Chapter 1 The Priesthood of All Believers. Israel’s Purpose To be a showpiece of the superiority...

Chapter 1Chapter 1

The Priesthood ofThe Priesthood of

All BelieversAll Believers

Israel’s PurposeIsrael’s Purpose

To be a showpiece of the superiority To be a showpiece of the superiority of God’s way of life by creating an of God’s way of life by creating an exemplary community at the exemplary community at the crossroads of civilization.crossroads of civilization.

Basic Function ofBasic Function ofOld Testament ChurchOld Testament Church

To nurture a community of faith.To nurture a community of faith.

Implications of the Doctrine of Implications of the Doctrine of the Priesthood of All Believersthe Priesthood of All Believers

1.1. Direct access for all believers. Direct access for all believers. Clergy cannot become Clergy cannot become mediators for the people.mediators for the people.

2.2. Every believer has a ministry. Every believer has a ministry. Clergy cannot become ministers Clergy cannot become ministers for the people.for the people.

3.3. Eliminates the distinction Eliminates the distinction between laity and clergy, for between laity and clergy, for every Christian is a minister. every Christian is a minister. There is no status difference There is no status difference between clergy and laity, only between clergy and laity, only a functional difference.a functional difference.

Implications of the Doctrine of the Implications of the Doctrine of the Priesthood of All Believers (Con’t)Priesthood of All Believers (Con’t)

4.4. All Christians minister in All Christians minister in harmony with their spiritual harmony with their spiritual gift, rather than minister gift, rather than minister through guilt trips.through guilt trips.

Implications of the Doctrine of the Implications of the Doctrine of the Priesthood of All Believers (Con’t)Priesthood of All Believers (Con’t)

Luther and Doctrine ofLuther and Doctrine ofPriesthood of All BelieversPriesthood of All Believers

1.1. Before God all Christians have Before God all Christians have the same standing – a the same standing – a priesthood we all enter by priesthood we all enter by baptism and through faith.baptism and through faith.

Luther and Doctrine ofLuther and Doctrine ofPriesthood of All Believers (Con’t)Priesthood of All Believers (Con’t)

2.2. As a brother in Christ, every As a brother in Christ, every Christian is a priest and needs Christian is a priest and needs no mediator save Christ. He has no mediator save Christ. He has access to Christ and the Word.access to Christ and the Word.


3.3. Every Christian is a priest and Every Christian is a priest and has an office of sacrifice – not has an office of sacrifice – not the mass, but the dedication of the mass, but the dedication of himself to the praise and himself to the praise and obedience of God and to obedience of God and to bearing the cross.bearing the cross.


4.4. Each Christian has a duty to Each Christian has a duty to hand on to others the gospel hand on to others the gospel that he himself has received.that he himself has received.

Laos = People of GodLaos = People of God

““But the doctrine of the priesthood But the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers indicates that for of all believers indicates that for the Christian the climax is what is the Christian the climax is what is done in the world during the week! done in the world during the week! What happens on Sabbath is to What happens on Sabbath is to prepare him for this ministry in prepare him for this ministry in the world during the week.”the world during the week.”

— — Every Believer a MinisterEvery Believer a Minister,,

p. 114p. 114

““The work of God in the earth can The work of God in the earth can never be finished until the men and never be finished until the men and women comprising our church women comprising our church membership rally to the work and membership rally to the work and unite their efforts with those of unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers.”ministers and church officers.”

— — Gospel WorkersGospel Workers,,

p. 351-352p. 351-352

Chapter 2

“For the Son of Man hascome to seek and to savethat which was lost.”

Luke 19:10 (NASB)

“But go and learn whatthis means, I desirecompassion and notsacrifice, for I did not cometo call the righteous, butsinners.”

Matt. 9:13 (NASB)

“And hearing this, Jesus saidto them, It is not those who arehealthy who need a physician,but those who are sick; I didnot come to call the righteous,but sinners.”

Mark 2:17 (NASB)

Three Parables

• Lost Sheep

• Lost Coin

• Lost Son

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus,the author and perfecter offaith; who for the joy setbefore Him endured thecross, despising the shame,and has sat down at the righthand of the throne of God.”Heb. 12:2 (NASB)

Jesus’ passionfor lost people

made church peopleUNCOMFORTABLE

“I tell you that in thesame way there will bemore rejoicing in heavenover one sinner whorepents than over ninety-nine righteous personswho do not need torepent.”

Luke 15:7 (NASB)

“His master said to him,‘Well done,

good and faithful slave; youwere faithful with a fewthings, I will put you incharge of many things:

enter into the joy of yourmaster.’”

Matt. 25:21 (NASB)

“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the

angels of God over onesinner who repents.”Luke 15:10 (NASB)

“And the seventy returnedwith joy, saying, ‘Lord, even thedemons are subject to us inYour name.’”

Luke 10:17 (NASB)

“And there was muchrejoicing in that city.”

Acts 8:8 (NASB)

“And the disciples werecontinually filled with joyand with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 13:52 (NASB)

“Therefore, being sent ontheir way by the church, theywere passing through bothPhoenicia and Samaria,describing in detail theconversion of the Gentiles, andwere bringing great joy to allthe brethren.”

Acts 15:3 (NASB)

“For who is our hope or joy orcrown of exultation? Is it noteven you, in the presence of ourLord Jesus at his coming?”

