Nikolaus Satelmajer

Relationships, whether between two individuals or two organizations, can be very complicated. But what about between three parties—for example, the pastor, the congregation, and the conference? Can such a relationship work well in…

Author Denis Fortin has done extensive research and gives the reader an outstanding biography in this book about an influential Adventist leader. George I. Butler (1834–1918) is often associated with the significant 1888 session of the General…

Five hundred years ago, in September 1522, Martin Luther published his translation of the New Testament. It was not the first German Bible translation; nearly 20 others had appeared before his. But his translation was radically different…

The book The Sabbath in the Old Testament and the Intertestamental Period, edited by Daniel Bediako and Ekkehardt Mueller, is written by scholars who address their topics with thoroughness. Ministry readers will recognize…

A husband and wife were looking forward to the birth of their first child. The birth of the baby was a joyful event, but that joy evaporated quickly. A few days later, the father, mother, a few close relatives, and I were standing in a cemetery,…

Laszlo Gallusz is a pastor and senior lecturer in New Testament studies at the Belgrade Theological Seminary, a Seventh-day Adventist institution in Serbia. An experienced pastor and biblical scholar, he has written this book for fellow pastors.…

This year Martin Luther is remembered for posting his ninety-five Theses and, of course, starting one of the most important reformation movements in the history of Christianity. While Luther’s contributions need to be recognized, we must…

Sidney Greidanus, a professor emeritus of preaching at Calvin Theological Seminary, has penned books focused primarily on Old Testament preaching.

Greidanus accepts the long-held view that Daniel was written during the sixth century…

To write about a complex and controversial person such as A. T. Jones involves a skillful researcher and writer such as George R. Knight.

Alonzo T. Jones (1850–1923) may be familiar to most…

According to the scripture re­corded in 1 Corinthians 10: 1-12, the experiences of ancient Israel under the exodus movement were a type of the experience of modern Israel un­der the advent movement. They are parallel movements.

Ancient…

The Logical Sequence in Evangelism

An increasing demand comes from workers of experience, as well as from beginners, for a discussion of the logical sequence of sermon topics in an evangelistic…

Among "the words of the Preacher, the son of David," are these: " Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothe­cary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor."…

Did you ever stop to think that the Book of books was not written hi English? No, God saw fit to have all the Old Testament writ­ten in Hebrew, except a very few chapters, which were written in Biblical Aramaic,…

In John 1:11 we read of the "true Light" that "He came unto His own, and His own re­ceived Him not." Reading the English only, one would naturally suppose that the expres­sions "His own," in the first and second clauses of this text, are…

1. Exalt Christ, Not the Preacher

I wish to emphasize that Christ and the message are—or should be—one, and that they should never be separated. In the Spirit of prophecy we are told that "Christ is Chris­tianity."…

It has been said that "the public is wiser than the wisest critic." In our dealing with the public we need great wisdom to lead men and women to think seriously. The sol­emn message which we have to carry to the world cannot be borne amidst…

In this age of increased scientific knowledge, we often speak of the marvelous inven­tions of the times, many of which are destined to play an increasingly important part in the heralding of God's last message to the world. The airplane has…

Recently I found a new word, serendip­ity, the meaning of which is, "The art of finding valuable things one is not looking for." The minister who develops this art and gathers sermon materials, at times in remote and unexpected places…

Sound theory is essential, and we spend much time instructing our people in the principles of soul winning; nevertheless we usually desire the practical application. We must know the how of it. One of the questions frequently asked…

In these modern times, with all the attractions of the world, securing and holding an au­dience is no small part of a successful evan­gelistic effort. We must get the eyes and ears of the people before we can hope to win their hearts to Christ…

Persuasion is the work of changing men's minds, making them think as you do. A salesman has been defined as one who gets you to buy something you don't want and many times do not even need. In order to persuade, the speaker…

We are told that under the early rain, when "the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly," a "great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7. These were doubtless from among the many…

