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We sat around a giant stone slab table in the cool, dark room. I could hardly believe that my college-aged sons, Jacob and Dustin, and I were here in the Waldensian Valleys of Italy. In the dim light we took turns reading The Great Controversy chapter 4 titled The Waldenses from my PDA.

For centuries Waldensian youth had copied large portions of the Bible by hand in this very room on this very table before the printing press was invented. They had been trained here at the College of the Barbs [uncles, elders, church leaders] to go throughout Europe as merchants or college students to keep Bible truth alive during the spiritual darkness of the Dark Ages.

Now hundreds of years later, in May 2007, the three of us had driven to Torre Pellice and the Valleys of the Waldenses one hour southwest of Turin (Torino) Italy near the French border to learn more.

Though many modern scholars today (see for example the Catholic Encyclopedia article “Waldenses”) claim that the Waldenses originated with Peter Waldo in the 12^th Century there is good reason to believe that they were actually a spiritual and Biblical continuation of the apostolic church from the time of Jesus. In his monumental work Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers volume one, Leroy Edwin Froom makes a powerful case for this by doing extensive research using ancient documents of both the persecutors/Inquisitors of the Waldenses and their early leaders (see pages 829-886, 937-952).

As Pagan Rome persecuted Christians in the earliest centuries the church spread more and more rapidly. Early church leader Tertullian said “In the blood of the martyrs lies the seed of the Church.” But from the time of Constantine onward Christianity became popular and the Roman Empire morphed into the Roman Church Empire, a religious and political union. Wherever the Roman armies went they took the Roman brand of Christianity with them.

This led to a separation from the Roman Church system by many groups throughout the former Roman Empire who gave priority to the Bible over church tradition and papal decrees. The Waldenses (”people of the valleys”) were one of these groups. The “woman” of Revelation 12 was fleeing into the wilderness for 1260 years to a place prepared for her by God (Revelation 12:5, 14).

Columba, the Irish missionary, began the training school on the Scottish island of Iona and sent missionaries throughout Europe in the 6^th Century. Some of his followers could have been the forerunners of the Waldenses of the Dark Ages. Iona became known as the “Light of the Western World” for several centuries and later the motto of the Waldenses became “Light Shines in the Darkness.”

Here are seven lessons we learned from the history of the Waldenses.

Lesson #1- Role of the Bible.

The Bible was the final authority in all of life, including worship, lifestyle, mission and the training of youth. It was studied, copied, and applied to the life even if it meant persecution and death.

“The Waldenses were among the first of the peoples of Europe to obtain a translation of the Holy Scriptures. Hundreds of years before the Reformation they possessed the Bible in manuscript in their native tongue. They had the truth unadulterated, and this rendered them the special objects of hatred and persecution. They declared the Church of Rome to be the apostate Babylon of the Apocalypse, and at the peril of their lives they stood up to resist her corruptions….{The Great Controversy p. 65.2}

“Among the leading causes that had led to the separation of the true church from Rome was the hatred of the latter toward the Bible Sabbath…..The papal leaders…demanded not only that Sunday be hallowed, but that the Sabbath be profaned; and they denounced in the strongest language those who dared to show it honor. It was only by fleeing from the power of Rome that any could obey God’s law in peace.” {The Great Controversy p. 65.1}

“To the Waldenses the Scriptures were not merely a record of God’s dealings with men in the past, and a revelation of the responsibilities and duties of the present, but an unfolding of the perils and glories of the future. They believed that the end of all things was not far distant, and as they studied the Bible with prayer and tears they were the more deeply impressed with its precious utterances and with their duty to make known to others its saving truths. They saw the plan of salvation clearly revealed in the sacred pages, and they found comfort, hope, and peace in believing in Jesus. As the light illuminated their understanding and made glad their hearts, they longed to shed its beams upon those who were in the darkness of papal error.” {The Great Controversy, p. 72.1}

They truly lived their motto “Lux Lucet In Tenebris”-Light shines in the Darkness.

We can each ask “What role does the Bible play in my life? Is it valued so much that I won’t let a day go by without carefully studying it to find something to apply to my life and to share with someone else?”

Lesson #2- Training youth.

Young people were taught to recognize God in nature, to endure hardship, to think for themselves, to submit to their parents’ authority and to copy and memorize large portions of the Bible.

“Pure, simple, and fervent was the piety of these followers of Christ. The principles of truth they valued above houses and lands, friends, kindred, even life itself. These principles they earnestly sought to impress upon the hearts of the young. From earliest childhood the youth were instructed in the Scriptures and taught to regard sacredly the claims of the law of God. Copies of the Bible were rare; therefore its precious words were committed to memory. Many were able to repeat large portions of both the Old and the New Testament. Thoughts of God were associated alike with the sublime scenery of nature and with the humble blessings of daily life. Little children learned to look with gratitude to God as the giver of every favor and every comfort.” {The Great Controversy, p. 67.1}

“Parents, tender and affectionate as they were, loved their children too wisely to accustom them to self-indulgence. Before them was a life of trial and hardship, perhaps a martyr’s death. They were educated from childhood to endure hardness, to submit to control, and yet to think and act for themselves. Very early they were taught to bear responsibilities, to be guarded in speech, and to understand the wisdom of silence. One indiscreet word let fall in the hearing of their enemies might imperil not only the life of the speaker, but the lives of hundreds of his brethren; for as wolves hunting their prey did the enemies of truth pursue those who dared to claim freedom of religious faith.” {The Great Controversy, p. 67.2}

“From their pastors the youth received instruction. While attention was given to branches of general learning, the Bible was made the chief study. The Gospels of Matthew and John were committed to memory, with many of the Epistles. They were employed also in copying the Scriptures. Some manuscripts contained the whole Bible, others only brief selections, to which some simple explanations of the text were added by those who were able to expound the Scriptures. Thus were brought forth the treasures of truth so long concealed by those who sought to exalt themselves above God.” {The Great Controversy, p. 68.2}

“From their schools in the mountains some of the youth were sent to institutions of learning in the cities of France or Italy, where was a more extended field for study, thought, and observation than in their native Alps. The youth thus sent forth were exposed to temptation, they witnessed vice, they encountered Satan’s wily agents, who urged upon them the most subtle heresies and the most dangerous deceptions. But their education from childhood had been of a character to prepare them for all this. {The Great Controversy, p. 69.3}

We can each ask “Do I have children in my home, church or school who could benefit from some of the methods of the Waldenses? Is it time to refocus children’s and youth Sabbath Schools and the church school curriculum to be sure it is Bible-based and that young people are truly being prepared to avoid dangerous deceptions? Can home training be better emphasized from the pulpit and modeled in my home?”

Lesson #3- Training pastors.

In addition to the regular training every Waldensian youth received, each future pastor learned a trade to support himself. He spent three years in evangelistic mission service with an older, more experienced worker to teach him a spirit of self-denial and sacrifice before being assigned a church at home. This “missionary internship” also gave him experience in his future responsibilities of preaching the gospel, visiting the sick, training the children, counseling the wayward and settling differences among believers to promote unity within the church.

