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PasúorHave?

By James McAllister

ow much does your pastorhave? Depends on who youask.

Some say he has very little authority.They see the pastor as a figurehead. Adenominational leader might hedge hisanswer. The"super" pastor might leadyou to believe the pastor is a king.

But the truth is, most folks neverget around to considering the questionof pastoral authority.

rWho's In Charge?Some people think the pastor runs

the church, and feel that they're payingtheir tithes to him when the offeringplate passes. Since they think he runsthe church, they get even with him byshirking responsibilities and allowingthe church to suffer.

Some people think the deacons runthe church. That's why they ignoreanything the pastor says except whenhe is preaching, and pay very littleattention to him then.

More than 75 preachers and a fewlaymen have come through theSchoolof the Prophets, a pastor's schooloperated by our church, in the pastthree years. Their attitude toward pas-toral authority varies and can usuallybe determined by the size, growth,and progress of their church as well asthe length of time they speñd in apastorate.

One pastor said, "Most preacherswillnot desire a church like Farming'ton because of the extreme work loadrequired." Another said he wasn't pas-

toring as well as he knew how now.A layman told me he considered the

pastor a servant serving at the pleasureof the church board. I'm amazed thatsome board members think it's allright for the board to call for a vote ofconfidence on the pastor (if he doesn'tget a majority he's out), but unaccept-able for the pastor to call for a vote toestablish the board's credibility.

Every preacher has the right to bethe kind of pastor he desires to be, andevery church has the right to be thekind of church the congregation de-sires it to be. Each must be aware ofthe fact that they must one day give an

acocunt to God for what they are. Thekey to success is when a church linksup with a pastor who has similar ideas.

The Prophet's CounselIsaiah 55:4 says, "Behold, I have

given him for a witness to the people, a

leader and commander to the people."There are three ideas involved in

this verse: First, the pastor is given tothe church. The Lord says "l havegiven him," Both the congregation andthe pastor need to take a long look atthat thought. Many Problems wouldbe solved if all parties rememberedthat the Lord gave the pastor to thechurch.

Second, the pastor is given for a

witness to the people. Actually' he is awitness whether he realizes it or not.Every moment, everY daY, in everYcircumstance he is witnessing. He is

watched all the time by both thecongregation and the world outside.

Many watch him for the slightesterror to accuse him. He witnesses withhis life, his marriage, his family, hisdress, his preaching, and with hissuccess. He must witness because heis given to the church for a witness.

Third, the pastor is given for a

leader to the people. God only givesone leader to the church-the pastor.

Oswald J. Smith said, "God's planis that his flock should be led bY a

shepherd, not run by a board. Commit'tees are to advise, never to dictate.The Holy Spirit appoints men. Godgives to pastors the care of thechurches. never to committees"

(Quoted from the Battle F or T ruth byOswald J. Smith).

Pastoral LeadershipPrinciples

It's important to establish the factthat we believe in pastoral authority,but not pastoral dictatorship. Leader-ship, but not rulership; shepherding,but not domination.

On the other hand, we accePt co'operation but not slaverY, workingtogether but not working alone. Trustis mutual, not a one'waY street. Thepastor, boards, and congregation whocooperate will discover the results tobe church growth and the salvation oflost souls.

Yes, I believe in strong Pastoralleadership. Pastoral leadership is a

combination of administration, coop'eration, and trust.

Adminístratíon

The pastor is an administrator. Aleader's ability causes others to wantto follow. He does not use force,coercion or fear. Rather, he gathers agroup of people who believe in what heteaches.

Jesus is the supreme examPle ofleadership. He taught those who cameto be taught; He taught with authorityand persuasive power. As the greatestleader, Jesus humbled himself andbecame a servant.

The pastor must search his ownsoul to see if he is following the exam-ple of Christ in being a leader, orfollowing the world's concept. Leadersare not born, they are made.

Successful leaders must both see a

need and desire to remedy that need.A good leader has adequately maturedin the Lord and develoPed a qualitY

Christian character. A good leaderstudies and masters administrativeskills.

A good pastoral administrator mustbe devoted to Jesus Christ. EverY

layman should remember that a leadercan be a good administrator onlY tothe point where the congregation fol-lows in leadership.

Cooperatíon

Pastoral leadership is the develop-ment of a spirit of cooperation between

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Content!Augurl 1984

2 How *luch Aulhoillï Does Your Pac-tor Have?James McAllister

4 Hls L¿bor Seldom SeenMike Carter

5 B¡lelcase: The JoY ol the MlnlilrYJack Williams

6 The¡o's A Woman In the ParconageJudy Puckett

9 Fal¡neaa: Suppoûlng Your lllnlcterFrancis Boyle

13 Sporrrgñt On Flo¡ldaGene Helton

f4 S|ay On TargetFloyd Wolfenbarger

15 Etbltcat Baslc For CongregallonalSlnglngMalcolm C. Fry

16 What To Do Unlll The Sormon l!OverMalcolm C. Fry

18 Whot HaPPent Whon Tho PoElorGel¡ Slct?William J. Mishler

2ÙTruq Conletdont Ío A PKKathy Tippett Henderson

22 Frca Wlll BePtlcl Newsl¡ont

27 The Free Wlll BaPtlel PulPItLloyd Plunkett

28 On Llttle LanecDonna MaYo

30 Íop SåelfThomas Marberry

31 fåe PrlotllY ol ProachlngMelvin Worth¡ngton

32The Long JourneYH. D. Harrison

Edltor-ln-Chlel: Dr. Melvin Worthi ngtonEdlton Jack Will¡amsEdltorlal A¡¡l¡tanl: Krist¡ BryanChculatlon: Geneva TrotterPrlnted by Randall House Publlcatlon¡Fronl Cover: Bruce Barron

Volume XXXI, No.8

CONTACT (USPS 13Ù6N), published month'ty by the Nat¡ona! Assoc,stion ol Free WíllEaplisls. Post Ollice Box 1088, Ndshv¡lle'fennessoo 37202. Address all coilespond-ence and subsctiptionstothis add¡oss' Suô'scription |atos: 1 yaaL $8.50; church lamilypfan $7.50 pet year; church bundle pldn,67cents pot copy. tnd¡vidua, cop,'es 75 cenlseach. Second ctassposlâgepaid at Nashville'fonnêss€e. Copyt¡ght pt¡vilegas, res€rved q1984 Membet ol the Evangelical P¡ess Asso-c¡dt¡on. POSTMASIER.' S€nd add¡essct ang€stoCONTACT, P.O.gox 1088' Nash'v¡lle, Tennessde 37202.,ss^r 0s73-7796.

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AUTHORITY (From Page 3)

the pastor, the board, and the congre-gation. We are not enemies. We havea common goal. We are trying to dothe work of the Lord. We allwant thechurch to grow.

So we must find our place and doour job. The pastor is the God-givenleader. The board assists in adminis-tration, and the congregation followsthis cooperative leadership with a co-operative spirit of love and enthusiasm.Cooperation can be experienced whena spirit of give and take prevails in thecongregation.

No one is right all the time, and noone is wrong all the time. Churchesdon't usually divide over sin. Problemsbetween the pastor and the boardusually develop over policy, not sin.What's wrong with cooperation? Thepastor and congregation should lookfor ways to work together and growfor God's glory.

TrustPastoral leadership requires trust.

The pastor must realize that he is notÍreeto do as he pleases. He works witha board and congregation. Sometimesthey will not be sympathetic with whathe is trying to do. He must pray fordivine leadership, patience, and a spiritof trust.

Various church boards, as well asthe congreþation, must learn to trustthe man they received from God astheir leader. If we can trust his preach-ing of the Word of God, surely we cantrust his pastoral leadership.

Steps to Pastoral SuccessThere are some steps that a wise

pastor and congregation will take toinsure trust, cooperation, and properadministrative leadership.

The pastor should be an ex-officiomember of all boards and committees,never chairman. He should never han-dle church monies. The pastor mustbe administrator. Leadership, respon-sibilities, and duties should be dele-gated.

The Sunday School superintendent,for example, should lead the SundaySchool, but answer to the pastor. Themusic director should be in charge ofthe entire music program, but answerto the pastor. Each staff member

should head his area of work butanswer directly to the pastor.

The pastor and board should setpolicy, and the pastor should see thatit's carried out. That is good business,and the church is the most importantbusiness in the world.

If pastor, boards, and congregationunderstand the proper biblical role ofeach, no problems should develop todivide and destroy the church. In myopinion, the congregation should prayfor God's leadership in selecting apastor. The pastor should delegateand describe the responsibilities ofeach leader, with the approval of thecongregation. The board should serveas advisor while the pastor adminis-trates.

Oswald Smith said, "To bishopsand elders is given the care of thechurches, never to committees. Theyare to be overseers, the shepherds.Each one has his own flock. Becausemen- have failed to recognize this,there has been trouble. When God'splan is followed, all is well."

There should never be any divisionin the church concerning pastoralauthority. Those churches that grow,win souls, and fulfill God's plan for thechurch are the ones where the pastoris the God-given leader and the congre-gation follows his leadership.

He is not looked upon as a dictator,but is loved, respected, trusted, andhonored. He has a long pastorate. Hehonors the board, loves the people,and trusts them. They provide for hisneeds, and he serves them with anuntiring dedication.

How much authority does the pas-tor have? The degree of his authority isin direct proportion to the congrega-tion's understanding of the biblicalplan for pastoral leadership. t

ABOUTTHEWRITER:Reuerend JomesM cA llist er p astors FirsfFree Will BaptistChurch, Farmington,Míssouri.

His LabSSeldom

By Mike Carter

pastor's work is seldom seenon outward display.

Unlike the church janitor, trusteeor nursery worker, his labor and itsresults are hidden to the eyes of most.All they see is a man with a soft jobwho is paid too much for too little.

Only those of his congregation whoare spiritually mature can see theresults of his labor and realize hisefforts.

They alone know, and that only alittle, of how the pastor spends histime. While some church membersare disposed with their favorite eveningTV shows, and while the dedicatedChristians are enjoying family devo-tions, a good meaningful book, or anenjoyable study of God's Word, thepastor struggles with himself

He puts in endless hours of scrip-ture searching, trying to keep himself

out of the way, watching for thatpassage that God would use to speakto His people, listening intently for thevoice of God to assure him of the rightmessage. For if it is not of God, it willcome to naught.

And what of those many times thatthe pastor has used the God-givenwisdom to give answers to our trou-bling questions or to counsel us aboutspecial needs? These are labors thatare not exposed for all to see, YET!Only eternity will reveal his worth.

Before you get too hard on yourpastor, drive by his home some night.A light in his study at a late hour willremind you that his labor is seldomseen.

^

ABOUT THE WRITER: ReverendMike Carterpost or s T ur key Creek F ree W ill Baptist C hurch,Turkey Creek, Kentucky.

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Briefcase

hen you sample the wholecrop, preachers win the blueribbon as the happiest peo'

ple in the world. This maY surPrisethose who equate ministers with longfaces and longer sermons, but preach-ers know where to find the laughs inlife.

They're sure of their calling. Theylead the pack in knowing the will ofGod. They spread good news in aculture gone bad.

But I suspect that what putsthe twinkle in a minister's eye is that heuses his spiritual gifts in the body ofChrist. Others in the church maYshelve their abilities, but the preach-

er's calling goes on display frequentlyand publicly.

He exercises his gifts for the fewand the many all day SundaY, andbetween Sundays when he counselsand teaches and sets the example forthe community.

While it's true that from time to timeyou meet ministers who tiptoe throughlife like hot-air balloons at a porcupineconvention, pound for pound preach-ers are the most contented people inthe kingdom.

Most preachers like oneanother. Although competition be'tween them gets more ink than theirmutual respect, I've discovered thatpreachers trust each other and wouldrather be around other preachers than

The Joyof the Ministry

anybody else.Preachers love people. Literature

on ministerial burnout scared a lot ofpreachers in the last three years' Butit's my opinion that the majoritY ofpreachers, while overworked, aren'tlooking for.the exit signs.

They unselfishly make themselvesavailable to people. Check out thefellow who's offended everybody with-in 10 miles of his home, and you'llusually find some preacher who visitshim, prays for him, and calls himfriend.

