19
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
Since writing the April Moderator's Report, I liave attended the Northern California District Conference, the NAE Convention, and a meet- ing of the Executive Committee with repre- sentatives from all the national boards, Ashland College, and the seminary. With all the exciting, positive programs in the denomination, I face this report with some frustration because I would like to share everything.
My attendance at the various district confer- ences has been personally very rewarding. The Brethren in every district have made a special effort to make me feel a part of each confer- ence. They have freely and openly discussed their churches and district and national inter- ests. I have sensed a feeling of urgency for the unchurched and a real desire to be involved in the greatest work ever assigned man — reaching other men and women with the message of Christ.
The Northern California District Conference was no exception. The hospitality was warm and generous, and an atmosphere of mutual love and concern permeated the entire confer- ence. We can expect great things in the name of Christ in the California District in the near future.
The plans for General Conference are essen- tially complete. The main speakers have been confirmed, workshops have been arranged, and the program schedule is complete. We have made an effort to shorten business sessions, limit special programs to one each evening, and give extra time for fellowship. Because of the high quality of the speakers and the work- shops, I would strongly urge you to send your full quota of delegates and to persuade as many non-delegates to attend as you can. Your church will benefit greatly from a large representation. More specific information will be coming in the near future.
The executive committee met with the denominational leaders March 30 and 31 at Camp Bethany for an evaluation and planning meeting. Our primary concerns were the out- reach ministries of the Brethren Church and how we can more effectively do what God has asked us to do.
If my people will — — humble themselves — and pray THEN will I heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14
William
W.
Brady
ordained
Washing^ton, DjC. — William W. Brady was or- dained into the gospel ministry at the Washington Brethren Church on December 24, 1978.
Rev. Jimmy Vaught, pastor of the Shenandoah Farms Baptist Church of Boyce, Va., presented the ordination sermon during the service. Rev. Robert Keplinger, pastor of the Washington Brethren Church, officiated during the laying on of hands and the setting apart of Brady as an elder.
William W. Brady, III, was born December 6, 1950, the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. William W. Brady of Washington, D.C. He was brought up in the Washington Brethren Church where he has been a member for more than fifteen years.
He attended William Carey College from which he was graduated in 1972. In 1976 he completed his studies for a master of arts in religious edu- cation degree at Ashland Theological Seminary.
During his years at the seminary, Brady served as pastor of the Walcrest Brethren Church in Mansfield, Ohio. He is presently ministering at Calvary Road Christian School in Alexandria, Va.
Rev. Brady's wife, Lynne, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford E. Morton of Alexandria, Va. She is also a graduate of William Carey College and has taught in Christian schools for two years. The Bradys have two children, William W. IV and Bryan Mark.
Additional Crusader Announced
Ashland, Ohio — The Board of Christian Education has announced the name of an additional 1979 Summer Crusader. Miss Tami Downs, from the Lanark, 111., Brethren Church, will be the fourth member of the Education South unit. Other Summer Crusaders were announced on page 21 of the April Evangelist.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update Attendance up 100% at Cheyenne; many good things happening
Cheyenne, Wyo. — Many good things have been happening in the Cheyenne Brethren Church in 1979. First, we would like you to know that we are growing. Both our Sunday school and our Sunday morning worship service attendance have increased 100 percent over the first three months of last year. Sunday school attendance has been averaging 39 and worship service attendance 47. Furthermore, we have added four new members to the church by baptism.
Our youth group is very active and averages about nine per Sunday. And praise the Lord, they all stay for the Sunday evening service! With their help, our Sunday evening service has been averaging 26 per Sunday.
On March 25 a dedication service was held during the morning worship service in honor and memory of departed loved ones. Dedicated were
Growth Partners' support for Sarver reaches $6,650 at halfway point
Ashland, Ohio — The current Growth Partners Club call is for the new Brethren Church in Sarver, Pennsylvania. (For more details see the article on page 11 of last month's Evangrelist). The call went out to club members in January 1979 and will continue through June 30, 1979.
At the halfway point in the call, club members have given $6,650.00 towards helping this new church build a place for worship, study, and ministry. Plans are now being drawn for the building.
Brethren interested in additional information about the Growth Partners Club may request it from Rev. Arden E. Gilmer, Director of Home Missions, 530 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Youth class at the Sarver, Pa., Brethren Church, with Chet McAfoose, teacher.
new drapes for the sanctuary, an altar cover, and piano and organ bench covers. A beautiful plaque given in memory of Rev. Frank Garber, founder and long-time pastor of the church, was also dedicated. Attendance for the service was 75.
A carry-in dinner was held after the morning worship service, with 60 people present for the meal. Following the dinner, a slave auction took place, with the youth offering themselves for a day of service to the highest bidder. The auction brought in $103.50.
During the month of March the Cheyenne church also conducted a "March to Sunday School and Church in March" campaign. On Sunday, March 4, 58 people gathered in front of the church following the morning worship service and re- leased balloons to launch the campaign. On the i;ollowing Sunday, the young people's Sunday school class marched around several blocks carry- ing signs reading, "March to Sunday School and Church in March." They marched to the accom- paniment of accordion music.
Other recent activities of note at the Cheyenne Brethren Church include the following: On Sun- day evening, February 11, the young people of the church entertained the adults at a Valentine party. The youth prepared a meal and served it to the adults. During the worship hour the youth also presented a skit and several special numbers in song.
On March 14 a new sidewalk was run from the street to the porch of the church.
Before Easter Sunday a new rug for the aisle and the front of the church was purchased and installed in the church.
Yes, many good things have been happening in the Cheyenne Brethren Church in 1979. Please keep us in your prayers and rejoice with us as the Lord leads His people to be faithful to His calling.
(Prepared from a report filed by Rev. Albert O. Curtright, pastor of the Cheyenne Brethren Church.)
A unique opportunity for ministry
Each year. Summer Crusaders or their parents donate the use of their cars for the Crusader pro- gram. This year the program is one car short.
A vehicle for an Educational unit (four mem- bers) to use in Indiana, Ohio, and Maryland is needed. They would use it from June 10 to August 12. The BCE will pay for all gas, oil, and insurance.
If you have a car that you would allow to be used in this special ministry, please contact the Board of Christian Education, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
May 1979
21
update
Jefferson Brethren Church celebrates ten years of ministry
The Jefferson Brethren Church near Goshen, Ind., is celebrating ten years of ministry. As a part of this celebration, the church had a 10th anniversary banquet on Saturday evening, March 24th, and an anniversary worship service on Sunday morning, March 25th.
The banquet featured, in addition to the meal, a multimedia presentation by Dr. Jim Hollinger and an address by Dr. Joseph Shultz. Special music for the occasion included numbers by the Jefferson Quartet, a solo by Mrs. Jan Huber, and a vocal duet by Mrs. Bobbie Wogoman and Ms. Margie Wogoman.
The multimedia presentation by Dr. Jim Hollinger, a member of the Jefferson Brethren Church, was entitled "Jefferson Ten Year Review." Dr. Hollinger used two slide projectors and a movie projector to present scenes from the ten-year history of the Jefferson Brethren Church.
Dr. Joseph Shultz, dean of Ashland Theological Seminary, spoke on the subject "The Moving
Edge of Time." Basing his remarks on I Samuel 7:12, he said that an anniversary is a time to remember that "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. . . . Henceforth will he help us."
As a reminder of this help, Dr. Shultz, like Samuel in the passage from I Samuel 7, had brought with him a stone. He suggested that the stone be placed in the front yard of the church so that in the future, when children would ask why that stone is there, the parents might have the opportunity to share how God had been with the church in its first ten years.
Special music for the anniversary worship ser- vice on Sunday morning was presented by past and present members of Lightshine, a singing group made up of young people from the Jefferson church. Under the direction of Ms. Margie Wogoman, the group presented a medley of songs.
The speaker for the service was Dr. Richard Allison, founding pastor of the Jefferson church
(continued on next page)
Dr. Joseph Shultz (left photo) suggested a stone be placed in front of the church as a reminder of the Lord's help during the church's first ten years. Center photo shows (left to right) Mr. Wayne Wogoman, chairman of the celebration committee; Dr. Richard Allison, founding pastor of the church; Rev. Jack Oxenrider, present pastor; and Mr. Ray Yoder, church moderator. Dr. Jim Hollinger (right photo) gave a multimedia presentation at the anniversary banquet entitled "Jefferson Ten Year Review."
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Ohio Conference considers 16 ways to be visibly Brethren
Delaware, Ohio — The spring meeting of the Ohio Conference of the Brethren Church was held at the Asbury United Methodist Church here on Satur- day, March 24. Theme for the conference was "Who Cares? Brethren Do!"
A total of £6 delegates attended, including 24 ministerial and 72 lay delgates.
The meeting began with a Bible study led by Dr. Charles Munson and Rev. Leroy Solomon. Basing the study on Romans 12:9-21, the two men presented 16 ways to be visibly Brethren. The study concentrated on the practical, with many suggestions presented for applying Romans 12 to everyday situations. Among the many practical suggestions given were: Do not let the faults of others be the subject of your conversation; have daily devotions; count and record your answers to prayers; look for others in your community who are in need; pray immediately for those who cause you problems; be a good listener.
Jefferson celebrates 10th anniversary
continued from previous page and now assistant professor of Christian education at Ashland Theological Seminary. Dr. Allison spoke on the subject "The Maturing of a Congregation."
Noting that a typical ending for a fairy tale is "And they lived happily ever after," Dr. Allison said that in real life this is not what happens. Struggles continue as long as there is life. This is true of churches just as it is of individuals. A mark of maturity is being able to meet both successes and failures in life.
Dr. Allison went on to say that a maturing congregation must be maturing in its mission, in its sense of selfhood, and in its relationships.
Following Dr. Allison's message. Rev. Jack Oxenrider, pastor of the Jefferson church, pre- sented the "Challenge of the Future" to the con- gregation. He noted that the church is growing and reminded the congregation that as it grows, it must continue caring and sharing in the com- munity. He also said that as growth continues, the congregation will have to eventually face the fact that it has outgrown its facilities.
The banquet and special worship service were part of a continuing 10th anniversary celebration by the Jefferson Brethren Church. On January 28th the congregation had a birthday celebration, with balloons and the congregation singing happy birthday to itself. In September the church hopes to be able to have a mortgage-burning service, and plans call for an anniversary church directory in September as well.
The business sessions were led by Ohio Moder- ator Larry Bolinger. Business included elections, reports, changes in the district constitution, and brief addresses by Dr. Arthur Schultz (president of Ashland College) and Rev. Duane Dickson (moderator of General Conference).
Newly elected officers for the Ohio District are moderator-elect: Rev. Don Rowser; secretary: Betty Deardurff; assistant secretary: Pauline Winfield; treasurer: Tom Stoffer; assistant treasurer: Rev. Leroy Solomon; statistician: Dick Winfield. Rev. Don Rinehart, who served during the past year as moderator-elect, is the new dis- trict moderator.
The Ohio District Board of Evangelists gave a report of its study which grew out of the request by the Brethren Bible Church of Louisville for recognition by the Ohio District. The members 01 this board reported that they had evaluated the situation, having met with representatives from both the Louisville First Brethren Church and the Brethren Bible Church of Louisville. They recom- mended that in accordance with the procedure set down in the Ohio District Constitution, that the new Brethren Bible Church be put under the care of the Ohio District Mission Board.
In a later report by the District Mission Board, this board said that it would assume the respon- sibility of taking this church under its care and would bring back a recommendation regarding the church at the September meeting of the conference.
The District Mission Board also presented Rev. Terry Lodioo, who gave a report of the progress of the Medina Bible Fellowship where he is pastor. Rev. Lodico reported that eight families are now involved in the new church, with attendance averaging in the twenties.
Action on the Ohio District Constitution included changes with regard to the time of conference meeting, the conference year, and delegate fees. A change in the manner of receiving members was also incorporated into the constitution. The change permits those who have been previously baptized by believers' immersion to be accepted into church membership without being rebaptized.
The Ohio Conference meeting on March 24th was part one of a two-part emphasis on the theme "Who Cares? Brethren Do!" The conference meeting scheduled for September 15 will be part two of this emphasis. This fall meeting will be a "Harvest Festival," with each congregation report- ing on where and how they were visibly Brethren during the period between the two meetings. Planned for the September program are music, singing, praising, and reporting.
May 1979
23
update
Operation Impact churches show progress; Brandon dedicates church site
The two new Brethren churches in Florida are now one and one-half years old. Both started from "scratch" with each having only the pastoral family and one tentmaking family. What kind of growth has taken place? Rev. Arden E. Gilmer, the Director of Home Missions, recently visited the new churches and preached at Brandon on March 4th and at Town and Country (Tampa) on March 11th. He files this report.
"The Brandon Brethren under the capable lead- ership of Rev. Keith Bennett have had attendances of 50 or more on several occasions. Two member- ship classes have been conducted, and another one is in progress. Land recently purchased by the national Missionary Board as a church site was dedicated on March 4th. Tentmakers now minister- ing in Brandon are: Rev. and Mrs. John Turley, Mr. and Mrs. Eric Van Leeuwen, Rob Grumbling, and Rev. and Mrs. Steve Abe.
"The Lord has blessed the diligent efforts of Rev. Dale RuLon so that the Town and Country Church (Tampa) reached 52 in attendance on February 18. Recent attendances are consistently in the 40's. Their youth group is now officially organized. On March 11th I joined members of the church in going door-to-door in behalf of the Billy Graham Crusade held in Tampa Stadium March 21-25. During the visitation I was thrilled to discover a prospect for the church. Tentmakers now ministering in Tampa are Mr. and Mrs. Gene McConahay (and new son David) and Cliff Vandemark.
"Both churches were active in the Greater Tampa Billy Graham Crusade with several people from each serving as counselors. Dale reports that some of the people with whom he had been working made public decisions for Christ during the crusade. Seven or eight baptisms are expected as a result.
"In February both pastors attended the Evan- gelism Explosion training taught by Dr. James Kennedy at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The training was 'super' and provided both knowledge and motivation for intensified personal evangelism. Both pastors are now beginning to train laymen from their church- es in this method of personal witnessing. In the first forty days following the training, as Keith Bennett shared the gospel, he was privileged to lead 19 people to pray to receive Christ as their personal Savior and Lord!
"Brethren, thank you for your prayers and support for Operation Impact! Continue to pray boldly for the people involved in these exciting church planting ministries!"
The Town and Country Church in Tampa reached 52 in attendance on February 18 and recent attend- ances are consistently in the 40's.
The Brandon Brethren Church has had attendances of 50 or more on several occasions.
Church World Service reports clothing supplies exhausted
Elkhart, Ind. (CROP News)— Church World Ser- vice (CWS), the cooperative relief and develop- ment arm of some thirty U.S. denominations (including the Brethren Church), reports its stockpiles of clothing supplies are almost exhaust- ed. Shipments of CWS clothing in 1979 have vir- tually eliminated supplies carried over from 1978, even though last year's giving to the CWS Cloth- ing Appeal exceeded needs in almost all categories.
Total approved requests for CWS clothing to be used in church-related programs overseas in 1979 is 4,250,000 pounds. This is more than a million-pound increase over 1978 shipments. The number of refugees fleeing civil strife in their homelands continues to swell, causing the need for clothing to rise sharply.
Priority items continue to be new layettes, in- fants' clothing, kits for sewing, school and per- sonal hygiene items, soap, household goods, and hospital gowns.
24
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Pleasant Hill youth program makes the news
Pleasant Hill, Ohio — When a church with only 200 members has nearly 100 children and youth attending its Wednesday evening youth program, that's newsworthy. This is what the Miami Valley Sunday News thought.
The church in this case is the First Brethren €hureh of Pleasant Hill, Ohio. The Miami Valley Sunday News devoted a full page of its March 4th edition to the church's youth program. The coverage included an article written by Sharon Dilworth, Community Editor for the paper, and five pictures showing the youth program in action.
The article explained that the Pleasant Hill church uses the AW ANA Youth Association pro- gram, and includes youngsters from the first grade to high school. The name AWANA comes from Paul's second letter to Timothy and stands for "Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed."
According to Ms. Dilworth's report, "This is the third year the First Brethren Church . . . has
In Memory
Jay Corwin, 70, March 26. Member for 45 years of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church. Ser- vices by Marlin L. McCann, pastor. Alice Keen, 60, March 16. Member of the Johns- town, Pa., Third Brethren Church. Services by Clarence R. Kindley, pastor.
Myrtle Binkley Laugrhlin, 94, February 27. Mem- ber of the Hagerstown, Md., First Brethren Church. Services by Rev. John Mills. Otha Lemons, 74, November 22. Member for 58 years of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church. Services by Rev. Marlin L. McCann, pastor.
Goldenaires
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Louthain, 58th, May 28. Mrs. Louthain a member of the Corinth Brethren Church, Twelve Mile, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Ora Greer, 50th, April 6. Members of the Corinth Brethren Church, Twelve Mile, Ind. Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Dillman, 53rd, April 4. Members of the Corinth Brethren Church, Twelve Mile, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Coffman, 52nd, March 2. Mem- bers of the Brethren Church, Maurertown, Va.
Weddings
Wendy Jo Krin^ to Donald E. Jensen, March 24, at the Ardmore, Ind., Brethren Church; Brian H. Moore, pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Ardmore Brethren Church.
been sponsoring the program. The membership has grown from 40 the first year to nearly 100 young people, four directors, and 35 leaders and listeners today, and it is continuing to grow."
The AWANA Club meets every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Each meeting consists of 30 minutes of handbook time, 30 minutes of game time, and 30 minutes of Council time. Much of the handbook time is spent in memory work, while the game time is used for games unique to AWANA clubs. During the Council time, announcements are made, members sing and hear an inspirational message, and awards are presented.
The article included comments by Maxine Delcamp and Eileen Falldorf, both of whom are leaders in Pleasant Hill's AWANA Club program. In her comments, Ms. Falldorf gave this evalua- tion of the AWANA program: "The youngsters really enjoy the meetings and they are expending their energy in the right way. They can't wait from one week to the next to come and that's what makes this program so special," she said. "This program shows that Christianity isn't all serious. It shows Christianity can be fun."
BEFORE YOU MOVE
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Address Correction
Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
May 1979
25
as i see it
Two For the Price of One
This is a catchy phrase we often see in adver- tisements. Some congregations have this concept in mind when they call a minister. They want to get the minister and his wife for one salary. Sometimes the call is influenced more by the talents of the wafe than by the abilities of the minister. In no other profession or occupation that I know of does this happen.
The minister is called to be the shepherd of the flock. His wife is, according to Scripture, an "helpmate" for him, not another minister for the congregation.
Every minister's wife is a distinct individual, with few or many talents. She is a member of the church body just like any other member and is under no more obligation to use her talents than anyone else. She needs to be accepted as such. Naturally, she will commit her gifts and talents to the Lord and to His church, but they remain under her control.
Often the congregation demands that she serve in "such and such a way" because the former pastor's wife did "this and that." The congrega- tion errs so often by forcing upon the newcomers its expectations of what a pastor and his wife should be. God has brought these new folk to the church because He wants to do something new and different, but the church wants to go along the same old way.
The minister's wife must give first priority to providing the kind of home for her husband that will support and minister to him. If she and her husband are blessed with a family, she must be the best mother possible to her children. Beyond this she should be permitted (not expected) to share her gifts and talents as she chooses and is able to do so.
Some wives feel a definite call to serve along- side their husbands in active ministry and are gifted with abilities to do so. However, this should
Rev. Smith Rose is Executive Secretary for the Brethren Church.
by Smith Rose
never be taken for granted, but rather these efforts should be acknowledged and rewarded.
Each wife should also be free to serve outside the church in community activities if she so desires. It is her right to work at home or away from home in fulfilling her role as a person.
Church boards often object to this, forgetting that they are only paying for the services of the husband. Sometimes these boards are embarrassed by the minister's wife working because it reveals to the community that the pastor is underpaid. Yet if some ministers' wives did not work, many parsonage children would never have the oppor- tunity for musical training, college, etc. These things cannot be had on the average minister's salary.
Church families in these times realize that in order to make ends meet their wives often have to work. And yet the congregation does not chide them. The double standard is all too obvious here.
It is a matter of fact in these days that about half of our congregations cannot afford to employ a full-time pastor. A number of our ministers are called to serve these churches, however, and their working wives make up the difference to keep the family from bankruptcy. Many of these wives would be happier keeping house and supporting their husbands in their ministry in other ways. However, they do not expect praise for what they are doing — only recognition that they, too, are committed to ministry in that community. Naturally, they have little or no time to do extra work in the church, even though it is expected by those who have far less to do.
So let us think of our ministers' wives as the special people they are, doing what they see necessary in the service of Christ, His church, and His minister. Pray for ministers' wives, for the load they carry is far greater than the congrega- tion or even their husbands know. Express your appreciation when they are able to share their talents. Accept them and love them for what they are, realizing that their commitment to Christ is great.
<i><i><?<?<I><I><i><i><i><i><i><i>0<I>00000<I>0^
Membership Growth
Oak Hill: 8 by baptism Corinth: 2 by baptism
In a nationwide survey, 52.5% of the women and 27.4% of the men surveyed indicated Bible reading is a part of their life pattern. However, only 16.6% of the women and 8.3% of the men said they read the Bible 21 or more times per month. — Ron Keer associates
The Brethren Evangelist
SUMMER CRUSADER PROGRAM THE DRAWING
THIS summer's Crusader program is no longer just an idea on the BCE's draw- ing board — it is now a FACT! Four teams are assigned, itineraries are set up, and twenty-five young people are preparing themselves for the beginning of service in June.
As announced in the last issue of the Evangelist, there will be two educational units this year. "Ed North" will serve as vacation Bible school teachers and assis- tants and help with community surveys in eight of our churches in the Southeast, Ohio, and Indiana districts.
''Ed South" will be spending its first five weeks with our Florida Brethren, working in Bible schools, community surveys, and Florida's first district camp. It will finish up with three weeks of VBS back up north.
The six-member musical unit will be presenting three different programs this summer in 18 locations from Pennsylvania's Camp Peniel to Waterloo, Iowa.
Six young people will be serving as Mis- sionary Interns under the direction of Juan Carlos Miranda. They will serve in his Spanish-speaking church in Pasadena, California, and at our newest mission site — Tijuana, Mexico.
Two other young women and three young men will be working in Christian education, pastoral, or camping Internships. Watch the June Evangelist for the announcement of their names and assignments.
BOARD
These 25 dedicated young people are going to make up an exciting and profit- able program this summer.
What will they do for you?
They will inspire you with their commit- ment to Jesus. They will help teach your children in VBS and help reach your neigh- bors in community surveys. They will make you laugh with their puppets and stir you with singing and spoken messages. They will encourage your young people to grow in spiritual maturity and service.
What can you do for them?
You can contribute toward the expenses of the program. You can help them with problems when they're in your church this summer. You can pray for them daily.
Your pastor, WMS group, and Laymen's organization have all been sent sign-up sheets for people who want to be Prayer Warriors and be assigned a specific young person to pray for this summer. If you haven't seen one of these sign-up sheets yet, ask for it. Or use the form below to enlist.
The Summer Crusader/Internship pro- gram, supported by the faithful prayers of the Brethren, will certainly be a great suc- cess for our Lord's work in 1979. Thank you for your support!
Please assign to me a Crusader or Intern to pray for daily this summer.
Name . . , , , . , .
Address . . .
Zip Code
Church May 1979
27
Northwest Brethren Chapel
Progress Repor
Pastor Bill & Fran Curtis
Construction of the new church building at Northwest Brethren Chapel in Tucson is progressing rapidly, as these pictures taken in March show. Photos by Julie Flora.
^**^''
^ ' ' ^^i ^^''^rf
Going up
TEACHERS, MAKE THE PROPHETS COME ALIVE
Each Prophet dressed according to time and locality.
Border pictures all
the fruit and grain
that grows in
Palestine
Symbols
to readily
identify each
prophet's ministry
Time line keeps everything in proper perspective
Prophets are shown in two groups, literary and non-literary
Kings are divided into 3 groups -United Kingdom, Judah, and Israel
CLASSROOM SIZE
The insignia of each of the 12 Tribes
50" X 26
99
Mr-
Dr. Owen's Panel of Prophets is a great tool for every Sunday School teacher. It is helpful for ages from Jr. High through the Adults. Those who will be studying the International Sunday School lessons will find this chart very helpful with the lessons during the summers of 1979 and 1980.
Order your chart now. The price is $5.95 each. Special Offer: Buy 2 ■ get 1 free; Buy 3 - get 2 free; Buy 4 - get 3 free; Buy 5 - get 5 free.
ORDER FROM: The Christian Book Center, Box 790, Poplar Bluff, Mo. 63901. Phone: 314-785-9451.
"^I^"^ The Brethren ^ • j
Evangelist
^— ^ /..->« 1070
June 1979
■>j#«. — .>'^-«. -"— «"*;£**•
i^am .^'«i6au2r5*3«s*e3i-^-*«^
The Marriage Gamble: Oneness Strengthens the^Ddds for Success
see page 4
Blessed by Brethren House Ministries
I want to take time out to express my feelings about something that has touched my life. The team from Brethren House was in Ashland re- cently for a workshop, and what a treat it was. They had a tremendous wealth of ideas to share concerning the most important asset a church or country can have — its children. I was greatly impressed, but that's not what I want to convey in this letter because there are worldly events that are impressive and rightly so. I would like to convey the feeling of being blessed and the richness that I was able to absorb. Their teaching and work is a beacon of light on a foggy coastline.
My self-esteem as a member of the Brethren Church rose several points as well. My thanks to Phil and Jean Lersch and to Bonnie Munson for their efforts, and my prayer is that God will con- tinue to "open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until there is no more need."
— Dan DeVeny Ashland, Ohio
Eschew Obfuscation!
As I drove along the street and spotted the above words on the back bumper of a car, I was so taken with the expression I began to laugh so hard I almost ran into another car in the lane next to me.
But now that I have your attention, let me develop the theme. The word "eschew" means avoid, as in "eschew evil." "Obfuscation" means confusion, as in politics, or the current philoso- phies scattered abroad in the churches, philoso- phies which pass for theology and superior teach- ings and good doctrine. Excitement is mistaken for second spiritual birth, and psychological ex- periences are taken for biblical understanding. Increase of adrenalin is made the same thing as spiritual unction.
A few months ago Mrs. Miller, a member of the Johnstown II Church, wrote an appeal which I believe was "on target." It was entitled "HELP" (Oct. 1978). I have seen no public recognition of
her cry yet. And I'm sorry about that, Mrs. Miller. You had a legitimate complaint and appealed your case in a way which should have touched the hearts of us all.
I believe my Bible makes the Good News, the Gospel, very clear. When Jesus died on the cross He cried out, "It is finished!" And when He said that. He meant what He said. At Pentecost every- one made the message plain that God had given His Spirit to every believer. There were signs that accompanied the occasion, but the signs did not obfuscate the Good News, they clarified it.
Now as a reaction to grasping that message, you may want to shout or sing, or "shout it from the housetop." But to deliberately confuse it is to come into condemnation. You are to take it door-to-door, across the ocean, on the air waves, on TV, in the newspaper — anywhere you can. But the method is to be one of clarity, not confusion.
Must we stick to the letter of our unwritten law, "We have no CREED but the Bible," until we are destroyed with subtle, subverting creeds, allowing all comers ? St. Paul did say in I Corin- thians 13, love "believeth all things." But he also said in Galatians that if anyone preached any other Gospel than Jesus Christ and him crucified, "let him be accursed."
I made a resolution at General Conference in 1977 which called for a fresh study of SANCTIFI- CATION, the work of the Holy Spirit in the Christian's life. I would be interested to know whether anyone took me up on the proposal, not- Withstanding the overwhelming approval of the motion. Are we any "holier" now than when that motion was made? "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord," so the Bible warns. I'm for making a bumper sticker with that verse for one side of the car along with another saying "ESCHEW OBFUSCATION." They are both biblical! That will drive people to their dictionaries — ^just as it did me.
— ^Clarence A. Stogsdill Tucson, Arizona
Corrections
In last month's Evangelist, the name Mark Baker, Assistant to the Director of Christian Education, was omitted as writer of the article "Seeking and Serving" on page 14. The editor wishes to apologize to Mr. Baker for this omission.
In the news article, "Operation Impact churches show progress" (page 24), the name of Mr. and Mrs. Gene McConahay's son was incorrectly given as David. Andrew Roger McConahay is the correct name.
"^^^ The Brethren 1 * A
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist (USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor: Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and Business Office:
524 College Ave.
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805. One year subscription rates: $6.00 for 100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents Change of address: Please notify us at least three weeks in advance, using the form provided in each issue. Authors' views are not necessarily those of the Brethren Church or the Brethren Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad- dressed to the editor. A writer's packet with query tips is available upon written request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited material not accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Second class postage paid at Ashland, Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
Cover
With the divorce rate nearly 50%, marriage is a gamble. But seeking oneness in marriage, as God intended, increases the chances for success. See page 4.
Cover photo by Harold M. Lambert
Cover design by Howard Mack
Vol. 101. No. 6
June 1979
4 Marriage: Two Becoming One
God's intent for marriage, says Jim Sluss, is that a man and a woman achieve an enduring oneness.
6 World Hunger and SSiipshewana Senior Camp
Brian Moore tells how Indiana senior campers were introduced to the realities of a hungry world.
Special Feafure: Perspecrives for the Eighties
to Minister
According to Fred Finks, if the Brethren Church is to move forward with promise, it must do so y\^ith freedom.
A Church That Wouldn't Die
by James I. Naff
Ministerial Student Aid
12 The Dollar Squeeze
12 Student Aid at the College Level
13 Inflation and Student Aid
14 A Strategy For Reaching Unbelievers
Arden Gilmer interviews Dr. Ralph W. Neighbour, Jr.
Departments
2 Letters
11 The Salt Shaker
18 Update
2^ As I See It
NEXT MONTH
July 1979 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Mack. In view of this fact, the July issue of The Brethren Evan- gelist will look at the life and thought of this man who was the guiding spirit of the Brethren movement.
June 1979
arnage:
I'wo IBecoming One
God's intent for nnarriage, says Jim Sluss, is that a man and a woman achieve an enduring oneness.
HERE comes the bride. . . . Here comes the groom. . . . Here comes the min- ister." So sang my boy the other day. I quickly remembered when I had sung the same little ditty. I also was reminded that in actuality, the sounds of marriage are not as pronounced today. Rather, the alterna- tive of simply becoming ''daytime friends and nighttime lovers" is the perverted option being taken by many in this day.
Simply living together supposedly pre- serves individual freedom from responsibil- ity, commitment, promise, legal entangle- ment, and even social security reduction. It also avoids the problem of divorce, to which marriage is the chief contributor. The popularity of this alternative would seem to be making the institution of marriage extinct — hke the English word ''marij" from which the word marriage was derived.
The living-together relationship generally smacks of the reverse of all that marriage is supposed to be. Often the arrangement is simply for the self-gratification of the body needs of the persons involved and progresses no further. This, sad to say, is also true of many so-called marriages.
Marriage in the truest sense, aside from cultural practices with regards to cere- monies, rings, etc., is God's idea from creation. God's idea is the oneness of man and woman. A man and a woman never find the fulfillment of their personalities until they have committed themselves to
Rev. James Sluss is pastor of the Dutchtown Brethren Church near Warsaw, Indiana.
each other. It is then that marriage, in its growing love and development, fulfills the intention of God. Marriage is an exclusive God-amalgamation of enduring oneness spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Marriage oneness contrasts with living-together aloneness.
"Marriage is an exclusive God- amalgamation of enduring oneness spiritually, intellectually, emotion- ally, and physically."
God's idea of marriage was set forth right at the beginning of things, as recorded in Genesis 2 (compare Matthew 19:5-6, Ephesians 5:31) : — It is not good that the man should be
alone (aloneness). — I will make him an help meet for him
(oneness). — God took one of man's ribs and made a
woman ( aloneness ) . — God brought her unto the man (oneness) . — Man said. This is now bone of my bones,
and flesh of my flesh (oneness). — Therefore shall a man leave his mother
and father (aloneness). — And shall cleave unto his wife (oneness). — And they shall be one flesh (oneness).
When God estabUshed the oneness of man and woman, he took woman from
4
The Brethren Evangelist
''We have chosen to unite the flames of our hearts into one strong flame blessed by the grace of God/'
man, brought woman to man, blessed them, and called their name Adam (Genesis 5:2). Man and woman together make a whole human being. Oneness implies fellow- ship, with the body as the medium for the deepest unity of man and woman.
God has indicated the process by which the attainment of oneness is possible. For achieving this oneness there must be a leaving and a cleaving.
Marriage is the establishment of a new man-woman relationship which supercedes other relationships, particularly the parent- child relationship. This new relationship is realized as a oneness as each mate respon- sibly devotes himself/herself to the other. Marriage involves leaving other relation- ships for a new relationship.
Experiencing oneness also involves the process of the marriage partners cleaving to one another. The word cleave, as used in Scripture, carries the idea of a union that is attained when two metals are welded together. The suggestion is that of trust and reliance on one another.
Recently, I had the opportunity to be a part of a group of pastors considering the possibilities of a pre-marital clinic for couples planning for marriage. After look- ing together at a model of a successful pre-marital clinic, we pastors were given a list of 30 questions most frequently asked by couples attending the model clinic over the years of its existence. It was interesting to note that the two most frequently asked questions were:
(1) To what extent should we discuss our pasts?
(2) How can a couple keep in-laws in
drawing by Gayle Reuschling
their place, but still make them feel loved and necessary?
It was revealing that these most fre- quently asked questions centered on the processes by which oneness becomes real in marriage. Question one dealt with cleaving, while question two dealt with leaving. This reinforces again the thought that marriage equals oneness which is practically achieved when there is leaving and cleaving in the relationship.
Persons marry for many reasons. Some persons seek sexual fulfillment, parenthood, a social relationship, acceptance, success, escape, support, a career. Many of these are valid reasons and are fulfilled by marriage. However, the overriding reason for marriage is that two can become one. Oneness is the chief why of marriage.
Several years ago a couple whose marriage ceremony I had the privilege of conducting wrote these lines as a part of their ceremony. They describe well the one- ness of marriage.
In a single second the breath of God brought life to man, just as a fleeting spark brings the flame to a candle.
And as the flame of the candle bobs and flickers, bestoiving both heat and light, so it is with our lives as we radiate to those around us.
Each of us has tvithin our hearts a God-given flame, and within our souls the ability to choose the path of our lives that the flame ivill illuminate.
We have chosen to unite the flames of our hearts into one strong fl4ime blessed by the grace of God. □
June 1979
Shiosh
World Hunger and
s
ipsnewana oenior v^amp
c
Brian Moore tells how Indiana senior cannpers were intro- duced to the realities of a hungry world.
THE THEME for Indiana Senior Camp, 1978, was taken from the book Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, by Dr.
Ronald Sider (Inter- Varsity Press).
The objectives for the camp were as follows: (1) Inform our young people of the world's needs. (2) Involve our young people in helping to meet those needs. (3) Introduce people to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (4) Issue a call to Chris- tian service.
Sensitizing the young people's con- sciences to our materialistic philosophy in the face of the crying needs of humanity around the world was part of our goal. Forewarning them to prepare for hard times in the light of a possible future global struggle was an additional aim.
We approached the theme from many
different avenues and used not merely classes but various settings to teach the subject. In an effort to emphasize the necessity of sharing and pooling resources, the camp leaders divided the young people into '"communes."
Each "commune" had several assign- ments: (1) Collect contributions in a World Relief pop-can bank (2) Discuss the lecture each morning. (3) Construct and meet daily in a primitive hut. (4) Establish policy and guidelines for their life together as a ''commune." (5) Present dramas particu- larly suited to the theme.
All of the dramas, taken from the Bible,
Rev. Brian H. Moore is pastor of the Ardmore Brethren Church, South Bend, Ind., and served as director of the 1978 Indiana Senior Camp.
'"'■ . ■ • ■;.'•■■■ ' ." drawing by Gayle Reuschling
Some tables had plenty to eat; other tables had almost no food.
g
The Brethren Evangelist
were done exceptionally well. In addition, the entire camp sang ''The TV Victim's Lament" (page 48 in Sider's book), includ- ing additional verses composed by the young people. They really got the idea!
On three afternoons two simulation games were utilized to elaborate the nature of the problem of world hunger. We played Baldicer, which dramatically por- trays the rich getting richer and the poor being oppressed and helpless. Starpower was a similar simulation game. Through their participation, the young people ex- perienced some of the frustration, selfish- ness, and threats inherent in today's troubled world.
On Monday evening the entire camp viewed the WRC film, "Haiti . . . Mountains Beyond Mountains." Then, building on this background, on Tuesday evening two young men from northern Indiana who had been to Haiti came to speak and present some slides. Wednesday evening we viewed another WRC film, "Africa: The Beat Goes On." These three evening programs both underscored the problem of world hunger and helped explain its causes.
Thursday noon we surprised the young people with a "trick meal" : some tables had large bowls with plenty to eat ; other tables had small bowls (dessert dishes) and al- most no food. Campers with large bowls were allowed to get up from their tables to get more; those with small bowls were
not allowed to get up from their tables. We almost had a riot on our hands!
Soon the campers got the message : those who had food to spare could get up and serve those who had nothing. But before all were satisfied, we again could see the world situation in miniature: those with food fed themselves first; some did not want to be bothered to serve anyone else; some of those who did not have food were ready to break the rules and steal from the others.
Friday evening featured a "fasting" meal, with only light soup. Teenage kids don't appreciate that approach!
On Sunday morning the pop-can banks were opened. A total of about $75 had been collected from the "communes" to send to World Relief. This amounted to approx- imately $1.00 per camper. Also, the group in charge of the camp newspaper sold their issues for 5^ per copy and donated the money to their pop-can bank.
The goal of the Indiana sununer camp was that Christian young people see and respond to the needs around us. We who planned these experiences wanted the campers to develop a philosophy of life which minimizes material gain and incor- porates Jesus' attitude and teachings about wealth. We hope that Senior Camp, 1978, in Indiana helped to mold and fashion some- what that wholly Christian philosophy in the lives of our teenagers. □
What do I choose
if I choose the ministry?
A unique opportunity to:
— enter lives with truth and help
— seek the highest good
— serve "even the least of these"
— share in lives trying to make the hard decisions
The choice is yours. Talk it over with your pastor, or contact:
National Ministerial Recruitment Committee, cy^o Charles Munson 910 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805
presented as a public service
June 1979
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Freedom to Minister
According to Fred Finks, if the Brethren Church is to nnove forward with pronnise, it must do so with freedom.
T HAVE been requested to give my opinions
on the outlook for the Brethren Church in the eighties. First, let me indicate the viewpoint from which I am writing.
I have been the pastor of the Winding Waters Brethren Church in Elkhart, Ind., for the past seven years. During that time, the church has grown from a struggling congregation of 70 to a vibrant, full of life "family" of 250. We have just finished our first year in our new sanctuary and look forward to the future with promise.
Seven years in the pastorate have a way of mellowing a person and of reforming his previous misconceptions. When I grad- uated from seminary, I was disillusioned with the Brethren Church and wondered what its future held. The church seemed to me to be static and dry. The things that were taking the most time and sapping the most energy seemed to me to be petty, trivial non-essentials. My most penetrating question was, "What shape will the church take in the years to come?"
As I stated above, seven years have mellowed and matured my outlook. There is a place for our church. It is important. And most important, the structures of the church vary. There are places where a "body life" structure is the best form. But there are also places for the house church and for the traditional structure. Further- more, as people and situations change, the church must change to meet the needs of those people. (Note, I did not say the church must compromise its message. But it must be willing to change its thrust in an effort to win others for Christ.)
As an illustration, a prominent downtown church caught in a neighborhood in tran- sition may change from a traditional, formal, high-church structure to an infor- mal, totally non-traditional structure in
order to better meet the needs of its new constituency. At the same time, what is good for churches in California may not be good for churches in Pennsylvania, and vice versa.
The hope that I see for the Brethren Church comes directly from the center of this very truth. We must allow our churches the freedom and Christian liberty they need to minister in the name of Jesus Christ to people who are hurting, beaten down, dis- couraged and searching. What good is a lighthouse with its light turned off? What good is a rescue boat that has no sailors? What good is a church that locks its doors or turns its back on the very people who need it the most?
Before I go any further, let me affirm that I am no doomsday prophet, nor am I pessimistic about the future. Quite the opposite is true. I see a bright future for our church as it comes of age. Last year, for the first time in over ten years, the national total church membership stopped its decline and began heading upward!
For the past two years, I have been working on a doctorate in Church Growth
Rev. Frederick
J. Finks is
pastor of the
Winding Waters
Brethren Church
in Elkhart, Ind.
8
The Brethren Evangelist
u
Our future will be great if we can just put all our petty grievances behind and concentrate on the task of win- ning men and women to Jesus Christ/'
at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. This new field of study is only the tip of an iceberg. The rest of the iceberg is only beginning to come into view. What some of our people have termed a fad is proving to be a vital area of concern for the American church. The future of the church is promising because people are searching out the problems that have long crippled its progress. Healing is taking place and the church is moving.
In my studies, I have become highly aware of a tremendous happening. Coming together from all over America are pastors of varying age, race, belief, and thought. Many denominations are represented, either by pastors or by denominational leaders. We come together with differences in belief, doctrine, view of Scripture, etc. But in no time at all, we are jelled together into a fellowship where trust and acceptance abound freely. No one is challenged, no debates or strong rhetoric fill the air. A close observation reveals why — a common belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior permeates our being, and belief and doc- trine come a distant second.
A close observation of our own denom- ination reveals that this kind of trust and fellowship are a long way off. Why can we cross denominational lines easier than we can find the truth among our own ? I believe the issue is one of permitting freedom to abound.
I have been teaching I Corinthians in a Bible study here at Winding Waters and have been astounded by the similarities between the modern church and the Corin- thian Church of Paul's day.
Paul was adept at breaking down bar- riers: 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28). He sought to heal the divisions in the Corinthian Church by upholding the unity they shared in Christ. "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (I Cor. 2:2).
Divisions and disagreements exist in our churches today. Instead of recognizing the
rights and freedoms of others, we have sought to squeeze them into our own par- ticular molds of belief. It is time for us to recognize the freedoms of others, for under- neath all is the common ground we share — Jesus Christ as Lord.
The Brethren Church has a great future. Dr. Peter Wagner stated during a recent Church Growth Seminar at Ashland Theo- logical Seminary that even though the Brethren Church has faced an alarming decrease in membership in the past ten years, this trend can be turned around "because the Brethren Church has the gospel/^
Our future will be great if we can just put all our petty grievances behind and con- centrate on the task of winning men and women to Jesus Christ. The energy that was expended on the baptismal issue alone for all those years could have and should have been directed outward to the reaching of others instead of inward upon ourselves.
Can we permit freedom to exist among ourselves? I believe the answer is yes! We can and we must. With freedom comes responsibility — to God, to others, and to ourselves. I honestly believe that we can act responsibly with Christ leading us. Furthermore, if we follow the footsteps and leading of Christ, the reward will be great.
The Apostle Paul discussed spiritual gifts with the Corinthians. In his discussion, he used the analogy of the human body. Each part of the body has a different shape and function, but together the parts form a living, breathing person. The same is true of the body of Christ (His church). ''For just as the body is one and has many mem- bers, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ" (I Cor. 12:12).
As a pastor, I challenge each church to respond to the needs of those who surround it and to allow our brothers and sisters to do the same. Let us recommit ourselves to the call of Christ and strive to do His will with vigor and enthusiasm. Let us recognize the uniqueness of our creation, be freed to express it, and minister responsibly to God, to others, and to ourselves. □
June 1979
St. Luke Brethren Church:
A Church That Wouldn't Die
by James I. Naff, pastor
THE rural church today has little to celebrate. Any trip into the countryside discloses numerous dead, closed, and decay- ing country churches. They are not hard to find.
But March 25, 1979, the Southeast District celebrated with one that is alive, well, and growing. Partaking of the back- bone of the mountains under whose shadow it nestles, the congregation of Brethren in St. Luke Community, Virginia, refused to die.
The celebration packed 200 district people into an auditorium designed to seat only 100. They heard former pastors Fels Lam, Doc Shank, and Kent Bennett speak of the spirit that produced a church that would not die. Musical groups from Maurertown, St. James, and St. Luke thrilled their souls.
And there was cause to celebrate! In March of 1976, the Southeast District Mission Board promised financial aid so that a tentmaker pastor could shepherd this flock. When the mission board discon- tinued all aid exactly three years later, the congregation had grown considerably:
30% increase in worship attendance
(see graph) ; 20% increase in Sunday school
attendance (see graph) ; 90% increase in conversions (9 in
1977, 11 in 1978) ; 25% increase in membership (from 64 to 81) ; 150% increase in income. Plus $16,000 in capital improvements, in- cluding purchase of one acre for expansion, and an increase from two services per month to services every Sunday.
Why did this rural congregation grow instead of die?
Like Nehemiah's volunteers, 'The people had a mind to work." This mind to work is expressed in:
VISION : we can grow if we want to.
DRIVE: we've never failed at anything we've tried.
UNITY: people-pastor team effort.
FAITH: let's trust God and get busy.
WORK: all shoulders to the wheel. So where from here? It's so easy to rest on past glories. But no! To stand still is to slide back. There are people to win. There is work to be done. Future plans are on the board — regular, planned visitation outreach, facilities expansion, the pastor fully supported by the congregation.
Let's try. We've never failed to finish anything we've started. We can do it if we trust the Lord. WE'LL DO IT! Praise the Lord!
Attendance Graph
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10
The Brethren Evangelist
r
I I
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
If someone were to rate your church's worship service, would it be approved?
Approved Unto Plageni
THIS church approved by George R. Plagenz."
That's what you may read in the future as you pass a church in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. The religion editor of the Cleveland Press, Mr. George R. Plagenz, visits church- es on Sunday and writes a review of the service for Monday afternoon's paper.
Since last February this ambitious columnist, a Harvard Divinity School grad- uate, has been dropping in unannounced at churches and synagogues around the Cleveland area.
Plagenz rates a church in four categories : worship service, music, sermon, and friend- liness of the congregation. Up to three stars are given in each category. This means a church, if it's deserving, could obtain twelve stars — for excellence. So far, only two churches have received this twelve-star rating.
Needless to say, Mr. George R. Plagenz is not popular with the churches he has visited — except the two receiving high ratings, of course.
Plagenz has been called everything from a spiritual detective to an atheist to a downright carnal troublemaker. One pastor wrote a letter to the editor criticizing Plagenz (who had given his church a poor rating) and said: *'He sneaks into our midst unannounced, pulls out his double-barreled typewriter and lets us have it."
Plagenz hasn't been easy on sermons. Many of them are rated poor. Plagenz claims that pastors make statements which are not backed up and that their thoughts ramble. Many sermons show a lack of preparation and poor flow of thought.
He also attacks the organists, at least some of them. No one is immune from this man's typewriter. Plagenz claimed that one
man played the organ as if it were his own private recital. The congregation couldn't begin to sing with him, nor did the organist seem to care. Of course, Plagenz was messing around with the war department of the church when he began to criticize the music!
What really gets the wrath of Cleveland worshipers is when he gives them a rating of poor in friendliness. In one column he said, ''I felt I had walked in uninvited to a private club."
Maybe Plagenz is playing God. But he does have a point. And he's certainly made
"Plagenz hasn't been easy on ser- mons. . . . (He) claims that pastors make statements which are not backed up and that their thoughts ramble."
his point in Cleveland. He says, '1 want to find out why people don't go to church."
One thing for certain, pastors in the Cleveland area are taking longer in sermon preparation — making sure of their argu- ments. And congregations are bending over backwards to be friendly. After all, Mr. Plagenz might be there — incognito — taking notes.
The interesting thing is that the Lord might be rating these churches all the time. Thank goodness, he doesn't publish His ratings! At least not yet.
Do you suppose Plagenz is a prophet? Sorry, I merely asked. □
June 1979
11
ministerial student aid
THE DOLLAR SQUEEZE
THE 1978-79 school year has seen an increase in both the number of Brethren pre-seminary and seminary students and in the scholarship funds paid to them by the Ministerial Student Aid Fund. There- fore, we exceeeded the 1977-78 year in our giving to those who are in training for the Brethren ministry.
During the past year fifteen different pre-seminary students received grants totaling $7,500.00. Seventeen seminary students received a total of $8,260.00 in grants. Thirteen of the pre-seminary stu- dents are attending Ashland College and two are attending other colleges.
In the calendar year 1978 we received $9,596.95 from our Brethren congregations. This is a decrease in giving from 1977! It is becoming increasingly difficult for us to help these students to any significant degree because of the rising costs of edu- cation and the lack of increase in our funds.
We praise God for the two special gifts which we received in 1978. They totaled $12,678.98! We found it necessary to use $2,778.98 for scholarships, and we have put the remaining ten thousand dollars in a money market certificate. We are hoping that we can use the interest from this investment to provide more aid. However, if our offerings do not increase, we may find it necessary to use this ten thousand dollars.
I hope you are getting the message — the number of students committing their lives to the Brethren ministry is increasing; the amount of giving for their educational training is not increasing! We are aware that some congregations are giving special gifts of money to support those from their own churches who are studying for the Brethren ministry. However, we pray that our congregations will also see God's will leading them to increase their giving in 1979 to the Ministerial Student Aid Fund.
by Bradley Weidenhamer
Our young people whom God has called into full-time Christian service in the Brethren Church need our financial assistance!
Please make your contributions payable to Ministerial Student Aid Fund and send them to Rev. Brad Weidenhamer, 631 Buena Vista, Ashland, Ohio 44805. □
Student Aid
MINISTERIAL STUDENT AID is vital to the training of Brethren pre- seminary students. On an annual basis, college tuition costs more than three times as much as a year at seminary. Thus, it is important that we do all we can to help our potential church leaders at this crucial stage of their educational life. Ministerial Student Aid can ease the financial strain and make it possible for students to move directly into seminary instead of seeking full-time employment before going on.
The Brethren Church is reaching out into new areas — both in home and foreign fields. We know the age-old story: the fields are still ripe. Our goal must be to enable as many workers as possible to get into the harvesting act ... as quickly as possible.
12
The Brethren Evangelist
Inflation and Student Aid
INFLATION is not only a news item. It is
a practical reality in everyone's life. Essential living costs, including rent, food, clothing, and transportation, are primary concerns of the student. Five years ago inflation could be modified by select living and purchasing. Today, however, inflation is across the board.
The first question perspective students at Ashland Theological Seminary ask is ''Where do I live?" They assume we are teaching the best biblical courses and that we will prepare their lives for the most effective ministry. Their immediate concern is where and how do they live while getting this education.
The students' costs for renting an apart- ment, for tuition, and for food and trans- portation all are affected by inflation. There is no escape.
The student's dilemma in an era of infla- tion is that because he is a part-time worker, he is always at a very minimum wage. Full-time and skilled workers can compensate somewhat for inflation. How- ever, part-time student work is always at the bottom of the ladder. The result is that inflation has a decidedly negative impact on students.
by Joseph R. Shultz
Ministerial Student Aid is the answer for students preparing for the gospel ministry. Ministerial Student Aid helps the student ''balance the budget."
Ministerial Student Aid is a means by which the church can show its definite interest and concern for future church leaders. Students seeking to find their way in life need this support — not only finan- cially, but also for the love and concern which it represents.
Gifts and offerings for Ministerial Stu- dent Aid must reflect the reality of inflation. Thank you for your loving support in the past. □
at the College Level
The following Ashland College students have received Ministerial Student Aid. Your giving has provided $7,500.00 toward their combined need of approximately $75,000.00 this year.
Jon Barber, Senior, Herndon, Va. James F. Black, Senior, Ashland, Ohio John Black, Sophomore,
Milledgeville, 111. Charles T. Bowers, Jr., Freshman,
Fairplay, Md. Jerry L. Fike, Senior, Ashland, Ohio Douglas Heestand, Junior,
Alliance, Ohio David C. Kerner, Junior,
Ft. Wayne, Ind. Danny L. Lawson, Junior, Wabash, Ind.
Jeffrey M. Lentz, Senior,
Nappanee, Ind. Steven R. McPherson, Sophomore,
Bellefontaine, Ohio
Scot D. Millhouse, Sophomore, Sterling, 111.
Timothy J. Rowsey, Sophomore,
St. James, Md. William R. Shafer, Junior, Waterloo, Iowa. Two other young men, Darrell Crissman, a freshman at Geneva College, and Fred Miller, a junior at Penn State University, also received assistance.
The committee hopes it will be possible to continue this important grant-in-aid program. □
June 1979
13
A Strategy For Reaching Unbelievers
Arden Gilmer interviews Dr. Ralph W. Neighbour, Jr.
The annual Brethren Pastors' Conference ivas held at the Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland, Ohio, May 1-3, 1979.
The program for the conference was a TOUCH seminar. The ten sessions of this seminar were led by Dr. Ralph W. Neigh- bour, Jr., and Mr. Charles Aranyas.
Brethren pastors attended from as far aivay as California, Arizona, and Florida, in addition to those from the less distant areas of the Brethren Church. Fifty-four pastors and nine seminary students were registered for the conference, tvith other ministers visiting a few of the sessions.
Dr . Neighbour is pastor of the West Memorial Baptist Church of Houston, Texas, and the founder and developer of
TOUCH ministries. Mr. Aranyas is director of Unlimited Strategy Evangelism and director of TOUCH Productions.
TOUCH stands for Transforming Others Under Christ's Hand and is a proven way of reaching the unreached. Basic to the TOUCH philosophy is the conviction that ALL Christians are ministers and that the church MUST equip the ministers to "min- ister as they go!"
While Dr. Neighbour was in Ashland, he was interviewed by Rev. Arden Gilmer, Director of Home Missions for the Brethren Church. That interview, which follows, deals with some of the basic points Dr. Neighbour and Mr. Aranyas presented to the pastors during the conference.
Arden Gilmer: Ralph, I'd like to begin by expressing to you my personal appreciation for your ministry among us Breth- ren and in my personal life in the last couple of days.
Would you share with us what your cur- rent area of min- istry is and some of the major Rev. Arden Gilmer
things in your spiritual pilgrimage that have brought you to where you are now?
Ralph Neighbour: At the present time I am serving as the pastor of a "parable church" in Houston, Texas. By ''parable church" I mean one that is deliberately experimenting with new concepts because most traditional churches are unable to do this. Our desire is to try to seek those ways that God's Holy Spirit will penetrate the exploding, urbanizing world in the next twenty years.
AG: As you began this church ten years ago, what were some of the basic concepts you had in mind and sought to implement in its ministry?
RN: I came from many years of de- nominational positions with a deep frustra- tion because I recognized that pastors and congregations were communicating only to those who were already sympathetic toward the gospel. Yet 49 percent of the American public, according to a Gallup Poll, do not attend any church or synagogue, and we
ignore them be- cause we don't have a strategy to reach them. I did not know what that strat- egy was, but I knew there had to be one. The only way to do it was to become a pastor and to find out for my- self how I could Dr. Ralph Neighbour lead people into becoming ministers of the gospel and pene-
14
The Brethren Evangelist
a
There are too many churches that pay their preacher to be holy on their behalf, and the members of the church never envision themselves as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
trate the pagan world. So our target area has been the unbehever who will not be caught dead in his own coffin in a church building.
AG: What are some of the mmistries you have found effective in reaching that group of people?
RN: Well, first of all, the effective ministries did not happen inside the church building. For many years we had no church building. When we finally built one, because of our experience with outsiders we erected a building that does not look inside or out- side like a church. It's neutral ground where people can come.
Secondly, we discovered that everybody has a hole in his heart and that you can drive the gospel in a large moving van through that hole into a lost man's heart. So we began to determine the needs, in- terests, and concerns of lost people, and around these we developed what we call TOUCH ministries — ministries that touch the unbeliever with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
AG : You spoke of every unbeliever hav- ing a hole in his heart. Just exactly what do you mean by that and how can we Christians go about discerning what that hole is?
RN: There are five different kinds of heart holes; social, intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional. Sometimes there will be an overlapping between them. Many people who feel socially inadequate will respond to a course like personality develop- ment. Those with a spiritual need in their life will respond to a Bible study. Those with an emotional need may respond to something like a care group for divorcees. Those with an intellectual need will respond to something like my atheists' club, in which we study C. S. Lewis's Mere Chris- tianity. Those with physical needs will respond to recreation, like basketball or touch football or a running- jogging group or anything of this sort.
AG: Say we have an established con- gregation that is beginning to sense that it needs to be reaching this outsider group. How might it begin that process? Where would it begin?
RN: The first step would be for the people to ask their pastor to become a coach rather than a hired holy man. There are too many churches that pay their preacher to be holy on their behalf, and the members of the church never envision them- selves as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If the congregation would request the pastor to become an equipper and the members see themselves as the ministers, that would be the first step.
The second step would be for the pillars of the church, who for years have spent all of their time keeping the church alive, to deliberately get out of the church island for a little bit and observe the unbelieving world around them and get their hearts broken over the needs of the world they're ignoring. Then, after that, the steps will begin to come automatically. It's getting going that is the hard part.
AG: To broaden our scope a little, you have done some study of the trends in America today. What trends do you see and how do they affect the future ministry of the church?
RN: Four trends: The first one is the population explosion. In the entire history of man, from Adam until now, we have finally accumulated about 4 billion people on the face of the earth. In only 25 years, by the turn of the century, that number will have exploded to 7.2 billion. So the population explosion is the first thing.
The second thing is the population implosion. People are moving to cities; the world is becoming urban. Those congrega- tions that continue to think with a rural mentality will be in serious trouble in the next 20 years.
The third thing is pluralization. Our country now has so many differing offer-
JUNE 1979
15
. . . if every member of every congregation would spend two to four hours a week with three to five unbeHevers, the rate of baptisms would be immediately, shockingly increased/'
ings, whether it be breakfast cereals or religions, that the more choices you have to make the less value every individual thing has to your choosing.
The fourth thing is privatization. The church is trapped inside the world of the private individual. A man does not receive as much satisfaction from his work as he feels he should, so he has his private world and he does not mix his public world in his private world. The church in America has been captured in the private sector.
The crucial danger is the privatizing of religion in general by what is called the electric church. Martin Marty has indicated that there are over 20 million ''born again" Christians in America today who have absolutely nothing to do with any congre- gation. They get all their religion on the television set. As a result, Marty sees a sterile generation of Christians that is in- capable of reproducing another generation of Christians coming out of these private people. It's one thing to have a deeply per- sonal religion, but to have a privatized religion is to be sterile and unable to bear children.
I think the greatest danger is among the most pietistic groups that have the most solid belief in the Word of God and whose doctrines have been least affected by lib- eralism. In an attempt to remain pure, they have withdrawn from the reality of the needs of people. As a result, they could easily dry up and blow away. If John were alive today, I think he would write to them and say, "You have left your first love. Return!"
AG: Let's just say that I am a lay mem- ber in my church. I've heard my pastor say that I should be a witness and I think I ought to be doing it, but I don't know how. Where should I begin?
RN: You cannot do this until you have a model to observe. It is not a matter of being trained with knowledge ; it is a matter of observing. Sharing your faith is much like learning to ride a bicycle. You don't learn it from a book. You learn it by doing. The easiest way to learn it is to see some- body else do it.
I would go to my pastor and ask him to take me with him as he deals with the lost
— to be my partner as I attempt to pene- trate a group. I would then — and this is most important — set aside from two to four hours in my week, every single week with- out fail, that I will spend with non- Christians in fellowship, ministry, witness, and cultivation with them. And I will limit my ''case load" at any point in time to no more than five. I can't win the whole world at once, but if every member of every congregation would spend two to four hours a week with three to five unbelievers, the rate of baptisms would be immediately, shockingly increased.
AG: If I have come from a Christian home, have been raised by Christian par- ents, and have had little relationship with outsiders throughout my life, developing relationships with unbelievers would be a very threatening thing for me. How might I go about it?
RN: We have a TOUCH basic training course that is designed to help a person move out of this religious culture into the community of unbelievers. But it doesn't happen quickly. It takes an hour and a half a week for 11 weeks in training sessions, plus daily study at home. Individual weekly
"If you are going to be strong in the next generation, there nnust be a wave of young nnen conning into the pulpit."
assignments are also given of things to observe or questions to ask of unbelievers. What we try to do is transplant the person who is imprisoned within the walls of the church into a communicating Christian in the unbelieving world. It takes time to do this. If it is attempted too quickly, people become terrified by the experience.
AG: Is it possible that churches have so many what you call "come structures** that they're keeping people so busy coming to the church that they have little time left to go and develop these kind of relation- ships. That does take time, doesn't it?
RN : Precisely ! The pillars of the church who ought to be most effective in reaching
16
The Brethren Evangelist
the lost are spending 3 to 5 nights a week inside the building. It's obvious that some- thing inside that building has to be slacked off if those same solid, committed Chris- tians are going to have time to spend with unbelievers. Churches are going to have to get honest in this exploding earth and decide what is really good and cut out some things inside the church building so people are free to spend time with unbelievers.
AG: Through our pastors' conference this week, you have had some brief ex- posure to the Brethren, I am interested in some of your impressions that you have right now of being with the Brethren for awhile.
"So if you want to grow as a denomination, the greatest impact must be placed upon church planting."
RN: I frankly feel quite close to the Brethren movement, because in your de- nominational group you have a direct access to a pastor and his people without a great deal of machinery on top of them. I commend you for your constant intention not to be involved with great hierarchical systems, and I think this will keep you a liquid movement able to flow quickly in a certain direction.
But I also see you bound by traditions which lock you out of the emerging world. I think that the danger for you is not theological, but the fear of giving up tradition. I think any tradition that is precious and healthy, like the one you have of sharing your lives together in the com- mon meal, is something which must be always preserved. But I think the fear of losing your identity sometimes keeps you from having a viable identity in the chang- ing world.
AG: What would you say are some of the priorities for the Brethren Church in the next five or ten years?
RN: If you are going to be strong in the next generation, there must be a wave of young men coming into the pulpit. This means that in order for this to happen, you
must also create new ministries, new church fields so that there can be a place for a widening clergy to begin to serve.
AG: How important do you believe it is for a denomination our size to be actively and intentionally involved in planting new churches?
RN: I think it's the life blood. Many church growth studies have indicated that the younger a church is the faster it grows. The older the church is the more slowly it grows. I recall one survey taken of a church which started seven churches in seven years. The total growth of those seven churches was a line that went almost straight up on the chart. If that church would have occupied itself only in growing internally, the growth line, instead of going straight up, would have been a slow slope up the scale. So if you want to grow as a denomination, the greatest impact must be placed upon church planting.
AG: How do you feel about the church in America? Are you optimistic or pessimistic?
RN: I believe the church is the incarna- tion of Jesus Christ, and I am always excited about it. I believe that it belongs to our blessed Lord, and He will not let it fail. I see many signs that the church is adjusting itself to the new culture of secularism that surrounds it, and I am just thrilled and excited to be alive in this day. I can hardly keep from resenting the time it takes me to sleep at night because things are happening so fast. I have every exciting feeling about what will happen to the church in the next 20 years.
AG: Ralph, many of us in the Brethren Church feel that way as well, and we believe that Jesus* promise when He said, "I will build my church," is a promise for all time.
RN: Amen and Amen.
AG: Thank you. Dr. Neighbour, for sharing with us.
Dr. Neighbour is author of seven hooks: Witness Take the Stand; The TOUCH of the Spirit; The Seven Last Words of the Church; This Gift Is Mine; Journey Into Discipleship; Target-Group Evangelism; and A Survival Kit FOR New Christians.
June 1979
17
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
I have stood on the top of a steep mountain looking at the beautiful panorama before me. The quiet atmosphere seems to radiate the presence of the God of all creation.
The silence is suddenly shattered by the movement of a small animal. As the animal moves, a small stone is dislodged and begins to tumble down the side of the mountain. Soon the small stone becomes two, then four, and the one small stone soon becomes an uncon- trollable mass of rocks moving down the side of the mountain. This, too, reminds me of the presence of God in a most powerful way, for I see here the principle of Christian growth.