1 Thess. 2:19 (NASB)

What does this passion of God for the lost mean to

us?• It should move our hearts as it does

God’s heart.• Finding lost people should be the

top priority of the church.• The church must be more

concerned about the harvest than about existing Christians.

Passion of God for the lost (cont.)

• The church must be willing to sacrifice its own comfort for the sake of reaching the lost.

• The resources of the church – time, talent, and treasure – must be devoted to the priority of God for the harvest.

Passion of God for the lost (cont.)

• Caring for existing Christians must not consume so many of the resources of the church.

• The planting of vast numbers of new churches to reach the harvest, not just to redistribute the saints.

Relationship Between World Church and Sabbath School Membership

and Attendance

Relationship Between World Church and Sabbath School Membership

and Attendance

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

1935 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985Years

Mem

bers

(in

mill

ions

)

Church Membership

Sabbath School Membership

Sabbath School Attendance

THE FIVE “ALLS”THE FIVE “ALLS”

All authority All authority

All nations All nations

“Into the name of all of God” “Into the name of all of God”

“With you all the days” “With you all the days”

“All that I commanded you” “All that I commanded you”

Disciple making is to be done in the context of “going” to the nations—a different paradigm than the OT where the nations were to come to Israel to learn of God. Now the emphasis is to go, and in the process of going to make disciples.

Disciple making is to be done in the context of “going” to the nations—a different paradigm than the OT where the nations were to come to Israel to learn of God. Now the emphasis is to go, and in the process of going to make disciples.

Focus of Great Commission:Focus of Great Commission:

DisciplingDiscipling

TeachingTeaching

BaptizingBaptizing

Mathetes:Mathetes:

Origin in ancient Greece, when a student would attach himself to a teacher for the purpose of acquiring practical/theoretical knowledge.

Origin in ancient Greece, when a student would attach himself to a teacher for the purpose of acquiring practical/theoretical knowledge.

To be a disciple is to be living in a relationship with the One

who is discipling you.

To be a disciple is to be living in a relationship with the One

who is discipling you.

DISCIPLESDISCIPLES

1. Those who are willing to endure persecution and ridicule for the sake of Christ.

1. Those who are willing to endure persecution and ridicule for the sake of Christ.

2. Those who live in total allegiance to the Lordship of Christ, being willing to forsake all —property, family, friends, etc.— for the sake of Christ.

2. Those who live in total allegiance to the Lordship of Christ, being willing to forsake all —property, family, friends, etc.— for the sake of Christ.

3. Those who understand and keep the basic teachings of Jesus.3. Those who understand and keep the basic teachings of Jesus.

4. Those who have given evidence that agape love has been found in their lives because of their connection to Christ.

4. Those who have given evidence that agape love has been found in their lives because of their connection to Christ.

5. Those who are bearing fruit by creating other disciples.5. Those who are bearing fruit by creating other disciples.

The Life Development Process

C o m m it t e d T oM e m b e r s h i p

C o m m it t e d T oM a t u r i t y

C o m m it t e d T oM in is t r y

C o m m it t e d T oM is s io n s

C.L.A.S.S 101Discovering Saddleback MembershipMembership Covenant

C.L.A.S.S 101Discovering Saddleback MembershipMembership Covenant

C.L.A.S.S 201Discovering Spiritual MaturityMaturity Covenant

C.L.A.S.S 101Discovering My Life Mission

Missions Covenant

C.L.A.S.S 401

C.L.A.S.S 301Discovering My Ministry

Ministry Covenant

3 1

2

An Overview ofThe Life Development Institute

100 Level ClassesTo lead people to Christ and church membership.

200 Level ClassesTo grow people to spiritual maturity.

300 Level ClassesTo equip people with the skills they need for spiritual maturity.

400 Level ClassesTo enlist people in the worldwide mission of sharing Christ.

FIRST BASE:FIRST BASE:

1. Acceptance of Christ as Savior1. Acceptance of Christ as Savior

2. True commitment to the Lordship of Christ in one’s life.2. True commitment to the Lordship of Christ in one’s life.

3. A demonstration in one’s life that Christ is becoming Lord of one’s time, money, body, etc.

3. A demonstration in one’s life that Christ is becoming Lord of one’s time, money, body, etc.

FIRST BASE, Cont’dFIRST BASE, Cont’d

4. An acquaintance with and basic understanding of the 27 Fundamental Beliefs.

4. An acquaintance with and basic understanding of the 27 Fundamental Beliefs.

5. Membership in the body.5. Membership in the body.

SECOND BASE:SECOND BASE:

1. Developing a spiritual life.1. Developing a spiritual life.

2. Learning how to pray and developing a prayer life.2. Learning how to pray and developing a prayer life.

3. Learning to study the Bible and developing a personal study program.

3. Learning to study the Bible and developing a personal study program.

SECOND BASE, Cont’dSECOND BASE, Cont’d

4. Developing a community life in the body of Christ—involvement in a small group that is relational.

4. Developing a community life in the body of Christ—involvement in a small group that is relational.

THIRD BASE:THIRD BASE:

1. Discovering my ministry.1. Discovering my ministry.

2. Discovering my spiritual gift.2. Discovering my spiritual gift.

3. Discovering my place of ministry in the body.3. Discovering my place of ministry in the body.

4. Assignment to ministry in harmony with my giftedness.4. Assignment to ministry in harmony with my giftedness.

HOME PLATE:HOME PLATE:

1. Becoming a missionary person.1. Becoming a missionary person.

2. Learning how to share Christ with my friends.2. Learning how to share Christ with my friends.

3. Becoming a disciple maker.3. Becoming a disciple maker.

GOAL OF DISCIPLE-MAKING PROGRAM

GOAL OF DISCIPLE-MAKING PROGRAM

1. Everyone is to hit a homerun.1. Everyone is to hit a homerun.

2. No one is to be left on base.2. No one is to be left on base.

SECOND BASE:SECOND BASE:

Courses to teach people spiritual disciplines. People will need one-on-one developing; this is best done in small groups where people can hold each other accountable for their life in Christ.