Preachers work to make their com-munities better. You don't have toworry about the preacher burningdown the local high school. Wherevera minister lives, you know for sure thathe gives his best to Promote what isgood and right in the communitY.

Preachers talh a lot, butthen they have a lot to say. They shakemore hands than politicians and knockon more doors than the Fuller Brushman. There's a reason for their meth-ods; they'll do anything short of illegalto reach people.

Just because a minister weeps'don't assume that he's unhaPPY ormistreated by the Lord. To the con-trary, he loves the people in God'sworld so much that he weeps whenthey have so little when he knows theycould have it allin Christ.

A minister is the most accountableman in the community. He's account-able to God first and foremost. Hecannot change that, and no one in thecommunity is at liberty to tamper withthe arrangement.

However, the minister is also ac'countable to his congregation, everymember. Each member feels that thepastor is personally responsible tohim. Never have so few been so ac-countable to so many for so much.

But ministers are hap'pieet when they're preaching' Everyõermon has at least three parts-thesame three parts.

Part one is hard work. Some nursethe mistaken idea that because a manhas preached for 15 years he can stepinto the pulpit on a moment's noticewithout prior preparation and speakextemporaneously with the authorityof John the Baptist. Believe me, itdoesn't work that way.

It sometimes takesan hour of prepa-

ration for five minutes of presentationin the pulpit. This means that a minis'ter prepares from five to 20 hours justto preach one sermon!

Part two is loneliness. There's noloneliness quite like that which washesover the minister just before he entersthe pulpit.

No matter how well he researchedand prepared and prayed, the ministerknows he's beyond human helP oncehe steps forward to Preach. If Goddoesn't grant him grace and a clearmind, he'llfallflat on his face.

Part three is ecstasY. The ecstasYun@diatelYafterthe sermon. No man is ever so alive asthe minister in fullstride preaching asermon.

Every sense alert. Heart pounding.Mind clear. Brain racing from thoughtto thought, from word to word, fromexperience to experience, weaving an

incredible garment of truth that startlessome hearers and angers others.

Hearing a gr€ôt sermon revo-lutionizes a church. Preaching a greatsermon is the nearest thing to inspira-tion since John left Patmos'

Somewhere in this world, God hasa special minister for You and Yourfamily. He's worthy of your prayersand your support. He ProbablY Pas-tors the church where You attend. a

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She's the pastor's wife- the closestperson on earth to Your Pastor, andthe one on whom he leans for helP andsuppon.

How should we treat this Person?What willshe expect of her congrega'tion? Does she require sPecial han-dling? Perhaps these thoughts willhelpyou see your pastor's wife in the rightperspective.

Advice ForThe Congregat¡on

She is a wife and mother foremost.Allow her the privilege to carry outthese responsibilities she feels so keen'ly. This is her opportunity to give theoutside world an example of what Godintended family life to be.

She needs much time, teaching"precept upon PrecePt; line uPonline,. ., here alittle, and there a little"(lsaiah 28:10).

Keeping her church responsibilitiesto a minimum, especiallY while herchildren are small, will strengthen theparsonage familY life.

She is human. Allow for her to haveweaknããses and to make mistakes, Ifyou are perfect, You can exPect Per-fection from her. If not, then forgiveand accept her (and she should do thesame for you).

She is unique-don't Push her intoa mõ,lã-She may be the only oneyou've ever had in this capacity whocannot play the Piano, but will haveother talents to comPensate.

As any other Christian, she willhave special gifts. Give her the oppor'tunity to use and develop them to edifythe body of Christ. She will be a

blessing to the church, serving happilyin the areas of service she loves'

She is the steward of her time andmIfiem. Stre needs time alone with herhusband and family, just as You do.She needs time and money to maintainher personal appearance and health.

The pastors' families that I knowgive more than a tithe and should be

free to use the rest of their moneYwithout feeling guilty about it, even ifthey decide to splurge occasionally'

While she lives in the parsonage, itis her home. It's the only place she has

to make a home for her family. Just as

a landlord gives up the right to comeand go at leisure in a tenant's house,the church family should respect theprivacy of the pastor's home.

Her husband's demanding schedulemay necessitate that she keeP histime at home free to relax and be

himself without having companY.Although she would like to do more

entertaining, the family's time togetheris usually limited. If you feel neglectedabout being a guest there, try to haveevery church member in Your homeand see how difficult it can be'

for the pastor's family to allow thechurch to become their world and turninward, thus neglecting their contactwith the unsaved.

The pastor's wife and family need tobe aware of your love and suPPort.Feeling this love and acceptance willmake them eager to reciProcate andserve happily. They will feel their posi-

tion a joy, not a burden.

"Accept the good andenioy it. Take the badand live with it. Yoursis a chosen ministrY andcan be a most fulfillingand rewarding one.tt

She needs friendship-be friendly.Espãialþlñãiãwcñurch, the familYcan feel lonely. Someone should sitwith her in church service, since herhusband will not be able to do so.

Someone should show her the basicplaces in town, such as the grocerYstore, cleaners, schools, and shoppingmall.

The pastor's wife needs closefriends, just as you do. Don't depriveher of this by comParing notes onwhere she goes, with whom, and howoften.

She doesn't exPect Preferentialtreatment, but your kindnesses are

appreciated. If the pastor and his wifeare away from their own families, theymay need extra consideration fromthe church, and they will begin to feel

as if you are familY.She is vulnerable to Satan's attacks,

and needs your prayers. She maY, ofnecessity, be aware of problems in thechurch. Her husband's discourage-ment may be hidden to others, but sheknows it well. Uphold them in prayer.

She has ambitions and should beallowed to establish an identity apartfrom her husband's work. It's okay tointroduce her as the pastor's wife, butwhen you're somewhere else, she maYprefer to be introduced as your friend.

Encourage her to have friends andinterests outside the church. It's easy

She loves her children. AnY Parentappreciates a kindness shown to his

ci-rildren, and so it is with the pastor's

children. They willbe in the limelight inboth positive and negative situations'The óhurch needs to remember thatthey are, after all, still children.

They will make immature blundersand fail to meet the expectations we all

have for them. An understandingchurch can certainly be a comfort tothe disappointed or embarrassed par-

ents.While the Bible does not sPeak to

this issue, the relationship betweenthe pastor's wife and the church con'gregation is so important. The successór fáilure of his pastorate may dependgreatly on this relationshiP.

Advice ForThe Pastor's Wife

When a young ladY marries, shepromises to love, honor and cherishi'¡er husband. But when your groom is

a pastor (or a future pastor), you mustin effect promise to love, honor and

cherish his church as well.One day you'll wake uP and realize,

"That woman in the parsonage is me!"It can be quite a jolt for a new bride,but equally as shocking to a woman

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WOMAN (From page 7)

whose husband changes occupationsto pastor.

You will get lots of advice and lots ofsympathy. You willbe chided becauseyou have special privileges. But yourhappiness as a pastor's wife will de-pend on you, and like most of life'ssituations, your attitude will determineyour contentment. Consider thesesuggestions:

Accept God's leadinq in vour hus-baAccept the challenge of being com-pletely surrendered to his call to theministry, the place you'll live, and thepeople God has given you to serve.

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TJg?t yoqr congregation as youwould like to be treated. View them asindividuals, brothers and sisters inChrist, and friends, not as a conglom-erate enemy.

You will be a leader by virtue ofvo@rãgationwillfollow the example set by the pastor'sfamily. Don't strive to be a pacesetterin trivialities, but rather choose to leadin spiritual matters.

One of your greatest contributionsis your example of piety, or as Titussays, "in behavior, as becometh holi-ness."

Set priorities and expend your timeand energies in those areas. Yourrelationship to God is paramount, yourhusband and children second, thenyour church. God doesn't expect moreof you than you are able to give. Seekto please Him and follow His leader.ship in your life.

lqqe¡tpUçelf and your abilities.^.---Also,acceptt@everyone else, have limitations. Don'tbe ashamed to admit that there arethings you cannot do.

Testament church.Earnestly pray for the church. Peo-

ple will make requests of you and yourhusband, so don't take them lightly orforget them. They depend on you as aprayer warrior.

Squelch gossip or backbiting. Peo-ple willnot talk to you about others in aderogatory way if you praise that per-son to them. You can encourage ordiscourage unity among the member-ship by your reaction to conflict. Oneof the sins God hates is "he thatsoweth discord among brethren"(Proverbs 6:19).

Prepare and train your children toloveandservffiwhat is right, because it is right. Nevermake them feel they must do some-thing, just because they are the pas-tor's children.

Prepare them for situations wherethey will be forced to choose right orwrong and teach them the conse-quences. Pour your time and influenceinto their lives and make them faithfulChristians "who shall be able to teachothers also" (il Timothy 2:2).

Support and uphold your husband.Nehis faults to God alone. Encourage andpraise him. Let criticism to him per-sonally be constructive and rare.

A positive attitude about your posi-tion willenable you to be used of Godto build His church. If you are unhappy,your husband will be in a dilemmabetween pleasing God or making younappy.

Accept the good and enjoy it. Takethe bad and live with it. Every occupa-tion has its advantages and disadvan-tages. Yours is a chosen ministry andcan be a most fulfilling and rewardingone.

^ABOUT THE WRITER: Mrs. Judy Puckeff I's omember ol Southern Oaks Free Will BaptistChurch, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where herhusband, Jim, pastors. She ís the mother olthree children-Loncia (17), Marcia (15), ondRandy (13). Being a minísfer's daughter, Judyåos spenf her entire líle in a minister's home.She sings in the choir and is president ol thelocal Womon's Auxilíary. Mrs. Puckett is olsopresident ol the Oklahoma State Woman'sAuxiliary.City

Use the gifts God has given you anddon't worry about those you don'thave. Choose areas in which you canuse your gifts to serve, then trust Godto supply through other Christians theadditionalgifts the church needs.

Pace yourself. Decide what respon-sibilities you can handle and be pre-pared to politely decline those tasksyou can't do. You will be tempted to gooverboard in your involvement, possi-bly to the neglect of your home, familyand health.

Don't pamper yourself, but usecommon sense. You cannot do it all!Part of a church's growth is learning tofunction without depending on thepastor (and his wife) to do all the majorthings.

Don't try to impress the church. Be.rr,-the kind of person you truly are, notwhat you think they want you to be. Ifyou are genuine, they will love andaccept you, despite many shortcom-ings, provided you love and acceptthem as they are.

Never exclude anyone. You mayhave friendships within or outside thechurch, but you must never give theimpression that you are excludingsomeone from your circle of friends.Draw in new ones, needy ones, andshy ones. Be a friend to all, and give anexample of the love shown in the New

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The KeyTo SuppordngYour Mlnlster

By Francis Boyle

he church that says in its heart "My minister iscalled of God and will do God's will whether wepay him a fair salary or not" is taking advantage of

the minister's calling and dedication.This reveals an underlying belief that "lf God will keep

him (the pastor) humble, we will keep him poor." Thisattitude may exist in some churches.

At the other extreme, there are pastors who feel theyshould make alldecisions in the church or they willleave orrun off anyone who doesn't agree. A pastor's dictatorshipmay be so strong that no one feels freeto express himselffor fear of reprisal. This is unfair and undemocratic.

Both extremes are counterproductive and can causedeep conflict. What we need is a balanced approach offairness to both the church and pastor, for each has a trueresponsibility to the other. It is easy to blame the other forthe problem.

We need to understand that proper respect betweenboth views and an honest, open approach can bring aboutequity and lead to spiritual growth and happiness. The lostworld can benefit greatly by this kind of approach.

The Problems To ConsiderLet's look at some problems that some of us may have:

Church Work Nof Reol Work

Some people think working in the church is not reallywork in the sense of a traditionaljob. It's common to hear aman say, "l have to work hard 40 hours each week for mysalary."

In earlier times in rural areas of the midwest where all

lived from their farms, the preacher also had his farm andpreached Sunday at one or more churches. If he wentaway for revival, others pitched in and helped with his farmwork, meeting whatever needs he had.

But in modern times, ministers, for the most part, live as

the work force and need a weekly income like members ofthe congregation. In this respect, time has changeddramatically and the pastor's bills come in each month likeeveryone else's.