We come face to face with God in a moun- tain-top experience we call conversion, and as we stand on this mountain, we gaze around us in awe and amazement, for we are indeed in the presence of God. It is an exhilarating experience. Then we begin to realize that we are not alone and that we cannot stay on the mountain top forever. On the side of the moun- tain are multitudes hidden in the shrubs and crevices who have not had their mountain-top experience.
From behind, we feel a gentle push — ^God is moving us from our safe vantage point — and we begin our journey down the side of the mountain. On our way we make contact with persons, first one, then two, and the force multiplies. When we come to a stop, sometimes battered and worn, we resdize that God has protected us. We gather in our arms all we have carried down the mountain and laboriously carry them to the top, where they can also enjoy the view. Then we wait patiently for the gentle push that will send us and our multitude down the side of the mountain to gain an even greater harvest.
We tend to complicate God's plan for finding the lost when, in reality, God's plan seems to work best in a very uncomplicated way. We allow God to have complete control over our lives, and we find that every day God causes us to make contact with multitudes of people. We approach them in love, tell them about the beautiful view from the mountain of God, and carefully lead them up the mountain until they can personally see Him. Then we make them aware of the waiting multitudes and wait for God's command to go again, and they will go with us.
II Timothy 2:2
S. So contest gets results at Oak Hill
Oak Hill, W. Va. — An increase in attendance of 30 this Easter over Easter a year ago was one result of a Sunday school contest held at the First Brethren Church of Oak HiU, W. Va. Lots of new faces in the church was another.
The contest was called "Stepping Up to Easter" and ran from March 11 through Easter Sunday. Sunday school members were divided into two teams — "Leapers," captained by S.S. Superin- tendent Roger Boggs, and "Walkers," headed by Fred Myers.
These team names, though a bit unusual, are biblical, being based on the lame man in Acts chapter 3, who, when healed by Peter and John, went walking and leaping (and praising God) into the Temple. The theme song for the contest, appropriately enough, was "Silver and Gold Have I None."
Points were given to each team for attendance, bringing Bibles, and bringing visitors. In addition to a winning team, there were also individual winners. The five Sunday school members on each team who accumulated the most points were given prizes.
A visitation program was also conducted in conjunction with the contest. This program is still in progress.
The "Leapers" won the contest and were treated to a carry-in dinner by the "Walkers." But with an increase in attendance of 30, the big winner was the Oak Hill Sunday school. And the members there, like the lame man in Acts 3, are praising the Lord.
— ^from information provided by Mrs. Ollie Foy, Oak Hill, W. Va.
Former Brefhren missionary sfabbed
Brooklyn, N.Y. — Former Brethren missionary Robert O. Byler was stabbed in the arm by a drug addict on or around April 1.
The incident occurred in the entrance to a Brooklyn police station where Byler had gone with a young man of his congregation to report an automobile accident. The assailant, known to have little love for the police, apparently mistook Byler for a police officer.
Byler was taken to an area hospital in serious condition but is now fully recovered.
Rev. Byler and his wife Jane served as Brethren missionaries in Argentina from 1948 to 1966. He is now pastor of the Dean Street Baptist Church in Brooklyn.
18
The Brethren Evangelist
Southwest Confer contributes
update
ars Gilmer, Diclcson; Northwest Chapel
The Southwest District Conference was held April 20-22, 1979, at the Papago Park Brethren Church, Tempe, Arizona.
The conference theme was "If My People Will," based on II Chronicles 7:14: "Then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and seek me, and turn from their wicked ways, I wiU hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land."
Rev. Arden Gilmer, Director of Home Missions, brought messages on Friday evening and Saturday morning. He stressed that God calls us His people and that to pray and seek His face are our privileges.
Rev. Duane Dickson, national Conference Moderator, brought messages on Saturday eve- ning and Sunday morning. He reminded us that there is wickedness in the world and sin in the lives of Christians because of the lack of genuine love for man inside and outside the church. We must each one have a total and complete commit- ment to Jesus Christ and share Him with the community around us. Our churches will be changed when we listen, God answers, and we act. II Timothy 2:2 is our challenge.
Geographically, we of the Southwest District feel quite removed from operations at national headquarters. It was good to be updated on denominational happenings by representatives Rev. Dickson, Rev. Gilmer, and Rev. Smith Rose. We share in prayer and praise to God for work being done by our fellow Brethren.
During business sessions, revisions in district by-laws and appointments to committees and boards were made. An election of officers for the coming year was also conducted. Officers for the new year are: moderator — Robert Rhoades, vice moderator — Clarence Stogsdill, secretary — Betty Price, assistant secretary — Fran Curtis, treasurer — 'Jim Fisher, assistant treasurer — Jim Holsinger, statistician — Doris Stogsdill, and assistant stat- istician— Ruth Hill.
It was good to have the youth take an active part in this conference. Special music was present- ed on Friday evening by three young ladies from Papago Park — Shelia Leedy, Michiko Kinsley, and Sandra MacDonald. They gave their testimonies by singing, with guitar accompaniment, their own arrangements. God is working in young lives.
On Saturday evening we enjoyed music by the Bell Choirs from First Brethren Church, Tucson. The junior choir was directed by Mrs. Mary Roberts and the senior choir was directed by Mrs. Carmen Swingle. These young people have been performing in the Tucson area, and we felt it a great blessing to have them on our program.
During the conference two presentations were made to Rev. William Curtis toward the construc-
tion of the new Northwest Brethren Chapel. The Tucson First Brethren Church presented $2,000 and the Papago Park congregation presented $1,035.
We are looking forward to a great year in ser- vice to our Lord. It will be a pleasure to be able to hold our conference next year in a new church in the Southwest District — the Northwest Brethren Church of Tucson. Rev. Curtis and the congrega- tion expect to move into the new building in mid summer.
— Betty Price, Secretary
Southwest District Conference
Membership Growth
Vinco: 5 by baptism
Roann: 4 by baptism
Wabash: 5 by baptism
Canton Trinity: 6 by baptism, 2 by transfer
Valley: 3 by baptism, 1 by transfer
3 by reaffirmation of faith
Derby: 9 by baptism, 6 by transfer
Meadow Crest: 4 by transfer
Ardmore: 2 by transfer
Oak Hill: 7 by baptism
Oakville: 8 by baptism
County Line: 7 by baptism, 3 by transfer
Left to right, Tanya Clowdis, Angela Covington, Kristine House, Angela Smith, Sheri Covington, Heidi House, and (not shown) Jay Clowdis and Robin Clowdis were baptized at the Oakville, Ind., Brethren Church on March 11.
The Jonestown, Guyana, tragedy was the most widely-known event of 1978, according to a Gallup poll. The poll showed that 98 percent of Americans were aware of the event.
■ — EP News Service
June 1979
19
update
Missionary Board announces new staff members
Stanley Gentle: Office Manager
The Missionary Board of the Brethren Church is pleased to announce the appointment of Stanley E. Gentle as the Board's Office Manager. He assumes his duties June 18th, coming to Ashland after serving for three years as Assistant Admin- istrator of the Brethren's Home, Flora, Indiana.
Mr. Gentle graduated from Ashland College in 1970, then attended the University of Arizona at Tucson for three years. Following this, he served three years in Santa Cruz, California, as a com- puter operator before beginning Christian service at the Brethren's Home.
Stanley is married to the former Judy Johnson, who also attended Ashland College. They have two sons: Stephen age 8, and Paul age 5. Stanley is the son of the Rev. and Mrs. Spencer Gentle, pastor of the First Brethren Church, Goshen, Ind.
The Gentles have been active in the Brethren Church for most of their lives. They were youth advisors at Tucson's First Brethren Church and have shared leadership in the First Brethren Church of Flora. Mr. Gentle joins the staff of the Missionary Board as he continues his lay ministry in Christian service.
Jan Dahring: Secretary-Receptionist
The national Missionary Board is happy to present Mrs. Richard (Jan) Dahring to members and friends of the Brethren Church. Mrs. Dahring became secretary and receptionist for the Mission- ary Board on March 19th, assuming some of the responsibilities of Mrs. Delbert (Marion) Mellinger, who retired February 28th after more than fifteen years of service.
Mrs. Richard
Dahring became
secretary and
receptionist for
the Missionary
Board on
March 19th.
The Dahrings served as missionaries to Sierra Leone, West Africa, for three years under the Board of Missions of the United Brethren Church, Huntington, Indiana. Richard is now nearing com- pletion of his training at Ashland Theological Seminary, where he will be earning his Masters of Arts in Missions degree. They have three chil- dren: Andrew 10, Erika 7, and Corrie Elizabeth 5.
Jan brings to her work a first-hand knowledge of foreign missionary service, together with an earnest commitment to the Lord and a desire to be of service through the offices of the Missionary Board.
Stanley E. Gentle will become Office Manager for the Missionary Board on June 18th.
Say it with flowers at General Conference
Do you remember the beautiful flowers on the platform at General Conference last year? The presence of a few plants did much to lift the spirits of Conference delegates.
Flowering plants are also being planned for this year's Conference platform. The Executive Committee of General Conference is inviting
Brethren people to send a memorial donation for these plants.
The need is for five potted plants, which will cost $25.(X) each. If you are interested in making a donation in memory of a friend or loved one, you may send it to the General Conference Plant Fund, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Gretna church sets attendance record; begins addition to sanctuary
Bellefontaine, Ohio — ^^The Gretna Brethren Church has set a goal of "29 in 79" — that is, of increasing its average attendance in 1979 by 29 over the 1978 average.
Eariy indications are that this goal will be met! On Easter Sunday a record 168 people attended the worship service (in a sanctuary which nor- mally seats only 120!). This was approximately 25 more than the previous record attendance.
Two approaches are being used to achieve this goal of "29 in 79." One approach is to win new people to Christ and to bring them into the fellow- ship of the church. This has resulted in 12 first- time decisions and four transfers of membership in the past couple of months. In addition five new families recently began attending the church and have indicated an interest in becoming a part of the fellowship.
The second approach to meeting the goal is an attempt to reactivate inactive families. This has resulted in at least two families again becoming
active, and others showing signs of doing the same.
In order to accommodate the growth that is taking place, the Gretna Brethren congregation voted on April 2nd to build an addition to the front of the church sanctuary. To provide suffi- cient parking space, the congregation also decided to nearly double the size of the parking lot.
The new addition wiU be lO-by-30 feet and will include a new platform area, a new pastor's office, and a small Sunday school room. At the same time as this addition is being built, the entire church building is being insulated and covered with aluminum siding.
Perhaps the best part of the building project, which began May 1, is that the cost estimate given by the contractor was about half what the congregation expected.
Watch future issues of the Evangelist for an update on the Gretna building project and for a report on the goal of "29 in 79."
Louisville First observes unique service
Louisville, Ohio — Palm Sunday at the Louisville Brethren Church was the occasion of a unique and truly wonderful Christian experience for all those who attended the evening service. We, as Brethren, have all participated in the three-fold communion service, trine immersion baptism, and laying on of hands. But to witness and participate in all three on the same evening is a most unusual and uplifting experience of God's love.
The evening service began with Darlene McFarland, Peg McFarland, and Vickie Reynolds giving witness to their first-time commitment by submitting to God's will in baptism. Doug Shook followed in baptism as he transferred his mem- bership from another church.
Following the baptisms. Dr. Richard Allison and Deacon Bill Williams laid hands on those who had been baptized and extended the right hand of fellowship to each. It was fitting and moving that this laying on of hands took place in the same room as the Love Feast (which followed), thus recalling that the Holy Spirit visited the Apostles in the Upper Room.
This was also a special occasion for Dr. Allison, who shared that he had conducted his first baptismal service at First Brethren in Louisville.
The blessings of the evening were not only experienced by the members of First Brethren, but were shared with friends from other churches
in the community. These visitors expressed the feeling of warmth and love with which the Holy Spirit filled all who were present.
We at First Brethren continue to see the will of God working in our lives as we hear of answered prayer, experience spiritual growth, and watch our youth make their commitment to Christ. Much credit must be given to our youth leaders who, despite obstacles, have performed out of love.
It is a joy to anticipate and experience the love of God in our worship services and our Sunday school. We are thankful that God has given us many answers to prayer.
It is with grateful appreciation that we acknowl- edge the dignified and loving manner in which Rev. Virgil Meyer and Dr. Richard Allison have ministered to us and led us through these past months. God in His eternal wisdom saw fit to bring these men to Louisville's First Brethren Church at a time when He knew we needed them most.
We are also looking forward to the ministry of Rev. John Brownsberger, who will begin serving our congregation in July. We are grateful that God's Holy Spirit is leading us all to be coopera- tive and loving.
— David L. Scheurer, Moderator Louisville First Brethren Church
June 1979
21
update
Charles Director
to become f Chrisfian Educafion
The Board of Chris- tian Education is very happy to announce that, at its May 5th meeting, Mr. Charles Beekley was hired to fill the position of Director of Christian Education.
An Ashland, Ohio, resident, Mr. Beekley has been highly in- volved in BCE work on the local and dis- trict levels. He has served for two years on the General Con- ference executive corn- Mr. Charles Beekley mittee and is present- ly a student at Ashland Theological Seminary. Mr. Beekley will be observing the BCE work this
Garber Company celebrates
1
Ashland, Ohio— This year The Garber Company of Ashland — a commercial, folding carton, and specialty packaging printing company — is cele- brating its 100th anniversary.
What makes this of interest to Brethren people is that this company was founded by Aaron Leedy Garber, a minister in the Brethren Church. This Brethren elder was also editor of the Brethren Evangelist from 1886 to 1889 and a part owner of the magazine from 1884 to 1889.
The Garber Company is important to the Brethren Church for another reason: several of the men who have worked in the Brethren Publishing Company print shop got their start in printing at Garber. This includes two men currently employed by the Publishing Company — Dale Gardner, who runs the presses, and Bill Edmondson, who makes up the forms for the presses.
A. L. Garber made his entry into printing in Bellville, Ohio, when he bought a small press to print religious tracts and pamphlets. When Ashland College was founded in 1878, Garber de- cided to move his press to Ashland.
In 1879 he began printing school and church publications and then started the weekly news- paper, the Ashland Sun. This was the beginning of the A. L. Garber Company. From those humble beginnings has grown a company which last year had over $19 million in sales.
Garber began his business with a hand fed
22
summer and will help with the Crusader Program and Youth Convention. He will assume full duties as director on September 1.
Summer Crysaders and Interns begin service
JUNE! This is the month that all the planning and anticipation turns into reality for the BCE and the Summer Crusaders and Interns. Two interns start service as early as June 3. Crusader teams come to Ashland June 10-16 for orientation and begin their service on the 17th. Twenty-five excited young people will find themselves very busy, very soon.
In addition to the four teams listed in the April Evangelist (page 21), the BCE is proud to announce the assignment of the following team and Interns:
1979 Caaup Crusaders
Nancy Wilson — Masontown, Pa. Darrell Crissman — Brush Valley, Pa. Intern to St. Petersburg, Fla.
Mary Ellen Bates — Waynesboro, Pa.
Intern to Pittsburgh, Pa.
Evan Bridenstine — Smithville, Ohio "Summer Crusader Update" is a newsletter sent during the summer to anyone who has contributed financially or volunteered to be a Prayer Warrior for 1979. The first issue is already printed and mailed. If you have not received the "Update" and would like to, just send your name and address to the BCE, 524 CoUege Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
press capable of printing a sheet six inches by eight inches. Among its many presses. The Garber Company now has one which will print up to six colors on a sheet 77 inches wide. The company also has a one-of-its-kind, computer- controlled "superpress" which can print, diecut, coat, and stack paperboard cartons all in one con- tinuous operation.
Nearly everyone has seen printing done by The Garber Company. The company prints the packag- ing for Puffs tissues, Pepperidge Farm products. Cling Free sheets, Quaker 100% Natural Cereal, GE light bulbs, and many other products.
A. L. Garber died in 1942, but the company he founded lives on. It is now owned by five Ashland residents.
As part of its 100th anniversary celebration. The Garber Company held open house on May 20. Area people were treated to a tour of the plant, gifts, and refreshments.
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Campus Ministry Year-End Report
A Time For Reform
Year-end reports are almost always dull recitations designed to play up minor successes and conceal shortcomings. After all, who likes to face the music? Nevertheless, I will try in the next few paragraphs to bring you up to date on the Brethren sponsored ministry to Ashland College students. In order to do that, it is neces- sary to provide a bit of background.
It is no secret to the Brethren Church that Ashland College has experienced serious difficulty in its campus life over the past several years. Many of us have been saddened to see unwar- ranted damage to residence halls and other campus facilities. We have expressed reservations (and objections) to some student life policies introduced since the late sixties. These were years of nationwide student unrest, and Ashland College, like other institutions of higher education, was deeply affected. Radical changes were made for a variety of reasons. Some changes were healthy. Others were not.
In this, my first year on campus, I have worked with faculty, staff, administrators, and students to address problems resulting from undesirable change. There is a general consensus that current student life policies threaten our traditional academic standards, contribute to unsatisfactory social conditions in some of the residence halls, and place undue financial stress on an already tight budget. The time has come for reform.
In an all-campus convocation held Tuesday, May 8, 1979, President Schultz, in a brief statement, outlined the first steps to reform. He said in part:
You will be treated as mature individuals, and as a part of that, you will be held account- able for the choices you make . . . whether they are good choices or poor. You will be expected to use common sense and good judg- ment, to conform to the policies and regulations currently existing. You will be permitted the freedom of choice, but we will actively pursue our right to pass judgment on the appropriate- ness of that choice.
It is no longer safe to think or say "I pay $5,000 a year to go here, I can do as I want." We are neither bound by your dollars, by your numbers, nor by your behavioral norms. We not only expect, but will demand that you conduct yourselves appropriately in your daily
Dr. Burkey is Director of Religious Affairs and Campus Ministry for Ashland College. .
by Frederick T. Burkey
activities, interactions with faculty, staff, and with one another.
Let me proceed further. The behavior of this entire year suggests to many of us that a total re-examination of social and academic rules of conduct is in order. This we also intend to do. Let there be no question that this re- assessment will be done or any misunderstand- ing that the behavior of this entire year is ample indication that it needs to be done.
I believe this is a hopeful sign for improved church-college relations. Throughout this year my staff has worked with responsive students and faculty in the usual ways (Bible studies, campus organizations, counseling, etc.) in the hope that needed changes would come. Students who wished to live on quiet floors were assisted in securing appropriate housing. Christians have been trained to assist their troubled friends. Worship and entertainment activities have contributed to a growing solidarity among Christians of all faiths.
Within the next few months, our work (and the church's investment in us) will begin to pay off. Policies will be reconsidered and many will be revised. I expect that the revised policies will be generally acceptable to the church and the many Christians on campus.
In addition. President Schultz has given us the "go-ahead" to remodel the basement of Memorial Chapel for use as a "campus Christian center" (as yet unnamed). Jim Miller has mobilized stu- dent work groups to clean the area. When work is completed, we hope to have an office for Alpha Theta, a counseling room (to be manned by seminary students enrolled in the EMERGE coun- seling program), four seminar /study rooms, a listening room, recreational area, canteen, and a large assembly area which can be expanded by using folding doors.
The Christian students are in full support of this new center. If we can get the project moving this summer, we can expect unprecedented results next fall. But we need your help. We have willing bodies to do the work, but we need money for paint, materials, and equipment. Please join us in prayer that God will lead us to the resources we need in this crucial year. For with the combina- tion of positive and attractive programs, a usable facility, highly motivated students, and revised social policies, the opportunity is unlimited.
Finally, I urge you all to remember us in your prayers. Especially support President Schultz who must lead in difficult times. Letters offering support and/or suggestions will be greatly appreciated! . ..
June 1979
23
update
Park Street Brethren Church celebrates centennial
Ashland, Ohio — The First Brethren Church of Ashland (Park Street) celebrated its 100th anni- versary on Sunday, May 6.
During the morning Centennial Worship Ser- vice, 325 worshipers joined together to praise God for giving this church 100 years in which to serve Him.
The speaker for the service was Rev. Duane Dickson, the General Conference Moderator, who spoke on "Reflection, Perception, and Projection" — reflections on the past, perceptions of the present, and projections for the future.
A special feature of the Centennial Worship Service was the participation of two members of the church who are descendants of former prom- inent Brethren leaders. Mr. Howard Mack, who led the prayer, is a descendant of Alexander Mack, the founder of the Brethren denomination. Rev. Robert Holsinger, who read the Scripture text, is a descendant of Henry R. Holsinger, the founder of our particular branch of the Brethren Church.
Following the worship service, a fellowship dinner was served to 225 people.
Activities continued with a Centennial Cele- bration at 2 p.m. Speaker for this service was Dr. Charles Munson, professor at Ashland Theological Seminary and a member of the Park Street congregation. In his centennial message — "God in Our Next 100"— Dr. Munson told the 190 people present that God wants this church to be made up of people who ask, "God, what in the world do you want us to do?" and then do it!
Special music for the Centennial Celebration was provided by other Brethren churches in north- central Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. John Rowsey of the Ashland Garber Brethren Church sang a duet, as did Tom McConahay and Jim Amstutz of the Smithville Brethren Church. A trio — Regina Steward, Linda Zerbe, and Suzanne Barr — repre- sented the Walcrest Brethren Church of Mansfield. Mrs. Victor Humm, a former choir director at Park Street, presented a vocal solo.
Letters of greetings from two former pastors were read, and Rev. L. V. King, pastor from 1941 to 1946f brought greetings in person. His com- ments and recollections of his years at Park Street were one of the highlights of the service.
During a time of recognition of members, Mrs. Lee Fasig was commended for being the longest baptized member present. Mrs. Fasig was bap- tized in 1906. The youngest members present — Angle DeVeny and Angle Weidenhamer, both first graders — were also introduced. Angle Weiden- hamer had been baptized in the morning worship service.
A further centennial celebration is planned at Park Street for September 21-23, with the Creative Ministries of Frank Roughton.
Howard Mack (at lectern), a de- scendant of Alexander Mack, led the prayer for the Centennial Wor- ship Service. Rev. Robert Holsinger (behind Mr. Mack), a descendant of Henry R. Holsinger, read the Scripture.
Bits 'n Pieces
John and Adrienne Holsinger were honored by the Oakville, Ind., Brethren Church with a special service and a carry-in dinner on March 18th. Mr. Holsinger had retired from his job as a mail carrier and he and his wife were moving to Phoenix, Ariz.
Bret Rinehart and Donald Voorhees were hon- ored by the deacon board of the Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church at the annual breakfast for high school graduates, held April 29. The graduates were presented Bibles by the Sunday school.
A service of commitment was held for Rev. and Mrs. Claude Stogrsdill and the congregation of the Warsaw First Brethren Church on Sunday morning, April 22. The occasion was the accep- tance by Rev. Stogsdill of a 3-year call to the Warsaw pastorate. Rev. Stogsdill has pastored the Warsaw church since June 1970.
Sixty-three residents of the Brethren's Home, Flora, Ind., took communion on Wednesday after- noon, April 18. The service was administered by Rev. Alvin Grumbling, pastor of the Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church, assisted by deacons and deaconesses of the Flora church.
Rev. Robert Keplinger is now a consultant for Gospel Light Publications. Rev. Keplinger is also pastor of the Washington, D.C., Brethren Church.
24
The Brethren Evangelist
John Gyli joined in U.S. by wife and son
Pasadena, Calif.— Rev. John Guli's wife Elizabeth and his youngest son Njameba (age 5) arrived in Los Angeles from Nigeria, West Africa, on May 19. They will be staying with Rev. Guli in Pasa- dena until his graduation from Fuller Theological Seminary School of World Missions on June 9th.
Rev. Guli, a Nigerian pastor and church leader, has been studying at the Fuller School of World Missions during the past year under the sponsor- ship of the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church.
Following his graduation. Rev. Guli and his wife and son will spend several weeks visiting friends, former missionaries, and mission executives in the U.S. They will be in Ashland, Ohio, June 23 to June 28.
Rev. and Mrs. Guli and their son will depart for Nigeria on July 15 from Cleveland, Ohio.
Goldenaires
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Fisher, 55th, June 18. Mem- bers of the Ardmore Brethren Church, South Bend, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Yunker, 53rd, May 25. Friends of the First Brethren Church, Flora, Ind. Mr. & Mrs. Oarber Wrig^ht, 65th, April 15. Mem- bers of the First Brethren Church, North Man- chester, Ind.
Weddings
Clieryl Ann Straub to Barry Dean Dysert, May 5,
at the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church; Carl H.
Phillips, pastor, officiating. Members of the Vinco
Brethren Church.
Rebecca Sue Newell to Gary Wayne Brown, May
5, at the Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church; Alvin
Grumbling, pastor, officiating.
Deborah Sue Curtis to Ronald Bruce Petterson,
April 28, at the Tucson, Ariz., First Brethren
Church; Rev. William Curtis, father of the bride,
officiating. Bride member of Northwest Brethren
Chapel, Tucson, Ariz.
Wilda Singer to Harold Bracken, April 20, at the
Chickoree Union Church; Rev. Carl H. Phillips
and Rev. Rhue officiating. Bride member of the
Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church.
Nona Jean Hesketh to Marshall Paul Sowers,
April 7, at Pleasant View Brethren Church, Van-
dergrift, Pa. William D. Walk, pastor, and Rev.
Carl Holm officiating. Bride member of the
Pleasant View Brethren Church.
Leigfh Vance to Anthony Hopkins, March 17, at the
Warsaw, Ind., First Brethren Church; Claude
Stogsdill, pastor, officiating. Bride member of the
Warsaw First Brethren Church.
Becky Sue Michel to Paul Thomas Hendrix, March
3, at the North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren
Church; Rev. Paul Bowman, officiating. Bride
member of the North Manchester First Brethren
Church.
update
Rev. William Livingston dies
Rev. Livingston
Rev. William Liv- ingston, 61, a former Brethren pastor, died of a heart attack on May 7, 1979. Rev. Liv- ingston retired from the active ministry last year and was living with his wife June in La Place, lU.
Rev. Livingston en- tered the ministry in 1963 at the age of 45. Following his training at Ashland Theolog- ical Seminary, he served for l^^ years
as pastor of the Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church. Then from 1965 to 1970, he was the administrator of the Brethren's Home in Flora.
In 1970 Rev. Livingston became pastor of the Cerro Gordo, 111., Brethren Church. He served that congregation until his retirement in June of last year.
In an interview for an article which appeared in the June 1978 Evangelist, Rev. Livingston said, *T entered the ministry later in life. But I haven't dreaded a minute of it." He also added, "I've appreciated every opportunity that's been pre- sented to me by the Brethren Church. It's been a special part of my life to have opportunity to serve in a very particular way."
In Memory
Guy L. Baker, Jr., 52, May 6. Member of the
Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Carl H.
Phillips, pastor, and Rev. Marvin Lowery.
Cleo Lonffnecker, 72, April 22. Member of the
Warsaw, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by
Claude Stogsdill, pastor.
Virg^il Williams, 66, April 20. Member for 52 years
and deacon of the Roanoke, Ind., Brethren Church.
Services by Ralph Gibson, pastor,
Gerald Layton, 62, April 18. Member of the Roann,
Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Rev.
William Kerner.
Joihn Stevens, 87, April 13. Lifelong member of
the Oak Hill, W. Va., First Brethren Church.
Services by William R. Skeldon, pastor, assisted
by Rev. Hainey of the Church of God.
Katharine Miller, 86, April 11. Member of the
Valley Brethren Church, Jones Mills, Pa. Services
by Jerald Radcliff, pastor.
Morton Huffer, 68, February 16. Member of the
Warsaw, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by
Claude Stogsdill, pastor.
June 1979
25
as i see it
How to Put Meaning
into Your Spring Housecleaning
by Dale R. Stoffer
How often has your annual spring cleaning been drudgery because it lacked any significance beyond simply the satisfaction of knowing that another year's dust has been rearranged? This year I would like to propose a novel approach to that dreaded task, especially for those of you with attics chock full of old odds and ends which haven't been touched in years. Why not go on a search for old Brethren periodicals, books, pamph- lets, pictures, correspondence, etc?
For those of you not acquainted with me, I am a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary and am studying the development of thought in the Brethren Church from 1708 to the present. In my research visit at Ashland Theological Sem- inary, I have at times been frustrated by the lack of certain materials. Even though our archives are comparable with those of the other Brethren groups, there is always room for improvement.
Let me answer some questions which might arise in your mind concerning old Brethren materials. First, what should I look for? As a rule, the seminary archives could use any items older than 1920. Copies of the Brethreii Evangelist prior to 1920 and especially before 1900 would be greatly w^elcomed. Also other Brethren periodicals of the period 1850-1880 are very important: The Gospel Visitor, The Christian Family Companion, The Primitive Christian, Brethren at Work, The Deacon, and The Progressive Christian particularly.
Any old Brethren books from the 1700s and 1800s would be excellent additions to the library. Look for authors' names like Peter Nead, Peter and Benjamin Bowman, and Henry Kurtz, and works pubUshed by the Sauer and Ephrata presses (1700s). The library especially needs old pamphlets and tracts published between 1850 and 1900 by any of the Brethren groups (does anyone have a copy of Laura Grossnickle's "Woman's Divine Right to Preach the Gospel"?).
A valuable form of research materials often overlooked are letters and sermons by the prom-
drawing by Gayle Reuschling
inent figures in the church which help to illum- inate the life and thought of the church. Do any of you possess letters from or to H. R. Holsinger, the Wolfes of California, J. Allen Miller, the Ronk brothers, J. L. Gillin, Louis S. Bauman, Alva J. McClain and other church leaders? Old Brethren almanacs, annuals, statistical reports (prior to 1965), and copies of local church minute books (especially from our oldest and most influential churches) are also desired. If you have some old German books you can't read, don't discard them; they may be of considerable importance.
Second, why should I give these things to the seminary rather than some other worthy organ- ization? Materials should be collected and held at a central place that has a vested interest in the topic. The Ashland Seminary library is the logical place for such artifacts for it is here that scholars both inside and outside the denomination will look for Brethren-related materials.
Third, what should I do if I find some old Brethren materials? Contact Bradley Weiden- hamer at the Ashland Theological Seminary library and see if they are items which are needed. He will make arrangements for the shipment of important artifacts.
Finally, remember that these "treasures" repre- sent a legacy to future generations of Brethren students and scholars and are invaluable for maintaining a link to our Brethren heritage. I must stress that this is an important service which you can render the church and should not be over- looked. Happy hunting!
26
The Brethren Evangelist
WORLD RELIEF NEWS
JJa Ma: Munson. " A \hland fork St. oi World R^IJx'l.., . .,
photo courtesy of Ashland Times-Gazette
by Phil Lersch, Chairman Brethren World Relief Board
Sewing at Park Street Brethren
Since 1966 several women at the Ashland Park Street Church, led by Mrs. Aida May Munson, have been sewing every Thursday morning (September through May) for World Relief and local projects. The old coal bin at the church was converted to a sewing room, complete with shelves lining both sides and a carpeted floor.
Earlier this spring the Ashland Times -Gazette reported and pictured the packing up of about 200 pounds of items, including 25 quilts, 85 crib sheets, and numerous items of clothing — made largely from donated materials. These will be sent to New Windsor, Maryland, for distribution overseas during a disaster.
Another project is knitting and crocheting baby blankets. The women hope to have 100 completed by August.
Soup Supper at Warsaw
Mrs. Jane Stogsdill, World Relief contact person in Warsaw, Indiana, reports another successful Annual Soup Supper at First Brethren in March. It was sponsored by the WMS.
The program included showing the WRC film, "Africa . . . And the Beat Goes On," and devotions by Pastor Claude Stog-sdill. His theme was "Help- ing Our Brother," stressing the importance of keeping world needs in mind the whole year and not just at "soup supper" time.
General Conference Features
A newly-designed set of color slides and taped narration will be shown during General Confer- ence in August. Produced by the World Relief Corporation, it was first viewed as a multimedia presentation at the NAE Convention in Orlando,
Florida, in March — where several Brethren were in attendance. The impact will quicken our sen- sitivity to our world neighbors in need.
Name Change
For legal and organizational reasons, the World Relief Commission of the National Association of Evangelicals has changed its name to World Relief Corporation. The change allows retaining the WRC initials, which is convenient.
WRC is the relief agency through which all Brethren World Relief gifts are channeled. Noth- ing has changed with regard to World Relief's purpose, goals, or determination to provide "Food for the Body, and Food for the Soul."
Paul Munshi Honored
Bangladesh Christian humanitarian leader Paul Munshi was honored on March 7th in the presen- tation of the first annual WORLD RELIEF HELP- ING HAND AWARD. The award was given in connection with the annual NAE Convention in Orlando, Florida. (It was my privilege to meet Paul at the WRC Dacope agricultural project in Bangladesh in 1976, and to visit with him again in Orlando.)
Munshi was cited for his "outstanding contribu- tion through selfless service to the people of Bangladesh" in recognition of his establishing and maintaining self-help programs for poverty stricken people of his homeland.
Since 1971 Munshi has headed the Christian Service Society, World Relief's counterpart agency in Bangladesh. At present CSS supervises 130 cooperatives in three major areas. The process of over 9,000 families achieving a respectable living is made possible through grants from World Re- lief Corporation. The goal of the cooperatives is complete self-sustenance for a growing number of families.
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A Family Affair—
1979 General Conference
AUGUST 13-17
Theme
"// My People Will"
Including —
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Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist
(USPS 064-200)
Editor :
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor:
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Published monthly for the Brethren Church by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805. One year subscription rates: $6.00 for 100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual subscriptions.
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Member, Evangelical Press Association
^over
This month marks the 300th anniversary of Alexander Mack's birth. Shown are Mack and the Mack family crest. See article about Mack's life on page 4. Needlepoint crest by Carolyn Mack Cover design by Howard Mack
. 101, No. 1
8
His Life, Oyr Brethren Heritage
A review of his life on the 300th anniversary of his birth, by Dale R. Staffer and Jerry Flora
Snfrodycing the Conference Worship Committee
Peter Roussaki explains the purpose of the new Conference Worship Committee and presents some of its members.
Special Featisre: Perspectives for the Eighties 10 Building on Bedrock
by Rev. Clarence A. Stogsdill
A Preview of the 1979 General Conference
14 15
and Opening Service
1 7 Board
and Seminary Service
dycation Service
Ashland College Night
21 Cotiference Auxiliary Sessions
Departments
13 The Salt Shaker
22 Update
NEXT MONTH
As a follow-up on this month's article on the life of Alexander Mack, next month's issue of The Brethren Evangelist will carry an article about the thought of this Brethren leader.
July 1979
ALEXANDER MACK:
A review of his life
Alexander Mack
ALEXANDER MACK, guiding spirit of the early Brethren movement, was born three hundred years ago this month.
It was under Mack's leadership that a group of eight believers committed them- selves to the founding of a ''New Testa- ment church" by trine immersion. His preaching-teaching-writing skills caused the young church to expand to several locations in Europe. His pastoral ability united the scattered, sometimes disillusioned Brethren who had come to America, giving them a sense of community and mission in the new world. His thinking fashioned the theolog- ical framework that to this day charac- terizes Brethren at their best.
The story of Alexander Mack's early life centers in Schriesheim, a small town in southern Germany, not far from Heidel- berg. There, in 1664, John Philip Mack married Christina Phillbrunn. To them were born eight children. An influential and re- spected man in the community, John Mack served as a long-time member of the Schriesheim town council. He was also mayor in 1690 and again in 1696. He was a devout Christian and reared his family in the Reformed Church, where he served as an elder.
Alexander, the youngest of John and Christina Mack's four sons, was born on July 27, 1679. From the age of ten his pro- fessional career was decided: he began to learn his father's milling trade.
On January 18, 1701, Alexander married
This article is an abridgment of an extensive study of Alexander Mack researched and written by Dale R. Stoffer, a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary.
The abridgment was prepared by Dr. Jerry Flora, Associate Professor of Christian Theology at Ashland Theological Seminary.
Anna Margaretha Khng. Her father, John Valentine Kling, like Alexander's father, was a respected Schriesheim townsman, serving as a Reformed Church elder, town councilor, and also at one point as major. Alexander and Anna Margaretha Mack had five children — two daughters who died in Germany and three sons who later accompanied their father to America.
The New Believer
Alexander Mack's life as a young Schries- heim miller remained relatively stable until he met the Radical Pietist, Ernst Christoph Hochmann (1670-1721). Of noble birth, Hochmann had studied at several universities and seemed destined to a prom- ising law career. But he became a commit- ted Christian while attending the University of Halle, then decided to dedicate his life to God as an itinerant preacher of the gospel.
He traveled throughout Germany, Switz- erland, and the Netherlands proclaiming a powerful, yet simple vision. He sought a "new church filled with the spirit of love, a real fellowship and brotherhood in Christ Jesus without church boundaries and with- out any kind of organization." This revival message was reinforced by a life of sing- ular, unselfish devotion to Christ, which spoke almost as eloquently as his words.
Alexander Mack met Hochmann about 1705 in the course of a preaching tour. Hochmann's personal charisma and per- suasive teaching attracted Mack, who in- vited the Radical Pietist leader to Schries- heim the next year. Both the Reformed and Catholic churches denounced the study groups which formed around Hochmann ais heretical and fanatical. Mack, Hochmann, and other Pietists narrowly escaped arrest
4
The Brethren Evangelist
His Life, Our Bretliren Heritage
on fhe 300th anniversary of his birth.
for their activities in August, 1706. But the next month Hochmann and nine others were sentenced to hard pubUc labor.
These repressive measures caused Mack to look for a different home, where his new found religious convictions could be ex- pressed freely. So in October of 1706 he moved his family to Schwarzenau in County Wittgenstein where Count Henry Albert had extended religious toleration to all refugees who sought asylum within his territory. Though Henry Albert's policy of religious freedom came under attack from all sides, he maintained it until his death in 1723.
It is thought that Mack and Hochmann traveled together as itinerant preachers throughout much of 1707, apparently cen- tering their main efforts in the Rhine Valley. The two were in complete agree- ment in most facets of their thought, and the early Brethren cherished a confession of faith written by Hochmann in 1702. However, in their views on church organi- zation and practice, the two friends differed. The older man was an extreme
photo by Delbert Flora
Alexander Mack's mill in Schwarzenau as: it appeared in 1958. At the age of ten, Mack began to learn the milling trade from his father.
by Dale R. Stoffer and Jerry Flora
separatist. He did not accept the need for religious organization, clergy, outward sacraments, or anything else which remind- ed him of the externalism of the established churches. He was interested only in a spiritual church, devoid of fixed meeting times, places, and liturgy.
Mack, as well as some other Radical Pietists, came to believe that the New Test- ament commanded the institution of an organized church along with the practice of such rites as water baptism, the Lord's Supper, anointing with oil, and community discipline.
For more than a year (September 1707 to October 1708) Hochmann was impris- oned in Nuremberg for his outspoken relig- ious activity there. During this time Mack settled down in Schwarzenau where he had opportunity to continue his search of the Scriptures with other believers who were seeking full obedience to Christ.
The New Fellowship Mack, his wife, and six others entered into intensive, prolonged prayer and study in order to find the will of God for their future course. One of the group's deep con- cerns was their unbaptized state, for all had renounced the infant baptism admin- istered to them, and some had been excommunicated. The eight thus sought Hochmann's opinion about the administra- tion of baptism in the manner they consid- ered apostolic — trine immersion. His re- sponse was one of cautious encouragement, warning them to ''count the cost" and to avoid legalistic, outward, or sectarian administration of the rite.
Motivated by a desire to be totally obe- dient to Christ and convicted by the New
(continued on next page)
July 1979
ii
Mack . . . sought to serve the church with a sensitive, humble spirit, winning the respect of those to whom he ministered by his own hfe of devotion to Christ/'
Testament command for baptism, these eight behevers covenanted together to be baptized by trine immersion. It is important to fix this decision in its proper context — that is, obedience to Christ. It is conjec- tured that the baptism of these five men and three women took place in August or September of 1708. The place was an un- known spot in the Eder River near Schwarzenau. Their leader, Alexander Mack, was twenty-nine years old.
News of this baptism and those which followed spread quickly through County Wittgenstein. The novelty and radical na- ture of this step of faith aroused suspicion from both political and religious authori- ties, for no baptisms were permitted out- side the established Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed churches. But not all the publicity was bad. As more people seriously considered the beliefs of this new group, more conversions occurred. Although mem- bership figures are not available, careful estimates place the growth in the new fraternity at several hundred persons be- tween 1708 and 1719.
During these years Alexander Mack devoted himself to preaching and teaching about the beliefs of the Brethren. Recog- nizing the advantages of printing for the spread of Brethren views. Mack also pub- lished two works. Basic Questions, the first publication presenting Brethren principles, appeared in 1713. This pamphlet consisted
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Bridge dating to the time of Alexander Mack over the Eder River at Schwarzenau. Mack and seven other believers were baptized at an unknown spot in the Eder River in 1708. This bridge has been replaced since this picture was taken in 1958.
of forty questions on baptism and church fellowship submitted by the separatist Eberhard Louis Gruber, together with Mack's considered answers. Two years later Mack published the first major theological work of the Brethren, Brief and Simple Exposition of the Outward but Yet Sacred Kights and Ordinances of the House of God. The literary format of this book was a ''conversation" between a father and his son, a device which Mack employed to present the unique beliefs of the new fellowship.
The New World
Persecution and hardship continued to be the lot of the Brethren in Germany, especially outside Wittgenstein. These dif- ficulties led one group under the leadership of Peter Becker to emigrate to America in 1719. One year later Alexander Mack led about two hundred of the Schwarzenau Brethren in a move to Surhuisterveen in the Netherlands. Surhuisterveen was lo- cated in West Friesland, an area containing many Mennonites as well as several other groups whose beliefs were very similar to those of the Brethren.
Encouraged by glowing reports from the Brethren in Pennsylvania and faced with a combination of economic hardship and a lack of complete religious freedom in the Netherlands, the Brethren eventually de- cided to sail for the New World. Mack and a group of around one hundred twenty arrived in Philadelphia from Rotterdam on September 15, 1729. They were given a warm reception at nearby Germantown, the center of Brethren activity in early 18th century America.
The group that had arrived ten years earlier with Peter Becker had been plagued with many problems. But now Mack's presence immediately served as a cohesive, binding force for the loosely federated Brethren congregations. With Becker's full approval. Mack at once assumed the lead- ership and direction of the Germantown church, a position which he held with great wisdom and skill until his death in 1735.
Mack's six-year ministry at German-
s'
The Brethren Evangelist
Brethren activity in early 18th century America was centered at Genuantown, Pa. Mack served the Germantown congregation for six years, stabilizing and strengthening the Brethren during a difficult time. The congregation met in homes for many years until it built the above pictured meeting house in 1770.
town was invaluable in stabilizing and strengthening the Brethren during a very difficult period. Not only were they adjust- ing to life as German immigrants in the English colonies, but also they were dealing with the Beissel schism.
Conrad Beissel had been elected a Breth- ren minister at Conestoga shortly after he joined the Brethren Church in 1724. He was a powerful, persuasive speaker with tendencies toward mysticism, monasticism, celibacy, and Sabbatarianism. He led a portion of the Conestoga congregation in separating from the rest of the Brethren in 1728.
A year after Mack arrived in German- town, he purposefully went to a meeting conducted by Beissel in order to open a way for reconciliation. But Beissel censured him and the Brethren with him, refusing to consider their differences. Mack visited him on another occasion after Beissel had moved his group to Ephrata in 1732, but Beissel hid himself so that the meeting could not occur.
Mack, however, persevered in his lead- ership of the main body of Brethren. He sought to serve the church with a sensitive, humble spirit, winning the respect of those
to whom he ministered by his own life of devotion to Christ. His example was capable of providing guidelines for the church in its future struggles to find meaning and relevance.
He was a diligent student of the Word, believing that Scripture rather than human reason, church creeds, or individual inspira- tion should be the ultimate guide for Christian life. Once he came to a decision based upon study, prayer, sensitivity to the Spirit, and group consensus, he would live by it, no matter what the consequences. He tried to antagonize no one but strove only for a loving, caring, sharing community of believers who lived in obedience to Christ.
Alexander Mack died on January 31, 1735, at the age of fifty-five. His death was a great loss to the church, and the following years were precarious ones for his flock. Before his death. Mack was asked by Eberhard Louis Gruber to speculate about the future of the fledgling Brethren movement. Mack replied, "If we remain in the teaching of the New Testament, we expect this outcome, namely, that the ful- fillment of our faith will be eternal life. . . . We cannot testify for our descendants — as their faith is, so shall be their outcome." □
July 1979
Introducing - -
The Conference Worship Committee
Peter Roussaki explains the purpose of the new Conference Worship Committee and presents some of its members.
HOW MANY of us have ever sat through a dull, lifeless worship service? The service was probably characterized by most or all of the following — a meaningless order of worship, hymns picked at random, mediocre special music, uninspired preach- ing, and the whole thing done as if by rote rather than with an heartfelt attempt to worship the God of all creation.
I'm sure all of us have experienced this kind of worship service on occasion. Tra- gically, some of us may suffer through them regularly.
The worship service should be central in the life of the church. Unfortunately, wor- ship services do not always receive the careful planning and preparation they deserve.
In order to promote the enrichment of worship in the Brethren Church, last year's General Conference established a new standing committee — the Worship Com- mittee. This new committee replaces the former Music Committee and has a larger area of concern than that committee.
The following paragraph from the Man- ual of Procedure summarizes the ministry to be performed by this new committee.
Rev. Peter Roussaki is chairman of the Worship Committee. He is also adjunct professor of music at Ashland Theological Seminary.
Worship Committee: This committee shall consist of nine members, elected for terms of three years each, with three terms expir- ing each year. The functions of this com- mittee shall be: (a) provide music leadership for the General Conference program; (b) promote enrichment of worship in The Brethren Church; (c) provide opportunities for worship education on the national, dis- trict and local levels; (d) provide local church worship leaders with current re- sources for worship.
The scope of possible activities of this committee will be broad. Music and musi- cians will not be the only concerns pro- moted. Many aspects of the worship life of the church will be considered. Pastors, since they plan worship services, prepare sermons, coordinate music in worship, select hymns, and lead worship services, are encouraged to serve on this committee and to benefit from its activities — in order that worship may be enriched in the Brethren Church.
The Worship Committee has been at work during the past year. The first fruits of its efforts will be presented at this year's General Conference. The Conference theme, 'If My People Will," will be intro- duced and interpreted through a Worship Committee sponsored worship service on Monday evening of Conference. During Conference week the committee will also sponsor a workshop, ''Music with Children and Youth."
Term Committee members
EXPIRES:
1979 — Jeff Lentz, Charlene Rowser, Bradley Weidenhamer
1980 — Jean Lersch, Doris Shultz, Paula Deardurff (secretary)
1981 — Sherry Van Duyne, Julia Flora, Peter Roussaki (chair- man)
8
The Brethren Evangelist
In the future, enrichment experiences deaUng with sermon preparation, drama, service construction and coordination, the role of greeters and acolytes, lay ministers, children's church, and musical worship may be dealt with. Your suggestions and re- actions are welcomed.
As a part of this introduction to the Worship Committee, I would like to share some biographical information about three of its members. All three of them possess strong music credentials and are concerned for the larger context in which preaching and music function.
TULIE FLORA is a graduate of Ashland ^ College with the bachelor of music degree. She received a piano scholarship at Ashland and also studied organ, per- formed in student recitals, and accompanied gospel team groups.
Julie has served as pianist for many churches, currently teaches private lessons, and is a member of the Ashland Musical Club. As a public school teacher she taught in Ohio, Indiana, California, Maryland, and Kentucky. She also served as choir director for the First Brethren Church of New Paris, Ind., and the Washington, D.C., Brethren Church.
Julie's larger interests include correlating the fine arts as a means of worship expres- sion. Her own continuing contribution to the worship life of the church and her personal life testimony provide us an example of great worth.
Julie Flora
PAULA DEARDURFF earned the bach- elor of music education degree from Ashland College. She majored in piano and was a member of the college choir. She served as musical director of two college summer theatre productions.
While ministering with her husband Paul as a tentmaker in the Cheyenne, Wyo.,
Brethren Church, she served as pianist, a position she now fills in the Ashland Garber Brethren Church. She is also a member of the Ashland Musical Club. Paula's review of David C. Cook's new ''Music Is for Children" curriculum ap-
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Paula Deardurff
peared in the November 1978 issue of The Brethren Evangelist.
Paula hopes that through the Worship Committee the Brethren denomination will become aware of the importance of coor- dinating thoughtfully the music of local church worship. Her desire is to see the denomination open to the creative use of drama and puppetry as well. Paula has stated: "All of us need to learn more about worship, especially practicing God's pres- ence. Thoughtful use of music and other arts can be valuable aids to this end."
SHERRY VAN DUYNE also has a rich background of experiences. A graduate of Ashland College, she contributed to the denominational program of Christian edu- cation, serving as music specialist and music director for Crusader programs. She has written and led worship services and musical programs. She also served as
(continued on next page)
Sherry Van Diivne
July 1979
9
children's choir and youth choir director for Park Street Brethren Church and at North Manchester. Presently she serves as choir director at Brighton.
Sherry has made several significant statements about music and about the Worship Committee:
/ really enjoy challenging music. I miss being in a quality group which can handle the old masters, not just the new things. I love being a soloist when I feel that God can speak through the piece with me as the instrument. I really miss kids choirs. I wish more quality things were being done with kids groups than just "herding" them through an adult style hymn arrangement. The church is missing a real opportunity to teach good music principles and good Christian music in many cases.
My hopes for the Worship Committee are many. If we could educate the Brethren to see the worship experience as a total experi- ence with all components fulfilling pre- established priorities, we will have done a great deal. What are some worship prior- ities? What are the components of a worship service? How can we truly glorify God in all aspects? Where does music fit in? What about the kids? Do we meet their needs? Should they worship differently? Separately? I guess I see our purpose as a gradual educa- tion or awakening process.
To assist this education and awakening process, I personally would like to propose an auxiliary. Let's call it the Fellowship for Brethren Worship. It would be under the sponsorship of the Worship Committee of General Conference and serve to fulfill many of the functions of the committee as stated in the Manual of Procedure. It would provide resources, fraternal support, and a forum for dialogue in this most vital aspect of the weekly life of the believers.
Persons desiring to be a part of this currently unofficial fellowship are encour- aged to write to me (Peter Roussaki, 44 North Gamble Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875), expressing your ideas, enthusiasm, and suggestions. At a time to be announced at Conference, an initial meeting may be held jointly with the Worship Committee. All interested persons — pastors, choir directors, song leaders, members of music and wor- ship committees, choir members, writers, drama enthusiasts, etc. — are urged to com- municate with me.
Worship is a vital part of the life of the church. It is the desire of the Worship Committee of General Conference to pro- vide a significant contribution toward the enrichment of worship in the Brethren Church. n
Building
THE BRETHREN CHURCH WAS BUILT UPON THE ROCK— the BED- ROCK. Jesus said, ''Upon this rock (petra)
I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18). ''Bedrock" is a good translation of petra.
It is nice to know that there is a good foundation beneath any structure. Jesus promised that the foundation is secure when we build upon Him. Frequently I find myself silently quoting that great phrase in
II Timothy 2:19, "the foundation of God standeth sure." If that be true, then the superstructure, if diligently constructed, need not sag, sink, or crack.
This leads me to some considerations about the future of the Brethren Church.
WE BRETHREN NEED OFTEN TO REMIND OURSELVES OF THE BED- ROCK OF OUR SALVATION AND SANC- TIFICATION, THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST.
When someone of my congregation asks me what we Brethren believe, I almost always say, "We believe that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord." While that statement needs to be built upon in some detail with carefully stated doctrine, it is, nevertheless, the bedrock of our faith. It is the bedrock of scriptural faith, period.
No superstructure of cultural back- grounds, peculiar emphases, additional ex- periences, or anything else can take the place of this bedrock of our faith.
In our conversations we sometimes re- veal that we are too much concerned with keeping the outward appearance of our faith, often without much reference to Jesus as Savior, Lord, and Sanctifer (or Enabler) . Our discussions about the church frequently simply take Him for granted.
In Bible study groups and prayer sessions it often appears that we would rather talk about anything else than that which God commands us in His Word. Many are em- barrassed to pray. We make excuses for
10
The Brethren Evangelist
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
on
by Rev. Clarence A. Stogsdill
not having enough faith to share our wit- ness with the unsaved. What a pity! This indicates that we have a personal spiritual illness, a disease which can be contracted all too easily. It also indicates a need for real discipling as distinguished from mere church membership.
Those who have achieved any measure of success in sharing their faith with others have always managed somehow to make their relationship with the Founder of the faith clear. That is, they have made plain that ''it's not so much the church that we are bringing to you as the Lord Himself." When Christians begin to share this kind of faith (with a little help from those who know something about ''how to" proce- dures), the church is built up.
WE NEED TO TOUCH AGAIN THE CARDINAL DOCTRINES OF THE BIBLE: the virgin birth, the atonement secured at Calvary, the resurrection, the ascension, the return of Christ. On the other hand, we must not be among those who "believe too much." By this I mean we ought not to accept and support doc- trines of questionable origin — those of a human rather than a divine source. Among these are doctrines which teach that Jesus' work on the cross was not complete, that something additional is required. The Holy Spirit, whose work it is to magnify and glorify the finished work of Jesus Christ, is sometimes attributed a separate "gospel" of His own, as if Jesus didn't complete the work of salvation upon the cross as He claimed.
Those doctrines of existential experience which claim a revelation beyond the Scrip- tures must also be challenged and put to the test. One popular example teaches that a
Rev. Clarence Stogsdill is pastor of the First Brethren Church of Tucson, Arizona.
true minister of Jesus not only will preach material prosperity and perfect physical health but will accomplish all sorts of miracles. (We must note here that "John did no miracle," John 10:41.) This doctrine is a corruption of and/or an extension of
"As Brethren, we are built upon the solid bedrock of Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord, and Sanctifier."
the meaning of gifts as they are listed in I Corinthians 12.
Faith is not seeing. When one "sees" he does not need faith. The Bible teaches walk- ing by faith, not by sight. Demanding from God certain signs for everything is demand- ing that God give full sight. He has not promised to do this. Satan can take advan- tage of this desire to "see" and give us false signs and "gifts," thus diverting us into channels which are not at all of the Holy Spirit.
This does not mean that the believer must walk without any help from the Holy Spirit. To the contrary, the Bible commands that we should "walk by the Spirit" (Rom. 8). But it is a quiet witness of the Spirit within, rather than that somewhat sensa- tional approach which is prevalent today.
The Scripture warns us that "in the last days men shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." They will listen to what they want to hear. We Brethren must analyze what is being taught in our day and decide what we believe and what we do not believe. Not to believe enough is heresy of a lazy "faith" and leads to depres- sion; to believe too much is heresy of gullibility.
(continued on next page)
July 1979
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''We Brethren must analyze what is being taught in our day and decide what we beheve and what we do not believe/'
WE BRETHKEN NEED TO PRACTICE THE PRESENCE OF THE "NEW AND LIVING WAY."
Having laid the foundation of good scriptural doctrine, we reject the humanism of a church without the Bible. We also per- form surgery on the ''new" (but not really new!) existential, supra-scriptural inclina- tion to add to the Book things which were not once for all delivered to the saints. We now come to the point of touching the liv- ing Brethren today.
Hebrews 10:20 speaks of the *'new and living way." This ''living way" cannot pos- sibly be institutional. It is personal. It speaks of the vibrant, expectant hope that ought to be within the breast of every man, woman, and child who has claimed Jesus as personal Savior. It speaks of the growth and development of that believer, going on to maturity and becoming profitable to the Master according to the spiritual gifts granted him or her by His Spirit. It speaks of unmistakable fruit in the life of the be- liever. (Note that we did not emphasize gifts. Gifts are evidenced by the fruit.)
This new and living way assures the Body of Christ the leadership and direction it needs to guarantee a church of the future. And the two-two-two (II Timothy 2:2) approach to discipleship guarantees that the faith will be handed down from one person to another, from one generation to the next. It is the biblical way.
WE BRETHREN OUGHT TO RUB ELBOWS WITH GOD^S PEOPLE OF OTHER PERSUASIONS. BUT WE HAVE A DISTINCTIVENESS WHICH SUG- GESTS THAT WE ARE IMPORTANT AS WE ARE WITHOUT BECOMING A HODGEPODGE OR CONGLOMERATION OF EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING.
When I made the choice to remain in the Brethren Church during my school days, I did so because of what I understood the Brethren to be. Sometimes now I sense that those principles which I understood so clearly then as "Brethren" are being chipped away because we lack the courage
to make a clear statement of tenets. A statement of doctrine is not a "creed" — that dreaded word which we fear so much. It is a clarification of our distinctive stance, made necessary because some have a tendency to run off on tangents. We made such a statement in 1939. We can do it again if we have the courage, and if we understand what we believe. It is necessary to prevent drifting.
Let me restate my thesis:
(1) As Brethren, we are built upon the solid bedrock of Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord, and Sanctifier. The last of these (Sanctifier) we seem to be foggy about.
(2) As Brethren, we must reaffirm our faith in basic scriptural doctrines.
(3) As Brethren, we must make it known that we reject the heresy of the denial of the cardinal doctrines, which leads to humanism. We also seriously question the doctrines which smell of Gnosticism (sec- ret knowledge by means of special experi- ences). The Bible warns of extra-biblical "revelations." There is a back cover on the Bible!
(4) As Brethren, we must declare the "living way" to be a personal, vibrant, joy- ful love of God lived out in a victorious manner.
I see many evidences of good around us : J. D. Hamel and his exuberant evangelism; Jim Black and his evangelistic touch; Arden Gilmer and his Church Growth out- reach program; Fred Burkey and his pro- gram of education; new personalities in the college and seminary; et al.
Now for a program of real Bible training, personal witnessing in practice, learning to pray with power, clean lives separated unto God without entanglement with the world and its materialism and false happi- ness. Let the church be the Body of Christ. We don't have to be gung-ho disciples of James Kennedy, Bob Schuller, Ray Sted- man, or Dennis Bennett. We can, and ought to be, disciples of Jesus Christ, the greatest of all. In the last analysis, it is what we believe (our doctrine) which really makes us distinctively BRETHREN. Q
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The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
.': .f '.i Your view of death depends upon your philosophy of life.
AVhat Is Death?
WHAT is death? That is a question all of us ask and never get answered. No one living has any firsthand knowledge of death. We only know what we've observed, so we can't get any answers on the subject.
Poems have been written, songs sung, ballads composed, and stories penned about death. But nothing gives an adequate description.
Actually, your view of death depends upon your philosophy of life. If you're an atheist, you see death as the stop sign at the end of the road — nothing more, nothing less. You live; you die. You come to a dead end! Dogs and cats do the same.
An atheist has no reason to fear death. According to him, there is no God and therefore no judgment, no heaven, and no hell. Just life and death. It's as simple as that. Like stretching a rubber band until it snaps.
The agnostic is a little different. He's not sure about death. He's reserving final judgment on the subject until all the infor- mation is in. Unfortunately, he may die before all the facts are known. Meanwhile, he goes around agnosting all over the place.
The hedonist is a swinger who believes in living it up while there's time. He wants his life to end with one glorious exclama- tion point. In fact, he'd rather not think about the exclamation point. It'll ruin the fun.
The reincarnationist believes life goes on and on — in cycles or stages. What you are in the next stage depends on what you do in this one. If you act like the devil in this cycle, you may come back as a jackass in the next. If you're good now, then the next life may see you as a priest, a rabbi, or a clergyman — possibly a bishop. Even then, you may still feel like a jackass at times. The idea, of course, is to keep moving up the ladder.
The humanitarian is a guy who tries to do the greatest good for the greatest num- ber of people — a good guy. He's the kind of fellow who might enjoy driving an ice cream truck down your block and giving Popsicles to all the kids — free. The human- itarian doesn't expect anything more at death. Do your best to help mankind while you're living. Make it better for the next generation. Life is short. You can help make it sweeter, but that's it — the end of the road. Immortality is in name only.
The Christian would certainly agree that we should help others. In this respect he is not unlike the humanitarian. But the Chris- tian feels that this world is a battle ground, and at times the enemy is getting the upper hand. Evil appears to be romping over good. The Christian believes that death is a con- sequence of sin and evil (the result of man's choice).
*'Do unto others as you would be done by" is the Christian's Golden Rule. And it's a good one. It's not a selfish rule, as some philosophers say. It doesn't mean I must do good to others so they will do good to me (share my chocolate-coated peanuts with you so that you will give me a whole box, for example). That's a perversion of the rule. (Incidentally it's not a rule, but a relationship.) I am to share my chocolate- coated peanuts with you even if you don't like me, because that's how a person ought to be treated. That's how I would want to be treated. It has to start somewhere. The Christian starts it.
But when the Christian comes to the end — to death — it's not the end. The Christian doesn't believe in an end. He merely changes his address. Now he's got chocolate-coated peanuts in abundance! And so does every- one else in heaven. There's more than enough to go around! Q
July 1979
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"IF MY PEOPLE WILL"
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1979 General Conference ^
Ashland College photo The John C. Myers Convocation Center, site of the 1979 General Conference
"If My People Will" is the theme of the 91st General Conference of the Brethren Church, to be held August 13-17 on the Ashland College campus. The theme, from II Chronicles 7:14, emphasizes God's promise that when His people meet His conditions, He will hear and answer their prayers.
General Conference has been called the ''family reunion" of the Brethren Church. This year's Conference will attempt to provide something for the whole family — to make it '*A Family Affair."
In addition to the usual sessions for adults, and the BYC Convention for youth, this year's Conference will include a program for elementary- age children. Both morning and after- noon sessions are planned. Also, an adult-supervised nursery will be available for pre-school children, operating daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On this and the following seven pages you will find further informa- tion about this year's Conference program. We hope that you will find this information interesting and help- ful as we approach our 91st General Conference.
Program Highlights
Monday
7:00 p.m. — Conference Opening: ''A Service of Scripture and Song" presented by the Conference Worship Committee
Tuesday
9:00 a.m. — Moderator's Address,
by Rev. Duane Dickson 1:30 p.m.— BYC Moderator's
Address, by Mr. David Kerner 4:00 p.m. — Workshops 7:00 p.m. — Ashland Theological
Seminary Service 8:00 p.m. — WMS sponsored Coffee
Fellowship
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. — Inspiration with Rev.
Peter Unruh 1:30 p.m. — Church Growth Models 4:00 p.m. — Workshops 7:00 p.m. — Ashland College Service
8:00 p.m. — AC sponsored Coffee Fellowship
Thursday
9:00 a.m. — Inspiration with Rev.
Peter Unruh 1:30 p.m. — National Laymen's
Public Service with Lt. Glenn Walp 4:00 p.m. — Workshops 7:00 p.m. — Board of Christian
Education Service with Rev.
Rodney Toews Friday 9:00 a.m. — Inspiration with Rev.
Peter Unruh 11:45 a.m. — WRC Fasting Banquet 1:30 p.m.— WMS PubHc Service 4:00 p.m. — Workshops 5:00 p.m. — Missionary Board
sponsored All-Conference
Banquet, Dr. Paul G. Hiebert,
speaker
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The Brethren Evangelist
Rev« Duane Dickson to moderate 1979 General Conference
o
Moderating this year's General Conference will be Rev. Duane Dick- son, pastor of the Walcrest Brethren Church of Mansfield, Ohio.
Rev. Dickson's responsibilities at Conference will bring to a close his year of activity as Moderator of the Brethren Church. During this year. Rev. Dickson has visited the district conferences, chaired the sessions of the Executive Committee, and sat in on meetings of other denominational boards. He has also written a month- ly column, ''Moderator's Report," for the Brethren Evangehst. All this in addition to his regular pastoral responsibilities.
Rev. Dickson will present his Mod- erator's address to the Conference on Tuesday morning, August 14, at 9 o'clock. He will also moderate the daily business sessions.
In looking forward to Conference, Moderator Dickson had the following comments :
''I'm sure that many of you are already making plans to attend the 1979 Conference of the Brethren Church. If you are not planning to come, I would urge you to seriously reconsider. The high quality of the Conference speakers, the urgency of the Conference theme, and your need to be better equipped to make dis- ciples (which is God's plan for you)
Service of Scripfure, song to open Conference
"A Service of Scripture and Song" centered on the Conference Scripture text — II Chronicles 7 :14 — will open the 1979 General Conference. The Worship Committee of General Con- ference is sponsoring the service.
