The Church:

Authority and Unity

by Raoul Dederen, Dr.es-Sc. Mor.
Professor emeritus and former dean
Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary
Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan

Supplement to the May 1995

Ministry
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Part 1

Church authority:
its source, nature, and
expression

s long as the Seventh-day will it make sure that in its teaching ety in which they live or in which they

A Adventist Church exists in

the world, it has work to do
and tasks to fulfill. It must live to give
and proclamation it has proved itself
to be independent of the spirit and
philosophy of the age, and that it is
wish to live. "Authority" is not an easy
term to define, and there seems to be
no limit to what it may mean. Yet there
glory to God (see Eph. 1:3, 4, 11-14), really allowing the gospel message are components of the concept that
share the gospel of Jesus Christ with and it alone to speak reliably and au- one can ill afford to change.
all humanity (see Matt. 28:19, 20), thentically? Where shall such author- Seventh-day Adventists share with
serve those who are in need of comfort ity be found, and how will it express all other Christians the conviction that
and help, and to build up and provide itself? We are faced here with one of God is the source and ground of au-
for the spiritual well-being of those the most difficult and most challeng- thority for the Christian church. He
who are drawn into its fellowship by ing issues the church never ceases to alone is self-existent and supreme (see
the Holy Spirit (see Eph. 4:16; Jude face. Ex. 3:14; Isa. 44:6; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16);
20; 1 Cor. 14:26). It is not merely a It is the purpose of this paper, first He is Creator,' Redeemer' and
gathering of people who come together of all, to recall briefly the biblical Sustainer.' As Lord and King of all
to celebrate Jesus Christ and His teach- view regarding authority as it relates creation and history, He has the right
ings, but a people called together by to God, Jesus Christ, and the apostles; to exercise authority over humanity.
God as part of His plan of redemption second, to indicate how and why, on To Him the whole universe is ac-
for humankind. The church does not that basis, authority is expressed in the countable. Yet our knowledge of God
exist for its own sake, but rather to local and in the universal church; third, must be a knowledge from God, for
accomplish the commission that was to point out what I regard as major only as He reveals Himself does God
given to it by its Lord. characteristics of the earliest Chris- make Himself known to us.
In the course of carrying out this tian council that met in Jerusalem (see In revelation, we hold, God dis-
commission, the church is constantly Acts 15) and its relation to church closes Himself and shares His word
confronted by the issue of authority. authority as well as to the charismatic with us. This divine speaking came to
Thus, while the gospel message re- nature of the church; and finally, to a remarkable expression in the proph-
mains unchanged, the expression of suggest how believers should respond ets, who proclaimed God's word to
its claims can hardly remain unaf- to authority conceived by the New His people (Heb. 1:1). Yet the su-
fected by the historical and cultural Testament writers as diakonia. preme agency of God's self-revela-
nature of the various contexts, geo- It is hardly possible within the brief tion is Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word
graphical and others, in which it is space of this presentation to do more
proclaimed and lived out. How is the than suggest some of the more impor-
church to know to what degree it is tant issues that need consideration and Reprints
fulfilling the divine intention? How a general way in which they might be
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The first part, "Church Authorky: Its Authority as a person
Source, Nature, and Expression," is a paper Ministry
The concept of authority, in gen-
presented to the Commission on World 12501 Old Columbia Pike
Church Organization at Cohutta Springs, eral, is largely influenced by the no-
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Georgia, in 1994. tion men and women have of the soci-

2 MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995
of God (John 1:1-3, 14; 1 Tim. 3:16) at Paul.' As the commissioned witnesses There is little doubt that from that
once the locus and content of God's to the word of Jesus, crucified and perspective the apostles occupied a
revelation (John 1:18; 3:31; 8:23). His risen, theirs was a unique position of crucial and unique position in the trans-
incarnation is the culminating act by authority. Their authority was not their mission of God's word and the edifi-
which God disclosed Himself (John own, an authority under their control, cation of the church. They embodied
14:9; 2 Cor. 14:6). In Him divine rev- but mediated authority, Christ's au- the authority of Christ and from that
elation and authority find focus and thority mediated through them. Their perspective had no successors. Hav-
finality. As both Saviour (Luke 19:10; proclamation and interpretation of ing personally encountered the risen
John 3:17; Acts 13:23)4 and Lord Christ was not an intrusion upon God's Lord and having individually been
(Rom. 14:8; 1 Cor. 7:22),5 Christ Jesus revelation in Christ but very much commissioned by Him, they became
is the final authority as the ultimate part of it. They were not correctors, His representatives and assumed an
Revelation of God. He is the divine but conveyors of it. authoritative position within the early
Sovereign of all (Matt. 28:18; Acts As preachers and teachers they Christian communities (Eph. 3:5;
10:36; Rom. 9:5),6 the King of His were endowed with a special anoint- 2 Peter 3:2; cf. Jude 17). They were
people (1 Tim. 6:15; 1 Peter 3:22; ing of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:18-20; the founders and builders of the church
Rev. 11:15), the Word of God (John John 20:21-23). Among other gifts (Eph. 2:20), and spoke with the au-
1:1-3, 14). Declared "Son of God with they were granted an inspiration of thority which "the Lord gave" them
power" (Rom. 1:4)* by His resurrec- remembrance (to recall Jesus' life and (2 Cor. 10:8), for Christ was speaking
tion, He is the Lord (Phil. 2:9-11). To teachings) and an inspiration of guid- through them (2 Cor. 13:3). And
Him "all authority . . . in heaven and ance (into new truth) (John 14:15-17, though their preaching came in words
on earth" is given (Matt. 28:18). All 26; 16:13, 14). of human beings, it was "the word of
creation is subject to Him (Phil. God" (1 Thess. 2:13, KJV) and
2:10), and He will sit on God's they expected the early believ-
judgment seat (2 Cor. 5:10) to
judge the living and the dead
Seventh-day Adventists ers to accept it as such-----a com-
mand of the Lord (1 Cor. 14:37;
(see Acts 10:42).' share with all other 2 Thess. 3:14).
In other words, in the Chris- When under inspiration of
tian faith the Word of God, Christians the conviction the Spirit of God, the apostles
which holds authority over us,
is known first and foremost as a
that God is the source put their oral message in writ-
ten form, the latter carried the
person, i.e., Jesus Christ. While and ground of authority same authority as that attached
on earth He revealed the Father to their spoken word (1 Cor.
to us, announced the kingdom for the Christian church. 14:37; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:14), an
of God, and proclaimed the authority which, in Paul's case
gospel of reconciliation. He also at least, Peter puts on a footing
chose a handful of apostles so that His Their whole intention, writes John, of equality with the Old Testament
word and testimony might be faith- was directed to proclaiming "that Scriptures (2 Peter 3:15, 16). Refer-
fully proclaimed and interpreted in which was from the beginning, which ring to his own writings, Peter ex-
later generations (Mark 3:13, 14). They we have heard, which we have seen plains that they were put in writing "to
were not merely witnesses to the cru- with our eyes, which we have looked remind you," so that after his death,
cified and risen Lord, for this would upon, and our hands have handled, they would "be able" "at any time . . .
aptly describe, as 1 Cor. 15:6 indi- concerning the Word of life" (1 John to recall these things" (2 Peter 1:12-
cates, "more than five hundred breth- 1:1). To them, explains Paul, "the 15). The apostolic message had found
ren." Not only had the apostles seen mystery of Christ" had been "made embodiment in the Scriptures. The
the Lord (1 Cor. 9:1; Acts 22:6-8); known" "by revelation" (Eph. 3:3-5). Word that holds authority over us and
they had also been commissioned by "Whether by word of mouth or by is known to us primarily as a person,
Him (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:1-4; Rom. letter" (2 Thess. 2:15; cf. 2 Peter 1:12- i.e., Jesus Christ, came to be known
1:1; Acts 13:2-4; 22:21). They were 15), in obedience to Christ they an- secondarily in the form of the spoken
the instruments of God's grace (1 Cor. nounced the "word of God" (1 Thess. and written language of the apostles.
15:10; Rom. 1:5), and their primary 2:13, NKJV), the "word of life" (Phil. Is this, as some have suggested,
task was the preaching of the gospel of 2:16), "the living and abiding word of throwing a book between the believer
salvation (see 1 Cor. 1:17). God" (1 Peter 1:23), a word that lives and God? Not at all. God is, and re-
and abides forever, as announced by mains, the source and ground of au-
The apostles and the spoken word the Old Testament writings, which thority for the Christian. The Scrip-
In the narrowest sense of that flex- they regarded as "Scriptures" and "the tures are not a veil. On the contrary,
ible term,' the apostles were the twelve oracles of God" (Rom. 15:4; 3:1, 2; they are a rent in the veil between man
appointed by Jesus Himself (Matt. 16:26; 1 Cor. 10:11; 15:3, 4), given by and God, for as God's revelation their
10:1-4), Matthias replacing Judas, and inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16). function is to lead to Christ (Gal. 3:24).

MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995 3
The Bible is not merely a testimony to that they were chosen by the congre- the sick (James 5:14), giving instruc-
revelation, but it is revelation itself. gation (verse 3) and appointed by the tions in sound doctrine, and confuting
Christ, Revelation of God, is the su- apostles by the laying on of hands those who contradicted it ( 1 Tim. 3:1,
preme object of the witness of the (verse 6) to superintend the distribu- 2; Titus 1:5, 9). They labored among
Spirit and the supreme content of Scrip- tion of food, thus freeing the apostles fellow believers and had charge "over
ture, which witnesses supremely to for their tasks of preaching and teach- [them] in the Lord" (1 Thess. 5:12),
Him, the incarnate Word of God. ing (verse 4). That this office was admonishing them clearly in positions
Therein lies the authority of the Bible. widely recognized in the early church of authority. Those who ruled well
In accepting the authority of the Scrip- is clearly suggested by the list of quali- were to "be considered worthy of
tures, we are bowing not before the fications as laid down by Paul ( 1 Tim. double honor," and more particularly
authority of a book, but before Christ's 3:8-13), as well as by the Philippians so if they labored in "preaching and
authority, for the only authoritative 1:1 statement. teaching" ( 1 Tim. 5:17).13 Their per-
Christ we know is the Christ of the Soon after, a group of elders ap- manent role is evidenced by the list of
apostles. While they are "the standard pears in a leadership position in the qualifications necessary for such lead-
of all doctrines and the basis of all Jerusalem church (Acts 11:30), prob- ers as found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 2.
reforms," I° the Scriptures are only a ably chosen on the basis of the same
means to an end, that of bringing each process that led to the appointment of The local church's authority
believer under the supreme Lord- Guided by the apostles, the
ship of Christ. In unity with the church was gradually developing
Father and the Holy Spirit, our into a flexible but reasonably
Lord Jesus is our ultimate au- structured organization. As it grew
thority. God alone possesses au- The Word that holds in size and spread throughout the
thority for time and eternity, and
as Seventh-day Adventists we
authority over us and is Roman empire, its organization
became more involved and more
accept unreservedly the author- known to us primarily clearly defined. Administrative
ity of His revealed Word, both and organizational functions were
incarnate and written.
as a person, i.e., Jesus predominantly in the hands of the
Thus, under the leadership of Christ, came to be apostles, though in addition to
them, elders and deacons served
the apostles, the earliest church
consisted of a fellowship of known secondarily in in various capacities as preach-
mainly Jewish believers who rec- ers, teachers, and administrators.
ognized in Jesus of Nazareth,
the form of the spoken Thus, while the early church con-
risen and glorified, the true Mes- and written language of tinued to recognize the final au-
siah of Israel, and who continued thority of the apostles, much of
in Jewish religious practices and the apostles. the government of local churches
worship (cf. Acts 2:46, 47; 3:1; rested in the hands of local con-
5:12). They gathered together in gregations. We learn, for instance,
homes (Acts 2:46; 4:23) for com- that these local congregations ex-
mon meals and the celebration of the the seven to help the apostles in their ercised authority with respect to the
Lord's Supper (verses 46, 42), for leadership role." A few chapters fur- selection of their local leaders, as men-
praise and fellowship (verse 42), "de- ther we note that indeed the elders tioned earlier (Acts 6:1-6; cf. 14:23);
voting themselves to the apostles' shared this role with the apostles at the they appointed messengers to be sent
teaching" (ibid.). The apostles were time of the Jerusalem Council (Acts to other churches (Acts 11:22) or to
their leaders (verses 14, 42; cf. 4:23, 15:2, 22). In a similar fashion, elders accompany apostles (2 Cor. 8:19),
32, 33), Christ's heralds and the au- were chosen and appointed in the sometimes accrediting them by letter
thentic interpreters of the Old Testa- churches that Paul and Barnabas (1 Cor. 16:3). The church at Antioch
ment Scriptures (Acts 2:14-36; 13:16- founded in Asia (Acts 14:23).12 appointed Barnabas along with Paul,
42, 44, 48; 17:1-3). Next to the apostles, elders "and certain others" to represent its
(presbyteroi) and bishops (episkopoi) views at the council of Jerusalem (Acts
Of deacons and elders —the two terms were used inter- 15:1, 2).
It appears that early in their history changeably in the early days (Acts The local churches also bore re-
early believers recognized the need 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7; cf. 1 Peter sponsibility for purity in doctrine and
for proper administration, in order, to 5:2)—seem to have consistently en- practice. Testing the spirits was part
be precise, to further the proclamation joyed the greatest authority in the lo- of their responsibilities (1 John 4:1),
of the Word. This need was first met cal churches. One of their main func- since every believer is anointed by the
by the appointment of the seven, who tions was general pastoral care and Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20) and thus is
are generally regarded as the original oversight (Acts 20:17-28; 1 Peter 5:1- able to discern truth (verse 27). As
deacons (Acts 6:1-6). It is noteworthy 3), with special tasks such as visiting early as in his first epistle Paul insists
4 MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995
that the local church is to "test all as in cooperative actions. Time and mutual advice, or brotherly assistance.
things," and "to hold fast what is good" again Paul points the churches to what Its basis lies first and foremost in the
(1 Thess. 5:21, NKJV). is going on in other parts of the Roman very nature of the church, which is
The same is true regarding the ex- empire. They are to be aware of the one. The use of ekklesia clearly under-
ercise of church discipline. All other global relationships in which the gos- lies this, and the New Testament
means of reconciliation having failed, pel has brought them together (Col. "body" metaphor reaffirms it (1 Cor.
a matter under dispute between mem- 1:6, 23; 1 Tim. 3:16). Likewise, 10:16, 17; 12:12, 27). Christ does not
bers of a congregation was to come Corinthian believers are to see them- have many bodies, but one, and that
before the local church (Matt. 18:15- selves united "with all who in every one body must manifest itself in the
17). Our Lord Himself refers to the place call upon the name of our Lord, unity and closeness of the whole
authority of the local congregation in Jesus Christ," who is both "their Lord church, local and universal (Eph.
the following terms: "Truly, I say to and ours" (1 Cor. 1:2). There is "a 4:1-6).
you, whatever you shall bind on earth common faith" (Titus 1:4; 2 Peter 1:1),
shall be bound in heaven; and what- "the faith which was once delivered The universal church,
ever you loose on earth shall be loosed unto the saints" (Jude 3, KJV). its authority
in heaven" (Matt. 18:18), a terminol- This spirit of unity is conveyed in What about the universal church
ogy all too familiar to the disciples greetings from church to church (Rom. and its authority? Some have won-
who heard it on that occasion. In 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:19; Phil. 4:22) and is dered whether church order, or church
synagogal and rabbinic usage it meant evident in the letters of recommenda- law,'9 is not a contradiction in terms.
primarily to prohibit and to allow tion sent from one church to another Doesn't the Spirit blow where He
something; next, to impose penalties, or from well-known leaders, com- wills? From a scriptural perspective,
or excommunication, on someone or mending God-given teachers to other however, it appears that the Spirit is
to acquit the same.' In other words, churches (Acts 18:24-28; 2 Cor. 3:1; not so "spiritual" that He has nothing
the local congregation is to settle the Rom. 16:1, 2; Col. 4:10). What hap- to do with order.2° Paul reminds us
conditions of membership and the rules pens in other congregations or parts of that "God is not a God of confusion,
of the house. the world must have their full interest but of peace" (1 Cor. 14:33), and that,
(cf. 2 Cor. 9:2-5; Col. 4:16). They are therefore, all things should be done
The universal church, exhorted to participate in all that is "decently and in order" (verse 40,
its oneness and unity being done elsewhere and to accept KJV).
Yet, according to the same Scrip- being guided by the same line of con- As a spiritual organism in which