Courses to teach people spiritual disciplines. People will need one-on-one developing; this is best done in small groups where people can hold each other accountable for their life in Christ.

THIRD BASE:THIRD BASE:

Need spiritual gifts seminars, one-on-one working with people on gift discovery. This can be done in small groups. Need ministry placement through personal interview.

Need spiritual gifts seminars, one-on-one working with people on gift discovery. This can be done in small groups. Need ministry placement through personal interview.

HOME PLATE:HOME PLATE:

We must help people understand their reproductive function: help them to identify their extended family and learn how to share Christ in a non-threatening way. Help them learn how to share Christ on the job, etc.

We must help people understand their reproductive function: help them to identify their extended family and learn how to share Christ in a non-threatening way. Help them learn how to share Christ on the job, etc.

10.2510.5

7.5

12.8

1

5.1

3.2

6.1

4.1 3.5 3.95.1 4.5 4.8

Increase in Members Per Pastor

02468

101214

1866-69 1870-79 1880-89 1890-99

1900-09 1910-19 1920-29 1930-39

1940-49 1950-59 1960-69 1970-79

1980-89 1990-94

1866-69 10.251870-79 10.5

CHART 1CHART 1

CHART 2CHART 2

5.254.8

4.14.7

4.33.9

2.82.3

1.91.3 1.25 1.2 1.25 1.3

Increase in Churches Per Pastor

0123456

1866-69 1876-79 1880-89 1890-99

1900-09 1910-19 1920-29 1930-39

1940-49 1950-59 1960-69 1970-79

1980-89 1990-94

CHART 3CHART 3

4

41

31

58 59

19

-1

33

22

33

23

52.557

28

Average Increase in Churches Per Year Per Decade

-100

102030405060

1876-69 1870-79 1880-89 1890-99

1900-09 1910-19 1920-29 1930-39

1940-49 1950-59 1960-69 1970-79

1980-89 1990-94

CHART 4CHART 4

11 4 9 8 11

34

-3

30

68 65

118

57 59

125

Pastors Needed to Raise 1 Church

-200

20406080

100120140

1866-69 1870-79 1880-89 1890-99

1900-09 1910-19 1920-29 1930-39

1940-49 1950-59 1960-69 1970-79

1980-89 1990-94

Four Models of Four Models of Non-Dependency Non-Dependency

That Could be Created That Could be Created

Located, settled pastor over a Located, settled pastor over a traditional church. Pastor traditional church. Pastor would direct the program, would direct the program, oversee the care of oversee the care of membership, and direct the membership, and direct the evangelistic advance.evangelistic advance.

Model 1 – The Traditional Church in Model 1 – The Traditional Church in Non-Pastor-Dependency ModeNon-Pastor-Dependency Mode

1.1. The pastor may be seen as the The pastor may be seen as the CEO in this traditional CEO in this traditional paradigm, but more and more paradigm, but more and more time is spent training, and less time is spent training, and less doing ministry.doing ministry.

Job Description of Pastor inJob Description of Pastor inModel 1Model 1

2.2. The pastor would not The pastor would not immediately abandon the immediately abandon the traditional role as care-taker, traditional role as care-taker, but as people in the church are but as people in the church are trained in these areas, they are trained in these areas, they are released for that ministry, and released for that ministry, and the pastor moves out of that the pastor moves out of that area.area.

Job Description of Pastor inJob Description of Pastor inModel 1 (Con’t)Model 1 (Con’t)

3.3. Acceptance of this model by Acceptance of this model by the traditional church can be the traditional church can be accomplished only as a mission accomplished only as a mission mind set is restored to the mind set is restored to the church.church.


THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP!THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP!


4.4. This model will work This model will work primarily in churches of primarily in churches of over 150 in attendance.over 150 in attendance.

The challenge of the The challenge of the small rural church. small rural church.

Model 2 – The Small Rural ChurchModel 2 – The Small Rural Church

1.1. Get better pastoral coverage Get better pastoral coverage than urban churches.than urban churches.

The Challenge of the Small Rural The Challenge of the Small Rural Church in Model 2 (Con’t)Church in Model 2 (Con’t)

2.2. Most of these small rural Most of these small rural churches are plateaued or churches are plateaued or declining.declining.

Pastoral allocation formulas Pastoral allocation formulas need to be determined need to be determined by the size of the harvest, by the size of the harvest, not by existing membership. not by existing membership. That is a mission mind set.That is a mission mind set.

What Can Be Done?What Can Be Done?

1.1. Create districts of 15-20 of these Create districts of 15-20 of these small rural churches.small rural churches.

2.2. Create an organizational system Create an organizational system similar to the third world, where similar to the third world, where the pastor has 15- 20 churches.the pastor has 15- 20 churches.