Rev. Peter E. Roussaki, chairman of the committee, will lead this time of worship. Serving as ministers of music will be Rev. Bradley Weiden- hamer and Mr. Jeff Lentz. Both are members of the music committee.
The service will begin on Monday evening, August 13, at 7 p.m.
July 1979
-<. "--.-. ii
Moderator Duane Dickson
require you to make every effort to attend.
"We have attempted to design this year's Conference program so that you will have more time for inspiration and fellowship. To make this possible, it was necessary to shorten the business sessions. This means that we need full cooperation of all delegates in these sessions.
"One main inspirational service is planned for each evening. Requests have been received for special pro- grams after the regular services for interested persons. All program plans are excellent!
"If you desire to be effective in the proclamation of the message of Christ and you fully realize that it must begin with you, then you will want to make a special effort to ob- tain the resources available at this year's General Conference."
sessions
Conference business sessions will be held each day, Tuesday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Only one business session is sched- uled each day in order to allow more time for inspiration and fellowship.
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Rev. Peter Unruh will be Conference inspirational speaker
Rev. Peter Unruh will be the inspirational speaker for the 1979 General Conference. He will speak daily, Wednesday through Friday, at 9 a.m., with messages related to the Conference theme, '*If My People Will."
Rev. Unruh is senior minister of the Lakeside Baptist Church of Oakland, Calif. As pastor of this congregation, he has demonstrated the gift of a preacher-teacher. His pastoral work is characterized by a caring, compassionate attitude. At the same time, he has also demon- strated a creative and innovative administrative ability.
Rev. Unruh has been successful in building churches through building people. This emphasis on people is reflected in his warm and friendly congregation. Its members display an openness and interest in one another and in visitors who come to its services.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, Unruh has served with the World Relief Commission and the National
Seminary service to focus on its history and outreach
Ashland Theological Seminary will present a service of inspiration on Conference Tuesday. The service will begin at 7 p.m.
The program will focus on both the history and the outreach of the sem- inary, which has hundreds of alumni serving across the United States and around the world. Slides and music, as well as the spoken word, will be used to present the ministry of the seminary.
Plans call for special music to be presented by ATS student Ron Williams. Many Brethren will remem- ber Mr. Williams from last year's Conference, when he led and accom- panied a singing group during the seminary program.
Following the service, the WMS will sponsor an informal coffee fellowship.
Rev. Peter Unruh
Association of Evangelicals (NAE) Board of Administration. He is also a resource person for NAE and is director of Church Growth Planners, Inc.
Rev. Unruh is married, and he and his wife have four children, ranging in age from 10 to 23.
In addition to his morning mes- sages, Rev. Unruh will lead three workshops on the subject * 'Leader- ship for the Growing Church."
Conference housing
The committee on Conference hous- ing is again asking that Conference attenders pre-register for rooms this year.
A pre-registration form and infor- mation about Conference housing is printed on the back cover of this issue of the Evangelist.
Motor homes, trailers, and campers can also be accommodated at Confer- ence. There will be space available at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, two miles southwest of Ashland College on Claremont Avenue. Both electric and water hookups are pro- vided, as well as dumping facilities. Cost is $5.00 per day.
The Brethren Evangelist
Rev. Rodney Toews to speak at Bd. of Christian Ed. service
The Board of Christian Education will be in charge of the Thursday evening Conference program. The speaker for this service will be Rev. Rodney G. Toews, Vice President — Ministries for Gospel Light Publi- cations.
Rev. Toews is known to many Brethren people from his presence at last year's Conference. At that time he spoke at the Association of Breth- ren Church Teachers luncheon.
A graduate of the University of Omaha and Bethel Seminary of St. Paul, Minn., Rev. Toews has served the ministry of Christian Education in several churches, both small and large. Before joining Gospel Light in 1967, he was minister of education at the First Baptist Church of Lake- wood, Calif., one of the largest churches in its denomination.
In addition to Rev. Toews message, the BCE service will include a time of recognition for this year's Sum- mer Crusaders and Interns. Special music for the service will be present- ed by some of these Crusaders.
AC night to include participation by
Wednesday evening will be college night at General Conference, with Ashland College in charge of the service at 7 o'clock.
A variety of features will make up the program, including a short ad- dress by AC President Arthur L. Schultz on "The Influence of the Church on Ashland College."
Ashland College students will also be participating in the program. They will provide special music and present their reflections on life at Ashland College.
The college will also present an "Outstanding Service Award" (or awards) during the service. This award will be presented to a member or members of the Brethren Church who have provided some kind of out- standing service to Ashland College.
An informal time of fellowship
*r
Rev. Rodney G. Toews
Another important part of the program will be the presentation of the Educator of the Year award. Also included in the service will be the installation of Mr. Charles Beekley as the new Director of Christian Education.
address by Schultz,
sponsored by the college will follow the program. AC faculty and staff members will be present to meet Con- ference delegates and to visit with them.
By popular demand, the 1979 Con- ference will once again include a session on Church Growth Models.
In this session, several Brethren churches which experienced signifi- cant growth in 1978 will tell how they did it. Rev. Arden Gilmer, Director of Home Missions for the Brethren Church, will chair this session, which is sponsored by the Executive Committee.
Church Growth Models will be presented on Wednesday afternoon at 1:30.
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State Police officer to speak at Laymen's public service
Lt. Glenn A. Walp of the Pennsyl- vania State Police (Greensburg Barracks) will be the speaker for the Laymen's public inspirational service on Thursday afternoon of Conference.
Lt. Walp is a 1966 graduate of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. He also holds an associate degree in police science from York College of Pa., and an associate degree in criminology and police administra- tion from Indiana University of Pa.
He is a member of the Church of Christ of Hempfield Township, Greensburg, Pa., where he has served as an elder and a deacon. He has also served as interim minister at several Churches of Christ in the area.
Lt. Walp will speak on the subject "My People."
Special music for the Laymen's service will be presented by 'The Gospel Sounds," a trio from Akron, Ohio. One of the trio, Mr. Kenneth Hysell, is a member of the Brethren church in Massillon, Ohio (the Jackson Bible Church).
Workshops
A variety of workshops are planned for this year's Conference. Following is a list of these workshops and their leaders. (Names in parentheses are the sponsoring groups.)
Workshops will be held each after- noon from 4 to 5 o'clock. Tuesday Music with Children and Youth (I)
by Rev. Peter Roussaki
(Worship Committee) A Boys' Brotherhood Program
for Your Church by Mr. Virgil
Barnhart and Mrs. Elma
Delagrange (Bd. of Christian
Ed.) Wednesday Leadership for the Growing
Church (I) by Rev. Peter Unruh
(Gen. Conf. Executive
Committee) Music with Children and Youth (II)
by Rev. Peter Roussaki
(Worship Committee)
,** -^ ,
Lt.
Glenn
A.
Walp
*■«
f^'.
ABCT Luncheon
The Board of Christian Education will sponsor the third annual ABCT luncheon at the 1979 General Con- ference. The luncheon is for all mem- bers of ABCT (the Association of Brethren Church Teachers) and for all other Sunday school teachers, superintendents, and youth leaders who are interested in better Christian education.
The luncheon will be held at Park Street Brethren Church on Thursday of Conference week. After the meal, there will be a guest speaker and a brief explanation of the function of ABCT.
Sunday School in the 80's by
Rev. Rodney Toews (Bd. of
Christian Ed.) Thursday Leadership for the Growing
Church (II) by Rev. Peter Unruh
(Ex. Com.) WMS Involvement by Mrs. Donald
Rowser (Woman's Missionary
Society) Sunday School in the 80's by
Rev. Rodney Toews (Bd. of
Christian Ed.) Friday Leadership for the Growing
Church (III) by Rev. Peter Unruh
(Ex. Com.) Developing a Disciplined Life by
Rev. Norman Long (Bd. of
Christian Ed.)
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The Brethren Evangelist
Former missionary to India to be All-Conference Banquet speaker
The climax for this year's Confer- ence will be the All-Conference Banquet on Friday evening. The theme for the banquet, which is sponsored by the Missionary Board, will be Jesus' words, **I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
Dr. Paul G. Hiebert, professor of mission anthropology and South Asian studies at the Fuller Theo- logical Seminary School of Mission, will be the featured speaker.
Dr. Hiebert will speak from his long involvement with missions, which began as a child when he was with his missionary parents in India. After schooling in the U.S. (B.A. at Tabor College in 1954, M.A. at Men- nonite Seminary in 1957, M.A. at the University of Minnesota in 1959), he returned to India in 1960, this time as a missionary himself. He served six years in India under the Men- nonite Brethren Board of Foreign Missions and was in charge of the Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute there.
In addition to his present respon- sibilities at Fuller, Hiebert is also research advisor for the Mennonite Brethren Board of Missions and, in this capacity, returns to India period- ically for ministries and study.
Also bringing remarks at the banquet will be Kev. Juan Carlos Miranda, Director of Hispanic Min- istries for the Fuller Evangelistic Association. Rev. Miranda will be reporting on the new Brethren mis- sion work in Mexico.
Rev. Kenneth Solomon, Brethren Missionary to Medellin, Colombia, will also be at the banquet and will present an update on Brethren mis- sion work in Medellin.
Another important part of the banquet will be the annual Confer- ence offering for missions. This year's offering will go for the new mission work in Mexico.
Cost for the banquet will be $6.25 per person. Pre-registration is due by August 7. To pre-register, send your name, address, number of in- dividuals in your party, and a check
Dr. Paul G. Hiebert
for the total amount to The Mission- ary Board of the Brethren Church,
530 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
Say It with flowers
Flowers on the Conference plat- form do much to brighten up the Conference meeting room. Flowering plants are again being planned for this year's Conference.
The Executive Committee is invit- ing Brethren people to send memorial donations for these plants. Five potted plants are needed, at a cost of $25.00 each. If you are interested in making a donation in memory of a friend or loved one, you may send it to the General Conference Plant Fund, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
Displays
Various boards and organizations are planning displays for this year's General Conference.
Dorman Ronk is again serving as coordinator of the displays, which will be located in the Convocation Center. Groups or local churches desiring space for a display should contact Mr. Ronk at 227 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805, before General Conference.
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"Seeking and Serving" to be theme of BYC Convention
Brethren Youth will gather in August at the National Brethren Youth Convention for a week-long experience in seeking and serving the Lord. Special speakers and ser- vices will highlight the Convention this year.
Dr. Jerry Flora, Associate Pro- fessor of Christian Theology at Ash- land Theological Seminary, and
Youth Moderator to
A Conference first! The BYC Moderator, David Kerner, will ad- dress a combined audience of youth and adults at this year's General Conference. He will present his message on Tuesday afternoon.
This new practice is the result of a request from last year's Youth Convention that the youth Modera- tor's address be scheduled on the adult program. This request was put in the form of a motion that was approved by Conference delegates.
Dave Kerner is a student at Ash- land College, majoring in religion. He will enter his senior year this fall. He spent last summer as a missionary intern in Medellin, Colom- bia, and this summer he is on the
Youth Moderator David Kerner
missionary intern team working with Rev. Juan Carlos Miranda in Califor- nia and Mexico.
Dave is the son of Rev. and Mrs. William Kerner of Fort Wayne, Ind. Dave's father will be the 1980 Gen- eral Conference Moderator. His son became moderator a year ahead of him!
Archie Nevins, pastor of the Colum- bus, Ohio, Brethren Church, will address the youth of the Convention.
Each evening special programs will be sponsored for the Youth Conven- tion. * 'Crusader Review," film clips, a special musical concert by ''Har- mony," and the Youth Communion will be featured.
Anything will go again at the sec- ond annual National BYC Anything Goes. This event will include teams from across the denomination com- peting in many zany and challenging contests.
The program offers a well-rounded week for all Brethren Youth. Don't miss it this year!
sessions
for children
This year's Conference will include sessions for elementary-age children. This is a part of this year's emphasis on making Conference "A Family Affair."
The program, which is for children who were in grades one through six during this past school year, will be held at Park Street Brethren Church. Sessions will meet each morning and afternoon, Tuesday through Friday.
Working with the children will be Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Lentz and Mrs. Linda Beekley. They will be using the "Music Machine," a curriculum which helps children develop an awareness of their spiritual gifts. The curriculum includes classroom work, recreation, crafts, and music — all centered on the theme of spiritual gifts.
The idea for the program for chil- dren originated with the Executive Committee, and the challenge to sponsor the sessions was accepted by the Board of Christian Education.
The registration fee for the chil- dren's sessions will be $5.00 per child, payable at Conference. In order that sufficient materials may be ordered for the program, parents are asked to pre-register their children, using the form provided on page 27 of this issue of the Evangelist.
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The Brethren Evangelist
Conference auxiliary sessions
Auxiliaries will meet Tuesday thru Friday at 2:30 p.m.
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For Women
For Girls
The affirmation ''We Are God's People!" will be the theme for the Woman's Missionary Society sessions at General Conference.
Each WMS session will include a time of inspiration, to be led by dis- trict WMS organizations. The Ohio District will be in charge of this time of inspiration on Tuesday, the Indi- ana District on Wednesday, and the Pennsylvania District on Thursday.
Also scheduled for the Tuesday session is a time of challenge by the WMS president, Mrs. Pauline Ben- shoff. On Wednesday the WMS Thank Offering will be received, and the Project Offering for Operation Impact will be gathered on Friday.
A WMS luncheon is planned for Wednesday from 11:45 to 1:15. This will be held in a room in the Ashland College Library.
Also planned is a women's prayer time, ''Ask, Seek and Knock," to be held each morning from 8:15 to 8:30 in the Convocation Center.
For Men
Dr. Arthur L. Schultz, President of Ashland College, and Dr. Frederick T. Burkey, A.C.'s Director of Relig- ious Affairs and Campus Ministry, will address the National Laymen's Organization during General Confer- ence. Both will speak at the Tuesday afternoon session.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Lay- men will hear a report by Virgil Barnhart on the Task Force of Boys' Brotherhood. Mr. Archie Nevins, the recipient of the 1979 Laymen's sem- inary scholarship, will present a mini- message to the men on Thursday. Friday's session will be a time for Laymen's testimonials.
In addition to hearing these speak- ers, the Laymen will conduct elec- tions, receive reports, and take care of the organization's business. The Laymen's sessions will be held daily at 2:30 p.m.
"Is It Worth My Life?" will be the theme of the 1979 National Sister- hood Conference program. Daily topics, to be presented by Mrs. Elma Delagrange, will be "The Miracle of Me," "Who Am I Plugged Into?" "Whose Voice Do I Listen To?" and "Celebration, the Capstone of Life."
Each day's session will include devotions, special music, business items, and missionary news.
All girls (not just Sisterhood mem- bers) will be welcome at these sessions.
For Ministers
Mr. John W. Dillon, Director of Associate Crusades for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, will be one of three speakers to address the Brethren Ministerial Association at General Conference. Mr. Dillon will be speaking on "The Protracted Meeting as an Evangel- istic Tool."
Also addressing the ministers will be Rev. Juan Carlos Miranda, Direc- tor of Hispanic Ministries with the Fuller Evangelistic Association, and Rev. Ken Solomon, Brethren Mission- ary to Colombia.
Conference Nursery
To help make this year's Confer- ence "A Family Affair," an adult- supervised nursery will be available for pre-school children each day. It will be operated by the Christian Crusaders Class of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church of Ashland, using the facilities of the Park Street Brethren Church.
The nursery will be in operation from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Cost will be 25 cents per child per hour, with a maximum of 50 cents per hour per family (third child free!). No meals will be provided.
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UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Florida Dlsfriet adopt's District Constitution
The second Florida District Conference convened on May 19 at the First Brethren Church in Sarasota.
Special speaker for the conference was Dr. James Strange of the Department of Religion of the University of South Florida.
The major item of business was the adoption of the new District Constitution. District officers were also elected.
A unique feature of the conference was the reports of the district ministries. Rather than just being read, these reports were acted out. This dramatization of the activities of each ministry provided a refreshing view of the work of the district.
Mrs. Sandra Wagstaff leaves post with Missionary Board
On the last day in May denominational workers gathered for a noon luncheon in honor of Mrs. Donald (Sandy) Wagstaff. That day was Mrs. Wagstaff's last day as bookkeeper in the Mission- ary Board office. She had been a valuable member of the mission office's staff for 3y2 years.
The Wagstaffs left Ashland in mid-June for Roann, Indiana, where Don became pastor of the First Brethren Church. Don was graduated from Ashland Theological Seminary on June 10.
We commend Sandy and Don and their family to the Roann congregation and the Indiana Dis- trict with the prayer that God will both bless them and make them a blessing as they take up their ministry among the Brethren in Indiana.
— ^Virgil Ingraham
Mrs. Sandra Wagstaff
County Line Senior Citizens form "The 3 L's"
The senior citizens class of the County Line Brethren Church (near Lakeville, Ind.) has formed a new group known as "The 3 L's" (Live Long and Love it.)
"The 3 L's," which is for people 55 and over, meets twice monthly for fellowship, a time of devotions, and a variety of interesting activities. Activities at meetings in April and May included a film entitled "God Is My Partner," a visit to the Plymouth Park and Historical Museum, and a tour through the new Plymouth library. On June 13 the group had a picnic at the Potato Creek Park.
According to Mrs. Wilbur Thomas, "The 3 L's" has 15 members. Other senior citizens in the vicinity of the County Line Brethren Church are invited to attend and become a part of the group. Meetings are held the second and fourth Wednes- day of each month during the summer.
Ashland College signs agreennent with Korean school
Ashland College and Hansa College of Korea have signed an agreement of friendship uniting the two schools in a cooperative relationship. Dr. Julian H. Murphy, vice president for academic affairs at AC, and Dr. Jae Won Chai, vice president of Hansa College in Korea, signed the agreement recently on the AC campus.
Under the agreement, faculty from Hansa will come to AC where they will utilize the college's resources to learn English, conduct research, learn the meaning of the American educational system, and share their own skills with faculty and administration.
Hansa faculty members shall have access to all of the facilities of Ashland College and shall be a:ble to share their experiences and questions with the AC faculty and administration. In return, Hansa shall work closely with Ashland to develop a sister relationship that may include exchange of students and other resources that can prove mutually advantageous to both institutions.
Unique baptism at Park Street
A unique baptismal service was conducted June 10th at the Park Street Brethren Church. Four persons were baptized by four different ministers.
Three of the baptismal candidates were children of ministers who belong to the congregation, and each of the three was baptized by his or her father. Jeff Gilmer was baptized by Rev. Arden Gilmer, Lynn Burkey by Dr. Frederick Burkey, and Melissa Winfield by Rev. Dick Winfield.
The fourth candidate, Mrs. Roberta Mumaw, was baptized by the pastor. Rev. Eugene Beekley.
22
The Brethren Evangelist
.»«>■'.
update
Standing next to the new 12-passenger van which the Tucson First Brethren Church will use for its Outreach Ministry are (left to right) Pastor Clarence Stogsdill, Wanda Carson (Outreach Chairman), Claude Carson, and Ellen and Jim Fisher.
photo by George Petrcvic, Sr.
Tucson First B for VANgelism
The First Brethren Church of Tucson, Arizona, has purchased a new CMC van for use in its Outreach Ministry.
The number one priority for the new 12- passenger van will be to bring the unsaved in for Sunday school and church. The van will also be available for youth meetings, retreats, home Bible studies, and other church needs. Another
fhren buys van minisfry
function of the van will be to transport senior citizens, especially at night.
The Outreach Ministry of Tucson First Brethren is a "faith ministry" that came about from the desire of the congregation to have a growing evangelistic outreach for the Lord Jesus Christ. Members of the Tucson congregation are praising the Lord for enabling them to buy this van, which was an answer to their prayers.
Roanoke ordains deacons and deaconesses
On June 3 Robert Zent, John Smith, Robert and Kayleen Bowker, and John and Lois Critchfield were ordained as deacons and deaconesses in the Roanoke, Ind., First Brethren Church.
Rev. Rodney Thomas was the speaker for the special service of ordination. Rev. Thomas is pastor of the Huntington, Ind., Brethren Church and a member of the Indiana District Congrega- tional and Ministerial Relations Board.
According to Rev. Ralph Gibson, pastor of the congregation, the Roanoke Church is "growing slowly but surely." An average Sunday school attendance of 45 and a morning worship average of 64 (compared with 44 and 52 respectively last year) are encouraging signs for the Roanoke people. A goal of 70 in worship by the end of the year has been set, and Pastor Gibson expects that this goal will be reached.
According to Rev. Gibson, "There is a good spirit of fellowship among the congregation and a desire to continue improvements in the physical properties of the church and parsonage." Other signs of life are a new puppet ministry, the be- ginning of a choir , and "above all," according to the pastor, "a growing love for the Lord."
Christian outreach through radio increasing to China
New York, N.Y. (ABS News)— The United Bible Societies are preparing plans to double the amount of Scripture programming being broadcast into mainland China within the next few months.
Bible Society plans have been prompted by reports of an increase in open Christian activity in China, as well as by a dramatically increased response from Chinese listeners to the programs.
According to UBS officials in Hong Kong, the number of responses to the radio programs is "increasing spectacularly." This year alone, over 10,000 letters have been received in Hong Kong from listeners in all parts of mainland China. This is a far cry from the days when there was virtually no response to the programs.
A variety of new programs is planned, includ- ing a daily English-by-radio broadcast based on Bible readings and a children's program with dramatization of Bible stories, quizzes, and Bible songs.
Membership Growth
Sarasota: 3 by baptism, 2 by transfer North Manchester: 4 by baptism, 2 by transfer
July 1979
23
update
Ashland Theological Seminary grants degrees
to sixty-one in June
Ashland Theological Seminary held its annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 9. Graduate degrees in theology were conferred upon 61 candidates during the ceremony.
Speaker for the service was Rev. Paul L. Morell, senior pastor of the Tyler Street United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. He spoke on the topic "Answering God's Call." Morell also received the honorary doctor of divinity degree from the seminary during the commencement ceremony.
Of the 61 seminary graduates, 29 received the master of divinity degree, 28 received the master of arts degree, and 4 were granted the doctor of ministry degree.
Four of this year's seminary graduates have chosen to minister in the Brethren Church. It is of note that all four of these people came to the Brethren Church from other denominations.
Kenneth A. Goss is from Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Ohio University and Cuyahoga Commun- ity College before entering Ashland Theological Seminary. He also worked several years in public relations and sales before becoming minister of youth at Riverview Church in Cleveland.
Ken was Student Association president at ATS. He was also recently honored as one of the "Outstanding Young Men of America."
Ken is married to Dorothy Patrick. He and his wife have two daughters.
Following graduation, Ken began serving as pastor of the Burlington, Ind., Brethren Church.
James A. Ray
Kenneth A. Goss
James A. Ray is from Ashtabula, Ohio. He was a member of the United Methodist Church before joining the Brethren denomination.
Jim attended Ashland College, from which he received his degree in 1974. While in college, he received many athletic honors in baseball. Follow- ing college graduation, he was selected by the San Francisco Giants organization to play pro- fessional baseball on one of its minor league teams.
After playing minor league ball for one year, Jim turned down a chance to try out with the Phillies and the Dodgers, choosing to come to ATS instead. Since graduation, two important events have taken place in Jim's life. He married Jennifer Jones and he moved to Indiana to become asso- ciate pastor of the Jefferson Brethren Church.
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Donald E. Wagstaff
Susan E. White
Donald E. Wagstaff came to Ashland from Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He is the husband of Sandra St. John, who worked several years as bookkeeper in the national Missionary Board office. Don and Sandy have two girls, one of whom graduated from Ashland High School in May.
Don is a graduate of Mt. Vernon Bible College and worked several years in industry before entering the ministry. While in seminary, he served as student pastor in Ruggles, Ohio
Following graduation Don became pastor of the Roann, Ind., Brethren Church.
Susan E. White is from Ashland, Ohio. She was graduated from Ashland College in 1975 Magna Cum Laude. Following college graduation she taught in a Christian school before entering the seminary.
While in the seminary, Susan was selected as a student assistant in Greek. She was also an officer in the Student Association.
Susan is a member of the Park Street Brethren Church. She is looking forward to Christian min- istry. Susan's article, "The Sisters of the Brethren," appeared in the May 1979 issue of the Brethren Evangelist.
In addition to these four graduates who received degrees, two other Brethren men who are former graduates of the seminary also received degrees at this year's commencement. Rev. Marlin McCann and Rev. Gene Hollinger, who received the bach- elor of divinity degree in past years, were this year granted the master of divinity degree.
2p
The Brethren Evangelist
update
"SSiiFiJ'
■«lr /m:''^<.
Construction is in progress on an addition to the west end of the library-classroom building at Ashland Theological Seminary. The addition will provide classroom and library space.
photo by Tom Roepke
Seminary begins construction of $75,000 addition
Construction has begun on an addition to the library-classroom building of the Ashland Theo- logical Seminary. The new addition will provide classroom space and will free other existing class- rooms for use by the school's library.
The additional classroom and library space is made necessary by the increased enrollment in the seminary. Full- and part-time students en- rolled in the seminary now number 331.
The total cost of the addition will be approx- imately $75,000, including equipment and fees. Money is being provided by both Brethren and non-Brethren friends of the seminary.
The present addition is phase one of the sem- inary's current building program. An additional $55,000 phase is planned when money is available. Construction is being carried out on a cash basis only.
Internat'ional Year of fhe Child legislation proposed
Representative Edward Beard (D-R.I.) and 15 cosponsors have introduced into Congress a reso- lution that would "express the sense of the Congress that children possess both fundamental human rights and rights attributable to their status as children, and to call for the enactment of Federal and State laws to implement such rights to the fullest extent possible and to grant children additional rights equivalent to the rights now possessed only by adults." This "House Concurrent Resolution 109" was introduced on April 24.
According to NAE Washingtoii Insigfht, a pub- lication of the National Association of Evan- gelicals' Office of Public Affairs, "If passed, H. Con. Res. 109 could set the stage for anti-family legislation, and the fulfillment of the wildest apprehensions about the International Year of the Child."
Insight goes on to comment: "One wonders who would define the abuse envisioned in 'the right to be free from psychological and physical abuse,' or what would be involved in 'the right to be consulted on all matters which affect one's psychological and physical well-being.' Extremely
troublesome is the proposed 'right to be repre- sented by skillful legal counsel, as an individual having rights and interests independent of any rights and interests that parents or guardians of the child may have.' "
The NAE publication recommends that con- cerned persons write to their Senators and Representatives in Congress urging that this leg- islation, "with its anti-family potential, never be allowed to emerge from a committee into the full Senate and House, much less to become law."
1978 Scripture distribution s half billion mark
top
New York, N.Y. (ABS News) — The American Bible Society (ABS) and the United Bible Societies distributed more than a half billion Scriptures worldwide in 1978.
Not only did the total— 503,318,060— break all previous annual records, but this was the first time it topped the half billion mark.
ABS' part in the effort was 127 million Scrip- tures distributed in the United States and finan- cial support of 153 million overseas.
ABS's distribution activities worldwide in 1978 represented a 13.9 percent increase over 1977.
July 1979
25
update
Annual Corporafion Meeting of Hie Brethren Pub. Co.
The annual corporation meeting of the Brethren Publishing Company will be held Thursday, August 16, 1979, during the 10:00 a.m. (EDT) business session of the General Conference of the Brethren Church. The meeting will be held in the John C. Myers Convocation Center on the Ashland College Campus, Ashland, Ohio.
Delegates to the General Conference constitute the membership of the corporation.
— W. St. Clair Benshoff, President
Weddings
Mary Jane Quinn to John W. Kelley, June 3, at the Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church; Clarence R. Kindley, pastor, officiating. Members of the Johnstown Third Brethren Church.
Goldenaires
Node and Zelma Dog^gett, 63rd, May 24. Members of the First Brethren Church, Ashland, Ohio.
In Memory
Doris M. Cushen, May 15. Life-long member of the Hagerstown, Md., First Brethren Church.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
ease let us know.
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Conference Announcements
Prayer vigil planned
The Social Concerns Committee of General Conference will sponsor a 24-hour prayer vigil from noon Wednesday to noon Thursday of Conference week. The committee urges all delegates to participate.
A time schedule for the vigil will be available for delegates to sign when they turn in their Conference credentials.
The Social Concerns Committee also hopes to make a prayer room available throughout Conference week.
Fo
r women
only
WMS women are asked to bring the baby blankets they have crocheted and knitted to Conference. These will be given to Mrs. Aida May Munson, who will be in charge of sending them on.
The World Relief Board is also ask- ing WMS groups to bring samples of their work (sewing, knitting, crocheting, etc.) to the World Relief table at General Conference to be used as a part of the display.
Wanted: simple ideas
We all seem to be facing two prob- lems today:
— how to meet family expenses and church budgets with our ''shrink- ing dollars"; — how to deal with energy shortages. In other words, we are forced to consider how to live with less.
Brethren House Ministries would like to compile good ideas from the Brethren on these topics. Therefore, at General Conference they will have a place for you to bring your ideas. These will be compiled and later shared with everyone.
Bring or send (with someone from your church) your ideas about saving money and energy to the Brethren House table in the display room at Conference.
26
The Brethren Evangelist
Beekleys
Rev. and Mrs. Eugene Beekley were honored by the congregation of the Ashland Park Street Brethren Church at a noon meal on Sunday, June 17. The occasion was a farewell for the Beekleys as they completed their years of service at Park Street and as Rev. Beekley retires from the full- time Christian ministry.
A time of recognition for the Beekleys followed the meal, emceed by Ron Waters, vice moderator of the church. The recognition program included remarks by special guests, letters from some of the churches pastored by Rev. Beekley, and testimonials by Park Street members and staff. The program concluded with the presentation of a love gift to the retiring pastor and his wife.
Rev. Beekley served six churches during his years of pastoral ministry. In addition, he spent 20 years as a chaplain in the United States Air Force.
He began his pastoral work at Glenford, Ohio, while a student at Ashland College and Theo- logical Seminary. This was followed by service at Brush Valley, Pa., West Alexandria, Ohio, Canton, Ohio, and Warsaw, Ind. It was from Warsaw that he went into the chaplaincy.
His twenty years as an Air Force chaplain were spent serving in various places around the world. He retired from the chaplaincy in 1973, shortly before coming to Park Street on July 1st of that year. He served the Park Street congregation for exactly six years.
During her husband's years as pastor and chaplain, Mrs. Beekley served as homemaker, mother of two sons, and as a teacher — first at the elementary level and later at the college level.
updote
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Rev. and Mrs. Eugene Beekley
During part of the Beekleys' time overseas, Peggy taught for the Department of Defense.
June 17, 1979, will be a memorable day for the Beekleys for two reasons. Not only were they honored at the farewell dinner, but during the morning worship service their son Charles was licensed into the Brethren ministry. Charles, a student at Ashland Theological Seminary, is also moderator of the Park Street Church. He is following not only in the footsteps of his father, but also of his grandfather Beekley, who likewise was a Brethren minister.
At the end of June Rev. and Mrs. Beekley moved to Sarasota, Fla. They are planning an active retirement there.
Conference Sessions for Children
This year's Conference will include sessions for children who were in grades one through six during this past school year.
Parents are asked to pre-register their children for these sessions in order that sufficient materials may be ordered for the program.
For more information about the sessions, see page 20.
NAME(S):. AGE(S):__
GRADE (S) COMPLETED: HOME CHURCH:
Please complete and mail as soon as possible to
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
524 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805
clip and mail
May 1979
27
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^ A L IF O R N I A
see pgge 4
t»Ti r\r- o-.^ ^
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NEWS
tVve
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The Carpenter's Shop
709 Claremont Ashland, OH 44805
When you're in Ashland, stop in.
^^h
/ ARE ^ ^Q7VED P
WE ARE HAPPY TO MAIL BOOKS
"W"^ The Brethren ^ • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist (USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C.
Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor: Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and Business Office:
524 College Ave. Ashland, Ohio 44805 Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805, One year subscription rates: $6.00 for 100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents Change of address: Please notify us at least three weeks in advance, using the form provided in each issue. Authors' views are not necessarily those of the Brethren Church or the Brethren Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad- dressed to the editor. A writer's packet with query tips is available upon written request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited material not accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Second class postage paid at Ashland, Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
c
over
Our newest Brethren mission field is just across the border. Fred Burkey shares pictures, a story, and his enthusiasm for this field on page 4. Cover design by Howard Mack Photos by Fred Burkey
101. No. 8
August 1979
Catching the Vision in Mexico
Fred Burkey shares the enthusiasm he gained from a visit to the Brethren mission field in Mexico.
Specicsl Fecature: Perspectives for the Eighties Biblical Authority
George Solomon believes that adherance to biblical authority is essential to Brethren success in the eighties.
9 Ringers of Joy
Patricia Lane tells how hand bell choirs bring blessing to the First Brethren Church of Tucson.
10 Alexander Mack: His Thought,
a Model for the Brethren Church
In this second article on Alexander Mack, Dale Stoffer and Jerry Flora examine the thought of this Brethren leader.
14 Unity in Love
Charles Beekley asserts that the church cannot be mature in its faith unless it is united in its love.
16 John Guli: A Nigerian Christian Brother
John Guli shares his thoughts about his time in the U.S. and his plans as he returns to Nigeria.
Departments
13 The Salt Shaker
18 Update
26 Letters
27 Books
NEXT MONTH
The "Update" or news section of next month's issue of The Brethren Evangelist will consist primarily of coverage of the 91st General Conference of the Brethren Church.
August 1979
i?
Houses lining the valleys and covering the hills of Northern Baja California are need to know about Jesus Christ.
photos filled with
by Fred Burkey people who
Catching the Vision in Mexico
by Frederick T. Burkey
CULTURE SHOCK" is the only way to describe the sensation I felt as we left the U.S.A. behind and crossed into Mexico. I never realized Tijuana was such a large city or that it was so totally differ- ent from nearby San Diego.
As we bounced along the rough, unpaved streets, Juan Carlos Miranda steered our borrowed van unerringly among careening taxis, noisy, smoking buses, and a vast array of run-down private cars driven pell mell by their impatient Mexican owners. The streets of Tijuana resembled a demoli- tion derby being run along a track lined with hundreds of small shops whose signs clamored for the passers' attention.
As our van, heavily loaded with people, equipment, baggage, food, and water, lum- bered out of the business district, we could see private homes lining the valleys and covering the steep, barren hills of Northern Baja California. If you have never visited that area, you will find it hard to visualize the situation . . . thousands of families liv- ing in shacks, along dirty streets, under
Dr. Fred Burkey, Director of Religious Affairs at Ashland College, is also acting Director of Christian Education for the national Board of Christian Education. In this capacity he went to Mexico in June to oversee the work of the BYC Missionary Interns.
unsanitary conditions, and in poverty . . . people without apparent economic or spirit- ual hope. No wonder many of them can be seen sitting each day along the border gazing wistfully toward the U.S.A., awaiting the opportunity to dash across in search of a better life.
Into this setting the nine of us came (five Missionary Interns, Michael and Juan Carlos Miranda, my wife, and I), to join four workers already conducting Bible studies in several neighborhoods around greater Tijuana.
Having glimpsed the housing, we were deeply thankful for the advance arrange- ments Juan Carlos (a master organizer) had made. The two girls (Judy Gifford and Barbara French) and Juan Carlos and Michael moved into quarters usually rented by families of persons receiving laetrile treatments at a clinic owned and operated by Christian doctors. The men (Scot Millhouse, John Black, and David Kerner) occupied a small apartment nearby. Marilyn and I had a clean motel room.
Once settled, we jumped into our 'Tijuana taxi" again and roared off across the city to Colonia Rubio. There we were to meet the Christian workers recruited and trained by Juan Carlos — Zacarias and Nazareth Hernandez, Nathan Silvestri, and Gallo Hernandez (Zacarias's younger broth-
The Brethren Evangelist
er). We met in the tidy upstairs apartment of Zacarias and Nazareth Hernandez for a planning session, singing, and testimonies.
What a helpless feeling — to meet new friends and hear them laying plans for the week and hardly under- stand a word! Once again I had the experience of being the ''foreigner." Fortunately, the Interns knew enough Spanish to communicate fairly well with the workers, who cpoke only a few phrases of English.
One thing we did have in common was a love of music. Within a few minutes we found some songs among those Juan Carlos had provided that everyone knew (or could read) and we all joined in. How those fine Mex- ican workers can sing! I will never forget the next evening as we headed
"*. (*
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Singing along with new friends — (left to right) Nazareth and Zacarias Hernandez (and baby Nazareth), Nathan Silvestri, and Gallo Hernandez — the Christian workers serving in the Brethren mission to Mexico.
Puppets are popular anywhere. The children who jammed this courtyard loved the Chicano puppet show presented by the Missionary Interns.
"The Tijuana Taxi" loaded and ready to roll. Standing by it are (left to right) Michael, Maria, Yvonne, and Juan Carlos Miranda, and the Missionary Interns — Scot Millhouse, Barb French, Judy Gifford, John Black, and (kneeling) Dave Kerner.
: ^ 5' across town for a special service. « With the local workers, our crew,
« « and a couple of extras (fifteen in all) in the van, the three Mexicans started playing guitars, and everyone sang as we worked our way through the rush-hour traffic.
Since Marilyn and I had only two days to observe the work, we had looked forward to the first of the special services scheduled during the time the Interns were to be in Tijuana. The setting for this service was a courtyard in Colonia Twenty de Noviembre. When we arrived an hour late, I expected the place to be deserted. Instead it was jammed with at least 40 children and 35 or 40 adults who were already singing!
We scurried around and set things up. Then came the puppet show, and we were thrilled to see that they loved our Chicano puppets. This was fol- lowed by more singing, testimonies, some eloquent preaching (I guess!), then thirty adults jammed into a small bedroom to hear Zacarias's Bible study. Finally, after the old projector was partially rebuilt, a Luis Palau film dealing with practical fam- ily problems was screened, followed by a sermonette and a call to commit- ment. At least six adults responded to the call.
What potential our new Mexican mission field holds! I saw a people who have deep spiritual needs . . . who are open to receiving the Good News of God. Also, I realized that this mission field is near enough so that we can get personally involved. I would like nothing better than to
August 1979
Kids by the score came to get acquainted with the Missionary Interns while the adults were in a Bible study led by Zacarias Hernandez.
return as part of a work team (after I learn a few more Spanish phrases).
I was deeply impressed with the friendli- ness and hospitality of the people (one lady baked us a cake), the dedication and energy of the workers, and the evidence of Juan Carlos' administrative and organizational ability. God is definitely at work in Mexico.
There is much more I'd like to say, based on just a couple of days of exposure to this new mission, but space precludes it. Instead, I simply invite you to speak to Juan Carlos and Maria at General Conference. If you wish, the Missionary Interns will be avail- able to bring a special program on the Mexican work to your church this fall. If interested, contact the Board of Christian Education.
Whatever you do, I challenge you to risk having your mission vision expanded as mine has been. In the months to come, I will be looking for ways to again be personally involved in this important new work. □
Additiand informafion about the Missionary Interns
The five BYC Missionary Interns spent two weeks working in Tijuana, Mexico, under the super- vision of Juan Carlos and Maria Miranda. During this time they taught English classes, had ''Happy Hour" times with the children, and participated in four days of special services.
Following this they were at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., for two weeks. They took classes at the seminary in the mornings and worked with children and youth in the afternoons and evenings. They also took time off to visit the three Brethren churches in Northern California to share with them about the mission work in Mexico.
From Pasadena the Interns traveled to Mexico City, where they served for another two weeks. Their activities in this city included special ser- vices, work with children, and seeing some of the sights of the area.
6
Biblical
T HAVE READ and re-read the "Perspec- tives for the Eighties" that have been published in the Brethren Evangelist. I find it of great significance that, if properly understood, they are revealing to us that there are many perspectives to our future. It's like a precious gem which has many facets, each related to the others, and to- gether making up the whole. The facets a person sees as he views the gem are deter- mined by the position from which he views it. I think this is true in our efforts to look into the eighties — a number of different perspectives will be seen because each writer is writing from a different view- point.
It was also of interest to me that, to date (the May issue), all of the writers have been from Ashland, the ''home base" or ''headquarters" for our church.* Rev. Smith Rose is Executive Secretary of the Brethren Church; Rev. Arden Gilmer is Director of Home Missions for the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church; Dr. Fred Burkey is Director of Religious Affairs at Ashland College; Dr. Charles Munson is Professor of Practical Theology at Ashland Theo- logical Seminary; and even the lone female writer, Mrs. Dorman Ronk, is a long-time resident of Ashland and an employee of Ashland College.
These people wrote from their position in Ashland, and their perspectives are necessarily determined in a measure by that position or that relationship to the Brethren Church. They see different facets of the church and its future from those seen by people who are out on "the front lines" looking at the church.
I also believe that pastors and people of older churches in communities where the
* Both the June and July "Perspectives for the Eighties" were written by persons who do not live in Ashland. Ed.
The Brethren Evangelist
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
by ReVo George W. Solomon
Brethren Church is well-estabhshed and well-known see different facets or perspec- tives from those seen by pastors and people of new Brethren churches in communities where the Brethren Church is a * 'new- comer."
Having served for the past six years on the ''cutting edge" in a home mission church, I think I have been privileged to see facets of our future that were not visible to me from my position of 22 years as a pastor of older, well-established churches., So I want to try to articulate my perspective.
The Brethren Church has stated as a part of its doctrinal beliefs that the Bible is the infallible Word of God. As such, it is ac- cepted by the church as the final rule and authority in all matters of faith and life.
The Brethren Pastors* Handbook lists four questions to which a new believer should give affirmative answers. The third is: "Do you believe the Bible to be the Word of God and do you accept its teaching as authoritative?"
Dr. Charles Munson, in his article for "Perspectives for the Eighties," began by quoting Dr. Peter Wagner's statement that
Rev. George Solomon has been pastor of the Derby, Kans., Brethren Church for the past six years. He will become pastor of the First Brethren Church of Milledgeville, III., following General Conference.
the Brethren Church "will grow because it has the gospel." Knowing Dr. Wagner in a limited way, I believe that this is true in the sense in which he would have meant it. But if the Brethren Church is to grow, it must not only possess the gospel, it must proclaim and practice the gospel.
Dr. Francis Schaeffer in his book "How Should We Then Live?" traces the rise and decline of Western thought and culture. In this book he points his finger at one crucial factor in the Christian church that has led to our cultural decline — that is the watering-down of the authority of Scripture and the elevating of humanistic philosophies and human experience to equality with Scripture as recognized authorities for hu- man life and behavior. When the church gives equal place to human experience and reason, it destroys the only absolute to which people can appeal in all matters of faith and life.
Chief Justice of the United States Su- preme Court Frederick Vinson defined clearly what has happened when he said, "Nothing is more certain in modern society than the principle that there are no ab- solutes." You see, today everything is rela- tive. Everything is judged by human ex- perience rather than by divine decrees. As a result people often find that the church doesn't have the answers for many of their questions, even though these answers are in the Bible. This is because the church no longer accepts the Bible as final authority in all matters of faith and life.
I would say that we Brethren do have the basis for meaningful ministry and church growth in the eighties in our doc- trine. We have said that the Bible, as God's Word, is our final authority. This truth, which we affirm in our doctrinal state- ments, must be proclaimed from our pulpits and practiced in our lives.
(continued on next page)
August 1979
Weimve said that the Bible, as God's Word, is our final authority. This truth, which we affirm in our doctrinal statements, must be proclaimed from our pulpits and practiced in our lives/'
BretHren preachers need to proclaim unashamedly and unapologetically the "Thus saith the Lord!" If they have been called of God to stand in the pulpit before God's people, let them read again Jeremiah 1:4-10: 'The Lord said to me, 'I knew you before you were formed in your mother's womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.' 'O Lord God,' I said, 1 can't do that ! I'm far too young ! I'm only a youth ! ' 'Don't say that', he replied, 'for you will go wherever I send you and speak whatever I tell you to. And don't be afraid of the people, for I, the Lord, will be with you and see you through.' Then he touched my mouth and said, 'See I have put my words in your mouth! Today your work begins. . ." (TLB).
Dr. William Self, senior minister of Wieuca Road Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga., and author of several books, speaking at the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Kansas City last year, said, "If a church is dead, it's because the pulpit is dead; if the church is alive, it's because the pulpit is alive." I have come to believe this with all my heart and soul! Our work in Derby bears witness to this fact. Newcomers who move into our community from all kinds of religious backgrounds repeatedly tell me that they are looking for a church where the Word of God is believed, honored, lived, and preached without compromise.
Preach and teach the Bible
Along with biblical preaching from the pulpit, there must be biblical teaching throughout the church. Sunday school ma- terials, youth materials 5 everything that is used in the Christian education of the peo- ple must be carefully selected so that those who teach and those who preach will be in basic harmony — so that all will affirm our acceptance of the Word of God as our authority. Even the music of the church should be carefully chosen to support this doctrinal stand.
The membership of the Brethren Church — both lay and clergy — must affirm its
faith in the absoluteness of God's Word in daily life and practice. History tells us that when the early Brethren had a question brought to them or when a difference of opinion arose among them, they would ask, "What does the Bible say?" Then, having searched the Scriptures with prayer, they accepted its directives as the final authority and lived by that holy Word.
Don't look to hunnan authority
Today far too many professing Chris- tians look to human pronouncements and human laws to determine their course of behavior. If the U.S. Supreme Court says it's legal to have an abortion, it must be all right to do so. If society says it's accept- able for a man and woman to live together without the benefit of marriage, what's the matter with it? If consenting adults choose to enter into a homosexual relationship, why should it upset anyone else?
Since much of the church has not been speaking with a single authority — the authority of God's Word — many of its members have allowed the world to squeeze them into its mold, into believing that in the final analysis there are no absolutes.
For years experts in child-raising have told us that children need and want author- ity. They say it is comforting and reassur- ing for children to know that there are absolutes and that when we say, "No, that's wrong," we really mean it. In the same way, I believe that in our confusing, "no absolutes" world, adults need and want the church to reaffirm the absolutes of God's Word — its authority in all matters of faith and life. I have found people hungry for the Word of God; and it's a hunger that no humanistic philosophizing can satisfy!
The measure to which Brethren preachers and people take the Word of God and make it a part of their lives — walking in it, living in it, preaching it from the pulpit, and proclaiming it as the final rule for faith and life — will be one of the most important factors for Brethren success in the eighties ! D
8
The Brethren Evangelist
''Ringers of Joy" of the Tucson First Brethren Church are (left to right) Nancy Tolbert, Barbara Phillips, Tammy Stamper, Kim Cook, Carmen Swingle — director, Loretta Fanning, Laura Lane, Nancy Dreyer, and not pictured — Karen Gayman and Leslie Mullikin. Photo by George Petrovic, Sr.
TN 1972 Carmen Swingle and her family ^ returned to Tucson, Arizona, from Wash- ington State. Because of this God has blessed First Brethren Church of Tucson, Northwest Brethren Chapel of Tucson, and many other organizations in the Tucson area. This blessing has come because Carmen introduced Enghsh hand bells into the Tucson First Brethren Church.
Carmen's interest in hand bells began while she was in Washington, when the church she was attending there asked her to direct a bell choir. Even though she knew nothing about hand bells, she agreed to take on this new challenge. She has been blessed abundantly because of her decision.
When Carmen returned to Tucson, her parents, Gordon and Mary Roberts, know- ing of Carmen's great interest in this type of music, presented First Brethren with its first set of hand bells. Two choirs were formed in 1974 — a senior group directed by Carmen, which has taken the name "Ringers of Joy," and a junior group direct- ed by Mrs. Roberts. (Pastor Stogsdill often lovingly refers to the younger group as his *'Ding-a-lings.")
The original set of hand bells presented by the Roberts consisted of two octaves plus four bells. Since then, through gifts
Patricia Lane is corresponding secretary for the First Brethren Church of Tucson, Arizona.
JOY
by Patricia Lane
and fund-raising projects, the choir has almost completed the third octave — 37 bells of varying sizes. Up to five octaves are available.
The "Ringers of Joy" try to ring one Sun- day a month at First Brethren and have played for numerous special church func- tions, including Easter sunrise service. They have rung at Northwest Brethren Chapel, at shopping centers during the Christmas season, and for other organizations in Tucson. The junior choir has also performed outside the church.
In the summer of 1979 the ''Ringers of Joy" attended a bell festival in Albuquer- que, New Mexico, along with 500 other ringers from five western states. And this spring they were one of twelve choirs par- ticipating in a local festival.
Carmen relates that the two most im- portant assets of a bell ringer are an ability to count music and faithfulness in attend- ing rehearsals. Each ringer is usually assigned two notes and the accompanying sharps and flats. It is possible to ring hold- ing two small bells in each hand.
Perfecting a number to perform takes hours of practice. The junior group re- hearses for an hour each Tuesday, and the senior group for one and one-half hours.
Both choirs have given many blessings through their music. But all the girls agree that they have received many, many more. D
August 1979
HLLAniiUuri IVIHuiVi rllu
a Model for the Brethren Church
by Dale R. Stoffer and Jerry Flora
BORN three centuries ago this summer, Alexander Mack (1679-1735) is gen- erally regarded as the founder of the Brethren Church. The imprint of his life and thought still marks Brethren at their best.
Alexander Mack was no religious inno- vator. He employed simply and uncritically the sources available to him — Scripture, his- tories of the early Christians, and discus- sions with his contemporaries.
Nor was he a skilled academic scholar. Rather, as a "task theologian," he focused attention on the concrete problems his small flock faced, first in Germany, later in the Netherlands, and finally in America.
What we can say about Mack is that he was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ who sought only to obey Him, following His teaching in every area of life. By that plumbline he judged the Christian move- ments around him and determined to build a better one. In carrying out this resolve Mack published two small books, Basic Questions (1713) and Rights and Ordin- ances (1715). We want to describe here some general contours that emerge from study of these documents.
Basic Principles
Mack did not write explicitly about every Christian doctrine. But the points he made on various topics show that the following ideas were basic to his thinking: (1) the sovereignty of God in forming the church,
This is the second of two articles on Alexander Mack. The first appeared in last month's Evan- gelist. Both articles are an abridgment of a paper on Mack written by Dale R. Stoffer, a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Jerry Flora, Professor of Christian Theology at Ashland Theological Seminary, prepared the abridgment.
(2) Jesus Christ as the church's Lord, (3) Scripture as our objective authority, (4) the Holy Spirit as the church's director, and (5) the early church as the binding pattern for the continuing church.
In other words, God is the Sovereign Lawgiver and Householder who has fully revealed His will through Jesus Christ, His Son. Jesus has left to us in His teaching those "rights and ordinances" which the Father desires us to obey. We can see the living record of these teachings in the ex- amples of Jesus, the apostles, and the early church described in the New Testament.
Responding to Christ in heartfelt faith and obedience, we are led by His ever- present Spirit (the inner Word). Yet the Spirit will never direct us in ways contrary to Scripture, for the Spirit himself inspired it (the outer Word).
The theological structure Mack was building can be termed eclectic. That is, it combined several approaches to Christian faith and life used in his day. The visible exterior was Anabaptist because the early Brethren, outwardly speaking, acted much like Mennonites. But the interior of the house called Brethren was Pietistic. That is, a personal experience with Jesus Christ and a fervent devotional spirit were indis- pensable. In terms of today's church, the Radical Pietists from whom Mack emerged might have been near-charismatics.
The contribution of a third building ma- terial. Reformed doctrine, lies embedded in Mack's foundation where is it harder to detect. That gives Brethren thought its ties to general Protestant faith, especially of a somewhat Presbyterian variety.
The actual expression of Brethren belief and practice, however, is not along Re- formed lines. Although scholars of all Brethren groups agree on this point, there has been much discussion on how the early Brethren used the remaining materials.
10
The Brethren Evangelist
Mack's writings suggest that Brethrenism is a balance between inward piety and out- ward obedience, between subjectivity and objectivity. He believed that a vital faith involves both private illumination and cor- porate responsibility, and that Scripture provides for both.
Inner and Outer
In thinking this way. Mack was suggest- ing that a fully biblical doctrine of salva- tion and the church will combine elements upheld externally in the Anabaptist- Mennonite movement and internally among the Radical Pietists. Mack himself put it like this: "That which the Holy Spirit ordained for the faithful was written out- wardly. All believers are united in it, for the Holy Spirit teaches them inwardly just as the Scriptures teach them outwardly. . . .
"Therefore, when a believing person whose inner ears are opened reads the Holy Scriptures outwardly, he will hear as the Lord Jesus intends his teaching to be under- stood. He hears that which the apostles want to express in their writings. He will also be impelled, through his inner hearing, to true obedience which makes him obey even in outward matters. Outwardly, he reads the Scriptures in faith and hears the inner word of life which gives him strength and power to follow Jesus."
To follow Jesus — that is what Mack de- sired above all else. In attempting this, he strove for a balance between inward faith and outward expression. Where his con- temporaries divided into either-or parties, Mack called for both — and on the basis of Scripture.
For example, we need both the Holy Spirit and the Holy Scriptures (the inner Word and the outer Word), both inward faith and outward obedience (fruitbearing). We need both the Christ of faith in the heart and the Jesus of history in Palestine.
Alexander Mack's Seal ''In the center is the cross, which Tneans sacrifice; the heart means devo- tion, and placed on the cross, further means sacrificed in devotion; the branches of the vine, mean fruit- hearing. Thus the seal reads: a devoted, fruit-bearing, sacrificed life. How significantly true this is of the life of Alexander Mack!"
George N. Falkenstein in his History of the German Baptist Brethren Church (The New Era Printing Company, 1901), p. 71.
We need both personal piety and corporate responsibility, both subjective testing and objective discipline.
Dr. Vernard Eller, Church of the Breth- ren writer, has observed, 'The two em- phases check and balance each other. When the Radical Pietist tendency would slide off into subjectivism, private inspiration, mysti- cism, enthusiasm, or vaporous spiritualism, it is pulled up short by the demand for con- crete, outward obedience to an objective Scriptural norm.
''Conversely, when the Anabaptist tend- ency would slide off into formalism, legal- ism, biblical literalism, or works-righteous- ness, it is checked by the reminder that faith is essentially a work of God within the heart of the individual believer, an intensely personal relationship rather than a legal one. Thus, within Brethrenism, Anabaptist influences discipline Pietism at the same time that Pietist influences inspire Anabaptism."
Alexander Mack could not always main- tain this balance between inspiration and discipline, for he tended at times towards literalism and legalism. But he bequeathed to his spiritual descendants a conception of Christian life that tries to be faithful to Scripture in stressing both inward attitudes and outward actions at the same time.
Salvation
Mack's understanding of personal Chris- tian experience differed in emphasis from the usual Protestant view of his day.
First, he saw salvation as a process in which works play a role. Salvation rests solely upon God's gracious justification of the believer by faith. But the faith which justifies is a faith which produces works of obedience. This obedience is a joyous, willing search for the expressed wishes of the Lord in order to show one's devotion
August 1979
11
Alexander Mack wrote two small books which give us the general contours of his thought — Basic {or Ground Searching) Questions and Rights {or Rites) and Ordinances.
and love for Him. All professions of faith to the contrary, where there is no obedience there is no salvation.
Second, Mack stressed the subjective as- pect of salvation — what should take place in the believer's inner life during the con- version process. Although he came from a background that we might call Calvinistic, he never stressed predestination or uncon- ditional security. Instead, he emphasized repentance, faith-obedience, baptism, and sanctification or discipleship (what he called regeneration).
Thus, Mack's understanding of salvation had clear Pletistic elements, especially with regard to repentance and faith. Anabaptist themes also were present — salvation as a process and regeneration as requiring evi- dence in works.
The Church
But when it came to the doctrine of the church, Mack's interpretation was thor- oughly Anabaptist-Mennonite. As one writ- er has noted, 'The Anabaptist pattern of the 'New Testament' Church was taken over by the Brethren almost in toto." This meant, first of all, seeing the church as the gathered, visible community of believers committed to Jesus Christ and to one another. It also involved such ideas as obedience to outward ordinances and the maintaining of corporate discipline.
Baptism is a rite to be administered only to those who have responded in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ. He ordained water baptism (to quote Mack) as "an efficacious seal and outv/ard symbol of all those who would believe in Him." Although Mack denied that baptism has any power to save, he viewed it as more than a mere symbol. Trine immersion signals the believer's incorporation into the church by means of
an act which represents our participation in the saving death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Similarly, the Lord's Supper is an evening meal intended only for the regenerate. A full meal, it should be preceded by the washing of the saints' feet and concluded with the sharing of the bread and cup. All are to examine themselves prior to the Supper, and the congregation is responsible for discipline and the ban if necessary for stubborn, unrepentant members.
Learning from Scripture
Two other theological principles in Mack's thought deserve continuing attention.
He believed that contemporary expres- sions of Christianity need continual assess- ment of their faithfulness to God's Word. No theological tradition is above scrutiny by Scripture. Mack therefore rejected the formal legalism of the Anabaptists, the pri- vate inspiration of the Radical Pietists, and the intellectual orthodoxy of the Reformed.
But he firmly upheld such Anabaptist distinctives as obedience, discipleship, be- lievers' baptism, and discipline; the Radical Pietist stress on a regenerate, devout. Spirit-directed life; and the Reformed penchant for sound doctrine. Why did he insist on these? Because he found them taught in Scripture.
Mack and the early Brethren not only re-evaluated traditional expressions of Christianity. They also tried to remain open to new insights that the Holy Spirit might show them from the Word. They lived in expectancy that God would lead them through the study of Scripture into ever clearer understandings of the faith.
This is why they organized themselves into a new fraternity by trine immersion, even though such an act exposed them to persecution. This is why they rejected the Radical Pietist excesses of enthusiasm and asceticism. That is why they composed no binding creeds, although they did use cer- tain credal statements.
Such a process for discerning truth places weighty responsibility upon the entire body of believers — a responsibility to know the content of Christian faith, to critique cur- rent forms of belief, to remain open to the Spirit's direction both as individuals and as a church. At the same time it can develop Christians who possess a strong mature faith.
The dissensions which have divided our later history would probably rend Mack's heart. But three hundred years after his birth the thinking of Alexander Mack re- mains a model for the Brethren Church. □
12
The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
*: vP ; For the Christian, the "end" is really the beginning.
Prophets of Doom
MODERN DAY doomsayers are men in research laboratories, not men behind pulpits.
In a book entitled The Jupiter Effect, two astronomers have predicted amazing things for 1982. The phenomenon they call the Jupiter Effect is a rare planetary lineup which occurs every 179 years. It's scheduled to occur again in 1982. All the planets in our solar system become lined up in a straight line with the sun. This unusual lineup will cause a lopsided gravitational pull on the sun, producing tremendous sun storms. These, in turn, will affect the planet earth, as well as the other planets.
The Jupiter Effect will severely influence the upper parts of earth's atmosphere, dis- turb radio communications, disrupt weather patterns, and slow the earth's rotation. The last effect is most important, for it will trigger more earthquakes of major proportions.
I recently read a newspaper account which indicated that the earth experienced thirty-six major quakes during the past year. This was nearly double the average. There seemed to be no logical explanation for the great increase other than the fact that Mother Earth is growing old.
Now will you allow me to repeat my opening statement? Modern day doomsay- ers are men in research laboratories, not men behind pulpits.
Scientists, psychologists, sociologists, and educators (who probably don't believe the Bible) are making most of these pre- dictions. It is precisely because of who is making the predictions that people are read- ing them and sitting up to take notice.
A few years ago there was a cry about California dropping off into the ocean. The joke was, ''Buy land in Nevada; someday it'll be oceanfront property!" Some people
actually moved from California believing that the whole state would soon drop off.
Anyone acquainted with the Book of Revelation can see that the doomsayers are not far wrong. Prophets (foretellers) and preachers (forthtellers) have been predic- ting the end since the time of Noah. But no one listened. They said Noah was all wet!
The doomsayers remind me of the ques- tion asked the Lord as He left the Temple one day. ''What events will signal your re- turn, and the end of the world?" (Matt. 24:3b— TLB).
Jesus replied that there would be wars and rumors of wars, famines, unusual signs in the heavens (UFO's?), false prophets, persecution, immorality, and a general anti- Christian spirit. He also said that neither He nor the angels knew when the end would actually come. This is up to God. It appears that God has His own doomsday clock.
"Prophets (foretellers) and preach- ers (for+h+ellers) have been pre- dicting the end since the time of Noah "
But there is a difference between God's clock and the one belonging to our scientific friends. They refer to the end as a "Samson Complex." Samson, as you recall, took all his enemies with him when he died. Most scientists agree that WW III would be the end of earth. Pow! The End! Samson Complex.
But God doesn't say, "Pow; the end." To Him — and all Christitans — it's the begin- ning. The difference is in hope. And that's what Christianity is all about! □
August 1979
13
UNITY
by Charles G. Beekley
THE CHURCH of Jesus Christ can only be as mature in its faith as it is united in its love. Each believer is obligated to strive for this unity in love as his church grows toward spiritual maturity.
The Apostle Paul had a lot to say about the unity of believers through a mature faith. In his letter to the church at Ephesus he outlined an interdependency of personal growth, love, and unity. The successful realization of these concepts can only lead to corporate growth as well.
First, let us look at the indicators of spiritual maturity:
, . . / urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; he patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-3.)
Here Paul is begging us — entreating, urg- ing, insisting — that we make every effort to develop a spiritually mature attitude toward our brethren. The believer has been called into a special relationship with the Creator, and we must live a life that dem- onstrates this unique relationship. Perhaps this way of life could be expressed in an algebraic-like formula :
H
G)
(P ^ L)
PEACE
Consider the elements of this formula. The '*H" stands for humility. Be on guard against giving yourself too much credit and of always assuming that what you think is the only answer to a situation. When progress or achievement comes your way, realize where the credit belongs. The humble person is free from pride in himself or his accomplishments. He is sure to as- cribe the credit to God and to His Spirit acting in and through him.
Looking again at the formula we see that added to "H" (humility) must be *'G" (gentleness). Humility should be seasoned with gentleness. Gentleness can best be
characterized as the absence of rudeness or harshness. One can be firm in beliefs, yet gentle in attitude and manner. Paul is sug- gesting a gentle mental attitude toward our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Now the second part of our formula: ''(P X D" — patience multiplied by love. Patience is the quality of mind that allows us to bear without complaint or malice those of our number who speak against us or our ideas. By coupling patience with the instruction to ''bear one another in love," Paul is suggesting that patience is to be an active force. We are directed to develop an uncomplaining steadiness in our patience. We — as Christians seeking to develop a spiritual maturity — should not waiver in the patience we exhibit toward our fellow believers.
Now — as good mathematicians — let us consider the other side of the equation (which equals the first side). The result of adding humility plus gentleness to patience multiplied by love is a blessed peace between believers. Peace is an attitude between per- sons that demonstrates to the world that we have a unique relationship to each other because of our unique relationship to God. We say to each other, in effect, *1 submit myself to you in the name of the Lord who will lead our thinking and determine the
Charles Beekley
is a student at
Ashland Theological
Seminary and
moderator of the
Park Street
Brethren Church.
This article is
a condensation of
a sermon he
preached at Park
Street Church.
14
The Brethren Evangelist
direction we will take as we serve Him." We will seek the will of God in spiritual unity, at peace with one another.
None of these virtues is easily and auto- matically attained. To attain them requires a conscious effort and a reliance upon the Holy Spirit as we struggle in God's work.
It should be noted that unity does not equal uniformity. No matter how much we strive and study, we will still have differ- ences. There will be different ideas and opinions about every issue that arises. But how we approach those differences will in- dicate whether or not we have developed the correct mental attitude. If we insist that what we say is correct and that it can be no other way, we are failing. We are failing Paul, we are failing our brethren, and cer- tainly, we are failing our God. Our goal must be to develop the correct mental attitude toward our differences.
This is where the ''unity of spirit" comes in. Our churches and the individuals who make up our churches demonstrate their spiritual maturity to the world by the de- gree of unity of spirit they exhibit.