“Their pastors, unlike the lordly priests of Rome, followed the example of their Master, who “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” They fed the flock of God, leading them to the green pastures and living fountains of His holy word. Far from the monuments of human pomp and pride the people assembled, not in magnificent churches or grand cathedrals, but beneath the shadow of the mountains, in the Alpine valleys, or, in time of danger, in some rocky stronghold, to listen to the words of truth from the servants of Christ. The pastors not only preached the gospel, but they visited the sick, catechized [carefully instructed] the children, admonished the erring, and labored to settle disputes and promote harmony and brotherly love. In times of peace they were sustained by the freewill offerings of the people; but, like Paul the tentmaker, each learned some trade or profession by which, if necessary, to provide for his own support.”  {The Great Controversy, p. 68.1}

 ”The Vaudois [Waldensian] ministers were trained as missionaries, everyone who expected to enter the ministry being required first to gain an experience as an evangelist. Each was to serve three years in some mission field before taking charge of a church at home. This service, requiring at the outset self-denial and sacrifice, was a fitting introduction to the pastor’s life in those times that tried men’s souls. The youth who received ordination to the sacred office saw before them, not the prospect of earthly wealth and glory, but a life of toil and danger, and possibly a martyr’s fate. The missionaries went out two and two, as Jesus sent forth His disciples. With each young man was usually associated a man of age and experience, the youth being under the guidance of his companion, who was held responsible for his training, and whose instruction he was required to heed. These colaborers were not always together, but often met for prayer and counsel, thus strengthening each other in the faith.” {The Great Controversy, p. 70.2}

We can each ask “What am I doing to mentor a young person in ministry? How can I develop elders and young adults to be workers for God in preaching, visitation, training the youth and helping members live in harmony with each other? If I am a pastor in training what can I do to gain missionary experience and learn the lessons of sacrifice and self-denial?”

Lesson #4- Missionary Zeal.

The Waldenses did not simply hide out in the valleys where they lived. As they studied the Bible, accepted the gospel and the Bible truths, and saw the prophecies being fulfilled they devised every means possible to tell the entire world about the hope in their hearts. Children and youth were trained from their mother’s knee to share Jesus and the Bible for the rest of their lives.

“The spirit of Christ is a missionary spirit. The very first impulse of the renewed heart is to bring others also to the Saviour. Such was the spirit of the Vaudois Christians. They felt that God required more of them than merely to preserve the truth in its purity in their own churches; that a solemn responsibility rested upon them to let their light shine forth to those who were in darkness; by the mighty power of God’s word they sought to break the bondage which Rome had imposed….” {The Great Controversy, p. 70.2}

“…some of the youth were sent to institutions of learning in the cities of France or Italy. In the schools whither they went, they were not to make confidants of any. Their garments were so prepared as to conceal their greatest treasure–the precious manuscripts of the Scriptures. These, the fruit of months and years of toil, they carried with them, and whenever they could do so without exciting suspicion, they cautiously placed some portion in the way of those whose hearts seemed open to receive the truth. From their mother’s knee the Waldensian youth had been trained with this purpose in view; they understood their work and faithfully performed it. Converts to the true faith were won in these institutions of learning, and frequently its principles were found to be permeating the entire school; yet the papal leaders could not, by the closest inquiry, trace the so-called corrupting heresy to its source.” {The Great Controversy, p. 69.3-70.1}

“The work of these missionaries began in the plains and valleys at the foot of their own mountains, but it extended far beyond these limits. With naked feet and in garments coarse and travel-stained as were those of their Master, they passed through great cities and penetrated to distant lands. Everywhere they scattered the precious seed. Churches sprang up in their path, and the blood of martyrs witnessed for the truth. The day of God will reveal a rich harvest of souls garnered by the labors of these faithful men. Veiled and silent, the word of God was making its way through Christendom and meeting a glad reception in the homes and hearts of men.” {The Great Controversy, p. 71.2}

“In many cases the messenger of truth was seen no more. He had made his way to other lands, or he was wearing out his life in some unknown dungeon, or perhaps his bones were whitening on the spot where he had witnessed for the truth. But the words he had left behind could not be destroyed. They were doing their work in the hearts of men; the blessed results will be fully known only in the judgment.” {The Great Controversy, p. 75.4}

We can each ask “Do I have a missionary zeal? Can I remember how wonderful it was the first time I understood the plan of redemption and the blessings of Bible truths? How can I step out of my comfort zone this week to share Jesus and Bible truth with someone else? How can I motivate and mobilize my congregation in being bolder in sharing the Adventist message with all our community?”

Lesson #5- Faithful till Death.

Although persecuted off and on for centuries, the Waldenses would rather lose possessions, property, comfort and even life itself than to participate in false religion or abandon their Bible faith.

Some of these persecutions are detailed in J.A. Wylie’s book History of the Waldenses. Sometimes they were driven farther up into their valleys. Other times they had their homes and property confiscated. Their leaders were burned at the stake. And sometimes they were slaughtered by the thousands for not attending mass or surrendering to the demands of the Roman Church system and the governments she influenced. The noted poet John Milton wrote a poem “On the Late Massacre in Piedmont” in 1655 about a particularly bloody persecution. Oliver Cromwell, leader of England, intervened at one point to prevent the total annihilation of the Waldenses.

“The history of God’s people during the ages of darkness that followed upon Rome’s supremacy is written in heaven, but they have little place in human records. Few traces of their existence can be found, except in the accusations of their persecutors. It was the policy of Rome to obliterate every trace of dissent from her doctrines or decrees. Everything heretical, whether persons or writings, she sought to destroy. Expressions of doubt, or questions as to the authority of papal dogmas, were enough to forfeit the life of rich or poor, high or low. Rome endeavored also to destroy every record of her cruelty toward dissenters. Papal councils decreed that books and writings containing such records should be committed to the flames. Before the invention of printing, books were few in number, and in a form not favorable for preservation; therefore there was little to prevent the Romanists from carrying out their purpose.” {The Great Controversy, p. 61.2}

“When Rome at one time determined to exterminate the hated sect, a bull [order, decree] was issued by the pope [Innocent VIII in 1487], condemning them as heretics, and delivering them to slaughter. They were not accused as idlers, or dishonest, or disorderly; but it was declared that they had an appearance of piety and sanctity that seduced “the sheep of the true fold.” Therefore the pope ordered “that malicious and abominable sect of malignants,” if they “refuse to abjure, to be crushed like venomous snakes.”–Wylie, b. 16, ch. 1… {The Great Controversy, p. 77.1}

“This bull called upon all members of the church to join the crusade against the heretics. As an incentive to engage in this cruel work, it “absolved from all ecclesiastical pains and penalties, general and particular; it released all who joined the crusade from any oaths they might have taken; it legitimatized their title to any property they might have illegally acquired; and promised remission of all their sins to such as should kill any heretic. It annulled all contracts made in favor of Vaudois, ordered their domestics to abandon them, forbade all persons to give them any aid whatever, and empowered all persons to take possession of their property.”–Wylie, b. 16, ch. 1. This document clearly reveals the master spirit behind the scenes. It is the roar of the dragon, and not the voice of Christ, that is heard therein.” {The Great Controversy, p. 77.2}

“While, under the pressure of long-continued persecution, some compromised their faith, little by little yielding its distinctive principles, others held fast the truth. Through ages of darkness and apostasy there were Waldenses who denied the supremacy of Rome, who rejected image worship as idolatry, and who kept the true Sabbath. Under the fiercest tempests of opposition they maintained their faith. Though gashed by the Savoyard spear, and scorched by the Romish fagot, they stood unflinchingly for God’s word and His honor.” {The Great Controversy p. 65.2}

Sometimes God rescued them miraculously as He did Peter from prison (Acts 12:1-23). Other times he allowed His followers to suffer in prison and die like James the Apostle (Acts 12:1-2) or John the Baptist (Matthew 11:1-14).