What Can Be Done? (Con’)What Can Be Done? (Con’)

3.3. Fifteen to twenty churches Fifteen to twenty churches should be easier to pastor should be easier to pastor than two to five churches.than two to five churches.

What Would Such a DistrictWhat Would Such a DistrictLook Like?Look Like?

1.1. Much like the churches of Much like the churches of early Adventism.early Adventism.

2.2. Sabbath services would Sabbath services would consist of traditional Sabbath consist of traditional Sabbath School, and the worship School, and the worship service could be conducted in service could be conducted in several ways.several ways.

This model would envision the This model would envision the planting of churches that are totally planting of churches that are totally independent of a pastor, yet there independent of a pastor, yet there would be a resident pastor.would be a resident pastor.

Model 3 – The Cell-Based ChurchModel 3 – The Cell-Based Church

1.1. Church would be organized Church would be organized around groups.around groups.

2.2. All life would take place in the All life would take place in the groups, including pastoral groups, including pastoral care.care.

Model 3 – The Cell-Based Model 3 – The Cell-Based Church (Con’t)Church (Con’t)

3.3. Therefore, the groups pastor Therefore, the groups pastor the people.the people.

The Pastoral Role in Model 3The Pastoral Role in Model 3

1.1. The pastor would facilitate the The pastor would facilitate the group leaders.group leaders.

2.2. The main difference in this kind The main difference in this kind of church, from the multi- of church, from the multi- church district, is that all the church district, is that all the groups are part of one church.groups are part of one church.

What It Looks LikeWhat It Looks Like

Model 4 – The Lay ChurchModel 4 – The Lay Church

1.1. It is a church without a paid It is a church without a paid pastor period. pastor period.

2.2. It would be attached directly to It would be attached directly to the conference, and not in a the conference, and not in a pastoral district.pastoral district.


Model 4 – The Lay Church (Con’t)Model 4 – The Lay Church (Con’t)

3.3. It could be any one of the It could be any one of the previous three models. The previous three models. The main difference is that it is main difference is that it is totally run by lay people.totally run by lay people.


Model 4 – The Lay Church (Con’t)Model 4 – The Lay Church (Con’t)

4.4. The tithes and offerings are The tithes and offerings are turned in to the conference, like turned in to the conference, like any other church, so that the any other church, so that the conference can use it to start conference can use it to start new churches. This church does new churches. This church does not demand that it receive its fair not demand that it receive its fair share, because it is focused on share, because it is focused on the harvest.the harvest.

Chapter 3Chapter 3

HOW TO MOVE HOW TO MOVE GOD’S PEOPLE GOD’S PEOPLE INTO MINISTRY INTO MINISTRY AND SUPPORT AND SUPPORT

THEMTHEM

There are nopart-time ministers

with God

“For every beast of the forest is Mine,The cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains,And everything that moves in the field is Mine.

If I were hungry, I would not tell you;For the world is Mine, and all it contains.” Psalm 50:10-12

““The silver is Mine, The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,” and the gold is Mine,” declares the Lord of declares the Lord of hosts. hosts. Haggai 2:8Haggai 2:8

Two Kindsof Gifts

Equipping Gifts:Equipping Gifts:

And He gave some as apostles, and And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,and teachers,for the equipping of the saints for for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;up of the body of Christ;

until we all attain to the unity of until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of which belongs to the fulness of Christ.Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 Ephesians 4:11-13

Equipping Gifts:

•Apostle•Prophet•Evangelist•Pastor •Teacher

Equipping Gifts: •The gift of ruling (leadership)

...or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:8

The purpose of these gifts is to make a deposit in

someone’s life that will also make a deposit in someone

else’s life.

Serving Gifts:

•Prophecy•Ministry•Teaching•Exhortation•Giving•Mercy

And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly:if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;if service, in his serving;

or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8

Serving Gifts:

•Wisdom•Knowledge•Faith•Healing•Miracles

Serving Gifts:

•Discernment•Tongues•Interpretation

For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,

and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits,to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Cor. 12:8-10

Serving Gifts:

•Helps•Administration

And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 1 Cor. 12:28

Serving Gifts:•Hospitality

Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:9-10

The primary function of The primary function of the gift discovery process the gift discovery process is to determine if God has is to determine if God has equipped a person with equipped a person with equipping gifts or serving equipping gifts or serving gifts.gifts.

Why do most churches fail Why do most churches fail to implement a gift-based to implement a gift-based ministry?ministry?•People are afraid that People are afraid that discovering their discovering their giftedness may mean giftedness may mean that they will have to that they will have to change positions to be change positions to be faithful to their gift mix.faithful to their gift mix.

•Gift-based ministry is not Gift-based ministry is not the passion of the churchthe passion of the church

•People don’t feel it will People don’t feel it will make a noticeable make a noticeable difference in the difference in the congregation if they congregation if they implement it.implement it.

What needs to happen?What needs to happen?

•You have frustrated people when You have frustrated people when you have equippers in server you have equippers in server roles or servers in equipper roles.roles or servers in equipper roles.

•Therefore, identify your Therefore, identify your equippers and your servers and equippers and your servers and make sure they are in the right make sure they are in the right roles.roles.

If the church were perfect, this would happen automatically and would result in the fulfillment of Eph. 4:13-16. However, there are no perfect churches, so we end up in a less than ideal state, and people serve in the wrong role.