Dr. James C. Fernald, a leading author of language books and dictionaries in the early part of this century, offers a defini- tion of unity that can serve us well as we seek unity within our churches:
Unity is oneness . . . especially of that which . . , cannot be conceived of as resolved into parts . . . (unity is) when a single purpose or ideal is so subserved by all that their possible separateness is lost sight of. . . .^
While we will have our differences, we must develop a state of being one as we serve our God.
In Ephesians 4:14-16 Paul develops the result of living in unity. In the preceding verses he talked about the various aspects of the body — its divergence of abilities but its unity of purpose. He concludes this dis- cussion in verses 14 to 16.
As our lives develop in Christian unity, we will grow just as children grow. We will develop an ability to deal with interpersonal challenges in a way that does not tear down other persons. We will develop a maturity of faith that allows us to contribute to the unity of spirit. We will develop a maturity of faith that will demonstrate to the world that we are a loving, caring community in a world that really doesn't care much about individuals. We may even contribute to sav- ing the lives — physical and spiritual — of
* James C. Fernald, Funk & Wagnalls Standard Handbook of Synonyms, Antonyms, and Prep- ositions (New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1947), p. 428.
persons seeking something that leads them to cults like the one at Jonestown.
This point is made by Mel White in his book Deceived, in which he reviews and analyzes the tragedy of Jonestown. Near the end of this book. White lists several resolutions that may enable Christians to help the world avoid a repeat of what hap- pened at Jonestown. Consider the first two : / will do my best to help make my church a more loving community . . . .
I will do my best to help make my church a more caring community to the real human needs. . . .t
You and I have an obligation to follow Paul's formula for peace, speaking to one another in love, ''growing up into Him who is the Head . . . Christ." Perhaps as we strive to develop this environment of love, we will help avert another Jonestown. And we will demonstrate our love — and our spiritual unity — to the world as we struggle toward maturity in our relationships with other believers.
The result of growth in love within the body will be growth of the corporate body as well. As we demonstrate to the outside world that we love one another, that we are united in God, we are saying to the world that we have something special. As a result
'The believer has been called into a special relationship with the Creator, and we musf' live a life that demonstrates this unique relationship."
people who might flock to someone like Jim Jones will come to us. They will not be turned off by our infighting or turned away by our false smiles. They will come to enjoy our genuine love for one another, which grows from our unity and peace because of our unique relationship to God. They will come to our churches and will grow — even as our church is growing.
We must strive — Paul points out the ur- gency— to develop a unity with our fellow believers. Through this unity, based on our special relationship with God, we will reach spiritual maturity. We will grow together — individually and corporately — unto Him, Jesus Christ.
The church of Jesus Christ can only be as mature in its faith as it is united in its love. □
t Mel White, Deceived (New Jersey: Spire Books, 1979), pp. 184-185.
August 1979
15
John Guli:
A Nigerian
Christian Brothe
i?ev. /o/i« Guli, his wife Elizabeth, and their youngest son Njameba.
AFTER a year of study in the United States, Rev. John Guh, a Nigerian churchman, returned to Nigeria on July 12, 1979. He had been studying at the School of World Mission at Fuller Theo- logical Seminary under the sponsorship of the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church.
John is a member of the Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), the church which Brethren missionaries have served and Brethren people have supported since 1948. He is from the Higi tribe, in which much of the Brethren work was concentrated. Because the mission established a church in his area, John became a Christian, went to mission schools, and became a strong Christian. He has now risen to a place of leadership in that church. He came to the U.S. to receive training in missiology and church growth which would enable him to better serve the church.
While in the U.S. John completed his work at Fuller for a master of arts degree in missiology. He had begun work toward this degree four years ago when he spent 16 months studying at Fuller (Sept. '75 to Dec. '76), also under the Brethren Mission- ary Board's sponsorship.
In addition to his work at Fuller during the past year, John also took courses at Azusa Pacific (College. By transferring some of his courses from Fuller and some of the work he had done at the Theological Col- lege of Northern Nigeria, John was able to meet the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree at Azusa, which he received May 5, 1979.
After completing his work at Fuller in June, John spent several weeks visiting
former missionaries, mission executives, and other friends before returning to Nigeria. He spent three days in Ashland, and during this time he agreed to share some of his thoughts about his time in the U.S. and his plans as he returns to Nigeria. The following is a summary of what he shared.
When asked for his impressions of the United States, John commented on our hurried way of life. ''It seems to me here that everything has to go in a kind of a haste." He added, ''You don't have really enough time to just spend time talking. You go to Nigeria, you find people just sitting talking."
On the other hand, John did find people in the U.S. very friendly. And he said, "I didn't have any problem adjusting to the way people lived here or even the food or anything, except that sometimes I didn't like the food in the school cafeteria."
When asked if there were aspects of American life he didn't like, John directed his comments specifically to the church. Before coming to America, he was under the impression that everybody in the United States was a Christian. He was disappointed to find that only about half of the church members in the U.S. attend services.
He was particularly surprised to find that "you can't teach Christianity in schools." He said, "We thought that America is a Christian country, but yet nobody can give any instruction concerning Christianity in a public school." He con- trasted this with Nigeria, where people are hired to teach Christianity in the public schools and the government subsidizes their salaries. In general, John expected America to be more Christian than it is.
16
The Brethren Evangelist
During the last two months of his stay in the U.S., John was joined by his wife, Ehzabeth, and his youngest child, Njameba (age 5) . (John and Elizabeth have six other children, all of whom are in school.) Their visit to the U.S. was made possible by two former missionaries to Nigeria, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Neher.
John was happy to have his wife with him in America so that she could experi- ence something of American life. Because of this visit she would now understand many of the things that he had tried, with little success, to tell her about after his earlier time in the U.S. He wanted her in particular to understand the struggles he went through in his studies at Fuller. He noted that she got a good taste of this, since when she first arrived, he was finish- ing the term at Fuller. Because of his workload, he didn't have much time to spend with her!
John believes that his time studying at the School of World Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary was time well spent. '1 think I really gained a lot from Fuller," he said. ''I see that my training at Fuller is going to help me to help other people."
John hopes to apply what he learned to the church situation in northeastern Nigeria. The goal of his training has been to discover *'how best can we help the church to grow." He must now determine the specific needs in his own church and apply what he has learned to those needs.
f%
pw
■fH^^
: i
^
.^.:?^|
Njameba, age 5, enjoyed his visit to the United States and made friends wherever he went.
He also feels a responsibility to pass on what he has learned to others. '1 would like to communicate what I have received from Fuller to some of the church leaders in Nigeria." He realizes that in order to do this, ''I have to come to their own frame of reference. ... I have to identify myself with them. ..."
As to the specific work he will be doing, John has been asked by the executive committee of the Nigerian church to teach and be the principal at Kulp Bible School (which trains Nigerian pastors and church workers). At the time of the interview, he had not replied to this request. The other possibility he was considering was to return to his own area of the church (the Eastern Gunduma) to resume his former position as Gunduma (area) secretary. Before a final decision is made about his work, he wants the executive committee to evaluate the needs of the whole church and to set priorities.
John's ideas of evaluating needs and setting goals and priorities also apply to mission involvement in Nigeria. He would like to see mission representatives and Nigerian church leaders meet together to evaluate what has been accomplished and what remains to be done in evangelism and church planting in Nigeria. Then, from this, a plan could be made to reach the people of Nigeria who have not yet been evangelized.
In this connection, he believes there is still a place for missionaries in Nigeria. He agrees that nationals can do much of the work, but feels that there may be cer- tain tasks missionaries are in a position to do because of their skill or experience.
John indicated that he and other Nigerian church leaders have appreciated the coop- eration that has existed between the Nigerian church and the mission groups that have worked with the church. It is their hope that this cooperation can con- tinue as church and missions work together to strengthen the church and to reach those people who have not yet been evangelized.
REV. JOHN GULI has made many friends in the United States. Many Brethren people have learned to know and love him. He has been an ambassador par excellence for his country and for the EYN church.
As he returns to Nigeria to continue his work for the Lord, our prayers go with him. We pray not only for him, but for other Nigerian church leaders and the church which they serve, that the church may grow stronger and evangelize the thousands in that area of Nigeria who do not know Christ. R.C.W.
August 1979
17
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Moderator's Report
by Rev. Duane Dickson
Another Conference year has passed, and only time will determine whether we have progressed, remained static, or regressed as a church. It is my prayer that this year was not wasted in nonprofitable busywork. God's time is too precious to waste!
I have had the privilege of visiting all the district conferences, and I have received a very warm welcome. The Brethren certainly have the gift of hospitality!
I have also been greatly encouraged by the general change of direction of the church. Brethren are showing an ever -increasing desire to reach out into the various communities to win people to Jesus Christ. This is in reality the primary objective of the church. Anything less than a total commitment to reach the lost of the community is hindering the mission of the church. We have started — now we need to build on the foundation. The church must grow.
I want to take this opportunity to say "Thank You." It has been necessary for many people to take time out of their busy days to meet me at the airport. Many families have opened their homes to me, providing a comfortable place to sleep and excellent meals. I have had the privilege of visiting with many people across the nation and of sharing mutual concerns about the work of Christ through the Brethren Church. I feel that I have profited more than all.
I would also like to thank the Walcrest Church for the consideration it has shown me this past year. In spite of my many days away, the church is continuing to grow because its members have accepted the challenge to evan- gelize. And even greater, they have accepted the biblical command to love. I also appreciate very much the men on the Executive Com- mittee. This has been a very demanding year with many extra meetings and new respon- sibilities. You have been excellent co-workers!
Let's remind ourselves constantly of the challenge of Jesus to go into the harvest fields. We have the power of God in our lives, the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the direction of the Holy Spirit, and the instruction of God through the Scriptures. Let's get out into the world and catch men alive!
WE CAN— IF WE WILL!
David L Powell
ordame
Fort Scott, Kans. — David L. Powell was ordained into the gospel ministry of the Brethren Church on July 6, 1979. The service was held at the Fort Scott Brethren Church, where Powell serves as pastor.
Brethren elders participating in the service were Rev. George Solomon, pastor of the Derby, Kans., Brethren Church, and Rev. Jim Cole, a member of the Derby congregation. Rev. Solomon presented the sermon for the service, and both men con- ducted the ordination of Rev. Powell.
Also participating in the service was Clifford Lyman, moderator of the Fort Scott Church. Special music was presented by Amy Earnest, and the prelude and postlude were played by Marilyn Minor.
David Powell was born on November 10, 1938, at Decatur, 111., the son of William and Mary Porter Powell. He was graduated from Mt. Zion High School in Mt. Zion, 111. He spent 42 months in the army, 28 of these in the European Com- mand, Seventh U.S. Army Artillery.
David has completed the Schofield Bible Course at the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, 111. Present- ly he is enrolled in the Pastoral Training Course from the American Bible College, Pineland, Fla.
On June 18, 1960, David married Shirley Ryder in Cerro Gordo, 111. They now have three children, Mary 13, Jeffrey 12, and Gerald 6.
The Powells were members of the Cerro Gordo Brethren Church before they moved to Fort Scott in July of 1977. David pastored the Paint Creek Church of the Brethren for five months and has pastored the Brethren Church at Fort Scott for two years.
Rev. and
Mrs. David
L. Powell
18
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Winding Waters takes fresh look at missions; gives $1,234 for mission to Mexico
Elkhart, Ind. — The Winding Waters Brethren Church is taking a fresh look at world, home, and community missions. Helping it to do so is the recently formed Ministry of Missions of the church.
Under the inspiring leadership of Mrs. Catherine White, director of the Ministry of Missions, sev- eral task forces were formed to tackle the prob- lems of developing a mission consciousness within the church. Task forces were set up for world, home, and community needs, and these task forces began to develop strategies to present these needs to the church. They are also seeking to find ways the church can help meet these needs.
The Task Force on World Missions (Catherine White — director, Gladys Hossler, Blanche Frink, and Donna Jepson) met and decided to present as a missions project the new ministry in Mexico, which is being developed under the leadership of Juan Carlos Miranda. They also chose April as missions month.
This decision was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of the church, and the task force went to work. Classroom bulletin boards were decorated with maps and pictures of people of Mexico. A giant fish net decorated the narthex, with blow-ups of the workers and facilities of the new work in Mexico. Different missions repre- sentatives went from class to class giving a per- sonal appeal. Coins from Mexico were passed out to all in attendance on Easter morning to help people identify with the citizens of Mexico. And a goal of $1,000 was set for the last Sunday in
Members of the task force which promoted the mission emphasis on Mexico were (left to right) Catherine White — director, Gladys Hossler, Blanche Frink, and (not pictured) Donna Jepson.
April to give the project one last thrust.
It worked! When the offering was counted, it totaled $1,234.41. A check in that amount was sent to the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church.
The church's mission task forces are now look- ing into other forms of mission outreach. For example, a Food Pantry has been set up at the church for needy families or for crisis situations. The members of the Winding Waters Church have found that their outreach to the people of Mexico has awakened a desire in their hearts to touch others with their lives.
Park Street women sponsor billboard
Ashland, Ohio — As an outreach to the community, the Thursday women's Bible study group of the Park Street Brethren Church recently initiated a billboard ministry. The 12 women had been collecting a faith offering and were seeking an effective way to confront fellow Ashlanders with the gospel.
t ff«re
PARK SI iRrrHftfrcllcH'
The interest in a billboard ministry was sparked by the group's disapproval of a continuing full- page advertisement in the local newspaper. The advertisement was the introduction of a new cigarette. Realizing that commercial enterprises effectively use mass communication techniques and that the church generally doesn't, the group decided to use a commercial means — a billboard — to announce the Christian message.
With the advice of Rev. Harold Walton, whose church, the Johnstown Second Brethren Church, is sponsoring a billboard ministry (featured in the July 1978 Evangelist), a poster was ordered from Billboards for Jesus. A contract was made with a local advertising company to display it. The billboard used was on Claremont Avenue, an Ashland thoroughfare and the location of several shopping centers.
The impact of a billboard ministry is difficult to evaluate. It is known, however, that the mes- sage, "Jesus is a life savior," has confronted hun- dreds of Ashland motorists.
—Kitty Winfield
August 1979
19
The new church building of Northwest Brethren Chapel in Tucson is located at the base of the Catalina mountains. The building will seat 160 persons. Rev. William Curtis is pastor of the Northwest Brethren congregation. photos by Arden Gilmer
Northwest Chapel dedicates new building
Northwest Brethren Chapel, the new Brethren Church in Tucson, Arizona, dedi- cated its new church building on Sunday, June 24, 1979, just three years and five months after beginning services in January 1976. One hundred and forty-nine people, representing all three Arizona churches, attended the dedication, and about 120 people enjoyed a sumptuous fellowship dinner held afterwards.
Arden Gilmer, Director of Home Missions for the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church, read the Scripture selection, lead in the dedicatory prayer, and brought words of greetings and encouragement from all Brethren churches. Rev. Clayton Berkshire, pastor of the Papago Park Brethren Church in Tempe, Ariz., gave the invocation. Mr. Francis Ellis represented the Northwest Brethren congregation in bringing the words of welcome. And Rev. Vernon Grisso, the founding pastor of Tucson First Brethren Church, gave the closing prayer.
The dedicatory message was delivered by Rev. Clarence Stogsdill, pastor of the First Brethren Church in Tucson. His message was entitled ''Showing Your A.G.E." He stated that three vital ingredients for the new church to come of age were attitude, goals, and energy.
The architect, Jeff Chow, the engineer, Jim Burke, and the contractor, John Kline, were honored for their work on the build-
by Rev. Arden E. Gilmer
ing. Mr. Kline, a tremendous Christian, served the church admirably as contractor and used his expertise to save the church at least $10,000 off the original bid.
The key to the new building was present- ed by Mr. Kline to the church moderator. Jack Edgerton. Upon receiving the key, Mr. Edgerton expressed the appreciation of the people of Northwest Brethren Chapel for the support and encouragement they have received from the sponsoring church and from the Brethren across the country. He especially expressed thanks to members of
(continued on next page)
The contractor, John Kline (center), presents the keys to the new building to Northwest Brethren Chapel moderator. Jack Edgerton, while Wes George watches on.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update
A Brethren success story at Derby, Kansas
While many Brethren churches find their mem- bership growing smaller, staying the same, or, at best, creeping slowly forward, the Brethren Church of Derby, Kansas, presents a picture of success.
Over the past six years, under the ministry of Rev. George Solomon, the membership of the Derby church has grown from 29 (as of July 1, 1973) to 130 (on June 30, 1979). During this period average Sunday school attendance went from 28 in 1973 to 85 in the first six months of 1979, and average Sunday morning worship attendance in- creased from 28 to 122.
Local giving has also shown tremendous growth. In 1973 total local giving was $8,230. The budget for 1979 is $37,000, and at the halfway mark (June 30), the congregation was $336.59 ahead in its giving. This has enabled the congregation to move from annual mission support of about $8,000 in 1973 to a position of total self-support in 1979.
While going from mission support to self sup- port, the congregation has also carried out other projects. The Derby Brethren built a new par- sonage in 1976, then renovated the old parsonage and made it into a Sunday school annex. They are currently in the process of purchasing new pews and carpet for the sanctuary and of enlarging the sanctuary seating capacity to about 200 persons.
Certainly God has blessed this congregation and its hard work, and the church is a success.
In a sense, the success of the Derby Brethren Church is a success we Brethren can all share, for we have had a part in it.
Until this year, the Derby Brethren Church was a Home Mission Church, receiving part of its finances from the national Missionary Board. Therefore any individual or church that gave to the work of Brethren Heme Missions was helping in the work of the Derby church. Members of
Northwest Brethren Chapel
the Growth Partners Club whose response assisted in securing the land and meeting some of the building costs.
A dedication offering was received dur- ing the service and amounted to $676.20. The offertory and special music were pro- vided by the "Ringers of Joy," the excellent bell choir from Tucson First Brethren.
Following the service Rev. Stogsdill, pas- tor of the mother congregation, commented, ''The people of First Brethren Church praise God as we see our daughter church finally settled into its new building, and we pray His constant care upon the new congrega- tion, and that God will bless them and mul- tiply them in the work of our most excellent Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."
the Growth Partners Club (formerly the Ten Dollar Club) had a special opportunity to share in this work by contributing to the club calls for Derby in 1963 ($9,070.26) and 1971 ($10,090.00).
Brethren people working together through the Missionary Board provided the funds to begin this work and to support it during its years of growth to self support. The church couldn't have done it without our help.
This is, in fact, what Home Missions is all about. Pooling our resources as Brethren to start new churches and to help them along the way so that they can grow and become self-supporting con- gregations. At Derby, this goal has been achieved. Therefore we rejoice together in the success story of the Derby, Kansas, Brethren Church.
— R. C. W^infield
Flora yout-h visit Opryland, U.S.A.
Flora, Ind. — ^Ten members of the Senior BYC of the Flora First Brethren Church made a weekend trip to Nashville, Tenn., June 1-3. The big event of the trip was an all-day visit to Opryland, U.S.A., on Saturday, June 2. On Sunday the youth attended the Twin River Baptist Church.
The group traveled to Nashville on Friday and returned to Flora on Sunday. The two nights at Nashville were spent in a campground about 15 minutes outside the city. Two campers and tents provided sleeping quarters. Each night at the campground the group held a campfire service.
To raise money for the expenses of this trip, the youth had a car wash (from which they made $135) and a chili supper (which brought in $214 by free-will offering).
Accompanying the youth on their trip to Nash- ville were Rev. Alvin Grumbling, pastor of the Flora First Brethren Church, and youth sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Donald Clingenpeel.
Flora senior BYC nienihers and their advisors.
August 1979
21
update
SISTERHOOD AT LOREE
by Norma Waters
What do you think of when you hear the word "Sisterhood"? Do names hke Amigas and Lumieres mean anything to you? Well, they mean a lot to the girls of the Loree, Indiana, Brethren Church.
Thanks to dedicated women who have given extra time and effort, Loree has four very active Sisterhood groups. They have been using the new SMM materials that were adopted by our churches last summer, and it's been an exciting year for them. The materials are a balanced mixture of Bible learning, crafts and skills, personal im- provement goals, and missionary emphasis.
Coleen Zerbe, patroness of the Little Sisters group, says, ''Boy! Are they excited about Sisterhood! They're learning about the Bible in a new and exciting way." Since these first through third graders had been studying about the creation of the world, they did a short play for their church about creation as part of the Sisterhood public service in April.
Amigas patroness Darlene Porter says that her fourth through sixth graders really enjoy the missionary skits and lessons at their monthly meetings. (Amigas is the Spanish word for friends.) Each meeting also includes business, Bible lessons, mem- ory verses, crafts, and games. Darlene says, "It is fascinating to observe the enthusiasm and eagerness of this (age) level. It is my desire for the Amigas to gain understanding and applicable knowledge of serving Jesus through missionary projects and fellowship with one another."
Lumiere is the French word for light, and is the name of the junior high group of Sisterhood. Loree's Lumiere patroness,
Mrs. Norma Waters is Office Manager for the national Board of Christian Education.
Sharon Zerbe, reports that her girls are working hard on their goals. They already have "learned how to make perfect pie crust," and had guest speakers on the topics of marriage and first aid. They were work- ing on their memorization of the book of Colossians and were planning a cook-out, a bike hike, and a camp-out for the summer. (Sharon thinks they're just trying to wear her out!)
The senior high girls are led by Shirley Childers. Their name is Charis, which is Greek for grace. Shirley admits that the Bible lessons take some "study, thought, and prayer on the part of the patroness." But they also involve the girls' thoughts and discussion, and "the more we each share, the more of His Spirit we each take home." Shirley states that "God has never failed to provide time, material needs, interested girls, and the richest of blessings."
As we look at the influences that our girls receive in school, sports, and other com- munity activities, it is clear that we need to influence them also for the things of the Lord. Sisterhood is a program of learn- ing, growth, and self-enrichment. It's also enough fun that girls (and patronesses!) love it.
The Loree church thinks that Sisterhood is great. Sisterhood is important for your church, too. Your girls are worth the effort.
Many of our other churches besides Loree have strong Sisterhood groups. Does your church? If not, be sure to look over the display of Sisterhood materials at National Conference — the materials can be ordered there. Or write to the Board of Christian Education, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 448O5 and ask for more information. You can start a Sisterhood this fall!
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Mission Center seeks ways to reach 2 billion "hidden people"
If every Christian in the world were to win his neighbors to Christ, there would still be over two billion non-Christians left. Why? Because two billion of the world's people have no Christian neighbors.
Yes, over two billion people — Hindus, Muslims, Chinese, and tribal members — ^still have no Chris- tian church in their local culture. Furthermore, these people are separated by language, culture, and often by animosity from those communities where there is a church. They are locked behind invisible cultural barriers, still beyond the reach of present mission and national church strategies. They are "the hidden people."
If we are to fulfill the Great Commission, ways must be found to reach these "hidden people" With the gospel. Finding these ways is the goal of the U.S. Center for World Mission of Pasadena, California.
The Center, which was founded by former missionaries and mission leaders under the direc- torship of Dr. Ralph D. Winter, has three major focuses :
(1) Major strategy institutes at the Center study the unreached segments of the world's population to determine the most advantageous ways to approach these people with the gospel.
(2) Mobilization offices seek to arouse the in- terest of churches, students, and mission agencies to the task of reaching "the hidden people."
(3) The Institute of International Studies of the Center seeks to share the mission vision with evangelical students from secular colleges and universities throughout the United States. This is done by offering fully-accredited, one-quarter and one-semester undergraduate and graduate programs to these students in order to give them a Christian perspective on the world.
The center is not trying to compete with exist- ing mission agencies and boards, but to serve them. All its efforts at research, mobilization, and training are meant to funnel new facts, money, and missionary candidates into these agencies.
To carry out its program, the Center purchased in September of 1978 an entire college campus in Pasadena, Calif. The story of how the Center edged out a religious cult in order to purchase the 17-acre campus and how it was able to raise the $1.5 million to make the downpayment is a story of miracles. Now the Center is making a massive push to raise $13.5 million more to pay off the debt on the campus and to establish the Center as a self-supporting agency.
A unique approach is being used to raise this money. Center leaders feel God would have a million people give $15.95 each. This amount will not be a great burden on any one person, and furthermore, in this way a million people will gain an insight into the task that remains if we are to reach "the hidden people." The $15.95 is a one- time gift, with Center leaders promising that
those who give this amount will not be asked for more money.
At the moment, the Center faces a major hurdle. On September 15 the last really large quarterly payment on the college campus is due — $660,000. There will be other quarterly payments after this one, but they will be considerably smaller. So far over 11,000 people have made $15.95 donations, but 44,000 more must do so if the Center is to make the quarterly payment. If the payment is not made, the Center will not only lose the prop- erty, but its entire downpayment of 1.5 million dollars.
It will take a miracle to raise this money in the time that remains, but God has worked miracles for the Center before.
For more information about the Center for World Mission, contact Dick W infield, do The Brethren Publishing Company.
Brethren Church Bulletin Service now used In 40 churches
A^hlatnd, Ohio — ^The Brethren Church Bulletin Ser- vice is now used in 40 churches and is seen by 4,775 Brethren weekly, according to Ron Waters.
The bulletin service was started in 1976 by the Brethren Publishing Company. Such a service, with regular messages about the Brethren Church and its ministries, had been requested by a num- ber of Brethren. A cooperative agreement was arranged with Cathedral Art Folders of Long Prairie, Minnesota, to include one Brethren mes- sage each month.
"We should top the 5,000 mark during General Conference week. A number of churches each year switch to the service at that time," Waters said.
"Frequently we find churches have been using Cathedral bulletins for years but have not been receiving them through us. So they haven't been receiving the specific Brethren Church messages.
"But it is an easy matter to tranfer these churches to our account," Waters added. "It simply requires a letter to me, saying the church would like to receive its Cathedral bulletins through us to take advantage of the specific Brethren messages."
Brochures depicting the 1980 series of bulletins will be available at General Conference from the Brethren Publishing Company.
Membership Growth
Flora: 3 by baptism
Sarasota: 5 by baptism, 1 by transfer
South Bend: 6 by baptism, 2 by transfer
North Manchester: 1 by baptism
August 1979
23
update
Bates retires from Brethren Quarterly;
new writers named
Ashland, Ohio — After 20 years writing for The Brethren Bible Class Quarterly, Rev. Henry Bates has retired as contributor of the "Lesson Back- grounds." The backgrounds in the current (sum- mer) quarterly are the last written by Rev. Bates.
Bates, a former professor at Ashland Theo- logical Seminary (1S50-55), drew upon his deep knowledge of the Bible in preparing these "Lesson Backgrounds."
During his years of writing for the quarterly, Rev. Bates served as pastor of the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church and then the Wayne Heights Brethren Church in Waynesboro, Pa. He continues to pastor the Wayne Heights church and also teaches part time at the Broadfording Christian College near Hagerstown, Md.
The Brethren Publishing Company, which pub- lishes The Brethren Quai^terly, has greatly appre- ciated Rev. Bates' faithful service as a writer. And Brethren people have been richly blessed by the insights he has provided on the Word of God.
Rev. Bates continues to serve the Brethren Publishing Company as a member of the Board 01 Trustees and as vice president of that board.
Taking Rev. Bates' place as background writer for the quarterly will be Rev. Rodney Thoirias, pastor of the Huntington, Ind., Brethren Church.
Rev. Thomas, who has pastored the Huntington church since 1974, is also assistant secretary of the General Conference of the Brethren Church. He is the son of Rev. Carl Thomas, who is also a Brethren pastor.
Rev. Thomas' contributions to the quarterly will first appear in the fall quarter.
A second change in the fall quarterly will be the introduction of Rev. William Anderson as writer of the "Lesson Exposition" section. Rev. Anderson is pastor of the Manteca, Calif., Breth- ren Church, which he has served since 1970. He
Rev. Henry Bates
has also served Brethren churches in Sergeants- ville and Calvary, N.J., Pleasant Hill, Ohio, Johns- town, Pa. (Third Church), and Nappanee, Ind.
This is not Rev, Anderson's first experience writing for the quarterly. After 15 years he is returning as writer of the "Lesson Exposition," a position he filled from 1962 to 1964.
Rev. W. St. Clair Benshoff, who has been writing the exposition section of the quarterly, will be contributing the "Lesson Applications" beginning with the fall quarter. He will be replacing Rev. Charles Lowmaster, who has written this section since 1976. Rev. Lowmaster will no longer be writing for the quarterly because of the press of other work.
Rev. Benshoff is pastor of the College Corner Brethren Church, Route 3, Wabash, Ind. He has been contributing the "Lesson Expositions" since December of 1973, but his involvement with the quarterly dates back much further than that. From 1953 to 1963 he was editor of publications for the Brethren Publishing Company and, as such, editor of The Brethren Quarterly.
Rev. Benshoff is also president of the Board of Trustees of the Brethren Publishing Company.
Rev. Rodney Thomas
Rev. William Anderson
24
Rev. W. St. Clair Benshoff
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Grefna Bible school sets record
Bellefontaine, Ohio — The news at Gretna Brethren Church in June was kids, kids, and more KIDS!
The church had its most successful vacation Bible school program ever this year.
Average attendance for the Vi^eek (June 11-15) was 97, with a high of 100 on the last day. To put this into perspective, two things need to be noted about this church. One, it is located in the open country, not in a town or city. Second, average Sunday morning worship attendance runs less than 100.
Not only did attendance at the VBS set a new record, but so did the offering. A total of $150 was received during the week, almost double the offering of last year. The money will be used to help support the weekday religious education pro- gram in the public schools in the county.
VBS director for the week was Pauline West- lake. She was assisted by Jane Solomon. They were expecting about 80 children on the first day, so you can imagine their surprise when 96 chil- dren appeared.
According to Rev. Leroy Solomon, pastor of the Gretna congregation, "The beautiful part of the whole week was that the gospel of Jesus Christ was taken into several homes it hadn't been into before. From this week of Bible school we have made contacts with about 15 unchurched families. About half of them have expressed a real interest in our church. Praise the Lord!"
Rev. Solomon adds, "Anyone who questions the value of VBS, send them to us — we would love to share with them. We can't wait till next year!"
A few of the 100 children who attended Bible school at the Gretna Brethren Church.
Dennis Grumbling called to the ministry
Flora, Ind. — Dennis Grumbling has been called to the Christian ministry by the congregation of the First Brethren Church of Flora, Ind. The call was extended on Sunday, June 10.
Dennis is the son of Rev. and Mrs. Alvin Grumbling. He will be a senior at Ashland College this fall, and plans to enter Ashland Theological Seminary after completing college.
This summer Dennis has been preaching on Sunday mornings at the Flora Church of the Brethren.
Film of Joni Eareckson to be released in September
Burbank, Calif. — Joni is the title of a film to be released in September by World Wide Pictures. The movie will present the story of Joni Eareckson, a quadriplegic who broke her neck in a diving accident 12 years ago.
Many Christians know of Joni from her two books, Jom and A Step Further, and from her art- work, which appears on Christian stationery. Her book, A Step Further, written with Steve Estes, was chosen by Religion In Media to receive the 1978 Angel Award.
The film, in which Joni plays herself, follows her progress from the moment she broke her neck. It traces the steps along her road to recov- ery as, drawing on her faith in God, she overcame the emotional and psychological trauma of the accident and became an accomplished artist ( hold- ing a pen in her mouth), a dynamic speaker, and the author of two best-selling books.
Joni will be premiered in September in many parts of the country. The film will be shown in theaters, civic auditoriums, and churches.
Congratulating Joni Eareckson on her receipt of
the Angel Award for the best religious book of
1978-79 is TV star Ted Knight. Joni plays herself in a new movie entitled Joni.
August 1979
25
update
Weddings
Beth Ann Gross to Brian Kent Bargerhuff, July 7, at the Loree Brethren Church, Bunker Hill, Ind. ; Stephen Cole, pastor, officiating. Members of the Loree Brethren Church.
Donna Klutz to Steve Beaver, June 30, at the First Brethren Church, North Manchester, Ind.; Wood- row A. Immel, pastor, and Rev. Robert Bischoff officiating. Members of the North Manchester First Brethren Church.
Roberta Penrod to Ted Nichols, June 24, at the First Brethren Church, North Manchester, Ind.; Woodrow A. Immel, pastor, officiating. Members of the North Manchester First Brethren Church. Melanie Stanze to Brian Pierce, June 24, at the First Brethren Church, Gratis, Ohio; Gene Hollinger, pastor, officiating. Bride member of Gratis First Brethren Church.
Debbie Britt to Wayne Robison, June 16, at the First Brethren Church, North Manchester, Ind.; Woodrow A. Immel, pastor, officiating. Groom member of North Manchester First Brethren Church.
Wanda Underwood to Dale C. Hagerich, June 2, at Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral Point, Pa.; Carl H. Phillips, pastor, officiating. Groom member of the Vinco Brethren Church. Debra Kay Gable to Robert Kent Swihart, May 26, at the Loree Brethren Church, Bunker Hill, Ind.; Rev. Austin Gable officiating. Bride member of the Loree Brethren Church.
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Goldenaires
William and Ruth Meinke, 65th, June 24. Members of the First Brethren Church, South Bend, Ind. Mr. & Mrs. Don Leckey, 52nd, June 21. Members of the Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral Point, Pa.
Mr. & Mrs. George A. Leidy, 56th, June 12. Mem- bers of the Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral Point, Pa.
Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Ford, 55th, June 6. Mem- bers of the Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral Point, Pa.
In Memory
Kenneth J. Benshoff, 31, July 10. Member of the Sarasota, Fla., First Brethren Church. Services by Chaplain Navy Capt. Lacy Harwell and Dr. J. D. Hamel, pastor.
Leslie "Ted" Stutzman, 75, June 28. Member of the Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church. Ser- vices by Clarence R. Kindley, pastor.
Bay iSmith, 92, June 20. Member of the South Bend, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services at the Winding Waters Brethren Church, Elkhart, Ind.
Mrs. J. Raymond (Salena) Sohutz, 85, June 15. Member for 59 years of the North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Woodrow Immel, pastor, and Dr. A. Blair Helman. (Mrs. Schutz was the widow of Dr. J. Raymond Schutz, pastor for 22 years at North Manchester.) Alice Zimmerman, 72, June 10. Member of the Gratis, Ohio, First Brethren Church. Services by Gene Hollinger, pastor.
Liked July "Perspectives"
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for printing Clarence StogdiU's excellent article "Building on Bedrock" in the July issue of the Evangelist.
The thoughts and ideas are clearly stated and come out of his experience, I'm sure. The subject is timely, pertinent and "right on" for us Brethren.
I greatly appreciate such articles of truth, thought and biblical backgrouaid.
This was a real perspective for the eighties!
— ^Bev Summy Ashland, Ohio
26
The Brethren Evangelist
hooks
The U.S. Senator from Ida Grove
Harold E. Hug^hes, The Man from Ida <jlTOve by
Harold E. Hughes with Dick Schneider (Chosen Books. 1979, 346 pp., $10.95 hardback).
This book tells the life story of Harold E. Hughes, former governor of Iowa and former United States Senator.
Hughes w£is a poor farm boy who won the struggle against poverty. As a teenager he began to drink. He continued drinking while serving in World War II, and his desire for alcohol became worse after he was discharged. He reached the point where he felt the world would be better off without him, but as he prepared to commit sui- dde, God spoke to him. This call changed his life.
At that time Hughes was employed by a truck- ing firm. His job involved him in working out problems with the Iowa Commerce Commission. This led to his being employed by that commis- sion, which in turn led to the governorship of Iowa and eventually to the U.S. Senate. Many seemingly impossible situations were completely turned around for Hughes because he allowed God to take control.
During his years in politics, Hughes was always concerned with the underprivileged and alcoholics and did much to benefit them. He is presently involved in a ministry to alcoholics.
In reading this book, I was impressed by the way Hughes allowed God to work in his life and by the fact that he is not ashamed to testify of his faith in Jesus Christ not only to national lead- ers but also to leaders of the entire world.
I would recommend this book to anyone who
would like the assurance that we do have some Christian leaders in our country.
— Pat Dovey
Pat Dovey is an employee of the Brethren Publish- ing Company and a member of the Ashland Garber Brethren Church.
Love and Perseverance
My Son Johnny by John Edmund Haggai (Tyn- dale House, 1979, 240 pp., $4.95 paperback).
This is the story of John Haggai, Jr., a brain- damaged dhild who until his death at age 24 was unable to feed himself and could utter only two syllables. It tells of a boy with a beautiful spirit in an inadequate body.
It is also the story of Christine, Johnny's mother, whose love for her son made the crushing task of caring for him a channel of God's grace. Through her unshakeable faith she was able to draw from Johnny responses others thought impossible. Her patience was remarkaiWe,
For those who suffer or must watch others suffer, this book speaks of God's sovereignty and of the power of persevering prayer. Its aiuthor, John Haggai, is also author of the best-seller. How to Win Over Worry.
— JuHe Flora
Julie Flora is a member of the Park Street Brethren Church and a part-time employee of The Carpenter's Shop,
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August 1979
27
God^s Means of (jrace
by C. F. Yoder
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"r^The Brethren ^ •
bvangelis
Sepfember 19
1979 Conference Report beginning on page 11
WORLD RELIEF
ACTION
Rev. Prasanth Kumar distributes buckets to cyclone victims.
Here are samples of compassion and aid we Brethren have been a part of in recent months through the World Relief Corporation of the National Association of Evan- gelicals. Our concern and dollars do count to help extend the hand of Christ in these ways.
Brethren giving in the first 6 months of 1979 was about $800 short of the pace for the $31,650 in our record-breaking year of 1978. I hope we'll respond well this fall to rise even higher . . . and help even more in 1979.
Phil Lersch, Chairman, Brethren World Relief Board
India
On May 12th a devastating cyclone hit the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh (where our Brethren missionaries, the Kumars, live) destroy- ing nearly half a million homes. Although there was some damage to the Brethren Mission prop- erties, it was light in comparison with other areas. Furthermore, the total loss of life was only about 300, which is also low by comparison to previous cyclones and tidal waves. But many people were suffering for want of food, drinking water, and medical supplies.
The World Relief Corporation responded with $3,000 (sent through our Brethren Mission Board) for relief work directed by Prasanth and Vijay Kumar. These brothers surveyed the cyclone- affected areas and selected those most in need of medical assistance, food supplies, and clothing — which they distributed in the name of Christ.
Uganda
On the heels of an 8-year blood bath by Idi Amin, Jerry Ballard flew to Africa on April 20th. His mission was to evaluate the needs of suffer- ing thousands whose lives were ravaged by terror- ism and war. Ballard met with government and church leaders to arrange the most effective and expeditious means of channeling aid to the people.
WRC shipped 1,250 pounds of medical supplies into the area, including medicines and much need- ed surgical instruments. They also pledged an initial $100,000 to relief effort in Uganda.
A religious leader recently stated: "It is essen- tial that a Christian ministry of reconciliation accompany the relief effort. There is a great need in Uganda for spiritual healing as well as meeting physical needs of our people." To accomplish this goal, World Relief is channeling its aid primarily through the churches of Uganda.
Boliva
Floods swept across Bolivia in February, dis- placing hundreds of families and causing exten- sive damage to buildings and crops. WRC respond- ed with $10,000 for food, clothing, and medical supplies — as well as needs relating to immediate reconstruction and rehabilitation. The grant was channeled through the association of evangelicals in Bolivia.
Jerry Ballard, executive director of World Relief, stated, ""Heartwarming stories have already come out of this situation which tell of poor but gen- erous Christicms of Bolivia taking flood victims into their homes, sharing what little they have in this time of crisis."
Jackson, Mississippi
In April disastrous flooding in Jackson prompt- ed a swift response from World Relief. Even be- fore flood waters crested above 18 feet, WRC ad- vanced $;35,OO0 to aid in the relief of flood victims forced from their homes.
The First Presbyterian Church, cooperating with the Salvation Army, provided hundreds of meals served daily at the church. Seventy-five volunteers worked in shifts to prepare food for distribution. Additional hundreds of meals were taken to other locations by means of Salvation Army mobile units.
An estimated 17 to 20 thousand persons were evacuated from affected areas, in what was the worst flood in the history of Jackson in terms of water depth, damage to property, and dislocation of people. Jerry Ballard stated: "The world served by World Relief begins at home. Christian com- passion recognizes no nationality. In the spirit of Jesus Christ we want to share with as many as we can in relieving suffering in times of distress."
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Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist (USPS 064-200)
Editor:
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Consulting Editors:
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Contributing Editor: Alvin Shifflett
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Published monthly for the Brethren Church by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805. One year subscription rates: $6.00 for 100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents Change of address: Please notify us at least three w^eeks in advance, using the form provided in each issue. Authors' views are not necessarily those of the Brethren Church or the Brethren Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad- dressed to the editor. A writer's packet with query tips is available upon written request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited material not accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Second class postage paid at Ashland, Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
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Cover
During the 1979 General Conference the conditional theme, "If My People Will," became the assertion, "My People Will!" See the special Conference report beginning on page 11. Cover design by Howard Mack
Vol. 101, No. 9
September 1979
4 Pro-Life vs. Abortion:
Putting God's Law Above Man's
by Harold Walton
6 I Am the Church
by Susan E. White
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties 8 Being What God Intends
A portion of Moderator Duane Dickson's address to the 91st General Conference of the Brethren Church.
1979 CONFERENCE REPORT
11 Introduction and Monday
Opening service; Children's conference.
1 2 Tuesday
BYC Moderator's address; Ashland Theological Seminary inspirational service; 1979 Crusader review.
1 4 Business
Introduction; Publishing Company endowment fund plan; Moderator's recommendations; Proposed denominational organ- ization; Expression of support for Ashland College.
1 6 Wednesday
Messages by Rev. Sanford C. Mitchell; Ashland College inspirational service.
1 8 Auxiliaries
Woman's Missionary Society; National Laymen's Organization; National Ministerial Association; Sisterhood of Mary and Martha.
20 Thursday
Laymen's inspirational service; Board of Christian Education inspirational service; ABCT luncheon.
22 BYC Convention
Overview; Project report; Officers; Anything Goes competition.
24 Friday
W.M.S. inspirational service; Children's musical; All-Conference banquet; Fasting banquet.
26 Conference Miscellaneous
"My People Will!"; 1980 Conference theme; Board of Church Properties' report; New Conference officers.
September 1979
PRO-LIFE vs. ABORTION
Putting God's Law Above Man's
by Rev. Harold W. Walton
ABORTION is one of the great moral issues of our time. Currently, over 1,000,000 babies are being aborted each year — approximately one out of every four that are conceived.
As Bible-believing Christians, we stand against this moral outrage, just as the church has consistently done down through the centuries. God's law stands above man's law. When His law is flagrantly and re- peatedly violated, we warn men of the divine judgment that will inevitably fall upon them unless they repent.
The Bible teaches that the life in the womb is indeed a human person. (See Gen- esis 25:23; Jeremiah 1:4-5; Psalm 51:5; 139:13-16; Matthew 1:20; and Luke 1:15, 31, 41, 44.) Without question, human life begins at conception — at the union of the sperm and egg. A new person is formed at that moment, programmed for and moving toward maturity as an adult human being. The child is dependent on his mother for food and a protected environment, but he is a distinct person from his mother. At 18- 25 days the child's little heart begins to beat, using his own blood supply and cir- culatory system. Brain waves can be de- tected before the end of the second month of pregnancy.
Abortion kills this innocent human life and is therefore a violation of the sixth commandment, ''You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). God says that we do not have the prerogative of deliberately taking innocent human life. The Supreme Court now says abortion is permissible, but God's law is above man's laws.
What are some of the reasons given for a woman's right to an abortion? We are told that a woman has the right to the privacy and control of her body. According to this argument, the fetus is part of the woman's body. Therefore she can do with it as she pleases. But the developing child is not strictly part of a woman's body. It is a separate human being whose rights
Rev. Harold W. Walton is pastor of the Second Brethren Church, Johnstown, Pa.
must also be considered. A woman's right to control her body does not give her the right to kill her developing child. Once a child is conceived, abortion is not a private matter between a womain and her doctor but a public moral matter, since another human life is involved.
The vast majority of abortions are per- formed today for no other real reason than that the woman so chooses. This is abortion on demand. Those who support these abor- tions say, ''If the child isn't wanted, isn't it better for it to be killed?" Since when is "convenience" or "wantedness" a higher value than the sanctity of innocent human life ? If the baby is unwanted, it can be given up for adoption, not killed. Many homes would gladly receive an "unwanted" child.
What about cases where the life of the mother is at stake. This is a rare problem today. With modern medical techniques, almost never is the life of the mother threatened by her child. But in the few cases when it is, I believe everything pos- sible should be done to save both the life of the mother and the child. If in seeking to save the life of the mother, the conceived child dies, then the principle of double effect applies (an undesired bad effect comes as a result of seeking a good effect).
We're told that many times for the mental well-being of the mother she should have an abortion. In other words, avoiding psychological pressure is more important than the sanctity of an innocent human life. One thing that is somehow left out of this argument is the tremendous feeling of guilt experienced by many who have had an abortion. Greater psychological damage results from having an abortion than from allowing the child to be born and giving it up for adoption.
What if the parents can't afford the child? Isn't abortion permissible? In other words, is avoiding economic difficulties more important than human life? No. Most families in America can "get by" with another child if they want to. If not, the child can be placed up for adoption if necessary.
The Brethren Evangelist
Five Brethren from the Johnstown, Pa., area participated in a "March for Life" in Washington, D.C., on January 22, 1979. The insert shows (left to right) Fern Yarnick and Byron Phillips from the Vinco Brethren Church, and Rev. Walton, pastor of Johnstown Second.
Instances of rape and incest are certainly tragic, but pregnancies resulting from these are rare. Even then, two wrongs don't make a right.
In regard to retarded or deformed babies, I still insist that the abortionist does not have the right to destroy their lives. Taking innocent human life is a prerogative that belongs only to God.
We're told that if a human life amend- ment were passed, women would die at the hands of ill-qualified, criminal abortionists. Reasoning this way, we would conclude that if you can't stop murder, then legalize it. If you can't stop illegal abortion, then legalize the immorality of abortion.
The low premium placed upon human life by the Supreme Court (Roe versus Wade) will very possibly lead in the not too distant future to euthanasia. If unborn children can be killed because they are un- wanted, what of unwanted old folks whose lives are no longer "meaningful"? What of those whose biological worthiness does not meet certain standards? Pretty soon we're into a Nazi mentality.
Dr. Everett Koop, a famous pediatrician, in his book The Right to Live; The Right to Die recognizes that in ministering to patients, errors in judgment are possible. Therefore he tries to err only on the side of life. Oh, that this had been the spirit of the Supreme Court. It has made a tragic de- cision from which America will reap a ter- rible harvest. God is alive! He sees and will judge! As Christians, let us support and
work for a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution protecting the lives of the unborn. Elect reputable, pro-life candidates, and don't give up until the victory is won!
In conclusion, let us remember that abor- tion on demand, which is so common in America today, is just one symptom of a deeper ailment that is plaguing our country. America is rejecting the God of the Bible, the great truths of historic Christianity, and the simple gospel message of Christ's death for our sins and His offer of forgive- ness and eternal life to all who will believe in Him.
A Human Life Amendment is not enough. The real problem is deeper than this — in the heart of man. He is a sinner and needs to be saved. God's offer of mercy extends to all who will come to Him. Let us not only support the pro-life movement against abortion, but also God's pro-life movement with regard to salvation. He desires all to experience that gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Praise be to Him! n
Recommended reading:
Brown, Harold O. J. Death Before Birth. New York: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1977.
Koop, C. Everett. The Right to Live; The Right to Die. Wheaton, III.: Tyndale, 1976.
Shoemaker, Donald. Abortion, the Bible, and THE Christian. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker, 1976. For pro-life material contact:
Helen Boyer, 4OO Constable Ave.
Johnstown, PA 15904 Phone: HI 4-266-4819
September 1979
I AM THE CHURCH
by Susan E. White
Artwork by Susan White
The Brethren Evangelist
I
AM THE CHURCH. Although I am usually associated with the period of time following the ministry of Christ, my beginnings actually stretch far back in the corridors of time. All those who in sincerity have joined with God in covenant and have partaken of His Holy Spirit are a part of me. The Book of Hebrews, chapter 11, lists some of my great leaders of early days, including Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Samuel, and David, just to mention a few.
It is with the time of the New Testament that I become most apparent as a struc- tured entity. For it is then that the Holy Spirit is offered with power to all who believe. Up until this time the followers of Yahweh were comprised, for the most part, of members of the Jewish nation. This was the boundary which defined them. Christ came to bring salvation and reconciliation with God to all mankind. Therefore the old Jewish boundary was shattered and new boundaries were established encompassing those from every nation. I, the church, was formed.
To describe me adequately is indeed a difficult task. I am a creation of the divine mind, designed for eternal purposes. There- fore, human descriptions are imperfect. This should not lead to despair, however, for much can be understood about me through the various images used to describe me in God's Word.
I am like a royal kingdom, with Christ as my King righteously ruling over those who would be a part of me. I am like a grapevine, with its roots held firmly in this earth. Christ is its strong, central Vine from which all the branches proceed and receive that which is necessary for their susten- ance. I am similar to a flock of sheep whose wise Shepherd is Christ, guiding and direct- ing their lives from day to day.
I am like a family of children who have been adopted by a loving Father, and who have received the same inheritance as their noble Brother, Jesus. I resemble an army, being led out by its strong, courageous General — the Lord Jesus — against the evil one. I function like a human body made up of countless cells which perform their own tasks, yet which cannot function without the direction of their Head, Jesus Christ. I resemble a bride, prepared for and devoted only to one Husband, Jesus Christ, to whom I give all my love.
Susan White is an Ashland, Ohio, resident and a member of the Park Street Brethren Church. She received a master of arts degree in hibUcal studies from Ashland Theological Seminary this past June.
All of these images help to describe my various aspects. Within them is revealed my passivity and my activity, my duty and my devotion. Yet there are two things which cannot go unnoticed in each — the unity of the believers and the Lordship ox Christ.
That which has been called by my namo throughout the centuries has often been a very distorted image of me. A political organization run by corrupt, power-hungry
"My purpose is first of all to pro- claim the spiritual Good News of Christ to all people."
men whose goal is the suppression of others is not the church. A building, no matter how glorious or "holy," no matter how simple and "pious," is not me. Neither a system of rituals nor a book of rules expresses my desires.
I am the ecclesia, the "called out ones," called out to actively believe in Christ, mak- ing him manifest to the world. My purpose is first of all to proclaim the spiritual Good News of Christ to all people. This is accom- plished by the multitude of mission work carried out by my members, and more im- portantly by the unity of love which is made manifest to the world. Being present in the world, I must also instruct society in right- eousness, justice, and morality.
My purpose is also to overcome the evil one in whatever way he manifests himself. This "holy war" against evil fought within the context of the life of love includes feed- ing those who are hungry, caring for ones who are sick, providing shelter and clothing for those in need. Perhaps these things do not sound very "spiritual," but I, as Christ's body on the earth, must reach out as He did and minister to the needs of the whole person.
Oh, how important is the unity of love within me ! By this the world can see Christ. The Spirit who fills each believer binds these believers together and causes them to be one. My responsibility is to teach them to grow and mature in that oneness. This is accomplished through the various gifts of the Spirit manifested within my members. Although my visible structure has become split and divided as various denominations have been formed, the unity of all true be- lievers under the Lordship of Christ cannot be destroyed.
One way which the unity is demonstrated is through the symbols which Christ left
September 1979
for us. Each believer goes through the common experience of baptism as he enters into me. Baptism does not ''do" anything to the individual, but it does dramatize various aspects of his entrance into the life in Christ. It is first of all a sign of the covenant, just as circumcision was a sign of the old Jewish covenant. The believer demonstrates his obedience as he goes through this ritual, declaring his agreement to the covenant. This act symbolizes the cleansing of the old sin nature and the purity with which he may now begin his new life.
It is unfortunate that down through the years my members have distorted the intent of baptism, looking at it as if that act itself accomplished salvation. They have also hindered the unity of the body as the mode of baptism became a disputed issue. In reality the manner in which it is done is not important to me, as long as the meaning is not lost in the process.
The other symbol reveals the unity of my members even more vividly, so much so that it is even sometimes called the ''Com- munion." On the last night before Jesus' crucifixion, He explained that He was to bring in the new covenant by His blood, through His death. He passed the wine, representing His blood, for all to drink ; He passed the broken bread, representing His body, for all to eat. Together, sharing this common symbolic meal, they became par- takers in this new covenant. "Do this in remembrance of Me," Jesus told them. And so my members over the years have remem- bered and taken part in this common ex- perience of the Lord's Supper.
Although for the disciples it was a time of sadness, knowing that their Lord would soon be facing a time of suffering, it is now a Eucharist — a time of thanksgiving for believers. As with the symbol of bap- tism, the symbolic act of the Lord's Supper has also been distorted. To many it has become almost a magical rite, taking on more significance in itself than the Lord it represents.
My life in this world has not been an easy one. There are those who have persecuted me in an effort to destroy me. I have suf- fered and been torn by controversies and schisms within my members. At times it looked as if I would be overwhelmed by the political structure which surrounded me. But I have always survived and have come out stronger because of it all. I will not be crushed, for within me flows the life of the living Christ, and He who began this good work in me will perfect it in the day of Christ Jesus. Q
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photo by Bruce Ronk Moderator Duane Dickson
T WANT you to know that this message grows out of a deep love and concern for the Brethren Church. Therefore I make my own brief statement of faith. I believe that the Bible in its entirety is the inspired Word of God, and I believe the practices of the Brethren Church best fit the man- dates of the Scriptures. That's the reason I am a Brethren!
I want to see the Brethren Church become a growing church, actively reaching out to all who need Christ and leading men and women to a closer walk with Him. We can be what God intends us to be if we are willing to pay the price. The question is, Are we going to do it?
Problems
I don't like to talk about problems! Nevertheless, it is absolutely necessary to inspect ourselves critically if we are to properly diagnose ourselves and prescribe a proper cure. Therefore I would like to discuss several things I have observed about our church.
We are often majoring in the minors. We tend to focus our efforts on the things we cannot do or are unproductive at doing, and neglect the things we can and should be doing. How can we win more people to Christ and keep them? We had better be finding an answer to this question!
Let's put the incidentals in the proper place on our priority list. I'm tired of attending conferences and meetings to bs entertained by some cute or innovative pro- gram when I am surrounded by people who need and want the tools to be good disciples. We need a revival! Let's get out of our spiritual never-never land.
We seem at times to be afraid to take a stand on moral issues. We have to be very careful here or we can again become legal- istic, but there are certain statements in Scripture that dictate how a Christian
8
The Brethren Evangelist
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Being What God Intends
should conduct his life. If God has spoken plainly on an issue, then we had better listen and mold our lives around His re- quirements. When God speaks plainly, we had better act boldly.
"We can be what God intends us to be if we are willing to pay the price.
There are churches throughout our de- nomination where opportunity to publicly accept Christ is not given regularly, if at all. We believe that man is lost without Christ. This belief should mandate a planned program to lead people to Christ and give them the opportunity to publicly accept Him. Our worship services should be planned with this evangelistic thrust clearly in mind.
In some areas of the church there seems to be a total lack of commitment to the commission of Christ. The need to involve more people in the church is recognized, but when new people are reached, accept Christ, become members of the church, and seek to become involved, they are often pushed aside. Some of our beloved brethren seem to be afraid of losing their positions of power in the church. The contrast be- tween commission and self-interest is obvious.
We need to learn to love one anoother. We need to concentrate on developing and enhancing brotherly love at the denomina-
Rev. Dickson is pastor of the Walcrest Brethren Church in Mansfield, Ohio, and for the past year served as Moderator of the Brethren Church. This article is part of his Moderator's address to the 91st General Conference of the Brethren Church.
September 1979
by Rev. Duane Dickson
tional, local, and individual levels. It must be love without qualification. It must be love that brings trust. When we become a concerned, caring people expressing Christ's love openly to one another, we will then be open to be used by Christ.
In some churches we have had a terrible misuse of spiritual gifts. Groups of people have taken one spiritual gift and have based their whole theology on that gift. Churches have been torn apart. Christians have been turned against Christians. Christ's work has been seriously hindered and even de- stroyed. Satan is the great imitator. He can take that which is good and use it to his advantage. If churches are being torn apart, then Satan most certainly has his hand in it. God does not want His church torn apart !
We have stewardship problems. Incomes are up, but church giving is down. When church giving is down, denominational pro- grams suffer first. Most of our national boards are using up reserves rapidly. If we are going to continue to build churches and send missionaries, we had better eval- uate our giving to some of the other in- terests that constantly bombard us and begin supporting the Brethren Church. And we had better begin using the tithe as a basis for our giving. I know that the major denominational boards are presently examining their spending patterns to insure you the most for your money.
The positive side
I don't want to allow our self-examination period to become an obsession and to spend all our time staring at the freckle on our big toe. Self-examination is necessary and good if used as a tool to direct us in future actions. Let us therefore look at some of the positive things that are happening in our church.
Some of our churches are showing
u
When we become a concerned, caring* people express- ing Christ's love openly to one another, we will then be open to be used by Christ/'
growth, and I want to commend them for their faithful service. They are an example to the rest of us that church growth is possible if proper principles are used.
We are also beginning to plant new churches in areas where there are multi- tudes of people who need Christ. This is where we should focus our efforts, our money, and our best leaders. We have learned from experience, and great progress is evident. Careful planning and training coupled with concentrated outreach will al- ways give results.
Another area with positive outreach po- tential is our work in Colombia and Mexico. Here the harvest is truly ripe, with multi- tudes of people eager to hear and respond to the gospel. Our potential in these mission fields is limited only by financial resources and qualified workers. The men and women working in these areas are highly qualified, dedicated, and willing, but they are only a few in a vast area. We need to continue to support them with our prayers and our dollars. We also need to train our young men and women from childhood to recog- nize the call to missions, whether it is next door, through financial giving, or by direct participation on the mission field.
A Brethren revolution
Let's start a revolution in the Brethren Church! It must begin in the local church. It cannot be brought about by legislation at the national level. It requires a revival at the local level. This revolution must begin with our will or determination. We must first will or determine that we can accom- plish what Christ has commissioned us to do, and we must recognize that our first and major responsibility is to build His church. We must determine the course of action that will guarantee that Christ's message is proclaimed in our community and then be willing to pay the cost of ac- complishing that goal. We must totally focus all our available resources to the task at hand.
We have the available resources. We have Christ dwelling within us. Our strength is the strength He gives. Our
wisdom is the wisdom He gives. Our power is the power He gives. I am thoroughly convinced that He is able and willing to provide all that we need to make the Brethren Church grow. Our capability for growth is limited only by how well we respond to His command to serve.
We have the loist multitude around us. We face the reality that we are living in a pagan world. We are totally outnumbered by the non-Christians. This means that the field for evangelism is unlimited! It would seem from accumulated evidence that we do not believe the biblical message, are not willing to commit our lives to the gospel mandate, are letting the world dominate our lives, or do not really know what it means to be lost, God has chosen us to proclaim to the lost of our communities the truth about salvation through Christ. The indictment is there: WE HAVE NOT BEEN PERFORMING VERY WELL.
We have the instrument to proclaim the gospel. This instrument is a church that is committed to Jesus Christ, founded on the truth of the Scriptures and the Great Commission. The direct and primary re- sponsibility of the church is to find lost people and lead them to the point where they can discover Christ and learn to follow Him.
As I traveled throughout our denomi- nation during the past year and visited the various district conferences, I sensed a genuine concern about the Brethren Church. Out of this growing concern is developing the concept that THE BRETHREN CHURCH CAN GROW. It is my earnest prayer that we will fan this spark of desire into a flame of evangelism that will per- meate the entire church.
God does have a plan for the Brethren Church. That plan is GROWTH. Whether or not that plan is fulfilled is going to de- pend on our response to God's command to evangelize. We have the people; we have the church. All we need is the personal commitment to accomplish what God has demanded of us. O
10
The Brethren Evangelist
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The Conference banner, painted by Howard Mack, proclaimed the Conference theme. Photo by Bruce Ronk
7979 Conference Report
The 1979 General Conference of the Brethren Church, held August 13 through 17 on the Ashland College campus, is now history.
What happened during this, the 91st General Conference of the Brethren Church? This is the question this special report seeks to answer.
Assisting the Evangelist staff in providing answers
to this question were a number of helpful reporters. Their names appear at the conclusion of their re- ports. Reports without names were written by the editor.
It is our hope that this special report will provide you an overview of what happened at the 91st General Conference of the Brethren Church.
Opening service sees Brethren kneeling
The opening program of the 91st General Con- ference of the Brethren Church was a "Service of Scripture and Song" centering on the Conference theme text, II Chronicles 7 : 14.
Scripture texts, read by Charles Eeekley, were Psalm 100, Habakkuk 3:2-19, I Chronicles 28:1-9, IJohn 1:5—2:2, and Isaiah 53:1-5. Rev. Peter Roussaki gave a brief commentary on each of these texts.
Songs for the service were sung by the congre- gation and by a choral ensemble directed by Brad Weidenhamer, which sang the anthem "If My
People . . ."
The service also included congregational prayer, a brief time of testimonies, and a World Relief filmstrip.
Of interest about the service was that all present kneeled for the congregational prayer. One woman commented during the testimonies that this was the first time she had ever seen the Brethren at Conference kneel to pray.
The service was sponsored by the Worship Committee of General Conference in cooperation with the World Relief Board.
Children's conference a success
Something new was added to General Confer- ence this year. It was Conference sessions for grade-school age children, sponsored by the Board of Christian Education. Two sessions were held daily, Tuesday through Friday, at the Park Street Brethren Church.
Heading up the children's conference were Linda Beekley and Jeff and Nancy Lentz, assisted by a number of Brethren people from Ashland.
The theme for the week was the fruit of the spirit. During the morning sessions the children engaged in a variety of activities designed to teach them about bearing spiritual fruit. During the afternoon sessions they learned the songs to "The Music Machine," a musical about the fruit of the spirit. They also practiced for a performance of the musical, which they presented on Friday afternoon.
A total of 39 children from 14 different church- es participated in the children's conference, with 25 attending for the entire week.
photo by Bruce Ronk Jeff Lentz teaches the children a song from "The Music Machine" during children's conference.
Judging from the enthusiastic response of the children, the fine musical, and the comments from parents, this first children's conference was a success — and should become a continuing part of General Conference.
September 1979
11
Fuesday
BYC Moderator addresses youth and adults
As a Conference first, this year's BYC Mod- erator, Mr. David Kerner of Fort Wayne, Indiana, presented his Moderator's address to a combined audience of youth and adults. Mr. Kerner, a senior at Ashland College majoring in religion, addressed the Conference on Tuesday afternoon.
The Youth Moderator, who is often teased about being short, began his message by likening himself to the Old Testament governor of the Jews, Nehemiah (knee-high miah).
In a more serious vain, David noted that he had grown up with a Christian background. Neverthe- less, when he went to college and began rooming with a devout Christian, David realized that his own Christianity was a veneer and that his cross was a balsa wood cross. Since that time, and par- ticularly through his experience as a Summer Cru- sader and Mission Intern, ministry has become a way of life for him.
The Youth Moderator read several verses from Haggai chapter one, in which the prophet chastizes the Jews for living in paneled houses while the Temple lies in ruins. Mr. Kerner applied this to America, where Christians live in comfort while the world lies in ruins. The world is the temple, and the poor are those whose house is not built.
Having spent the summer in Mexico where he saw poverty first hand, David commented that we in America need to appreciate what we have in this nation of plenty. He added, "So often we don't appreciate anything: we have, let alone all that we have."
He concluded his remarks to the adults in the audience with the remark, "My challenge to you as adults is to consider what we are doing in our denomination with our time, our talents, and our resources."
Turning to the youth, the BYC Moderator called their attention to Isaiah's vision in the Temple (Isaiah 6). He drew three points from Isaiah's experience.
First, Isaiah's vision came in a common experi- ence of life, not in the spectacular. Isaiah lived in Jerusalem and often went to the Temple. Likewise God can meet us in our regular worship services, not just in some special convention or evangelistic service.
Second, when he saw the Lord, Isaiah saw his own sinfulness. God is holy and is calling us to a righteous lifestyle. Third, Isaiah's commitment to go was a response, not a reaction. We should like- wise respond, not just react, to God's call.