We can each ask “Do I love Jesus enough to die for Him? Do I value the truths of the Bible enough to follow them no matter what the cost? Do I realize that there is a life and death struggle for my soul going on every day and I can choose to place myself on the side of Jesus?”

Lesson #6- Dangers of Abandoning the Sabbath.

For many centuries the Waldenses were faithful seventh-day Sabbath keepers. As time passed and persecution took its toll, some abandoned conscientious Sabbath keeping. Finally, in 1532, when the Waldenses officially joined the Reformation “after much debate,” they agreed to preach and teach only the official doctrines of the Reformers, which included recognizing Sunday, rather than the Sabbath, as the “Lord’s Day”

Some of the names used for the Waldenses in the Dark Ages were “Insabbatati,” “Sabbatati,” and Sabotiers.” Some claim they received these titles from the wooden sandals (sabots) they wore but Dr. Gerard Damsteegt from the Department of Church History at Andrews University Seminary points out that there is evidence that these terms came instead from their practice of observing the Bible Sabbath and ignoring the church-designated holy days (click here for more evidence). In fact one papal Inquisitor stated “For centuries evangelical bodies, especially the Waldenses, were called Insabbati because of Sabbath-keeping.” Gui, Manueld’ Inquisiteur. Another report of an Inquisition before whom were brought some Waldenses of Moravia in the middle of the fifteenth century declares that among the Waldenses “not a few indeed celebrate the Sabbath with the Jews.” (Johann Joseph Ignaz von Dollinger Reports on the History of the Sects of the Middle Ages)

Pastor Long, retired Seventh-day Adventist pastor and former president of the Italian Union of Seventh-day Adventist Churches lives in Torre Pellice with his wife. He has Waldensian ancestry. He says that when the Waldenses officially joined the Reformation in 1532 at Chamforan they ceased to be a movement and became an institution instead.

Ellen White visited the Waldensian Valleys twice during her time in Europe (1885-1887). By this time several hundred years had passed since the Waldenses had proclaimed and kept the Bible Sabbath. When asked by their leaders to speak to the people she spoke on the eternal nature of God’s law which, of course, includes the Sabbath commandment. There were only a few who made their decision to return to their roots, both as Waldenses and as apostolic Christians.

It is also interesting to note that the first Seventh-day Adventist baptized on the continent of Europe was baptized in 1865 in the Waldensian Valleys through the efforts of a dedicated German lay member, nine years before John N. Andrews our first Seventh-day Adventist missionary arrived in Europe.

We can each ask “Have I learned to find joy in keeping the Sabbath holy? Do I look forward to Friday sunset more than Saturday sunset? Am I modeling and teaching and preaching the blessings of faithful Sabbath observance to those in my circle of influence?”

Lesson #7- Mission Amnesia.

Today the Waldensian Church has merged with the Methodist Church in Italy and is part of the Ecumenical Movement. Their past is more thrilling than their future. Their museum is more active than most of their church buildings. Their ethnic heritage is stronger than their spiritual heritage. And when they speak of the Glorious Return they are referring to an event in 1689 led by a man (Henri Arnaud) rather than the return of Jesus Christ in all His glory to take His people home with Him.

In 1848 the civil authorities finally granted the Waldenses full religious and civil rights, effectively ending persecution. For a few years in the 19^th century the Waldenses sent pastors, teachers and colporteurs all over Italy to establish Waldensian communities. According to a Waldensian brochure we purchased during our visit “The Concordat of 1929 between the Vatican and Fascist Italy confirmed the marginalization of Italian Protestantism. The Evangelical Churches withdrew into themselves, looking for strength in their traditions.”

We can each ask “How focused am I on my identity as a Seventh-day Adventist believer? Does my heart burn with joy as I think of the nearness of the second coming of Jesus? Have I devoted my life to taking the Adventist message to all the world in this generation if possible? Does the way I spend my time, money and energy show that I can hardly wait for the return of Jesus?”

“Thus the Waldenses witnessed for God centuries before the birth of Luther. Scattered over many lands, they planted the seeds of the Reformation that began in the time of Wycliffe, grew broad and deep in the days of Luther, and is to be carried forward to the close of time by those who also are willing to suffer all things for “the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 1:9.”  {The Great Controversy, p. 78.1}

The History of the Waldenses provides both inspiration and caution for the Advent Movement. Why not pick one of these lessons and do something about it this week.

Blessings to you

Dan Serns

Related Links-

• The Great Controversy Chapter 4- The Waldenses by Ellen White (online book)
• Ellen G. White, volume 3 The Lonely Years by Arthur L. White, pages 334-336
• Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, volume 1, pages 829-886, 937-952 (book)
• History of the Waldenses by J.A. Wylie (online book)
• Sabbath History (website)
• Wikipedia article “Waldensians“
• Catholic Encyclopedia article “Waldenses”

It was late summer 1993 and I was working with Pastor Vladimir Krupskyi and a team of Ukrainian pastors to plant the second Seventh-day Adventist church in the city of Nikolayev, Ukraine. Communism had collapsed only a few years before but its effects were still evident in many parts of society, including the school system.

On the Sabbath morning before school started we gathered at the House of Prayer (church building) for Sabbath School and Worship Service. Near the beginning of the worship service Pastor Krupskyi called all the students in the congregation, regardless of age, along with their parents, to meet him at the front. For the next few minutes, with the entire congregation watching, he gave them this challenge. (My translator helped me with understanding what was going on.)

Pastor: Students, this week you will begin another school year. Are you ready for this?

Students: Yes.

Pastor: You must listen carefully in your classes and learn well. But in your classes sometimes you will be taught things that are contrary to what the Bible teaches. You must be polite, but you must not believe anything that disagrees with the Bible, God’s word. Do you understand?

Students: Yes.

Pastor: You must study God’s word carefully and regularly so you know what is true and what is false. Are you willing to do this?

Students: Yes.

Pastor: Parents, it is your responsibility from God to talk with your children each day to find out what they are learning and to help them know what is in agreement with the Bible and what is not. Are you willing to do this?

Parents: Yes.

Pastor: Let’s ask God to help you this year to receive an education that is pleasing to Him.

Then Pastor Krupskyi prayed a beautiful prayer asking God to help the students and parents be faithful during the new school year.

I had never seen anything like this before. The entire experience took only a few minutes, but it had a profound effect on me, perhaps because I had a son back home in Texas who had just started first grade. Even though he was in a Seventh-day Adventist school I still wanted him to learn to evaluate everything he learned at school and anywhere in life by the authority of the Bible. And as a pastor I wanted all the students in my congregations to learn to do the same.

I could see why Pastor Krupskyi’s congregation loved him and knew that he cared about their walk with Jesus and faithfulness to their Savior. He challenged the students to be faithful and the parents to carry out their responsibility in the education of their children. Today Pastor Krupskyi is the President of the Ukrainian Union of Seventh-day Adventists.

“It is in the home that the education of the child is to begin. Here is his first school. Here, with his parents as instructors, he is to learn the lessons that are to guide him throughout life– lessons of respect, obedience, reverence, self-control. The educational influences of the home are a decided power for good or for evil. They are in many respects silent and gradual, but if exerted on the right side, they become a far-reaching power for truth and righteousness. If the child is not instructed aright here, Satan will educate him through agencies of his choosing. How important, then, is the school in the home!”  {Child Guidance p. 17.1}

The work of parents precedes that of the teacher. They have a home school–the first grade. If they seek carefully and prayerfully to know and to do their duty, they will prepare their children to enter the second grade–to receive instructions from the teacher.  {Child Guidance p. 19.2}

A dedication service like this could easily be included in each of our worship services as the school year is beginning. What a powerful impact this could have on the students, their families and the entire congregation.