It is not unusual for an evangelist to be located in a city where there is already a well-organized church. Here he is to conduct a strong campaign in order to increase the membership. Sometimes the evangelist, in his great desire to succeed,…

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. In the mormng sow thy seed,  and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether…

Prayer is an important part of every public service. A modern congregation of any size would not think of engaging in any form ot wor­ship without an opening public prayer to invoke the Lord's blessings upon what is to be done and said. But…

There is a general principle which we must keep in mind in the matter of the form in which we address Deity, and that is, we must show proper reverence. In the Romance lan­guages, in German, and in English there are two different forms used…

Several representatives from the Minis­terial Association were present on the first Thursday of the workshop on organization and administration of Seventh-day Adventist schools of nursing, held in Takoma Park, May 19-28. This was…

All our workers want to know how to con­duct a successful city-wide effort on a small budget. Conference presidents and treasurers are especially interested. We should remember it is not necessary to deplete the conference treasury to hold…

First of all, let us get the bad news out of the way. The author wants you to know that today religious organizations receive about 33 percent of all charitable giving (ix). That is a significant amount since, in the United States, charitable…

When I attended college a few decades ago, the ambition of the majority of my fellow students was to offer them­selves for service in needy mission fields. Any­one not sharing in this general conviction of duty was considered just a little…

In one of the Washington, D.C. newspapers (the "Times-Herald" of August 8, 1949) there appeared a noteworthy description of Takoma Park in the series "Washington—How She's Grown." This article was on the first page under…

The vesper service at the close of the Sab­bath has been an important feature of the religious program of some of our larger churches for more than twenty years, and has therefore long since passed the experimental stage. This service occupies…

Just before Jesus ascended He promised His disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit as "another Comforter" who would abide with them forever. "For He dwelleth with you," He said, "and shall be in you." It is evident that the Calvary victory…

Sealing is a prerequisite to entrance into the kingdom of heaven, and this is accom­plished through the agency of the Holy Spirit. "Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemp­tion." Eph. 4:30. In verses…

When Jesus ascended to heaven He took with Him "a multitude of captives and gave gifts unto men." (Eph. 4:8, margin.) These were the prisoners of the grave who were resurrected at the time of Christ's death. (Matt. 27:51-53.) They were the…

Winning a man for Christ is one of the modern-day miracles, con­sidering the many habits such as drinking, smoking, gambling, et cetera, that are so prevalent in our day. It takes real effort combined with much prayer, per­sonal work, and…

Let the wife and mother take time to read, to keep herself well informed, to be a companion to her husband, and to keep in touch with the developing minds of her children."—Ministry of Healing, p. 294.

Note the challenge,…

Why do we have a prayer meeting? "We meet toegther to edify one another by an interchange of thoughts and feel­ings, to gather strength, and light, and courage by becoming acquainted with one another's hopes and aspirations; .and by our earnest,…

One of the outstanding blessings of my en tire life has been the God-fearing mother the Lord gave me. Before I was old enough to appreciate it fully, my mother, busy as she was with six children, read to us the whole Bible several times.

At…

Integrity carries the meaning of quality, of being in complete unity, undivided in loyalty, and unquestioned in character. It rep­resents a moral soundness, basic honesty, abso­lute innocence, unqualified incorruptibility, unmistakable sincerity,…

A School of Prayer for Seventh-day Adventists? Do we need a renewed and deeper comprehen­sion of communion with God? Have we analyzed our motives in prayer? Why should we pray? Why do we pray? What is prayer?

The Bible tells us that…

All things earthly speak of decay and dissolution. Ever since the heavyhearted sorrow of God made the awful pronouncement upon Adam and Eve on the occasion of their banishment from the sweet waters of Eden: "Dying thou shall die" (margin),…

A wise missionary statesman once said, "It is equally as important to save what we have as what we haven't."