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photo by Bruce Ronk BYC Moderator David Kerner
In the final portion of his address, the Youth Moderator made several recommendations to the BYC Convention. These included the need for better communications between national, district, and local BYC organizations; the need for better communications between the national Moderator and the district BYC organizations; the need for each district to evaluate its organization and to make necessary changes; and finally the need to extend the influence of National BYC so that it is not limited to one big "poof" at the national Convention.
Mr. Kerner concluded his message with a challenge to the youth that they "consider what the Lord is doing in your life and what He is calling you to do."
Listen, respond,
The excitement of good music, the voice of an unseen spokesman, and the challenge of three pro- fessors set a mood of expectancy during Tuesday's Ashland Theological Seminary inspirational service.
Music was presented four times throughout the service by seminary student Ron Williams and his choral ensemble. Selections included original com- positions by Williams and fresh arrangements of traditional hymns.
"The Voice" introduced each of the three sec- tions of the program — listen, respond, and pro- claim— ^with appropriate Scripture texts.
Dr. Jerry Flora said the Brethren Church and Ashland Theological Seminary have been called to be the people of God and to accomplish His purposes. "The church is not anything or anyone that begins with human beings," he said. "The church begins with God."
He noted that love is the central theme in God's plan. "But love is not empty-headed. It has sub-
12
The Brethren Evangelist
About half the 134 crusaders from the past 10 years were present for the 10th anniversary celebration.
1979 Crusader Review
One of the outstanding programs of Conference was the Crusader Review on Tuesday night. This imaginative service — organized and emceed by Mr. Mark Baker, assistant to the Director of Christian Education — impressed, amused, and thrilled the full house that witnessed it.
Crusader Review, as the name suggests, was primarily a look back at the 1979 Summer Cru- sader and Intern program of the Brethren Church. This year's Crusaders and Interns used a variety of means to tell about their summer work.
Both the Ed North Crusaders and the Mission- ary Interns used slide presentations to relate their experiences. The Ed North group combined some zany slides with more serious pictures of their summer work, thereby both informing and amus- ing the audience. The Missionary Interns took a unique approach. Their slide presentation was narrated by Satan, who viewed the Interns' work in Tijuana, Pasadena, and Mexico City as a threat to his hold over people's lives.
The Crusader team Ed South recounted their experiences in rhythm and rhyme. They read a poem they had written which gave the highlights (and some of the lowlights) of each week of their summer.
The musical unit Promise used puppets to nar- rate their crusading activities. Their summer
reminiscences, which might have been boring had they related them, were a delight when put in the mouths of their puppets.
The two Camp Crusaders livened up their account of their six weeks in two different camps with bits of humor and some congregational sing- ing of camp songs. Then followed the Church Staff Interns. After Mary Ellen Bates gave a good report of her work at Brethren House, Evan Bridenstine nearly brought down the house with his musical rendition (he sang and played the piano) of his summer as an intern at the Pitts- burgh Brethren Church.
These young people are to be commended, not only for their Christian service this past summer, but also for the creative way they reviewed their service for the 1979 General Conference.
This was the tenth anniversary of the present Crusader program. Therefore following the pres- entation by this year's Crusaders, a birthday cake was lit and the congregation sang "Happy Birthday." At this time Dr. Fred Burkey, retiring Director of Christian Education, was honored for his leadership of the Crusader program during the past ten years.
Recognition was also given to all the 134 Crusaders and Interns who have served during these ten years.
proclaim — themes of seminary service
stance." And quoting Matthew 22:37, he empha- sized that loving God includes "with all thy mind."
"Ashland Theological Seminary, as an arm and a creation of the Brethren Church, has the oppor- tunity to be a model of the church and a model for the church in demonstrating that kind of love," he said.
Dr. Charles Munson spoke on God's specific call to men and women to serve Him. He cited three examples of churches and individuals. Com- mon to each was a deep concern that young people be open to a call from God, and an active involve- ment in helping them hear and respond.
"Our homes and churches must be 'hearing- aids' for God's call. . . . Our churches, our homes, and the seminary help our young people to develop, but the call comes from someplace else," he said.
Speaking on proclamation. Dr. Richard Allison said, "Preaching is neither the preparation nor the opportunity to display that preparation. . . .
It is not the delivery of sermons."
Instead, he said, preaching begins with the preparation of self. "There must be something of substance to share."
He also noted the importance of the body of believers. "Preaching is an act of the community of believers. God's Spirit is speaking to all His people. It's the function of the speaker to 'strike the spark' in each one that sets them aflame."
Dr. Joseph R. Shultz closed the service with remarks about the past year at the seminary. Noting the diversity of backgrounds found in the student body, he observed, "Somehow God has brought to the seminary a spirit of love and ecumenicity that all the church organizations have been unable to bring about in 30 or 40 years. My only regret is that the Brethren Church has not grasped this same openness."
"God cannot bless His people if we're not open, loving, and gracious," Shultz concluded.
— Ronald W. Waters
September 1979
13
Business
Conference conducts business, holds elections, hears reports
A total of 486 delegates registered for the 91st General Conference of the Brethren Church. This was 31 more than last year, which may reflect the change made in the Manual of Procedure in 1978 giving each local church an additional delegate to Conference. (On the other hand, if every church had taken advantage of this change, the delegate total would have increased by more than 100.)
Conference business sessions were held each morning, Tuesday through Friday, from 10:00 to 11:30.
Much of the work of General Conference is done by its officers and by its various boards and committees. Therefore much of the time during business sessions was taken up with elections and v/ith reports of the work of these officers, boards, and committees.
The Conference did take significant action in several areas. In addition to acting on the recom- mendations of Moderator Duane Dickson, the Conference also approved implementation of one phase of a proposed change in denominational organization, passed two motions concerning Ashland College, and approved the Brethren
Publishing Company's plan to establish an en- dowment fund. Each of these actions is dealt with in greater detail in separate articles on these two pages.
Pyblishing Company plan
for endowment fund approved
General Conference approved the plan of the Brethren Publishing Company to set up an en- dowment fund to help finance Brethren publica- tions.
According to this plan, the Publishing Company would seek to secure gifts and bequests which the company would invest in the Revolving Loan Fund of the national Missionary Board to be used to help build Brethren churches. The interest from this investment would then be applied toward the annual deficit of the Brethren Evangelist.
According to the plan, once the endowment fund is large enough (approximately $450,000) so that the interest could cover the yearly deficit on the Evangelist and the annual Publication Day Offering, it would no longer be necessary to receive the annual offering.
Moderator's Recommendations
The General Conference Moderator presented his address to the Conference on Tuesday morn- ing. A portion of this address is printed on pages 8 through 10.
In his address, the Moderator presented five recommendations to the Conference. These recommendations, with the action taken upon them, were as follows:
1. I recommend that the National Ministerial Association consider the possibility of a min- isterial accreditation procedure and guidelines on the national level. (There is a provision for annual review on the district level of ministerial standing in the Manual of Procedure, ch. 2, sec. 1, art. 8). Perhaps provision could be made to channel this information into a national com- mittee. I feel that, in the interest of congrega- tional government, facility of interview, and convenience, the district examining boards should remain intact. I feel that a committee should be formed out of the National Ministerial Associa- tion to review standing, difficult situations, and r.ny problems relating to ministerial needs.
The Conference referred this recommendation to the National Ministerial Association.
2. I recommend that we review and renew
our commitment to the basic biblical stand of the Brethren Church, and that we present the Brethren in a positive way to our respective communities.
The Conference referred this recommendation to local Brethren churches that each local church might review its commitment in its community .
3. I recommend that the 1981 Conference focus on the positive aspects of the Brethren Church.
This recommendation was referred to the Confer- ence Executive Committee.
4. I recommend that we establish growth priorities for the denomination on a national, district, and local level, and that we establish means for fulfilling these priorities. This is ab- solutely essential.
This recommendation was also referred to the Executive Committee in cooperation with the retiring Moderator and in consultation with na- tional, district, and local leaders.
5. I recommend that all organizations request- ing special rooms for meetings (at Conference) assume the cost of renting the rooms they use, beginning with the 1980 Conference.
This recommendation was accepted and will be implemented beginning with next year's Conference.
14
The Brethren Evangelist
Conference approves first phase
of proposed denominafional organization
A matter of business which generated consid- erable interest was a proposed change in denom- inational organization.
According to this proposal, three denominational executives would be established by General Con- ference through its executive committee, instead of the present single executive. The three would be a director of pastoral ministries, a director of denominational business, and a director of de- nominational ministries.
The director of pastoral ministries would work in the area of pastor-church relations, serve as a counselor to pastors, and assist churches which are seeking new pastors. (He would not, however, act as a "bishop" and place pastors in churches.) He would also work with a coordinating com- mittee made up of the chairmen of the district boards of evangelists (or their equivalents).
The director of denominational business would attempt to coordinate the business interests of the denomination. He would work in particular with the Brethren Publishing Company, the Retire- ment Board, and the Stewardship Committee.
The director of denominational ministries would serve as a coordinator of the ministries of the denomination, particularly the ministries of the Board of Christian Education, the World Relief Board, the Benevolent Board, and the Missionary Board.
This proposal does not do away with anything in the present denominational structure. It only attempts to provide men who can coordinate the present structure so that it will function better. Also, only one phase of this proposed organiza- tion was presented for enactment this year — the establishment of a director of pastoral ministries.
After considerable discussion, the Conference delegates voted to accept the report of the pro- posed denominational organization and to imple- ment the first phase, the establishing of a direc- tor of pastoral ministries. It was reported later in the Conference that funds in excess of $20,000 are available for implementation of this phase.
(An article giving further information about the proposed denominational organization is planned for the November Evangelist. Ed.)
Conference expresses support for Ashland College
During the two weeks preceding Conference, the executive committee of the Board of Trustees of Ashland College found it necessary to grant AC President Arthur L. Schultz a leave of absence and to appoint Dr. Joseph R. Shultz as interim president. (See the article on Ashland College night on page 17 for more information.)
These distressing times for the college prompted Rev. Dale RuLon to make the following motion:
We, the Brethren, gathered in the 91st Gen- eral Conference of the Brethren Church, wholly support Dr. Joseph R. Shultz as Interim President of Ashland College. We support him with our prayers and our finances as he assumes the leadership of the college.
We pledge our support to the purpose of Ashland College, that of training young men and women in their vocation with a strong foundation of biblical principles upon which they may mold their lives.
We, as The Brethren Church assembled in Ashland, Ohio, on August 15, pledge our sup- port to the administration, faculty, and trustees of Ashland College.
May God richly bless Dr. Joseph R. Shultz as he assumes the presidency of Ashland College.
During discussion of this imotion, a substitute
motion, that the Conference stand in prayer and pledge its prayerful following of the situation as it has confronted Ashland College, was intro- duced. After considerable discussion, the substi- tute motion was defeated and the original motion was passed.
Later in the week, Mr. Thomas Stoffer, on behalf of the AC Board of Trustees, presented the following response to the action taken by the Conference: "The Board of Trustees of Ashland College expresses its deepest apprecia- tion for the resolution of concern and support of the college at this time in its history."
Mr. Stoffer also reported that in their meeting the trustees unanimously approved a resolution that "the Board of Trustees pledges itself to its best efforts not only to the continuance but also the upbuilding of Ashland College toward the traditions upon which it was founded."
Mr. Stoffer further stated that the board ex- pressed its concern at some of the campus activities and indicated its willingness to help the administration in the review and modification of the rules that govern student activity.
Following this report from the Board of Trustees, a motion was made from the Conference floor and passed by the delegates that "this Conference go on record as supporting the trustees and administration of Ashland College in any effort to eliminate alcoholic beverages from the campus."
September 1979
15
Wednesday
Conference speaker asks. "Does God Yell?"
"Does God yell? . . . Does the Lord of all the universe have to rely on raising His voice?" These were questions raised by Rev. Sanford C. Mitchell, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church of Ashland, Ohio, in the first of his three inspiring and challenging messages to the 1979 General Conference. *
Pointing to instances in the lives of such biblical personalities as Samuel, Abraham, Elijah, and Saul (Paul), Rev. Mitchell asserted that God does yell. Loudly and insistently God tries to break through our stubbornness, our pride, and our lack of attention.
After presenting the biblical evidence. Rev. Mitchell then asked, "Does God yell now days?" "I think he does," he answered. God is yelling at us through our polluted lakes, the energy crisis, the breakdown of families, and the decline in church membership. God yells at us individually by increasing our opportunities or by putting obstacles in our paths.
"The Lord does try to get through to us," said Rev. Mitchell. "He will try again and again. He will cry louder and louder until He is yelling in our ears."
According to Rev. Mitchell, God not only yells at us, calling us insistently to do His work, but He also provides us the power to do that which He wishes to have done. In his second message Rev. Mitchell set forth three truths about this power.
"We have the raw power of the Holy Spirit. . . . You have the power of the risen Christ. And there is no power in this world it won't conquer," Rev. Mitchell declared. This is the power that enabled Peter and John to heal the cripple in the Temple (Acts 3) and to speak boldly before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4).
The power of the Holy Spirit is at work not only in us, but in a host of believers whom God has raised up to support and strengthen us. Therefore we should never feel alone or that the Lord's work is going badly because it is going badly for us. The power of the Holy Spirit is at work in the saints throughout the world.
Furthermore, we and the power of the Holy Spirit are a combination that cannot be beat. "We are going to win," Rev. Mitchell proclaimed.
Rev. Mitchell concluded this message by asking "So what?" We have the power of the Holy Spirit. So what? He gave three answers: (1) We should
* Rev. Mitchell spoke in the place of the scheduled Conference inspirational speaker, Rev. Peter Unruh, who was unable to attend the Conference. With only two week's notice, Rev. Mitchell was able to prepare three exceptionally fine messages.
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photo by Bruce Rcnk ,| Following one of his three messages, Rev. Mitchell (left) visits with one of the Conference delegates.
hear the Lord and obey, for He will support us with His power. (2) We should take our gifts to Jesus ; Plis power will multiply them to accomplish His will. (3) We should never be discouraged. We have the best and highest gift in the world — the Holy Spirit — and in that gift we shall prevail.
In his final message Rev. Mitchell began by saying that God not only calls us and gives us the power to do His work. He also comes to us with the reminder that we are the redeemed of the Lord — ^and it should show.
He told of two men who worked side by side in an office. Only after many years, and quite by accident, did they discover that they both were Christians and members of the same denom- ination.
According to Rev Mitchell, the fact that these men had worked together year after year and their Christian faith had never shown through was "unmitigated disaster." Then he asked his audience, "On your job can you remember the last time your faith broke through?"
"Our personal lives should radiate the joy of the Lord," Rev. Mitchell said. This joy should be shown by the things we do (not just what we say), by the things we don't do, and by our good works.
The fact that we are the redeemed of the Lord should also show in our congregations. The lives of our congregations should radiate the love of the Lord, Rev. Mitchell said. This love of the Lord should be seen in our worship services, in com- munity outreach, and in our loving attitudes toward one another. We are the redeemed of the Lord, and it should show.
16
The Brethren Evangelist
t^
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j?fr.f ' "3
Joseph Shultz presented as AC Jnferim president
pnoto by Bruce Ronk Dr. Joseph Shultz
The Ashland College presentation on Wednesday night opened with enthusiastic singing followed by comments by Dr. Frederick Burkey, AG's Director of Religious Affairs and Campus Min- istry. Dr. Burkey reported on the progress and activities of the ministry on campus during the past year, and looked to the opportunities ahead.
"I believe that the time is right for us to have a good ministry on our campus," he stated. He reported that his work, along with that of his associates Jim Miller and Judy Gifford, had fol- lowed a low-key course stressing friendship evangelism. Progress was definitely made, for throughout the year individuals came to Christ through small group activities, Bible studies held in the dorms, and personal interaction.
In looking over some statistics. Dr. Burkey found that those individuals most involved in the church had come through Ashland College. "I'm convinced that the Brethren Church will benefit, as it has already benefited in the past, by con- tinuing to work with Ashland College to make and keep it the kind of school for our young people," he stated. He went on to encourage the Brethren by presenting ways they could help bring more Brethren students to AC. One of these ways is to face the college as it is — a place to minister and to be ministered to, as well as a place to receive a valuable education. The second way is by helping to support the Brethren students more with their ever-rising college expenses.
Next, Elton Whitted, Chairman of the Ashland College Board of Trustees, shared about the time of crisis which the college had just gone through. He said that even though Dr. Arthur Schultz had met a need when he became president of Ashland College by helping to restore unity between the college and the church, nevertheless he was unable to develop the community spirit and trust needed to lead the campus. This resulted in a loss of confidence in his leadership on the part of the college faculty and staff. When this loss of con- fidence was brought to the attention of the executive committee of the board, this committee, after much prayer and consideration, made the decision to release Dr. Schultz from his position.
The next formidable question was, who could fill the void and serve as interim president? After considering many factors, the executive committee selected Dr. Joseph Shultz as the right man for
the job. The factors considered were: 1) The position needed to be filled as quickly as possible. 2) Dr. Joseph Shultz was the senior vice-president, had a long association with the college, and knew the problems as well as anyone. 3) He had proven administrative and fund-raising abilities. 4) He could maintain improved relations with the Brethren Church. Dr. Whitted stated that the board had pledged renewed and continued support to the college and to Dr. Shultz with a commit- ment to be more aware of the problems being faced. He expressed his hope that the Brethren Church would do the same.
Dr. Joseph Shultz's opening comment was re- ceived with a burst of applause, as he said con- fidently, "My first job is to make a success of it. God doesn't begin things to have them aborted." He encouraged the Brethren not to get overly concerned that things at the college will fall apart, but to look at the cycles of up's and down's that institutions go through.
Dr. Shultz went on to say that it is time to think realistically about how to represent Jesus Christ in the liberal arts college of today. The college is not a church whose job is to teach the specifics of the faith and to baptize individuals. Rather, it is a place to live out the Christian life in ethics, science, philosophy, music, and every other area — for they are all created by God. All the facts of the world are of God, and as they are taught, they should be taught from a Christian perspective. This means that when faculty and staff are hired, their personal religious back- ground needs to be considered to see if they can fit into a Christia,ii liberal arts college.
Dr. Shultz confidently affirmed that it is God who moves us forward according to his eternal plan, and this point of history has also been brought together by God. "We live in a day of unparalleled opportunity," he said. "Truth is so needed in the world in every segment. This is our challenge." He closed by having the Conference join him in a prayer of thanksgiving and commit- ment to the work God has entrusted to them.
The final part of the program was a resolution of appreciation by the Board of Trustees in honor of Clarence King of the Smithville Brethren Church for his 20 years of service as a loyal member of that board.
— Susan White
September 1979
17
Auxiliaries
We are Goof's People! is W,M.S, fheme
I I
"We are God's people!" This declaration was the theme for the 233 delegates, officers, and guests of the Woman's Missionary Society during the 1979 General Conference of the Brethren Church.
When the women gathered each afternoon, they entered into a time of devotion guided by women from the Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Florida districts respectively. Each devotion featured a different aspect of the text from II Chronicles 7:14.
W.M.S. president, Mrs. St. Clair Benshoff, pre- sided over the daily business meetings. On Tues- day she also presented her presidential challenge to the women. She asked if we have a "bug's-eye view" or a "God's-eye view" of our mission on earth. She stated that we need to get up from our comfortable, safe surroundings and see the needs of the world! We can do this by getting involved, by sharing our faith, and by giving, praying, and reading God's Word. These things will help us to know just what our mission is. Mrs. Benshoff said, "We can't see the greatest work God has for us unless we get the God's-eye view!"
Four special features of the women's conference were:
(1) A daily morning prayer time in which we were to "ask, seek, and knock" as we entered into His presence.
(2) The W.M.S. luncheon held in the college library. Here we "wove" many friendships and selected prayer partners for the year.
(3) An "Involvement" workshop, led by Mrs. Donald Rowser, who challenged us to reach those young mothers in our churches by involving them in the W.M.S. work in a variety of ways.
(4) A public service, featuring Rev. Kenneth Solomon, Missionary to Colombia.
The week brought cause for much praise and thanksgiving! Here are a few of the reasons: — The women chose to support a new evangelistic
outreach in Argentina in the coming year. — Over 500 blankets were gathered to be sent to
the World Relief Corporation. — Over $10,000 was collected for Operation Impact
in Florida. — A "Praise the Lord" offering for missions
totaled over $3,000. —The regular Thank Offering, also designated for
mission work, brought in nearly $10,000.
Yes, there were many reasons to be thankful as the women fellowshipped with one another during Conference week. As their theme suggests, "We are God's people, born of His spirit." There- fore, as we enter into a new year of Woman's Missionary Society work, may we give our gifts to God (whether they be serving, teaching, caring.
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As the W.M.S. societies brought their project offerings for Operation Impact, oranges were picked to symbolize this "harvest of ingathering" for home mission work in Florida. Approximately $10,000 was received. photo by Dick Winfield
giving, working, or praying) so that His work on earth will be done!
— Karen Weidenhamer
Laymen continue support for Campus MJnisfry
The National Laymen's Organization (N.L.O.) met daily, with President George Schuster and Vice President Richard Morris presiding. Follow- ing is a run down of their sessions. Tuesday
Dr. Fred Burkey, Ashland College's Director of Religious Affairs and Campus Ministry, reviewed the Campus Ministry activities for the past year and set forth the plans for this year. He thanked the laymen for their support and asked for their continued backing. He also explained plans for an Ashland College Christian Center, to be located in the AC chapel.
Jim Miller, Dr. Burkey's assistant, spoke of the joy he has experienced working with students. Wednesday
Rodger Geaslen conducted a memorial service for 12 laymen who died during the past year.
Virgil Barnhart reported that the Task Force on Boys' Brotherhood is recommending use of Christian Youth Crusader materials in Boys' Brotherhood meetings. Mr. Barnhart also empha- sized the need for strong leadership for boys in the local church. Thursday
During the Ingathering for the 1979 laymen's
(continued on page 20)
18
The Brethren Evangelist
Brethren mJnisfers hear speakers; conduct business
Brethren ministers met each afternoon, with Ministerial Association President Gene Hollinger presiding over business and offering challenging thoughts to open each session.
During the first meeting some precious moments were spent remembering the influence of ministers who passed away during the past year.
A discussion of "Forum" revealed that while most pastors wish to read articles by other Brethren pastors, few feel they have the time for research and writing. It was suggested that a topic be chosen for each issue and deadlines set to stimulate a more effective sharing.
The change in the retirement plan drew much discussion. There was much praise for the efficiency of the present hospitalization plan.
With evangelism to be the heart of the 1S80 General Conference, a presentation by John Dillon
of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn. on evan- gelistic campaigns was well received.
Of the many reports, perhaps the most stimu- lating was the presentation by Juan Carlos Miranda and the Mission Interns on the work in Mexico. The work is young, but the response is great. It challenges us to step out in faith believ- ing that Christ will bless our efforts.
Kenneth Solomon spoke of the need of the "Hidden Ones" in Colombia — people of the middle and upper classes who appear self-assured yet lack God's presence in their lives. These, too, are responding after careful nurture. Rev. Solomon invited Brethren to come and not only see the work in Colombia but to share in it.
Officers elected for the coming year were Kent Bennett — pres., Gerald Barr — sec.-treas., and John Shultz — asst. sec.-treas.
— Larry Bolinger
Girl of the Year presentafion Kighlighl- of Sisterhood meetings
National Sisterhood meetings were held each afternoon at General Conference this year. Al- though the attendance was not large, those girls and patronesses who came had an enjoyable time. The theme for the week was that each of us is a unique creation of God and we should get to know ourselves better. The program leader was Elma Delagrange, national SMM patroness.
At the first meeting we talked about our local and district SMM groups. Churches from several districts were represented, and we had a helpful time of sharing problems and progress. Many good comments were made about the materials that our Sisterhoods are using.
On the second and third days, we worked in eight-member groups, answering short discussion questions, filling out questionnaires, and studying the Bible. In this way we got to know and appre- ciate each other better.
The last day was given over to evaluation and awards. Past SMM president Linda Zerbe present- ed an excellent devotional, and we discussed sug- gestions for next year's Conference program. The highlight of the day was the presentation of the Girl of the Year award to the young lady who accomplished the most in SMM in the past year. Kathleen Wilson, president of the Pennsylvania district SMM, received the award, and Clista Azbell, an officer in the Indiana district SMM, was honored as runner-up. Both girls deserved
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photo by Dick Wmfield Kathleen Wilson {left) of the Masontown, Pa., Brethren Church was chosen Sisterhood Girl of the Year, and Clista Azbell of the College Corner Brethren Church {near W abash. Ind.) was Jionored as runner-up.
these honors for their work and commitment to SMM.
We closed our last meeting with a circle of prayer, thankful for Sisterhood and committed to service through SMM in the future.
— Norma Waters
September 1979
19
Laymen's sessions
(continued from page 18) project $1,716 was received for the Ashland College Campus Ministry. This was only a part of the total amount received, since laymen's organ- izations have been sending in their money through- out the year.
Mr. Archie Nevins, recipient of the 1979 laymen's scholarship for a seminary student, sang and brought a message, as he expressed his thanks to the laymen for their help.
The laymen adopted as their 1980 project $6500 for the Ashland College Campus Ministry and $500 for a scholarship for a seminary student. Friday
Officers were elected as follows: President — Richard Morris; Vice President — James Payne; Secretary — ^Rodger Geaslen; Assistant — Sam An- derson; Treasurer — ^Jack Stombaugh; Assistant — Owen Nye.
Dr. Jerry Flora presented a message on the great truths in the hymn "Amazing Grace." He also related the story of John Newton, who wrote the words to this hymn.
Following his message, Dr. Flora installed the 1979-80 N.L.O. officers.
Church Growth Models
Four growing Brethren churches made presen- tations as models of church growth on Wednesday afternoon of Conference.
Two of these growing churches are located in Indiana — ^^the First Brethren iChurch of Nappanee and the Jeffersoo Brethren Church near Goshen. Rev. Alvin Shifflett, pastor at Nappanee, made the presentation for that church. The program and activities of the Jefferson church were described by its pastor. Rev. Jack Oxenrider.
The other two models of church growth were Ohio churches — the Gretna Brethren Church near Bellefontaine and the Garber Brethren Church of Ashland. Rev. Leroy Solomon made the presenta- tion of the work of the Gretna church, assisted by Mrs. Phyllis Jerviss. Jack Dovey, vice moderator of the Garber church, told of the progress of that congregation.
These four churches will be highlighted in coming issues of the Brethren Evangelist.
'/■^^
Xhursday
Laymen's speaker urges
"God's people" to abstain from the world
One of the most basic yet inspiring programs of Conference was the Laymen's Public Inspira- tional Program, held on Thursday afternoon.
The program began with an invocation by Floyd Benshoff, who then led the congregation in singing "Rise Up O Men Of God." Dick Morris, vice president of the National Laymen's Organ- ization, then introduced the "Gospel Sounds," a musical group froim the Akron, Ohio, area. These musicians treated the audience to a series of con- temporary gospel songs, including "God's Wonder- ful People," "He Touched Me," and "Through It All."
The speaker for the service was Lieutenant Glenn Walp from the Greensburg Barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police, who is also an ordained elder in the Christian Church. In his message Lt. Walp pointed out that numerous times in the Bible we find the statement, "I will be their God, and they will be my people." This theme, "My People," permeated his whole message, as he cited numerous texts from both the Old and New Testaments which proclaim this truth.
Lt. Walp challenged his listeners to remember that they are God's people, and, as such, that they should lead lives that would be pleasing to Him. He illustrated his message with personal insights gained from serving on the State Police force. Concerning their life with God, the listeners were told, "Don't fool around." Also in reference to the opportunities of the Conference sessions, Lt. Walp said, "Don't leave Conference empty-handed." In general, Lt. Walp urged his hearers to abstain from the world because we are God's chosen people.
The message of this enthusiastic speaker pro- vided everyone present with a challenge to examine his own personal lifestyle.
The program was closed with a benediction by Dick Morris.
— Kenneth Hunn
Seven workshops were held during Conference. These included workshops on "Boys' Brotherhood Ministry," "Developing a Disciplined Life," "WM.S. Involvement," two on "Sunday School in the 80's," and two on "Music with Children and Youth." Three workshops on "Leadership in the Growing Church" were canceled because the leader. Rev. Peter Unruh, was unable to attend Conference.
Pictured is Mr. Virgil Barnhart (right) as he leads the workshop on "Boys' Brotherhood Ministry." photo by Bruce Ronk
20
The Brethren Evangelist
Rodney Toews speaks af BCE service; Beverly Baer is Educator of the Year
The Goshen, Indiana, church walked away with outstanding honors at the service sponsored by the Board of Christian Education.
Miss Beverly Baer was honored as the 1979 Christian Educator of the Year. Beverly has been active in the W.M.S., a SMM patroness, church school teacher of several different ages, and a Christian participant in the community. She is a school teacher during the winter, but has used her summer vacations as a volunteer at Krypton, Ky., and Herndon, Va. Recently she organized a children's summer program in her home town.
Runners-up for the award were Patricia Andress of the Garber congregation in Ashland, Helen Gillis of County Line, Jack Tobias of Nappanee, and Bonnie Roberts of Roanoke.
In addition to Miss Baer, the staff of the Goshen church school was lauded for its outstanding and successful program. The Reverend Brian Moore presented the Sunday School of the Year Award to the team: Pastor Spencer Gentle, Assistant Pastor Dan Gray, and Superintendent Mrs. Rosalie Miller, who shared the recognition, just as they have shared plans, implementation, and achieve- ments. Congratulations were given to the Lanark church school as the runner-up.
Special recognition was given to Linda Beekley, and Jeff and Nancy Lentz for their children's ministry during Conference week, and to Dr. Frederick Burkey, the outgoing Director of the Board. Dr. Burkey, in turn, recognized those with whom he worked: Brian Moore, the outgoing president of the board, and the office staff: Norma Waters and Mark Baker. Norma will become a domestic engineer, and Mark will conclude his education at the Ashland Theological Seminary. Included in this fall's term for Mark are eight weeks in Medellin, Colombia.
Charles Beekley was introduced as the new Director of Christian Education. Charlie pledged his efforts in cooperation with God, the Board, and us — ^the Brethren Church — for a successful ministry together. At the present time, Charlie does not plan to add new programs, but will build upon those already established. He looks upon his work as an exciting challenge, and an awesome responsibility.
The address for the program was preseinted by the Reverend Rodney Toews, vice president of ministries at Gospel Light Publications in Glen- dale, Calif. Mr. Toews used the verses preceding the Conference text (IlChron. 7:14), particularly II Chronicles 7:3: ". . . all . . . worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, 'For he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever.' " He then presented three principles from the Conference text: You are commissioned to present the Word
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At the hcjnmn^ of his achhcss^ Rev. Rodney Toews acknowledged his striking resemblance to the TV personality "Kojak" by putting a sucker in his mouth. photo by Bruce Ronk
of God in its fullness; let nothing move you; and give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.
Mr. Toews believes and practices that the areas which affect a man's life should be in the proper perspective: God, wife, children, and church. When these priorities are in order, time will be adequate for other opportunities for service.
Mr. Toews concluded by reading the Conference text: "If my people . . . will humble . . . pray . . . seek . . . turn . . . then will I heal. . . ." through the ministry of Jesus Christ through your life.
Special music for the program was presented by Promise, the Summer Crusader music unit. Brian Moore presided over the service, and Richard Allison, the new C.E. Board president, prayed the benediction.
— Joan Ronk
Third annual ABCT Luncheon
The third annual ABCT Luncheon was held August 16th at General Conference. About 150 people attended, and all enjoyed the buffet lunch served by Fern Smith.
Following the meal, Charlie Beekley, the new Director of Christian Education, asked each person present to fill out a form evaluating and making suggestions for the work of the Association of Brethren Church Teachers. Then the group was led in devotions and singing by Rev. Rod Toews of Gospel Light Publications. All present were well fed, both physically and spiritually.
— Norma Waters
September 1979
21
BYC Convention
Youth Convention includes Bible study business, fellowship, and fun
The 1979 National Brethren Youth Convention was held in Ashland, Ohio, August 13 through 17. Nearly two hundred youth attended and explored the theme "Seeking and Serving . . . Where God Calls." The Convention offered many opportun- ities for fellowship, fun, and serious Bible study, in addition to the business sessions.
The week began with a time for getting ac- quainted and fellowship on Monday evening, following the General Conference opening service. Small group Bible studies held each evening on every dorm floor provided the youth an oppor- tunity to study God's word in a personal way each night.
Tuesday evening saw the presentation of the 1979 Summer Crusader teams in "Crusader Re- view," which topped off a day which included the opening business session, the youth march, and Moderator Dave Kerner's address to the General Conference. *
Wednesday, Dr. Jerry Flora, professor of Chris- tian theology at Ashland Theological Seminary, presented an inspirational message to the Con- vention on "Seeking." "Harmony," a eontemporary Christian musical group, presented a concert in the evening.
The youth were up bright and early on Thurs- day for the kick-off of the 1979 "Anything Goes" competition. That afternoon Mr. Archie Nevins, pastor of the Columbus, Ohio, Brethren Church, spoke to the youth concerning "Serving." Conclud- ing the day was the observance of Communion at
* For a report of BYC Moderator Kerner's address, see page 12.
, %
photo by Bruce Ronk
Dr. Jerry Flora presented a mesage to the youth on ''Seeking."
the Park Street Brethren Church. The 209 youth attending this service were challenged to full commitment to Christ and His calling.
Friday was the concluding day of the Conven- tion, with the final competition of "Anything Goes" in the morning. That afternoon, "Anything Went," the closing session of the Convention, saw the presentation of the awards for individual youth group accomplishments, "Anything Goes" winners, and the installation of the 1979-80 BYC officers.
— ^Mark Baker
BYC surpasses project goal
During the 1979 National Brethren Youth Con- vention, the national youth organization held its Ingathering for the 1979 budget /project. This year $13,838.81 was received, surpassing the goal of $13,300.00. It is expected that total monies col- lected and pledged will reach the $14,000.00 mark by the October 31st deadline, making this the highest amount reached by the national youth organization.
The Sarasota BYC received recognition as the number-one contributor to the Ingathering, bring- ing $1715.16. Park Street BYC gave the second highest with a total of $1500.00. St. James was third with $1000.00.
Over the past year these monies were raised to support the national youth organization and its
various areas of ministry. Monies are dispersed to cover part of the operational costs of the organization, as well as to provide travel aid for delegates attending the National BYC Convention. However, the major emphasis of the budget is the national project, which this past year ^vas the new mission work in Mexico.
BYC organizations have already begun raising support for the newly adopted budget of $13,300.00 for 1980. The National BYC has chosen the en- dowment fund of the Brethren Publishing Com- pany and the Summer Crusader Program as its new project. Over $6,000.00 will be designated to these projects for the coming year.
— Mark Baker
22
The Brethren Evangelist
Dave Kerner elected to second term as Youth Moderator
The 1979 National BYC Convention re-elected David Kerner, a senior at Ashland College, as its Moderator for a second term. The election of officers took place on Thursday of the BYC Con- vention week. Kerner is from Fort Wayne, Ind., where his father is the pastor of the Meadow Crest Brethren Church. His father, Rev. William Kerner, will serve as the General Conference Moderator for 1980.
Elected to serve as Vice Moderator was Jean Troup, also from the Meadow Crest Brethren Church. Jean will be a junior at Anderson College, where she is majoring in Christian Education. She is also currently serving as president for the Northern Indiana District BYC.
Susie Rowsey, who served this past year as Assistant Secretary, will serve as Secretary for the coming year. Susie is a senior at Williamsport High School and a member of the St. James, Md., Brethren Church.
The new Assistant Secretary for National BYC, Margaret Ronk, will enter Ashland College this fall. Margaret is from Ashland, Ohio, where she is a member of the Park Street Brethren Church. She will major in music at AC.
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David Kerner
photo by Bruce Ronk
Russell King, from the County Line Brethren Church, will serve as Treasurer. Russ lives in Peru, Ind., and will be teaching math this fall at Maconaquah Junior High School.
Serving as Statistician will be John Crowe. John is from Bremen, Ind., and a member of the Nap- panee, Ind., Brethren Church. He will be a fresh- man at Ball State University majoring in business.
— ^Mark Baker
Florida wins "Anything Goes" competition
Florida was again named the winner of the "Anything Goes" competition this year at the 1979 National BYC Convention, after sweeping most of the events with a number-one placing. The team from Florida was also the winner of the 1978 competition.
County Line was named first runner-up for the event, with Maurertown placing third.
The "Anything Goes" competition was a part of the overall activities of the National Brethren Youth Convention. The Ashland College intra- mural field served as the playground for the games. Youth were involved in such events as "The Jello Mold," "Blindman's Basketball," "Great Galloping Box Cars," "The Hunt," and an obstacle course. These tested both the skills and endurance of the participants.
Those churches with youth participating in the 1979 "Anything Goes" were Sarasota, Bradenton, Town and Country, Burlington, Cerro Gordo, North Manchester, Lanark, Winding Waters, St. James, Mount Olive, Maurertown, Park Street, Bryan, Milford, Garber, County Line, Ardmore, Masontown, Roann, Lanark, and Washington, D.C.
— Mark Baker
photo by Bruce Ronk
One of the hif^hlights of the BYC Convention each year is the youth Communion service. This year the service was held on Thursday nii^ht with 209 youth attending. During the service approx- imately 190 of these young people committed them- selves to serve Christ.
September 1979
23
Friday
Women the unsung heroes of the missionary cause, Ken Solomon claims
"Where was the Woman's Missionary Society in the time of Jesus?" was the leading question of Rev. Kenneth Solomon's message at the W.M.S. Inspirational Service on Friday afternoon. Re- ferring to Luke 8:1-3, Rev. Solomon answered that there were women using their resources to help Jesus during His earthly ministry. Those women then, just as the women of the Woman's Mission- ary Society today, were sacrificing to advance Jesus' work.
Rev. Solomon, a Brethren missionary to Colombia for the past 5V2 years, thanked the Woman's Missionary Society for its active sup- port of Brethren missions in Medellin, Colombia. He reported that there are 172 baptized members of the newly organized Colombian Brethren Church and many home Bible studies ministering to people's spiritual needs. He cited several Colombian "sisters in the faith" who are leading others to Christ. He commented that these women, like the W.M.S., are the unsung heroes of the missionary cause.
The Inspirational Service was also a time for music and prayer. The music included a violin solo by Margaret Ronk, a piano prelude, and group singing. Mrs. Judi Gentle led the prayer time in which the needs of each Brethren mission area were specifically remembered.
—Kitty Winfield
''•A $,
photo by Dick Winfield Rev. Kenneth Solomon
m %
On Friday afternoon children who had attended the Conference sessions for children presented "The Music Machine," a musical about the fruit of the spirit. Standing by the music machine above are (left to right) Jenny Baker, Glenn Black, and Jeff Lentz, who presented the spoken parts. Soloists for the performance were Chrissy Sullivan, Andy DeVeny, Joe Gilmer, Steve Gentle, and Jenny Baker.
photos by DicK Winfield
24
The Brethren Evangelist
photo by Howard Mack
"Your body and mine is worth $6.50 in chemicals until you add life. . . . The church is just another club until you add life— life through Jesus Christ," Dr. Paul Hiebert told those attending the mission- ary banquet which concluded the 1979 General Conference.
Dr. Hiebert was born of missionary parents in India where he also served later as a missionary of the Mennonite Brethren Church. He is now a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Dr. Hiebert went on to say that life is not, as some think, in the city or in the church, but it is in Jesus Christ, and we must get close to Him. Our task as Christians is to give life to one another, to build up the body. The body, in turn, is called to give life to the world. As Christ's body we should be reaching out in friendship and evangelism.
Earlier in the program Jeff and Nancy Lentz, new tentmakers to Brandon, Florida, gave a clear ringing testimony through the hymn "My Faith Looks up to Thee." Then just before Dr. Hiebert's message, Bill Skeldon, pastor of the Oak Hill Brethren Church, reminded us of Jesus' command to be His followers through a beautiful rendition of the song "Follow Me."
Spencer Gentle, president of the Missionary Board, presented the following special guests who made brief remarks: Ken Solomon, missionary on furlough from Colombia, asked us to think, act, and pray for missions. Missionary Juan Carlos Miranda told of the openness to Christianity he has found in Mexico. Dave Kemer, Mission Intern, who worked with the Mirandas this sum- mer, thanked the church for this opportunity.
Rev. Gentle also presented Donald Rowser and J. D. Hamel, who had served 18 and 14 years respectively on the Missionary Board. Each of these men received a plaque for his service to the board.
This year's Conference offering goal was $15,000, designated for the work in Mexico. The amount received at the banquet was $11,300. (You may still give to help reach the goal by sending your contribution to the Missionary Board.)
The church just another club until you add life thru Christ, mission speaker says
Virgil Ingraham, General Secretary of the Missionary Board, spoke briefly of the partner- ship that must exist between the local church and the board. Bill Kemer, the new Conference Mod- erator and also vice president of the Missionary Board, presented the Conference theme for the coming year, John 14:1. The huge banner at the front of the banquet room which depicted this theme was designed by Ann DeVeny. It showed the continents of the world over which were written the words of Jesus, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This same design was on the buttons which functioned as banquet "tickets."
As we left the banquet hall our buttons flashed with greater meaning than before. We know Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We have that life. He is expecting us, as part of His body, to give life to others.
As Dr. Hiebert said, "In addition to winning our children and our neighbors, we must win those of different cultures, different languages. We must send out missionaries. God give us that vision for another year."
— Alberta Holsinger
World Relief Board announces new emphases at fasHng banquet
The World Relief Fasting Banquet was held at noon on Conference Friday. The informal pro- gram, which followed a meal of rice and water, included singing, a song by Shipshewana 1978 senior campers, a sharing of ideas from the book Hunger Awareness Dinners written by Aileen Van Beilen, and a litany emphasizing our need to respond to the world's suffering and need.
During the banquet World Relief Board Presi- dent Phil Lersch announced that the board is adding two new emphases to its efforts at world relief.
The first of these is an emphasis on refugee resettlement. Brethren churches will be receiving information on how they can aid in resettling dis- placed families, working through the refugee ser- vice of the World Relief Corporation.
The second emphasis is a program of domestic disaster relief, in which Brethren men and women could travel to the scene of a domestic disaster (flood, hurricane, tornado, etc.) to participate in the relief operation. The board is exploring the possibility of working with the Church of the Brethren, which already has this kind of program in operation.
September 1979
25
Conference Miscellaneous
HODERAT
CONFEREHCE
// Chronkies 7/4
On the concluding day of Conference, the newly installed Moderator, Rev. William Kerner, chal- lenged the Brethren Church to translate this year's conditional theme, "If My People Will . . . ," into the reality — "My People Will/" Delegates from every local church were given signs to take home and hang on their pulpits the following Sunday stating "My People Will/" photo oy Bruce Ronk
%■ fe' "■.
■r
Brethren Church Properties, Inc. announces sole of properties
Upon the advice of numerous Brethren officials at the national level, the Board of Trustees of Brethren Church Properties, Inc., has concluded that the time is not "ripe" for proceeding with a national church offices building. Hence the properities have been sold with option to repurchase.
Individual letters to recent contributors will be forthcoming. But the board is taking this opportunity to announce that until further notice, no additional monies for this project should be sent to the board.
Our thanks go to those who have already contributed.
Dorothy I. Carpenter, Secretary
The theme for the 1980 General Conference will be "/ am the Way" from John 14:6. The Conference is scheduled for August 11 through 15, 1980, at Ashland College. The new theme was introduced at the all-conference banquet, which concluded the 1979 Conference. Pictured is the theme banner used at that banquet, which was made by Ann DeVeny of Ashland, Ohio. photo by Howard Mack
THOSE WHO WILL LEAD
At the conclusion of the final business session, retiring Moderator Duane Dickson (left) installed the new Conference officers.
Moderator for the coming year is Rev. William Kerner (at right of picture), pastor of the Meadow Crest Brethren Church in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Other Conference officers are (right to left) statistician — Rev. Larry Baker, pastor of the South Bend Brethren Church; secretary — Mrs. Jeanie Shultz, of the Tiosa Brethren Church; moderator-elect — Rev. Brian Moore, pastor of the Ardmore Brethren Church; — Mr. George Snyder, of the Ashland Park Street Brethren Church; secretary — Mr. Fred Horn the Ardmore Brethren Church; and assistant treasurer — Mr. Charles Beekley (not shown), of the Park Street Brethren Church. photo by
treasurer
, Sr., of
Ashland
Bruce Ronk
26
The Brethren Evangelist
photo by Bruce Ronk
II
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Support for this ministry comes in part from subscription fees. A small amount comes from advertising and from con-
'Y'^The Brefhren -f ® j
Evangelist
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October
update
Ex. Com. announces plan for implementing phase 1 of denominational reorganization
! !
The General Conference Executive Committee, moving toward implementation of Phase I of the denominational reorganization plan — the establish- ment of a Director of Pastoral Ministries — developed a course of action at its meeting, held September 28-29 at Fort Wayne, Ind. The essence of the plan involves a gradual changeover during the calendar year 1980, as illustrated by the chart.
day-to-day affairs of the General Conference office while coordinating the search for and transi- tion to a Director of Pastoral Ministries. That task , should be accomplished in time for the new direc- tor to be introduced to the 1980 General Confer- 'i ence. The director would then begin his work September 1, 1980. !
The General Conference Executive Committee
Mr. John Rowsey will co- ordinate the transition to a Director of Pastoral Min- istries. He will work with Rev. Smith Rose until Rev. Rose's termination on March 31st and will assist the new Director of Pastoral Minis- tries as he phases into his responsibilities beginning Sep- tember 1st.
Interim General
Conference Coordinator
Mr. John Rowsey
Executive
Secretary
Rev. Smith
Rose
L
director of Elfetoral Ministries
■*■■
Jan. 1 1980
March 31 1980
Sept. 1 1980
Dec. 31 1980
The Reverend Smith Rose has indicated his desire to conclude his role as Executive Secretary of the Brethren Church at the end of March 1980. Until that time he will be assisting in the initial reorganization. Rev. Rose will be joined in his office January 1, 1980, by Mr. John Rowsey, who will work on a part-time basis as Interim General Conference Coordinator. Rowsey recently an- nounced the impending conclusion of his affilia- tion with the Brethren Publishing Company.
As Interim Coordinator John will handle the
Help Wanted
Married couple (those with children accepted) to accept a full-time relief houseparent position available at a home for troubled boys located 70 miles southeast of Chicago on a rural 105 acre Indiana setting.
Responsibilities are child care related only and include a full package of fringe benefits.
For more information, please call 219-956-3125. Christian Haven Homes, Rt. 1, Box 17, W^heat- field, IN 46392.
selected John Rowsey as coordinator of the transition effort because of his in-depth knowl- edge of Brethren polity and organization. An additional consideration was the fact that John is available on a part-time basis throughout 1980 and has a high degree of flexibility in his personal schedule.
Upon acceptance of the role of Interim General Conference Coordinator John said: "This first phase of our reorganization affords us an oppor- tunity to minister to the pastors and congregations of our denomination in new ways . . . ways that i we believe will help us build a stronger church, serving our God. I'm fortunate to be able to play a small part in helping bring it about."
The Executive Committee is also indebted to Rev. Smith Rose, who volunteered to step aside nine months prior to the expiration of his contract. Rev. Rose said his only goal is to cooperate with the Brethren "in any way that I can to help in the reorganization."
At the next meeting of the Executive Committee, scheduled for November 23-24, 1979, in Ashland, the job description of the Director of Pastoral Ministries will be finalized, and a timetable for seeking applications and interviews will toe established.
— Rev. W^illiam Kerner, Gen. Conf. Moderator and Mr. Charles Beekley, Asst. Treas.
The Brethren Evangelist
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T^^^ The Brethren
m ^ ihe Brethren ■ I
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Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
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Cover
For the Beauty of the Earth.
Every season of the year has its beauty and declares the glory of God, who created it all.
Vol. 101, No. 10
October 1979
4 Wednesday After-School Special
Kay Winfield walks you through this unusual weekday ministry of the Park Street Brethren Church.
Some Myths About
"Finding God's Will for Your Life
James R. Coggins analyzes some myths and presents some prac tical guidelines for determining God's will for our lives.
■I
Special Feoture: Perspectives for the Eighties 9 Catching a Vision of What We Can Do
Larry R. Baker looks at what we are doing and what we could do as a Brethren denomination.
Ashland College
12 Crisis, Challenge, Christ
by Dr. Joseph R. Shultz
13 Crisis: Brethren Student Aid
by Dr. Frederick T. Burkey
14 Challenge: Effective Campus Ministry
by Dr. Frederick T. Burkey
15 Crisis, Challenge, Opportunity
Departmen+s
16 The Salt Shaker
17 Update
ABOUT THIS ISSUE
Because of the special Conference report in last month's Brethren Evangelist, that issue contained no "Update" section, llierc/orc this month's issue includes an extended section of news from Brethren churches. We hope you will enjoy reading; these extra pai^'es of "news of the Brethren."
October 1979
by Kay Winfield
WALK into the Park Street Brethren Church fellowship hall on a Wednes- day afternoon with me. Before we open the door, we hear children's voices and a general commotion.
Opening the door we see the source of the noise — fifty children busily involved in a variety of activities. Out attention is immediately drawn to a somewhat tooth- less grinning youngster sitting on top of a six-foot stepladder. He's sitting directly below a sign taped to the ceiling labeled "Heaven."
You can't help but hear the next group — a table full of shouting children furiously exchanging cards. As you watch you realize that the game they're playing is like 'Tit"; however, the cards aren't oats and hay, but contain God's promises. It's a wild game, but according to the players, defin- itely fun!
The table in the far corner is a welcome contrast to the game table. It's quiet. Here eight children are wired for sound (wear- ing earphones) and sixteen eyes are focused
Mrs. Winfield is an instructor in the Ashland College Center for Eni^dish Studies. She also assists in the Wednesday After-School Special.
on a filmstrip of a Bible story. A fifth- grader has pulled rank on the others and is operating the small filmstrip projector.
Writing on the graffiti board against the wall seems to be a community project. See those older girls helping Angi, a first-grader, spell her dog's name — SHIVERS. That's what she's thankful for today. If we come back later, we'll probably see a picture of Shivers there also.
Over there are Pastor Beekley and Robbie, a fifth-grader, still working on a Bible puzzle. That's been a five-week project for them. Robbie probably won't remember Rev. Beekley's sermons, but he will recall the hours they spent working together on that puzzle.
"Baaa . . . Baaa. . . " Careful, we almost became part of a flock of sheep! Those sheep look deceptively like children in sheep's clothing, and the shepherd (the one with the towel slipping over her eyes) like my daughter.
Let's not get too close to the craft table. I'm not very talented at putting glitter on walnuts, are you? Instead, let's get away from all this activity and join the little girl looking at books on the furry rug in the corner.
The Brethren Evangelist
From this quiet oasis you might ask, "Is there a purpose and plan to all this noisy activity?" Yes, there is. The purpose of this program, called the Wednesday After-School Special, is to present Jesus Christ to these children. The children are not just from the Park Street congregation, but come from many denominational backgrounds. Some have not received any religious training. All the children were invited through the use of a flyer* sent to the neighborhood elemen- tary school.
Mrs. Alberta Holsinger, who conceived and directs the Wednesday After-School Special, sees this weekday children's ministry as having two functions. The first is to give additional Bible teaching to the children of the Park Street congregation. The second is to provide Christian training for neigh- borhood children and to draw the unchurched into our fellowship. These are the purposes of this program.
There is also a plan. Each week's activities are centered on a truth from a Bible story or passage. The truth is taught through many mediums: games, filmstrips, crafts, worksheets, music, puzzles, graffiti boards, drama, and memorization.
After sitting in a highly structured class- room all day, the children enjoy the freedom to choose the activities they want to take part in. Some move quickly from one to another; others enjoy lingering over only a few. The children know that they do not need to stay for the entire two hours.
The role of the adult staff, stationed near the activities, is not so much to lead as to assist. Sometimes the adults participate in the activities, especially in the games and drama. The children seem to especially appreciate the presence of men. Since this is a late afternoon program, some men on shift work are available to help. Retired men with patience and stamina are also tapped for this special ministry.
It's true that some noise and commotion, and sometimes some dirt, go with the Wednesday After-School Special. Neverthe- less, the purpose and plan of this unusual weekday ministry make it very worthwhile. The Wednesday After-School Special is an invitation from the Park Street Brethren Church to
''Come, my young friends, and listen to me, and I will teach you to have reverence for the Lord." Psalm 34:11 (Good News Bible)
* The drawing by Howard Mack on the opposite page was the flyer used to invite children to the Wednesday After-School Special.
October 1979 c
• 1 •
Some Myths
about
"Finding God's
Will
tor Your
^ Lite"
drawing by Floward Mack
WITH so many opportunities and choices facing them in the modern world, the young people of our present generation have a desperate need for guid- ance. One of the tenets of popular modern theology developed to satisfy this need is an overemphasis on "the will of God." According to this theology, God has a plan for every Christian's life, occupation, place of residence, life's partner, and even what to do this weekend. We are told that it is up to the Christian to find that plan and fulfill it.
This popular theology has laid an oppres- sive burden upon many young Christians. They have engaged themselves in a fruitless and agonizing search for "the plan." They avoid responsibility by expecting God to tell them secrets that He has not chosen to reveal. They are unhappy and uncertain, fearful that, even if they have made a good decision or performed a good deed, it may
Mr. Coggins is a free-lance writer from Langley, British Columbia.
This is an Evangelical Press Association syndi- cated article. It is presented to stimulate your think- ing. If you have comments on this article or views on this subject you would like to share, please send them to the editor. The author's views are not necessarily those of the Brethren Church or the Brethren Publishing Company.
by James R. Coggins
not have been "the right decision" or "the right deed." They are always looking over their shoulders to see if God is going to punish them for not following an unknown plan, an undisclosed will.
Does God really want us to ask for specific directions in every little thing? And will He tell us?
We are not robots. God has given us minds and wills. We are a living creation. Jesus said, "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" (John 10:10 NASV). Young Christians today have been taught to expect concrete divine direc- tion for every decision they make. As a result, they are not free. They do not know how to live. Unless there is a direct une- quivocal revelation, commandment, or direc- tion from heaven, in short, a miracle, they have no idea of how to make a decision.
The popular theology which overempha- sizes "the will of God" is not all bad. It was developed to counter some dangerous tendencies. There was a trend among many people to consider their jobs, their mar- riages, and what they did between Sunday services to be of no interest to God. They were free to make money dishonestly as long as they tithed on Sunday. But God is vitally interested in such things. He de- mands that our secular lives and choices be holy, moral, honest, and loving. He has
6
The Brethren Evangelist
''Just because God's omniscience is greater than your knowledge will ever be, don't rely on Him to hand you all the answers without effort/'
given His guidelines for such living in His revealed will, the Bible.
The fact remains, however, that the pop- ular theology is based on a misinterpreta- tion of Scripture. It results from a mis- guided effort to reconcile the sovereignty of God with the free will of man.
The sovereignty of Sod
The doctrine of the sovereignty of God says not just that God is able to do any- thing but that in fact He does plan and do everything that happens. It is widely based in Scripture. We find one of its broadest expressions in Ephesians 1:11: ''Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will." It is equally evident from Scripture that man has been given a will and the responsibility to make decisions (Deuteron- omy 30:19; Revelation 22:17).
These two biblical doctrines constitute a glorious paradox, a truth that lies beyond our comprehension. "How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!" (Romans 11:33). Too often we fail to marvel at the mysteries of God but seek to reduce them to the understanding of man. In a vain attempt to reconcile and understand this particular paradox, some have altered the doctrines. "God indeed does have a plan and purpose for every- thing," they say, "but the sinfulness of man can thwart that purpose. God has a plan for your life. It is up to you to find it and accept it."
Inherent in the biblical view is the con- cept of the duality of God's will. God's hidden will is that by which He plans and carries out everything that occurs in crea- tion. Secondly, there is His revealed will. His commands for holy living. We cannot do otherwise than obey the hidden will. We choose whether to obey His revealed will.
The popular tendency is to combine these two wills, to lower the hidden will from its absolute nature and elevate the revealed will to universality — and say that they are identical. The popular theology says that God has a plan for every part of one's life, a plan that He will reveal. I can find
no scriptural support for this belief.
The result of the popular theology is confusion and anguish as young Christians seek pat answers instead of wisdom and demand a direction that will not be given. They have never learned to make moral, just, holy, or rational decisions.
For young Christians a particularly thorny application of these popular mis- conceptions is in the area of "finding God's will for your life." They are told, "You should expect God's calling as much if you are to be a banker or teacher or garbage collector as you should if you are to be a missionary." This may sound pious, it may increase the number of missionaries, but it is not scriptural.
The term "vocation" comes from the Latin Voce, "I call." Since the Reformation, the "calling" has been taken as referring to one's job or worldly position. This is not the biblical sense. In I Corinthians 1:26 Paul talks about the calling: "For consider your call, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble". The calling here is not one's occupation. We are not called to be wise or foolish, noble or common, politicians, doctors, or lawyers. As I Corin- thians 1:2 makes clear, we all, doctors, lawyers, and garbage collectors, are called to be "saints" (Christians). The only place in the New Testament where the calling refers to an occupation is Acts 13:2, where Paul and Barnabas are "called" to be mis- sionaries. But even on his missionary journeys Paul worked as a tentmaker (Acts 18:30).
Ask for wisdom
James 1:5 says, "But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This suggests that we should ask for wisdom rather than pat answers. The way some Christians make decisions is not wise. In fact, it is totally irrational. They do not seek the wisest course. Instead, they seek signs and fleeces.
We should have the courage to face up to our responsibilities, to make decisions, to live. "For God has not given us the spirit
October 1979
u
Unless you are specifically called by God, don't choose a job that will not pay you enough to live on and depend on God to make up the difference/'
of timidity, but of power and love and discipline" (II Timothy 1:7). But, no matter how trivial the problem, we frequently pass off the responsibility to God. This often leaves us groping in the dark, clutching at straws and hints instead of analyzing facts. Too many Christians, if offered a job in Timbuktu, would not consider whether the job would satisfy their needs, develop their abilities, be useful to people, or glorify God. Their decision would be determined by the color of the envelope the offer came in, whether it came on a Thursday, and whether anyone has told them lately, ''You know, you really should move to Timbuktu." This is superstition, not Christianity.
Fl
eeces a
nd
signs
Fleeces and signs have a place in the Christian's life, but that place is not the making of every decision he faces. Gideon laid a fleece to seek direction for his life. It was not, however, to choose a vocation. (He was a farmer before and after his battle against the Midianites.) He laid the fleece to decide on a specific campaign, but he laid the fleece only after God had told him to undertake that campaign. (Perhaps this was a testing of the spirits similar to that advocated in IJohn 4:1.) Any campaign undertaken at God's direction on behalf of God's chosen people was of necessity a spiritual undertaking. Moreover, when Gideon laid the fleece, he prayed that God would use it to give him a sign. Too many modern practitioners not only lay a fleece for too many things, but they do not pray. They say, ''If God wants me to do this, such and such will happen." And they never ask God! The prayer of faith will be an- swered (James 5:15), but God has not promised to honor our assumptions. (Inci- dentally, we should never doubt the power of a loving God to circumvent our carefully considered machinations and give an inclu- sive answer to an inappropriate or uncalled- for fleece.)
This search for signs and a will that has not been revealed can also transform Chris- tians into a race of quitters, a people who lack determination and discipline. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. We
give up in the face of adversity. It is almost a doctrine among some Christians that, if circumstances hinder them, if things do not run smoothly from the first, "it must not be God's will" — and they quit. Perhaps we could call this doctrine the perversity of the saints. It is not a biblical concept: Paul and Barnabas told new Christians, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).
The quitting attitude is well illustrated in a story told by a friend of mine. A group of young people were debating whether to start out on a trip in the middle of a mild snowstorm. "Well," said one girl, "let's go down to the car. If it doesn't start, it must mean that we're not supposed to go." Any normal person, remarked my friend, would have had it repaired and gone anyway.
One of the purposes of man is to glorify God. There is nothing so glorious in creation as the mature, rational, courageous, com- mitted man accomplishing terrestrial won- ders. How do we glorify God by denying our God-given reason, our powers, and our maturity and by whining for direction on how to cook our beans?
How should we make decisions?
It would be dangerous and misleading to leave the impression that God never, or even rarely, gives specific guidance. But it is equally misleading to demand that He always give it. How then should Christians make their decisions? Here are some suggestions :
1. Seek relevant infoFmation — and seek diligently. Use your energies to seek infor- mation instead of signs. Just because God's omniscience is greater than your knowledge will ever be, don't rely on Him to hand you all the answers without effort. Ignorance is not a virtue.
2. Obey God's revealed will in the Bible. Don't pray for guidance on whether to take an immoral, dishonest, or illegal job. You have already got it. Study the Bible and make sure you know what it says. Study it prayerfully, rationally, thoroughly, and consecutively. Don't seek a verse out of context to solve your immediate dilemma.
3. Make rational decisions based on the
h
The Brethren Evangelist
evidence and on the absolute moral law of God. If you have talents and they do not conflict with your responsibihties, develop them. If you love her (or him) and are compatible, if your motives are good, marry her. (The Bible tells us a lot about how to love a wife but practically nothing on how to choose one. Maybe the latter is not im- portant.) If you don't know if you love her, don't expect someone else to tell you.
4. Don*t make stupid decisions or avoid making decisions by "waiting" until it is too late on the assumption that God will fix up everything if you are wrong. It is true that ''God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). But one of those things that is supposed to be working is you! (Cf. Proverbs 6:6-11.) You have a responsibility to earn a living in this world.
Unless you are specifically called by God, don't choose a job that will not pay you enough to live on and depend on God to make up the difference.
5. Emulate Balaam's ass. Keep an eye out for angels. But remember, it is angels you are looking for, not rocks or mountains. Prophets should be able to recognize angels. Balaam could not see the angel because he was deliberately disobeying a command of God.
6. Don't omit to pray for guidance, direc- tion, and blessing. "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). Acknowledge it. "The steps of a good man are established by the Lord." After you have prayed and made a decision, believe it. But don't depend on bricks from heaven. Too many bricks can incapacitate the brain. □
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
Catching a Vision of What We Can Do
M
ANY Brethren look at our denomina- tion's decreases in membership and attendance and are worried. We should be! But Brethren need to look beyond that to what we are doing in the United States and around the world. And we need to catch a vision of what we can be doing tomorrow with God's help if we will humble ourselves and pray and seek God's face and turn from our wicked or unrighteous ways. Some people emphasize that the Brethren Church only has 15,082 members and that some individual congregations of other
Rev. Baker is pastor of the First Brethren Church of South Bend, Ind. He is also the national statistician for the Brethren Church. Much of the information in the first part of this article ("What we are doing") was presented in his statis- tician's report at General Conference.
by Larry R. Baker
denominations have a membership of that many people. That statement may be true of a handful of super churches, but these congregations cannot do what the Brethren Church is doing today! Let me tell you a few of these things!
What we are doing
1) The Brethren have 123 congregations across the United States in 9 districts and in 18 States and the District of Columbia.
2) The Brethren presently support eight missionary famiUes and mission work in six countries.
3) The Brethren are soundly biblical and evangelical. We accept the Bible as God's Word and Jesus Christ as God's Son and the Lord of our lives.
4) The Brethren are members of the National Association of Evangelicals, an
October 1979
I i
''We need to thank God for what He has done in and through us, and we need to continue to move out in faith for our Lord Jesus Christ!''
organization that does much to present a strong evangelical voice in Washington, D.C., and throughout our country.
5) The Brethren contribute over $30,000 annually to the World Relief Corporation of N.A.E., besides donations to individuals, community agencies, and other relief agen- cies such as World Vision.
6) The Brethren operate a Summer Cru- sader program with over 30 high school and college students involved annually. This program provides both services to the local churches and opportunities for ministry and spiritual growth for these students.
7) The Brethren are involved in some manner in the operation of two retirement facilities and nursing homes and in the planning and construction of two more.
8) The Brethren have begun six new churches in the past three to four years.