Blessings to you,

Dan Serns

Recently I met with the Idaho Conference pastors the Sunday morning after Campmeeting. Pastor Brian Yarborough, who led out in the Junior Division, handed out over a dozen cards of young people who had made decisions that week to follow Jesus and be baptized. These are “hot” interests and need a quick response.

Lots of kids are already at summer camp, and many of them will make decisions to follow Jesus and be baptized. These are also “hot” interests. We pastors must be ready to quickly respond to these decisions as soon as the campers return home.

Ellen White gives this wake up call. “We must in our work not only strike the iron when it is hot but make the iron hot by striking. Slow, easy, indolent movements will do nothing for us in this work. We must be instant in season, out of season. These are critical times for work. By hesitation and delay we lose many good opportunities. . . . {Evangelism p. 647.1}

When we have a “hot” interest of a young person how should we respond? There are probably many ways, but I’d like to share with you a few ideas.

1)     Call the young person on the phone this week to congratulate them. If they are not home leave a message on the answering machine. Or send them an email. Let them know how proud Jesus is of their decision. Tell their parents how proud they can be of their child’s decision since it shows the young person wants Jesus to help him/her become more like Him.

2)     Set up a time to visit them within one week if possible. Summer can be filled with lots of activity, and if we are not careful, the decision will lose its value in the young person’s eyes if it isn’t quickly followed up.

3)     Begin a weekly group Bible study/Baptismal Class for young people if possible. At first you may have only one or two in the class, but as word spreads many times others will join. There are quite a few study guides that are useful. You can find a list of them at the Adventist Book Center website (click here for Baptismal Materials) or you can use the Amazing Facts Basic Set (click here for online lessons). Most churches keep a supply on hand.

4)     Involve church leaders, older youth and/or parents in the process. Ask them to help teach the lesson each week for those preparing for baptism.

5)     Connect the young person (and their family) with other church activities such as Sabbath School, Pathfinders, Church School, etc.

6)     Encourage the parents to have family worship and play a positive pro-active role in their child’s spiritual growth. There is excellent counsel in Child Guidance (by Ellen White), chapter 76 “Preparing for Church Membership.” There are insights on how to Teach Daily Repentance and Forgiveness, Instruct Briefly and Frequently, Recount God’s Promises, Make Religious Instruction Pleasant, Avoid Being A Stumbling Blocks to Our Children, Live in Harmony With Your Prayers, Know When Children Are Ready for Baptism and Carry Out The Parents’ Duty After Baptism.

A few years ago an eleven year old boy in my church made a decision for Jesus and baptism. I asked him who some of the academy students were that he looked up to spiritually. He gave me four names of young men. I went to each of them and asked if they would help for an hour a week with a Bible study group/Baptismal Class for a junior aged young man. All four agreed! Two of them would lead the study one week and the other two led the study the next week. I sat with them to answer questions or guide the conversation if needed. Once the plan started we invited others to join in. Within two weeks we had a group of almost a dozen in our Bible Study/Baptismal Class. Six were baptized within three months, and several more were by the end of the year. All of this came about because of that one young man’s decision for baptism and four academy students who were willing to be used by God. One of those four is a pastor today.

“When the happiest period of their life has come, and they in their hearts love Jesus and wish to be baptized, then deal faithfully with them. Before they receive the ordinance, ask them if it is to be their first purpose in life to work for God. Then tell them how to begin. It is the first lessons that mean so much. In simplicity teach them how to do their first service for God. Make the work as easy to be understood as possible. Explain what it means to give up self to the Lord, to do just as His Word directs, under the counsel of Christian parents. {Child Guidance p. 500.1}

Blessings to you,

Dan Serns

“Pastor, we have a difficult situation.” The first elder and I were out making visits during my first few weeks in the district. “One of our church members brings different men home to go to bed with her and she has her passive husband sleep on the floor at the foot of the bed. What do you think we should do?”

He obviously had my attention. I thought of the verse in 1 Corinthians 5:1 that says the church at Corinth had a case of sexual immorality that even raised eyebrows among the non-Christians.

“How do you know this is true?”

“Her husband has talked with several of the church leaders including me.”

“When did this happen?”

“It has been happening off and on for about six years.”

“Has there been any church discipline?” I asked incredulously.

“Well, her parents were church leaders for years before they moved away. And we hoped we could show her Christian love and win her back. And we’ve been without a pastor for almost a year.”

The first elder was a good and conscientious man. But it was clear that he was fumbling, trying to excuse what hadn’t been done that needed to be done.

Here was another one of those situations that seems to evolve over time. It starts as a little rumor about a church member, but since no one is sure that it’s true, “we wouldn’t want to gossip.” And since the member is still coming to church we assume the problem will take care of itself. After all, “we wouldn’t want to do anything that would keep them from coming to church.” In time, though, the problem becomes more obvious and soon the member isn’t coming to church anymore. “Someone really needs to visit them,” says a concerned church member. “But isn’t that the job of the pastor or the elders,” responds another. But “everyone is busy” and “there are so many other more important things to do.” In time the problem grows bigger, but since the member is disconnected from the church by now, nobody responds. Maybe if the church is “lucky” the member will transfer to another Seventh-day Adventist Church and the problem will be gone.

I had a sick feeling in my gut. I shot a bullet prayer to God asking for wisdom.

“Let’s go visit that home right now,” I said to my first elder.

“I don’t know if they are home.”

“Neither do I, but let’s go see.”

“What if they don’t let us in?”

“We won’t know until we try.”

With hesitancy he agreed.

We made three visits to the apartment over the next couple of months to see if we could help the member have a re-conversion experience and help her husband begin to understand what God’s love was really all about.

When it became clear we were unsuccessful, the first elder and I talked with the other elders. “But shouldn’t we show her God’s grace?” one asked. “Let the one without sin be the first to cast a stone,” another admonished. The others were silent. I began wondering it I should have ever accepted the call to pastor this church. I asked myself “How can we ever change our community for God when we can’t stand up and acknowledge sin for what it is?” I didn’t want to be self-righteous, but I also didn’t want to ignore the importance of God’s righteousness and the role of the church as a witness to the community. And if the church is the body of Christ, how are we to relate to the cancer of sin when it is not forsaken by the sinner?”

It seems to me that churches, like parents, often have a hard time knowing how to deal with discipline. They go to one of two extremes- either they are harsh and vindictive, or they ignore virtually every situation that calls for discipline, hoping that is will get better on its own. Sometimes they swing back and forth between the two extremes.

We desperately needed the clarity only God’s word could bring to our situation. “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130.

As elders, we met together several times to look at and listen to God’s counsel on the subject of Church Discipline. We discovered that part of the confusion in this area is over the role of individual church members (Matthew 7:1; James 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 6:1-10) as compared with the role of the church body (1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:1-11; 1 Timothy 5:20) or both (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8). We found the counsel in the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (Chapter 14 “Church Discipline” pp. 185-200), outlining the principles, process and options, to be biblical and extremely helpful. The book “Restoring Fellowship: Judgment & Church Discipline,” by Ken & Joy Gage gave a tremendously insightful treatment of the Bible passages. We as elders were finally ready to recommend to the church in business session that we vote to acknowledge that the member, by her continued choices to live a life of violation to God’s law, had made it important for her name to be removed from church membership, praying that in the future there would be repentance and a turning from the sinful lifestyle. The recommendation would not share details.