tures, it is evident that the local church duct (1 Cor. 16:1-4; 11:16). "This is all constituent parts are vitally interre-
does not live in isolation or in inde- the rule I lay down in all the churches," lated as the spiritual body of Christ, of
pendence from other local churches. writes Paul to the Corinthians (1 Cor. which He is the head, it is to be ex-
No church government, and therefore 7:17, NIV), adding that "God is not a pected that the church discloses this
authority, that fails to recognize the God of confusion, but of peace" inner unity in a visible manner and
reality and unity of the universal church (1 Cor. 14:33). Wishing to admonish seeks as much as possible to express it
is biblical. This is not to say that the them as a father, he sends them Timo- in some external organization. While
local church would be merely a sec- thy to "remind you of my ways in a spiritual body, the church is, never-
tion of the universal church, for it is Christ, as I teach everywhere in every theless, a tangible reality, the temple
the church itself, fully present in each church" (1 Cor. 4:17), and reprimands of the Spirit, a priesthood, and a holy
of its local assemblies. Nor is the them for their independent attitude: nation. All these terms point to a vis-
church the total number of all local "Did the word of God originate with ible unity.
churches. Rather, as G. E. Ladd ex- you? Or are you the only people it has Moreover, if indeed, Jesus intended
presses it, "the local congregation is reached?" (1 Cor. 14:36, NIV). Evi- His visible church to proclaim and
the church in local expression." 15 dently unity in the New Testament is share the gospel, one can hardly deny
While most likely the relation between not merely an end-time reality to be it the right to exercise a measure of
the two cannot be adequately verbal- eagerly expected (Eph. 4:8-14), but administrative authority. It is prob-
ized, the fact remains that the church very much a part of the church's ably in the realm of determining truths
is one and indivisible. In Hendrikus present experience. United in their of revelation that the role of the church,
Berkhof' s words: "One cannot simply Lord in one body, of which Christ is as "pillar and support of the truth"
add up the local churches to get the the Head, all early believers were ex- (1 Tim. 3:15), will be more particu-
church. It is not a matter of addition, horted to remember that "there is . . larly difficult and important. It is true
but of multiplication in which one one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. that "the faith . .. once for all delivered
times one remains one." 16 This is 4:4, 5).18 to the saints" (Jude 3) has been fixed
clearly reflected in the way the word The desirability of this oneness with the last witness of the apostles,
ekklesia is used in the New Testament.' and close interrelationship does not yet it needs interpretation, a need made
This oneness is expressed both in proceed merely from its practical help- even more urgent with the passing of
common faith and in practice as well fulness or the need for cooperation, time.
MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995 5
The Jerusalem Council: A conclusion was reached, and a the churches—and not merely those
Advisory or Binding? letter-decree was drawn up by "the of Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia—as the
This is strikingly illustrated in Acts apostles and the elders" with the con- sound interpretation and application
15, which tells of the gathering of a currence of "the whole church" (Acts of God's will." Here we have a clear
large assembly in the city of Jerusa- 15:22). As Luke tells it, the letter sent example of a major assembly that
lem. Here, following discussion and out mentioned that "it seemed good to spoke not merely in an advisory ca-
disputation in the church at Antioch us" in assembly (verse 25), literally, pacity, but with binding. authority.24
over the role of circumcision in salva- "with one mind and purpose," a com- Major assemblies, which address mat-
tion (Acts 15:1-5), Paul and ters that pertain to the churches
Barnabas, "and certain others" in general and concern the pres-
were urged to go up to Jerusa- ervation of unity, therefore ex-
lem, "to the apostles and the
elders" about this matter (verse
The teaching authority ercising authority of a broader
and more extended scale, are
2). They were, adds Luke, "sent of the church cannot unquestionably warranted by
on their way by the church" at Scripture.
Antioch (verse 3), as its repre- function properly
sentatives. As they made their
way through Phoenicia and
without broad Lessons from the Jerusalem
assembly
Samaria, telling everyone about collaboration and To us Seventh-day Advent-
the conversion of the Gentiles, ists, who read it in the light of
their story gave "great joy to all consultation. our own experience, the con-
the brethren" (verse 3). Clearly, ciliar process, as Luke portrays
early believers placed great it in Acts 15, provides a most
value on solidarity among lo- mon mind attributed in verse 28 to the valuable apostolic model for the exer-
cal churches. Far from being content Holy Spirit.''-' In other words, they had cise of authority within the church at
to live in mutual isolation, they shared been seeking to grasp the intentions of large. It also affords an exceptionally
their experiences and sought reactions the Spirit for the whole Christian com- helpful paradigm for suggesting pro-
from each other. munity. Then follows the decision cesses and methods needed to handle
As they arrived in Jerusalem, "they reached by the assembly, which went controversies that might arise within
were welcomed by the church," along counter to the wish of those who God's church. Obviously, a polarized
with the apostles and the elders (verse wanted to require circumcision from church is a scandal, negating the very
4). The council gathered together Gentile converts, but it still imposed essence of God's church. If, in fact,
(verse 6), and allowed "much debate" four regulations (verse 29).22 the church is Christ's spiritual body,
(verse 7), evidently giving each side That this admonition would have its members must show care for one
an opportunity to argue its case. In been merely a recommendation and another, and processes as well as struc-
seeking to arrive at the truth in this addressed only to Christian Gentiles tures must exist for achieving univer-
disputed matter, different perspectives living in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, sal solutions to issues and problems
were listened to, for all of the ones as some have suggested on the basis of that are universal. Just as decisions
present were sincerely committed to Acts 15:23, is hardly plausible. Acts regarding local matters are to be
the gospel. Having listened to Peter's 16, the very next chapter, indicates handled locally, those affecting the
view (verses 7-11), they paid careful that during his second missionary jour- church as a whole are to be addressed
attention to the testimony of Barnabas ney, Paul, accompanied by Silas, came and resolved by those representing the
and Paul (verse 12), followed by to Derbe and Lystra in Lycaonia, church at large.
James' discourse (verses 13-21). It clearly west of Cilicia. On their In any such assembly, believers of
seems particularly significant that westbound journey to the region of different perspectives should be in-
throughout the discussion, and in spite Phrygya and Galacia (see verse 6) "as cluded, and the cooperation of lay
of the authority of the main speakers, they went through the cities, they de- members is indispensable in arriving
appeals were frequently made to the livered to them the decrees to keep, at decisions about the formulation of
authority of the Scriptures. Even which were determined by the apostles truths." All decisions reached should
James' concluding speech, however and elders at Jerusalem" (verse 4, be in submission to the Word of God
important, was essentially built on a NKJV). Notice the expression "to in Scripture, for it contains the norma-
combination of the prophets and Moses keep" in relation to the decisions tive and authoritative revelation in
(Amos 9:11, 12; Lev. 17:8-16;18). reached by the Jerusalem council. As which the church is permanently
The Scriptures held final authority. a result, adds Luke, "the churches were rooted.
The council heard and listened to the strengthened in the faith and increased As Seventh-day Adventists, we
authoritative Word of God and there- in numbers daily" (verse 5). There is hold that the representative form of
fore acted and spoke with its author- little doubt that the council's conclu- government and teaching authority
ity. sions were regarded as binding upon practiced among us agrees with the