Challenges:Challenges:

•Getting the right people Getting the right people in the right places for in the right places for the right reasons.the right reasons.

•Getting leaders to see Getting leaders to see themselves as equippers themselves as equippers and not servers.and not servers.

Challenges:Challenges:

•Most leaders function Most leaders function not as equippers, but as not as equippers, but as trained servers or skilled trained servers or skilled users.users.

Difference between Difference between equippers and servers:equippers and servers:

•Equippers focus their Equippers focus their efforts on developing efforts on developing others to serve, whereas others to serve, whereas servers focus on serving servers focus on serving others directly.others directly.

• Equippers find fulfillment Equippers find fulfillment in the accomplishment ofin the accomplishment of


• • Equippers place great value Equippers place great value and importance on those and importance on those whom they equip for whom they equip for ministry, while servers placeministry, while servers place

• • others; servers find others; servers find fulfillment fulfillment in their own in their own accomplishments.accomplishments.

Difference between Difference between equippers and servers:equippers and servers:•great value and importance great value and importance on their own contributions on their own contributions to the ministry.to the ministry.

•Equippers are passionate Equippers are passionate about getting every about getting every believer into faithful, believer into faithful, fruitful andfruitful and


•fulfilling service, while fulfilling service, while servers are passionate servers are passionate about using their gifts in an about using their gifts in an area of meaningful ministry.area of meaningful ministry.

•Equippers work themselves Equippers work themselves out of a job by replacingout of a job by replacing


•themselves with another themselves with another equipped person, while equipped person, while servers are apt to leave a servers are apt to leave a hole in the ministry when hole in the ministry when they leave.they leave.


•Equippers seek to identify, Equippers seek to identify, train, develop, coach and train, develop, coach and support those in ministry, support those in ministry, while servers need to be while servers need to be identified, trained, identified, trained, developed, coached and developed, coached and supported in ministry. supported in ministry.


•It is not a choice between It is not a choice between equippers and servers. We equippers and servers. We need both and God has so need both and God has so gifted the church that both gifted the church that both are necessary and needed are necessary and needed inin


•every church. Therefore every church. Therefore I need to identify my I need to identify my equippers and my equippers and my servers in the church.servers in the church.

Getting people into Getting people into ministry:ministry:

VisionVision

Vision:Vision:• Leaders need to cast vision Leaders need to cast vision

for this kind of ministry.for this kind of ministry.• This vision-casting needs to This vision-casting needs to

be constant, so that new be constant, so that new people who join the church people who join the church are immediately exposed to are immediately exposed to the vision.the vision.

Vision:Vision:•Leaders are the ones Leaders are the ones

blocking the door to gift-blocking the door to gift-based ministry. If leader based ministry. If leader does not own the vision, does not own the vision, it will not happen.it will not happen.

Vision:Vision:•Team building is Team building is

necessary for gift-based necessary for gift-based ministry, so the vision ministry, so the vision must create ownership must create ownership throughout the church.throughout the church.


IdentificationIdentification

Identification:Identification:• Sort through the fish you Sort through the fish you

catch to find those who will catch to find those who will fit into a particular ministry.fit into a particular ministry.

• This sorting includes This sorting includes looking at their character, looking at their character, their spirituality, their their spirituality, their doctrinal formation, their doctrinal formation, their gifts, and their relational gifts, and their relational ability.ability.


InvitationInvitation

Invitation:Invitation:• The term “invitation” to The term “invitation” to

ministry is better than ministry is better than “recruiting” for ministry. “recruiting” for ministry. Recruiting has too many Recruiting has too many negative connotations.negative connotations.

• Invited implies that the Invited implies that the person feels honored to beperson feels honored to be

Invitation:Invitation:• asked – says decision is up to asked – says decision is up to

them.them.• Lose the term “volunteer” – Lose the term “volunteer” –

we don’t volunteer to be in we don’t volunteer to be in Christ’s service – we are Christ’s service – we are obedient to the Master’s obedient to the Master’s command.command.

Assimilation into Assimilation into ministry:ministry:

OrientationOrientation

Orientation:Orientation:• Once people accept the Once people accept the

invitation to ministry, they invitation to ministry, they need orientation into that need orientation into that ministry.ministry.

• Need to understand how Need to understand how that ministry connects to the that ministry connects to the church and how it meets the church and how it meets the overall mission and goals of overall mission and goals of the church.the church.


GroupingGrouping

Grouping:Grouping:• People should never do People should never do

ministry solo; they should be ministry solo; they should be made a part of ministry teams made a part of ministry teams or small ministry groups.or small ministry groups.

• In these ministry teams or In these ministry teams or groups there must be groups there must be nurturing, care, support, and nurturing, care, support, and accountability.accountability.


TrainingTraining

Training:Training:• Just because people Just because people

discover their gifts does discover their gifts does not mean that they need not mean that they need no training.no training.

• People need skill develop- People need skill development for a fruitful and ment for a fruitful and fulfilling ministry.fulfilling ministry.

Training:Training:•Otherwise they end up not Otherwise they end up not

doing it right and end up doing it right and end up getting criticized and getting criticized and discouraged.discouraged.

Retaining:Retaining:

AppreciationAppreciation

Retaining:Retaining:• People need to feel that People need to feel that

their ministry is contributing their ministry is contributing to the fulfillment of the to the fulfillment of the mission of the church.mission of the church.