Pay Debts Fírst

Another reason some churches refrain from paying thepastor a fair salary is because of indebtedness on thechurch buildins.

They may feel they can pay the pastor more when alldebts are paid, not realizing that holding back on theirobligation is, in effect, encouraging some members towithhold their support.

This usually results in the blessings of God being

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FAf RNESS (From page g)

withheld from the church. Everyone loses in this situation.except Satan.

Preacher In It For The Money

Sometimes church members will express, by theiractions, their belief that a pastor is just preaching for themoney. They respond by making sure that he earns morethan he gets; they withhold by underpaying what theycould easily afford.

This causes a preacher to have to live on less thannecessary to maintain his family. It's difficult to impossibleto keep a family happy without the necessities of life. Thisoften causes frustrations and results in the pastor movingevery few years, hoping the next church will understandand provide a fair salary so he can give himself fully to theministry.

The church that does not give priority to pastoral salarymay suffer even more than the pastor, only in a differentway. The church suffers by fluctuations in attendance asnew pastors come and go, an unsettled congregation andan unstable program. This results in great difficulty inmaintaining a solid base for evangelism.

M utuol M isunderst anding

Sometimes a church will ignore the pastor or demon-strate the attitude that "you can give a preacher toomuch," or perhaps they resent him for some reason.Sometimes you'll find a few members who feel it's theirduty to lay out the preacher's work each week and keephim from being exalted or prospering (it isn't reasonable,but it happens).

Then in return, the pastor may use the pulpit for hispersonal soap box to chastise members on a collective orpersonal basis, thus misusing the scriptures for his ownpersonalcampaign to destroy the reputation of the members.

When either of these ideas prevail, the church loses andloses and loses.

Ministerial Timidíty

Then there is the timid preacher who would never sayanything about his needs. Tragically, the church may notbe fully aware that he cannot meet the basic needs of hisfamily.

There may be no one in its membership willing to takethe Iead in rectifying this inequity. The pastor's creditrating may be in jeopardy, with him being at a loss tocorrect it.

Of course, this pastor would qualify for governmentrelief, including food stamps, but most of his churchmembership would be offended if he showed up in the foodstamp line.

Here's a church that needs to evaluate its treatment ofits pastor and provide him an equitable salary and benefitson a parity with other churches and professions. Remem-ber, fairness is a necessary component of a happy church.

Compare The SalariesNow let's compare some of the comparable existing

white collar jobs in this land of opportunity. (See Chart A)

Chart A

Salaries Of The White Collar Worker In USA

AttorneyStartingTop Level

AccountantsStartingTop Level

ChemistsStartingTop Level

Computer OperatorsStartingTop Level

EngineersStartingUpper Level

SecretariesStartingUpper Level

Year 1982

$22,00067,000

17,00044,000

19,00048,000

11,00021,000

22,000s7,000

13,00020,000

How does the salary earned by your pastor compare tothat earned by other professionals? We should realize thatour pastors are not immune to inflation; they depend onthe church to meet their needs.

In the past few years, the consumer cost of prices hasincreased as shown by the following percentages: (SeeChart B) The cost of living index rose on an average of 8.69percent each year. Did your pastor's salary rise to matchthat increase?

Chart B

Consumer Price Index 1973-1983

1973- 9.0","1974-12.0'/â1975- 7.0"/"t976- 4.8",,6

t977 - 6.8",6

7978- 9.0",6

1979-13.3"i"t980-12.4961981-11.09ó7982- 6.0,'61983- 4.39¿

It takes significantly more each year to purchase thesame amount as in the previous year. This is where goodfaith or fair play comes into the picture. At least this mayshow you if you've been fair with your pastor and otheremployees.

The full-time pastor depends on the church to meet theneeds of his family. Be fair in this consideration. When youdo meet his need with fairness, the pastor is free toperform his ministry as he should. Cooperation andconsideration can eliminate resentment over inadequatesalary.

God's blessings usually follow and everyone is aheadbecause they've done the right thing. Is your church livingbelow its capabilities? Out of fairness to both the churchand pastor, consider Chart C.

Chart C

Worksheet For The FinancialSupport Of The Minister

1. Ministry ExpensesA. Automobile AllowanceB. Convention AllowanceC. Continuing EducationD. Hospitality Allowance

(Parsonage, Entertainmentfor the church)

Total Expense

2. Protection BenefitsA. Insurance

LileMedicalWorkman's Compensation

B. Social SecurityC. Retirement

Total Benefits

3. Basic CompensationA. Cash SalaryB. Housing Allowance

Total Compensation $

l9El t982 1983

$_$_s-

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c

Perhaps you could fill out the chart and discuss it whenyou are calling your next pastor or, even better, apply it toyour current pastor. Be honest in your responses'

The laborer is still worthy of his hire. Try it, you just maylike it. Your pastor may be so pleased that many othergood things may ultirnately happen resulting in neededblessings to the congregation.

When the needs of a pastor are met, you willusually findthat instead of resentment and unkindness, you feel awarmth of living, supporting consideration taking over inthe church. Again, everyone is blessed and no one loseswhen we meet our responsibility to God through ourminister.

Another good reason to support the ministry in thisfashion is to encourage young ministers. Fewer are

accepting the call to serve than are needed. Many young

men and women hesitate to accept a call in the field offull-time work in our churches because they don't believethey can support their families on what they're offered.

Parsonage or Housing Allowance?Another area that deserves a close look is the need for a

church-owned parsonage. When I started in the ministry35 years ago, nearly all churches felt they should own aparsonage, so I lived either in a parsonage owned by the

church or one rented for me.But, currently, many churches are providing a parson'

age allowance, thus affording the pastor an opportunity tobuy his own home if he so chooses. This provides a benefitfor the pastor and results in fewer headaches for thechurch.

A church certainly doesn't need a parsonage for futureappreciation. If they don't own the parsonage, they don'thave to worry about upkeep or repairs. This also providesthe pastor with more options and the opportunity tochoose a home most desirable and suitable for his family'

In addition, some churches are selling their parsonages(if they are located where it is practical to do so). Proceedscould be used for helping the pastor with a down paymenton a home, using the balance to help pay off debts, forimprovements, such as pews' organ or even more land forparking.

The pastor may be so gratified with his own home andthe consideration of the members that he may be reluctantto leave.

When calling your next pastor, try to inform him what toexpect when he decides to accept the call. The followingtwo schedules are for your consideration, in all or in part:(See Chart D I'2).

Chart D-l

Annual Financial Arrangements

l. Vocation CompensationBase salary to be paid

-

Housing allowance

-

Parsonage rental

-

Utilities allowance

-

Utilities estimate

2. Fringe BenefitsRetirement plan

- % of salarY

Family health insuranceLife insurance_for pastor

3. Other BenefitsSocial Security Tax Allowance:

-

Half

-

AllWorkman's Compensation

4. Professional ExpenseCar allowanceConventions and meetings

t_

$-

Total $

-

$_Total$

-$-

$_Total Expense $

-$_5. Other Considerations

Christmas Bonus, Etc.

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FAIRNESS (From page tt)

Chart D-2

Annual Time Arrangements

Church members should acknowledge that thepastor's work cannot be rigidly regulated because ofthe nature of his ministry. Crises, emergencies, andmeetings may alter his schedule. His work may have tobe arranged at his leisure and on his own time. Thepastor should find time for his famiþ as wellas for thechurch.

The following is a pattern that may be followed:

Make sure your church is fair to the pastor. If the pastordoesn't do his part, replace him with one who will. I believeGod will bless a church that meets its obligation with love,kindness, and firmness, combined with fairness.

Insurance and RetirementInsurance and retirement benefits are other important

aspects that must be addressed so that in the event apastor experiences loss of health, the needs of his familywill be provided for.

The pastor has just as much right to financial security asthe church members, most of whom have retirement.hospital insurance, and life insurance plans.

It's a source of concern to see many ministers leavingthe pastorate in order to make an adequate living for theiifamilies. There is mutual dependence between the churchand the pastor, and it's imperative that a balance be struckto provide for the needs of each.

The results will be gratifying to the church members,who, after all, are the real recipients of the blessingsresulting from the degree of fairness shown their pastors.In one sense then, they will reap what they have sown.

l. Number of days off each week

2. Weeks for annual vacation

3. Study leave time

4. Revival or Sunday engagements

5. Total number of Sundays for church to pay

Pulpit supply

Vacation time

Conventions

Revivals

Other engagements

ABO UT T HE W RITER : R eue re nd F rancis Boyleposfors Oxnard Free Wíll Baptist Church,Oxnard, Calilornio.

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PastorAppte,ciation

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Spotltght OnFlortcla

By Gene Helton

H/STORY

The Florida State Association ofFree Wilt Baptists was conceived in

the heart and mind of Brother ErnestOwen of Chipley, Florida. Chiplev is

located in the northwest (Panhandle)section of Florida. Brother Owentraveled extensively across the stateof Florida promoting the work amongour churches.

The first organized meeting was

held at Piney Grove Free Will BaptistChurch near ChiPleY in 1944. Fourdistrict associations were representedat the meeting: Liberty Associationand Salem Association from northwestFlorida, the State Line Associationand Union HillAssociation from south-west Alabama.

As a result of this the name chosenwas "The South Alabama and West

Florida Association oÍ Free Will Bap'tists. "

The first session of the Florida StateAssociation was held November 2'3,1945. at Union HillChurch located fivemiles southwest of Slocomb, Alabama.

Soon, three new district associa-tions were added to the state associa'tion. The new associations were theWest Florida Association, North Flori-da Association and Southeastern As'sociation of Georgia,

At the fourth session (1948) held atPiney Grove Church, the two Alabamaassociations and the Southeastern As-sociation of Georgia withdrew to jointheir state associations.

The state association was then com-posed of four district associations:North Florida Association, West Flori-da Association, Salem Association andLiberty Association.

In the early days of the state associ'ation, the churches were located in the

northern part of the state. This loca-tion was probably the result oÍ FreeWill Baptists from Alabama and Geor-gia filtering down into the state.

However, a change in the Picture isevidenced when, in 1950, the SouthFlorida Association (composed of threechurches in the Miami area) joined thestate association. Again, evidence ofgrowth is shown when, in 1955, theCentral Florida Association becamepart of the state work.

In 1959, the Northeast Associationwas added, and in 1983 the HisPanicAssociation of Free Will Baptists was

organized and became Part of thestate association.

The state association is now com'posed of nine district associations:indian River, West Florida, Salem,West Florida LibertY, Greater St.Johns, Central, South Florida, NorthFlorida and the Hispanic Association'

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FLORIDA (From page 13)

EDUCATION

A concern for ministerial traininqand Christian education was evidenceãwhen a Bible Institute was formed in1961. In the first session, six courseswere offered with26 people enrolled.The institute continued for severalyears, meeting at the Youth Campfacility. A similar concern motivatedthe formation of the ill-fated SalemCollege in 1976.

The Christian Education Board pro-vides literature and assists in settingup local or district education pro-grams. The state association has sup-ported our Bible College in Nashvilleand has reaped the benefit of beingable to send our students there.

YOUTH WORK

From the very beginning the Floridabrethren demonstrated a healthy con-cern for youth work. At the secondstate association in 1946, a CampBoard and a field worker were ap-pointed to begin locating or building acamp as well as securing funds fromthe churches for this purpose.

The response was sufficient that bythe fifth session, in1949, it was report-ed that a camp was under constructionnear Cottondale, Florida. The YouthCamp was dedicated in 1952, and thefirst camp session held with 66 camp-ers in attendance. Today each districtassociation has a camp program. TheState Youth Board promotes youthwork in the state; the annual youthmeeting is one of the highlights of theyear.

M/SS/ONS

Florida has been the site of severalhome mission projects. Some of themore recent are West Palm Beach.Daytona Beach and Lake Jackson inTallahassee. Presently there are twohome mission churches in our state:Gainesville and St. Petersburg.

In the early days of the association,the Home Mission Board served pri-marily to solicit funds in order to makeloans to new mission churches. Laterthe state Home Mission Board beganestablishing and overseeing missionchurches in key areas.