We informed the member what we were recommending.

When the church met in business session a number of people spoke about how “God wants us to be patient with others,” and how “we are all sinners.” But when the secret ballot vote was finally counted, all but one person present voted for the recommendation.

The first elder and I went to visit the now former member with a letter documenting the action taken. In addition, the letter stated…

“As a church family we are very sorry we have not been able to provide you with the spiritual encouragement and ministry that would help you in your personal walk with God and commitment to living the Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle. In the future we hope we have another opportunity to do better.

“You are still welcome to attend any of the worship services, Bible study groups or other activities of the church. We hope you will find these to be a blessing and encouragement in your relationship with Jesus and your preparation for His soon return.

“The time may come in the future when you would like to reunite with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Enclosed is a list of baptismal vows and fundamental beliefs. We would be happy to review these with you and help in any way we can, if you would like us to.”

Many times in the process it would have been easier to just forget the whole thing. Did we handle everything perfectly? I don’t think so. Could we have stated things in a better way? Probably. Did the ex-member ever repent and come back? Not to my knowledge, but I would be thrilled to learn otherwise. Were there other church discipline situations to deal with later on in that district? Certainly, but not as dramatic as that one. Did the church leaders and members grow in their understanding of what the church body is called to do in Church Discipline situations? Definitely. Was I glad I accepted the call to that district? Of course! Why? Because we were all learning to “grow in grace and in a knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:17) through humbly submitting ourselves to His word. And over the next few years we saw dozens and dozens of people added to the church, the ones who were being saved (Acts 2:47).

Church Discipline is rarely easy. But it is absolutely essential if we are to be faithful to our calling and to lead the church to be faithful to hers. Consider this inspired counsel. “Sin and sinners in the church must be promptly dealt with, that others may not be contaminated. Truth and purity require that we make more thorough work to cleanse the camp from Achans. Let those in responsible positions not suffer sin in a brother. Show him that he must either put away his sins or be separated from the church.”—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 147

There is a serious danger for the one needing to receive discipline if it is not given. “Many do not realize the sacredness of church relationship and are loath to submit to restraint and discipline. Their course of action shows that they exalt their own judgment above that of the united church, and they are not careful to guard themselves lest they encourage a spirit of opposition to its voice. Those who hold responsible positions in the church may have faults in common with other people and may err in their decisions; but notwithstanding this, the church of Christ on earth has given to them an authority that cannot be lightly esteemed.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 17.

There is also a serious danger for the church leaders needing to see that the discipline is extended. “To hate and reprove sin, and at the same time to show pity and tenderness for the sinner, is a difficult attainment. The more earnest our own efforts to attain to holiness of heart and life, the more acute will be our perception of sin and the more decided our disapproval of any deviation from the right. We must guard against undue severity toward the wrongdoer, but we must also be careful not to lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. There is need of showing Christlike patience and love for the erring one, but there is also danger of showing so great toleration for his error that he will look upon himself as undeserving of reproof, and will reject it as uncalled for and unjust. {Acts of the Apostles p. 503.3}

“Ministers of the gospel sometimes do great harm by allowing their forbearance toward the erring to degenerate into toleration of sins and even participation in them. Thus they are led to excuse and palliate that which God condemns, and after a time they become so blinded as to commend the very ones whom God commands them to reprove. He who has blunted his spiritual perceptions by sinful leniency toward those whom God condemns, will erelong commit a greater sin by severity and harshness toward those whom God approves. {Acts of the Apostles p. 504.1}

Do you have a Church Discipline situation that needs attention? Deal with it today, in Christ-like love, in cooperation with God’s word and God’s leaders. Postponing it is disastrous spiritually, but dealing with it in the spirit and clarity of Christ brings strength, health and growth to you as a spiritual leader and to the church body you have been called to lead.

Related Links—

·         Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, Chapter 14, Church Discipline

·         Bring Back Church Discipline, by Nathan Brown (Adventist Review)

·         The Disappearance of Church Discipline, by Albert Mohler (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)

·         Church Discipline on the Rise, by David Roach (Baptist Press)

·         Church Discipline Really Works, Interview with Ken Sande (Peacemaker Ministries)

·         Church Discipline: The ‘Outdated’ Practice Believers Desperately Need, by Lee Webb (CBN)

·         Restoring Fellowship: Judgment & Church Discipline, by Ken & Joy Gage (Moody Press)

·         Shaping Holy Disciples, by Mark Dever (Christianity Today)

Blessings to you,

Dan Serns

One of the most difficult things a Seventh-day Adventist pastor or church can do is to change the schedule or order of worship on Sabbath mornings. Somehow many people think there is something sacred about which part of the service comes first, second or third.

With this in mind, I am still going to suggest that you talk with your church board(s) about adding a “Local & Global Mission” time to your Sabbath morning schedule. You see, in the early Adventist church the Sabbath School program had a World Mission segment and emphasis. Fortunately many of our churches still have this in some form. And for many years the worship service was preceded with the “Home Missionary,” “Lay Activities” or “Personal Ministries” period.

Somehow both of these vital segments have gotten crowded out in many of our churches. Without these weekly reminders of what God is doing through His church locally and around the world, many of our new members and younger generations are not catching the vision of a worldwide movement and a God who is at work all around us locally in the lives of the members.

Why not talk with your church board(s) about adding a 15-20 segment between Sabbath School and Worship Service, perhaps from 10:35 to 10:55am? Each Sabbath there could be 5-10 minutes of local missions focus and another 5-10 minutes of Global Missions focus. The Personal Ministries Leader could assist in coordinating the Local Missions time and the Sabbath School superintendent could assist in coordinating the Global Missions time.

What would the Local Missions time look like? Here are some suggestions—

1)     Newly baptized interview. Have a brief testimony or interview by someone who has recently been baptized,

2)     Baptism. Conduct a baptism.

3)     Interview Ministry Leader. Interview a ministry leader, such as Pathfinder, Adventurers, Community Services, Bible Study coordinator, Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Greeters Ministry on what God is doing through that ministry to change lives.

4)     Newly Transferred Member. Interview a family who has recently transferred to your church, asking them how they became Seventh-day Adventist Christians.

5)     Bible Study Leader. Interview someone who is giving Bible studies or leads a Bible study group.

6)     Ministry Video Clip. Show a video clip from one of your ministries.

7)     Stewardship Testimony. Have a brief stewardship testimony about how God has been faithful when His gifts are managed the way He has instructed.

     Sabbath Blessing Testimony. Interview someone about how they learned about the Sabbath and what a blessing it has been in their lives.

9)     Hope in Tragedy. Interview someone about how God helped them deal with a tragic loss.

10)Community Leader Award. Present an award to a community leader who has made a valuable contribution to the good of society and have several church leaders pray for their service to God and mankind.

11)Soul Winning Plans. Talk about up-coming soul winning plans in the district.

12)Report on recent soul winning activities. Give an update about that literature distribution effort, the church-wide outreach last week, or the various Bible studies that are going on currently.

13)Group Intercessory Prayer for the Community. The congregation can be invited to pray in groups of two or three for the people in the community who are in need, asking God to bless them and to help the church come in contact with them so that Jesus can be shared.

14)Praise & Sharing Time. With a roving microphone, invite people to share what God has done in their lives during the past week or two.

