What Works for Me In… Making Time For God as a Pastor

Bobby Moore, pastor of the Highline Seventh-day Adventist Church district (WA Conf) shares what works for him in making time for God as a pastor in a cover story “Making space for God: Contemplation as praxis” in Ministry Magazine, August 2009.

“Oftentimes pastors become so busy and enthralled in keeping their church or churches functional they seldom have or take time to commune with the Lord of the church. To spend time contemplating the Divine when things more measurable need to be done and should be done may seem inappropriate or an anachronism. In the light of the pastor’s busyness, they view contemplation of God as an extravagance that can be postponed for a more convenient season. (Read more)

H.K.W.H.T.A.- Dale Galusha, President, Pacific Press Publishing Association

“When I meet with groups of pastors through the years I like to ask them which two Ellen White books did she say would especially help new members be grounded in their faith. Almost every time they mention The Desire of Ages and Steps to Christ. Those books are wonderful and helpful, but the two she said that would establish new believers in the truth are Patriarchs and Prophets and The Great Controversy.”* 

               – Dale Galusha, President, Pacific Press Publishing Association. Dale Galusha has been a pastor and is now president of the publishing company that prints Ellen White books. He Knows What He Is Talking About. (H.K.W.H.T.A.)

* “Many will depart from the faith and give heed to seducing spirits. Patriarchs and Prophets and The Great Controversy, are books that are especially adapted to those who have newly come to the faith, that they may be established in the truth. The dangers are pointed out that should be avoided by the churches. Those who become thoroughly acquainted with the lessons in these books will see the dangers before them, and will be able to discern the plain, straight path marked out for them. They will be kept from strange paths. They will make straight paths for their feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way.–Letter 229, 1903.” {Colporteur Ministry p. 129.3}

Media & Adventist Benefits- White Collar Cults

Recently one of our northwest Seventh-day Adventist pastors went through a very difficult experience. He was encouraged by several friends to attend a weekend in Portland called “Foundations.” He paid the fee and attended but had such serious reservations about some of the process that he left early. He wrote down his experience and perspectives . Afterwards he started doing more research into “Foundations” and other related activities. He came across an article titled “White Collar Cults” and stated that even though the article was written over 15 years ago it described numerous parallels with what he had just experienced.

What becomes abundantly clear from these experiences is that many people are searching for answers to deep relationship and emotional challenges. The ultimate solution can only be found in a deeper relationship with Jesus and healthier relationships within the body of Christ, in spite of all its flaws. As Seventh-day Adventists we have the tremendous advantage of have inpired counsel to help us filter out false therapies and embrace those in harmony with the principles of the Bible. For those who have never read them I highly recommend the two-volume set of Mind, Character and Personality (read some chapters online at Google Books and see free online study guides here) which has inspired counsel and Chapters such as Heredity and Environment (Chap 17), Security in the Home (18), Christ deals with Minds (21), Selfishness and Self-centeredness (30), Infatuation and Blind Love (32), Guilt (48), Worry and Anxiety (50), Depression (52), Pain (55), Anger (56), Hatred and Revenge (57), Communication (62), Imagination (63), Emotional Needs (66), Rejection (69), Thought Habits (72), Mind Controlling Mind (78), Hypnotism and Its Dangers (79), Safe Mind Therapy (80), Dealing With Emotions (84) and Safe Mind Therapy (81). There is no need to be led astray in these last days.

Why Not Try This? …Give Literature to Your Neighbors

Last Monday evening I rang the doorbells of twenty of my closest neighbors.

Was I nervous? Yes, even though I’ve done things like this hundreds of times before.

So why did I do it? Three main reasons.

1. I really believe Jesus is coming soon and I want my neighbors to have the best chance possible to be ready for that universe-shattering event.
2. During a recent Week of Prayer here at the NPUC office I updated my special prayer list. I asked God to impress me with who I should invite to accept Him as Savior and Lord, embrace all Bible truths and unite with a vibrant Adventist group. The Lord impressed me to list the names of many of my neighbors, some by name and others by description (“big boat neighbors”, “loud neighbors”, “new neighbors”, “borrowed ladder from neighbors”, etc.). As I have prayed for the people on the list, God has put a growing urgency in my heart to somehow connect with them.
3. I have recently been reading Christian Service and came across statements like this–
   • “If there is one work more important than another, it is

Southcenter Adventist Company

On Sabbath October 17, 2009 I had the privilege of meeting with one of our newer church plants in the Washington Conference, the Southcenter Adventist Company.