With Florida's rapidly growing popu-lation, there is a great need for moremission churches to be established inour cities. Both the east and westcoasts of South Florida are listed a-mong the 10 fastest growing areas inthe United States. Thousands of newpeople are moving to Florida eachyear. What a challenge for our FreeWillBaptist churches!

DENOMINATIONALSUPPORT

The Florida State Association hasalways been a strong supporter of thedenominational ministries. In 1967 wehosted the national association in Jack-sonville and are slated to host the 1989session in Tampa. We are thankful tobe part of the NationalAssociation ofFree Will Baptists. t

ABO UT T H E W RIT ER : R euerend G ene H elt onposfors First Free Will Baptist Church, Miam|Florída. He also serues os the Florída oromo-tional ollícer.

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Stay OnTarget

By Floyd Wolfenbarger

hurches have a knack for get-ting side tracked. Once achurch can comfortably meet

its financial obligations, make a signifi-cant gift to missions, and pay anadequate salary to its pastor, the temp-tation to think it's achieving its pur-pose can be compelling.

The church does not exist for thepurpose of paying its debts and acquir-ing a good reputation. To the contrary,the church is primarily to be a spiritualassembly. As we project ourselvestoward retiring our mortgage debt, wemust not leave our spiritual debt un-paid.

We owe a debt to the ürt€-generate. God, who audits thebooks, sees that we have neglected topay by failing to witness to our class-mates, co-workers and our neighbors.

We wait for a "burden" for some-one. Do you suppose the local bankwould wait for us to "get a burden" topay? We pay because we owe, andGod says we owe a debt to the lost(Romans 1;14).

We have a moral debt to oursociety. We are to be the light of theworld. We owe it to our communitv to

maintain our Christian distinctives.How could we possibly be a moralforce in an moral world if we areindistinguishable from everyone else?

When we were sinners we weredarkness. We contributed to the stum-bling of society. Now we owe it to themto shine and walk as children of light(Ephesians 5:B).

We owe a great debt of loveto Christ. He gave us His love andlaid down His life. We owe Him allourservice, our affection, and honor. Wecannot over-pay Him.

We owe Him allglory and honor andriches and praise we can muster.Anyone who thinks he owes Christnothing is an ungrateful wretch (Reve-lation 5;12).

The church that doesn't pay itsdebts is a shameful example. If wemeet every financial obligation, achieveevery monetary goal, and leave ourspiritual debts unpaid, God will judgethat we're spiritually bankrupt. Let'sretire our debts (Revelation 3:17, 18).

^ABOUT THE WRITER: Reverend FloydWollenbarger postors First Free Wîll BaptistC hur ch, Russelluille, A rkonsos.

Free lUill Baptist Music Ministries

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By Malcolm C. Fry

ongregational singing is a dis'tinguishing feature of evan-

\/ gelical Protestantism, express'ing the priesthood of the believer'

It is sometimes forgotten that hymnsare the offerings of the entire congre-gation, not merely those of the clergyand choir. Congregational singing ispreeminently that part of corporateworship in which the congregationassumes the largest and most directpart.

Scripture is the basic raw materialfrom which hymns are Produced. Ahymn cannot be useful unless and untilit relates closely to the revealed truthabout God and His mightY act as

written in the scriptures'Therefore, the effectiveness of any

hymn is measurable in large Part bY

the extent to which it functions as avehicle for scriptural truth. Mostworthy hymns are biblicalin the sensethat they are either based directlyupon, or express truths consonantwith, scripture.

Members of an average congrega-tion participate in hymn singing to theextent that they know and enjoY thetunes. Consequently much hymn sing-

ing takes place in which mouths are

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CongtegationalSinging

B¡btical Bas¡s For

open and loud noises made, but thesentiments and thoughts of the textsare largely overlooked. Such thought-less singing is often lethal to genuineworship.f n order for hymns to qualify for useI by the entire congregation, theY

must of necessity be within the com-prehension of most of the PeoPle.Their basic message must be clear,direct, and understandable upon firstencounter. George Herbert in his poem

"A True Hymn" put it aPtlY:

The fineness which a hYmn or Psalmaffords

ls when the soul unto the lines accords.

Balance is the key: there is objectivetruth to be proclaimed and there isalso subjecfiue experience' Both ex-pressions are valid when a balance ismaintained between them. The latteris often more difficult in congregationalsinging. Hymns should conveY thesentiments of the congregation as agroup of Christians and not cater toone individual's whims and desires.

Our purpose in congregational sing-

ing should be to glorify God (Colos-

sians 3:17; I Corinthians 10:31); toedify or build uP the believer and

thereby the church (l Corinthians14:26); and to proclaim the gosPel.

Music must challenge the individualtocontinue a deepening relationship withGod.

The scriptures tell us that we are todirect our music to three audiences:God, one another, and ourselves.

Paul writes that believers are to be

filled with the Spirit, "speaking toyourselves in psalms and hYmns andspiritual songs, singing and makingmelody in your heart to the Lord"(Ephesians 5: 18'19, also compare Co-lossians 3:16,77).

We should sing not onlY obouf Godbut fo Him. We need to let God'sWord minister to our own heartsthrough music.

John Wesley's final rule for singing

is most appropriate: "Above all, singspiritually. Have an eYe to God inevery word you sing' Aim at pleasingHim more than Yourself, or anY othercreature. In order to do this, attendstrictly to the sense of what you sing,

and see that your heart is not carriedaway with the sound, but offered toGod continually; so shallyour singing

be such as the Lord will approve here,

and reward you when He cometh in

the clouds of heaven." (TheMethodistHymnal, väi).

Music, including congregationalsinging, is one of the most effectivemeans we have of exPressing ouradoration and devotion. Scripturalmusic is the most fit for the praise ofGod. r

ABOUT THE WRITER:Dr. Malcolm C' FrY Pos'tor s lJ níty F ree W íll BaP'tist Church, Smithlield'Norfh Corolino.

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By Malcolm Fry

fellow burst into the office ofthe town's railroad stationone Monday morning cle-

manding to see the train master: "lwant you to forbid the engineer of theSunday morning 12:00 o'clock train toblow that whistle as it passes throughour town."

"That's impossible! Why do youask?"

"Our preacher preaches until hehears that whistle. Then he stopspreaching. Yesterday that train *ur35minutes late."

In preacher terminology we wouldsay that that preacher was going onthe suds after the soap was gone.Some preachers ore notably long-winded and repetitious.

"Will he euer finish?""lt seemed as if the pastor reached

a good stopping point somefíme ago.""Why doesn't he get off that hobby

horse and quit belaboring the point?"Have you ever thought such com-

ments while enduring a sermon thatdidn't particularly interest you?

For 12 years I was out of thepastorate ( not out of the ministry), andthere were times when sitting on theother side of the pulpit that suchthoughts darkened my mind.

Consequently, true and meaninqfulworship eluded me, as well as ìheblessings that accompany worship.The fault, I discovered, did not rest somuch with the preacher as with me.

Everything in the worship serviceshould lead up to the message of thehour. If the sermon does not seem to

be normal fare in inspiration, illustra-tion, motivation, exposition, and ap-plication, it affects one's impression ofthe entire service.

Does that mean that the devil shouldgain the victory and we be robbed of amost needed worshipful experience?Hardly!

There are measures we can take,even if we think a sermon dull. Wor-ship is not something that happensindependently of the man sitting in thepew.

Real worship must involve meaning-ful participation in which the individualworshiper enters into the true spirit ofthe singing, the praying, and, yes, euenthe preaching. Here are some sugges-tions.

From o negotiue stondpoint:

Don't be preoccupied with yourown thoughts, such as next week'sschedule or what's on television.

Don't guess what the preacher isgoing to say and end up comparingwhat he said with what you thoughtheought to have said.

Don't lock or close your mind towhat the preacher says just becauseyou don't want to hear it. Someonesaid, "The preaching service furnishesmore padlocks than any hardwarecompany in the world."

Don't Iisten with reservation assum-ing that the preacher doesn't knowwhat he's talking about, or that youKnow even more.

Don't cause distractions to othersby squirming, talking, constantly turn-ing the pages of the hymn book, orsleeping!

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The preaching of the sermon canbe, in a sense, more active than passivefor all worshipers. For this reason, theone who says he got very little out ofthe worship experience probably putvery little into it in the first place. Hiswas only a passive participation whiletrue and meaningful worship is active.

Having considered what not to do,let us look at what we can do.

From a positiue standpoint:

Maintain an attitude of prayer whilelistening to the sermon. Otherwiseyou may miss God's message to you.What a boon to the preacher is theprayer of the saint as well as theultimate affect upon the service as awhole.

Read and meditate on the scripturepassage the preacher selected. Openyour Bible, your mind, and your heartto "thus saith the Lord" to you individ-ually.

Remember that God is reaching foryou in the worship service and espe-cially through the message. Heed thistranslation of Isaiah 65:1, "Ready was Ito answer men who never asked me.ready to be found by men who neversought me. I cried out,'Here am I,'tofolk who never called to me" (Mof fatt).

But when His Spirit gets to usthrough the sermon and our limitedhelplessness nevertheless reaches upto Him-then true worship igniteswithin our soul!

Take notes during the sermon. Un-derline in your Bible noteworthy wordsand phrases. Make some notes toyourself-"This is what I want todo . . . ." Write down parallel passagesand pertinent principles.

Listen for God. Would you know itif God was trying to say something toyou through the sermon? Or, wouldyou miss the message because youreally weren't listening? The only modi-fication. restriction or obstruction isour own hesitancy, refusal or temerity.

Be responsive to the preacher andhis preaching. Smile, nod in agree-ment, say "Amen," or "Oh, me!" You'llbe surprised at how your participationmay well fire your preacher up and notout! Before you know it, you couldeven end up telling your preacher thathis sermons are getting better all thetime.

The NewTestament shows that thesermon is the whole congregation de-claring their faith together. Forsythe,the preacher, said, "lt is the organizedhallelujah of the whole church!"

These ideas could prove to be mostbeneficial to you, your preacher, andyour church. Experientially, theyworked for me when I was a pewwarmer.

Remember this, true hearing begetsworship. In hearing a sermon-

-exercise fqith bv embracing thepromise,

-exercise love by rejoicing in it,

-exercise hope by expecting itsfulfillment.r

ABOUT THE WRITER: Dr. Molcolm C. Fryposfors Smithlield Free Will Baptist Church,Sñithlield, North Carolino. He lormerly seruedos ossistont dir ector Íor the Sundoy School ondChurch Training Department, ond as directorof the Church Troining Servíce (CTS) Deport-ment.

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By William J. Mishler

one is immune in this worldof sickness and accidents,and let no one suppose that

the pastor and his family is freer fromthe ups and downs of this life than anyother household. That old proverbialsaying, "Only doctors, undertakersand preachers never get sick," doesnot hold true to the laws of nature.

Even though many joke about thepastor having a hotline to God, he hasno special treatment coming to himfrom the Almighty. He is subject to allthe illnesses and accidents that cometo his flock, together with his childrenand wife.

There are those anxious momentswhen some of the family is ill or getshurt, the car wreck, when his wife's lifehangs in the balance, the child is hurt,there are moments of anxiety andfrustration in the life of the pastor.

When that God-given mate is seizedwith a cerebral hemorrhage, as wasmine, and the preacher begins to ques-tion God-"Why mine, Lord? I'myourservant. What will I do without her?She's been my support, next to You.When I was faced with church prob-lems and decisions to be made, shewas always ready to sit and listen.Why?"

No, the pastor is not immune fromall the heartaches of life.

I am often reminded of the sermonpreached by Pastor Arthur J. Gossipof Aberdeen, Scotland, who, after thedeath of his wife, was in his pulpit thefollowing Sunday as usual and broughtto his people that memorial sermon"When Life Tumbles. What Then?"

And of Paul, who so desiring to dohis Master's will, was informed that hismalady would continue, but assuredby his Master that "My grace is suffi-cient for thee."

It had been a busy summer (1976);many things were being planned, build-ing a new auditorium, enlarging thedaycare and kindergarten facilities,buying more property. And now wewere taking our largest youth groupever to the state competition300 milesaway.

It happened that weekend, arrivinghome about three o'clock Sundaymorning, then getting up early, goingto the church to get things ready forservices (it was Father's Day). I wastired that morning, but thought itwould wear off with the passing of thedav.