9) The Brethren operate and support a church-related seminary, Ashland Theo- logical Seminary, that not only trains our own Brethren pastors and leaders but pro- vides training for many other evangelical pastors as well.
10) The Brethren operate and support a church-related college, Ashland College, that is providing quality education for many Brethren and non-Brethren adults.
11) The Brethren contribute $3,500,000 per year to the ministry of the Brethren churches, and we have property holdings in excess of $20,000,000.
12) The Brethren publish a denomina- tional magazine. The Brethren Evangelist, that contains both spiritual and intellectual substance that faces today's life situations from a Christian perspective.
13) The Brethren operate a Christian bookstore, the Carpenter's Shop.
14) The Brethren operate a publishing company to meet our printing needs and the needs of others in the Ashland area.
15) The Brethren are involved in two mission-related educational ministries. Riv- erside Christian Training School in the mountains of Kentucky and a Christian education laboratory and outreach in St. Petersburg, Florida, called Brethren House.
16) The Brethren have an organization for the training, maturation, and encour-
10
agement of our Sunday school teachers I called the Association of Brethren Church Teachers. This association provides news- letters, materials, and workshops across the denomination.
17) The Brethren have national, district, and local organizations for their youth, men, and women.
18) The Brethren have at least 20 stu- dents training for ministry at this moment in colleges and seminaries.
19) The Brethren have people willing to relocate and become ''tentmakers" to help begin new Brethren churches in the U.S.A.
20) The Brethren own five camps in various parts of the U.S.A. and operate | camps in all districts, thus providing a - summer camping experience for our chil- dren and youth.
21) The Brethren have various radio ministries across the U.S. The most widely circulated of these is 'The Brethren Hour," with Dr. J. D. Hamel, produced by the First Brethren Church of Sarasota, Florida.
22) The Brethren have national church- es in Nigeria, India, Malaysia, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico that could add many, many more ministries to this list.
For a denomination of 15,082 we do i extremely well humanly speaking. Men
The Brethren Evangelist
'The Brethren could be one of God's instruments to help turn our country and the world upside down with the gospel of Jesus Christ/'
have had more and done a lot less with it. We need to thank God for what He has done in and through us, and we need to continue to move out iii faith for our Lord Jesus Christ!
We have done well, but the task of reach- ing the lost world is still unfinished. It will require all of our resources, time, and people. We must invest all that we have as local churches and as a denomination into following Jesus' command to make disciples of all people. We must not be content with ''just holding the fort," because Jesus said:
// any one wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. . . . For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recom- pense every man according to his deeds. (Matthew 16:24-27 NASB.)
As we look ahead with faith at what God wants the Brethren Church to accomplish in the next few years, let's consider some possibilities.
What we can do
1) The Brethren could continue to plant churches in the ''sunbelt" of the U.S., as well as in other rapidly growing areas such as the Rocky Mountain region. We could catch a burden and vision for church planting. (We must do this in order to do the following.)
2) The Brethren could continue to ex- pand their mission outreach, especially in the Americas from Mexico to the tip of South America.
3) The Brethren work with the Chinese in Malaysia could eventually lead us to the mainland of China with the gospel.
4) The Brethren could produce television spots and programs from the studios of Ashland College. Some of these could be used as public service announcements calling attention to the social problems of our day. Others could be used as advertis-
ing for local congregations. One program could be a children's program using muppets.
5) The Brethren through local churches could establish counseling centers to aid the many troubled people in our country who need a caring person to listen to them.
6) The Brethren could put together a national advertising campaign to make people more aware of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Brethren Church.
7) The Brethren could operate radio stations or produce radio programs that offer a Christian alternative to the depress- ing music and the traditional organ-type hymns presented by many Christian sta- tions today.
8) The Brethren could develop and im- prove their local Christian education pro- grams to meet the needs of many more people.
9) The Brethren could establish a pro- gram for retired Christians who want to serve their Lord in home and foreign missions and in other programs of the church. These people are a tremendous untapped resource.
10) The Brethren could continue to develop tangible ways for children, youth, and adults to express their faith in Jesus Christ and to serve Him in meaningful ministry.
11) The Brethren could be one of God's instruments to help turn our country and the world upside down with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
The list is endless! These need not be idle dreams. They can be faith projections for the Brethren. Many ministries in which we are involved today did not seem possible ten years ago. We know that all things are possible through Jesus! We are limited only by our lack of faith.
Brethren, let us be willing to grasp the vision of God for the Brethren Church! Let us commit ourselves to God, take stock of our resources, organize in unity and love, set faith goals, make plans to reach those goals, and deploy every available material and spiritual resource to accomplish God's work until Jesus comes! D
October 1979
11
ashland college
Crisi
risis
GhdII
enge
Christ
Dr. Joseph R. Shiiltz
/CHRISTIANITY is an "incarnation" V-^ religion. Christ the Messiah came from h3aven and was incarnated in human flesh in the world. All other religions try to remove their gods from the world to keep them clean. Christ came to take upon himself the *'sins of the world."
Therefore, the Christian movement, through the example of Christ, is in the world experiencing the crises of society. The social crises of the world are of ephic proportions. As a result, the college and the church are both affected in one way or another.
Two chief factors contribute to the crises of our age. One of these is the vast con- centration of power — which is either under capitalism or communism. Because of this concentration of power, social evil is man- ifested on a larger scale. Human pride, greed, and cruelty to persons continually emerge. An aspect of this crisis is the momentum or inertia of huge organizations, which diminishes their ability to act morally and accountably.
The second factor is that society, as a whole dominated by technology, is likewise more controlled by a momentum of its own than in previous years. While technology enables men to use nature to greater human benefit, it, at the same time, in- creases the possibilities for destruction.
Ashland College — a liberal arts college related to the Brethren Church — lives in this world. The yearning for the ideal situation and the "good old days" is unreal. The ideal situation does not exist. God has called us to this day — knowing full well what this day in history was like
by Dr. Joseph R. Shul+z
Ashland College Interim President
even before the foundation of the world. The crises of society, in part, have become the crises of the college and the church.
What is our response to these crises? While visiting one of the trustees I noticed a sign on the wall next door. It said, "Problems are but challenges in work clothes." Paul admonishes us, ". . . in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Winston Churchill gave this message to his boyhood prep school: "Never give up . . . never, never, never!"
How does the Brethren Church minister through its liberal arts college? (1) Spirit- ually. By prayer and encouragement; by sustaining the spirit ; by upholding the good and employing the gospel with the bad; by faith, hope, and love — the greatest gifts of the Spirit. (2) Financially. God's love was proven in the gift of his Son; God's spirit was shown in creation. Prayer and spiritual "best wishes" without gifts must be brought into question.
The Ashland College Offering is the church's means to give to the operation of the college. This is a long-standing tra- dition of the Brethren Church and Ashland College. Please consider doubling your offering.
The Christian Campus Ministry plus student scholarships are a direct way for the Brethren Church to contribute to the life and heart of Ashland College.
God has never called us to a work for which he hasn't also provided the resources. The resources are in your hands. May your gifts be used for the "incarnate" work of the church on the college campus.
Thank you for your support. Q
12
The Brethren Evangelist
Crisis: Brethren Student Aid
FOR more than a decade, the youth of the Brethren Church have occupied a significant place in my Hfe and work. I have received great satisfaction from seeing dozens of our finest Brethren youth mature into responsible church men and women.
Since 1970, more than 130 of the churches' promising young people have invested at least one summer in the Crusader/Internship program. Many of them devoted two or more summers to various Christian ministries. A high per- centage of those who served committed their lives to some form of Christian ser- vice. For many, the fulfillment of this commitment required college training.
Fortunately, the Brethren Church has maintained a relationship with Ashland College since the school was founded in 1878. In recent years, an increasing num- ber of Brethren families have, at consid- erable cost, sent their children to Ashland College. Since the academic year 1976-77, the number of Brethren students has grown from 27 to more than 50 in the current year. Many have come as a direct result of the Crusader/Internship program and the commitments they made while in Christian service. Others have come be- cause their friends had enrolled. Still others have come because they compared and found that Ashland offers superior aca- demic programs.
Whatever their reasons for coming, this growing core of students is important both to the church and to the college. For the church, they represent potential leaders who are frequently exposed to the challenge of Christian ministry. Today, we have more prospective Brethren missionaries on campus than the church has produced in many years. The same can also be said of
Dr. Burkey is Director of Religious Affairs and Campus Ministry for Ashland College.
by Dr. Frederick T. Burkey
prospects for pastoral and Christian educa- tion ministries. For the college, they repre- sent a desirable influence amid a highly diverse student body.
Because both the church and the college benefit from the enrollment at Ashland of as many Brethren students as possible, I feel we must issue an S.O.S.! In this case the S.O.S. stands for SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS. This year you can designate any part of your Ashland College Offering for Brethren Student Scholarships. Funds so designated will be deposited in a special college account. Half will be invested; half will be available for immediate award to deserving undergraduate students. Awards will be decided by the Campus Ministry Advisory Council, appointed by General Conference.
Church support is badly needed now! A full-time resident student faces annual fees totaling $5,495.00. Naturally, we are doing everything we can to help our students secure financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships, college work-study, loans, and part-time employment. Even so, the costs are burdensome for most.
At the present time, the total of church- endowed awards for Brethren students yields only $2,690.00 per year, or about nine-tenths of one percent of the total need of our students. So I think the S.O.S. is in order.
It is our hope that, over the next few years, a sizable fund can be accumulated to help our young people cross the first great hurdle in fulfilling their Christian commitment — completion of a college de- gree. You can help by designating any part of your Ashland College Offering for ''Brethren Student Financial Assistance." Such contributions should be directed to: Office of Religious Affairs, Ashland Col- lege, Ashland, Ohio 44805, to insure proper crediting.
We hope you will respond to our S.O.S. D
October 1979
13
ashland college
Challenge:
Effective Campus Ministry
AMERICAN YOUTH are heading into a moral and ethical morass when they enter most colleges and universities. So the prestigious Carnegie Council on Policy Studies in Higher Education asserts in a blistering report of its findings in a nation- wide survey of public and private colleges and universities.
In sum, the Carnegie report says that cheating, stealing, misuse of financial aid, grade inflation, and misleading advertising constitute an ethical crisis that is under- mining academic life. To various degrees, "most institutions of higher education" were included in the charge.
Much of this growing problem can be traced to declining enrollments. Because higher education has become a big business dependent on both increasing enrollments and government money, compromises in quality apparently seem justifiable to most institutions. The result, for many colleges, has been a lowering of academic and be- havioral standards to ''keep the bodies in school" so the business can go on. This is a nation-wide phenomenon.
by Dr. Frederick T. Burkey
The struggle to achieve balance among moral, ethical, academic, spiritual, and financial considerations is an enormous, ongoing battle. Ashland College is not exempted from this struggle . . . we have our share of battles to fight.
One of the most difficult aspects of developing an effective campus ministry is the appalling religious ignorance among today's students. 'Weird" is the best word to describe many students' perceptions of the Christian faith. Many come from homes with no religious influence at all. Others' views are warped by the religious "odd- balls" they have seen on television or met on the street. It is apparent that they have encountered little "normal Christianity" as expressed by people living out their faith. In that sense, our campus is probably a representative cross-section of American life. It is a mission field, an opportunity for the church and college to cooperate in the education of the whole person in body, mind, and spirit.
The Brethren-sponsored Campus Minis- try is making headway in meeting the spir-
al C student Jim Amstutz (center)
makes a point during a discussion
led by Jim Miller (right), while
Kelly St ran ford looks on. Jim
Miller, a student at Ashland
Theological Seminary, is also
Assistant to the Director cf
Religious Affairs at AC and
Coordinator of Men's Ministries.
14
The Brethren Evangelist
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Judy Gifford, Assistant to the Director of Religious Affairs and Coordinator of Women's Ministries, talks with Emery Herd, last year's AC valedictorian who is now a student at Ashland Theological Seminary.
itual needs at Ashland College. We are reaching out in a variety of ways : through recreation, education, worship, counseling, writing, and just plain caring.
To enhance our effectiveness, we are trying to raise funds to remodel the base- ment of Memorial Chapel into a "campus Christian center." We are also arranging a counseling program for troubled students and exploring new ways of opening com-
munication with students.
We are fortunate to have the Brethren Church's support for this ministry. It fills a vital need. We have outstanding people in Judy Gifford and Jim Miller, who are both capable teachers and counselors. Also, the Dean of Students Office has employed four persons from the Coalition for Chris- tian Outreach, who assist our regular staff in campus ministry.
So, while there are problems, the Campus Ministry team is responding to the chal- lenge. There is good reason for optimism, for we see progress in many areas of our work. We thank the church for supporting this important student service. D
AC Enrollmenf Up
The total fall enrollment for Ashland College and Ashland Theological Seminary is 2,510 students. This is an increase of 221 over the fall of 1978.
Programs contributing significantly to this increase are the Master s in Business Adminis- tration, Master s in Education, and combined seminary programs. On-campus enrollment is 1,473.
The increased enrollment is on-target for the 1979-80 college budget. This factor and positive working relationships between faculty, students, staff, and administration promises a successful and significant academic year.
Crisis, Challenge, Opportunity
Today Ashland College faces both "crisis" and "challenge." But we are confident that God is fully in control and that He still has an educational mission for us.
Young people need to be infornned about the faith and given opportunities to practice it. This is acconnplished through the Campus Ministry progrann.
Workers are needed for God's har- vest . . . the fields are white. Scholar- ship funds will help equip the workers.
A training center is essential to a
growing church. Since 1878, Ashland College has been our school, educating pastors, nnissionaries, teachers, busi- nessmen and women, artists, and scientists. For more than a century, Ashland College has been a far- reaching ministry of the Brethren Church. Contributions for current op- erations will help secure its future.
General Conference has established a goal of $5.00 per member in support of our educational ministry. Your par- ticipation is needed!
October 1979
15
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
r
,■» «
> • • .
: > A nuts and bolts approach to the subject of free will.
Skeptics, Robots, and Free Will
THE SKEPTIC yells, "Why did God give us free will?" Even the skeptic has learned that free will is a blessing and a curse.
But if God hadn't created us with free will, where would we be? We'd all be marionettes, like Pinocchio, or puppets on a string. No one would be out of step, but we'd be like dummies, saying only what the ventriloquist makes us say. Is that what the skeptic wants? I think not. Neither does God. I think the skeptic enjoys his free will just as much as the Christian.
Here is how I see it. Suppose a brilliant scientist builds two fantastic robots. He names them Adam and Eve. These robots are built to serve the scientist, but being a benevolent person he has programmed with- in them the ability to choose. Most unusual. He has also programmed within them many of his own characteristics — goodness, intel- ligence, love, etc. — although they possess these traits to a far less degree than he. These traits are merely the scientist's fingerprints upon the robots' parts. By far the most important trait is free will — the ability to move in any direction, to make choices.
The inevitable happens. The robots rebel and move away from the master-scientist. Now they're on their own. But these robots are smart. They soon build other robots. And it is quite evident, as time wears on, that some robots are good and others are bad. But always a minority give allegiance to the master-scientist.
The good ones plead with the others to choose the right way, mostly to no avail. The robots love their freedom more than their master-scientist. Some say, '*A robot should enjoy life to the fullest while his computer lasts."
On occasion one robot rises up and smashes the nuts and bolts of another one. Finally, laws have to be made, as things get out of hand. ''Whosoever shall drain the oil of a robot, of him shall his oil be drained," is established. Later on it is taught, under the Robotic Code, ''Nut for nut and bolt for bolt."
Some of the more intelligent robots de- velop their own theories and teach them to others: "We have evolved from nuts and bolts. It all began in a pool of oil, and over the course of time there came together a primitive robot, who could do none of the things we do today." Others become doctor robots and give oil transfusions, even reaching the point where they transplant parts from defunct robots. But eventually every robot wears out and goes to the place where all robots go — the junkyard.
Finally, the master-scientist does the ultimate. It's unbelievable! He makes him- self into a robot to save robot-kind from sure annihilation. He teaches them, "You have heard it said, nut for nut and bolt for bolt. But I say unto you, resist not evil. Whosoever shall smite you on your right bolt turn to him your left as well." He even suggests that all violence begins in one's own computer. Finally, they can take it no longer. They kill him. That ends it.
But no, it doesn't! The master-scientist had programmed himself to come back to life. He rises from the junkyard and re- turns to his office. His followers carry on, awaiting his promised return. In fact, they pray for his return, for that will mean an end to all rebellion. And when the master- scientist returns, that'll be it. The conclu- sion of the story. The moment he walks out of his office and into the workshop, the world will end. The nuts and bolts will fly. D
16
The Brethren Evangelist
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Dutchtown breaks ground for new sanctuary
Warsaw, Ind. — The Dutchtown Brethren Church, situated seven miles northeast of Warsaw, Ind., broke ground on July 29, 1979, for the construction of a new sanctuary. The new build- ing will be an extension of the present church facilities.
The new structure will be 6780 square feet in size. It will contain a sanctuary capable of seating 312 persons, pre-school classrooms, and offices.
Rev. Jim Sluss, pastor of the Dutchtown Church, officiated at the groundbreaking service. He was assisted in the groundbreak- ing by Al Engelberth — chairman of the building committee, Arden Rhoades — church mod- erator, Norm Hagg — chairman of the building finance com- mittee, Willis Kreider — chair- man of the trustees, and Roger Stump^ — chairman of the board of deacons.
The original building of the Dutchtown Church was built and dedicated in 1898. Rev. B. H. Flora was the first minister to serve the congregation. During Rev. Flora's revival services in
Breaking ground for a new sanctuary for the Dutchtown Brethren church are (left to right) Arden Rhoades, Willis Kreider, Pastor James Sluss, Al Engelberth, and Roger Stump.
late 1898 and early 1899, 65 persons were converted. One of these was Thomas Plew, who was later ordained to the min- istry and served as pastor of the church for 15 years.
In 1958, during the ministry of George Pontius, an annex was added to the building, in- creasing the seating capacity of the sanctuary to 150 persons. — Jan Lucas, Church Sec'y.
MilJedgeville welcomes new pastor
Milledgeville, 111.— The Milledge- ville Brethren Church held a reception for its new pastor. Rev. George W. Solomon, on Sunday, September 2. The event took place at noon, following the morning worship service, which was Rev. Solomon's first as pastor of the Milledgeville Church.
A fine program was presented by the Deacon Board, which featured the singing of the Stan Dennis family. During the pro- gram, the interim pastor, Rev. T. S. Cleworth, was presented with a gift — a copy of the New International Version of the Bible — in recognition of his fine service to the church.
Mr. Sheldon
Livengood
(left), the
church's
moderator,
welcomes
Rev. and
Mrs. George
Solomon to
the pastoral
ministry of
the First
Brethren
Church of
Milledgeville,
111.
>%^^
October 1979
17
update
Jefferson Church burns mortgage
Goshen, Ind. — The Jefferson Brethren Church concluded its 10th anniversary year celehra- tion with a mortgage-burning service on Sunday morning, September 9th.
The church has celebrated throughout the year using the theme "Celebrating 10 Years of Ministry." In January the con- gregation had a birthday cele- bration, followed by an anniver- sary banquet and worship ser- vice in March.
The $100,000 mortgage on the Jefferson Brethren Church was paid off in only seven and a half years. This was made pos- sible by an increase in member- ship from 71 charter members to 375 members in ten years.
Rev. Jack Oxenrider, pastor of the Jefferson Church, pre- sented the message for the mortgage-burning service. A multi-media slide presentation was also given, which reviewed the history and growth of the church. A new 10th anniversary church directory was also dis- tributed during the service.
Following the worship ser- vice, a fellowship dinner was held at the "Blessin' House," sponsored by the Ministry of Fellowship of the church.
Eight baptized at Tlosa
Rochester, Ind. — On Sunday July 29 the congregation of the Tiosa Brethren Church held a worship service and baptism fol- lowed by a picnic at the Tippe- canoe River.
Those baptised by Rev. John Shultz, pastor at Tiosa, were Jeff Lewis, Jennifer Lew^is, Missy White, Pam Flowers, Kathy Rhoades, John Dudgeon, Bill Bradley, and Cathy Snipes.
On Sunday morning, August 5, these eight people and also Gary Snipes were taken into membership at Tiosa.
— ^Catherine Lewis, correspondent
Robert Kropf (left) and Pastor Jack Oxenrider watch as Vice Mod- erator R. J. Smith burns the Jefferson mortgage.
National BCE plans fall nneeting
The national Board of Chris- tian Education will hold its fall meeting November 1-3 at the Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland, Ohio.
The meeting will be conducted in three phases. On Thursday, November 1, the chairmen of the district boards of Christian edu- cation will meet to continue to explore and develop the cooper- ation needed in the various
levels of administration in Chris- tian education and youth work.
On Friday, November 2, the task forces of the BCE will meet to discuss their plans and pro- grams. The four task forces of the board are Family 'Life, Discipleship, Sunday School Growth, and ABCT.
Finally, on Saturday, Novem- ber 3, the entire board will con- vene, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Lawrence Canterbury recognized for 23 years of perfect aftendance
Oak Hill, W. Va. — Lawrence Canterbury of the Oak Hill Brethren Church has not missed Sunday school for twenty-three years. This is an outstanding record.
In recognition of this accom- plishment, Mr. Canterbury was presented a Sunday school attendance bar from the Oak Hill church on Sunday, Septem- ber 9.
In addition to attending his class, Lawrence always comes early to church to greet people and hand out bulletins. Accord- ing to Mrs. Ollie Foy, "We all look forward to Sunday morn- ing when we can go in church and have Lawrence greet us. We just praise the Lord for this fine young man who is serv- ing the Lord in our church and is a member of our church."
18
The Brethren Evangelist
Norma Waters and Mark Baker complete service with Bd. of Ch. Ed.
update
Two valuable Board of Chris- tian Education workers are mov- ing on to other areas of work and ministry. Norma Waters and Mark Baker have com- pleted their terms of service as staff in the BCE office. The pair were honored recently at a dinner in the national offices of the Brethren Church.
Both Mark and Norma have a long history of association with the BCE and BYC pro- grams. Each served the church through the Crusader/Intern- ship program, including a sum- mer in Medellin, Colombia, for Mark in 1977. Mark worked for the pa^t three years as Assistant to the Director, responsible primarily for the BYC program and youth publications, Morning: Star and More Mail.
Norma has been secretary and Office Manager for the BCE, coordinating the various ave- nues of service to the denom- ination, including the ABCT Seminars and the Crusader/ Internship program.
During the year between the resignation of Dr. Fred Burkey and appointment of Charles Beekley as the new director, Mark and Norma managed the work of the Board as part-time employees. Both the outgoing director and the newly appoint- ed director praised the work done by the two departing employees.
Mark will continue his studies at Ashland Theological Semin- ary this fall. This will include a tour to Colombia as part of an independent study in foreign missions. Norma will pursue an active role as homemaker until some other leading is discerned. She will, however, continue supervision and coordination of the Sisterhood program, a min- istry of the W.M.S. administered by the BCE.
Nearly half of all children born today will spend part of their lives before age 18 with only one parent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Census.
Mark Baker and Norma Waters hold a farewell cake as they con- clude their service with the Board of Christian Education. The cake was baked and decorated by Mark.
David Stone named editor of Morning Star
Ashland College freshman David Stone is the new editor of Morning iStar magazine, ac- cording to an announcement by the office of the Board of Christian Education. David, a member of the Sarasota First Brethren Church, will be respon- sible for the overall production of the Brethren youth magazine beginning with the October issue. Included in his task is recruiting writers from within the ranks of the national BYC organization, editing their work, and designing the layout of the magazine.
Dave plans to major in so- ciology while at Ashland Col- lege, with the intention of en- tering the Brethren ministry. His Christian commitment be- came more real to him this past summer when he served as a Crusader, performing with the musical team "Promise."
Director of Christian Educa- tion Charles Beekley said, upon the naming of Dave Stone as
David Stone
editor, "We needed someone de- pendable and creative, with an ability to draw the best out of other people. We're sure Dave can do it."
October 1979
19
update
Maurertown celebrates 1st year in new unit; dedicates new piano and organ
Maurertown, Va. — ^On July 2, 1978, the Maurertown Brethren Church dedicated the John Locke Memorial Unit, an edu- cational, multi-purpose addition to the church building. One year later, in July 1979, the Maurer- town congregation celebrated its first year in this new facility.
Over 200 people participated in the day's activities, which in- cluded Sunday school, worship, an appreciation dinner, and an afternoon service.
A special activity of the after- noon service was the dedication of a new grand piano and a new Baldwin organ. Both instru- ments were memorial gifts to the church.
The beautiful Kawai piano was presented in memory of Dr. and Mrs. D. L. Shaver by their son Duke and his wife Lillian.
The organ was given by the descendants of E. B. Shaver, founding father of the Maurer- town church and of several other churches in the South- east District.
Former Maurertown pastor Doc Shank brought the after- noon message. Mike and Barba- ra Woods and Dean Minnick, talented new members of the congregation presented special music, as did Holly Finks and Donna Bennett, who both pre- sented vocal solos. Mr. Lee Finks served as worship leader.
An offering was taken during the afternoon service to reduce the indebtedness on the new unit. The leaders of the congre- gation had set an offering goal of $10,000 for the day. To every- one's amazement and delight, the 160 people present gave $9,656. Gifts received shortly thereafter brought the total to over $10,000.
On dedication Sunday one year before, the 360 members and friends who attended the dedication service contributed $12,000 toward the indebtedness. Many other gifts were received during the year between July 1, 1978, and July 1, 1979. As a re- sult the congregation now owes less than $10,000 on the new
unit, furniture, and land- scaping.
This exceptional congregation has thus given over $150,000 to the work of Jesus Christ in just one and one-h£df years. Approximately $115,000 of this was for the new building and improvements, and over $40,0C0 went to the regular church budget. This excellent giving is more remarkable in light of the low pay scale and the higher than average cost of living in the area. According to a church spokesperson, the people of the Maurertown Brethren Church "are thrilled at what the Lord can do through faithful people who love Him and reach out to others in His name."
If churches desire to fulfill the Great Commission, they must provide adequate room for new people. This includes ade- quate sanctuary seating, class-
room area, and parking space. The Maurertown Brethren Church is seeking to be faithful to the orders of Jesus Christ the Lord and so has expanded in all three of these areas. As a result, the Lord is blessing.
Before building its addition, the Maurertown Sunday school was averaging 142. Since build- ing it is averaging 157. Like- wise worship service average attendance has gone from 158 to 164. In the last six years the Lord has added 110 new people to this vital, ministering body of caring Christians.
The church is already looking ahead and seeking to discern God's will for its eontinued growth. Knowing that doing His will requires room to grow, the church purchased another one and one-half acres of land right after the first anniversary service! .
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The Vinco Brethren Church is praising the Lord for having an opportunity to share in world relief. The congregation contributed over $750 to the relief of the poor of the world through its Love Loaf program. The children were encouraged to bring their Love Loaves to the altar during the dedication service. The church feels that family cooperation in the programs of the church helps make the love of Christ more real to the children.
In the picture are representatives of the congregation — {from left) George Straub, church treasurer; Rev. Carl H. Phillips, pastor; Mrs. George Cooper and her son Bradley.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Ohio Brethren churches display fruits of God's blessing at district "Harvest Festival"
On Saturday September 15 the Ohio Conference of the Breth- ren Church held its district meeting at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Delaware, Ohio.
The conference began at 9:30 a.m. with a short business meet- ing, presided over by the district moderator. Rev. Donald Rine- hart. During the business ses- sion, the Ohio District Board of Christian Education led the conference in honoring Mrs. Fern Smith. Mrs. Smith was given recognition for her many years of service to the young people of the Ohio District as a kitchen staff worker at Camp Bethany. (See the separate news story about Fern Smith on this page.)
Another important Item of business was the acceptance of the new Brethren Bible Church of Louisville as a member church in the Ohio District.
Following the business ses- sion, the day's program began, with the theme, "Who Cares? Brethren Do!" This program, conducted by Dr. Charles Mun- son and Rev. Leroy Solomon, was a "Harvest Festival" of the fruit of God's blessings. The Ohio churches demonstrated that Brethren do care and that God is working in their midst by presenting their "harvest" of testimony and song before God and their fellow Christians.
During this harvest, one woman told how God had res- cued her from drinking and drugs and brought her into the fellowship of the church. A pas- tor related how, during two months of a recent illness, he had the new experience of being ministered to by others rather than of ministering to them.
One church reported that the men of that church are reaching out by knocking on doors and witnessing to others. As a result that church is 25% larger this year than last year. Another church told how God, in His wisdom, took care of the con- gregation during a recent time
of division in the church.
During the course of the pro- gram, three new pastors were presented to the conference. Rev. Arden Gilmer was intro- duced as the new pastor of the Ashland Park Street Brethren Church, Rev. John Brownsberg- er as the new pastor oi the Louisville First Brethren Church, and Rev. James Black as the new pastor of the Dayton Hillcrest Brethren Church.
During the morning and after- noon sessions, other churches told of special ministries they are conducting and of ways God is blessing their congregations. Various individuals told how God is working in their lives, bringing victory over sin or
physical heahng. And inter- spersed among these testimonies were musical numbers presented by people from the various churches.
Due to lack of time some churches were unable to share all the wonderful things God is doing in their midst and to present the special music they brought to the meeting.
By the end of the conference, the Brethren knew that God is at work changing lives and bringing blessings in the church- es of the Ohio District.
The conference program con- cluded with several musical numbers by Harmony, a Chris- tian singing group from Ashland.
Fern Smifh honored by Ohio District
On September 2, the Ohio District, through its Board of Christian Education, paid special honor to Fern Smith. Mrs. Smith was honored for her many years of dedicated service to the youth of the district through her work in the kitchen at Camp Bethany. Mrs. Smith set up the kitchen facilities when the camp was begun, and she has served in the kitchen each summer since that time.
In recognition of Fern's faith- ful service, the Camp Bethany kitchen and dining hall were named in her honor. Also, a plaque is being placed in th2 dining hall as a lasting reminder of her work.
Leading the recognition cere- mony, which took place during family camp held on Labor Day weekend, were Charles Beekley, denominational Director of Christian Education, and Lynn Shellenberger, Program Direc- tor for Camp Bethany. Their remarks centered on Fern's con- tinued service not only to Camp Bethany, but to her home church (the Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland) and to the entire denomination.
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Fern Smith
During her response, Fern re- called the beginning of the camp and her struggles to get the food service facilities into opera- tion. She also expressed her gratitude to God for allowing her opportunities to serve.
The recognition ceremony was re-enacted at the meeting of the Ohio Conference on September 15.
October 1979
21
update
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Participating in the Sarasota mortgage-burning service were (left to right) Raymond Maxson, Wayne Funkhouser, George Giltner, Roy Black, Moderator Leo Elliott, Harley Rathburn, Eugene Robbins, Senior Pastor Dr. J. D. Hamel, Claude Gardner, and Associate Pastor Robert Dillard, Jr.
Mortgage burned af Sarasota Church
Sarasota, Fla. — The First Breth- ren Church of Sarasota burned the mortgage on its present sanctuary during the imorning worship service on July 15. The mortgage-burning ceremonies included a farewell message from the mortgage, delivered by Senior Pastor Dr. J. D. Hamel, and a responsive service by Pastor Hamel and Rev. Robert Dillard, Jr., Associate Pastor.
The burning of this mortgage was the conclusion of a chapter in the Sarasota Church's history which began in 1970. In that year a building program was started with a special fund drive which brought in over $35,000. An additional loan of $115,000 was secured to pay for the new building. This was a 15 year loan, but it was fully paid in nine years. According to Pastor Hamel, "We praise God for the good news that the mortgage payments have been fully met in just nine years on a 15 year loan from the bank."
During the nine years when this mortgage was being paid.
the Sarasota church also began a daughter congregation in Bradenton, Fla. This church held its first services on May 27, 1973, and is now self- supporting.
The Sarasota First Brethren Church was begun on November 7, 1954, in the home of Rev. and Mrs. Fred Vanator and Mr. and Mrs. Carl (Esther) Mohler
with ten Brethren people. It now has a membership of approx- imately 700 and a debt free property valued at over $500,000. Dr. J. D. Hamel has served the congregation for 19 1^ years. During this time he has bap- tized 808 members and has re- ceived over 200 into the church by letter from other Brethren churches.
Oak Hill Church hosts Southeast District Conference
Oak Hill, W. Va.— The First Brethren Church of Oak Hill was host to the Southeast Dis- trict Conference, which met July 26-28. This was a great conference and those who attended received many spiritual blessings.
Rev. Kenneth Solomon and Rev. Richard Allison were the main speakers, and Mrs. Solo- mon spoke to the W.M.S. The Solomons also showed slides of the work they are doing in South America.
The conference was also priv- ileged to have Rev. Virgil Ingra- ham and his wife Alice, and Rev. Smith Rose and his wife Florence present for the meet- ing.
This conference was well attended by all the churches in the district. There were approx- imately 70 delegates.
Rev. William Skeldon, pastor of the Oak Hill Brethren Church, was moderator of the conference.
— Mrs. Ollie Foy
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Theron Smith joins seminary staff
Ashland, Ohio — A new member has been added to the Ashland Theological Seminary faculty and staff. He is Theron H. Smith, former pastor in the United Methodist Church. Rev. Smith, as director of academic services, will administer and coordinate the seminary's exten- sion programs. These branch campuses include the well- established programs in Cleve- land, the year-old program in Toledo, and the brand new pro- grams in Akron and Wooster.
Along with his administrative functions. Smith will also be teaching courses on United Methodist history and polity re- quired of the Methodist students for their ordination. He will occasionally teach pastoral min- istry courses as well.
Although only on the job for a short time, Smith is able to make some observations about the seminary and his work there. "Above all else," he stated, *T am greatly impressed with the quality of the faculty and staff at Ashland, without exception. Often at schools you will find a couple of 'weaklings,' but here they are all excep- tional."
Secondly, he likes the flexi- bility and openness which he sees in the seminary's approach to theolog^ical training. After looking at the programs offered by other seminaries, he feels that Ashland may very well be a "leader in the development of theological education for our day among seminaries."
Finally, he is excited about the opportunity to be a part of a place where the intensity of graduate study is coupled with the desire to serve people through Christian ministry.
Smith admits that he does have one real misgiving as he takes on this new job. "I've pastored now for over 25 years. Being constantly involved with a congregation that loved me and was connected to me in a special way has been great. There is such a joy in being a pastor and sharing in their lives
Theron H. Smith
at birth, during youth, through marriage and maturing, and even through suffering and death. So, right now I can't imagine anything being as ful- filling as the pastoral ministry." The opportunity to share his love for the ministry with stu- dents promises to be equally rewarding, especially since he feels certain that Ashland is the place to which God has called him now.
Rev. Smith was ordained by the Methodist Church in June of 1952, and has pastored in the West Ohio Conference of the church ever since. In addition to ministering in the United States, he served two years on a special mission assignment in the Orient.
He was graduated from As- bury College in Kentucky with a bachelor of arts degree, from Oberlin Graduate School of Theology with a bachelor of divinity degree, and from Van- derbilt University in Tennessee with a master of divinity de- gree. His home is Gowanda, New York.
Rev. Smith and his family have now settled into the Ash- land community, living at 531 Center Street. His wife Betty, a specialist in instructing children With learning disabilities, is tutoring in the Ashland city schools. Their three children are: Jocelyn, a graduate student in psychology and counseling at the University of Akron; Kevin, a senior at Ashland College ma- joring in business; and Todd, a freshman at Asbury College.
— Susan White
Newark church shows growth; puts emphasis on children
Newark, Ohio — The Newark Brethren Church has shown a 30 percent increase in morning worship attendance in recent months. Average prayer meet- ing attendance is also showing an increase.
A particular emphasis of the church at the present is reach- ing children for Jesus Christ. A part of this effort is the recent organization of a "Mini Church" for children. Mrs. Erma Bennett, the wife of the pastor, is leading this "Mini Church." The chil- dren have adopted the new work in Mexico as their mission- ary thrust and are giving money for this work. Mrs. Bennett
brought $25 to Ashland at Con- ference time as their first offering.
In its work with children, the Newark Church also had a very successful vacation Bible school during the summer. Seven pre- teens and teenagers were won to Christ through the Bible school. These were baptized and received into membership, mak- ing a total of 11 children and teenagers won in the past year.
An evangelistic campaign is scheduled for the Newark Church in October. Rev. James Clinton of Clearfield, Pa., is to be the evangelist.
October 1979
23
update
Gretna Church dedicates new addition
Bellefontaine, Ohio — The mem- bers of the Gretna Brethren Church dedicated a new addition to their sanctuary and an exten- sion to their church parking lot on August 26.
The new addition to the sanc- tuary increases the seating capacity by 50. In the remodel- ing that went along with the addition, the sanctuary was re- versed. The new construction was added at what was the back of the church, and this has now become the pulpit area.
The extension of the parking lot almost doubles the parking area.
The theme for the dedication service was "Anyone Could, But. , . ." The primary Sunday school class presented a play centered on this theme, and Rev. Leroy Solomon, pastor of the church, used this theme as the basis of his sermon. In his message. Rev. Solomon said that anyone can build a build-
Rev. Leroy Solomon
stands in the new
pulpit area, part of
the addition to the
Gretna church
building.
ing, but who is going to fill it with God's people? He explained that the true church of Jesus Christ is the people, and that these people are the "building" that God is really interested in.
Special music for the service was presented by Steve McPher- son and by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Deardurff. Attendance for the service was 126.
According to Pastor Solomon, the Gretna people are praising the Lord for the growth the church is experiencing. As ex- amples of this growth, he re- ports that Sunday school attend- ance in August of this year averaged 83 compared with 55
in August of 1978. Worship attendance averaged 100 in Aug- ust, compared with 76 the year before. For the first three Sun- days of September, the Sunday school average attendance was 97 and the worship service average was 115.
Rev. Solomon also notes, "The spirit is warm and friendly, the people are growing in grace and knowledge, and they are begin- ning to see what happens when they trust the Lord to witness in the community. We know that next year is even going to be a better year!" And he adds, "We are dreaming and planning our next addition already."
Four Brethren students in cast of AC musical
Ashland, Ohio — Four Brethren Ashland College students Will perform in the hit musical "Carousel," Ashland College theatre's first production of the 1979-80 season. They are Evan Bridenstine, Debbie Munson, Chuck Bowers, and Tim Rowsey.
Evan Bridenstine, who will play the part of Enoch Snow, one of the lead characters in the musical, is a sophomore at Ashland College from Smith- ville, Ohio. Evan was a Brethren Youth Summer Crusader in 1978, and this past summer was a BYC Summer Intern, serving in the Pittsburgh, Pa., Brethren Church.
Debbie Munson, a senior at AC, is from Ashland and a member of the Park Street Brethren Church. She served as a BYC Summer Crusader in 1975, '76, and '77, and is a mem-
24
ber of "Harmony," a Christian vocal group from Ashland which has sung in many Breth- ren churches.
Chuck Bowers, from St. James, Maryland, is a sopho- more at Ashland College. Chuck spent his 1977 and 1978 sum- mers as a Crusader for Breth- ren Youth and last school year was the art editor for "Morning
Star," the official magazine of National Brethren Youth. Chuck's artwork has also appeared in the Brethren Evangelist.
Tim Rowsey, also from St. James, Maryland, is a junior at AC. Tim served as a BYC Sum- mer Crusader in 1976 and '78.
Performances will be given October 19, 20, 26, and 27.
ShipsheWana campers spend week in canoe
Flora, Ind. — Shipshewana sum- mer camp included something different this year. Twelve teen- agers (seven boys and five girls), along with camp dean Rev. Alvin Grumbling and coun- selors Dennis Grumbling and Jim Miller, traveled to Michigan, where they canoed down the
Ausable River.
The campers spent the week on the river, stopping at night to sleep in campsites along the way.
Evening activities included gathering firewood, fetching j drinking water, vesper services, and singing.
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Pleasant View BYC receives plaque for contributing to children's hospital
Vandergrrift, Pa.— The Brethren Youth Crusaders (BYC) of the Pleasant View Brethren Church were awarded a plaque by the Vandergrift Ministerial Associa- tion recently. They received the plaque for their contribution of $1575 to Pittsburgh's Children's Hospital.
This was the fourth year the Pleasant View BYC has partici- pated in the drive to raise funds for the hospital. During these four years the youth have col- lected a total of $6490.
The youth started their par- ticipation in memory of two young people from the church,
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The Brethren Youth Crusaders of the Pleasant View Brethren Church with the plaque they received from the Vandergrift Ministerial Association.
Wendy Crytzer and Jimmy Swenk. For the first three years they took the money to Pitts- burgh.
During the 1978 drive, the youth participated with the Kiski Area High School and the Unity Day sponsored by the Vandergrift Ministerial Associa- tion. The Ministerial Association presented the plaque to the church giving the largest dona- tion. This plaque is in memory of Father Gervase Chutis, late pastor of St. Casmir's Church of Vandergrift.
The Pleasant View youth raised their offering by collect- ing donations door to door and by receiving an offering at a Wendy Crytzer-Jimmy Swenk Memorial Benefit.
Rev. William Walk, pastor of the Pleasant View Brethren Church, stated, "We at Pleasant View are proud of our youth and their efforts on behalf of others."
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Snyder renew vows after 50 years
Louisville, Ohio — Louis and Ruth Snyder celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the Louisville First Brethren Church on August 19, 1979.
The celebration began with the couple renewing their vows before the congregation with Rev. John Brownsberger offici- ating. A shiny 1938 Buick Road- master picked them up at their home and took them to the church, where they were greeted by 200 of their many friends.
The occasion was planned by their two daughters and the daughters' husbands — Mr. and Mrs. Douglas (Carol) MacLean and Mr. and Mrs. Jack (Avonne) Eusa — and by their five grand- children.
Ruth and Louis were married by the late Rev. A. E. Whitted on August 17, 1929, in their home while the Louisville First
Brethren Church building was being renovated. They have been very active at the First Brethren Church during their 50 years of marriage.
— ^Mrs. Wade Johnson
Hillcrest church holds farewell for Brownsbergers
Dayton, Ohio— On June 16, 1979, the congregation of the Hill- crest Brethren Church had a farewell party honoring John, Joyce, Beth, Steve, and Jeff Brownsberger. This was in prep- aration for the Brownsberger's move to Louisville, Ohio, where Rev. Brownsberger has since become pastor of the Louisville First Brethren Church.
A cookout was held, with lots of good food. A program fol- lowed, with different members of the congregation paying their farewells to each member of the Brownsberger family. The
"Prof" Herschel Winfield bids the Brownsbergers farewell.
church also presented the Brownsbergers with a farewell
gift.
—Candy Aldstadt
October 1979
25
update
f
Weddings
In Memory
Sandra Dils to Russell Harringrton, October 7, at the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church; Marlin L. McCann, pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Bryan First Brethren Church.
Brenda Dinger to David Rusk, October 6, at the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church; Marlin L. McCann, pastor, and Rev. Russell Dinger officia- ting. Groom a member of the Bryan First Breth- ren Church.
Marilyn Chrisman to Virgil Fry, September 12, at the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church; Marlin L. McCann, pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Bryan First Brethren Church. Sue Tharp to Robert Earl Rogers, August 25, at the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church; Marlin L. McCann, pastor, officiating. Groom a member of the Bryan First Brethren Church. Terry Lynn Shoff to Christopher Albert Plant, August 25, at the home of the bride's parents; Alvin Grumbling, pastor of the Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church, officiating. Bride a member of the Flora First Brethren Church.
Debra Zachrich to Dan Nofziger, August 11, at the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church; Marlin L. McCann, pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Bryan First Brethren Church.
Vicky Ridenour to Charles Moerhiman, August 10, at Napoleon, Ohio. Bride a member of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church.
Kathy Rhoades to Mike Pritchett, August 5, at the Tiosa Brethren Church, Route 5, Rochester, Indiana; John Shultz, pastor, officiating. Mem- bers of the Tiosa Brethren Church.
Mary Kay Benson to Paul Chester Cornett, July 27, at the College Corner Brethren Church, Route 3, Wabash, Indiana; Rev. St. Clair Benshoff, pas- tor, officiating. Bride a member of the College Corner Brethren Church.
Cheryl Yvonne Buffington to Ronald Brian Maring, June 23, at the Pipe Creek Church; Rev. J. August Borlies officiating. Groom a member of the Linwood, Maryland, Brethren Church.
Mary Jane Quinn to John Wayne Kelle>, June 3, at the Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church; Clarence R. Kindley, pastor, officiating. Members of the Johnstown Third Brethren Church.
Kristine Kerr to James Lowe, Jr., May 19, at the
home of the groom; Marlin L. McCann, pastor of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church, offici- ating. Bride a member of the Bryan First Breth- ren Church.
Janet Sue Lainib to Richard Douglas Boyer, April 21, at the Waterloo, Iowa, First Brethren Church; Ronald Waters, pastor, and Rev. Donald Snell officiating. Bride a member of the Waterloo First Brethren Church. ,;
Eloise Maxine Blaoksten to Raymond Joseph Sheedy, III, February 2, at the Linwood, Md., Brethren Church; Robert Young, pastor, offici- ating. Bride a member of the Linwood Brethren Church.
Arvilla Morton, 72, September 6. Member since 1931 of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church. Services by Marlin L. McCann, pastor.
Mrs. Lucille Milbum, 74, August 26. Member of the Flora, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Alvin Grumbling, pastor.
Clarence Howard, 74, August 18. Long time mem- ber and trustee of the Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church. Services by Clarence R. Kindley, pastor.
Clara A. Yarian, 76, August 14. Member of the Roann, Indiana, First Brethren Church. Services by Donald Wagstaff, pastor.
Bessie M. Zellers, 84, August 11. Member of the North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Woodrow Immel, pastor. Walter Verdenburgh, 43, August 11. Member of the Johnstown, Pa., Third Brethren Church. Ser- vices by Clarence R. Kindley, pastor. Guy R. Brown, 93, August 8. Member since 1912 of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church. Ser- vices by Marlin L. McCann, pastor.
Duane Hill, 59, August 7. Member of the Highland Brethren Church, Route 1, Marianna, Pa. Services by Richard Craver, pastor, and Rev. Carl Phillips. Oris Williaims, 79, July 28. Member for 29 years of the Gretna Brethren Church near Bellefontaine, Ohio. Services by Leroy Solomon, pastor. Walter P. Wantz, 70, July 28. Member of the Lin- wood, Md., Brethren Church. Services by Robert Young, pastor, and Rev. Hays K. Logan. Willard Little, 81, July 27. Member of the North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Woodrow Immel, pastor.
Bertha Mackall, 78, July 12. Member of the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Carl H. Phillips, pastor.
Mrs. Clara Bradfield, 87, July 8. Member of the Waterloo, Iowa, First Brethren Church. Services by Ronald Waters, pastor.
Mrs. Fannie C. Pottenger, 94, June 29. Member of the North Manchester, Ind., First Brethren Church. Services by Woodrow Immel, pastor, and Rev. Richard Craig.
Emery Hudson, 84, June 26. Life long member and deacon of the Gretna Brethren Church near Belle- fontaine, Ohio. Services by Rev. Clarence Brubaker.
Mrs. F:rnfia Lubbs, 85, June 23. Member of the Waterloo, Iowa, First Brethren Church. Services by Ronald Waters, pastor. , ., .- -
Donovan W. Dietz, 72, June 5. Member of the Waterloo, Iowa, First Brethren Church. Services by Ronald Waters, pastor.
Membership Growth
Corinth: 3 by baptism Tiosa: 8 by baptism, 1 by transfer
26
The Brethren Evangelist
Ashland, Ohio — Park Street Brethren Church installed Arden E. Gilmer as pastor on Sunday, August 26, during the morning worship service. Dr. Jerry Flora, professor at Ashland Theolog- ical Seminary, presented the message, using Matthew 16:13- 20 as his text.
Commenting on the church Christ builds, Dr. Flora noted that some pastors are known for building buildings. "I don't know if our new pastor will build in steel and stone, but I do know he will build in people."
In challenging the congrega- tion, Dr. Flora said, "God never asked His people to be success- ful. He only called them to be faithful. And He promised that the gates of hell would not pre- vail against them. Are you ready to be faithful in ways that you have never been faithful before?"
Following the message. Mod- erator Charles Beekley posed a series of questions to Pastor Gilmer and to the congregation. He then led the congregation in a litany of dedication especi- ally prepared for this service.
Rev. Gilmer responded by sharing his thoughts on the relationship of the pastor and the church, using I Peter 5:1-4 as the basis of his remarks. He said, "I go on record that I
update
Arden GUmer insfalled as Park Street pastor
Before leading the closing prayer, Rev. Gilmer (middle) asked the people of the congregation to join hands to show their unity in the Lord and their desire to work together.
desire to be a good and faithful shepherd of the sheep." He noted that the shepherd's role is one of providing protection, care, leadership, tenderness, warmth, and love.
He said, "The only compulsion that constrains me is the love
of Christ. I am eager and zeal- ous that we might serve to- gether."
Richard DeVeny, chairman of the deacon board, led in the morning prayer. A ladies' en- semble provided special music. — Ronald W. Waters
World Relief sends aid to areas ravaged by Hurricane David
Wheaton, III. — In response to Hurricane David's ravagement of the Caribbean islands of Dominica and the Dominican Republic, World Relief imme- diately committed over $20,000 for relief efforts. , The funds were allocated for the purchase of food and transportation. It is estimated that 90 percent
of the crops on these two islands were destroyed, with over two billion dollars worth of dam- ages. "Thousands of people have been left homeless and without food," stated Jerry Bal- lard, executive director of World Relief. "The people of Dominica and the Dominican Republic have desperate immediate needs."
World Relief's Hurricane David relief efforts in the Carri- bean are being carried out in cooperation with JAARS, the
aviation arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators. The grant was channeled through evangelical churches in the ravaged areas. (Brethren churches or individ- uals wishing to assist with these relief efforts should send their gifts, over and above regular giving, to:
Brethren World Relief George Kerlin, Treas.
1318 E. Douglas
Goshen, IN 46526
Mark checks "Hurricane David.")
Goldenoires
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Tracy, 50th, October 2. Mem- bers of the Park Street Brethren Church, Ashland, Ohio.
Eric and Esther iColditz, 60th, September 20. Mem- bers of the First Brethren Church of Ardmore, South Bend, Ind.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Dillman, 52nd, September 14. Mrs. Dillman a member of the Corinth Brethren Church, Twelve Mile, Ind.
Rev. and Mrs. Delbert Flora, 50th, September 2. Members of the Park Street Brethren Church, Ashland, Ohio.
Rev. and Mrs. Elmer Keck, 50th, August 29. Mem- bers of the Park Street Brethren Church, Ashland, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew York, 66th, September 1. Members of the Loree Brethren Church, Bunker Hill, Ind.
George and Wilma Bunn, 50th, July 9. Members of the First Brethren Church of Waterloo, Iowa.
October 1979
27
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The Brethren Publishing Company
The Brethren
November 1979
Brethren Building for tlie Lord
Following ... THE WAY in the summer of '80
Tentative plan for the . . .
1980 Cmsader/Internsliip Program
TIMETABLE:
November 30, 1979 — applications available.
January 31, 1980 — closing date for receipt of applications.
March 1, 1980 — notification to applicants.
June 19, 1980 — beginning of term of service.
August 15, 1980 — conclusion of term of service.
i UNITS INVOLVED: ^2 Educational — Teach in VBS, camp, church school; lead/participate in
Jj worship services; survey work.
f. J Camp — Counsel and teach in summer camp, family camp, retreats ;
"' lead/participate in worship services.
kl Musical — Presentation of worship services, including music, devotional
i' messages, puppetry in a variety of situations.
» i< ■.•■,.■.
[i INDIVIDUAL INVOLVEMENT:
* - Church Staff Internship — Each assignment designed to provide maximum
benefit to the individual and the church.
j; Missionary Internship — Opportunity for short-term mission service.
/' Location of service to be announced.
* f
PARTICIPATION CRITERIA:
General — ^^Teaching skills and experiences ; willingness to meet strangers ; informal speaking skills; ability to work under pressure.
Specific — able and willing to share Christian experience. — completed at least junior year of high school. — Interns must be at least 20 years old. — Mission Interns must have a reading knowledge of Spanish.
SPONSORSHIP:
The Crusader/Intern program is sponsored by the Board of Christian Education of the Brethren Church. Communication regarding the program, including requests for applications, should be sent to the Board at 524 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
PLEASE NOTE: Successful implementation of this plan is dependent upon levels of participation by both personnel for service and the denom- ination in prayer and financial support.
EThe Brethren van
Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist (USPS 064-200)
Editor :
Richard C. Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor: Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and Business Office:
524 College Ave. Ashland, Ohio 44805 Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805. One year subscription rates: $6.00 for 100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents Change of address: Please notify us at least three weeks in advance, using the form provided in each issue. Authors' views are not necessarily those of the Brethren Church or the Brethren Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad- dressed to the editor. A writer's packet with query tips is available upon written request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited material not accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Second class postage paid at Ashland, Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
K^over
Building new Brethren church- es adds new life to the Brethren Church. Read the special report on Brethren Home Missions be- ginning on page 12.
Vol. 101. No. 11
November 1979
4 Keeping in Sfep with the Holy Spirit
An exposition of Galatians 5:13-26 by Rev. Brian H. Moore.
6
"What's It AH About. Aiphie?"
Dr. Charles Munson presents the background to the proposed plan for denominational organization that was brought before the 1979 General Conference.
8 ItTaplementing Phase One
John Rowsey brings us up to date on the implementation of phase one of the plan for denominational organization.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties 10 Putting Our House in Order
John Rowsey believes that keeping sound financial records will be a necessity for the Brethren in the eighties.
Brethren Home Missions — ^Building for the Lord
12 The Opportunities Continue!
by Rev. Arden E. Gilmer
13 Ups and Downs at Town and Country
by Rev. Dale P. RuLon
14 Medina Bible Fellowship: Practicing
Healthy Evangelism for Church Growth
by Rev. Terry Lodico
16 Progress at Brandon
by Rev. P. Keith Bennett
17 Special Ministries
Reports on the ministries at Krypton, Brethren House, Pasadena, and Riverside Christian Training School
18 The Hunger Issue in Twelve Points
A report of hunger facts taken from the book Have You Ever Been Hungry?
Departments
9 The Salt Shaker 20 Update
November 1979
Keeping
in
Step .
photo courtesy of Ashland College
with
th
Holy
Spirit
An exposition of Gala+ians 5:13-26 by Rev. Brian H. Moore.
4
WHEN I was a teenager, I had the good experience of playing in the Marianna, Pennsylvania, Community Band. Our per- formances were almost entirely for outdoor parades, which meant, of course, marching. Furthermore, our performances were usual- ly evaluated by a group of judges.
At a certain point on the parade route there would be an officials' stand upon which the judges were positioned, carefully scrutinizing the band. They listened to the quality of the music, observed whether or not the lines were straight, and checked to see if the marchers were all in step. For we band members it was a real challenge to keep our eyes on the music, watch our own lines with peripheral vision, maintain the proper distance from the line ahead of us, and stay in step with everyone else!
Keeping in step — that was important! But who determined which foot should be coming forward when? That was the re- sponsibility of the head majorette! She marched out in front of everyone else, and her steps determined everyone else's steps.
There may not seem to be much similar- ity between a head majorette and the Holy Spirit. But when Paul writes, '*. . . let us keep in step with the Spirit" (Gal. 5:25 N.I. V. ) , we begin to get the point. The Holy Spirit, alive and active as He is, is out in front of God's people, setting the pace, leading the way, giving the cues, marching on before. Our responsibility, as the people of God, is to follow His directions, letting His movements determine our actions. As the pillar of cloud and fire led Israel in the wilderness, calling them to move or to stay, so the Holy Spirit leads the church.
The passage under consideration specifies what this means in practical terms. But before we examine this further, we must consider the situation which prompted this letter to the Galatians.
The Galatian problem could be sum- marized in two words: religious ext«r- nalism. The church was being tempted to regress to the Law of Moses, a regression that involved relying on the law to com- plete the achievement of a right relation- ship with God. The Galatian Christians were beginning to regard the law as im- portant as, if not more important than, the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Paul was trying to show these people that Christ was all and enough. He was striving to convince them that Christian living is not a matter of outward conform- ity to certain rules and regulations, but a
Rev. Moore is pastor of the Ardmore First Brethren Church of South Bend, Ind., and Moderator-Elect of General Conference.
The Brethren Evangelist
matter of the inner life — life springing out of the heart of a man who is under the con- trol of the Holy Spirit.
Believers today frequently need to be reminded of this basic message. Our Chris- tianity can all too easily become an external matter, based on outwardness rather than inwardness. We, too, can be guilty of plac- ing trust in ourselves and our actions rather than letting the life of God flow from within. We can let baptism, attendance, giving, serving, teaching become new ex- pressions of the law by which we seek to save ourselves. Paul's message is contem- porary! We, too, need to keep in step with the Spirit. This will mean:
I. Responsible use of freedom
In verses 13-15 Paul points to the respon- sible use of freedom as one derivative of keeping in step with the Spirit. For those of us who have ever been subject to it, we know that religious externalism gets ''heavy"! Trying to keep up that outward conformity produces a lot of pressure. Paul calls that "bondage to the law." Freedom from this bondage would be a great relief!
But the pendulum can swing so easily to the other extreme. If I am free from rules and regulations, I can easily drift to the opposite pole, where I am apt to lose my sense of morality, decency, and spiritual obligation. But if I keep in step with the Spirit, this will not happen.
The Christian does not break the moral law of God! He keeps it just as faithfully as the legalist, but for a very different reason. He keeps it because the Spirit pro- duces in him self-control (''do not use your freedom to indulge your sinful nature"), loving service ("serve one another"), and obedience ("the entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ") Following love will mean that I will obey the law because the law delineates what it means to love God and neighbor.
The church that preaches and teaches freedom from the law is teaching the truth. But freedom from the law without the re- sponsible use of that freedom will lead to mortal error, which will be more disastrous than the legalistic approach to morals. Keeping in step with the Spirit will mean a responsible use of freedom.
II. Resistance to the flesh
In verses 16 through 21 Paul expands on what he had just said. The person in step with the Spirit will not only use his free-
dom responsibly, but in doing so he will resist the pull of his lower nature.
Have you ever had the urge to do some- thing nasty, unkind, perhaps even violent or immoral? (If you say, "Never," you must be lying. See IJohn 1:8!) Why didn't you do it? (I am assuming that you didn't, of course!) Perhaps it was the civil law that restrained you. (You might get arrested and fined or jailed!) Perhaps it was social pressure that constrained you. (You need to keep your reputation intact.) Or, per- haps your own sense of self-respect would not allow you to follow that lower impulse.
But the deepest and strongest restraining force in the Christian is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. His presence within us enables us to directly confront the sinful tendencies of the flesh. In fact, it is because of His presence that there is a genuine confrontation at all! The flesh and the Spirit are irreconcilably antagon- istic ! They pull in opposite directions. There is a continual tug-of-war in our inner beings. What we are by our old nature is in constant tension with what we are be- coming by the new nature in Christ. But as we keep in step with the Spirit, we find that we can effectively resist the urges of the flesh.
111. Reaiizafion of the fruit
Perhaps what I have said thus far appears rather negative. I have spoken in terms of the Holy Spirit as a restraint for our protection. But in verses 22-26 Paul presents the positive aspects of the presence of the Holy Spirit. As we keep in step with the Spirit, the products of His life begin to appear in us without our necessarily noticing them. The qualities and virtues which characterize Jesus Christ begin to emerge within us and to bloom forth from our lives. These qualities are listed for us in verses 22 and 23.
In these days, characterized by a great deal of confusion and conflict over the ministry of the Holy Spirit, it is refreshing and informative to experience once again the true qualities of the Holy Spirit's presence, which are meant for all believers. If we have "crucified the sinful nature" (v. 24), and "live by the Spirit" (v. 25), then we have every right to expect a har- vest of fruit.
Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit is the key to living a happy, healthy, balanced Christian life. It is the answer to legalism on the one hand, and to the light dismissal of all morality on the other. Keeping your eye on Him, let His fruit grow. □
November 1979
GENERAL CONFERENCE
GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DIRECTOR of DENOM- INATIONAL MINIST.
W.M.S. & UYMEN
DIRECTOR of DENOM- INATIONAL BUSINESS
ADMIN(S), STAFF
COOR.COMM (BD.PRES)
ADMIN(S), STAFF
COOR.COMM
I -v.- -
2
ASHLAND COLLEGE and THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
DIRECTOR of PASTOR. AL MINISTRIES
COOR.COMM
ADMIN(S), STAFF
NAT'L MIN.ASSN,
BD. of
CH. ED.
WORLD RELIEF
BEIMEVO- LENT BD.
MISSION- ARY BD.
PUBLISH. COMPANY
tEVANGELISH 1
BOOK STORE
RETIRE- WENT
STEWARD- SHIP
DIST.BDS. EVAN. (9)
"'^\\ai'i \i All Khowi, Alphfe?"
THIS TITLE to a popular song of a few years ago describes the attitude of many people toward a group of people known as Committee 13 and toward a pro- posal this committee brought before the 1979 General Conference. In this article I will attempt to explain the origin of this committee and of its proposal.
In my position as a professor at Ashland Theological Seminary, I have been granted time by the seminary administration to make a study of the Brethren Church. In making this study, I felt it would be helpful to work with a number of people with a variety of lifestyles and experiences. In this way we could get at some of the needs in the Brethren Church and find some possible solutions.
So twelve people were chosen whom it was felt were capable of taking a good, hard look at the denomination. The names
Dr. Munson is Professor of Practical Theology at Ashland Theological Seminary.
by Dr. Charles Munson
of the members of Committee 13 (a designation with no significance necessari- ly) are printed in the Conference minutes.* The committee was not appointed by Gen- eral Conference and has no official status, but it is a legitimate entity since any members of the denomination can meet together for purposes of study if they so desire.
The committee met rather regularly and began discussing and investigating certain problem areas in the denomination. Work- ing as a committee and in teams, we studied, identified needs, and proposed solutions. Every person on the committee was con- vinced of the viability of the Brethren denomination for our times and of its responsibility to meet the demands of the times. So we met and studied.
'^The members of Committee 13 are Charles Munson, Richard Allison, Kent Bennett, John Brownsberger, Fred Burkey, Fred Finks, Arden Gilmer, Jack Oxenrider, Smith Rose, Donald Rowser, John Rowsey, Alvin Shifflett, and George Snyder.
The Brethren Evangelist
In an early spring meeting, the com- mittee developed an organizational plan which it felt could meet some of the basic needs of the denomination. Since plans of organization had been proposed before, our work was made somewhat easier by the groundwork which had been laid.
We then presented our plan to the Executive Committee of General Conference and to the ministers of the various districts in their district conference meetings. From these various groups ideas were accepted and a reformulation of the plan made. Because of these meetings we assumed that most pastors would be informed and that most Brethren people would have details about the proposal before General Con- ference.
Just prior to the 1979 General Confer- ence, our committee, under the auspices of the Executive Committee, presented our proposal to the members of the various denominational boards. Then, under the leadership of the Executive Committee, we presented the proposal to a session of General Conference.
But what's it all about ? Well, essentially, the committee discovered that there are three particular areas of need in the Brethren Church. The first and most critical of these is the need for a cooperative and supportive network of pastoral care for ministers. So we proposed that a Director of Pastoral Ministries be employed by the denomination.
The duties of the Director of Pastoral Ministries would include advising and aiding in pastoral placement, meeting regularly with pastors, developing a program for creative pastoral ministry, and counseling with pastors on problems that arise from interpersonal relationships, including pas- tors' relationships with their churches. The
Director of Pastoral Ministries would en- hance the work already being done by various local, district, and national boards and committees.
The second need discovered by the com- mittee was in the area of denominational business. So we proposed that a Director of Denominational Business be employed. This person would give trained, experienced leadership to the management of the busi- ness and financial affairs of the denomina- tion. He would seek to make available necessary services for a more efficient operation of our national interests and offices — such services as a secretarial pool, a central receptionist, printing, addressing, mailing, accounting, cooperative purchas- ing, and so on.