6 MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995
pattern found in the New Testament authority of the church cannot func- particular attention in 1 Corinthians
Scriptures.' In Seventh-day Advent- tion properly without broad collabo- 12-14, they are not mentioned at all
ism, authority and responsibility are ration and consultation. To say this is among the gifts of grace listed in Ro-
vested in the constituency and shared not to negate the utterly essential task mans 12 and Ephesians 4. The gifts of
by delegation with duly elected—or of the professional and administrative the Spirit are in no way limited to the
appointed—representatives who ful- leadership in the church in helping the spectacular, but they have been granted
fill their representative tasks regard- reflection and experience of the church to the whole church for its renewal
ing matters falling under their juris- to come to authoritative expression. It and expansion, for the implementa-
diction. This representative form of is only to put this task in better bal- tion of its God-given task.
church government and teaching au- ance. More specifically doctrinal defi- Nor are these gifts (as listed in
thority operates in four steps, all fa- nitions and moral teachings, as the Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-
miliar to us: the local church, the con- Scriptures show, are to be seen not as 10; 28-30; and Ephesians 4:11) con-
ference, the union conference, and the "directives from above" 29 but as the centrated in a few persons, such as
General Conference. The broadest culmination of a reflective process leaders or officeholders, thus supply-
authority, widest in extent, under God that involves the whole church. ing us with a kind of leading class or
and the Scriptures, among us, is found The universal priesthood of all officeholders that would stand apart
in the body of the universal church as believers (1 Peter 2:9) is the founda- from the community and rise above it
expressed in the decisions reached by tion that makes it possible for lay to lord it over it. In the Scriptures the
the General Conference in session, members'° to participate in extended spiritual gifts do not fall under the
composed of representative men and assemblies. As Adventists, we might heading of "official offices," but eccle-
women from all parts of the earth, even be willing to learn from those siastical offices do fall under the head-
gathered for that purpose.' Christian communions whose con- ing of "charismata." They are granted
The authority of such decisions ciliar bodies are equally divided be- to all believers, for "to each one is
depends, of course, on their faithful- tween ministers and laypersons at all given the manifestation of the Spirit
ness to the Scriptures.' Such pro- levels. Such inclusion should be urged for the common good" (1 Cor. 12:7),
nouncements are authoritative, first not merely because we live in an age and "each man has his own gift from
by virtue of their agreement with the of democratic participation, but first God, one in this manner and another in
Bible, and second, on account of the and foremost because it is the out- that" (1 Cor. 7:7). In Peter's words,
authority of the council from which growth of what I hope is a genuine "as each one has received a special
they proceed, i.e., inasmuch as the recognition of the scriptural doctrine gift, employ it in serving one another,
latter is an assembly set up on confor- of the charismatic structure of the as good stewards of the manifold grace
mity with the pattern set by God to that church. of God" ( 1 Peter 4:10).'
effect in Acts 15. We misunderstand the nature of In this sense one can, and indeed
This pattern includes a should, speak of a "charis-
design that is representative matic structure" of the church,
and "conciliar" in charac- which embraces and goes be-
ter. Inspired by the scrip-
tural model, we have labored
The gifts of the Spirit are yond the structures of its gov-
ernment. These are God's
at implementing it in the life in no way limited to the gifts of grace, granted to indi-
of the church, and it seems vidual believers in view of
to have worked effectively. spectacular, but they have specific services within the
The extent to which this
conciliarity is achieved may
been granted to the whole community and the world-
wide field, including the abil-
vary, but conciliarity is what church for its renewal and ity to perform these services.
Seventh-day Adventists de- More than "the fruit[s] of the
sire, profess, and, I hope, expansion, for the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22), which are
constantly seek afresh. implementation of its given mainly for individual
sanctification, the charismata
The charismatic struc- God-given task. are granted "for . . . the work
ture of the church of service, to the building up
One should not forget of the body of Christ; until we
that theological reflection on all attain to the unity of the
the church's beliefs and standards is, the charisms, or gifts of the Holy Spirit, faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
in its simplest terms, "faith seeking when we think of them as limited to of God, to a mature man, to the mea-
understanding." This task is first of all the apostles or restricted to extraordi- sure of the stature which belongs to
the business of the whole church and nary and sensational phenomena such the fulness of Christ" (Eph. 4:12, 13;
not merely of a small group of profes- as healing or speaking in tongues. For cf. 1 Cor. 14:12), and thus for the
sionals. This implies that the teaching while these special charismata get exercise of authority.

MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995 7
Informed believers and of Ellen White's advice. In fact, the conceive of authority in the church as
conciliar authority end result may not be significantly concentric rather than pyramidal, and
Informed believers should, there- different, but a new sense of participa- that the teaching function of the church
fore, be called to participate in church tion and involvement, which must have cannot be implemented without broad
and conciliar affairs, as attested in the characterized the early church at the collaboration and consultation.
book of Acts, which tells us about the time of the Jerusalem assembly, would Against this background the proper
participation of such lay members in almost certainly pervade the church. response to the teaching authority of
the deliberations and decisions reached Where this representation is indi- the church, as I perceive it, is not so
at the Jerusalem Council. rect, i.e., when ordained ministers or much immediate obedience or assent
This participation can express it- administrators speak and act for the as what I shall refer to as a basic
self in two ways: either by direct rep- laity, great care should be taken be- religious docility" and deference—
resentation—i.e., laypersons repre- fore articulating the faith of the church, always on the assumption, of course,
senting laity—or by indirect repre- not merely to listen to the testimony of that authority has proceeded prop-
sentation—ordained ministers being the Word of God as found in the Scrip- erly—especially when there may not
elected to represent the laity. It would tures but also to engage in as broad a be total agreement with the decision
not be fitting to declare the former consultation of the people of God as reached.
mode of representation alone as legiti- possible. Consultation, along with the What I am referring to is no sheep-
mate. Still, in the light of the Acts 15 gathering and weighing of evidence, ish, spineless neutralism. It is, rather,
episode, greater attention a cast of mind that expresses
should be given to the desir- itself in a succession of ways.
ability of the first and obvi- First, it means a readiness to
ous expression of this rep- go beyond the privacy of one's
resentation at all levels of It is unrealistic and romantic own views and to open up to
our conciliar system. the persuasion of a broader
There seems to be room to pretend that the church, wisdom. Next, it implies a
for progress on this particu-
lar point. While it may be
local and universal, has no willingness to reassess one's
own position in the light of
said that in our midst the need for an authoritative the church's decision. Third,
local churches elect their it means a considerable reluc-
representatives, or del- function. But ultimately this tance to conclude right off
egates, to the local confer-
ence constituency meetings,
authority exists to one end that the church's decision is
erroneous. Even after one may
at which time local confer- only, as an aid to mission. have concluded that the argu-
ence officers are chosen, the ments and foundations used
practice calls for delegates are far from convincing, I sug-
to union conference and gest, from having gone
General Conference sessions to be ap- prepares such an authoritative body to through that experience myself, that
pointed by conference and union con- make a twofold judgment: (1) that the in genuine humility one adopt the at-
ference officers and committees, re- matter at issue is true and in accord titude that for the time being the teach-
spectively. Whom do such delegates with revelation; (2) that there is a ing of the church is doubtful rather
represent if not essentially those who pastoral need to teach this matter with than erroneous, precisely because,
appointed them? Shouldn't careful the authority of the church. This would from the perspective of the charis-
attention be given to the feasibility of also contribute to the necessary exer- matic dimension of the church, the
adopting a pattern closer to a repre- cise of discerning between the sensus wisdom of the entire church, instructed
sentative process at all levels? Why fidelium and voices of false prophets. by the Scriptures, has gone into its
couldn't delegates be chosen, i.e., Clearly, the teaching authority of the formulation. This is not placid neu-
elected, rather than appointed at all church has to be understood within the tralism.
levels? Elected by their local congre- context of the whole church, in which This attitude of respect will gener-
gations, the delegates to local confer- the Holy Spirit is given to all and ally lead to assent, though assent, or
ence constituency meetings would works through all. even acceptance, may not be the im-
elect delegates to union conference mediate response. If eventually there
sessions as their representatives. The The believer's response is dissent, it should be the terminus of
latter, in turn, would elect delegates to to authority an arduous and willing attempt to un-
represent them at General Conference If this is the case, what should we derstand and appropriate authentic
sessions. This seems to me closer to say regarding the believer's response teaching; in truth, an inability to as-
our convictions regarding the priest- to the church's teaching authority, sent.
hood of all believers and a representa- whether local or universal? It is unrealistic and romantic to
tive model, not to mention the intent Earlier on I hinted at the fact that I pretend that the church, local and uni-
8 MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995
versa], has no need for an authorita- resembling that exemplified by the authority to act on behalf of the one who sent him.
The word is used in this sense in the Septuagint
tive function. But ultimately this au- rulers of His own age (Matt. 20:25-28; (1 Kings 14:6; Isa. 18:2), and in the New Testa-
thority exists to one end only, as an aid Mark 10:42-45; Luke 22:25-27)." His ment (John 13:16). In 2 Cor. 8:23 and Phil. 2:25
to mission. As all the other means instruction to the disciples is explicit trusted delegates sent out by Christian churches
which the Spirit wishes to use and on this point. It reads, "If anyone wants on special mission are called "apostles" or "mes-
sengers." They are not apostles in a technical
does press into service for equipping to be first, he must be the very last, and sense. In Hebrews 3:1 Jesus is called "the Apostle
and building the church, authority is the servant [diakonos] of all" (Mark and High Priest of our confession."
intended to serve for instructing, ad- 9:35). 9 Several New Testament passages suggest
that the apostles were a wider company than the
monishing, and equipping the people This pattern for the exercise of original twelve disciples. Paul, not having been a
of God, as well as for the effective authority within the church, to which disciple of Jesus in the days of His flesh, points to
direction and government of the some have been called by the Spirit the signs and seals of his apostleship, evidenced
by his missionary labors and their fruits (1 Cor.
church. and their fellow Christians, is unques-
9:2; 1 Cor. 12:12; Gal. 2:8). That there seem to
tionably something of a paradox. Upon have been other apostles besides the twelve and
Authority as diakonia closer inspection, it can be seen to Paul is shown in the fact that the term also applies
As an expression of the Spirit's have been determined by the cruci- to Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14), James (Gal. 2:9), and
Andronicus and Junias (Rom. 16:7).
ministry among us, authority bears form shape of the paschal mystery IS The Great Controversy, p. 595; cf. Early
the characteristic of the supreme gift itself.4" Writings, p. 278. Article No. 1 of Fundamental
of grace, namely love. Like all func- Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists reads as fol-
lows: "The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testa-
tions of the church, the exercise of By way of conclusion
ments, are the written word of God, given by
authority is a function of love, a I have suggested various things divine inspiration through holy men of God who
diakonia, a service. that will have to be argued in detail on spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy
In fact, how can one overlook the other occasions, and probably by oth- Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to man
the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy
striking fact that in the New Testa- ers than myself. My aim is not to give Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will.
ment the usual governmental vocabu- an integral and flawless theory, but They are the standard of character, the test of
lary in secular Greek for civil and merely to project a kind of image of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines,
and the trustworthy record of God's acts in history
religious authority is consistently how authority operated in the early (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Ps. 119:105;
avoided in connection with the offices Christian church and how it might Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13;
and ministries of the church or with continue to function in the Seventh- Heb. 4:12."
the latter' s exercise of authority ?A rche day Adventist Church, even more suc- L. Coenen, "Bishop, Presbyter, Elder,"Dic-
tionary of New Testament Theology, ed. Colin
(primacy, authority, power),34 time cessfully than in the past. As a theolo- Brown (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975), vol. 1,
(value, honor, respectability)," and gian, I would hope that a great many p. 119. "It seems probable," comments Allan
telos (end, conclusion, total official would participate in this study, mak- Richardson, "that the local ekklesiai were thus
modeled upon the pattern of the Jewish synagogue
power)" are ostensibly ignored, most ing their individual contribution—for throughout the world: a body of elders managed
probably because they express a rela- theology is the task of the whole the affairs and charities of the local Jewish com-
tionship of ruler and ruled, which church—so that God's people as a munity, represented it in its dealings with the civil
power and exercised oversight in matters of disci-
makes them unusable?' Exousia is whole will be able to fulfill its God-
pline and of the observance of the Law" (An
used occasionally, such as in relation given mandate more efficiently. ■ Introduction to the Theology of the New Testa-
to the ministry of Jesus, the work of ment [New York: Harper & Row, 1958], p. 326).
the apostles, and Paul's apostolic au- '2 On the origin and development of the el-
*Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this ders' functions in the Old and New Testaments,
thority to build up the Christian com- see C. G. Bornkamm, "Presbus, Presbuteros ,"
article are from the New Ame rican Standard Bible.
munity." The word that is deliber- TDNT, vol. 6, pp. 651-654; Coenen, pp. 188-201,
ately chosen carried no overtone of Gen. 1; Ex. 20:11; Neh. 9:6; lsa. 40:12; Jer. esp. pp. 196-201.
51:15, 16; Acts 4:24; Rom. 1:20; Rev. 4:11; 14:7. I S In his earliest epistles already, Paul exhorts
rule, dignity, or power. It was the his Gentile converts to "esteem . . very highly"
Ps. 111:9; 130:7; Luke 2:38; Rom. 3:15:
word diakonia, service. This term, Gal. 4:4, 5; Col. 1:20. (I Thess. 5:13. KJV), those who -labor among
denoting service or ministry, is in no 3 Gen. 28:15; Deut. 32:11-14; 47; Ps. 23; you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish
danger of being misinterpreted as syn- 55:22; 65:9-13; 1 Cor. 10:13; Acts 14:17. you" (verse 12, KJV). Although proistamenoi
▪See also John 10:7; 10; 12:47; Acts 4:12; ("those who guide") is not the technical title of an
onymous of power and rulership. Rom. 5:6-11; Eph. 2:13-20; 1 Thess. 5:9; 1 Tim. officer, yet the persons meant seem to have been
As prescribed in the Scriptures, 1:1; 15; 2 Tim. 1:9-12, office bearers in the early church, probably the
the exercise of authority within the Sce also I Cor. 8:6: Phil. 2:9-11. elders mentioned elsewhere. In view of the fact
6 See also Rom. 14:9; Eph. 1:20-22; Phil. 2:9- that the same term is used in the pastoral epistles
church finds its roots and model in 11; Rev. 12:10. of bishops (1 Tim. 3:4), deacons (verse 12), and
Jesus Himself, who conceived of His ▪Richard P. McBrien, Catholicism II (Oak elders (I Tim. 5:17), it seems reasonable to con-
mission and authority in terms of ser- Grove, Minn.: Winston Press, 1980), pp. 817-820, clude that the proistamenoi were elders, bishops,
John P. O'Grady, "Authority and Power: Issues and deacons.
vice: "The Son of Man did not come to
for the Contemporary Church," Louvain Studies See F. Btichsel, ''Deo (ltto)." TDNT, vol. 2.
be served, but to serve [diakonein]" X, 2 (1984): 122-140. esp. 130-132; Werner pp. 60, 61; Oscar Cullmann, Peter: Disciple,
(Mark 10:45); "I am among you as the Foerster. "Exousia," Theological Dictionat-v of Apostle, Martyr (Philadelphia: Westminster Press,
one who serves [diakonein]" (Luke the New Testament (1964), vol. 2, pp. 566-569 1953), pp. 204-206.
(hereafter referred to as TDNT). 15 G. E. Ladd. A Theology of the New Testa-
22:27). Jesus insistently warned His Etymologically, an apostle is one sent with ment (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974), p. 353.
disciples against any style of authority a special message or commission, one sent with '6 Hendrikus Berkhof, Christian Faith (Grand

MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995 9
 Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979), p. 386. 23 There is evidence that the letter-decree "Charisma is everything that the Spirit wishes to
In the New Testament Scriptures the word reached churches far beyond this geographical use and presses into service for equipping and
ekklesia usually refers to local congregations (Acts area. Its admonitions seem to have been familiar upbuilding the church" (Paul, p. 442).
11:26; 13:1; 14:23; 1 Cor. 14:5; Phil. 4:15). It is to Christians of the Rhone Valley. As mentioned " In 1903 she wrote: "Every member of the
used in the plural to designate groups of churches by F. F. Bruce in The Book of Acts (pp. 315, 316. church has a voice in choosing officers of the
(Acts 15:41: 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Cor. 8:1; Gal. note 53), Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History V. 126) church. The church chooses the officers of the
1:2, 22). The singular form can also apply to reports one of the martyrs of Vienne and Lyons as state conferences. Delegates chosen by the state
believers in a given place (Acts 5:11; 8:1: 1 Cor. protesting, "How could Christians eat children conferences choose the officers of the union con-
1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1). as well as designate the church at when they are not allowed even to drink the blood ferences, and delegates chosen by the union con-
large: "So the church throughout all Judea and of brute beasts?" From North Africa, Tertullian ferences choose the officers of the General Con-
Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace. being built attests: "We abstain from eating strangled animals ference. By this arrangement. every conference,
up" (Acts 9:31; Matt. I6:18; cf. 1 Cor. 6:4;10:32: and those who have died of themselves" (Apology 9). every institution, every church, and every indi-
Eph. 1:22). " Ellen White refers to the Jerusalem assem- vidual, either directly or through representatives,
18 H. Ridderbos, Paul. An Outline of His The- bly as a "general counci I" (The Acts ofthe Apostles. has a voice in the election of the men who bear the
ology (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1977). pp. 478- pp. 190, 197) or simply a "council" (pp. 190, 195, chief responsibilities in the General Conference"
480; R. L. Saucy, The Church in God's Program 196). (Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 236, 237).
(Chicago: Moody Press, 1972), pp. 117-119. 23 Note Ellen White's terminology when com- 33 "Docility" is used here in its etymological
19 While Protestants, in general, speak in terms menting on those who, though not from Jerusa- sense of "teachability," a willingness to be taught.
of "church order," the Roman Catholic Church lem, participated in the council. In The Acts of the Arche is found in the New Testament only in
has shown preference for "church la w." Basically, Apostles she mentions that "the members of the connection with Jewish and Gentile administra-
the phrase refers to a set of rules and regulations [Antioch] church, fearing that a division among tions (Luke 12:11; 20:20; Titus 3:1).
intended to facilitate the task of the church, local them would be the outcome of continued discus- 35 Time appears only in Hebrews 5:4 in refer-