15)Church School Outreach & Soul Winning. Most Adventist church schools have regular outreach and soul winning activities. Interview some of the students and/or teachers about a recent activity.

What would the Global Missions time look like? Here are some suggestions—

1)     Adventist Mission DVD Segments. Show a segment from the Adventist Missions DVD sent to every church in North America each quarter. There are usually 6-10 segments, ranging in length from one minute to ten minutes. Each quarterly DVD has enough material for half a dozen Sabbaths!

2)     Continued Mission Story. Have a good story teller tell a short installment of a continued mission story from a book such as “Singer on the Sand,” “Taught by a Tiger,” “Nyla and the White Crocodile,” “Jungle Thorn,” “Fire on the Mountain,” “Clever Queen,” or any of the other great mission story books found in most Adventist church libraries. Most of these books have about 10-13 chapters. If someone told a 5-10 minute story from each chapter you would have spell-binding mission action every week for an entire quarter! You would probably see attendance increase, too, as children begged their parents to take them to church!

3)     NW Spotlight on Mission. Each quarter the NPUC sends a “Northwest Spotlight on Mission” DVD to every 1^st elder and Sabbath School Superintendent in the Northwest. Each DVD has 1-5 short story segments that can be shown over several Sabbaths.

4)     Missionary or Student Missionary. Interview a visiting or returned missionary or student missionary. Ask them to show pictures for a vespers program later in the day.

5)     Short-term Mission Trip Report. Show a few pictures from a recent short-term mission trip and invite the congregation to a longer program at vespers that day.

6)     Adventist Mission Website Resources.www.AdventistMission.org has lots of resources that can be used, including—

i)        Quarterly Mission Magazine Stories for each week of the quarter

ii)      Inside Stories which are found each week in the Adult Bible Study Guides

iii)     DVD Stories

iv)    “Life of a Missionary” stories from those who are serving currently

v)     Articles on Mission

vi)    A map with links to each of the world division’s websites.

vii) Various other resources such as audio, books, links, puzzles, etc.

7)     Pray for God’s Work in Specific Countries. On the back of the Adult Bible Study Guide each quarter is a map of the World Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that is the special focus. Each Sabbath invite the congregation in groups of twos or threes to pray for God’s work in a specific country.

     Send literature to a mission field. From time to time the Adventist Review magazine lists requests for literature from around the world. Invite members to bring the items needed so they can be prayed for and sent out the coming week.

9)     Dedication prayer for those going on a mission trip. Do you have someone who is going on a short term mission trip or a student missionary assignment? Why not invite them to the front to share what special requests they have and ask several church leaders to pray for them?

What do we hope to accomplish by having a regular “Local & Global Mission” Time each Sabbath morning? We hope to inspire the members of our congregations to actively participate in sharing the Three Angels Messages in their neighborhoods, communities, cities and around the world.

“The message of the third angel is a world-wide message. It is to go to foreign lands; it is to be preached in the home field. Into cities and towns and villages, into the highways and hedges, the light of truth is to be carried. In all these places there are those whose minds are receptive, and whose hearts are ready to respond to the appeals of the Spirit of God. These will welcome the truth if they have opportunity to hear. God is waiting for His people to bear to them the message of Him who died–the just for the unjust. He desires to work through men and women who, losing sight of self in Christ, are content to say, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” {AUCR, April 15, 1912 par. 4}

Once you integrate a “Local & Global Mission” time into your Sabbath morning service you will wonder how you ever got along without it. People will look forward to hearing and sharing what God is doing in their lives and around the world. Children will be inspired to work for God now and to decide to be missionaries when they grow up. Guests will witness God at work in your congregation and recognize that, even if the church is small, it is part of a worldwide movement. As the bolder ones in the congregation share, those who are more shy will find courage to tell what God is doing in their lives, too. And God’s work will be enlarged because of the continued focus on missions- foreign and at home- that your church is offering.

Blessings to you,Dan Serns

Whenever God has given His people a huge blessing, we can be sure that Satan will always try to distort the meaning and devalue the experience of the blessing. This is true of the Sabbath. This is also true of baptism. 

The world is full of substitutes for true Bible baptism, such as sprinkling, pouring, rose petals, multiple re-baptisms without renewal and reformation, baptisms for dead people and the idea that water baptism is only the first step toward so-called “baptism of the Holy Spirit.” In recent times there have been more subtle substitutes for true Bible baptism, such as being baptized into Jesus but not joining the church, being baptized without an understanding of the cost of discipleship, and being baptized without being ready to participate actively in the Gospel Commission. 

Sometimes these philosophies find their way into the Seventh-day Adventist Church.  As a result we see people who begin their Christian life without the power, vision, fellowship and conviction they need to grow strong for Jesus in these last days. Ordained Ministers play a key role in helping new believers properly prepare for baptism.

Too often a newly baptized person is considered to be an “active member” if they are still attending church six months after they are baptized. Perhaps a better test of active membership is if the newly baptized member is actively sharing their faith with others and if they help prepare someone else for baptism and church membership within their first twelve months after being baptized. Ellen White pictured it this way: “When souls are converted, set them to work at once. And as they labor according to their ability, they will grow stronger.” “One truly converted soul will reach out in faith to save another and still another.” {Evangelism p. 355}

          To clear away the misunderstanding about true Bible baptism it is important to go back to what the Bible actually teaches about the tremendous blessings of baptism.

Eight blessings of proper Bible baptism. Bible baptism means that…

          1. I have decided to be a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ, and that He will always be with me.

           ^NIV Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ …And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

          2. I want to be a part of a movement that will teach the world (“all nations”, cf. “every creature” Mark 16:16) “to observe all things” taught by Jesus in the Bible.

          ^NIV Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…

          3. I repent of my sinful life and accept new life in Jesus through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.

          ^NIV Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

          4. I am uniting with God’s organized church. Everyone baptized in the book of Acts either joined a church (Pentecost- Acts 2; Ephesus- Acts 19, etc.) or helped plant a church (Ethiopian eunuch & the Coptic church- Acts 8; Jailer & the Philippian church- Acts 16). Jesus is the Head and the church is His body. Nowhere in the New Testament do we find the idea of someone being baptized into a decapitated Head. Baptizing someone without bringing them immediately into the church is like saving them from drowning but leaving them in the middle of the ocean alone in a life raft. A believer without a church family is like a baby without a family.

          ^KJV Acts 2:41, 47 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls… Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 

          ^NKJ 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. ^NKJ

          5. I am joining a movement that obeys all God’s commandments and has the faith of Jesus. The church that the early believers joined obeyed all God’s commandments and had the faith of Jesus. Baptism in the last days should unite a person with God’s church that keeps His commandments and has the faith of Jesus (Revelation 12:17; 14:12). When a person is baptized they show their desire to unite with Jesus and His church. When the church votes that person into membership they show they are willing to welcome and integrate that person into the life, mission and ministry of that congregation of the world church. When a person who has been baptized by immersion learns new life-changing truth from the Bible, rebaptism, though not required, is very appropriate (Acts 19:1-5).

          Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. 

          ^NKJ Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

          6. I believe the Bible is the final authority for all truth.

          ^KJV Acts 8:36-37 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? ³⁷ And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [This belief was based on a comprehensive study of the Book of Isaiah.]

          7. I identify with Jesus’ death, His rest in the tomb and His resurrection. This gives me a spirit of sacrifice, a peace that passes understanding, and the power to find victory when tempted. Foot washing is like a miniature rebaptism when my feet have strayed from Christ but I have not abandoned my relationship with Him.