The Director of Denominational Business would also coordinate promotion for Gen- eral Conference, its boards, and its in- terests. He would establish and develop a program to encourage financial support through all kinds of giving for local, dis- trict, and denominational ministries. The Carpenter's Shop and the Brethren retire- ment and insurance programs would also be areas of his responsibility.
In the third place, the committee sug- gested the need for a Director of Denom- inational Ministries. This person would coordinate, guide, and assure the effective and efficient implementation of the pro- grams of the Benevolent Board, the Board of Christian Education, the Missionary Board, and the World Relief Board. His duties would include developing a compre- hensive ten-year plan, supervising person- nel in these areas of ministry, guiding in staff development, meeting regularly with the various boards, and helping to promote their work. The Director of Denominational
(continued on next page)
General Conference approved imple- mentation of the first phase of the pro- posed plan of denominational organiza- tion— the establishment of a Director of Pastoral Ministries.
As the diagram shows, the Director of Pastoral Ministries will work with a coordinating committee made up of the chairpersons of the nine district boards of evangelists and with the National Min- isterial Association. In time he may be assisted by an administrator or staff person.
His duties will include meeting with and counseling pastors, developing a program for creative pastoral ministry, and aiding in pastoral placement.
DILl^CTOH UF PA:.T0KAL MINISTRIKJ
COORDINATING COMMIT- TEE (CHAIRPERSONS, DISTRICT BOARDS [9] of EVANGELISTS)
ADMINISTRATOR (: and/or STAFF
NATIONAL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION
DISTRICT BOARDS of EVANGELISTS (9)
November 1979
Ministries would also maintain contact with local churches to encourage their support, to develop annual goals for supporting pro- grams, and, in general, to coordinate the work of the boards.
This proposal was presented to the 1979 General Conference with a motion that the first phase — the establishment of a Director of Pastoral Ministries — be adopted for implementation. The motion was passed by the Conference.
Questions are asked about money. What's that all about? Well, we see phases II and III as being somewhere down the road. But we see the implementation of phase I as being feasible through the monies currently coming to the Brethren National
Office through the General Conference apportionment. It is conceivable that enough money is available to support the Director of Pastoral Ministries and some office help.
Obviously, considerable work has to be done to make this program work. The pro- posal is now in the hands of the Executive Committee, which has the responsibility of implementing phase one.
So when you ask, ''What's it all about?" I answer that Committee 13 provided information and impetus to the Executive Committee in the hope that the Brethren Church might be enabled to better serve the Lord Jesus Christ. □
Implementing Phase
John Rowsey brings us up to date on the implennentation of phase one of the plan for denonnlnational organization.
THE 91st General Conference of the Brethren Church, meeting in August 1979, approved the implementation of the first phase of the denominational change proposed by Committee 13. The preceding article gives the background of this com- mittee and tells why it made this proposal. This article is directed to what comes next.
I am vitally interested in this subject, for I am a member of Committee 13 and a member of the General Conference Execu- tive Committee — which has been assigned the responsibility of implementing this change. Furthermore, beginning January first I am to be a part-time employee of the Executive Committee to help in the transition.
One of the first questions the Executive Committee had to grapple with was the matter of finances. Under the present Gen- eral Conference structure, economics would not allow the addition of a new Director of Pastoral Ministries. In Executive Committee a suggestion was made that Rev. Smith Rose, our present Executive Secretary of General Conference, could assume the duties of the Director of Pastoral Ministries, with others picking up some of his administra- tive responsibilities. Rev. Rose is a member of Committee 13, so was aware of the ex- pectations for this position, and because of
Mr. Rowsey is Executive Director of the Brethren Publishing Company. At the beginning of next year he will become Interim General Conference Coordinator for the Brethren Church.
his years of service to the denomination, knows our pastors and churches. Rev. Rose felt, however, that it would be in the best interest of the proposal for a different per- son to assume the new position. Therefore, in order to make funds available to support a new Director of Pastoral Ministries, Rev. Rose resigned his position effective March 31, 1980. He expects to return to the pastorate.
The Executive Committee plans to hire a Director of Pastoral Ministries to begin work September 1, 1980. I will be working part time throughout 1980 as Interim Gen- eral Conference Coordinator. From January 1 to March 31 I will work with Rev. Rose. Then from September 1 to December 1 I will work with the new Director of Pastoral Ministries. During the period April 1 to August 31 I will be the only person in the General Conference office, and since I will be working only part time, this will help to compensate for the overlap of personnel during the rest of the year.
The Executive Committee wishes to ex- ercise good stewardship of the General Conference funds. At the same time, we want to move forward in the task of imple- menting phase one of the denominational reorganization. Your prayers are requested and will be especially appreciated during this time of transition. Please pray for me, for Rev. Rose, and also for the new Director of Pastoral Ministries.
Watch the Brethren Evangelist for furth- er information about implementation of phase one as the year progresses. □
8
The Brethren Evangelist
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
f >: • • •
Facing one of the facts of the high cost of dying.
CASKET for hire," proclaimed the radio announcer. It sounded intriguing. Why would anyone rent a casket? You couldn't be buried in a rental, that much is obvious.
A lot of money is spent on caskets these days. We never think about picking one out until it's too late. Then someone picks it out for us. I suppose we want to avoid thinking about death as long as possible.
Sentiment is for the expensive casket. But what difference does it make whether your box is expensive or not? Why should I care, as long as you don't end up in my drinking water ?
The distraught widow cries, ''What would people think if I buried George in a cheap box?" The truth is, we should ap- plaud the judgment of the wise widow who does just that! George doesn't need to go out like King Tut in an air tight, cedar- lined hole filler. So what if water leaks in — George won't drown!
George will never see the box. And it won't make him a bit more comfortable. Pay no attention to what others think. Be- sides, George may need a box lined with asbestos.
In fact, what's wrong with building your own casket? Seriously, you have a lifetime to work on it. For some, of course, that may not be long! You could inquire about state and local laws, then proceed from there. You'd be sure to fit — simply lie down in it and see. If you're not a carpenter, then hire one and give him your plans. Never mind how he looks at you.
* 'Casket for Hire" is a booming new business in Texas. It seems this man ended up with a repossessed casket. An under-
taker's business got so dead that the caskets were repossessed. This one was a beautiful pine box. He paid $250 for it. Another man had bought it for $750 and sold it to him. He now rents it out for parties, and the thing is booked solid.
This man, with an eye for business, claims he has no competitors. He has a corner on the market. Can you imagine throwing a party with a casket as a conver- sation piece? People are dying to get their picture taken in it! Halloween is his peak season. His card reads, "Have Casket. Will Travel."
Maybe we need to face the truth about our values in this country. Recently I heard of a young preacher who arranged for an empty casket to be brought into the evening
"The disfraught widow cries, 'What would people think if I buried George In a cheap box?' The truth is, we should applaud the judgment of the wise widow who does just that!"
church service. Then he asked the congrega- tion to file past the casket. Inside was a mirror. Each saw his own image. The preacher then preached a sermon in which he proceeded to lambaste their dead spirits. He got his point across!
But two weeks later the church met and fired him. Q
November 1979
9
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
John Rowsey believes that keeping sound financial records will be a necessity for the Brethren in the eighties.
DURING the years that I have been involved with various aspects of ad- ministration in the church, I have become disturbed by the disorganized way the church cares for its business. I am not speaking of just the Brethren Church, for I have been involved with a number of groups ranging from local churches to interdenominational organizations.
In the 1980's we all may be forced to do a better job of organizational housekeeping. I do not want to be negative about this because I beheve good organization can be maintained easily once begun and that it is possible to begin.
Contemplating the problem, I believe I understand the reason for this state of affairs. When organizations begin, they usually have too few people to do all of the work. As a result those involved concen- trate on the primary purpose of the organ- ization (the reason for which it was created), and ''housekeeping chores" (such as keeping good records) are done at a minimal level or not at all. The church is no exception to this practice.
If the organization is a business, how- ever, it usually soon comes into contact with the record-keeping requirements of the Federal Government. The result is that the business begins to practice better record-keeping. The church and other tax- exempt organizations, on the other hand, have not generally been forced to keep records.
As I look at the eighties, particularly in light of the Tax Reform Act of 1969, I see the need for all tax-exempt organizations to improve the quality of their records. Organizations in existence at the time this reform law was enacted were given a grace period through 1975 in which to comply. Now, however, the IRS has begun looking
Mr. Rowsey is Executive Director of the Brethren Publishing Company.
at tax-exempt organizations, and local churches may eventually be included. Last year the IRS conducted an audit of the 1975 and 1976 books of the Brethren Pub- lishing Company (which we passed), so I am well aware of the importance of good records.
But aside from government requirements and inspections, there are other reasons for keeping good records in the church. We have heard much in recent years, particu- larly from interdenominational mission agencies, about the need for Christian organizations to practice good accounting procedures so that they can give reports to their donors. If I give to an organization, I expect that donation to be used as I in- tended. The only way this can be verified is if good records are kept.
Decision-making is another reason for keeping good records. I have been reminded more than once that the Brethren Publish- ing Company is a business. I also under- stand that to properly run a business, infor- mation is necessary for management decisions. This information can only be available if records are kept. The same is true in the local church. I realize that many churches emphasize that they are not businesses and so should not operate in a business-like fashion. But I can't help but ask, "Doesn't God want us to manage His money as well as we do our own?"
I believe efficient, effective organizations can be used by the Holy Spirit in such a way that we get full value from the re- sources we have available. I further believe that we can maintain good organizational structure with a minimum of effort. This will not distract us from our primary purpose, but will instead strengthen our efforts to carry out the Great Commission. I would urge all of our Brethren tax-exempt organizations (local, district, and national) to take a good look at their record-keeping.
Most of our organizations keep good
10
The Brethren Evangelist
donor records, which are required if one of the donors is audited by the IRS. Most of our organizations also know what their habihties are if they owe money outside the organization. However, too few have payment plans to eliminate these liabilities.
One of my strong disappointments is the way church organizations keep records of their assets. Do we know when furniture and equipment were purchased and for how much? Do we know if these assets are still with us? And if they are no longer around, do we know how long they lasted?
Another weak area is the costing out of programs. Do we know how much is being invested in our youth programs, our outreach ministries, our Sunday schools, our buildings ?
At the district and national levels, do we know how much specific ministries cost and
whether they are funded sufficiently? Can we go to our members or donors with specific needs, or do we simply ask for offerings because we are in the hole?
It just makes good sense to know where we are as we plan where we are going. It's also a good feeling to know we have the answers to questions that might be asked by the government. Best of all, there is a peace in knowing we can say, ''Lord, we have conducted Your business in a way that will bring honor to Your name."
Brethren, let's enter the eighties with plans to get our house in order. It doesn't cost a lot of money. It doesn't take a lot of time. But it makes good sense. Sloppy records are for people who don't care or who are trying to hide something. Let's move out in confidence that we can do a job worthy of Children of the King. □
Advertisement
Pastor Jim Black
We weighed past-Moderator Jim Black at General Conference in August! He did lose weight during the previous year and kept it off. For those who were present, you already know the results. But for others, this is the ''official" tabulation: 243 - Weight in August 1978 210 - Weight in August 1979!
33 - pounds off 1 - add one pound for clothing
34 - POUNDS LOST!!! By the end of Conference 25 people had already contributed $953 to World Relief for this project. Some were people who signed up the year before and pledged $1.00 per pound lost; others were not on any list, but just contributed anyway. Some gave $34 on the nose, while others gave more or less — entirely voluntarily. Then, during the fall months another 20 or so people are responding with their contri- butions.
If you also would still like to be a part of this "pounds lost for World Relief" venture, send contributions of any amount (with a note) to:
WORLD RELIEF
Phil Lersch, Chm.
6301 56th Avenue, N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Two new thrusts of the World Relief
Relief aains
-8^
Board will receive wide publicity in the near future :
(1) DOMESTIC DISASTER RELIEF, whereby those interested and available will be able to help with clean-up and rehabili- tation (short term) following disasters here in the United States.
(2) REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT, whereby churches and individuals will be encouraged to help resettle in our commun- ities refugees from Southeast Asia.
The 1979 Moderator, Diiane Dickson, checks Rev. Jim Black's weight and Rev. Phil Lersch announces the residts. Photo by Bruce Ronk
November 1979
11
Brethren Home Missions
The
■ ■ ■
11111116
CHRIST . . . loved the church and gave Himself for it" (Eph. 5:25). Every Christian needs to come to terms with this text. If Jesus loved the church, so should I.
The ministry and labor of Brethren Home Missions is dedicated to love for Christ and for His church. Love for Christ and for His church naturally generates a love for people — those for whom Christ died. Christ, the church, people — all are of utmost im- portance in Brethren Home Missions.
To appreciate Home Missions we must understand the importance of the local church. The local church is the primary group through which the ministry of Christ is fulfilled. If local churches ceased to exist, all the ministries of para-church organiza- tions, the electronic church, the mass evangehsts, and the denomination would fold hke a house of cards.
The ministry of the local church attracts people to Christ, provides avenues for Christian growth, encourages Christian fellowship, and leavens the community. Vibrant local churches are the final hope for the spiritual welfare of the United States.
Local churches come in different shapes, sizes, and stages of development. Youth adds vigor to any enterprise. New churches often set the pace in evangelism. Dr. C. Peter Wagner, a keen observer of the church, believes that planting new churches is the most effective and efficient means of evangelism today. Several studies indi- cate the superiority of new churches in reaching people for Christ. While older churches subtly shift to survival goals, new churches energetically pursue mission goals.
Rev. Gilmer is pastor of the Ashland First Brethren Church and chairman of the Church Extension Commission of the national Missionary Board.
by Rev. Arden E, Gilmer
New churches have more conversions per capita than older, more established churches.
Faithfulness to God and the opportunities of our era require a diligent Brethren church-planting enterprise. The goal of ten new churches in five years expresses our response to the current challenge.
What kind of churches should we start? All kinds ! Where should we plant churches ? Where people are! The people-flow con- tinues towards urban and southern areas. New population growth is also taking place in western mountain regions.
As I see it, one of our crucial needs is the development of pastoral leadership which can thrive in the complexities of urban and suburban cultures. Most of our pastors come from rural backgrounds. Therefore, we must make intentional efforts to develop urbanized leadership. Urban pastors must be deeply committed, highly resourceful, winsomely bold, and unawed by problems and obstacles. They must know how to attractively preach the Word, wit- ness in diverse situations, and get along with people. I challenge Brethren young people to set their sights on becoming this kind of leaders.
Now, Brethren, let me challenge you to intensify your support for our home mission churches and pastors. Prayer is essential. Throughout the year pray for home mis- sions. Designate a church and a pastor for special prayer during specific months. Pressures common to all local churches are more intense in a mission church. These pressures include the struggle with limited resources, the shock of losing a family, the turmoil caused by a negative thinker, the financial stresses faced by the pastoral family, and the burden of constantly min- istering to people with all kinds of problems. These are some of the reasons your prayers are essential. Your prayers make a differ- ence.
12
The Brethren Evangelist
Building for the
Then, also, your generous giving provides additional resources to mission churches to help them grow into self-sustaining churches.
The next few pages will give you plenty of information on what has happened in Brethren Home Missions in the past year. Read with a pencil in hand. Underline items of praise and prayer.
As you read, you should also know that plans are also underway for continued church planting. Mr. and Mrs. Merle Abe, their daughter Connie, and their son and his wife (Stephen and Sue Abe) have settled in Kansas City, Kansas, to begin a new work at the Camp Wyandotte location. While providing their own livelihood, they will work evenings and week-ends to bring together a nucleus for a Brethren church.
The Northern California District is in- volved in preliminary work for establishing a new church. The Central District Confer- ence voted in July to begin planning for a new church. The Indiana District Mission
Board has made some initial inquiries into the greater Indianapolis area, expressing its desire to begin a new work.
Other opportunities exist in many differ- ent parts of the country. Many of them are being missed because of limited pastoral leadership and limited financing. More and more of the work load must be shifted to the district level, utilizing the guidelines developed in recent years by the national Missionary Board.
For the time being, I will function as a member of the national Missionary Board in a volunteer capacity, giving assistance to continuing church-planting efforts. Working together we can continue a dynamic Home Missions ministry.
Thanks for your total support and re- sponse to the November Home Missions Offering. Our Home Mission needs total $120,000.00 — $87,000.00 for Church Extension and $33,000.00 for Special Ministries. □
Ups and Downs at Town and Country
OCTOBER 2, 1979, was the second anniversary of the founding of the Town and Country Community Church. The past two years have been filled with ups and downs. We have seen people come and then move out of the area. People have attended and then decided that this isn't where they want to worship permanently and have gone elsewhere.
We have built a core group with the help of Gene and Sue McConahay. They have been a gift to us from God. Their responsi- bilities have included teaching, caring for youth activities, taking care of the finances of the church, and providing music. More of the people of our congregation are now involved in the program of the church, for which we are thankful.
Cliff Vandemark was with us nine months helping with the youth, and he did a great job. Donna Shank will join us this fall if
Rev. RuLon is pastor of the new Town and Country Community Church in Tampa, Florida.
by Rev. Dale P. RuLon
everything works out for her.
At this time we have 9.6 acres of land on a major thoroughfare in Town and Country (Hillsborough County). We are trying desperately to pay off the $90,000 debt so that we may begin to build our first building. It is frustrating to have to rent facilities for worship and to have to take our materials back to our home every week. We are unable to leave the Sunday school and church supplies in the building.
Our goal for the next nine months is to average 32 in Sunday school and 50 in Sunday morning worship. We also have a goal for one conversion per month or 10 new converts by June 1980, and 20 members by that date.
Long term goals include the possibility of a Christian high school on our property sponsored and directed by the church, a drop-in center for young people, and an activity center for the area to help meet the many needs of the people in the Town and Country area. □
November 1979
13
Brethren Home Missions
Medina Bible Fellowship:
Practicing Healthy Evangelism for Church Growth
A YEAR ago, most of us at Medina Bible Fellowship were new to the community. Since we knew few people, our opportunities for sharing the gospel were minimal. This pressed upon us the need for a plan. How could we reach out? To whom should we reach out?
We began to answer these questions by first examining church growth statistics. These statistics indicate that the highest percentage of prospects are (1) people who visit the church, and (2) people who are new to the community. Since this is the case, these people have become our target group. Out of this target group, we have prayed for Jesus to lead us to (1) people who are searching, and (2) ''harvest work- ers"— that is, people who have a love for the Lord and who would be interested in helping us establish this ministry (Matt. 9:38).
To help us with this goal, we receive monthly lists of people who have moved into the area. We send a letter of welcome to them that introduces them to the gospel and the church. Follow-up letters are then sent with messages of how Christ can meet specific needs, such as overcoming loneli- ness and depression. These letters and local advertising work together to make us known to the community. This paves the way for our personal visits.
To prepare our visitation team for these personal contacts, a nine-week training course was conducted. In these training courses we discovered four principles that have molded our philosophy of visitation:
(1) People have needs. We must be concerned, listen, and care. We should also
Rev. Lodico is pastor of the Medina Bible Fellowship, the new Brethren church being established in Medina, Ohio, by the Ohio District Mission Board.
by Rev. Terry Lodico
share how Jesus Christ has met some of our needs.
(2) We need to earn the right to be heard. We gain this right by communicating a spirit of acceptance. This is accomplished by being a friend, willing to listen and care.
(3) We are not salesmen. We want to share the good news as friends, not sell it. This understanding affects the spirit of our approach.
(4) Our primary goal is to share Jesus Christ, not the church. We are a group of people who have discovered a meaningful life in Him. If the person we are visiting shows an interest in what we are sharing, we then introduce him or her to our church as people helping one another grow in our relationship with Christ. With this under- standing, we invite the person to come and grow with us.
As we began our initial contacts, we dis- covered how important it is to discern the type of person to whom we are speaking. This discernment helps us minister and
5^ y^--'^"^-^ '^"F'T'I^" '"< ;
photos by Joe Elsaesser Morning worship service of the Medina Bible Fellowship. Services of this new Brethren church are held in the Medina YM/YWCA.
14
The Brethren Evangelist
share more effectively. Specific goals for people we encounter are as follows:
Type Person
A
professing Christian
A nominal Christian
A seacher
A person with a specific need
A
nominally interested person
Goals
Share your joy in the Lord. Invite the person to church if he has no church commit- ment. Communicate, if neces- sary, that we believe the Bible to be God's Word and our guide. Our unity is in our love for Jesus Christ, not in a particular doctrinal statement. Nevertheless, we pray that our doctrine will be seen in our lives and felt through our love as the Holy Spirit works in us, perfect- ing us in Christ.
Listen, trying to discern where the person is in his or her faith. Give encourage- ment and invite the person to grow with us if he or she is not committed to a church.
Help the person work through his or her thoughts by listening and reflecting what you hear him or her saying. Explain the Chris- tian faith in the context of the conversation by being sensitive to the person and to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Encourage the person to talk about his or her need with your goal being to share how Christ is able to meet our needs. Seek personal ways to be of help.
Plant a seed. Share some of your testimony if it is appro- priate. Leave information and seek permission to visit again.
A flatly Seek to be a friend in the
uninterested neighborhood in hopes that
person a door may open for you or
another person in the future.
Our aim is to learn to know each person as well as we can and to share a little about ourselves. In addition, we seek permission for continued follow-up. Here is an example of how we seek permission for a follow-up visit :
''Mrs. Green, it has been good to get to know you. You have lived an interesting life. We would very much like to visit again. May we do that?"
We have found visitation to be essential for our church growth, and we are continu- ing to develop and improve our efforts. In the past year, our growth has gone from five families to fourteen, from an average attendance of eighteen to an average of thirty-eight. Many of our people have indi- cated that our visitation was a key to their coming to Medina Bible Fellowship.
Visiting is essential. At the same time, it is important to visit with a spirit of friendliness. People have fears and they need to feel accepted. If we approach them with this healthy attitude, with a willing- ness to care, we are one step closer to sharing God's Good News. □
i ""^
Pastor Terry Lodico (right) prays for nwnihers of the visitation team of tJic Medina Bible Fellowship.
November 1979
15
Brethren Home Missions
Progress at Brandon
PROGRESS is much in evidence as the Lord Jesus continues to build the Brandon Brethren Church. The year 1979 has been the best yet.
Progress is interesting. It involves people's lives, needs, and responses of many kinds. It includes statistics with regard to attendance, conversions, finances, and new activities. It entails training and using people and taking old and new approaches to the community. It encompasses plans for and activities related to the construc- tion of buildings. At Brandon, progress has been made in all of the above mentioned areas.
We have seen growth and spiritual de- velopment in the lives of many. This is shown by their willingness to attend and to become involved in various activities. It is reflected statistically by the fact that since January 1 our average in worship has been 36. Our Sunday school attendance is some- what behind, but is averaging close to 25. Compare this with a year ago, when wor- ship was about 18 and Sunday school was 12, and you see the progress.
Our membership at the first of the year was 12. Fifteen new members have been added so far in 1979, making 27 members now. More than 30 confessions of faith have been made in the homes and in the church. Two people accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord this week. Membership classes for all who become members have and will take place.
In addition, 17 people have been involved this year in the Evangelism Explosion International III (EE III) training pro- gram. One participated as a teacher, 4 as trainees, and 12 as prayer partners. Two of the trainees are now working at Lost
Rev. Bennett is pastor of the new Brethren church in Brandon, Florida.
by Rev. P. Keith Bennett
Creek, Ky. This was the first semester of a three year plan. Each semester will in- volve and train more people.
Our Christian education program is growing. As of September 9, we had six classes — the most ever — with the best teaching staff ever. Our music program, which was already good, is greatly en- hanced with the coming of Jeff and Nancy Lentz. This fine couple will be helping in the EE III program, the Sunday school, with music, and in leading a 12-week Bible study music program for children called 'The Music Machine." We thank God for sending us Jeff and Nancy. We also have Rob Grumbling here who is providing fine leadership of many kinds.
God has answered our prayers by giving us many valuable tentmakers for limited periods of time — -the Dave Sticklers, the John Turleys (who will probably return here in January), the Eric van Leeuwens, and the Steve Abes. Each has done much to honor the Lord in our midst.
Another exciting development is the soon-to-be-started first unit, for which the Growth Partners call was made. We are finishing details with the bank, the lawyer, and the contractor — John McLeod. John is working at a considerably reduced rate in order to make possible the erection of this first unit. Pray for John and all the details of this building.
In conclusion, we have much reason to thank God and that portion of the body of Christ known as the Brethren for so many kinds of help. We are not without problems and discouragements, and at times the progress seems too slow. But looking back always gives a better perspective, and we are convinced that God is on the move in our midst. Thank you for your excellent support. We need you. May God richly give you all lives of spiritual usefulness. D
16
The Brethren Evangelist
Building for the
Special Ministries
Krypton
'T^E humanitarian, church-related ser- 1 vices directed by Miss Margaret Lowery have been in operation for twenty-six years this past October. We need to look for more career-minded missionary candidates like Miss Lowery.
Several Brethren have helped this year in some major repairs, including installing a new furnace in the church and a new fuel oil tank. A crew from Lanark took on the task of painting the church.
Let us not forget our ministry in Krypton. May our prayers be unceasing for this work. □
reinren
H
ouse
PiE Brethren House Ministry is teamed by Phil and Jean Lersch and Bonnie Munson. Since the beginning of this min- istry, the team members have experimented with new ideas and materials. During the past several years Brethren House has developed into a ''learning and doing" center of education.
The work at Brethren House has accel- erated rapidly. Many hours are spent pre- paring materials and then giving workshops in various churches across the nation. An illustrated newsletter is sent five times a year to workers of many denominations in all 50 States and 15 other countries. During the last six years, the team has conducted 212 Bible-teaching workshops in 16 denom- inations throughout 25 States.
The staff has also produced books, film- strips, Bible-teaching games, and cassette tapes for teacher-training.
The work at Brethren House is progres- sing steadily toward the scheduled goal of becoming a self-supporting ministry. Jean Lersch has written a more detailed report which will appear in the November INSIGHT. Don't miss it. \J
Pasadena
JUAN MIRANDA continues to direct church growth seminars, produce new literature, translate other materials into Spanish, and develop additional resources for Hispanics in evangelism and church growth. Being loaned to Fuller Evangelistic Association by our Missionary Board, Juan's broad ministry among evangelical churches enlarges our own ministry to Spanish-speaking people.
The church work in Pasadena has opened up more rapidly than expected. Services are now being held in a rented portion of a church in the area, with about 25 in attend- ance each week. A radio program for women is being prepared for weekly broad- cast, ending with an invitation to attend services in the Pasadena church. It is hoped that a trained worker from Mexico might soon be moved to Pasadena to work with the people more extensively. □
Riverside School
ADMINISTRATOR Doran Hostetler re- ported that the roof of the gymnasium/ classroom/library building was leaking very badly, causing interior damage. The repair of the roof was approved and has been completed. A burned-out oil furnace is also being replaced in the Louffer residence.
A crew of volunteers will be going to Riverside and will contribute their time and talents in building an addition to the maintenance building. This addition will provide space for the school's clothing sale, which is its largest money-making project.
Cooperation from the local people has been tremendous. They helped with side- walk repairs and the construction of the new library, which was built entirely with local labor. This support from the local people is strengthening the school.
(continued on pcii^e 19)
November 1979
17
Xhe Hunger Issue
in X^s^elve Points
This report of hunger facts is taken from the book Have You Ever Been Hungry? by Patricia L. Kutzner and Linda StoerkeL* The authors com- piled these facts from several reliable sources in an effort to highlight for all of us the key factors in the hunger issue.
This report is provided by Rev. Phil Lersch, chairman of the Brethren World Relief Board. Italics have been added for emphasis.
(1) About 10,000 men, women, and children — especially children — die of star- vation everyday, even when there is no world food crisis on T.V. Seme of them are Americans : mainly the very old or the very young — many of them are on Indian reser- vations, in the rural south, or in inner-city rooms.
(2) The number of people in the tvorld tvho live constantly in a state of undernour- ishment is more than ttvice the entire pop- ulation of the United States and four times the population of Canada, according to United Nations research. They may die of something as mild as measles or diarrhea. They die because their bodies are always weak. People in such a state begin to starve quickly when anything happens to reduce the food supply still more — such as a drought, a flood, or a hurricane^ — because their bodies have no reserves. Some of these people live in the United States. Govern- ment statistics estimate that as many as 14 million U.S. citizens go to bed hungry every night.
(3) People may be MALNOURISHED be- cause advertising encourages them to eat unhealthy foods or because they are too poor to obtain the right balance in their diet. Three out of every five people in the developing world, along with many Ameri- cans, are malnourished. Preschocl children and mothers who are pregnant or nursing are more vulnerable to malnutrition than any other population group.
(4) People are undernourished be-
"" Copyright 1978 by the United Church Press. Reprinted by permission.
cause they do not have enough food of any kind. Thus they do not have sufficient calories for the energy to stay alive or enough protein to build and rebuild body tissues. About one person in every five in the Third World is undernourished.
(5) Today no one who has enough money to buy food ever has to go hungry for long, because enough food is produced to feed the whole tvorld. But not everyone has enough money to buy the needed food. In recent years worldwide problems of ! inflation and unemployment have made i millions of people poorer and hungrier than i they once were. The gaps between rich and poor are growing wider and wider. This is true in North America and it is true in most of the rest of the world.
(6) Most of the world's people live on grain-based diets, which can be healthy if the diet is properly balanced. Rice, wheat, corn, and soybeans are the most i7nportant foods for eliminating tvorld hunger. Any- thing that reduces the supply of these or sends their prices skyrocketing drives millions of people closer to undernourish- ment and starvation.
Unless population growth slows down drastically there will not be enough food to go around in to- morrow's world."
(7) Until after World War II (about 1945), almost all American beef cattle were raised on grass. Grain-fed beef has become the standard in the United States and Canada only in the last two genei-ations. United States citizens in 1976 ate about twice as much beef per capita as in 1950. The custom of eating more grain-fed beef is spreading through all the wealthier countries. In recent years the amount of grain fed to U.S. livestock (including pigs,
18
The Brethren Evangelist
''In recent years worldwide problems of inflation and unemployment have made millions of people poorer and hungrier than they once were/'
chickens, and cattle) was as much as that eaten by the ivhole population of India or China. It is estimated that the average North American consumes five times as much grain as the average resident of a Third World country, most of it indirectly through meat, dairy products, and eggs.
(8) Food production in developing na- tions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America has increased more rapidly in the past twenty years than it has in the United States, hut much of the increase is for export to wealthier nations — especially fruits, vegetables, peanuts, and fish.
(9) People who are too poor to buy their food in the open market must increase their food production still more rapidly. The increase must not depend on the expense of petroleum-driven machinery or petroleum^ based fertilizers, since poor people cannot buy and maintain such equipment or use such methods. Most of them already know how to farm, though — women as well as men — ^and they are eager to learn how to do things better for themselves as long as the technology lies within their means and fits their environment. This accounts for the importance of aid that stresses * 'inter- mediate" or ''appropriate" technology. Organic farming, which does without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, is an important concept for a technology appro- priate to farmers with little or no capital available. Also important are the use of animals for plowing, better hand tools, wheelbarrows, better hand-operated water pumps, rodent-proof food storage devices, and many other simple devices.
(10) Unless population growth slows down drastically there will not be enough food to go around in tomorrow's world. History everywhere shows that a rise in basic economic security and health must precede success in slowing the population grotvth rate. When parents can be sure that the children they have will live to be full- grown adults; when parents are able to save for their old age or when they can depend on their society to take care of them if they become too old or sick to work ; and when a society gives women enough education and opportunities to earn both
income and respect in roles other than motherhoiod — when these three things hap- pen, smaller families will occur voluntarily. Otherwise, the reasons for having children outweigh the reasons for not having children.
(11) All the countries of the Third World that are called the 'least developed" (LDC) or that are the "most seriously affected" (MSA) by inflation and focd shortages either were once colonies of a First World nation such as England, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, or Portugal, or have been dominated by a more powerful nation, such as the United States. Many of the reasons for the poverty of Third World nations can be traced to the nature of colonialism. Our present "split-level" world began there. American Indians are begin- ning to see their experience as that of a people whose land was colonized by white settlers from Europe and their descendants. They are the pcorest group in the U.S.
(12) There are many ways to increase both food production and the ability of poor people to buy what they need. All these ways require an increase of resources available to the poor. Most ways require changes in governmental policies both in developing countries and in developed countries like the United States. People in churches can do much to help through direct aid to long-range, self-help projects among the poor at home and abroad. □
Riverside School
(continued from page 17)
Riverside Christian Training School plans to keep on updating and upgrading the courses it offers in order to continue meeting State accreditation standards. Many fine young people are becoming achievers in the Lord's work because of R.C.T.S. May we continue to be supportive in prayer for the teachers at the school.
The Missionary Board provides facilities and major maintenance for R.C.T.S. as well as contributing toward the school program. □
November 1979
19
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Virgil Ingraham attends consultation In Nigeria
Rev. Virgil Ingraham, General Secretary of the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church, recently attended a three-day consultation with leaders of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria) and representatives of two other cooperating overseas missions. The consultation was held September 18-20 at the Nigerian church headquarters in northeastern Nigeria. The pur- pose of the meeting was to con- sider areas of future cooperation between the mission agencies and this rapidly-growing church.
Consideration was given to relationships, policies, and pro- grams for the future. The Ni- gerian church, which is an inde- pendent body, is responsible for its own government, program, reproduction, and support. The cooperating overseas missions assist the national church in areas of high priority, especially in evangelistic outreach and leadership training, within the programs projected by the church.
The consultation resulted in clarification of some issues, including one related to prop- erty. Church leaders had con- cerns about certain aspects of the government's take-over of schools, hospitals, and dispen- saries, which took place over the past several years. Misunder- standings which arose during the transition of responsibility from mission to church were also dealt with.
Other matters which came under consideration included such items as financial support, use of missionary personnel, help to certain areas, scholar- ship policy, establishing church- es in urban areas, review of Kulp Bible School, sharing of information, and other matters of mutual concern.
A few of the problems found
20
no easy solution. Significant progress was made, however, and agreements were reached which will enhance working relationships. The consultation participants also recognized the need for other such open con- ferences in the future in order to achieve the accord which is needed for maximum effective- ness. Another consultation has been tentatively projected for
next year. !
The overseas groups working ! with the Nigerian church are ! (1) the Church of the Brethren, I which first established the work j more than fifty years ago; (2) | the Brethren Church, which be- gan providing missionary per- sonnel in 1948; and (3) Basel Mission of Switzerland, which also began its participation at a later date.
Jomes Miller licensed Brefhren minisfry
Johnstown, Pa. — ■ James Miller was licensed for the gospel min- istry by the Second Brethren Church of Johnstown on Sunday afternoon, September 16. The speaker for the licensing service was Dr. Fred Burkey, with whom Mr. Miller works in the Campus Ministry of Ashland College.
Other Brethren elders partici- pating in the service were: Rev. Richard Craver, secretary of the Pennsylvania District Minis- terial Examining Board; Rev. Clarence Kindley, chairman of the District Ministerial Examin- ing Board; Rev. Carl Phillips, pastor of the Vinco Brethren Church; and Rev. Harold Wal- ton, pastor of the Second Breth- ren Church.
Jim is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Miller of Johnstown. He is a 1974 graduate of the Greater Johnstown Central Senior High School and a 1978 graduate of Geneva College, where he ma- jored in religion. Currently he is a student at Ashland Theo- logical Seminary and Assistant to the Director of Religious Affairs at Ashland College. He is also listed in Who's Who in American Colleges and Univer- sities.
From 1973 through 1978 Jim i was involved as a summer cru- sader in the Crusader/Intern program of national Brethren Youth. He also served as the 1977-78 national Brethren Youth Moderator.
Special music for the licensing service was presented by Denny and Linda Albertson and by a vocal group called "Sharing." ^ Curt Hamel, moderator of the | Johnstown Second Church, pre- | sented a check to Jim for his seminary training.
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Brethren couple serving in Christian radio ministry
Sarasota, Fla. — Mr. and Mrs. Tim Solomon, a Brethren couple of the Sarasota First Brethren Church, are both involved in the ministry of Christian radio station WKZM FM of Sarasota. Tim is a producer and announ- cer for the radio station. He is a licensed 1st class radio en- gineer, and also co-owner of "Land-Sea Productions" com-
mercial phofography. Tim is the son of Rev. and Mrs. Kenneth Solomon, Brethren missionaries to Colombia, South America. As an "MK" (missionary kid), he spent the first years of his life in South America.
Tim's wife Jan is producer and hostess for the children's programming on Saturday mornings for WKZM. She plays
children's favorite songs and Bible stories on "Hi, Kids!" Jan also works at Fame Nursery, attends the University of South Florida, and is a 3rd class radio engineer. She is the daughter of Pastor and Mrs. J. D. Hamel of the Sarasota First Brethren Church .
Tim Solomon (left) is a pro- ducer and an- nouncer for Christian radio station WKZM ./ FM. His wife ^\ Jan is producer f^ and hostess of -''' a children's pro-
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AC professors co-author
Ashland, Ohio — Two Ashland College professors. Dr. Bernard R. Henniger, chairman of the earth science department, and Dr. Philip A. Mariotti, associate professor of earth science and geology, have co-authored a book entitled the Earth Science Lab Manual.
Published by the Wallace Pub- lishing Co. of Lexington, Ken- tucky, the manual is designed to be used as the main resource for an introductory, one- semester college earth science course. It is hoped that the book will have national distribution.
The lab manual covers all five
of the major areas of earth science — astrono'my, climatol- ogy, geology, meterology, and oceanography. Most manuals now being used are either obso- lete or incomplete in the breadth of material covered.
Another definite strong point is the last chapter dealing with environmental problems, which applies the area of earth science to practical life experiences.
Dr. Henniger's other work at Ashland College has included the development of an interdis- ciplinary pilot study and a sum- mer program in physical ocean-
ography and marine biology, the organization of field trips to the Bahamas and Dry Tortugas Islands, and the initiation of a scuba training program for AC students. He was named to the 15th edition of Who's Who in the Midwest and the 1976 vol- ume of American Men and Women of Science.
Dr. Mariotti, a faculty mem- ber since 1975, has published other articles including a recent paper in the journal of the Geological Society of America which gives a formula by which a pocket calculator can help plot the composition of rocks.
November 1979
21
update
Laymen's mission tour bears fruit
The National Laymen's tour to Brethren mission fields in South America, which took place this past February, is still bearing fruit. Karen Myers and Phil Payne, two young people included in the tour, have both moved closer to the Lord and at General Conference in August made new commitments to God.
All 19 persons who went on the tour were inspired by the rich fellowship experienced dur- ing the work periods and the Communion service with the Christian brothers and sisters in Colombia.
In addition to the two young people, three ministers and their wives and thirteen lay persons made the trip to Argentina and Colombia, South America. The ministerial couples were Rev. Duane and Helen Dickson of the Walcrest (Mansfield), Ohio, Brethren Church, Rev. Gene and Judy Eckerly of the Pleasant Hill, Ohio, Brethren Church, and Rev. Gerald and Linda Barr of the County Line Brethren Church near Lakeville, Ind. Lay persons were LaVergne and Martha Stone, and Porter and Ora Perkins of Sarasota, James and Naomi Ford of County Line,
photos from LaVergne Stone
Members of the work and worship tour to South America painted 33 chairs and 9 benches and did various other tasks.
Dale and Pauline Hawley, and — constructing three long Verna Randal of Warsaw, and benches
Jim and Arlene Payne of — painting nine benches
Burlington. — ^painting 33 chairs
This was a work and worship — making 6 teachers smocks
tour, and those on the trip did — roofing 1000 square feet of labor for the Lord. Work ac- classroom,
complished included: — James Payne
Pictured are
the members
of the work
and worship
tour to South
America with
Brethren
missionaries
to Colombia
Ken and Jan
Solomon and
Mark and
Chantal Logan.
22
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Dir. of Ch. Ed. Charles Beekley attends National Youth Workers Convention
Director of Christian Educa- tion Charles Beekley participa- ted in the 10th National Youth Workers Convention October 9- 12, 1979, in San Diego, Califor- nia. The four days of meetings were sponsored by Youth Spe- cialties, Inc., as part of its efforts to provide youth workers with ideas and direction in the broad areas of youth ministries.
Included on the program were individuals from all over the United States with experience in various aspects of youth work. Dr. Anthony Campolo from Eastern College in Pennsylvania was the keynote speaker. He focused the convention's think- ing on the "me decade" of the 1970's, pointing out that the church has been seduced by the current pop sociology of "find- ing oneself" rather than finding the needs of others and serving mankind.
Thirty other well-known youth workers lead workshops and seminars, including Mike Yaconelli and Wayne Rice, founders of Youth Specialties and the Youth Workers Con- vention. Over 800 youth workers from the U.S. and Canada attended.
One of the highlights of the
week was a production of The Crucible by the Lamb's Players Theatre of San Diego. This was especially significant for Beek- ley because Martha Deardurff from the Gretna Brethren Church is on the full-time staff of the Lamb's Players. Beekley and Ms. Deardurff were able to visit for a few minutes after the production. As a part of his trip, Beekley
also visited the six Brethren churches in California and Ari- zona. He worshiped with the Lathrop, Calif., Brethren Church and the First Brethren Church in Tucson, Ariz., and met with pastors and leaders of the Northgate Community (Man- teca, Calif.), Scottsdale (Calif.), Papago Park (Tempe, Ariz.), and Northwest Chapel (Tucson, Ariz.) Brethren churches.
id-West District Conference
The Mid-West District Con- ference was held at Falls City, Nebraska, October 11-13, 1979. Theme for the Conference was "Press-On," taken from Philip- pians 3:14.
Forty-one delegates attended the conference from the seven churches in the district. Rev. David Powell, pastor of the Fort Scott, Kansas, Brethren Church was the moderator and conduct- ed the business sessions.
Special speakers for the con- ference were Rev. Smith Rose, Executive Secretary of the Brethren Church; Rev. Virgil Ingraham, General Secretary of the national Missionary Board; and Rev. Bill Kerner, General
Conference Moderator. Messa- ges were also presented by Moderator Powell and by the vice moderator. Rev. Albert Curtright.
A special feature of the con- ference was the setting apart of Mr. and Mrs. Merle Abe, their daughter Connie, and Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Abe for the new church-planting work at Kansas City, Kans. The Abe family is working together to begin a new church, using the Mid-West District Camp Wyan- dotte as a base of operations.
A youth retreat was also held in connection with the Mid- West District Conference.
1980 Work & Worship four planned
A 1980 work and worship tour to Colombia, South America, is being planned for March 7-16. Organizing the tour are Rev. and Mrs. Eugene Beekley.
According to tentative plans, the tour group would arrive in Bogota, Colombia, on Saturday, March 8, 1980, and travel to Medellin, location of our Breth- ren missionaries, on the follow- ing day. Tour members would spend one week in Medellin and return to the U.S. on Sunday, March 16.
For more information about the tour, contact Rev. and Mrs. Eugene Beekley, 3912 Chapel Drive, Sarasota, FL 33580.
ATS enrollimenf 375
Enrollment for the fall quar- ter at Ashland Theological Sem- inary totals 375 students. The full-time student equivalency is 321. Included in the total are: 31 women and 90 men working on a master of arts degree; 37 women and 147 men studying toward a master of divinity degree; and 1 woman and 16 men in the doctor of ministry program.
In addition to students from the United States, the seminary enrollment includes students from seven foreign countries.
Ashland Theological Seminary is now the largest seminary in Ohio.
Its n rieces
Mrs. Nellie Knepper was re- cently recognized for another year of perfect church school attendance by the Berlin Breth- ren Church. This is Mrs. Knepper's 42nd year of perfect attendance.
According to the Berlin Church bulletin, Mrs. John Hepler, a dedicated member of the Berlin Brethren Church, plans to serve in the Town and Country Church in Tampa, Fla., this winter. She will assist the new church with Sunday school teaching, visiting, office work, and in other ways as needed.
November 1979
23
update
Miami Valley Laymen look at past present & future of Brethren Church
A meeting of the Miami Val- ley (Ohio) Laymen was held at the Columbus Brethren Church on Monday evening, October 15. Forty-one men attended the rally, including representatives of the New Lebanon, Gretna, Dayton Hillcrest, and Columbus Brethren churches, and guests from the Ashland Park Street and Garber Brethren churches.
Speakers for the meeting were Rev. Smith Rose, Executive Sec- retary of the Brethren Church, and Rev. Virgil Ingraham, Gen- eral Secretary of the Missionary Board of the Brethren Church. They spoke on the past, present, and future of the Brethren Church and Brethren missions.
An election of officers was held, and Duane Clark was elected president, David Black vice president, Jerry Blosser secretary, and John Deardurfi treasurer.
Supper was served by the women of the Columbus church,
General Conference Publications
The 1979 General Conference Annual will be coming off the presses soon and copies will be sent to delegates who attended the Conference this past August. These delegates will also receive copies of the 1980 Brethren Directory and next year's Con- ference program booklet.
Others who desire these three publications may subscribe to them for $5.00. In the past these publications were sent free to all who requested them, but this can no longer be done because of increased printing, address- ing, and mailing costs.
If you were not a 1979 Confer- ence delegate but would like to receive the Annual, the Direc- tory, and next year's Confer- ence program book, send your request with $5.00 to General Conference Publications, The Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
with a free-wiU offering being taken to pay for the meal. Rather than accept the $70 offering, however, the women voted to donate the money to
the Ashland College Campus Ministry, to be used for re- modeling the basement of Memorial Chapel for use as a campus Christian center.
Urbana 79 theme: That All Might Believe and Obey Jesus Christ
More than 17,000 college stu- dents, faculty, and pastors are expected to attend "Urbana 79," the Twelfth Inter-Varsity Stu- dent Missions Convention, to be held December 27-31 at the University of Illinois.
Theme for the convention is "That All Nations Might Believe and Obey Jesus Christ." Fifty speakers from around the world will be expounding Scripture and experiences relating to this theme.
Registrations for this triennial conference are running consid- erably ahead of those for the '76 convention, reflecting what appears to be a growing interest in missions on the part of North American young people.
The significance of this con- vention was expressed by Billy Graham, one of this year's speakers, who said, 'T know of no other place where college students receive such qualified instruction and challenge on World Missions."
In addition to special speakers and daily small-group Bible studies, sixty elective workshops will be presented at the conven- tion, exposing the students to issues of broad concern in mis- sions today. These workshops, which will be led by specialists in each area, will cover four general categories: issues in missions; ministry in missions; the world of missions; and chal- lenges in missions.
^1
N Eyes For The Needy
Recycle old eyeglasses to bring better sight to the poor? Why not? Recycling may seem like a new conservationist idea, but a group of volunteers in Short Hills, N. J. — many of them housewives — has been doing it for years — ever since 1S32. Called New Eyes For The Needy, Inc., this non-profit organization has helped over one million persons.
Last year over one million pairs of old glasses were sent to New Eyes, where groups of volunteers sorted and classified them.
Simple, non-astigmatic lenses are sent to medical missions abroad (since Federal law pro- hibits their redistribution in the U.S.). Simple sunglasses go to bright, hot countries.
Metal frames go to a refiner to be melted down, along with other scraps of precious metal from old watches, broken jew- elry, spare cufflinks, earrings, and old silver, which the organ- ization also receives.
The money realized from re- fining goes to establish special eye funds for hospitals and wel- fare agencies throughout the United States to purchase new prescription glasses for those who can't afford them.
Since its inception 47 years ago, New Eyes has asked only for old eyeglasses and precious metal articles, never for a cent in donations. So if you have glasses or jewelry that you no longer need, send them to New Eyes For The Needy, Inc., Short Hills, NJ 07078.
24
The Brethren Evangelist
update
NAE dedicates new headquarters building
Wheaton, 111. — Approximately 200 evangelical leaders from across the country attended the dedication service of the Evan- gelical Center in Wheaton, Illinois, on October 3. Rev. Smith Rose, Executive Secretary of the Brethren Church, represented the Brethren denomination at the dedication service.
The Evangelical Center is the new headquarters building of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). The eco- nomical, two-story structure houses the association's execu- tive, business, information, and field services offices; a print shop, computer, and warehous- ing facilities; and NAE's Evan- gelical Purchasing Service, Uni- versal Travel Service, Encounter
^;«^^
'J
The Evangelical Center of the National Association of Evangelicals.
Ministries, Inc., and the World Relief Corporation.
"Men and women from sev- enty denominations have shared
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION
(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)
Title of publication: The Brethren Evangelist
Publication no.: 064-200
Date of filing: October 1, 1979
Frequency of issue: Monthly
No. of issues published annually: 12
Annual subscription price: $7.00
Location of known office of publication, and location of the headquarters or general business
offices of the publishers: 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805 Names and complete addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: Publisher, The Brethren Publishing Company; Editor, Richard C. Winfield; Managing Editor, none; 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805 Owner: The Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805 Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or
more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: none The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for
Federal income tax purposes have not changed during the preceding 12 months. Extent and nature of circulation: Total no. of copies printed
Average for preceding 12 months 3940
Single issue nearest filing date 3536
Paid circulation — sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, and counter sales
Average for preceding 12 months 0
Single issue nearest filing date 0
Paid circulation — mail subscriptions
Average for preceding 12 months 3596
Single issue nearest filing date 3462
Total paid circulation
Free distribution free copies
Total distribution
by
Average for preceding 12 months 3596
Single issue nearest filing date 3462
mail, carrier, or other means — samples, complimentary,
and other
Average for preceding 12 months Single issue nearest filing data
Average for preceding 12 months Single issue nearest filing date
Copies not distributed — office use, left over, unaccounted. Average for preceding 12 months Single issue nearest filing date
Copies not distributed — returns from news agents
Average for preceding 12 months Single issue nearest filing date
Total
Average for preceding 12 months Single issue nearest filing date
47 47
3643
3509
spoiled after
297
27
0 0
3940 3536
printing
I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.
(signed) Ronald W. Waters, General Manager
in the vision of the Evangelical Center," said NAE Executive Director, Dr. Billy A. Melvin, at the dedication. "Therefore, unlike a shrine to one organ- ization, this Center is an effort on behalf of all evangelicals. A building serving the cause of Christ in fulfilling the Great Commission."
"This building is meant to be a distribution center," said NAE president, Dr. Carl H. Lund- quist. "From this base we can reach out with the good news of Jesus Christ to a world which has lost its common sense."
The dedication service was highlighted by special recogni- tion of Dr. Clyde W. Taylor. Dr. Taylor was honored for his thirty years of leadership in the cause of evangelical cooperation through NAE.
Waterloo observes family monfh
October was family month for the Waterloo, Iowa, First Breth- ren Church. Each Sunday a different family assisted in the morning worship service. Social events for families were planned for Sunday evenings.
The social event for Sunday, October 7, was an ice cream social, with 85 people enjoying the homemade ice cream, pies, cakes, etc.
— Barbara A. Lamb, Cor. Sec.
November 1979
25
update
Leslie Zatkos to Randy Hagerich, September 14, at St. John Vianney; Father James Quinn offi- ciating. Groom a member of the Vinco, Pa., Breth- ren Church.
Donna Jean Ford to Jay Lynn Haigerioh, Septem- ber 8, at the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church; Carl H. Phillips, pastor, officiating. Members of the Vinco Brethren Church.
Angela Burkey to Robert Bayusli, August 25, at the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church; Carl H. Phillips, pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Vinco Brethren Church.
JuUe Lynn Slabaugfh to Thomas Edward Schiefer,
August 25 at the Goshen, Ind., First Brethren Church; Spencer Gentle, pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Goshen Brethren Church. (Both now members of the Ashland Park Street Brethren Church.)
Kim Cobaugh to Rick Furnari, August 17, at the bride's home; Frank Brosius, officiating. Bride a member of the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church.
Jayne Barnes to Wayne Grumbling', August 4, at the Shannon, 111., United Methodist Church; Bride's pastor officiating, assisted by David Cooksey, pastor of the Lanark, 111., First Brethren Church. Groom a member of the Waterloo, Iowa, First Brethren Church.
Christine Layton to Robert Parks, July 29, at the Franklin Street Methodist Church, Johnstown, Pa. ; Rev. John W. Stevenson, officiating. Groom a member of the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
. « . plecise let us know.
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Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
26
Goldenaires
Mick and Huth Lamb, 50th, October 21. Members of the Waterloo, Iowa, First Brethren Church. Hattie and George Padgett, 55th, October 27. j Members of the First Brethren Church, South Bend, Ind.
Mr. and Mrs. Lester Leidy, 51st, October 18. Mem- bers of the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church. Lee and Elva Voorhe«s, 50th, September 15. Mem- bers of the First Brethren Church, Flora, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. I&ussell HUdebrand, 51st, August 2. Members of the Vinco, Pa., Brethren Church.
In Memory
Ruth A. Shultz, 89, September 29. Member of the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Ralph E. Mills, pastor.
Howard Davis, 80, September 27. Member since 1920 of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church. Services by Marlin L. McCann, pastor. George Winton Spielman, 87, September 21. Long- time member of the Hagerstown, Md., First Brethren Church. Services by Harold E. Barnett, pastor.
Encil R. Wade, 80, September 14. Member of the Cameron, W. Va., Brethren Church. Services by Jeffrey L. Brown, pastor.
Alfred (Ted) Schrock, 66, September 12. Member of the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Ralph E. Mills, pastor.
Lucy D. Ourtright, 89, September 8. Charter mem- ber of the Cheyenne, Wyo., Brethren Church. Ser- vices by Albert O. Curtright, pastor.
Edna Belle Boyer, 87, August 13. Member of the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Ralph E. Mills, pastor.
Judith L. Whitted, 31, July 31. Member of the Ashland Park Street Brethren Church. Services by Arden Gilmer, pastor.
Myra Kimmel, 84, July 24. Member of the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Ralph E. Mills, pastor.
John A. Hepler, 67, June 4. Member, deacon, and trustee of the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Ser- vices by Ralph E. Mills, pastor.
Evelyn Bridegum, May 13. Member of the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Ralph E. Mills, pastor.
Richard Layding, 57, March 24. Member of the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Ralph E. Mills, pastor.
Charles Delancy, 69, January 3. Member of the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church. Services by Rev. Charles Sigler.
Membership Growth
Cheyenne: 7 by baptism Flora: 2 by baptism
The Brethren Evangelist
Puterbaugh, Weldenhamer honored as outstanding AC alumni
Ashland, Ohio — Two members of the Brethren Ohurch were among the five persons honored as outstanding alumni of Ash- land College on October 20th. They are Dr. Milton Puterbaugh and Mr. Harry E. Weidenhamer, both of Ashland and both mem- bers of the Park Street Brethren Church.
Dr. Milton Puterbaugih was
graduated from Ashland College in 1922. In the fall of that year he joined the AC faculty to teach chemistry, becoming the college's first full-time professor of chemistry, a post he held until 1943. He also served as registrar, dean of students, and acting dean of the college from 1942 to 1943.
Puterbaugh left the college in 1943, but returned in 1960 to become director of the science division. He held this position until his retirement in 1972. He is presently AC Professor Emer- itus in Chemistry.
In addition to his work at AC, Dr. Puterbaugh held appoint- ments at Hiram College and the University of Kansas City and was a visiting professor at Drake and Ohio State univer- sities. His graduate degrees are from Northwestern University.
Dr. Puterbaugh has held vari- ous offices in the Park Street Church and served the denom- ination as a member of the National Laymen's Organization
Dr. Milton Puterbaugh
and the National Sunday School Association.
Mr. Harry Weid^nliamer is a
1929 graduate of Ashland Col- lege. He served on the Ashland College faculty for 34 years, first as professor of chemistry and later as head of the earth science department. He now holds the title of Professor Emeritus. He is also an Ohio Academy of Science Visiting Lecturer to High Schools and is listed in American Men of Science. He holds a master of science degree from Ohio State University.
An active member of Park Street Church, Weidenhamer has served as teacher, church moderator, church school super- intendent, and deacon.
Harry E. Weidenhamer
The other three outstanding AC alumni for 1979 were:
Hayden S. Garber, class of 1927. A native of Ashland, Gar- ber has been counsel to the U.S. Congress from 1934 to the present.
Charles K. Hill, class of 1957. Hill is president of the Hillwood Manufacturing Company, the Cozier Lumber and Box Com- pany, and Walker Nail Com- pany.
Dr. Donald Nikolaius, class of 1951. Nikolaus was honored for his outstanding work as a fam- ily physician, which resulted in national recognition in 1978 by Good Housekeepinig and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Help Wanted
Married couple (those with children accepted) to accept a full-time relief houseparent position available at a home for troubled boys located 70 miles southeast of Chicago on a rural 105 acre Indiana setting.
Responsibilities are child care related only and include a full package of fringe benefits.
For more information, please call 219-956-3125. Christian Haven Homes, Rt. 1, Box 17, Wheat- field, IN 46392.
Wonted: Ohio District Comp ond Youth Director
The Ohio District Christian Education Board is seeking a district Camp and Youth Director.
Basically this person would be expected to help develop and implement the summer camp pro- gram of the Ohio District. This is primarily a summer job. It is a paid position.
In addition to being a believer in Christ and a member of the Brethren Church, the director must be of high integrity and have some leader- ship ability.
To apply or secure further information, contact Rev. Leroy Solomon, Rt. 1, Bellefontaine, OH 43311 (phone 513-592-9161 or 513-592-9168).
November 1979
27
Brethren Home Missions:
Brethren Building for tlie L
Home Missions Specid Ministries
$87,000.00 $33,000.00
Additional ^'Construction"
10 new churches in 5 years
Increase Growth Partner membership
to 2,000
Increased gifts and investments to
total $15,000 this coming year to
Revolving Fund for church extension.
Missionary Board of the Brethren Church 530 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805
o
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D*
P 3 O 3* O (O
CD
'W''^ The Brethren 1 * I
Evangelist
C^ December 1979
INTRODUCING A BRIGHT NEW IDEA IN TAKE-HOME PAPERS FROM GOSPEL LIGHT !
Adventure
thru tlie
AOVINTURE THBOUOH THl BIBLE presents an ,,,,^
overview of the entire Bible. wis
Each paper contains a Bible story illustrated v^ith 12 full-color pictures and an easy -to-read script. In just 16 quarters children, grades 1-6, receive an overview of the Bible-Genesis through Revelation. 1
AOVEHTURB THBOUOH THE BIBLE reinforces Bible story 1 fiicts and concepts.
A variety of fascinating activities encourage children to think ■ about the Bible story. And here's an added bonus-one activity is always geared to the non-reader.
ADVENTUEE THBOUQH THE BIBLE involves the entire fomily. The "Family Scrapbook" section provides family-time activities, discussion starters, parent-child relationship ideas-all related to the Bible story-designed to help the entire family develop and maintain a Christian life-style.
So if you want a take-home paper that encourages spiritual growth in each family member, we've got what you're looking for!
GIS^'
Order from:
The Brethren PubHshing Company 524 College Avenue Ashland, Ohio 44805
Crusaders in the Summer of '80
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS to a sum- mer of service to our Lord and God!
Complete the form below and send it to:
Board of Christian Education 524 College Avenue Ashland. Ohio 44805
You'll receive Crusader Guidelines and an application form by return mail.
Nanne _ Address City
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^^■^ The Brethren ^j • j
Evangelist
Beginning its second century of ministry to Christ and the Brethren Church.
The Brethren Evangelist (USPS 064-200)
Editor:
Richard C. Winfield
Consulting Editors:
John D. Rowsey Ronald W. Waters
Contributing Editor: Alvin Shifflett
Editorial and Business Office:
524 College Ave. Ashland, Ohio 44805 Phone: (419) 289-2611
Published monthly for the Brethren Church by the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805. One year subscription rates: $6.00 for 100% church lists; $6.50 for church lists of 5 or more names; $7.00 for individual subscriptions.
Single-copy price: 70 cents Change of address: Please notify us at least three weeks in advance, using the form provided in each issue. Authors' views are not necessarily those of the Brethren Church or the Brethren Publishing Company.
Queries and manuscripts should be ad- dressed to the editor. A writer's packet with query tips is available upon written request.
Unsolicited manuscripts are also welcome. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited material not accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Second class postage paid at Ashland, Ohio.
Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Member, Evangelical Press Association
Cover
The lighted candles of Christ- mas remind us that a Baby was born to be the Light of the world. That Light still shines in the darkness of our times. See article beginning on page 6.
Vol. 101. No. 12
December 1979
4 Broken Walls
God broke down the walls in Rahab's life, just as her Descendant breaks down the walls of sin for all who follow Him — by Susan White.
6 The Crisis of Our Times
Dr. Carl F. H. Henry affirms that God's Light is still shining in the moral darkness of our times.
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties 10 A Call to Mobilization
Dr. J. D. Hamel asserts that nothing is more important for the Brethren Church in the eighties than our complete mobiliza- tion for evangelism.
The Board of Christian Education
13 Building, Caring, Equipping
The Board of Christian Education is endeavoring to assure that the 1980' s will be a period of building, caring, and equip- ping in the Brethren Church.
14 Research, Planning, Implementation
To serve the Brethren Church more effectively in the eighties, the Board of Christian Education plans this three-phase process.
16 A Forward Look
18 The Brethren Publications/
Home Missions Endowment Fund
Ronald W. Waters explains the new plan for supporting the Brethren Evangelist that was approved by General Conference.
Departments
12 The Salt Shaker
1 7 Books 20 Update
27 Finally, Brethren
December 1979
Broken Walls
Drawing by Susan White
by Susan White
NEW LIFE! That's what she had re- ceived— new hf e. The shameful walls of existence which had once enslaved her had been broken. She was now free. Free to laugh — a lilting, joyous laughter which bubbled up from deep inside of her. Free to love — to know what it meant to give herself totally, in sacrificial service to others. Free to live!
A warm tear slid down Rahab's cheek to touch the corner of her smiling lips, matching the warmth she felt in her heart. The gods she had once served had forced her into a life of corruption and self- degradation. In their religion there was no harm in selling one's body as any other merchant would sell his or her wares. No harm, so they said. But she knew the cold, ugly life which followed — the darkness and the loneliness.
But that had all changed. Yahweh had called her to follow Him. He had pledged His faithfulness to her, to Rahab the harlot of Jericho, even as one of His chosen chil- dren of Israel.
'*He has made me His own," she whis- pered. "Even me!"
Standing in the sunlight, she reflected on the events that had brought it all about. The day had begun like any other day —
Susan White is the administrative assistant to the director of communications of Ashland College. She is a frequent contributor to the Brethren Evangelist.
that day the two spies from the Israelite camp had come. Wearily she had answered the door, expecting to find the same sort of men as were always there. But that day was different, marking the beginning of a lifetime of different days.
"Hebrews!" she had gasped when she opened the door. Their bearded faces and strange garments betrayed their identity. The stories of these people and their mighty God were familiar to her as they were to the other inhabitants of Jericho. The city- dwellers told of Israel's mighty deeds with trembling lips. They spoke of the Hebrew's one God, Yahweh, in terror, for they knew of the wrath He had poured forth on other enemies.
Rahab also feared this powerful, living God. But in her fear she was drawn to Him. She had heard of His wrath, but she had also heard of His love.
The Hebrew people were really no differ- ent from any other group, yet Yahweh had chosen to make His covenant with them, caring for them faithfully. Ever since she had first heard of this special love a God could have for His people, she had sensed a longing deep within her heart to serve Him. She was tired of paying homage to those man-hewn pieces of stone to which all of Jericho bowed down. So, in that moment, as her eyes rested on the two foreigners at her door, Rahab knew that she had been given a priceless opportunity.
Quickly Rahab ushered them into her
The Brethren Evangelist
tiny house built upon the city wall. 'The time for surprise is over," she thought. **I must hide these men from the rest of the city."
Throughout the day she offered them shelter and what information she could give about the city and its inhabitants. They, in turn, told her about their people and the long wanderings which had finally brought them to the land which God had promised to their fathers. They recounted stories of Moses and his great leadership, and of the deeds of his successor, Joshua.
Rahab's sincerity was put to the test when a loud knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Quickly and quietly she hid the spies. Strengthened by her desire to know the Hebrews' God, she sent the king's soldiers away without betraying the men on her roof.
When darkness had spread its cover of protection over the countryside, the men prepared to leave.
