October

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October 2021 Issue

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Editorial

Of barks and bites

Pavel Goia

When we moved to Maryland several years ago, we planted a little garden and started to pray for opportunities to minister to our neighbors. With most of them, we were on very good terms. However, one family got very angry about our dogs barking one particular night. They yelled, swore at us, and even called the authorities. We were tempted to retaliate, but then words from Jesus stopped us: “ ‘But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good… Continue reading...

Practical aspects of the proclamation of the three angels’ messages cover image

Practical aspects of the proclamation of the three angels’ messages

Ted Wilson

The three angels’ messages (Rev. 14:6–12) have been at the heart of the Seventh-day Adventist Church since the movement began. The first angel’s message brings the “everlasting gospel” to the entire world—a call to worship God as Creator and an announcement of the…

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Humility: prerequisite for ministry cover image

Humility: prerequisite for ministry

Paul Byabu Masereka

If I asked what the qualifications for ministry are, I would probably get answers such as competence, commitment, and a strong academic background. However, when I read the Bible carefully, I find that most prophets whom God summoned to His service did not ascribe…

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The passive-aggressive pulpit cover image

The passive-aggressive pulpit

Seth J. Pierce

Sarah1 had recently escaped an abusive situation with another church member, only to be confronted, from the pulpit, with abuse from the minister, who sided with the abuser without having ever heard her side of the story.“Sitting there in that pew,” she said, “as the…

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Imprecatory Psalms: cover image

Imprecatory Psalms: Confrontation and comfort

Tina Frist Smith

My personal battles with anger, grief, and doubt, along with both valuable and even not-so-helpful advice from friends and counselors during desperate times, motivated me to find a way to hear God speak even while navigating the shadows. Particularly in my own situations…

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Three missional tendencies Adventism needs to avoid cover image

Three missional tendencies Adventism needs to avoid

Paul Dybdahl

In many respects, the story of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is one of success. Officially organized in 1863 as a peculiar, misunderstood group with around 3,500 members, the church is now a global organization with nearly 22 million members1 and an annual tithe…

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More from this issue:

Dateline

Religious news from around the world.

Dr. Neil Nedley, Weimar University president, introduces the institution’s new name and logo during the graduation vespers. Photo: Rodolfo Ramirez. Adventist principles propel growth in northern California Weimar, California, United States During the May 14–16, 2021 graduation weekend, leaders from Weimar Institute, a self-supporting educational and health institution in Weimar, California, unveiled the institution’s official name change to Weimar University.… Continue reading...

Resources

​Leading Without Authority: How the New Power of Co-Elevation Can Break Down Silos, Transform Teams, and Reinvent Collaboration

Rob Alfalah

Full-time pastoral ministry is a second career for me, and I still enjoy reading nonfiction books from the secular world on a variety of topics, especially leadership and teamwork. An important contribution to the leadership community as a whole and church leadership specifically is made by Keith Ferrazzi. From the outset, the title intrigued me. What does the author mean by leading without authority? I automatically assumed it meant not leading in a hierarchical,… Continue reading...

Practical Pointers

​Coloring outside the lines: Stemming the flow of clergy exodus

Larry Yeagley

At eight years old, I was fortunate to meet evangelist H. M. S. Richards. He came to camp meeting. I followed him around the campus and sat on the front row when he spoke. I heard the call. I was going to become a pastor and work for Jesus! Career day was a time to shine for many professionals. In Adventist academies and colleges, they hoped to help students decide on a life work. Presentations were lively and fresh and students eagerly collected glossy brochures.… Continue reading...