• People need to be People need to be specifically thanked with specifically thanked with generous doses of generous doses of encouragement.encouragement.


DiscipleshipDiscipleship

Discipleship:Discipleship:• Not only initial training Not only initial training

needed, but ongoing skill needed, but ongoing skill development is needed.development is needed.

• Invest in the whole person Invest in the whole person by offering a variety of by offering a variety of developmental activities developmental activities where they grow spiritually, where they grow spiritually, relationally, and vocationally.relationally, and vocationally.

Discipleship:Discipleship:• Team ministry meetings of Team ministry meetings of

ministry groups should ministry groups should include the following regular include the following regular activities: Bible study, vision activities: Bible study, vision casting, praising God, team casting, praising God, team building, and skill building, and skill development.development.


FeedbackFeedback

Feedback:Feedback:• Need to provide honest Need to provide honest

feedback on their attitudes, feedback on their attitudes, performance, relationships, performance, relationships, etc.etc.

• Feedback should occur both Feedback should occur both positively and negatively. positively and negatively. Don’t wait till there are Don’t wait till there are problems; have regular problems; have regular feedback.feedback.

Feedback:Feedback:• The goal of ministry and all The goal of ministry and all

the feedback is to help the feedback is to help people grow into fully people grow into fully committed disciples of Jesus committed disciples of Jesus in both their personal life in both their personal life and in their ministry.and in their ministry.

Why people leave ministryWhy people leave ministry

• They have been misplaced – a They have been misplaced – a server in an equipper roleserver in an equipper role

• They were inadequately They were inadequately trained or ledtrained or led

• They have been disqualified in They have been disqualified in some way, such as sinsome way, such as sin

Exiting:

Assessment

Assessment• A time to assess the reasons why

the person left• Need to ask specific questions

and sensitive questions about the feelings and process leading to the decision to leave the present place of service

Assessment• Must be done in a non-

threatening way with no attempt of justifying what the ministry did or did not do. The purpose here is to learn how to serve better in the future.

Exiting:

Carefrontation

Carefrontation• This assessment and

carefrontation must be done by an independent person, not the ministry leader.

• Identify issues that are leading to the ministry change.

Carefrontation

• Speak the truth in love as you seek to understand and agree with the issues identified.

Exiting:

Transition

Transition:• Seek to move the person into

another area of ministry and service.

• Just because a person moves out of one ministry area does not mean they cannot be moved in another area.

Transition:• That means the church must

reassess, retrain, and reassign such people as we learn more about their giftedness for ministry.

The Revolutionized Church

of the 21st Century

Chapter 4

OLD TESTAMENT UNDERSTANDING OF

COMMUNITYAt Creation

• God exists in a community – the Trinity is the first small group

• God is not singleness, but community

OLD TESTAMENT UNDERSTANDING OF COMMUNITYAt Creation (cont.)

• Humanity, created in the image of God, can reflect that image only in community, not in isolation

• Community is the ideal of Eden

• Sin is humanity’s attempt to live apart from community, to live in isolation from others


• God placed reproduction in the very heart of the first cell He created. Reproduction is an inherent characteristic of all biblical small groups. It’s in the genetic code.


• If Adventism is to restore the divine image and that divine image is community, then Adventism’s mission is incomplete without the full restoration of biblical community.


• One therefore cannot be a Christian apart from involvement in a community, and that means living in mutual dependence on other Christians.


• The restoration of biblical community demands a restructuring of how we do church.

The Loss of Community

• Nakedness = openness (sinless)

• Fig Leaves = hiddenness (sin)


• A knowledge of good and evil leads to judgmentalism.

• Jesus came to reconcile humanity. He did it by taking judgment on Himself and not turning it back.


• Leaders of groups that are restored communities will not pass judgment on others, but take judgment on themselves and not pass it back.


• Leaders who return judgment will produce dysfunctional groups, whereas leaders who demonstrate acceptance and love will create redeeming groups.

Examples of Destructive Communities

• Abel — blood sacrifice - from his flocks

• Cain — fruit sacrifice -needed to depend on brother for sacrifice

Moses & Egyptian Deliverance

One on top – Others trying to knock him off

Circular leadership – Dependence on others

• A system of leadership that gives away power demands a support structure for its leaders.

New Testament - Jesus & the Gospels

• Jesus’ time and energy - small group of 12

• Don’t need perfect people to form healthy groups--most people are dysfunctional.

New Testament - Jesus & the Gospels

• Two by Two = Only community creates community

• A person cannot be a priest and have no community to serve. People are never priests just to themselves.

New Testament The Pentecost Church

• Four parts of Pentecost worship: study, fellowship, food, prayer. Devoted to these four things.

• The church established at Pentecost was a cell-based church.

New Testament The Pentecost Church

• Large meetings for evangelistic purposes were continued, but once people were brought to Christ they were nurtured in small, caring groups where they studied the Word.

New Testament New Testament Paul & the Relational Paul & the Relational

ChurchChurch

• The early church established all The early church established all its churches from a community its churches from a community base rather than an base rather than an individualistic base.individualistic base.


ChurchChurch

• Paul does not establish mighty Paul does not establish mighty super churches or large super churches or large cathedrals, he establishes small cathedrals, he establishes small community- based house community- based house churches. This was no accident, churches. This was no accident, but was deliberate design.but was deliberate design.