''Now then," she began with a slight tremor in her voice, "please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kind- ness to you. Promise me that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death."
"Our lives for your lives!" the men assured her. "If you don't tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faith- fully when the Lord gives us the land."
Rahab carefully lowered the spies down from her window with a strong scarlet rope. They left her with the instructions to tie this cord of scarlet in the same win- dow, as a sign of their oath and as a mark to set her house apart.
The days passed slowly for the anxious inhabitants of the city who viewed the dis- tant army with terror. Even strong drink and constant sacrifices to their stone-faced gods could not ease their fear. For Rahab, the days were filled with anticipation as she dared to hope for a new life.
"They march to Jericho!" the towns- people cried on that first morning when the Israelite army, commanded by Joshua, silently encircled the city. But excitement gave way to disappointment for Rahab as she watched the army turn back to its camp.
"Yahweh will be victorious," she assured herself and the family members gathered with her.
Seven days later the victory came. No longer was the army silent. Amid shouts and the sounds of trumpets, Jericho went crashing down in defeat. The city's thick
walls cracked and splintered as if torn apart by giant unseen hands. Those inhab- itants who did not meet death through falling rubble or panic were soon slain by the mighty soldiers of Yahweh.
Yet in the midst of death and destruc- tion, one small piece of the wall remained untouched. When the two spies returned to the house of the scarlet cord, they found a new woman. For Rahab, the walls of sin and harlotry in her life had been cast down by the same unseen hand, burying the past which had once enslaved her.
Little did Rahab know that sev- eral hundred years after her life- tinne on earth was finished, her Descendant would bring freedonn to all who would serve Hinn.
So Rahab lived among the children of Israel, a free woman, all the days of her life. In her freedom she married and gave birth to a son. The child, Boaz, grev/ into a fine, strong man, one who was looked to as a leader among the people. He never for- got the stories his mother told of the kind- ness which had been shown to her, a foreigner. Perhaps those same teachings prompted him to show a similar kindness to a widow from Moab who entered his field to glean. His kindness grew into love, and Boaz offered Ruth the shelter of his home and took her for his wife.
Offspring from this union was to yield, in three generations, a son who would be- come the greatest ruler of the nation of Israel. But David was not the only king to claim these two and Rahab as his distant kin. A King would be born to surpass all other earthly rulers, whose kingdom would have no end.
Little did Rahab know that several hundred years after her lifetime on earth was finished, this King would bring freedom to all who would serve Him. This Child, her descendant, would grow to become a second and greater "Joshua." Even His name, Jesus, would be a Greek translation of the Hebrew name, Joshua, meaning "salvation."
This greater Joshua would also break down walls — walls of sin and separation from God. This One, God's perfect Son, would bring life to a dying world. His light would banish the darkness of lonesome lovelessness. And just as the scarlet cord of Rahab marked her as set apart for life, so His blood would sanctify all who would come under it for life eternal. □
December 1979
» I
■■I «
111 1
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"For the crisis of our times, the light that shines in darkness is still more than adequate."
THE CRISIS OF OUR TIMES
by Dr. Carl F. H. Henry
THE opening chapters of two great New Testament books keep running through my mind. One is the classic prologue of John's Gospel; the other, that awesome first chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans. Both deal with God's creation and its despoilment by sin ; both hold out the alter- natives of salvation or judgment.
John's prologue twice mentions darkness, each time sweepingly enough to cover not only man's fall and sinfulness, but also the darkness of Crucifixion Day, and even that of our own declining civilization. How graphically this word "darkness" brings into focus the moral malignancy and spirit- ual sham of the human race! ''The light shineth in darkness," we read, "and the darkness comprehended it not" (1:5, KJV). Other versions stress the point that no fury of darkness can overcome or extinguish God's light; until end- time judgment over- takes us, the light of God's living Word will continue to expose human wickedness for what it is.
Romans chapter one is much more specific about moral evil. The exploding wickedness of the Gentile nations supplies a sort of Richter scale of civilizational de- cline, a measure of the slide of men and nations into the abyss of iniquity. As shocks and aftershocks of ethical earth- quake surge over modern life, Paul's letter speaks not only to the Romans but to us also about the crucial crisis of our times and the judgment that lowers above us.
The theme of Paul's epistle and of John's Gospel is the same, namely, that the light of God is shining through the darkness of human history and is penetrating the very mind and conscience of even a rebellious age. While it may suppress the truth of God, fallen mankind can in no way eradi- cate it. God's light and truth remain and continue to unmask what we are.
I spoke of a Richter scale of declining civilization. It works something like this. First there is a public awareness and re- tention of divine principles of righteousness, but alongside this awareness comes a grow- ing public disposition to violate them. We have seen this in our own century: an earlier generation that was more largely aware of biblical and Christian roots con- ceded, for example, that God approves life- long monogamous marriage and forbids extramarital sin.
Yet as society increasingly violates
Dr. Carl F. H. Henry was the founding editor of Christianity Today magazine. Time magazine called him "the leading theologian of the Evan- gelical flank." He is the author of 25 books.
The Brethren Evangelist
''God's Logos is still lighting every man, still shining in the darkness; the truth of God is still penetrating the mind and conscience of even the most wicked/'
divine principles, such transgression soon becomes a matter of common practice and public acceptance. In our day sexual im- morality outside marriage runs rampant. Last year our country reported a million abortions, many of them the price of lust and immorality. Deterioration of the family is a recognized problem of modern society, yet many educators and even some clergy- men see abortion only in terms of the right to avoid unwanted children, and all to seldom emphasize the duty to uphold sex- ual fidelity.
Accelerating moral rebellion
Moral rebellion, the Bible warns us, runs a quickly accelerating course. When repeat- ed compromise erodes God's norms of decency, respect for God soon yields to false gods that encourage sin and accommodate evil. God will permit a rebellious generation to suffer "the vileness of their own desires and the consequent degradation of their bodies, because they have bartered away the true God for a false one" (1:25, NEB).
Refusal to honor God leads inevitably to destructive aftershocks: ''thinking ends in futility, misguided minds are plunged in darkness" (Rom. 1:21). God gives them over, Scripture says, to ''a base mind, and to improper conduct" (1:28, RSV), to ''their own irrational ideas and to their monstrous behavior" (JB), to a "reprobate" mind (KJV), to a "degenerate" mind (Phillips), to a "corrupted" mind (TEV), to a "de- praved" mind (NIV). The Greek word adokimos identifies that which has failed the test. We will fail life's comprehensive exams^ — not only the Christian heritage but also the imperative apostolic call — unless with God's help we discipline our minds to follow Paul's challenge: "Whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatso- ever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Phil. 4:8).
I emphasize the importance of the mind because the mind is always a crucial aca- demic concern. The mind of man, as both John and Paul emphasize, is God's creation :
by creation the Logos "lights every man" (John 1:9a), and despite our sinful state God's revelation penetrates our very mind and conscience (Rom. 1:19-21; 2:15). Yet we read of mankind that "knowing God they refused to honor him as God, or to render him thanks" (Rom. 1:21, NEB). Today the mind no less than the will of modern man is in dire trouble. Having lost the meaning of meaning, our radically secular age cannot make up its mind about the truth. "Let not a double-minded man," says the New Testament, "think that he shall receive anything of the Lord" (James 1:7-8).
We need to remember a very important fact: the Bible links the moral decline of nations with reprobate minds. Training the mind is an essential responsibility of the home, the church, and the school. Unless evangelicals prod young people to disci- plined thinking, they waste, even under- mine, one of Christianity's most precious re- sources. Leaders of the Protestant Refor- mation were all university- trained ; they knew the Bible, the languages, philosophy, theology, and much else. Secular liberal education today fails our generation in the matter of consensus about either God or truth or moral values. Many campuses seem unable to preserve respect for such basic ethical virtues as repaying student loans, returning borrowed library books, taking examinations or preparing term papers with honesty.
Replacing God with man
Man's first step in defecting from God who makes known His holy will is to replace the immortal God with mortal man (Rom. 1:23). The ancients worshiped emperors, even their statues; today moderns worship the self as the measure of all things. This self -worship is actually a divine judgment upon us for rejecting the one true God. Such deliberate idolatry of the self quickly moves on to the unbridled passion charac- teristic of our times. Paragons of permis- sive morality are welcomed as folk heroes to campuses, to television, and to the stage.
Who would have dreamed that the gen- eration of the Graham crusades would also
December 1979
''Multitudes today are ^'
thirsting for a personal
faith; many are looking I
for a messiah. They mu^t "
be turned from false .
christs to the risen and ^
returning Lord."
become the generation where many cham- pion homosexuahty and lesbianism as no less moral than heterosexuality, and others flee divinely created orders of sexuality to become transvestites. If one has guilt feel- ings, there is always some psychiatrist at hand to exorcise guilt.
From a hit or miss consensus on values, society quickly moves to total disconsensus. ''They were filled," writes Paul of earher pagans, ''with all manner of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit . . . haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil . . ." (Rom. l:29ff.). Reflect if you will on the ruthless violence of our own day; raping of helpless elderly women, young wives, even schoolchildren; street attacks on the elderly and the bhnd; senseless snipers that cut down innocent people, the gruesome murder and burial of young males by someone like Dacey, the Chicago sex maniac. The stench of moral decay fouls the air as society is victimized by its own self-destructive vices. A new generation considers itself beyond fixed moral dis- tinctions, and indeed refuses to recognize them; many academicians — both Marxist and nonmarxist — dismiss objective values as a prejudice of the establishment.
Small wonder that Soviet dissidents like Alexander Solzhenitsyn and Alexander Ginsburg, while finding grateful refuge among us from communist repression, none- theless reserve the right to warn us con- cerning the moral flabbiness and vagabond- age of the West. You and I know, of course, that much yet remains in America for which to thank God — not least of all, the freedom and opportunities envied by oppressed mul- titudes in many parts of the world. And we know that the day-to-day decency and good
will of a multitude of God-fearing citizens seldom get the attention and headlines largely preempted by the seamy side of national life. We should be grateful that divine providence has gifted us with life in this land.
President Carter has every right to crit- icize a controlled society like Russia that seeks to seduce people "from God . . . through the television (and) through the schools." But how much constructive influ- ence do secular education and television in the free world actually wield for fixed truth and good in today's life of the people? The Russian social critics in our country seem to realize this peril better than we do. It is not enough to say that things are better in America than elsewhere; in every great world power that has marched off the map things once seemed better than anywhere else.
Recently a special sale catalogue came in the mail from a large American publisher of college and university texts. Among the 1000 listings in philosophy, religion, politics, psychology, and other disciplines, only one title was premarked "sold out." What vol- ume, you ask, was in such special academic demand? The title, believe it or not, was Understanding the Female Orgasm.
An impenitent generation
An impenitent generation, the Apostle Paul tells us, "receives" its "due penalty," divine recompense proportionate to its own priorities. To suppress the knowledge of God will skew right and wrong with devas- tating final consequences. The fault-line that opens our land to impending disaster seems increasingly to penetrate the very heart of modern culture. The tremors that presage God's final shaking of the earth
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The Brethren Evangelist
''Even in the midst of this dark hour, the Christian community is called upon to sound the call of repent- ance, forgiveness and God's triumph/'
reflect ever more blatant sin and indecency. Explosive forces are rumbling at the core of modern life; our civilization too may soon collapse into the same debris of hu- man corruption that engulfed all past civilizations.
Amid the awesome prospects of a nu- clear age, the Bible speaks almost apoca- lyptically of God's ''meltdown" of his foes. Yahweh's warning against the sins of ancient Jerusalem should strike terror among today's rebellious nations that now rattle missiles instead of swords, and whose horrendous unleashing of nature against mankind God despises: "As men gather silver, copper, iron, lead and tin into a furnace to melt it with a fiery blast, so will I gather you in my anger and wrath and put you inside the city and melt you. I will gather you and I will blow my fiery wrath, and you will be melted inside her . . . and you will know that I have poured out my wrath upon you" (Ezek. 22:17-23, NIV). Who of us can say that this nuclear genera- tion is less worthy of God's terrible judg- ment than were Sodom and Gemorrah, Tyre and Sidon, disobedient Israel and Judah?
Rejection of divine principles
As a nation we have gone far beyond merely the neglect of God's moral principles to a routine violation of them. We have gone even farther to outright rejection of those divine principles in the name of modernity. We are writing our own codes of right and wrong; man in place of God ventures to define the true and the good, and does so in the name of personal creativity and selfism. Today our nation is held together more by a network of governmental con- trols than by a shared consensus of values. Many of our universities have all but turned their backs on the Judeo-Christian her- itage of revealed truth and divine command- ments, and have forsaken the pursuit of objective values. Are we as a nation en- couraging and inviting the cataclysmic disaster that will plunge not only Western culture but all human history into final judgment ?
Even in the midst of this dark hour, the Christian community is called upon to sound the call of repentance, forgiveness
and God's triumph. God is still active in our secular society; He not only warns the impenitent masses of dire judgment, but prods them also toward faith, and even pre- pares some for salvation. Multitudes today are thirsting for a personal faith ; many are looking for a messiah. They must be turned from false christs to the risen and returning Lord.
n
larkness
God's Logos is still lighting every man, still shining in the darkness; the truth of God is still penetrating the mind and con- science of even the most wicked. Even some who seem hopelessly given over to iniquity may come by God's grace to new life and hope and joy. God is still at work in our world. He is manifesting the consequences of rebellion by abandoning the impenitent wicked to licentiousness, and by allowing a long-privileged West to revert to paganism. But God is also lifting to His Savior Son those who seek refuge from the nihilism of daily life without Christ. In His mercy God enables even the desperate to embrace Christ as the rescuer from ruin and despair.
When Paul wrote his letter to the Ro- mans, this planet was overwhelmingly pagan. All the Christians to be found in the ancient empire city of Rome could have squeezed into a few small homes. But Paul knew something, something that no one had taught him at the University of Tarsus. Paul knew the reality and power of the Risen Christ. He, the Risen Christ, can turn a vagrant intellectual and a vagrant world right side up, can restore recognition of the Lord of nature, of history, and of conscience. If hope is to prevail in our time, we who know God's transforming mercy and power must become roving tentmakers in the service of Christ who pitched His tent in a terrible wicked world and unveiled, for us to see, the glory of our life-renewing God.
Let us call individuals and nations to a new vision of justice and righteousness. Let us invite a vagabond race to share with us the joys of life redeemed and fit for eter- nity. For the crisis of our times, the light that shines in darkness is still more than adequate. □
December 1979
Special Feature: Perspectives for the Eighties
A Call to Mobilization
by Dr. J. D. Hamel
T BELIEVE that we are at the dawn of
the world's greatest tomorrow. Nothing is more important, humanly speaking, for the life of the Brethren Church in the eighties than our complete Mobilization for Evangelism. To present Christ without shame or bias to the community, the nation, and the world as Savior and Lord is our sacred duty. As Christians we cannot do less.
The Brethren Church looks to the future. What is the future? What are our plans? What is the job toward which we roll up our sleeves and to which we look forward? What is the victory which we, on bended knee, ask God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to enable us to achieve?
The Brethren Church must continue to speak to men and women of their deep need for radical healing, calling them to accept God's love through Jesus Christ. The church must move into action as it seeks to (1) interpret the gospel, (2) exemplify the gospel, (3) organize to communicate the gospel, and (4) challenge its entire con- stituency to witness to this gospel. Just as "Prayer is the breath of the soul," even so ''Evangelism is," and must ever be, "the outward expression of its life."
I believe that every sacrifice we make will
Dr. Hamel is pastor of the 700 member First Brethren Church of Sarasota, Fla., the largest church in the Brethren
denomination. He is also founder and speaker for the international radio broadcast, "The Brethren Hour."
/'f'
so enrich us in the future that our only regret will be that we did not sacrifice the more. The world has never been in more dire need of the healing and saving touch of Christ, His love and understanding, His compassion and salvation. We Brethren want to give our lives to something that counts, something that lasts!
To see our members exploding with life and vitality, reaching out and winning people and making disciples and responsible members, expanding our horizons and getting involved in the ministry and out- reach of our church — that's Church Growth. And it's happening all across the denomination. Prayers of generations of Christians are being answered and the gospel is going forth in a strong tidal wave of evangelism!
Mobiliza+ion Through Sharing and Caring
One of the special challenges of the eighties is the opportunity for Brethren to join with their older loved ones in an effort to make life in the later years more mean- ingful. Our society is experiencing a marked increase in the number of elderly. Almost 21 million persons 65 years of age and above are found in the United States. By 1980 one person in eight will be a senior citizen. The aging have a special need for assurance of God's continuing love and pro- tection, release from anxiety about illness and death, spiritual growth through new experiences with the Lord, and a continuing feeling of usefulness in the work of the church.
Mobilization Through the Printed Page
As workmen for God we Brethren want to continue to prepare ''tools" for the indi- vidual Christian to use in his work of wit-
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The Brethren Evangelist
nessing for Christ. Tracts, booklets, man- uals, and books — to inform, instruct, and inspire — these must continue to roll in an unending stream from the BRETHREN PUBLISHING COMPANY presses. Our Brethren publications have had a powerful influence in molding our past. They will even more largely shape our future. Chris- tian books, journals, and periodicals are the bulwark of our moral and spiritual stamina, and their flow must be kept constantly im- proving and enlarging.
Mobilization Through Global Missions
When we look to Christ, we see the world as it is — His world, to which He came and for which He died. It is filled both with great hopes and with disillusionment and despair. Some nations are rejoicing in new freedom and power, some are suffering be- cause freedom is denied them, and some are paralyzed by division. Everywhere there is an undertone of fear. Millions are hungry; millions have no home, no country, and no hope. Over all mankind hangs the peril of nuclear war.
But there is a word from God for our world. It is that the world is in the hands of the living God whose will for it is that all should be saved. Through Christ Jesus, His Incarnate Word, who lived and died and rose from the dead, God has broken the power of evil once and for all and opened for everyone the gate into freedom, salva- tion, and joy. We Brethren must continue to urgently make this gospel known to the whole world. We must call on all men to believe in Christ, to live in His love, and to look for His coming. Our Brethren mission program is established worldwide with strong, mature, Holy-Spirit anointed leaders.
Mobilization
Through Church Extension
"A Call to Mobilization" must also con- sider areas in our own or nearby commun- ities where many are unchurched. Those who would benefit from a Sunday school or a home Bible study fellowship include migrant workers, language groups, retirees, and apartment house and mobile home dwellers. A vital need also exists for a genuine Christian concern for neighbor- hoods of disadvantaged people as well as children's homes, hospitals, and retirement homes. Reaching people where they are is a basic teaching of the Bible and the Brethren Church.
Mobilization Through Our Youth
Our Brethren Youth and the Board of Christian Education are responding not only to Christ's call to salvation, but also to His summons for service at home and abroad. Our youth are probably the best trained we have ever had, academically and spiritually, and they are thoroughly dedi- cated to Christ. They see through the tinsel of materialism in our time and are willing to go anywhere in the service of our Lord and Savior.
Mobilization Through Our College and Seminary
In the eighties there will be an even greater need for highly educated spiritual leaders — men and women full of grace, full of faith, full of power, full of Holy Spirit wisdom. Let us continue to support Ashland College and Theological Seminary as we ask God to give us anointed, dedicated, sac- rificial leaders — leaders who will so speak for Christ that multitudes will believe.
Mobilization ior Ac+ion
A new day has dawned in evangelism, one we hardly dared dream possible ten years ago. Open doors confront the church everywhere — on university campuses, in business, in political life, through the use of such means of mass communication as radio, television, and current literature ; and in the willingness of the man on the street to listen. WHAT A DAY FOR THE CHURCH TO WORK! Our evangelism must reach beyond an initial commitment to Christ and aim for the maturity of Chris- tian character emphasized in the New Testament. The Good News of the gospel refers not only to that from which we have been saved, but to that for which we have been saved. Only this kind of personal evangelism will be adequate for the spirit- ual needs of America.
As Brethren, let us renew and revitalize our faith in the power of the Gospel of Christ to transform individual lives. Let us refresh our spirits continually in deeper fellowship with God through prayer. Let us fully dedicate our keenest intellects, our finest talents, and our financial resources to the tasks which await us in the eighties. As Brethren, let us live courageously, wit- ness daringly, and give sacrificially that His Kingdom may come more fully in America and around the world.
Brethren, let us mobilize for the eighties ! □
December 1979
11
r
• I
the salt shaker
by Alvin Shifflett
The real Star of Christmas was not the one that shone on Bethlehenn.
The Star of Bethlehem
MATTHEW'S account of the birth of Christ has generated considerable discussion. What was that ''unidentified flying object" that arrested the attention of the wise men (or Magi) and motivated them to travel to the Holy City of Jerusalem ?
Modern "wise men," equipped with elec- tronic computers, can turn back the astral clock to explain that manifestation known as the **star of Bethlehem."
Jim Rostirola, planetarium director at Bellevue Community College, is a modern day wise man. With the help of an organi- zation known as Friends of the Planetari- um, Bellevue Community College has been celebrating the Christmas season every year since 1975 by using a stellar time machine. Rostirola can show you exactly how the heavens looked during that momentous time in history. He is able to compress about 2000 years of stellar activity into a 40-minute program.
The astra-machine reveals that there was a remarkable conjunction of the planets Saturn and Jupiter around 7 B.C. (Conjunc- tion is the term used when planets are so close together that they appear to be a single, brilliant celestial body.)
Archaeological evidence also points to the year 7 B.C. as the probable date of the
nativity. In 1920 archaeologists unearthed tablets which revealed that Herod ordered a census for tax collection purposes in 8 B.C. Since those things usually took a year or two to get underway, it is likely that Joseph and Mary didn't make the 70 mile trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register until 7 B.C.
Now I know, and you do too, that God is sovereign over the universe. It is nothing for Him — no task at all — to make a special star or, millenniums in advance, to schedule an orderly conjunction of planets to an- nounce the birth of His Son. (In fact, the conjunction occurs about every 800 years.)
With one pronouncement or flash of thought. He flings a star into space or arranges a conjunction of planets. Twenti- eth century wise men probe and astra- machines discover, even re-enact, a celes- tial phenomenon of centuries ago. And such scientific confirmation strengthens the faith of many.
But Christian faith is not dependent upon astra-machines and computers devised by modern-day magi. Christian faith goes be- yond human ingenuity — to the resurrected Christ.
Still, one has to admit (and I'll be the first to do so) that it'd be nice to have a Christmas Eve candlelight service under the simulated celestial brilliance of 2000 years ago! But therein lies the rub.
Many are more than ready to rely on simulated experience (and that's exactly what it is) than on a quiet but brilliant encounter with God's Word.
People prefer to be so heavenly minded — looking only for the star— that they miss the whole point. The star in the heavens was just a sign. The real Star was in the manger. D
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The Brethren Evangelist
OARD OF
HRISTIAN
DUCATION
uildlng
anng
• •
quipping
The I970's saw the evangelical community gaining head- lines everywhere in the United States as the media turned their attention toward the renewed efforts evan- gelicals were making to spread the gospel. Leading evan- gelical preachers were seen on magazine covers, TV talk shows, and best-selling book jackets. Spreading the Good News was an important part of the decade that draws to a close this month.
The success the evangelical communify enjoyed in the past decade mandates that in the 1 980's we must work with those who were reached in the seventies and build a church of fervent disciples!
The challenge is to build up, care for, and equip those who have been reached — and will yet be reached — by our evangelical community. Not to respond to this challenge, or to respond with less than complete dedication, would be to fall short in our service to God.
The Board of Christian Education has begun a struggle to meet this challenge on the denominational level. Our part in meeting the challenge of the I980's will be to develop an array of resources and programs that will help Brethren churches to build up, care for, and equip those newly won to Christ.
On the next few pages you'll find a sample of our ideas and plans. It is our hope that by the grace of God, and with the prayerful and practical support of the Brethren Church, the I980's will be viewed in history as a period of . . .
Building . . . Caring . . . Equipping.
December 1979
13
R
esearc
h
PI
anning
Implementation
AS we enter the 1980's, we on the Board of Christian Education must move through a three-phase process: First, we must determine the present status of the discipling programs of the various Brethren churches and determine their needs. Secondly, we must construct plans and programs geared toward meeting the needs that are demonstrated. And thirdly, we must implement those plans and programs.
The first step is the most impor- tant— examining the present status of the denomination in order to de- termine the needs in the area of Christian Education. The board sees itself poised on the threshold of activitv in service to the Brethren Church, But we must be sure this activity is moving us in the right direction, and meeting the needs that are present in the churches.
Traditionally we have relied on our intuition or experience to guide our decision-making. In our own local churches — where we are acutely aware of the true needs — this approach usually works. On the de- nominational level ^ — where we are not aware of the true needs in the churches — this approach leads to frustration as often as it leads to success. We have — at times — found ourselves dealing with problems that were non-existent or finding solutions to problems that were not correctly identified.
The missing element in the plan- ning of the usual denominational program is research. It is the intent of the Board of Christian Education to add this missing element in the months ahead.
Therefore, our first step will be to survey the denomination to deter- mine the true areas of need. We have within our church capable persons who are trained in the area of design- ing surveys. These people will be called upon to help us prepare a sur- vey that will reveal the needs of the denomination. The exact timing of our survey and its content are being determined this month. Information regarding it will be carried in the Brethren Evangelist.
second step is planning. At 1980 meeting of the Board of Christian Education, the results of the survey will be analyzed and studied. The various Task Forces of the board will determine those areas of our church life that can be min- istered to through the activities of the board and then formulate pro- grams and projects. These programs will then be presented to the 1980 General Conference.
Of course the third step — imple- mentation— will be delayed. Only after we carefully study the survey results and develop a comprehensive program of ministry will we be able to move decisively.
In the meantime, however, certain
The Brethren Evangelist
plans have been formulated that should fit smoothly into the coor- dinated program which will grow out
of the comprehensive survey. Several projects are being considered and are in various stages of development:
Filmstrip Library : In cooperation with the Brethren Publishing Com- pany— which supplies most of the Sunday school curriculum materials for Brethren churches — the Board of Christian Education will attempt to coordinate the filmstrip library with the two curriculums approved by General Conference. A new catalog, to be published in early 1980, will indicate which filmstrips correlate with the courses offered by David C. Cook and Gospel Light.
Discipleship pamphlets for new converts: This will be a series of seven short exercises that develop the new Christians' awareness of God and His role in their lives. This program is being developed by Rev. Ken Sullivan in Lathrop, California, and will be used in his local ministry beginning early in 1980. Refinement will follow their use in California, and the revised pamphlets will be avail- able late in 1980 for general use in the denomination. Basic Christian concerns will be developed in the pamphlets, with particular attention given to traditional Brethren prac- tices.
Workshops: Four workshops are planned for the 1980 General Confer- ence that will aid pastors and lay people in developing a strong pro- gram of discipleship in the local church. These workshops are the re- sponsibility of the Discipleship Task Force of the board, which is chaired by Rev. Norman Long.
ABCT Seminars: The 1980 se- quence of seminars will take place in the autumn of the year. The number of seminars will be increased, but the faculty— and course offerings — will vary with each one. The content of each day-long meeting will be deter- mined bv the needs of the area in which the seminar is being conducted. Those needs will be determined by
December 1979
means of the survey mentioned earlier in this report.
ABCT Newsletter: The Newslet- ter will take on a different format beginning in January of 1980. The changes are three:
(1) It will be monthly. It is our hope that — when the need arises — the newsletter can be more current, in terms of seasons of the Christian calendar.
(2) It will be shorter, most of the time only one sheet, front and back — about half the size of the current News- letter.
(3) It will be in loose-leaf note- book style. Each month- ly issue will have holes punched in it for assemblage in a three-ring binder; thus, at the end of a year, you will have a complete booklet.
In addition, a renewed effort will be made to make the Newsletter more "Brethren" in orientation. We will
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continue to offer ideas and resources, but activities of Brethren churches in the area of Christian Education will be given greater prominence. □
A Forward Look
THE material on the preceding three pages deals with the future — as we're sure you've noticed. This is a change from the usual procedure for these pages, which was to review the work of the past year.
In light of the new administration of the Board of Christian Education and a new emphasis on the work of the Task Forces of the board, it seemed prudent to look forward rath- er than backward.
The first three months of the new administration have been spent get-
ting acclimated to the challenges presented and a feeling for how the Brethren can best be served by the Board of Christian Education.
It is our hope that one year from now we can reflect on the aspirations presented here and find that we have been successful. We are confident that with the prayerful and practical support of the Brethren, December of 1980 will be a review of our first efforts at a broad, coordinated pro- gram of BUILDING, CARING, and EQUIPPING. D
16
The Brethren Evangelist
hooks
When Faith Is a Life-and-Death Issue
A Distant Grief by F. Kef a Sempangi (Regal Books, 1979, 190 pp., $3.85 paperback).
Out of the bloody regime of Idi Amln comes another tale of bloodshed and grief, but also a tale of victory and the power of the living Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor Sempangi is the founder and pastor of the 14,000 member Redeemed Church of Uganda. This is his story — how his congregation came into being and how his fellow-believers suf- fered under the barbarous persecution unleashed by Idi Amin.
Some of the facts reported are gruesome — there are details which the public media did not or could not cover. It is difficult for us, in our comfort and security, to imagine what others must face in order to be faithful to Jesus Christ. This little book will open our eyes to see just how wicked people can be when driven by the forces of evil.
But Kef a is careful not to make the book just a bloody account of suffering. The meat of the book is how the power of Christ triumphed in situation after situation. It will strengthen the reader's faith to see how God brought relief in the face of gravest danger and threat. At many a point in the book I had to stop and pray, "Lord, help thou my unbelief!" The book will also give the reader a greater sympathy for those for whom faith is a life-and-death issue. And it will lead us to give thanks for our security on earth and to pray for the suffering church.
This book is recommended reading for high school age folks on up. The style is easy, even to the point of being compelling. A certain blessing awaits anyone who takes this book in hand and reads with prayerful perception.
— Brian H. Moore
Pilgrim Aflame by Myron S. Augsburger (Herald Press, 1977, $2.25 paperback).
Not many readers will have the chance or take the opportunity to acquire a book presenting the beginnings and history of the Anabaptist move- ment. The question might be asked, Is there a way to make history available just for sheer enjoy- ment? The answer is, Yes. Myron S. Augsburger, President of Eastern Mennonite College and a widely known evangelist and theologian, has pro- vided the reading public with a fine example of how it is done.
Pilgrim Aflame would properly be classified a historical novel, historical accounts enhanced by a vivid imagination. It is the story of Michael Sattler, a Roman Catholic priest who left his
religious orders to be obedient to Jesus Christ as he understood Him. He was harassed and hounded by authorities until in May 1527, at the age of thirty-two, he was captured and burned at the stake.
Michael Sattler was the primary mind behind the Schleitheim Confession, an evangelical state- ment of faith adopted by the early Swiss Brethren, as the first Anabaptists were known. His preach- ing and teaching helped give shape to the budding movement and his witness in death stimulated the faith of countless others as they sought to follow Jesus Christ faithfully.
His witness lives on, not only in the Schleitheim Articles (which are included in the text of this book), but also in the radiant testimony he gave to His Master in life and in death, so vividly com- municated to us through Pilgrim Aflame. This is recommended reading for high school age onward.
— Brian H. Moore
Rev. Moore is pastor of the Ardmore First Breth- ren Church of South Bend, Ind.
Secrets of Friendship
The Friendship Factor by Alan Loy McGinnis (Augsburg, 1979, 192 pp.)
Dr. McGinnis is a counselor in Glendale, Califor- nia. In this book he shares the secret of how to love and be loved. From the book we learn how to be a warmer, more lovable person, how to com- municate better, how to resolve tension in our relationships.
In four sections the author deals with five ways to deepen your relationship, five guidelines for cultivating intimacy, two ways to handle negative emotions without destroying a relationship, and what happens when your relationships go bad.
Many outstanding personalities are used in illustrations and quotes, including Charlie Shedd, C. S. Lewis, Bruce Larson, and Paul Tournier. The author also includes personal family experi- ences as well as examples from some of the people he has counseled.
At the heart of a relationship, says McGinnis, is the friendship factor, the essential ingredient of warmth and caring. The clues he gives for better, closer relationships apply to friends, hus- band and wife, parent and child.
— Julie Flora
Mrs. Flora is an Ashland, Ohio, honietnakef a(id a frequent contributor to t/w Brethren Evangelist.
December 1979
17
The Brethren Publications/ Home Missions Endowment Fund
Ronald W. Waters explains the plan for supporting the Brethren Evangelist that was approved by General Conference.
FOR YEARS the Brethren Church has been faced with a continuing dilemma: how to finance the pubHcation of its de- nominational magazine, the Brethren Evan- gelist. In August, General Conference took the first steps to solving that dilemma.
With few exceptions, church magazines do not pay for themselves. They must be subsidized in one way or another.
Subscriptions cover slightly less than half the production costs of the Evangelist. The subsidy comes from: gifts from indi- viduals and churches (Publications Offer- ing) ; contributions from church ministries in return for the promotional value they receive from the magazine; advertising; and funds allotted from the profits of the Brethren Publishing Company.
The Publications Offering has grown in recent years, and we are grateful for this new awareness and commitment. And the denominational boards and ministries have been supportive at a time when they are facing their own tight budgets.
But production costs have continued to rise. So the annual deficit of the Evangelist has hovered between $6,000 and $7,000. This annual drain on Brethren Publishing Company profits prevents the company from making necessary capital improve- ments and retiring long-term indebtedness.
A number of possible solutions were examined by the Publishing Compfany board, in consultation with the General Conference Executive Committee. But only one proposal appeared to provide a per- manent solution without adding another offering emphasis. That proposal, which was endorsed by General Conference, was this :
Mr. Waters is General Manager of the Brethren Publishing Company.
The creation of an Endowment Fund of $450,000 over 10 years, to be invested so the interest received each year will cover the difference between production costs and subscription prices. Here's how it will work:
1. The Brethren Publishing Company will solicit gifts for the Publications/Home Missions Endowment Fund.
2. Funds received will be deposited in the Brethren Home Mission Revolving Fund. The interest rate will be set each year by the Missionary Board and the Brethren Publishing Company.
3. The Missionary Board will lend the money to new congregations according to established guidelines and policies of the Brethren Home Mission Revolving Fund.
4. The interest received annually by the
How the Brethren Evangelist Is Currently Financed
18
The Brethren Evangelist
Brethren Publishing Company from this investment will be used as follows:
a) First, to reduce the amount the company must contribute toward the current Evangelist deficit;
b) Then, to reduce the amount con- tributed by denominational boards toward production costs;
c) And finally, to reduce the amount needed each year from the Publi- cations Offering.
Some may ask, "Why invest the Endow- ment Fund monies in the Home Mission Revolving Fund? Couldn't you get a higher return by investing elsewhere?"
Yes, we probably could. But the genius of the proposal is that the Endowment Fund can benefit the Brethren Church in two ways: by supporting Brethren publica- tions and by making more money available to help young Brethren churches. We think this two-pronged approach is the best stewardship of resources the Lord will provide.
How will the money be raised ? I'll admit, $450,000 is a lot of money. But we believe the funds can be raised without asking for an additional annual offering. Instead, we intend to raise the money, with God's help, in three ways:
1. Through wills and bequests. We be- lieve that Brethren people will want to pro- vide the kind of gift that will continue to support the Lord's work after they have entered His presence.
2. Fund-raising projects. The National Brethren Youth Crusaders made the first significant pledge to the Endowment Fund by setting $3,000 as their 1980 project. I believe other national, district, and local organizations will also lend their support.
3. One-time gifts of significant amounts. We will encourage individuals to give over and above their regular offerings, as the Lord prospers them in special ways.
Donations of $1,000 or more will be hon- ored by placing the donor's name(s) on a plaque to be displayed in the national offices of the Brethren Church.
Let me note that the Publications Offer- ing will not be discontinued immediately. The offering will still be needed each year until the Endowment Fund is fully funded. Then it can be discontinued.
However, as the return from the invested endowment grows to the point that the offering exceeds the amount needed, the extra money from the offering will be in- vested as additional principle in the Endow- ment Fund.
Contributions and bequests should be addressed to the Brethren Publications/ Home Missions Endowment Fund, in care of the Brethren Publishing Company, 524 Col- lege Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
I will be happy to answer questions about the Endowment Fund and provide other assistance that might help you or your group in supporting the Fund. H
FEEL COMPELLED?
Are you successful in what* you are doing?
Do you feel there is something more?
The Church Needs You!
Can you teach others?
Can you care for persons?
Do you feel a connpelling pull to change?
BE A PASTOR. YOU CAN CHANGL
Talk It over with your pastor, or contact:
The Ncatjonal Ministerial Recruitment Committee c/o Charles Munson, 910 Center St.
Ashlandg Ohio 44005 presented as a public service
December 1979
19
UPDATE
news from the Brethren Church
Jeffrey L Geaslen ordained
i i
North Georgetown, Ohio — Mr.
Jeffrey L. Geaslen was ordained into the ministry of the Breth- ren Church on Sunday morning, November 4. The service oi ordination was held at the North Georgetown Brethren Church, where Mr. Geaslen is the pastor.
Rev. Geaslen is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Geaslen. He was born in Front Royal, Virginia, October 3, 1951. As a youth he was active in Boy Scouts and was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.
After graduation from Worth- ington, Ohio, High School in 1970, Jeff entered Miami (of Ohio) University. There he met Diane Cowman, whom he later married. Diane is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cow- man of Dayton, Ohio. While in college Jeff and Diane found salvation and new life in Jesus Christ. Both Jeff and Diane were graduated from Miami University in 1974.
In obedience to the Lord's leading, Jeff then entered Ash- land Theological Seminary to train for the pastoral ministry. While in seminary he served for two years as pastor of St. John's United Church of Christ near Ashland. Also during his time in seminary, Jeff and Diane became the parents of two sons, Joshua Daniel and Benjamin David.
Following his graduation from seminary in June of 1978, Jeff chose to join the ministry of the Brethren Church and ac- cepted a call to serve as pastor of the North Georgetown con- gregation.
Bringing the message in the ordination service for Mr. Geaslen was Dr. Charles Mun- son, professor of practical theology at Ashland Theological Seminary. The ordination pro- cedures were led by Dr. Munson
Mrs. Diane and Rev. Jeffrey Geaslen
and by Dr. Jerry Flora, also a professor at Ashland Theolog- ical Seminary and secretary of the Ohio District Ministerial Examining Board.
Also participating in the wor- ship service of ordination were Mr. Lynn Mercer, a second-year seminary student from the North Georgetown Church, and
Mr. David Heestand, moderator of the North Georgetown con- gregation.
Special music included a vocal duet by Mr. and Mrs. Heestand, a selection by the church choir, and a vocal solo by Mr. David Hoenig. The prelude was played by Mr. Hoenig and Mrs. Sandy Blessing.
Loree, Jones Mills churches host S.S. curriculum seminars
Ashland, Ohio — Sunday School curriculum seminars were re- cently held at the Loree, Indi- ana, Brethren Church and at the Jones Mills Brethren Church in Pennsylvania.
The seminars were conducted jointly by the national Board of Christian Education and the Sunday school department of the Brethren Publishing Com- pany.
Charles Beekley of the Board of Christian Education and John Rowsey of the Publishing Com-
pany were invited by these churches to make curriculum presentations. They demonstrat- ed both David C. Cook mate- rials, recently endorsed by the Board of Christian Education, and Gospel Light materials, en- dorsed by General Conference and used by Brethren churches for many years.
These seminars were designed to help these local churches evaluate their Sunday school programs and their curriculum needs.
20
The Brethren Evangelist
Bryan Brethren celebrate at All Church Birthday Party
update
Bryan, Ohio — One hundred and sixty members of the Bryan, Ohio, First Brethren Church celebrated their birthdays at an All Church Birthday Party held October 28. This special event was organized by Susan Stom- baugh, Linda Lockhart, and Dawn Ellis.
For the occasion the church fellowship room was decorated with 12 large calendars — one for each month. On these each in- dividual's name was written on the day of his or her birth. Crepe paper and balloons added to the festive decor, and 12 tables were appropriately deco- rated to represent the twelve months of the year. Gracing each table v^as an equally appropriate birthday cake.
The festivities began with a carry-in supper at 6 p.m. This was followed by entertainment presented by each of the 12 months.
The first month represented was April, with Fae Musser very ably presenting a humor- ous skit, "A Bus Tour." Next came July, with Rev. Marlin McCann leading the group in three camp songs — "Kookabur- ra," "Hey Ho, Nobody Home," and "A Ram Sam Sam." A humorous poem, "My Get-Up-&- Go Has Got Up & Went, ' read by Doris Peugeot, was January's contribution. This was followed by June, the traditional month of weddings. Dawn Ellis read an Edgar A. Guest poem, "At Her Wedding," Willa Connin read the poem, "Brighten Your Corner," and the whole group sang "In the Good Old Summer- time."
For October Gina Stombaugh and a fishing puppet entertained with a song, "God Loves to Talk to Boys While They're Fishin'." And for August, Gene Lockhart, Ronnie McBride, Mary Man- ning, Alice Hancock, Marcia Sander, Steve McCann, Donna Sheppard, Philip Stratton, and Bob Lockhart presented a real tear-jerker skit entitled, "Susan and Linda Said We Are to Have a Skit and We Don't Have One."
Then came February, valen- tine month, with Dennis Wis- niewski leading a group discus- sion on "Types of Love." May's representative. Jack Stombaugh, read a poem, "Young at Heart," followed by the song, "Will You Love Me in December as You Do in May?" accompanied by Jill Stever. On behalf of Sep- tember, Kent Freyman sang "Shine on Harvest Moon," with Norma Stombaugh accompany- ing.
December's contribution was by Mike McCann, who read a poem entitled "Christmas." He also led the group in singing "We Wish You a Merry Christ- mas." Anna Moog, representing March, brought the wit of Edgar A. Guest by reading his poems,
"Saturday Night Bath" and "That Cold Bug." The conclud- ing month was November, with Eloise Gilbert, Lindsay Brandon, Stacy Ellis, Marianne Tharp, and Cindy Watson constructing a flannelgraph turkey with feathsrs depicting things for which we are thankful. Carolyn Brandon also presented a flan- nelgraph, "The First Thanks- giving."
Following the entertainment, candles were lit on the 12 birthday cakes and all present sang "Happy Birthday" and bloW out the candles. The cakes were then cut and served, along with homemade ice cream.
— Louise Bishop
Corresponding Secretary
Forf Scott Brethren Church dedicates new building
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Fort Scott, Kans. — The Fort Scott Brethren Church dedicated its new church building on November 4, 1979. Approxi- mately 40 people attended the dedication service, which was held at 2 p.m., following the Sunday morning worship ser- vice and a noon fellowship meal. Leading the service of dedica- tion was Fort Scott pastor, David L. Powell.* Presenting the message for the service was Rev. Stephen Abe, who is serv- ing as a tentmaker at Kansas City, Kans., in the nev^' church-
planting effort being sponsored by the Midwest District.
The sanctuary in the new building measures 44 feet by 35 feet. The new building also con- tains a pastor's office, a nur- sery, one classroom, a fellow- ship hall, and a kitchen. The fellowship hall can be made into three classrooms using folding dividers.
The cost of the new building was $32,000.
"^Since the dedication, Rev. Powell has become pastor of the Miilvane, Kan., Brethren Church.
December 1979
21
update
Oldest members. Cradle Roll by Berlin Brethren Church
honored
Berlin, Pa.— The Berlin Breth- ren Church honored both its oldest and its youngest "mem- bers" in October.
On Sunday October 21st the church honored all its members who have held church member- ship for thirty or more years. This included more than 100 people. These members were given special recognition and a gift during the morning wor- ship service.
Honored for having the long- est church membership was Mrs. Mary Musser Werner. Mrs. Werner, 94, has been a church member for 82 years. In her
remarks she stated that she delights in seeing the children in the church and in seeing parents doing their best to bring up these children in the right way.
Mrs. Werner also said that she remembers attending the wedding of the second longest church member, Rev. D. C. White. That wedding took place in 1909. Rev. White, who was also honored, is 95 and has been a church member for 74 years. He still teaches the Golden Age Sunday School Class and assists Berlin pastor, Rev. Ralph Mills, with prayers during the Sunday
Rev. Albert J. Wollen presents seminary lectures
Ashland, Ohio — Rev. Albert J. Wollen was the featured speak- er for this year's fall lectures at Ashland Theological Seminary. The sessions, held from Novem- ber 14 through 16 in the Ronk Memorial Chapel, dealt with "The Growing Church," "The Nature of Man," and "Exposi- tory Preaching."
Wollen is the pastor of the Cedar Mill Bible Church of Port- land, Oregon, where he has served since 1951. During the past 28 years, the church has developed a vital outreach to the community and has grown from an attendance of 80 to a constituency of 1,600. Programs of the church include a large Sunday school, boys' and girls' clubs meeting weekly during the school year, and many thriving home Bible studies.
From his wealth of experi- ence Wollen shared with those in attendance his insights on such vital areas as discipleship training, growing as a pastor, layman reproduction in evan- gelism, and development of a strong preaching ministry. In a special session on Thursday night at Park Street Brethren Church, he discussed guidelines for developing an effective min-
Photo by Ken Hyland Rev, Albert J. Wollen
istry through Bible studies con- ducted within the home by the lay people of the church.
Wollen, a native of Saskatch- ewan, Canada, is a graduate of Gordon College and Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. He is general director of Home Bible Class Ministry, Inc., organized to min- ister to pastors and laymen for the development of Home Bible Class programming. He has also taught in Central America, Scot- land, England, and Norway.
— Susan White
morning worship services and at Communion.
In addition to the recognition given to the 30-years-or-more members, a special dinner was prepared for all those with 50 or more years of church mem- bership. There were 33 such members who attended this dinner, which was sponsored by the Young Adult Class.
The following Sunday (Octo- ber 28th) was observed as Cradle Roll Day in the Berlin Church. On that day 27 children under the age of 3 had their handprint impressed on a ceramic plaque. Members of the Christian Pioneer Class spon- sored the event, with Paul J. Coleman doing the handprinting and providing the materials.
— Donna L. Paul
Marfha Deardurff
makes debut
with Lamb's Players
National City, Calif. — Martha Deardurff, who has been serv- ing with the Christian theatre group, Lamb's Players, as a costumer for the past year, is now an official Lcimb's Players performer. Martha makes her debut in The Festival of Christ- mas, an original show produc- ed, directed, and performed by Lamb's Players. The perfor- mances begin December 5th and run through December 22nd.
Martha is a member of the Gretna Brethren Church, a former Brethren Youth Crusa- der, and a graduate of Ashland Colege. She told how she be- came a part of the Lamb's Play- ers' ministry in an article, "Theatre for the Lord," which appeared in the February 1979 Evangelist.
Bits 'n Pieces
By mid-November, 37 people had participated in the "Jim Black Weight Loss for World Relief" project. The 37 contrib- uted a total of $1,307!
22
The Brethren Evangelist
World Relief acts swiftly in Cambodian crisis
update
World Relief Corporation has launched a major emergency feeding program in famine stricken Kampuchea (Cambo- dia), A companion program in the Thailand border area, in- cluding both feeding and med- ical assistance to Cambodian refugees, is also in operation.
"A human tragedy of horri- fying proportions is unfolding in Kampuchea," stated President Carter in an October 15 press release. "I want to commend the private voluntary agencies which have moved so quickly to deal with this emergency," he added.
World Relief, the internation- al relief and development arm of the National Association of Evangelicals throug^h which Brethren offering's are chan- neled, is one of the agencies that has acted swiftly and quiet- ly behind the scene to aid an estimated two and one-half million Cambodians who are facing starvation.
"We felt we had to move de- cisively to aid desperate Cam- bodians trapped and doomed to starvation inside their war-torn homeland," stated Jerry Ballard, executive director of World Re- lief. "We arranged through in- termediaries to ship food into Kampuchea knowing we were taking a risk of at least some supplies being siphoned off to governmental units. The situa- tion is now improved, and we are able to continue supplying emergency relief with greater guarantees that the assistance will reach starving civilians."
Mr. Ballard further noted that in addition to its shipments of rice and high protein biscuits, World Relief is also sending seeds and hoes to enable the people to prepare the soil and plant crops for a new harvest.
World Relief's initial action occurred in early October when arrangements were made for the shipment of 500 tons of rice and 30 tons of high protein biscuits into Kompong Som harbor in Kampuchea. These actions were taken in coopera-
tion with three European relief agencies, TEAR Fund (The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund) of the United Kingdom and Holland, and Oxfam of England. Agency personnel ac- companied the shipment, exert- ing every possible effort to in- sure that food reached starving civilians. Some food containers carried the message in the Cam- bodian language, "A gift from the evangelical churches of Cambodia."
An additional 500 tons of rice is being purchased by World Relief for shipment through established channels. Another 25 tons of food has been sent into the border areas in southeastern Thailand and distributed to ref- ugees. An additional 100 tons is enroute to Thailand.
Two to three million of the original eight million Cambo- dians were systematically mur- dered or otherwise eliminated since the Khmer Rouge govern- ment took power four and one- half years ago. Hundreds of thousands have fled overland since 1975, across the border into Thailand.
Latest reports indicate that 200,000 Cambodians have crossed the border into Thailand since October 1, with another 200,000 expected to follow. Special camps are being readied to care for this massive influx of refugees who are fleeing mili- tary actions in their homeland. World Relief is constructing field hospital facilities to care for the worst cases of malnu- trition, malaria, and bleeding dysentery. Medicines are being made available through the In- ternational Red Cross while World Relief is rushing in medical teams to help Thailand cope with the emergency. World Medical Mission, headed by Franklin Graham, is cooperating with World Relief in recruit- ment of medical personnel.
"We are engaged in a relent- less, almost frantic effort to keep up with the massive influx of refugees," says Reg Reimer, World Reliefs director in South-
east Asia.
World Relief has arranged and processed sponsors for around 5,000 Southeast Asian refugees in the United States since March of this year. Spon- soring groups, particularly churches, are urgently needed to aid in sponsoring an increasing avalanche of refugees from Southeast Asian camps. For fur- ther information on how to sponsor a refugee family, write World ReUef Refugee Ser- vices, P.O. Box WRC, Nyack, New York 10960. Or phone 914- 353-0640.
Dear Brethren:
Christmas is an excellent time to consider giving to the Cam- bodian relief efforts. But I sug- gest THAT IT BE DONE BY REDUC- ING OR ELIMINATING SOME OF
OUR USUAL Christmas expend- itures. For two reasons: (1) So such giving will not diminish our response to the needs and appeals of either the Board of Christian Education in December or of our own local churches' offerings; and (2) so that our giving might have maximum personal meaning be- cause we have "done without something" to make possible a significant gift.
If able to respond, mark your check "For Cambodia" and eith- er send it through your church treasurer or directly to Brethren World Relief, George Kerlin, treasurer, 1318 E. Douglas, Gosh- en, Indiana 46526.
Some of Jesus' announced pur- poses when he came to earth were to "bring good news to the poor" and "proclaim liberty to the captives" and "set free the oppressed." (Luke 4:18, 19). As the body of Christ in this 1979-80 world, it's obvious that our calling is to do what Jesus would do if He had our resources to use. Join me ....
— Phil Lersch, Chairman Brethren World Relief Board
December 1979
23
updd'
Ashland
Theological
Seminary
completes
addition
Ashland, Ohio — Sighs of relief may be heard from students and faculty alike now that the sem-
Photos by Ken Hyland
inary has some extra breathing room. Through the construction of a new addition, space at the seminary has been expanded to include a large classroom and an enlarged entry way.
The new entrance, complete with an attractive "Ashland Theological Seminary" name- plate and lovely potted plants, provides an appropriate wel- come to the many individuals who pass through it each day.
The 36 by 44 foot classroom, which will seat 125, was much needed to accommodate many of the seminary's larger classes. The size and location of the room also allow it to conven- iently serve other functions, such as a special lecture room for guest speakers, reception hall, or fellowship dining room.
The addition was constructed by Carl Kauffman, general con- tractor, of Ashland.
— Susan White
Mt. Olive Brethren Church shows growth; Rev. Gene Hollinger to become pastor
Pineville, Va. — The Mt. Olive Brethren Church is growing! Five new members this year. Also, a new well was drilled at the parsonage with full pay- ment being made in six weeks.
Our prayers have been an- swered— the Lord has led Rev. Gene Hollinger to our congre- gation. After much prayer, the Hollingers have accepted our call and will be moving from Gratis, Ohio, to Virginia in early January. Rev. Hollinger will be- gin his ministry on Sunday,
January 13.
We at Mt. Olive are very for- tunate and grateful to have had Larry Tyner serve as our in- terim pastor this year. A sem- inary student at Eastern Men- nonite College, Larry has been a constant source of encourage- ment and inspiration since join- ing our flock. We will forever be indebted to him for his ministry.
Our junior (Children of God) and senior youth groups con- tinue to uplift the entire congre-
gation with their enthusiastic participation. They recently hosted a very successful South- east District Youth Rally, over- coming many obstacles — includ- ing a watery basement and a malfunctioning bus. We are in- deed proud of our young people and the many good works they accomplish.
Continue to pray for Mt. Olive and the Hollingers as together we begin another phase of the Lord's work.
—Mrs. Odessa B. Shelton
24
The Brethren Evangelist
update
Trustees act to assure financial future of Ashland College
Ashland, Ohio — The Ashland College Board of Trustees, in its meeting on November 15, took action to assure the financial future of the college by approv- ing a capital fund campaign and by endorsing a recommendation of college administrators which will result in savings and new revenue of almost $600,000.
The capital fund campaign will begin in 1980. The goal of the campaign will be determined early in the year with the aid of a fund-raising consulting firm. Monies raised will be used to eliminate debt and to increase endowment funds.
The recommendation for sav- ings and new revenue came from the college's Academic Affairs Council. The savings, be- ginning this year, will be achieved throughout the 198C-81 budget in the academic areas without reduction in the number of programs. The savings are estimated to total $246,000.
Another $337,200 is expected to be generated without an in- crease in tuition. Fees will be increased in areas where they are warranted by the cost of equipment or private instruc- tion. Those areas are art, sci- ence, music, radio and TV, edu- cational media, and the speech and hearing clinic.
On the basis of the council's report, the board stipulated that $50,000 should be added to the college's financial aid budget, which is available to qualified students in all departments to help meet their financial needs.
Dr. Joseph Shultz, interim president, commended the Aca- demic Affairs Council for its report. "This is the most con- crete of many long-range studies undertaken by Ashland, begin- ning in 1974. And it is the most constructive. For instance, un- like its predecessors, the report does not recommend the aboli- tion of any programs," Dr. Shultz said.
In other business, the board received the accreditation report of the North Central Association
of Schools and Colleges. The report lauded the fine programs at Ashland and advised admin- istrators to communicate that excellence and the institution's heritage, rather than dwell on problems.
The trustees also approved the appointment of a search com-
mittee for a president of the college. The committee is charged with determining the method of its search and criteria for applicants. Membership on the committee will be comprised of six trustees, four faculty members, two administrators, and three students.
Pennsylvania District Laymen report year's activities
Mineral Point, Pa ^The Penn- sylvania District Laymen are alive and well and doing the will of the Lord, according to Jacob S. Mackall, their secre- tary. Activities during the past year have included the follow- ing:
—On April 20th, 39 laymen attended the spring rally held at the Vinco Brethren Church. The main part of the program was pictures of the destruction caused by an earthquake in Central America. Several friends of some of the laymen had journeyed to the area and had helped rebuild a church de- stroyed by the earthquake.
—On May 18 and 19 the annual men and boys spring retreat was held at Camp Peniel. Approximately 100 men and boys enjoyed a Christian film on Friday evening and trout fishing, skeet shooting, and playing softball on Satur- day.
— July 19-21 the lajrmen were a part of the 89th Pennsylvania District Conference, also held at Camp Peniel. In addition to their two business sessions, the laymen sponsored the inspira- tional service on Friday eve- ning, July 20th.
— October 4th was the date of the fall rally, held at Mason- town, with 21 in attendance. During their business session the men held a short memorial service for 9 district laymen who had gone to be with the Lord during the year. Follow-
ing the business meeting, the men joined the Woman's Mis- sionary Society for lunch and a joint inspirational service, with Rev. James Black as speaker.
— Two work days were also held at Camp Peniel. Laymen from several churches, with the help of a few women, painted six cabins (inside and out), painted the chapel roof, welded bunks which had been broken, and did a number of other jobs.
Activities planned for 1980 in- clude a spring rally to be held at the Pittsburgh Brethren Church on April 18th, a spring retreat at Camp Peniel, district conference, and a fall rally. The district laymen's project for 1980 is $1,000, with $500 to go to dis- trict missions, $250 to Camp Peniel, and $250 for Pennsyl- vania Brethren Care.
Publishing Company receives bequest
Ashland, Ohio — The Brethren Publishing Company recently received a sizable gift from the estate of Mr. Floyd Wirth. The late Mr. Wirth was a member of the New Lebanon, Ohio, Brethren Church.
Mr. John Rowsey, Executive Director, expressed the com- pany's great appreciation for Mr. Wirth's interest in the min- istry of the Brethren Publishing Company and for his gift to the support of this ministry.
December 1979
25
update
In Memory
Freda Vamer, 82, October 21. Life-long member of the Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral Point, Pa. Services by Carl H. Phillips, pastor. Clarenoe W. Davis, 82, October 17. Member for 45 years of the Pleasant View Brethren Church, Vandergrift, Pa. Services by William D. Walk, pastor.
Ethel Louthain, 76, October 10. Member of the Corinth Brethren Church, Twelve Mile, Ind. Ser- vices by Frederick Snyder, pastor. Charles B. Baug^hman, 58, September 5. Member of the College Corner Brethren Church, Rt. 3, Wabash, Ind. Services by St. Clair Benshoff, pastor.
Mrs. Perry Hoover, 97, September 2. Member for 74 years of the First Brethren Church, Milford, Ind. Services by Jeffrey A. Carroll, pastor.
Otto L. Wiffgrs, 74, August 15. Member of the First Brethren Church, Milford, Ind. Services by Jeffrey A. Carroll, pastor.
Membership Growth
Oarber: 6 by baptism, 4 by transfer Berlin: 16 by baptism, 4 by transfer Muncie: 15 by baptism, 2 by transfer
BEFORE YOU MOVE
. . . please let us know.
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Address Correction
Brethren Publishing Company
524 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
Goldenaires
Mr. & Mrs. Herrell Waters, 53rd, December 24.
Members of the Loree Brethren Church, Route 1,
Bunker Hill, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Lippold, 55th, November 27.
Members of the Loree Brethren Church, Route 1,
Bunker Hill, Ind.
Mr. & Mrs. Elton Metzger, 54th, November 6.
Members of the Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral
Point, Pa.
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Sausaman, 59th, October 30.
Members of the First Brethren Church, Roann,
Ind.
Clifford and Zenna Bowser, 50th, October 27.
Clifford a member of the Brethren Church, New
Lebanon, Ohio.
Weddings
Susan Miller to Thomas Blosser II, November 2, at the New Lebanon, Ohio, Brethren Church; Donald E. Rowser, pastor, officiating. Members of the New Lebanon Brethren Church. Diane Piatt to Jeffrey Lynn Lape, October 27, at the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church; Ralph E. Mills, pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Berlin Brethren Church.
Cynthia Irene Lawson to Steven Alan Hodson, October 21, at the College Corner Brethren Church, Rt. 3, Wabash, Ind.; St. Clair Benshoff, pastor, officiating. Members of the College Corner Brethren Church.
Terri Getchen to John Gourley, October 20, at the Pleasant View Brethren Church, Vandergrift, Pa.; William D. Walk, pastor, officiating. Groom a member of the Pleasant View Brethren Church. Susan Jeanine Phillips to Raymond Devore Hagerich, October 13, at the Vinco Brethren Church, Mineral Point, Pa.; Carl H. Phillips, pas- tor, officiating. Members of the Vinco Brethren Church.
Vicki VanGilder to Paul William Menhom, Sep- tember 29, at the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church; Ralph E. Mills, pastor, officiating. Members of the Berlin Brethren Church.
Sandra Kinunel to Robert Seifert, August 4, at the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church; Ralph E. Mills, pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Berlin Brethren Church.
Hazel Ackerman to James Hillegass, June 15, at the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church; Ralph E. Mills, pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Berlin Brethren Church.
Cindy Lytle to James E. Wyant, May 26, at the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church; Ralph E. Mills, pastor, officiating. Groom a member of the Berlin Brethren Church.
Karen Miller to Donald Hittie, April 7, at the Berlin, Pa., Brethren Church; Ralph E. Mills, pastor, officiating. Bride a member of the Berlin Brethren Church.
26
The Brethren Evangelist
finally^ hrethren
. . . some thoughts to take with you!
A Christmas Letter to God
from Rebecca Nul
Dear God,
Well, God, here it is almost Christmas again.
I think I've remembered everyone on our Christmas list. You know, it gets more difficult each year! I can think of so many things I'd like to give, but we can't afford them. So we'll just do with what we have. I'm reminded of Paul's words to the Chris- tians at Philippi in Philippians 4:11, *'Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, there- with to be content."
It seems ironic, God ! It's your Son's birth- day, and He is often the last one to be remembered. Forgive us. I guess this is the first Christmas I've really given more thought to your Son. Thanks for helping me over that hump! But you know better than I how much further we have to go. I know you'll be there when I goof some- thing up — as I'm accustomed to do more times than I care to admit. Thanks for Your unselfish Son. I've come to hang on to Him with my life.
With the new year at hand and so many things wrong in this old world, the future sure doesn't look very bright. But then, I've never been one to get too worried about things. Only this year I've not worried for a different reason. I knew You'd be there to take care of every genuine need — if only we had faith (the kind of faith we have when we flick the light switch and know there is going to be light; or even the faith
we have when we get into that rattle-trap of an automobile with the expectation that we'll get where we're going safely). That kind of faith seems to be so easy to accept — but why is it that accepting the Lord Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life is so difficult?
It has taken me so long to think of Christ- mas and Your Son's birthday in the same thought. For me they've often been separate events. Your Son's birthday was December 25th. Christmas was a time of overwork, broken toys, noisy kids, heaps of torn wrap- pings, too much to eat, nervous tension, re- covering from a strained budget, returning gifts, and all other self-centered descrip- tions. Boy, did it take a long time! How sorry I am and how sad you must have been. Forgive me.
God, I'm glad you took the time to look over my shoulder while I was writing this letter. This season must be an extra busy one for You — listening to all those prayers for a peaceful and prosperous world. But help us understand that it will be when You want it to be. If we understand this, then we can wait — and be more content in waiting.
May Your Son's birthday be the most joyful ever, as You accept more souls to Your throne. And may Your blessings be abundant and Your peace, love, joy, and hope divine touch the hearts of men the world over — here at Christmas time.
In awe and love for Your son, Becky
Mrs. Null is a member of the College Corner Brethren Church in Indiana. She wrote this "letter'' several years ago for a Sunday evening service at
her church. A copy of the "letter" was recently sent to the Brethren Evangelist by Mrs. Helen Dickson.
December 1979
27
• «
And the angel said unio ibcm, Fear f not for, behold. I bring you good \ lidmgs o( great joy. which shalj^ be to all people " Luke. 2 10
^
ay the peace and joy which radiates from the heart of the Holy Child fill you and yours with all the wonder and splendor of this Blessed Season. And may the miracle of His love be an inspiration and comfort to you always.
h^ay the meaning of the holiday be deeper, its friendships stronger and its hopes brighter as its memory comes to you during the coming months.
i
Shoo.
We'd like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to our many friends and patrons for their support.
And hope the glow of this joyous season remains with you through the year.
/^^ \ \^ wish you all a \§ I J merry Christmas ^^^^ and a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Brethren Publishing
^
Company
-oxS
()'■
Announcing:
Ohio Conference of file Brethren Church
Annual Business Meeting March 8, 1980
Asbury United Methodist Church Delaware, Ohio
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For Reference
Not to be taken from this room
^ Manchester College ^
4
4
^ Brethren Historical 4 C^ Library ^
2i NPRTH MANCHESTER, |HD. ^
For Reference
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from this library
il ^^^ IN
JAN 82
MANCHESTER, DIANA 46962