While teaching my adult SundaySchool class, I felt a slight pain acrossmy chest. "Oh, I'm just tired," butagain in the choir room as we prayed-this time a stabbing pain. The singingwas over, the preliminaries had beensaid.

I was reading the text, when sud-denly I felt as if a rope were being

tishtly drawn around my chest. I lostmy vision and slumped over the pulpitto be caught by some of the men tokeep me from falling.

Rushed to the hospital,l was told bya doctor, "You've had a heart attack."Thank the Lord it was not severe,verylittle damage had been done to theheart.

But something had happened.Forty-one years of going at a fast pacehad finally caught up with me. Yousee, I had not known anything butchurch work since I announced mycall to the ministry in September of1935, and for some reason I developedthe idea that God would compensate

tl/hat HappensWren The

PastorGets Sick?

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for my health and strength as I did Hiswork.

I must have overlooked Mark 6:31,for no where in the Word do I read thatGod would give His pastors or eventhe workers of His day, an iron stom-ach, muscles of spring steel, a heartencased in stainless steel for protec-tion, or nerves made of materials thatwould not frazzle.

I do hear Him promise the impossi-ble to those weary men He had but afew days before sent out two by two.As they returned rejoicing over theirsuccess, only to be stunned by thenews of the murder of the Baptist, Hesaid, "Come ye yourselves apart into adesert place, and rest a while: for therewere many coming and going, andthey had no leisure so much as to eat.And they departed into a desert placeby ship privately" (Mark 6:37,32).

One of the greatest accomplish-ments for the pastor today is to disci-pline his life (body) for health's sake,always remembering that his body is"the temple of the Holy Ghost which isin you, which ye have of God, and yeare not your own . . . For ye are boughtwith a price: therefore glorify God inyour body, and in your spirit, which areGod's" (l Corinthians 6:79,20).

It certainly is hard for God to getany glory out of a body that has notbeen properly disciplined and caredfor. But many of us learn this lessontoo late, and many future years areshattered because of our failure toproperly care for these God-given tem-ples of clay. We must not abuse them.

Not only must we be careful todiscipline ourselves, to care for ourphysical bodies, but we must, also, asgood stewards, make some provisionsfor doctor and hospital expenses thatwill occur because of these unforeseenaccidents and illnesses.

I'm thankful to those churcheswhere I pastored for their understand-ing and financial help during crisisexperiences. During my absence fromthe pulpit, they saw to it that all theservices were conducted and the otherresponsibilities of their pastor wasdone. Thank God for understandingchurches.

I believe it's the responsibility ofevery church that calls a pastor to full-time service to help him make ade-qrrate provisions for doctor and hos-pital expenses. This can be donethrough our denomination's Retire-

ment and Insurance plan or through alocal health care insurance plan.

This is a must in these days of risingdoctor and hospital costs. After all,that man of God you called to be yourpastor (Jeremiah 3:15) makes yourchurch responsible for his general wel-

fare. (This was certainly so on thebehalf of the priests under the OldTestament economy.)

Most church members would notwork long for an employer who wouldnot provide them with adequate hos-pitalization protection. (l have knownof employees going out on strike ifthey thought the provisions were notadequate.)

I am fully aware we are talkingabout G od's work (l've been in it Íor 49years), yet at the same time, we mustface the realities of the present life, andalso heed the biblical injunction in ICorinthians 9:14 that Paul gives to thechurch. I encourage each churchboard to check with their pastor con-cerning his insurance program for theparsonage family.

There is yet another area of concernthat the full-time pastor must face.That illness or accident may take himout of the pulpit for a number of weeksor months, and maybe permanently.What then? Again, I encourage thechurch to check with their pastor andmake necessary arrangements for sickleave (sabbatical) and retirementplans.

These arrangements can be madeand adequate provisions provided bythe church, including Workman'sCompensation, in their insurance pro-gram for the church properties. Many

reliable church insurance companiesinclude this in their package policies.

An area sometimes difficult to dis-cuss with church officials is the pas-tor's retirement program. Again, thechurch needs to encourage the pastorto plan for his retirement program,

" . . . no where in the Word doI read that God would give Hispastors an iron stomach,muscles of spring steel, a heartencased in stainless steel, ornerves that would not fraz zle."

either through our own Bôard of Re-tirement or some reliable insurance orfinancial institution.

Some of our churches include in thepastor's salary expenses for his socialsecurity payments, along with a cer-tain amount they match when he paysinto his retirement program. In case ofpermanent disability or retirement,there would be some extra incomeabove his social security benefits sincehe will have added expenses if he hasto leave the parsonage.

Our National Home and ForeignMissions Departments provide thesebenefits for our missionaries. Why notour churches for their pastors?

I believe there are a lot of "activityaddicts" within the pastoral fellowshipwho would love to stop running, if theyonly knew what was being done to thatGod-given temple of clay called thephysical body. Take care of it. Godexpects you to. God also expects thechurch not to overload its pastor.

"There was (he is) a man sent fromGod."

^ABOUT THE WRITER: Reverend Wílliam J.Mishler,68, is a retired Free Will Baptíst minis-ter who resides in Johnston City, lllínois. Hewas conuerted at the oge ol 16 and preached hísÍirst sermon September 21, 1935. He is agraduate ol FWBBC ond also chaired the BibleCollege Board of Truslees. Brother Mishler haspastored churches in Missouri, Tennessee,Míchígan, Arkonsos, and lllinois.

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By Kathy Tippett Henderson

ssst! Hey kid, comehere! Yeah, you. . .

Preacher's Kid! Gottaminute to chat? I need to confesssomething. Can you keep a secret?

Remember the old saying aboutthe PK being bad because he playedwith the deacons'kids? Well, as aformer deacon's kid I resented thatrumor.

"lt's a lie!" I protested too much.Now that I'm older and wiser,l mustadmit, a bit of truth nestles there.

Come ramble some back roads ofmy childhood with me. See whatchanged my notion. Scratch a PKand out spews a story of humiliationunparalleled by his peers.

Ramblin'Roods

Consider Don, my PK friend.Gary, the deacon's son, offered himan impromptu golf lesson on theplush church lawn. When Donswung, the ball sliced and shattered astained glass window. (Sliced quite achunk from his allowance too.)

No one cared that the teacher,balland clubs allbelonged to thehead deacon. Who suffered theblame? Poor PK, that's who.

One dullSaturday morning my PKfriend, Linda, and I rambled aroundthe empty church. My curiosity creptup with a question: "What do yousuppose is up in that old belfry overthe vestibule?"

Linda shrugged, "l dunno. . .

bats?""Naw. But maybe a bell. Hey!

Let's find out!" I suggested. Welugged the communion table underthe trap door, then heaved a podiumchair on top of it. Tough work for 14-year-old weaker vessels. I began myascent into the ceiling, then chinnedinto the black hole.

Perched on the ledge, I stretchedto pullLinda up, when in sneakedour youth director.

Judgment fell. Heaviest on my tag-along friend, naturally. No onepraised our ingenuity ordetermination.

Boredom plagued anotherSaturday. Everybody went to thebeach. Except Linda and me. So wedragged the sofa cushions from thechurch library to the sanctuary rooffor some private sunbathing. Wesoaked up an hour's worth of sun,then tiptoed past the youth director'soffice to replace the cushions.

We'd have made it too, if Lindaweren't such a giggler!

See why I thought PKs conjuredup trouble? Mine always hit when wewere together. In retrospect, with adash of maturity, it seems the "bestideas" often spawned in DK brains.

Focus on the Fishbou.rl

PKs are more vulnerable becauseof their visibility. Innocencevictimized in the parsonage fishbowl!

Take Cindy, a PK I heard about,who slipped off to a movie with herDK friend. Halfway through "TheShaggy Dog" they craved popcorn.Now who'd expect a church memberto work in a place like that?

This tidbit surfaced in the middleof Sunday School next morning. Thedaughter of the concession-standworker blurted, "ls it true you wentto the movies last night?"

News travels fastest frombackslidden church members topastors'ears.

One Sunday the sermon was oneternity. The preacher seemed totake one to preach it. His son, John,urged by another teen, stuck hisfinger into the communion cupholder on the pew in front of him.

The teens giggled at his antics. At

invitation time we realized theyweren't antics when his 6'1" bodyattempted to stand and got abouttwo-thirds up.

Hilarity withered into humiliationafter service. Soap, hand lotion andaxle grease failed to free poor John.Finally a saw released him as wellasthe hymn rack. He mowed a lot ofgrass to pay for that one.

These are city PK stories.Country PKs had viewpoints wenever imagined. They smokedbehind the outhouse, endured razorstrop and peach tree limb lessons,harvested tithes from long rows ofbutterbeans. The more PKs you hadas field hands, the bigger your loveoffering.

Many a circuit riding preacher'skid slept on a pew, forsaken andforgotten at church, tilla head countin the family station wagon showedone missing.

The Best andWorst of Times

Some of my greatestachievements resulted from my PKfriends.

Clarence taught me to whistlethrough my fingers. Unfortunately,my success came during SundaySchoolassembly and Clarence tookthe blows.

His sister taught me to omp'pahto "Heart and Soul" on the old

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upright piano at church. Wepracticed Sunday nights beforeLeague, till we learned "it isn'tproper." You never forget yourfriends at life's peak moments.

Life's lowest moment for any PK isuniversal. The ultimate humiliation:

The Rebuke By NameFrom the Pulpitl

A PK named Joe made the longestwalk in history when his fatherthundered, "Joseph! I'll continue mysermon soon as you come sit withyour mother!"

Mothers! Worse than leprosy inpublic!

Now Joe sat with the other teens,back row, right. His mother sat frontsection, left. The church seated 600.

As Joe trudged the aisles' journeyto the front, his father spoke not oneword. His glazed eyes fixed on Joetill he slumped beside his mother.

Another preacher admonishedtwo of his teen-aged PKs to, "Stoptalking during the sermon!" Red-Íaced, they sulked and glared until hebellowed their names a second time,"lf you two pout one more second,we'll settle this right now rather thanafter church!" Talk about saccharinsmiles.

Only the mom of a PK can pinch ahunk of flesh and sit piously, eyesfront, through a sermon. PKs learnearly Basic Silent Crying.

Like I say, I apologize for blamingyou all these years. The deacons'kids really were the culprits. Onealways lurked near the PK victim.

Yes sir, that's what a few yearsand a bit of wisdom teaches you.Now the fact that today I have threePKs of my own has nothing to dowith my change of heart, youunderstand. Just years andwisdom. . . years and wisdom. . . .

(The events depicted are true.The names, however, have beenchanged to protect the guilty.)r

ABOUT THE WRITER:Kathy T ippet t Hendersonis a free-lance wríter whoresídes in R aleigh, NorthCarolína. Shet o mem-ber of First Free WillBaptist Church in thotcity.

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HILLSDALE NAMES PUBLICRELATIONS DIRECTOR

MOORE,OK-Rever-end Richard Gallant,39-year-old Oklahomapastor, was named di-rector of public rela-tions at Hillsdale FWBCollege on May 1 1, ac-cording to President

Edwin Wade.Rev. Gallant came to Hillsdale from

First FWB Church in Poteau where hepastored for six years. He has pastoredin Oklahoma 15 years.

He served on the Hillsdale Board ofTrustees the past eight years, and aschairman for the last three years. Heserved on the President's AdvisoryCouncil two years before beginning onthe regular board.

Gallant has also served on the stateSunday School Board and has beenactive in district activities where hepastored. He is an alumnus of HillsdaleCollege and served as president of theAlumni Association for four years.

In addition to his schedule as apastor and in denominational activities,Rev. Gallant has been active in com-munity and civic affairs. He has been amember of the Lion's Club for 15 yearsand also serves on his local Chamberof Commerce Board of Directors.

Rev. Gallant and his wife, MaryAnn, have two sons, Eric (19) andEvan (17).

BIBLE COLLEGE STUDENTS ELECTNORTH CAROLINIAN PRESTDENT

NASHVILLE, TN-Free Will BaptistBible College students elected LenDavenport, a senior ministerial stu-dent from New Bern, North Carolina,student body president for 1984-85.Assisting him will be Ed Adkisson, vicepresident; Rhonda Wiggs, secretaryftreasurer; and Ron Helms, chaplain.