In our denomination we have added many thousands of mem­bers during the past four years, but we have also…

A Message to the Adventist Ministry

W. H. BRANSON, General Conference President

If it were only possible, I would like to have a personal visit with each one of you in the Adventist ministry. I would like to talk to you…

Webster defines per­fection as being "blame­less" and "flawless" with characters "fully formed," "completely de­veloped," "satisfying the highest expectation," and having reached "full maturity." It is stated that perfectionism from a theological…

Having a field school in the local con­ference is both a privilege and an out­standing experience. Such a well-organized force makes not only a lasting impact on the city and on the church but brings cour­age throughout the conference as…

Because of its great im­portance we must not forget the action of the Autumn Council of the General Conference un­der the heading, "Prayer and Revival":

"WHEREAS, The mes­senger of the Lord de­clares that, 'Before the final visitation…

It is the work of persuasion to change men's minds, make them think as you do. A salesman has been defined as one who gets you to buy something you don't want, and many times do not even need. In order to persuade, the speaker is oft-times…

THIRTY-ONE young men who are being prepared for the ministry had the privilege of attending the Field School of Evangelism that was con­ducted in Rockford, Illinois, June 5 to July 9, 1960.  Twen­ty-one of these students were attending the…

THE pastor's treasure chest is his prospect file.  God calls men to put forth every effort to become more efficient and to achieve greater results in their soul-winning activities. The pros­pect file will help a great deal toward this end.…

A subject of ever increasing importance with the passing of time, wherever two or more persons are associated in service, whether in families, churches, schools, conferences, institutions, or var­ious kinds of business, is personality…

[EDITORIAL NOTE. Frequently honest inquirers ask the Bible instructor how it was that we received our Bible. It is then that the teacher should have in mind some of the outstanding events in the development of God's Book. We are submitting…

Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10. This more abundant life is the life that is rich in the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, et cetera.(Gal.…

Walking into the office of one of our prominent surgeons, I found him reading with interest from a large volume. He told me that he had an operation to perform in a few minutes, and while he was waiting he was just reviewing what he would…

1. OUR DUTY IN THE COMMUNITY.

1. In a previous study we were reminded that our first duty is in our own homes, especially so if there are children de pendent on a mother's care. It is well stated, "As goes the home, so goes the nation."…

I. DRESS PROBLEM OF THE CENTURIES.

1. The dress problem is as old as the history of sin. If time and space permitted, it would be interesting and profitable to trace the efforts of past generations in Bodily adornment.

2.…

IT HAS been estimated that it takes on the average about seven years of time for findings from scientists' lab oratories to reach the general public. How much time it takes before nutritional findings are even partially implemented into an…

I. IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING TO LIVE.

1. Learning to live with people means that we must first learn to live with ourselves. Learning to live with ourselves is not the particular theme of our study to night. Since we have previously…

The need for careful discrimination in comparison of Old Testament and New Testament expressions is revealed in the use of the word "Zion." This word occurs many times in the Old Testament. It is the name of the south west hill of Jerusalem,…

[EDITORIAL NOTE. We are pleased to share with the readers of THE MINISTRY some helpful material presented to a group of ministers' wives at South Lancaster, Massachusetts. At Atlantic Union College, Mrs. T. G. Bunch has guided the work of…

IN AN unusual intervention, the Council of Foods and Nutrition of the American Medical Association has published a critique* of a best seller: Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution. In the first six months almost a million copies of the book were sold.

No…

QUITE accurate measurements of the sun's size were made in ancient times. They show us that the sun has not changed its size appreciably over two thousand years. Other evidence indicates that the sun has not appreciably changed its light…

The message we are carrying to the world is symbolized by angels flying in the midst of heaven. I believe that, in a very literal sense, we can give wings to this message.