           ^NIV Romans 6:3-4 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 

         ^NIV John 13:8-10 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” ⁹ “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” ¹⁰ Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”

          8. I am ready to use my spiritual gifts in ministry, to build up the church, the body of Christ, and to work cooperatively with other members of the body to enlarge God’s church on earth.
 

          ^NIV 1 Corinthians 12:20-22, 25 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. ²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” ²² On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…²⁵ so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 

        ^NIV Ephesians 4:11-12 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, ¹² to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

As we teach these principles to new believers and to long term members we will see more and more life in the church, and more and more members finding their role in sharing Jesus and Bible truths with their neighbors and friends. We will see the church body grow in both faith and numbers (Acts 16:5). We will see new members rapidly find their place in advancing God’s cause. We will see the Adventist message take giant strides forward. We will see this counsel become a reality in our own ministries-

“Place after place is to be visited; church after church is to be raised up. Those who take their stand for the truth are to be organized into churches, and then the minister is to pass on to other equally important fields.

“Just as soon as a church is organized, let the minister set the members at work. They will need to be taught how to labor successfully. . . .

“The power of the gospel is to come upon the companies raised up, fitting them for service. Some of the new converts will be so filled with the power of God that they will at once enter the work. They will labor so diligently that they will have neither time nor disposition to weaken the hands of their brethren by unkind criticism. Their one desire will be to carry the truth to the regions beyond.”{Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 20. (1902)}

Blessings to you,

Dan Serns
 

Related links-

Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (see Chapter 6- Church Membership)

Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Belief #15 “Baptism”

Amazing Facts Bible Guides (see Lesson 9- “Purity and Power”)

Bible Bay Bible Guide on Baptism

Bibleinfo study on Baptism
Watering Down Baptism- Is Rebaptism the Only Avenue to Grace?- By James Coffin
Baptism for the Dead? A Study of 1 Corinthians 15:29- By Angel Rodriguez

Much of our life is lived between our two ears. That is why our self-talk and our attitudes have such a profound impact on everything we do, including preaching.

Next time you are getting ready to stand before the people and share God’s word, why not do a quick self-check on your attitude about God, the Bible, the audience and the invitation you will make.

         Attitude toward God- Hugh Latimer, one of the leading English Reformers who lived in the early 1500s, stood up to preach before King Henry VIII. The King had divorced his wife so he could marry another woman. Latimer had been convicted that he should speak to the situation since all the royalty were being pressured to approve of the immorality of the king. He began by saying “Latimer, be careful what you say because the king is listening, and he could take away your life. Latimer, be careful what you say because the royalty are listening, and they could take away your life. Oh, but Latimer, be very careful what you say because the King of Kings is listening, and He holds your eternal destiny in His hands.” He went on to preach a powerful message because he recognized who was the Source of his message and who was really listening that day. Like John the Baptist, “he could stand erect and fearless in the presence of earthly monarchs, because he had bowed low before the King of kings” (Desire of Ages p. 103) And yes, he later lost his life at the stake, falling asleep with the hope of a wonderful resurrection. As you stand up to preach, remember Who is listening to you, the One who gave you your message, and say “Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul and giving me the privilege of speaking Your message in Your presence today. You are a wonderful, holy and awesome God.”

          Attitude toward the Bible- Bill Roberts, Senior Pastor at the Auburn Adventist Academy Church (WA Conf), likes to use this analogy. If you are attacked by a vicious pit bull, would it make a difference if you had a baseball bat in your hands? Of course it would. It might mean the difference between life and death. Now picture God’s word as that baseball bat, and Satan as the angry pit bull. When you have immersed yourself in God’s word you are ready to beat back the enemy. As preachers, when we recognize that the Bible is a tremendous gift from God to protect us from evil, we embrace it and share it more readily. As you stand up to preach, remember just how powerful the Bible is for the people and tell yourself “I want to offer tools to the people they can use during the week to fight off the attacks of the enemy. I want to know, understand and live the truths of Your word, Lord.”

          We all want to avoid this indictment. “The Bible has been robbed of its power, and the results are seen in a lowering of the tone of spiritual life. In the sermons from many pulpits of today there is not that divine manifestation which awakens the conscience and brings life to the soul. The hearers can not say, “Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32. There are many who are crying out for the living God, longing for the divine presence. Philosophical theories or literary essays, however brilliant, cannot satisfy the heart. The assertions and inventions of men are of no value. Let the word of God speak to the people. Let those who have heard only traditions and human theories and maxims hear the voice of Him whose word can renew the soul unto everlasting life.”  {Christ’s Object Lessons p. 40.1}

          Attitude toward the audience- When Jesus looked at his audience “He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)  When you preach you probably have no idea of what it took for some of the people to get to the meeting or worship service. Some may have had to deal with an abusive spouse that morning. Others couldn’t sleep, wondering where their wayward children were all night. Perhaps one gave in to sexual addiction the past week and is carrying a heavy load of guilt. Someone else lost a job or a spouse or a child or hope for the future with the doctor’s diagnosis. Maybe many had a wonderful week, but others are “harassed and helpless” and deserving of our “compassion.” Most of them need more “how to” messages rather than “ought to” messages. As you get ready to speak to the people remind yourself “I love these people. Jesus died for them. He is coming soon to give them something better. But between now and then they can have peace, joy and a purpose in life.”

          Attitude toward the invitation you will make- Harvey Kornegay, a pastor friend of mine in Oklahoma, says “Preaching a wonderful sermon and then not making a call is like spreading out a great meal and never saying ‘Let’s eat!’”

         A young pastor asked the great 19^th Century evangelist, Dwight L. Moody, “How do you always have people respond when you make a call?” Moody said “You don’t expect to have someone respond every time you make a call, do you?” to which the young pastor said, “Well, no, I don’t.” “And that is why you don’t have someone respond every time you make a call,” Moody replied.

         At the end of every message preached from God’s word and with His presence, with love for the audience, we need to invite people to respond and we need to expect that someone will. Before we stand up to preach we need to check our attitude about the final invitation and say, “This is a wonderful chance for people to express their love to Jesus for all He has done for them. This is an appeal I want to personally respond to. Thank you, Jesus, for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful work and for giving me a chance to invite others to be a part of it, too.”

          “There is need of most earnest prayer from the heart of the worker for the divine blessing, before he ventures to speak to the people. When the heart is at peace with God, when heaven’s light illuminates the soul, then the lips will surely speak forth the words of Christ, by presenting the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour. The atmosphere of heaven will surround the speaker, and souls will indeed feel that they sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. There is no one subject more necessary than to teach the people, by precept and example, true godliness, faith and love in Jesus Christ. The great masses of the people are more ignorant than many suppose. They need to be instructed line upon line, and precept upon precept, in regard to what they must do to be saved. Graduates of colleges, and persons in the highest walks of life, eloquent orators, able statesmen, men in high and important positions of trust, have given the powers of their being and their intellect to other matters, but have neglected the things of highest importance to them. They are ignorant of the Scriptures and the power of God. When such men are seen in the congregation, the speaker generally strains every power to preach an intellectual discourse, and a subject is chosen that will have a little of the simplicity of true Bible religion and heart service to God in it as possible. They do not preach Christ. They do not define that sin is the transgression of the law. They seldom make plain the plan of salvation. They seldom tell what one must do to be saved. That which would have touched the hearts of the learned, the men in responsible positions, would have been to have shown them Christ upon the cross of Calvary, to bring redemption within their reach. They are to be taught as children how to make Jesus their friend, how to bring him into their life work.”  {Review & Herald, February 22, 1887 par. 11}

          Let’s ask Jesus to give us His mind and attitude as we stand up to preach Him and His word to His people.