ChurchChurch• People living in isolation from People living in isolation from

others are not Christians, even if others are not Christians, even if members of the body. To be a members of the body. To be a Christian is to be included in a Christian is to be included in a group that provides mutual care. group that provides mutual care. Any group not providing mutual Any group not providing mutual care is not Christ’s church, no care is not Christ’s church, no matter what their claim to truth.matter what their claim to truth.


ChurchChurch• Jesus’ definition of worship = Jesus’ definition of worship =

the whole life is worshipthe whole life is worship

• We go to church primarily for We go to church primarily for fellowship, and that requires fellowship, and that requires small, cell-based groups.small, cell-based groups.


ChurchChurch• It was the mediaeval church that It was the mediaeval church that

made the worship service the chief made the worship service the chief activity of the Church, not the New activity of the Church, not the New Testament church. The church in Testament church. The church in its apostasy made institutional its apostasy made institutional worship the norm, whereas the worship the norm, whereas the New Testament church made cell New Testament church made cell involvement the norm.involvement the norm.

The Methodist Movement

• Whitfield = preaching, little follow up

• Wesley = preaching, followed by groups

Five Questions Asked at Earliest Methodist Class

Meetings• What known sin have you

committed since our last meeting?

• What temptations have you met with?

• How were you delivered?

Five Questions Asked at Earliest Methodist Class

Meetings• What have you thought, said,

or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or nought?

• Have you nothing you desire to keep secret?

Slowly Degenerated to Prayer Meeting

• Adventism has retained the field preaching element of our Methodist roots, but has lost the small group experience that was the essence of Wesley’s strategy.


• Unless we recover a small group emphasis, we stand to move more toward Calvinist John Whitfield and away from our Wesleyan roots. We then will do a great job of bringing people into the church, but a poor job of keeping them.


• This is not a choice between a small group approach and a public evangelistic approach. We need both. These two complement each other. Our heritage is to have these two approaches together and not as two separate movements.

THE EARLY ADVENTIST SOCIAL MEETINGBorrowed from Methodism

• The social meeting was a meeting for testimonies held after a preaching service.

THE EARLY ADVENTIST SOCIAL MEETING

The Pioneers and the Social Meeting

• They used preaching for evangelism, but the social meeting was the mainstay of the nurture program for existing Adventists.

• Social meetings were totally relational; little if any Bible study occurred in them.



• “A meeting characterized by spirited and soul cheering testimonies, the beaming eye, the voice of praise, the earnest and stirring exhortation, and often the falling tear—scenes in which faith and love flame up anew.” Uriah Smith, Review and Herald, May 23,1865.



• “Prayer and social meetings upon the Sabbath should be sustained with spirit. A vigorous, holy energy that springs from the Christian’s heart, should mark their progress. Here from week to week the consistent follower of the Lord delights to be found, punctually and faithfully at his



• post, cheerfully bearing his part, and from a rich fund of daily experience, he casts into the common stock his prayer of thanksgiving and supplication, word of exhortation, song of praise, all to the edifying of his brethren.” F. W. Morse, Review and Herald, Sept. 8, 1863.

Common elements of social meetings:

• prayer

• testimony

• words of encouragement to others

• song

Early Adventists sustained themselves:

• through their individual study

• the reading of the Review

• and then the weekly meetings---a Sabbath School for Bible study, followed by a social meeting rather than a preaching service.


Early Adventists Were Sustained Without Preachers Through the Use of the Social Meeting

• “We meet every Sabbath for prayer and social meeting.” J. Hoffer, Review and Herald, July 2, 1861



• “At the commencement of every Sabbath we meet together for prayer and exhortation, for which we receive a blessing. Sabbath morning is occupied in social meeting, Sabbath School, and Bible class.” Brother Holiday, Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, July 2, 1861.



• “Where bodies of believers are brought out on the truth in new places, we would not recommend the immediate formation of a church. In such cases let a leader be appointed...and let social meetings be continued till such time as the



• individuals become thoroughly acquainted with each other, and ascertain with whom they can have fellowship, and who are qualified for the important duties of offices of the church.” J. N. Loughborough, The Church, Its Order, Organization and Discipline, p. 126.



• Creation of a new church meant a relational self-sustaining church had been established. Nothing else was allowed to be organized.

Ellen White & the Social Meeting

• The social meeting enabled them to deal with differences with each other rather than to harbor those differences.


• Ellen White’s definition of a Christian: “A Christian is a Christlike man, a Christlike woman, who is active in God’s service, who is present at the social meeting, whose presence will encourage others also.” 7 BC 935 (Letter 7, 1883)


• “And let every one who names the name of Christ have a testimony to bear in social meeting.” Review and Herald, Oct. 22, 1889.


• If fewer words of human wisdom, and more of the words of Christ, were spoken, if there were fewer sermons, and more social meetings, we would find a different atmosphere pervade our churches and our camp meetings. Seasons of prayer should be held for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 2, p. 21.


• “They (young preachers) should learn that all their duty is not comprised in preaching. They need to know how to conduct wisely the social meetings, how to teach the people to work, that there be no idlers in the vineyard of


• the Lord. While preaching is one of God’s instrumentalities, there are other agencies that must be set in operation to prepare the way of the Lord. The church must be made to feel her accountability before the Lord will revive his work”. Signs of the Times, May 17, 1883.