Here are a few of my observations from that wonderful experience–

• Multi-cultural Group- “Since heaven will be multicultural we decided we ought to prepare for it here” one of the church leaders said with a smile. “Although many of us came from the Korean church we now represent many cultures and countries.” The pastor is Filipino, the elder if Chinese and the deacon is Korean. A number of other Asian, African and American groups are represented, all bringing something unique to the congregation. During the World Missions time in Sabbath School several members were able to tell direct personal stories of recent visits to relatives in China, etc.
• Youthful, Family-focused Church- The congregation has a feeling of life and energy as infants, toddlers and adolescents participate in their children’s Sabbath School classes, the worship service and, of course, potluck. I had been asked specifically to preach about how to strengthen the home and family through family worship and other activities.
• Warm and friendly- I was greeted by several young men at the door as I entered the church. The three Sabbath School adult groups all reached out to those who came a little late, inviting them to join their group. One young man who was in his fifth day off drugs

What Works For Me In… Reaching Our Community

Pastor Alvaro Sauza of the Missoula, Montana Seventh-day Adventist Church District looks for every way possible to reach his community with the Adventist message.

Two key ingredients of everything he does are–

1. Young people- Last year Alvaro was impressed that many of the teenagers in his district should go on the 2009 Dominican Republic Mission Trip and preach a series of Bible meetings. Although it looked impossible financially he challenged the young people, their families and the church family to see if it could happen. As a result many young people and parents participated in the mission experience. (Read one teenager’s testimony).

When the local church school was forced to close because of financial challenges Alvaro appealed for only a temporary closure. As a result the school board continues to meet and the church continues to provide subsidy in anticipation of the school re-opening next year. And the school grounds are being used this fall for a giant maze, raising awareness of Seventh-day Adventists and their school in the community as well as money for three non-profits from the proceeds. Over a thousand are expected to participate in the maze.

2. Non-stop soul winning- The young people who went on the Domincan Republic Mission Trip this spring have just completed a ShareHim evangelistic series this fall, resulting in a number of good interests. A few weeks later Alvaro began another series of meetings for the interests so they would not lose their interest! This December there will be Bible instructor training for the members and in February and March 2010 the Missoula church will host the Momentum Reaping Meetings with Brian McMahon.

H.K.W.H.T.A.- Mark Finley, GC VP

“God will save every human that truly wants to be saved. But as far as we’re concerned, we need to operate under the assumption that every person is lost until he hears the gospel. And we can hasten the 2nd Coming, but there comes a point beyond which we cannot delay it.”

                                       — Mark Finley, Vice President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Mark Finley has preached over 150 evangelistics series in more than 80 countries in addition to preaching satellite NET series. For many years he also preached each week as the Director/Speaker for It Is Written TV Ministries. He has truly acted on his belief that everybody needs to hear the gospel. He Know What He’s Talking About (H.K.W.H.T.A).

Media & Adventist Benefits- “Schools of Brutality”

In 1903 Seventh-day Adventists were given this counsel.

“Some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality. They are developing the same characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome. The love of domination, the pride in mere brute force, the reckless disregard of life, are exerting upon the youth a power to demoralize that is appalling.” {Education p. 210.3 from the chapter “Recreation“}

Now, over 100 years later, professional sports are huge business, dominating the thinking and media outlets of America and the world. Colleges and High Schools groom their students to try to make it into the big leagues. Even elementary students have become a part of a system that rarely anyone questions. This segment on 60 Minutes newsmagazine October 11, 2009, “A Blow the the Brain“,  is one of the few that asks if the system is good for kids.