Davenport has been active in dramathroughout his three years at the BibleCollege. He served as president of the

campus Church Training Service andled his campus society, the Pi GammaChis. He was chaplain of his juniorclass and led his Christian Servicegroup.

Adkisson is a junior who makes hishome in Nashville. Miss Wiggs, fromWilliamsburg, Virginia, begins her jun-ior year this fall. Helms, from Chandler,Indiana, is a senior ministerial student.

WEST VTRGINIA LEADER,REVEREND JOHN HENSON, DEAD AT 86

HURRICANE, WV-The ReverendJohn Matthew Henson died May 17,1984, at Veteran's Hospital in Hunting-ton, West Virginia. He was 86 yearsold. Funeral services were conductedSunday, May20, in Hurricane. Rever-ends Don Ellis, Ray Davis, and KermitCunningham officiated.

Reverend Henson preached thegospel as a Free WillBaptist ministertor 54 years. He invested his entireministry in the state of West Virginia,pastoring 16 churches in his more thanfive-decade ministry.

According to his own records in1979, Brother Henson had preachedmore than 5,400 sermons, witnessed1,500 confessions, and organized 22churches.

Reverend Henson was active on theleadership level in both state and na-tional outreach. He served 16 years onthe National Association's General

director for the West Virginia StateAssociation.

Brother Henson was one of thefounders of the West Virginia StateSunday School Convention and thestate paper, The West Virginia FreeWill Baptist He served as editor ofthe paper for a time and wrote awidely-read column, "Uncle John'sCorner", until his death.

In 1980 he published an autobio-graphical book, My Journey wíthJesus, detailing his youth and ministrythrough 1979.

Reverend John M. Henson was aman with a sense of humor. He said ofhis preaching, "Everybody is pleasedat my preaching. Some are pleasedwhen I start, the rest are pleased whenI finish."

He was also a man with a mission. In1979, at the age of 81, he had missedbut two preaching appointments in 49

Board and 17 years as promotional years.

TEXAS CLOSES STATE BOOKSTORE

DUNCANVILLE, Tx-Delegates tothe 70th annualTexas State Associa-tion voted to discontinue operations atthe group's Cornerstone ChristianBookstore in Sherman, and instructedExecutive Secretary Billy Walker todispose of current inventory.

The Executive Committee encour-aged local churches to order futureSunday School curriculum directlyfrom Randall House Publications inNashville. Cornerstone ChristianBookstore closed following five yearsof operation after the location theyhad occupied was sold.

In other action, delegates amendedthe state constitution to allow electionof the Executive Secretary every twoyears. They also adopted a one-yeargoal to increase church membershipby 15 percent.

More than300 delegates and visitorsgathered in First FWB Church, Dun-canville, for the June 6-8 session whichincluded the state Woman's AuxiliaryConvention and the state ChurchTraining Service competitive activities.

Auxiliary President Geneva Walkersaid 41 women registered and heard

Home Missionary Glenda Fulcher ad-dress the group. Delegates voted toraise $2,000 for the Tyler Mission landproject and $1,000 toward a wordprocessor for Free Will Baptist BibleCollege.

Seventy-four conferees attended aThursday Family Fellowship Dinner ata local cafeteria to hear National HomeMissions staffer John Gibbs sing andpreach.

The state Christian Education Boardannounced plans for an August campmeeting for families in Piney WoodsCamp near Corrigan, Texas. Officialshope to enlist 500 for the camp.

Wichita Falls pastor ThurmonMurphy spoke during the State C.T.S.worship service encouraging youngpeople to live Christian lives in an evilsociety. CONTACT editor JackWilliams spoke three times during thestate meeting on the 1984 theme,"Let's Get Together."

Layman Raymond Lee, a deaconfrom Houston, was re-elected as mod-erator. The 1985 session, which meetsJune5-7, willbe hosted by the CentralTexas District Association.

SOUTHEASTERN FWB COLLEGEBEGINS SECOND YEAR

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA-Southeast-ern Free WillBaptist College begins itssecond year of operation Mondaynight, August 27. President H.Randolph Cox willdeliver the openingaddress at 7:30 p.m. .

On Tuesday, August 28, NorthCarolina pastor Jack Cox will preachto all students, parents, faculty and

friends of Southeastern who plan toattend these opening services.

Opening exercises will concludeTuesday night with pastor DannPatrick bringing the final message.Registration begins Tuesday morning,August 28, with classes startingWednesday.

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NORTH CAROLINATO BUILDSTATE OFFICEIN GREENVILLE

AHOSKIE, NC-Delegates to NorthCarolina's 22nd annual state associa-tion voted to purchase seven acres inGreenville on which to build promo-tional offices, according to Promo-tional Director Tom Lilly.

Reverend Lilly said the state plansto invest$110,000 in land and$173,000to erect a building. He currently ope-rates out of rented facilities in Smith-field.

The state meeting met June 4-5 atAhoskie FWB Church, Ahoskie with275 present including 97 ministers.Three North Carolina ministerspreached during the meeting-RandyCox (Raleigh), Steve Pryor (Hender-son) and Randy Stone (Swannanoa).

Delegates endorsed a$289,000 statebudget and a 70130 plan for fundingNorth Carolina and national ministries.The plan specifies 70 percent of thechurches' outside gifts to ministriesoutside North Carolina and30 percentinside the state.

Moderator Robert Durham was re-elected. The 1985 association meetsJune 3-4 at Arrington Heights FWBChurch in Lexington.

IDAHO PASTORS TOMEET MONTHLY

TWIN FALLS, ID-Citing distanceand lack of fellowship as cause of slowgrowth, delegates to the Idaho DistrictAssociation voted that pastors meetmonthly to exchange ideas, accordingto Moderator Russell Lowe.

Twelve delegates and 25 visitorsfrom five churches met May 11-12 atAirport Road FWB Church in TwinFalls to conduct the business session.

Their ultimate goal is to form amonthly fellowship with all Idahochurches.

Pastor Harley Bennett, CalvaryFWB Church, Pocatello, preached theFriday evening message and presenteda youth seminar.

The Free Will Baptist PressAssociation has received a me-morial gift from Dr. CharlesHampton of Nashville, Tennes-see, in memory of Mrs. KathleenStorck McCain.

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WEST VIRGINIA GEARS FORFULL.TIME PROMOTIONAL

OFFICER

PARKERSBURG, WV-More than400 delegates and visitors to WestVirginia's39th annual state associationendorsed a proposal to finance thestate work to such a degree that by1985 they can employ a full-time pro-motional officer. Reverend Billy Sammsholds the part-time position now.

Moderator George Smith led thedelegation through the June 7 -8 meet-ing at Cedar Grove FWB Church inParkersburg.

Delegates adopted a state budgetthat will leap from $40,000 in 1984 to$100,000 in 1985.

Kentucky evangelist Tim York andHome Missions staffer Connie Carikerjoined West Virginia minister CharlesDonaldson to preach keynote ad-dresses.

Woman's Auxiliary state presidentG lenna Murphy said that the Auxiliarymeeting included several workshops.

Parlsey Bottom FWB Church inLenore will host the June 7-8. 1985state association.

DUNN TO MODERATE NORTHWEST ASSOCIATION

SALEM, OR-Host pastor Jesse Dunnwas elected moderator of the North-west Association at its annual meetingMay 18-19 which met in First FWBChurch, Salem.

Officials reported that 50 peopleregistered for the meeting. Northwestministers Tim Smith and Paul Woodpreached during the session.

Mrs. Betty Plunkett was namededitor of the NOR'W ESTER, quarterlypublication of the Association.

Delegates also voted to give $4,000from the Northwest Trust Fund toHome Missionary Mike Mutchler.

The 1985 session meets May 17-18at First FWB Church, Yakima, Wash-ington.

PIANTST/ARRANGER PERFORMS rN GEORGTA CHURCH

ALBANY, GA-Choral arranger andpiano virtuoso David T. Clydesdaleand his wife, Celeste, sang and per-formed at First FWB Church, Albany,on Mother's Day.

Pastor Steven R. Hasty said, "Weconsidered it a once-in-a-lifetime ex-perience to have them in our church."

Hasty said the Clydesdales sangduring the morning worship service,then gave a full instrumental and vocalconcert in the evening service. Bothservices were well attended.

David Clydesdale is considered thetop choral arranger of Christian musicin America.

FWBBC CONFERENCE TO SPOTLIGHT CHURCH GROWTH

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NASHVILLE, TN-Free Will BaptistBible College will sponsor a compre-hensive conference on church growthJanuary 2-4, 1985, using the theme,"Forward, 85". The conference willinclude preaching and teaching onchurch outreach and development,according to President Charles A.Thigpen.

Featured speakers include PastorTom Malone, First FWB Church, Flo-rence, Alabama, and Pastor GordonSebastian, Peace FWB Church, Wil-son, North Carolina. Sixteen otherpreachers and teachers will share in 38services and seminars.

The topics to be addressed in theconference are;

-Discipling new converts

-Local church evangelism

-Preaching that h¡ts homes

-Starting an instrumental ensemble

-Teaching the Bible to teens

-Ministering to small children

-Producing church plays

-Leading congregational singing

-The church worker's home life

-And much more

The conference will include twopreaching services each evening, withmessages, seminars and panel discus-sions during the days.

Reverend Sebastian will speak onlocal church evangelism. Rev. Malone'smessage will center around keeping awarm heart in the ministry.

Other speakers are Dr. and Mrs.LaVerne Miley, Dr. Ken Riggs, Dr.Robert Picirilli, Dr. Stanley Outlaw,Dr. Robert Woodard, Dr. VernonWhaley, Garnett Reid, JonathanThigpen and Rodney Whaley.

Mr. AI Kent, director of Child Evan-gelism for Tennessee and Kentucky,

will join FWBBC Librarian LoreneFrancen in sessions on teaching smallchildren. Joseph Jones and LauraThigpen will bring their years of experi-ence producing outstanding Christiandramas to several workshops on localchurch plays.

The college plans to house confer-ence guests on campus and providemeals in the dining hall, since studentswill be away from the college forChristmas break. The fee for the entireconference, including room and meals,is $45 per person, or $80 per marriedcouple.

Make reservations or request aconference brochure by writing orcalling:

FORWARD,85Free Will Baptist Bible College

3606 West End AvenueNashville, Tennessee 37205

(615) 383.1340

LEBANON, MO-By a narrow mar-gin, the Missouri State Association,meeting May 29-June 1 at Nelson Com-munity Center in Lebanon, voted todiscontinue affiliation with the NationalAssociation of Evangelicals as of May1, 1985. Local churches still retain theright to continue affiliation.

Moderator Millard Sasser led dele-gates and visitors through the 71stannual session's two days of businessand worship activities. The state budgetneared the million dollar mark. Dele-gates also voted unanimously in oppo-sition to a Missouri state lottery.

Although attendance was down dueto Memorial weekend, more than 550Missourians attended the meeting tohear four speakers probe the "Back tothe Bible" theme.

Free Will Baptist Bible College

President Charles Thigpen addressed"The Architecture of the Bible"; Okla-homa Executive Secretary LonnieDaVoult spoke on "The Adversary ofthe Bible"; while two Missouri pastors,Joe Braddy of Lebanon and GlenMurray of West Plains delivered "TheApplication of the Bible" and "TheAnticipation of the Bible" respectively.

Connie Cariker was the featuredspeaker during the Tuesday eveningSunday School and Church Growthservice.

The State Woman's Auxiliary metWednesday using the theme, "SpiritualMountaineering." Missionary appoin-tees Stan and Brenda Bunch wereguest speakers.

The 1985 State Association meetsMay28-30 at First FWB Church, Farm-ington.

MISSOURI TO WTTHDRAW FROM NAE PASTOR'S DAUGHTERAWARDED $4,000SCHOLARSHIP

NASHVILLE, TN-Jennifer Wiggs,daughter of Reverend Dennis Wiggs ofWilliamsburg, Virginia, received a$4,000 scholarship to help completeher studies at Free Will Baptist BibleCollege. The award, which will bemade annually, was presented for thefirst time May 10 in Nashville duringthe college's graduation exercises.