In the summer of 1939 in a tent meeting at Clanton, Alabama,…

The evangelistic challenge presented to the ministry of every age has been tremendous, but it is certainly evident that the greatest challenge of all has been committed to the Adventist ministry. The third angel's message must reach the…

God's plan of redemption is a threefold restoration made necessary by a threefold fall when sin entered the world. This is well ex pressed in the following:

"To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection…

In the first article we considered our individual relationship to instruction on healthful living. Now we come to the second phase. How can the medical program of Seventh-day Adventists aid the church as a whole? This is an important question…

As ministers we are to present every man perfect in Christ. (Col. 1:28.) We have not yet reached our objective, for do we not see in practically every church the need for a revival of true godliness? This must come before the work will…

The commission of the Chief Shepherd to every undershepherd, or pastor, is, "Feed my sheep." If the flock of God is to flourish and produce the needed wool, it must be led into "green pastures" and beside the "still waters" and "in the…

In our sanitariums and hospitals we have a natural field in which to train our theological students in practical personal work and pastoral counseling. The world is recognizing the hospital as a natural field, and is rapidly making use…

I. HEAVENLY COMFORT PROVIDED

1. "Comfort ye, my people." Isa. 40:1.

2. "The Lord raiseth them that are bowed down." Ps. 146:8.

3. "Fear thou not for I am with thee." Isa. 41:10.

II. HAVE FAITH IN GOD—How?

1.…

It is doubtful whether many souls can be won without employing the method of Jesus— that of personal work for individuals. An investigation of the cases of those won in various ways—by the reading of gospel publications, by taking a course…

Truly the right arm is at work in many parts of the world. When we follow God's plan victories are certain. -God expects greater and greater victories as we near the end. He expects greater and greater use of this important evangelizing phase…

When radio was in its infancy some far- v sighted workers in Newfoundland saw its tremendous possibilities for giving the gospel. A small transmitter was set up under the direction of Harold N. Williams. Its influence helped a great deal…

SABBATH SCHOOL busing ministry, I believe, is one effective way to put the "go" in the great commission Jesus gave, "Co . . . into all the world." Busing ministry is not simply a convenience to bring our own member ship to church, but an…

SINCE MANY Americans equate the word protein with meat and in its absence or insufficiency they feel health and vigor cannot be maintained, Seventh-day Adventist homemakers can share with their neighbors the advantages of a meatless diet.…

A STRIKING statement made by a well-known, qualified man in the area of medical education brings to focus the importance of maintaining the health and integrity of the teeth, gums, and adjacent tissue. Charles Mayo, one of the founders of…

WHEN YOU look at an American under 25 years of age you see an individual almost unique in the history of mankind. He has spent his entire life in a society that has had a great excess of food. Few generations on earth have ever been in a…

COSMOLOGY is the study of the structure of the universe. Particularly it is an attempt to understand how this structure is related to the past history of the universe and possibly to its future. Originally a branch of philosophy, cosmology…

Each department of the General Conference was allotted a display booth at the recent session in San Francisco. There were about twenty of these headquarters booths, stretching along a long corridor on the second floor of the auditorium,…

The second Field School of Evangelism, conducted by the theology department of Southern Missionary College, is now a matter of history. It was conducted in the beautiful city of Montgomery, Alabama. Since the field school is a new experiment…

It has been my conviction for a long time that we pastors should consider our churches " the most important enterprise possible for mitt to undertake and manage in this world! With this persuasion I have felt that we should use the best and…

FOR MANY people protein has taken on special, almost magic qualities. They have been told it can be counted on as a body builder and also a body slimmer! Because of some popular reducing diets, the notion seems to be widespread that protein…

Making small efforts successful means making a big thing out of a little thing! This is done by the use of the simple laws of addition and subtraction subtract the expense of a large hall, a staff of helpers, and all those things that…

The question, "Why do people become Seventh-day Adventists?" was asked in one of those usual office round-table discussions. And from this, with the aid and suggestions of many men who have had experience in evangelism, a questionnaire…

SENSING a need for a more personal contact with people, and alarmed by the news released by the U.S. Health Department that 25 million Americans suffer from hypertension and are not even aware of it, the Florida Conference has developed several…

"The [Adventist] church recognizes that the creationist position faces some very difficult problems. . . . There is the problem of the age rings on clamshells. . . . on some fossil clams [these] seem to indicate that these clams were living…

ALAN WALKER, a city minister, writes: No apologies, please, for the Christian gospel. Tell it. Tell it on the mountains, tell it on the plains, tell it in the cities. Tell it, wherever people are found. Tell to the whole wide world that Jesus…

Dear Shepherdess: This month I want to pass along a sweet message, titled "Chosen, "from the pen of Phyllis Escobar. It appeared first in the Hawaiian Mission Shepherdess News. With her husband, Phyllis has been a worker for…

Transitions are a part of life— including a pastor’s life.