Blessings to you,Dan Serns

A pastor’s life can be non-stop. There is that sermon to write, that visit to make, that committee to attend, those reaping meetings to plan for, those new members to introduce to other members, and those church leaders to train. Sometimes our own families can be squeezed out.

            But what if you just dropped everything for an hour and spent some time with your children having fun? An hour is long enough to pull together a game of family football, play catch with a softball or kick the soccer ball back and forth. It’s long enough to play a game of Encore, Catch Phrase, Careers or several games of Connect Four. An hour is long enough to go for a walk in the woods or along a trail or to take a short drive together. It’s long enough to just listen to how things are going with your child in Pathfinders or how they are doing in science, math or Bible at school. An hour is long enough to find out about your child’s friends and their hobbies. It’s long enough to help them clean their room or to help them with some chores that have become overwhelming. An hour is long enough to help them open a savings account at the nearby bank. It’s long enough for them to try to teach you to skateboard or to take you on a (scary?) practice drive. And it’s long enough to read them a story or to tuck them into bed, lie down beside them, sing them a song, and listen to something that happened to them that day.

          Years ago my wife found this poem that is a reminder that fun with the kids is more important than a clean house. She framed it and hung it in one of our bathrooms.

This is a Home Where Children Live (by Judith Bond)

     You may not find things all in place,

     Friend, when you enter here.

     But, we’re a home where children live,

     We hold them very dear.

     And you may find small fingerprints

     And smudges on the wall.

     When the kids are gone, we’ll clean them up,

     Right now we’re playing ball.

     For there’s one thing of which we’re sure,

     These children are on loan.

     One day they’re always underfoot,

     Next thing you know, they’re gone.

     That’s when we’ll have a well kept house,

     When they’re off on their own.

     Right now, this is where children live,

     A loved and lived in home.

Letting our children know we have fun when we’re with them is so important. “Smile, parents; smile, teachers. If your heart is sad, let not your face reveal the fact. Let the sunshine from a loving, grateful heart light up the countenance. Unbend from your iron dignity, adapt yourselves to the children’s needs, and make them love you. You must win their affection, if you would impress religious truth upon their heart.”  {Adventist Home p. 432.2}

          Having fun with our children can set in motion more ministry than all the sermons we will ever preach. “One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that can be preached. Such a family gives evidence that the parents have been successful in following God’s directions, and that their children will serve Him in the church. Their influence grows; for as they impart, they receive to impart again. The father and mother find helpers in their children, who give to others the instruction received in the home. The neighborhood in which they live is helped, for in it they have become enriched for time and for eternity. The whole family is engaged in the service of the Master; and by their godly example, others are inspired to be faithful and true to God in dealing with His flock, His beautiful flock.”  {Adventist Home p. 32.1}

          That one hour memory of fun with Dad or Mom will last for a lifetime for both of you. So do it! And make it a habit!Blessings to you,Dan Serns

        I have often had church members say to me, “Pastor, don’t you think we ought to start this ministry or that ministry in the church?” When I first began pastoring, I thought I had to take all the good ideas and do something about them. I was headed for rapid burnout! One day it dawned on me that if God gave a good idea to one of my members, maybe He wanted them to do something about it. But what should I do to encourage them to get started? That’s where the four connections approach comes in.

          If someone comes to me with a great idea (or what they think is a great idea), I tell them “God has given you this idea because He wants you to do something with it. And here are the steps to take to get started with a ministry:

          1. Make sure your connection with God is up-to-date, that you are surrendered to Him, and that you seek His will each day.

          2. Next, find a partner who will help you plan and carry out this ministry. Even if the idea seems wild or weird, if you follow this process, you and your partner may be able to reach some wild and weird people for Jesus–and there are plenty of them we need to reach!

          3. Once you have developed a plan of action with your partner, ask a church board member to be your coach. The coach’s role is not to run or do the ministry, but to listen to the ideas and to give counsel to keep you from going into the ditch. As soon as a church board member agrees to be your coach, you are an official ministry of the church. On the other hand, if your coach ever lets you know they can no longer serve as your coach, you must find another church board member to serve as coach in order to remain an official ministry of the church. Your coach serves as your link to the official leadership group of the church, and represents you on the board as needed.

          4. When you have your connection with God, partner, and coach, your final connection is with your flock–those you will minister to. Go recruit them!”

          I had recently baptized Jim. He was excited about being part of his new church family. I told him it was very important for him to find his ministry soon. About three weeks after baptism he told me, “Pastor, I love computers, and I want to teach a computer class as my ministry.”

“Great!” I said. “Are you keeping your connection with God up-to-date?”

“Yes.”

“Now you need to find a ministry partner to help you plan and do your ministry, and a church board member to listen to your plans and give you counsel and encouragement.”

          The next Sabbath after church Jim could hardly wait to talk to me.

“Pastor, Doug is my partner and Rick is my coach. What’s next?”

“Next, you need to recruit your flock. Invite members and nonmembers to join your class. Then go for it!”

“Pastor, I’ve already lined up 11 computers and talked to the church secretary about a room for Thursday nights!”

          Jim ran the class for 12 weeks. What were the results? Two of the 11 who signed up were not church members but came regularly and made friends with the members. One of the church members who attended got a better job because of the skill learned. There was no cost to the church. Several people were mobilized in ministry, and a new member discovered how to use his gifts in ministry.

          Using the God-partner-coach-flock connection approach could help a church quickly mobilize members in recreation ministries (e.g., cycling, skiing, rafting, basketball, volleyball, skateboarding, motorcycle ministries), ministries targeting those with specific needs (homelessness, blindness, deafness, terminal illness, recent divorce, etc.), and more direct soul winning (Bible study groups, Bible seminars, video seminars, new Sabbath school classes, and even baptismal classes). It all begins with one person to whom God has given one idea and who is empowered to act in an accountable way. And that person can be any of your members!*

          Ellen White urges us in this direction. In a powerful series of quotations collected in Christian Service, page 72 she counsels us…

          “Time is short, and our forces must be organized to do a larger work.–Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 27.

          “The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me by One who cannot err.–Testimonies, vol. 7, pp. 21, 22.

          “Let there be in every church, well-organized companies of workers to labor in the vicinity of that church.–Review and Herald, Sept. 29, 1891.

          “In every city there should be a corps of organized, well-disciplined workers; not merely one or two, but scores should be set to work.–General Conference Bulletin, 1893, p. 37.

          “In our churches let companies be formed for service. Let different ones unite in labor as fishers of men. Let them seek to gather souls from the corruption of the world into the saving purity of Christ’s love.–Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 21.

          “The church of Christ on earth was organized for missionary purposes, and the Lord desires to see the entire church devising ways and means whereby high and low, rich and poor, may hear the message of truth.–Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 29.

          “If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members, but for unbelievers. If in one place there are only two or three who know the truth, let them form themselves into a band of workers.–Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 22.”

          During every Harvest Cycle our churches and schools need as many small groups as possible to meet needs, build relationships, share Jesus and open God’s word. Why not talk with your board and congregation about using the 4 Connections to mobilize as many of your members in ministry as possible this spring?

Blessings to you,

Dan Serns

* (Adapted from Adventist Review, January 27, 2005 “From Basketball to Bible Studies”)