and universal, and the work of its office bearers. sion, decided to send Paul and Barnabas, with ence to the Old Testament high priest, whose
20 H. Berkhof, "The Church as Institute,"Chris- some responsible men from the church, to Jerusa- "honor" pertained to his divine calling.
tian Faith, pp. 345-392. Till recently, to some lem" (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 190). There they " Telos, which denotes the complete power of
extent at least, discussions related to the origin were joined by "delegates from the different office, is nowhere used in this sense in the New
and legitimacy of church law were dominated by churches" (ibid.), also referred to as "brethren of Testament.
R. Sohm's Kirchenrecht, I (1892), whose thesis the various churches" (p. 191). The council, ex- " See Hans Ming, The Church (New York:
was that church law is incompatible with the plains she, "was composed of apostles and teach- Sheed and Ward, 1967), pp. 388-393; G. Delling,
essence of the church, that the true church, the ers who had been prominent in raising up the "Arche," TDNT, vol. 1, pp. 479-484; J. Schneider,
church of Christ, does not know of church law. Jewish and Gentile Christian churches, with cho- "Time, timeo," TDNT 8:169-180; G. Delling,
Emil Brunner showed some partiality for this sen delegates from various places" (p. 196). "Telos," TDNT, vol. 8, pp. 49-57; R. Pesch,
view, though, more than Sohm, he acknowledged 25 Claims for the presence in the New Testa- "Structures des ministeres dans le Nouveau Testa-
that the church needs an order, even structures, ment of a clearly defined and developed form of ment;" Istina 4 (October-December, 1971): 438-
colored by the existing social relationships ecclesiastical government are not warranted. 443.
(Dogmatik III [Zurich: Zwingly-Verlag, 1964], Though some basic organizational principles are " See, for instance, Matthew 9:6; 28:18; 10:1;
chaps. I-IV). The German Confessing Church and presented as part of the life of the New Testament Luke 9:1; 2 Corinthians 10:8; 13:10. Exousia
the Barmen Declaration (1934) challenged Sohm's church, the latter was a new work of God, and, as denotes the possibility and right to do something.
view by stating that the nature of the church such, a growing and developing body. This, prob- or the right over something. Thus it expresses the
requires specific scriptural rules and church order, ably more than any other single element, explains power of God displayed in nature and in the
an insight further developed by Erik Wolf, and why it is difficult to get the blueprint of a fully spiritual world (Revelation 16:9), Satan's author-
more particularly by Karl Barth (Church Dogmat- developed pattern of church government in the ity and power in his own sphere of influence (Eph.
ics [Edinburgh: T. & T Clark, 19581, IV, 2: "The pages of Scripture. 2:2; Col. 1:13). The word is important to under-
Order of the Community," par. 67:4 [676-726]). It " As problems arise, for the purpose of secur- stand the person and work of Christ, who has the
is from the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the event ing unity and efficiency, specific policies are right and the authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10),
of Christian worship, for instance, that Barth de- adopted in areas where the Scriptures set forth for instance, and most aptly describes the impres-
rives a certain number of normative elements of merely general principles. Such decisions are gath- sion made by Jesus on His contemporaries, espe-
church order. ered in the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, cially by His teaching (Matt. 7:29). As imparted
In more recent years the flexible and situ- which deals with such matters as statements of by divine commission, authority characterizes
ational aspects of all church policies and their belief, qualifications for church membership, the apostolic teaching and action (see 2 Cor. 10:8;
indebtedness to existing laws in each country have transfer of church members, duties of church 13:10; cf. Acts 8:19), the apostles' authority, and
again been strongly underlined. At present, the officers, ministers' relations to the church, church their right to exercise it as granted to them by the
emphasis is on the changeability of church order elections, church organization, Gospel finances, Lord (see W. Foerster, "Exousia," TDNT, vol. 2,
and on the continuous requirement to express in standards of Christian living, church discipline, pp. 562-574).
updated form the relationship between what is marriage and divorce, organization and disband- 39 The Lukan parable about the servant ap-
normative and what is situational (H. Berkhof, pp. ing of churches, the settlement of grievances, etc. pointed as steward by his master during the latter's
382-384). As stated in the Church Manual, the church ex- absence (Luke 12:35, 36), a parable very much
21 The verse reads: "It seemed good to the pects from every candidate for baptism a "willing pointed toward those who hold authority among
Holy Spirit and to us." acceptance of all the doctrines taught by Seventh- God's people (cf. verse 41), repeats the same
22 Four things are mentioned in the text from day Adventists and the principles of conduct which lesson. The "faithful and wise steward" set over
which all should abstain. First, meats offered in are the outward expression of these teachings" the servants must serve their needs without bully-
sacrifice to idols, followed by blood. Next, meat (Church Manual l990), p. 43). ing them. For anything less than this total service,
which had been killed by strangling; and finally, " Recourse to apostolic guidance such as took the steward will be held accountable by His re-
unchastity, variously understood as illicit sexual place in Jerusalem is replaced by recourse to the turning lord, i.e., the parousiac Christ.
intercourse. For a more detailed discussion of apostles' inscripturated teachings as recorded in It is quite telling that in the pastoral epistles,
Acts 15 and what follows in this section, see, for the New Testament. which have been discussed at great length because
instance, F. F. Bruce, The Book of the Acts (Grand 29 Except if one has God in mind. of their institutional aspects. the living and prac-
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988), esp. "Acts 15," pp. 3° The terms lay and lain• are not used here to tical context of service comes to light so very
298-316; A. Dulles. "An Ecclesial Model for convey any notion of distinction between orders clearly. Those called to responsibilities of author-
Theological Reflection: The Council of Jerusa- of believers religiously different from one an- ity are urged to reflect the spirit of service of their
lem," in Tracing the Spirit: Communities, Social other. Ministry is a function of the whole church, Lord in their personal lives. Thus, the bishop must
Action, and Theological Reflection, ed. James E. distributed among its members according as God satisfy certain specific requirements (1 Tim. 3:2:
Hugh (New York: Paulist Press, 1983), pp. 218- has given to each various gifts and capacities 4:14; 6:11). There should be no "stumbling block"
241; I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (1 Cor. 12:4-7). in his life that would hinder the exercise of his
(Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980), pp. 242-258. " As H. Ridderbos insightfully expresses it: function and service.