All pastors experience transitions personally. We move from training to our assignment, and then we move from one assignment to another. We witness our members transitioning…

Editor’s note: Every five years the Seventh-day Adventist Church holds a worldwide convention called the General Conference session. This event lasts for ten days, at which time various church programs and policies…

Our editorials usually address a theological issue or topic that deals with various aspects of ministry such as preaching, teaching, leadership, and training, for example. In this editorial, we will not address these topics as this special…

Authority and the clergy—this has not always been a good combination; but can the clergy function without authority?

History has too many examples of abuses of authority by the clergy. At times, the clergy have used even secular…

By the time you receive this issue, the 59th General Conference Session will be taking place in less than a few months. Even though these sessions were once held every year, they are now held once every five years. The session has always…

Willie Hucks (WH): Why does the church need auditors?

Paul H. Douglas (PHD): I will respond to your question with one word: confidence. For the members, who are the ultimate stakeholders…

Editor’s note: We invite you to read this interview because you will find helpful information for your members. We also invite you to protect your family by making certain that your will and other related documents are up to date. If…

Following the worship service where I was the guest speaker, the pastor and his wife invited me to their apartment for lunch. I wanted to accept the gracious invitation, but wondered if they could afford to feed another—for they lived in…

The young couple attends the same church where my wife and I worship. I had seen them many times, but this time was different. The young mother held a special gift in her arms—their young baby girl. However, on this day, what caught my attention…

Most of the illnesses you will encounter in your hospital visits do not have strictly physical causes. One study of 500 cases at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans found that 77 percent of the illnesses were psychosomatic. ¹ Solomon…

In the January 2010 issue of Ministry, we informed readers that James A. Cress, ministerial secretary of the world headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, died. In this issue, we share a more extensive tribute to our colleague…

As if the pastor doesn't have enough to do! Preaching, Bible studies, visiting, planning, counseling, and committees are just a few of the many things pastors do. And now, under the new North America Division Retirement…

He is 14. Six years ago his parents' marriage broke up. The father left town and did not keep in touch. The mother remarried, and the relationship between the boy and his stepfather has not been the best.

"You are good for nothing"…

I was struggling with a personal challenge. I was perplexed. There were very few options. What was I to do? The more I asked that question, the more discouraged I became. All my solutions seemed to take me to the end of a dead-end street.

That…

Years ago I belonged to a special "club" composed of Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, African Methodist, Episcopalian, Methodist, and Congregational pastors, along with Roman Catholic priests and Jewish rabbis.

This was the clergy…

Each October the Seventh-day Adventist Church conducts its Annual Council. This meeting is the full gathering of the General Conference Executive Committee, composed of approximately 300 individuals from around the world. While the majority…

Obviously, the musical group standing in front of the congregation had rehearsed, and sang enthusiastically while trying to encourage the congregation to participate. Unfortunately, with the exception of a small number of individuals, the…

Some days we feel as though challenges face us every moment. That whatever we touch, do, plan, or say presents another challenge. Sometimes it’s true both for personal and ministerial responsibilities. What do you do on such a day?

…

Every worship service should be an uplifting experience, but I am inviting you to plan for a particular Sabbath worship that both you and your members will remember for a long time. This worship service will bring extraordinary blessings…

In my role as associate editor of Ministry, I spend a fair amount of time traveling. But I did very little traveling my first year in this position; indeed, it was a wise approach to allow me some time to become accustomed to my…