The scholarship honors ReverendWilliam Henry Oliver, a Free WillBaptist preacher who taught sevenyears at the Bible College. PresidentCharles Thigpen observed that Rev.Oliver could have selected any collegein the United States whose studentswould be eligible for this award.

"lVe are pleased that he pickedFree Will Baptist Bible College,"Thigpen said. The award is called"TheWilliam Henry Oliver Education Schol-arship."

Miss Wiggs begins her senior yearat the Bible College this fall and ispreparing to be a teacher.

Some of the criteria considered inselecting the scholarship recipient areChristian character, scholastic record,extracurricular activities, personalityand potential. The recipient must bestudying in the field of education.

President Thigpen noted, "Thisscholarship, which will be awardedannually to a rising senior majoring ineducation, willalmost totally fund theperson's final year in college."

KNOW APROSPECTIVE STUDENN

Send his/her name and address to:

Free Will Baptist Bible College

30ffi \test End Avenue

Næhville, Tennessee 37ã15

OURREADERSCOMMENT

EVANGELIST COMMENDSMAYARTICLE

Regarding the article on Free Will Baptistevangelists in the May issue, I would like tocommend Larry Hampton for a splendid job.

I'm sure most of our pastors were surprisedand gratified to discover just how many full timeevangelists we have. The inclusion of the ad.dresses was an excellent idea also.

Blessings on you and your staff.Evangelist Don R. Pegram

Nashville, Tennessee

DISCIPLESHIP ABTICLEPßOVIDES SOLUTION

I have been trying to analyze discipleshipneeds in our denomination for over l0 years.

Jim Puckett's article in the May issue pre-sents the problem and solution clearer thananything I have seen.

Lewis CampbellConway, Arkansas

Praicee'Senior Ministriec' Article

I enjoy reading CONTACT. The June issuewas one of the best. Lee Whaley's article("Ministering To Older Aduhs") was outstand.ing and a real challenge.

Since the percentage of older adults hasincreased greatly, more churches should have aspecial ministry to them.

I worked with this age group of preciouspeople at Faith FWB Church in Goldsboro(NC)for several years. Jhe work is still going strong.

Reverend Rashie Kennedy Sr.Beulaville, North Carolina

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Members of First FWB Church,Bedord, VA, burned the mortgage andlaid a cornerstone in celebration when theypaid off the church indebtedness. WilliamSteele pastors.

Bloss Memorial FWB Church,Arlington, VA, installed a new organand new sanctuary carpet, according toPastor Murray Southwell.

Pastor Claudie Hames said it wasthe best attended revival in the history ofthe church when Oklahoma pastor RueDell Smith conducted services at FirstFWB Church, Bakersfield. Eighteenpeople responded to altar invitations.

Pastor Jonathan Yandell saidTulare FWB Church, Tulare, CA,averaged 91 percent higher in attendancethis spring than last fall. The attendancesurge included a record attendance of 197,seven conversions, nine baptisms, andseven new members.

Church reporter Donna Scrogginssaid the Santa Paula FWB Church,Santa Paula, CA, is experiencing aspirit of revival and renewal under theteaching and preaching ministry of PastorArchie Mayhew. In addition to conver-sions and baptisms, men have answeredthe call to preach. The group makes gooduse of a tape copy machine in their com-munity outreach.

Construction began in June on a

$300,000 auditorium and classroom build-ing at New Life FWB Church, Lan-caster, SC. The 7,000 square-foot build-ing is set for completion by Thanksgivingand will include an auditorium, pastor'sstudy, classrooms, offices, and storagerooms. David Anders pastors.

Dedication services were conducted atSweet Home FWB Church, Socas-tee, SC, this spring, according to PastorPaul Hyman. The building was con-structed at a cost of$29,000 and includesmore than 2,100 square feet of space. Thebrick structure includes an auditorium andthree classrooms.

Three members of Happy HomeFWB Church, Andrews, SC, wereawarded attendance honors by PastorHoyt Powell and Sunday School Super-intendent Gene Altman. Plaques wereawarded to Jimmy Ard for 20 yearsperÍect attendance, and to Mr. and Mrs.Murray Powell Íor 21 years of perfectattendance.

One of the denomination's senior min-isters, 73-year-old Rashie Kennedy,Sr., was elected moderator of NorthCarolina's Palmer Association. BrotherKennedy may well be the oldest moderatorin the denomination on a quarterly meetinglevel.

Seventeen years ago, Evangelist DonPegram preached the first sermon in thenew building at McArthur FWBChurch, McArthur, OH. PastorJerry

Griffith, Sr., said Pegram was calledback to conduct a revival meeting in Maywhich resulted in four conversions, num-erous rededications, and revival for theentire church.

Pastor Wylie Perkins reports 15 con-versions, 18 baptisms, and 13 new mem-bers at Samantha FWB Church,Leeeburg, OH.

Missouri missionary pastor JimWilliams led the Carthage, MO, con-gregation through a building program thisspring. The new church is located just offHighway 7l in a choice location.

Missouri Executive SecretaryClarence Burton delivered the dedica-tion message at Fordland FWB Church,Fordland, MO, this spring celebratingthe completion of a new educational struc-ture. Pastor Nathan Ruble said the newstructure includes three large classroomsand kitchen, and a fellowship hall.

Pastor Dale Burden said if the proper-ty of Gateway FWB Church, VirginiaBeach, VA, was sold for its appraisedvalue, the church could pay off its indebted-ness and refund every dollar that has beengiven to its ministries during the past 19years.

Pastor I. Bennie Turner of Glenn-ville FWB Church, Glennville, GA,led a citywide campaign this spring protest-ing on-premises consumption of alcoholicbeverages in local restaurants. The cam-paign attracted wide-spread attention inGeorgia both in Glennville and Savannah.Articles appeared in several newspapersquoting Pastor Turner as he spoke outagainst the city proposals. Å

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MICHIGANDavid Kirby to First Church, Ypsilanti

from New Hope Church, Fredericktown,MO

OHIOMorgan Bates to Wellington Church,

WellingtonRoger Lavender to Dogwood Ridge

Church, Wheelersburg

OKLAHOMAWaldo Young to Yukon Church, Yu-

kon lrom Hillsdale FWB College

SOUTH CAROLINADale Yarborough to Gilead Church,

ScrantonHoyt Powellto Happy Home Church,

Andrews from Grace Church, Manning

TENNESSEENorman Heath to Valley View

Church, LoudonTerry Booker to Cross Timbers

Church, Nashville from Hamilton Church,Hamilton. AL

DIRECTORY UPDATEALABAMA

Vern Gunnels to Hamilton Church,Hamilton

ILLINOISErnie Lewis to Blue Point Church,

CisneGrady Runyon to First Church, Ben-

ton from Pearce Chapel Church, Smith-ville, MS

James E. Boggs to Webb's PrairieChurch, Ewing

The Free W¡ll Baptist Pulpit

Reverend Lloyd Plunkett, Pastor

Firet Free Will Baptist Church, Kent, Washington

Things That AreExcellent

Text: Philippians l:9-l I

Introduction

The Philippian church was a model church with few problems.They supported Paul in his missionary work with financial gifts(4:14-16) and sent their members to aid him (2:25;4:18). GratefulPaul prays for them (1:4 and 9): " . . . and this I pray:"

I. FOR LOVE ABOUNDING IN KNOWLEDGE AND JUDG.MENT (1:9)A. "Love"-They were already a loving church.B. "May abound"-to be more than enough.C. "ln knowledge and all judgment"

It is not a prayer that their love will grow but that theseingredients of love will increase. Love does not always showitself in the same way, but according to how knowledge andjudgment dictate.

Note Romans 10:1-2: "zeal without knowledge" can befanaticism. Love without knowledge is impotent sentimental-ity. Both love and zeal are desirable; both need knowledgeand judgment to give direction.

Love wants a child to enjoy playing; knowledge says thestreet is dangerous; judgment finds an appropriate place toplav.

II. THAT YE MAY APPROVE THINGS THAT ARE EXCEL.LENT (1:10)A. "Approve"-to test, to try, to experience.B. "Things that are excellent"

A prayer that Christians will move beyond questions ofright and wrong to good and bad; and then beyond that to

what is best of the good. Note I Corinthians i0:23 "Allthings. . . lawful . . . arenot expedient."

Believers are not to do and be just what they think God willnot mind, or just what is OK; but should experience andachieve what is besf. The first phase of Christian growth is todo right rather than wrong; then good rather than bad; thisthird phase is doing the best: the things that are excellent.

III. THAT YE MAY BE SINCERE AND WITHOUT OFFENSE(1:10)A. "Sincere"-pure. II Peter 3:1 only other place the word so

translated is used says "pure minds."B. "And without offense"-not caused to stumble.

If we have a hidden flaw, if there is any pretense orhypocrisy, it is a weakness in us that may cause us to stumble.

Conclusion

A. "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness" (1:11)Some are: this kind of love, this degree of excellence, this

kind of purity and genuineness.Every new-born person is a changed person with love and a

desire to be right in heart; but with normal, steady growth hewill become more and more lilledwith the fruits of righteous-ness as he reaches higher and walks closer.

This is a prayer for excellence rather than mediocrity.B. "Unto the Glory and Praise of God"

As others see these fruits of righteousness in us, webecome trophies of God's grace. Because of what He is doingin us, He will rise in the esteem of those who know us. I

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s Marty and Megan openedthe back door, a delicious

I f¡¿g¡¿¡ce greeted them."Mmm," said Megan. "Mrs. Dou"Mmm," said Megan. "Mrs. Douglas

has been here.""How can you telP" asked Marty."l can tell by the smell," answered

Megan. "She's been here and leftsome of her gorgeous roses. Hey,Mom, we're home. Where are you?"

"l'm in the living room," answeredMrs. Lane. The twins walked into theliving room, and, sure enough, Mrs.Douglas had been there. Mrs. Lanewas arranging a big bouquet of redroses. "Hi, kids, aren't these rosesbeautiful?"

"Yes, maam," said Megan. "l smelledthem the minute I walked in."

"Yep," agreed Marty, "they smellup the whole house."

"Well, that's one way to put it,"laughed Mrs. Lane.

"Mom, guess what?" said Meganexcitedly. "Leeanne Brown invited meto her birthday party.lt's going to be ather dad's pizza parlor "

"Where they serve beer?" said Mrs.Lane in shock.

"Aw, Mom, it's not like a bar ornothing," said Megan. "l can go, can'tI?"

"l'm afraid not, honey," said Mrs.Lane. "l don't want you in a place likethat. Besides serving beer, some rough

You Can TellBy The Smell

people hang out there. There's notelling what all goes on."

"But, Mom," pleaded Megan, "lwon't do anything wrong."

"l know, Megan," said her mother,"but I just don't want you around thatkind of crowd. They might rub off onyou."

"Like Grandpa always says," addedMarty trying to make Megan feel bet-ter, "'You don't have to be a skunk tosmell like one."'

"You mind your own business,"said Megan smartly to her brother,

"Marty's right," said Mrs. Lane."Just like the entire house soaks upthe lovely fragrance of these roses,people soak up the actions and atti-tudes of those they're around."

"But, Mom, it's just apizzaparlor. IfI don't do anything wrong, what'swrong with going therû"

"l'm sorry, Megan," said Mrs. Laneonce more. "But there are some thingsthat, while they may not really bewrong, they're just not good for aChristian to do. And this is one ofthose things."

"Well it's not fair," said Megantrying to hold back her tears. "lt's justnot fair!"She ran to her room, slammedthe door, and let the tears fall.

Megan wanted to go to Leeanne'sparty so badly. "There must be a way,"she said to herself.

"l've got it," Megan said snappingher fingers. Then she jumped up anddug around in her closet until shefound her backpack.Marty came in as

Megan was stuffing the last of herthings into her pack.

"Hey, what do you think you'redoing?" he asked.

"l'm running away," answeredMegan quite calmly.

"Running away?" exclaimed Marty."You can't do that. Where would yougo?"

"l'm not sure yet," said Megan. "Butsomewhere where she'll never findme," she answered, referring to hermother.

If anyone knew Megan, it was Marty.And he could see that she had madeup her mind. There was no use tryingto talk her out of it.

