Harvest 90 litany
by Merle J. Whitney
AUDIO IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE FOR THIS ARTICLE
His frustration growing as the hours flew, Ron Wisbey, president of the Columbia Union Conference, searched San Diego's bookstores without success. He needed a reading for the love feast that would conclude the Professional Growth Seminar for departmental directors and administrators from throughout the North American Division. That's why my phone rang just after supper.
Elder Wisbey wondered if I had any reading appropriate for Adventist leaders who had gathered to study the best means of serving our Lord in the context of the new Department of Church Ministries and of Harvest 90. We were agreed that a real worship experience isn't a spectator sport. Every one present must participate, offering himself to God and His service. Elder Wisbey wanted some act of worship that would involve all those assembled in visual, vocal, and auditory action. He also suggested that it would be especially significant if the four basic Harvest 90 objectives could somehow be included, along with some thoughts from page 9 of The Acts of the Apostles, thoughts that struck the keynote for the seminar. I wasn't at all certain that I had materials readily adaptable to a denominational leadership seminar, but it did sound like an exciting challenge.
I enjoy preparing worship services only slightly less than leading people in worship, but my search through my files the next morning yielded little help. One service of dedication, though, sparked an idea. Why not create a litany by juxtaposing the bold objectives of Harvest 90 and the beautiful challenges from The Acts of the Apostles with statements of dedication, consecration, and commitment? Soon ideas for the flow of words and thoughts jelled. Adding transitions and refining the wording completed the process. "Dedication Litany for Harvest 90" was ready.
You too will discover various occa sions when this litany will meet the needs of a group you are leading in worship.
1. Families can use the litany to emphasize the importance of each individual and family in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Perhaps making it part of a special worship in your home on Friday evening or Sabbath afternoon would make it particularly meaningful for your family.
2. The litany will challenge churches to prepare to reach out with vigor to their communities in a caring way, both as the ongoing task of the church and at times of special evangelistic endeavor. You might use the litany at the conclusion of a sermon, at the beginning of a planning session, or as part of your preparation for an evangelistic crusade.
3. From time to time pastors and other church leaders assemble for inspiration and education. Using this litany in several settings at these times will provide a unifying act of corporate worship.
I believe that you will sense the thrill of God's blessing as you use this litany, just as I did while preparing it, and as did the Adventist leaders who were the first to use it.