Media & Adventist Benefits- Five Health News Items

• News- Aging well starts in womb, as mom’s choices affect whole life USA Today 6/30/2009
• Inspired Insight (1910)- The reform should begin with the mother before the birth of her children; and if God’s instructions were faithfully obeyed, intemperance would not exist. It should be the constant effort of every mother to conform her habits to God’s will, that she may work in harmony with Him to preserve her children from the health and life destroying vices of the present day. Let mothers place themselves without delay in right relations to their Creator, that they may by His assisting grace build around their children a bulwark against dissipation and intemperance. If mothers would but follow such a course, they might see their children, like the youthful Daniel, reach a high standard in moral and intellectual attainments, becoming a blessing to society and an honor to their Creator. {Counsels on Diet and Foods p. 225-226}

 

• News- 12 Reasons to Really Quit Smoking  US News & World Report November 14, 2008

Lifelong Learning- “Making Peace: A Guide to Overcoming Church Conflict”

“This is the best, most spiritual book on dealing with church conflict I have ever read,” said John Freedman, Washington Conference President a couple weeks ago to all of his pastors. “That’s why we’re giving a free copy to each pastor in the conference.”

The book Making Peace: A Guide to Overcoming Church Conflict is published by Moody Press and is available on Amazon.com.

Here is a review, by Pastor Tom James of the Centralia Seventh-day Adventist Church District, that was read to the pastors.

“Making Peace is more about Spiritual Growth than about conflict. Van Yperen is a skillful writer who argues that conflict in the church is controlled by God to bring about Spiritual Growth and Renewal. Rather than viewing conflict as the problem, Van Yperen shows that conflict is

Lifelong Learning- Elijah Now Family Ministries

He was a pastor. She was a Christian therapist. They looked happily married but they were really…

Desperate to find healing for their family. When both marriage and ministry came to a breaking point, Richie walked away from financial security in order to pursue the answers to three questions: Could he find a power filled walk with God? Could God heal his marriage?

Was it possible to have a Godly family? Since that time, they have seen miracle after miracle as God has done for their family what no one else could do. 

As Richie and Timi Brower share the stories of how God is restoring their family, audiences find themselves relating to the transparent narrative of their struggles with anger, intimacy, priorities and trust. You will find hope as they share the practical steps to connecting with God and others that can transform your life.

• Website- www.elijahnow.com
• Information & Contact Sheet
• Local Church Recommendation Letter
• Local Conference Recommendation Letter

Advent Movements- Sweezey

Robert L. Sweezey- to Sleeping in Jesus, from President, Adventist Risk Management (ARM).

Here is the press release and an announcement about the Memorial Service from ARM

Why Not Try This? …A Week of Reaping in October

Unless your church has some other major soul winning scheduled this fall, why not schedule a Week of Reaping the last full week of October? Just put it on the calendar and start asking God to show you and your church family (-ies) who is ripe to make decisions for Jesus and His church.

Here are some simple steps to make this Week of Reaping a reality and productive–

1. Calendar. By faith, put the Week of Reaping on your own calenar and the church calendar. It can be held in the church sanctuary or fellowship hall, in a neutral hall or location or even in the home of a member or an interest.
2. Top Ten Interests Lists. Make a list of your top ten interests. If you are a pastor or elder, at your next church board meeting ask each person to do the same. Then compare lists and pray for all interests, especially those who show up on more than one list. If you are a lay member then do this with a group of friends.

Four Exciting Soul Winning Reports- Fall 2009

God is showing dreams to Lutherans, people from the Assemblies of God are asking for Bible studies on prophecy, lots of reaping meetings large and small have begun or are beginning soon, and a major field school of evangelism is taking place where half the population is Mormon. (Read more)

Eugene-Springfield, Oregon Invited to “Check Him Out”

Eugene-Springfield, Oregon is one of the ten largest metro areas in the northwest, and as a result is receiving special emphasis during the five year Momentum soul winning focus.

After months of heart preparation by members, hundreds of Bible study requests followed up, and other ministry events the area churches are now hosting an eight night series of meetings September 19-26, 2009 at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene. The series, titled “Check Him Out”, features music, testimonies, baptisms and challenging messages by Jose Rojas (Read More)