"Hey, where are you going?" askedMegan as Marty turned to walk out thedoor.

"l'm going to get my stuff. You can'tgo by yourself," he said with a sigh.

The twins waited until Mrs. Lanewas busy with Jeff, their little brother.Then they raced out the door anddown the street. They didn't stoprunning untilthey got to the end of theblock.

"Where do we go from here?"panted Marty.

Megan looked to the right and thento the left. "lt'll be dark soon," shesaid, "l guess we need to find a place tospend the night."

"What about CummingsPark?" saidMarty.

"Fine with me," said Megan. "Wecan sleep in one of the picnic shelters."

The twins headed for the park.

"You know," said Megan as theyneared their school building, "l think itwould be a lot closer if we cut throughthe woods behind the schoolyard."

"l think you're right," agreed Marty.So the two children started on theirshortcut.

The woods, which were usually sofriendly and familiar to the twins, cer-tainly seemed different as the sundipped behind the trees.

"l'm having trouble finding the path,"said Marty. Just then Megan stumbledover another root and fell into somebranches.

Back home, Mr. Lane had justcome in from work. He was surprisedwhen no one was there to greet him.And he was even more surprised tosmell a roast burning in the oven andsee potatoes boiling over on the stove."Laura, where are you?" said Mr. Lanegetting concerned.

Just then Mrs. Lane ran throughthe door. "The twins are gone. They'verun away, and I can't find them any-where," she said.

"Oh, is that all," said Mr. Lane inrelief.

"What do you mean,'ls that all?"'said Mrs. Lane angrily.

"Simmer down," said Mr. Lane pat-

ting his wife's shoulder. "They'll beback before supper's over. You'll see."

In the woods it was getting darkerand spookier, and the twins werehaving difficulty following their path."lt's hopeless," said Marty. "We'll neverget through this jungle."

"Aw, shoot," said Megan kicking ahollow log. As she did so a furry blackand white creature peered out of hishiding place and then darted offthrough the woods, but not beforespraying them with his unmistakablefluid.

"Was that a . . . ?" Marty didn't havetime to finish his question. His noseanswered it for him, and the Lanetwins took off like a gunshot. Whenthey finally stopped running, they wereat the edge of the woods-right backwhere they had started behind theschool.

When they caught their breath theyrealized, however, that you just can'trun fast enough from a skunk. Itshorrible odor covered them both.

"This is awful," groaned Marty."What are we going to do?"

"Leeanne's party or not," saidMegan, "l'm going home."

When the twins reached home,they were afraid to go inside. They

opened the back door shyly, quicklyannounced their arrival, and shut thedoor before their odor filled the house.

Mr. and Mrs. Lane met them in thebackyard. "lf I weren't so glad to seeyou, I'd . . . I'd send you right back,"said Mrs. Lane.

"l've never s¡nelled such stinkingkids in my life," said Mr. Lane as hesprayed them off with the water hose.

Later, when Megan was gettingready for bed, her mother broughtsome of Mrs. Douglas' roses to herroom. "l thought these might'smellupyour room'as Marty says," said Mrs.Lane.

"Thanks, Mom," said Megan. "Andabout Leeanne's party. . . . "

"Oh, Megan, don't bring that upagain," said Mrs. Lane.

"Oh, no, Mom, I know now thatyou're right. Like Grandpa says,'Youdon't have to be a skunk to smell likeone."'

Mrs. Lane smiled. "The crowd yourun with is bound to have an effect onyou. You can run with roses or youcan run with skunks. And remember,you can tell people all day long thatyou're a Christian, but they won'tlisten to what you say. They can tell bythe smell!"

^

JOURNEY (Continued from backcover)

periences. Their receptivity to newideas, new and challenging environ-ments and relationships expands andgrows. They have advanced to theconditioning level since their escapefrom the placid comfort level.

That escaping remnant, now truth-conditioned, experiences a radicaltransformation. Their form is changedbut not their substance. Demanding,diverse emotional pressures are ap-plied.

Some change into a gaseous formfrom fiery furnace experiences. Underpressure they are controlled and chan-neled. Power, heat, and light are yet tobe.

Othersfreeze solid in freezer chestsand may brighten the taste and zest ofbeverages. Perchance, they grace thetable of a king or queen or help quenchthe thirst of parched throats. Somestill in watery states dilute granulated,powdered, and solid substances tomake them palatable.

Concern Level

These then, though under stress-heated, frozen, and blended-havemade their contribution. Emotionsstirred, compassion for the needy felt,they have progressed to the concernlevel.

One final level to attain. To fail is toreturn to the comfort level. But higher,nobler goals are sought. Spurred onby passing through the ascending con-ditioning level, vaulting up and overthe emotional concern level hasbrought this one to the point of noreturn. Not only can it refuse to turnback now, but in disdain, it looks uponthe placid comfort zone.

Commitment Leuel

Attainment at its highest, commit-ment level made; the victory's won!Down to the raging sea into the fray.No place to stop, no time to lose! Thevictory, for the moment won; otherbattles wait for volunteers. A loftierheight awaits. A new and greater chal-lenge beckons.

The brilliance of the sun reflectsacross the ocean blue. The raindrops,the rivulet, the stream, the river arenow one. But wait! The sun, throughcondensation, draws up the oceaninto the blue expanse and sends itback again to pitter-patter upon theearth and start its descent from moun-tain top and fruited plain back to thesea.

And so, a newer, higher comfortlevel now is sought. Ignorance standsexposed through experience gained.More conditioning surely is required.Sensitivity developed through con-cern expressed relates one to realneeds. And now a commitment ofgreater magnitude is desired andmade.

The cycle repeats itself in humankind of rarer sort.

^ABOUT THE WRITER:Reverend Harrold D.Horrison is ossÍsfonfdirector of the SundaySchool and ChurchTroining Department.

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Ralph L. Lcwicwith GreggLewic' l¡duc-tive Preaching (Weetchecter, Ill.: Crooc-way Bookc, 1989,22O pp.' hardback,$r3.95).

ew generations have beenblessed with as many goodbooks on preaching as this gen-

erauon.Preachers spend most of their time

preaching deductive sermons. In adeductive sermon, the preacher setsforth his theme, topic, or subject at anearly point in the sermon. He thenspends the remaining portion of thesermon convincing his congregationthrough a variety of different meansthat they should accept his presenta-tion of the theme. He makes use oflogical analysis, exegesis, and illustra-tions.

College and seminary courses inhomiletics devote most of their atten-tion to the content, arrangement, and

logic of the sermon. Allof this is goodand necessary, but it often overlooksone important point-preaching is nota presentation or performance; it iscommunication.

The preacher is not seeking just topreach an excellent sermon; the ser-mon is not an end in itself. The preach-er seeks to communicate the gospelmessage in such a way that it will beaccepted and received.

The congregation is not just anaudience observing a performance.They are active participants in theworship of God.

Traditional deductive preaching,however, focuses so much of its atten-tion on the preacher and his messagethat the congregation is overlooked.The authors of this volume recognizethis weakness in modern preaching,and they argue that preachers need todevelop a more inductive style ofpreaching. An inductive approach to

preaching produces more involvementon the part of the hearers.

In an inductive sermon, the preach-er does not simply set forth his theme.He allows the congregation to go withhim as he develops it. He poses aquestion or a problem and then seeksfor an answer or a solution in the vastresources of the gospel. The preacherencourages his congregation to walkwith him in this search. They are notjust hearers; they are participants.

The author reminds us that Jesusoften used an inductive approach inpreaching and teaching. In His para-bles, Jesus called upon His hearers tothink for themselves. Jesus did not setforth truths by an abstract presenta-tion of facts and arguments. He toldstories and asked people for theirresponse. He dealt with concrete situa-tions and not just abstract truths.

Preachers should be aware thatinductive preaching is more difficultthan deductive preaching. It calls formore thought and preparation, but itcan produce significant results.

Lewis does not argue that all preach-ers should abandon a deductive ap-proach in favor of a completely induc-tive one. He does build a strong casefor the use of inductive elements inpreaching. He offers many helpfulsug-gestions for the preacher who has hadlittle experience in this type of preach-ing. r

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oÍ CONTACT

THE SECRETARY SPEAKS

By Melvin Worthington

hurches, when selecting pas-tors, are concerned with thecandidate's personality, pro-

gram and profile. Can he communi-cate? Does he have convictions? Canhe counseP But the big question shouldbe, can he preach? No greater privilegeor responsibility belongs to the preach-er than preaching.

Whenever preaching is relegated toa secondary or supplemental place,the church suffers.

The Proper ConceptThe day of preaching in the church

is not over. Yet we must reckon withthe fact that many consider preachingineffective and not for this modernworld. The Bible gives priority topreaching.

Dr. Broadus warns, "Today's em-phasis upon the institutional programof the church, pastoral visitation, coun-seling and administration tend to be-come competitious of preaching andto disparage the hearing of the Wordwhich is the secret of power in all."

Effective pastoral work, althoughimportant, cannot replace preachingor compensate for lack of pulpit power.True preaching is itself an act of wor-ship.

Pastors should give their best inpreparation for the presentation ofGod's message. Preaching demandseverything a man is and pushes him tothe limits of his physical, mental andemotional powers. Preaching demandspriority over other ministerial func-tions.

The purpose of preaching must beremembered. One purpose of preach-ing is invitation-inviting sinners totrust Jesus Christ.

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Another purpose is instruction.Those reached must be carefullytaught.

Indoctrination is a major design ofpreaching. No greater purpose can beemphasized than that of establishinghearers. Effective preaching is authori-tative; it suggests the preacher knowsthe answers.

We also preach for the purpose ofgetting our congregations involved inthe service of the Lord.

The PracticalConsiderat¡ons

John Knox suggests that it's possi-ble to preach an unbiblical sermon ona biblical text and possible to preach abiblicalsermon on no text at all. Theuse of psychology, philosophy andprinciples often lead the preacher farastray from biblical preaching. We donot preach our ideas and speculation,but the Word of God.

Much of what passes for preachingtoday is not preaching. We must notpreach principles, practice and phi-losophy obouf the Bible, but preachthe Bible.

Consider the distinctiveness ofpreaching. Preaching is an ordainedmethod done by ordained men ofGod.

Those called of God should developthe capacity for clear thinking withstrong feelings and a vigorous imagina-tion. All who preach must work longand hard to develop their skill.

The skillful collection, choosing andconstruction of materials precedesgood preaching. Preachers must de-velop the ability to accumulate, ana-lyze, and arrange their materials. Muchpreaching is ineffective due to lack ofobjective organization and outline.

fxt-: ¡iÁT()NAt. AsYx:t^Tt()N ofFree Will Baþtists

There are dangers in preaching.One danger all preachers face is lackof planning. Without proper planningthe preacher will repeat his sermons.He will use a different text but preachthe same sermon.

Lack of preparation is another dan-ger. Due to a busy schedule or lazi-ness, the preacher does not spend theproper time in preparation.

Ask your pastor to guard his prepa-ration time, and then help him do it! Ifat all possible, leave the pastoi alonewhen he closes his study door.

Lack of prayer is yet another dan-ger. Busyness often leads to barren-ness, while prayerlessness leads topowerless sermons and services.Prayerlessness is sin, especially for theminister.

Lack of patience plagues thepreacher. We expect God to do rightnow what we want. Patient preachingof the Word will bring eternal fruit. Wemust not get discouraged, but patient-ly preach. God's Word will not returnvoid.

Douglas M. White confirms, "Thatminister who has thoroughly preparedhimself is going to be in a position toprovide the household of faith withthat which is most needed and mostbeneficial at any given time in anyplace. He will have the unreservedapproval of divine authority stampedupon his ministry, and will have noneed for apologies or cause for embar-rassment," a

The Secretary'e Schedule

Auguct 6.12 Evergreen FWB ChurchIola, Texas

Auguet 13-14 Convention Site InspectionHouston, Texas

Auguct 14.16 Arkansas State AssociationCamp BeaverforkConway, Arkansas

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CONTACT

P.O. Bor 1088

Naehvllle, Tenne¡eee 37202

Second class postage paid at Nashville, Tennessee

The lJ ng Journey"All the rivers run into the sea . . . ." Ecclesiastes 7:7a