“Let every one consider the value of the social meetings, and let not large or small companies of believers think

that they cannot have an enjoyable season unless they are entertained by a preacher. Where this dependence on the minister exists, the people fail

to obtain that vigorous religious experience which they so much need

wherever their lot may be cast.

If the minister alone does all the witnessing, then those who have newly come to the faith become dwarfed and sickly for lack of

opportunity to use their spiritual muscle. They have need to learn how to testify, how to pray, how to sing, to

the glory of God: but failing to do this, they have only a one-sided

experience.” Review and Herald, Sept. 10, 1895.

“We are not to bring complaints and murmuring into our testimony in the social meeting, but we are to talk of the blessed hope, to reflect as much light as possible upon the meeting.

The Lord of heaven has represented himself as looking on with interest as

the names and testimonies of those who fear and love him are written in

his book of remembrance. Those who engage in this order of service, who speak often one to another, are to be gathered in the day when the

Lord will make up his jewels; are to be spared as a man spareth his son

that serveth him.” Review and Herald, Nov. 12, 1889.

“On the Sabbath the few friends here assembled in Edson’s parlor for a Sabbath-school. There are four

families--twelve persons in all--who usually meet for worship. Edson

conducts the Sabbath school when he is at home. After Sabbath-school

they either have a Bible-reading or a prayer and social meeting. This is as

it should be.” CT 243.

“What is the object of assembling together? Is it to inform God, to

instruct Him by telling Him all we know in prayer? We meet together

to edify one another by an interchange of thoughts and feelings,

to gather strength, and light, and courage by becoming acquainted

with one

another’s hopes and aspirations; and by our earnest, heartfelt prayers,

offered up in faith, we receive refreshment and vigor from the Source of our strength. These

meetings should be most precious seasons and should be made

interesting to all who have any relish for religious things.” 2 T 578.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Must keep relational and cognitive meetings separate.

• Must not neglect public evangelism as a means of reaching new converts.

Pitfalls to Avoid (cont.)

• Must disciple new converts in the setting of small groups.

• Must develop an openness where people can freely share their life in Christ and thus be prepared to witness for the Master

ELLEN WHITE & SMALL GROUPS

“The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me by One who cannot err. 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. Let them keep their bond of union unbroken, pressing together

in love and unity, encouraging one another to advance, and gaining courage and strength from the

assistance of the others. Let them

reveal Christlike forbearance

and patience, speaking no hasty words, using the talents of speech

to build one another up in the most holy faith. Let them labor in Christ-like love for those outside the fold, forgetting self in their

endeavor to help others. As they work and pray in Christ’s name,

their numbers will increase, for the Saviour says: ‘If two

of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 18:19.’” 7T 21-22.

“Those little companies who know the truth, with one voice should bid their minister go to the lost sheep of the

house of Israel. Each one should seek to do individual work for another. Not one who has tasted the goodness, the

mercy, and the love of God, can be excused from working for the souls of

others.” Review and Herald, Jan. 8, 1895.

“In New York there should be several small companies

established, and workers should be sent out. It does not follow that because a man is not ordained as

a preacher he cannot work for God. Let such ones as these be

taught how to work, then let them go out to labor. On returning, let

them tell what they

have done. Let them praise the Lord for His blessing, and then go

out again. Encourage them. A few words of encouragement will

be an inspiration to them.” Evangelism. 389.

“As He went from place to place, He blessed and comforted the suffering

and healed the sick. This is our work. Small companies are to go forth to do

the work to which Christ appointed His disciples. While laboring as

evangelists they can visit the sick, praying with them and, if need be

treating them, not with medicines but with the remedies provided in nature.”

CH 501.

“Places that are unworked might have been entered, and souls might

have been reached by the truth. Small companies of workers, under

the wise generalship of consecrated teachers, should be

going forth into needy fields. Whenever this work is taken up in earnest, careful movements will

need to be made.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 175

“Let small companies assemble in the evening, at noon, or in the early

morning to study the Bible. Let them have a season of prayer, that

they may be strengthened, enlightened, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit....Angels of God will be

in your assembly. You will feed upon the leaves of the tree of life. What testimonies you may bear of the loving acquaintance made with

your fellow-worker in these precious seasons when seeking the

blessing of God. Let each tell his experience in simple words. This will bring more comfort and joy to

the soul that all the pleasant instruments of music that could be brought into the churches. Christ will come into your hearts. It is by

this means only that you can maintain your integrity.” 7T 195

“Why do not believers feel a deeper, more earnest concern for those who are out of Christ? Why do not two or three meet together

and plead with God for the salvation of some special one, and

then for still another? 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.”

7T 21

“In the management of the schoolwork, small companies

should be formed, who should be taught to carry a full sense of their

responsibility. All these things cannot be accomplished at once,

but we can begin to work in faith.” 7T 21

“In the church there was a revival of the missionary spirit. An earnest desire to learn how to work for the Lord was shown. Small companies gathered for prayer and Bible study. All moved forward with harmonious

action.

Believers went to places where the people have no opportunity to hear the Word of God and gathered the

children for Sabbath School. Efforts were made to help isolated families. Plans were laid for these families to meet with other families for Bible study. Thus the way was opened for the light to shine forth

from the word of God. The Indiana Reporter, Feb. 25, 1903.

Chapter 1 The Priesthood of All Believers. Israel’s Purpose To be a showpiece of the superiority...

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