10 MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995
Part 2

Unity and tensions

within the Adventist church

e shall begin with the reconciled to His will, as well as to gave were that some should be

W prayer of Jesus: "I do not

ask in behalf of these
alone, but for those also who believe
God's redemptive purpose for hu-
mankind. Reconciled to God's pur-
pose, they consider it as their re-
apostles, some prophets, some evan-
gelists, some pastors and teachers"
(NRSV). For what purpose, some
in Me through their word; that they sponsibility to share the gospel of will ask. "For the equipping of the
may all be one; even as Thou, Fa- Jesus Christ worldwide. Their goal saints for the work of ministry, for
ther, art in Me, and I in Thee, that is to bring people to be reconciled to the edifying of the body of Christ,
they also may be one in Us; that the God and to others. till we all come to the unity of the
world may believe that Thou didst Thus the life of a Christian is by faith and the knowledge of the Son
send Me. And the glory which thou definition a ministry, a diakonia. of God, to a perfect man, to the
hast given Me I have given them; This is the characteristic not just of measure of the stature of the full-
that they may be one, just as We are the ordained minister, but of every ness of Christ" (verses 12, 13,
one; I in them, and Thou in Me, that single member of the body of Christ. NKJV).
they may be perfected in unity, that Each one has a special function to The Lord has equipped His people
the world may know that Thou didst fulfill, so that the church may real- for the work of ministry. Did you
send Me, and didst love them, even ize its worldwide mission. May I, to notice how clearly Paul's concerns
as Thou didst love Me" (John 17:20- that effect, refer to 1 Peter 2:9. Here relate to Jesus' prayer? Consider it
23).' the apostle writes, "You are a cho- again: Father, "I do not pray for
sen race, a royal priesthood." Note these [disciples] alone, but also for
A call to unity that he does not say you are several those who will believe in Me through
From the context it is obvious races. He insists that we are one their word; that they all may be one"
that Jesus was praying not just for chosen race, a holy nation, not sev- (John 17:20, 21, NKJV). Notice why
those who were surrounding Him in eral nations. "You are God's own Jesus wants them to be one: "that the
the Garden of Gethsemane. He had people." Then comes the purpose: world may believe that Thou didst
in mind also all those who through "That you may proclaim the excel- send Me. . . . That the world may
the centuries would believe Him and lencies of Him who has called you know that Thou didst send Me"
to whom we shall refer as the church out of darkness into His marvelous (verses 21-23). So "that the world
of God. He is concerned about the light." may know," so "that the world may
unity of the church. The Christian This is a considerable task. Still, believe." Both verbs are part of
church is that body of people who God never asks us to do anything Jesus' request. Obviously, He wants
have been reconciled to God and without providing us with the means His disciples to be one in a visible
others. They are all members of the to do so. He does not ask us to take way. Why obviously? Because the
body of which Jesus Christ is the up a burden without giving us a world knows only through its own
head. Reconciled to God, they are shoulder strong enough to carry it. attitudes and dimensions. The world
Thus, in order to enable the church is broken and unregenerated. It
to exercise its ministry, he has en- cannot see spiritually, discern spiri-
dowed it with gifts of the Spirit— tual realities, as Paul clearly tells
gifts of grace, as I like to describe (see 1 Cor. 2:14). If the world is to
The second part ,"Unity and Tensions Within them. Addressing the very issue of see and to know, it must see on the
the Adventist Church," is based on a
transcription of an oral presentation given in spiritual gifts, in Ephesians 4:11 the basis of its own criteria. So it is not
the Euro-Africa Division. apostle Paul writes: "The gifts he just a spiritual unity that can be only

MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995 11
spiritually discerned, but a oneness unity. Two thousand years of Chris- ment that goes as far as martyrdom.
that the unspiritual world can dis- tian history have shown that what is Since the servant is not greater than
cern, a unity that an unregenerated high tends to become low—that high his master, he ought to be ready to
world can see and touch. A unity ideals tend to be lowered, usually to sacrifice himself.
that is tangible. That is the unity that accommodate as many as possible. These are some aspects of the
Jesus had in mind. Besides, from A careful look at the New Testa- unity that the Bible expects from us.
what He tells us, it is not to be only ment writings reveals that in those It is the unity that God wants to see
a visible unity but one as close as the early days, from the very start, the among us. It never ceases to amaze
one that exists between the Father unity of the church was a complex me that the Seventh-day Adventist
and the Son. unity. It is not just a vague religious Church, while proclaiming such a
Even a cursory reading of the attitude, "I love Jesus, Jesus loves complex and demanding message,
New Testament shows that from the me," making little demand on its has been able to bring together so
very beginning the early church was members. It is not merely adherence many millions of people dedicated
conscious of the importance of unity. to a certain number of ritual forms, to the mission that God has entrusted
It regarded it as one of its constitu- as some people like to think. Unity to the remnant people. In all humil-
tive elements. The early believers in the Bible is faith in mysteries that ity let us confess it: We are a world
understood that because of Christ's challenge and defy human reason. church. We are the most interna-
cross there was one flock and one Let me just mention a few: the unity tional of all Protestant denomina-
Shepherd. Because of the cross there of God in the Trinity, the creation of tions. Ours is a church of all nations,
is one vine and many branches no longer expanding on the
proceeding from it. Because basis of American or Euro-
of it there is one household,
one family. There is one
The Christian is not pean exports. It is a world
church, with a complex and
temple and one bride. The merely asked to do demanding unity, a unity that
early church had a clear con- is facing threats.
sciousness of the unity that
certain things; he is
God had in mind. It under- also called to submit to Theological threats
Where are those threats to
stood that it was not merely
an eschatological unity, a Christ the deepest Adventist unity? Allow me to
mention just a few, starting
unity to be reached at the end-
time, but a unity that was to
longings and desires of with the theological ones,
be realized now as well, so his heart, his time, those that strike us as the most
that the world may see and important. There is little doubt
know and believe. energy, and resources. that even our most distinctive
doctrines could lead us to
The paradox of unity break up the unity of Christ's
This is where I discern a para- the world in seven days. Both chal- body. Our doctrine of the Sabbath
dox, one of the fundamental para- lenge human reason. God's incarna- itself could bring tensions among
doxes of the church. It is hardly a tion, salvation by the substitution- us, tensions leading to disunity. This
secret that while the church is one, ary death of Jesus Christ, the physi- is particularly true of the Sabbath's
this unity masks many tensions, at cal resurrection of the body, the re- relation to Creation. Much depends
times enormous tensions. We Sev- turn of Christ in the clouds of heaven. on the presuppositions undergirding
enth-day Adventists have become Such mysteries seem to turn human our views on that particular point.
aware, after years of insisting on reason upside down. It is not diffi- Whether one regards the Bible as a
unity, that tensions are there. We cult to understand why the Christian mere compilation of testimonies of
have come to realize the complexity message, from the start, has been a faith or a volume containing state-
of unity. However briefly, let us scandal to some and foolishness to ments of truths that God is sharing
address these tensions. others. And yet, according to the with us will very much determine
What do we mean when we speak same Scriptures, this message is part our attitude on that particular topic.
of unity, and more specifically of of Christian unity. Did the prophets, guided by the
the unity of the Seventh-day Christian unity is not only a com- Spirit, merely share their own spiri-
Adventist Church? As we all know, plex unity; it is also a demanding tual convictions, or did they relate to
any society shows some form of one. The Christian is not merely us what God communicated to them?
unity. Such unity exists because the asked to do certain things; he is also If some among us, on the one hand,
members of that particular society called to submit to Christ the deep- would conclude that the Bible is a
pursue an identical goal. But the est longings and desires of his heart, mere compilation of testimonies of
more complex the idea pursued, the his time, energy, and resources. What faith while others would regard it as
more difficult it is to maintain that Christianity requires is a commit- the record of what God did indeed

12 MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995
reveal to its human authors, the con- Christ. For lack of a better term, they behavior is concerned, we are not
clusions that these two groups would are usually referred to as unaware of the fact that there are
reach regarding the teachings of nontheological factors. Because they rigorists and latitudinarians among
Scriptures might, and indeed would, are, as I just mentioned, usually un- us. In certain geographical areas of
be significantly different and would consciously present, they tend to ob- the Adventist world one will find
unquestionably affect the unity of scure the real issue) insistence on a stricter code of con-
God's church. As far as the Sabbath Here again, the history of the duct than in other parts. All strongly
and Creation are concerned, for in- Christian church underlines how true hold that there has to be abstention
stance, we would have to ask our- this is. A careful look shows that the from certain things and patterns. But
selves whether we still need to be- breakup that occurred in Christian- this abstention can be more or less
lieve in the historicity of the first ity between the East and the West inclusive in some areas. While all of
three chapters of the book of Gen- around the year 1050, for instance, us denounce smoking, for instance,
esis. Couldn't we keep the seventh- did not actually happen on the basis some will insist on a more open-
day Sabbath even if we no longer of theological issues as such. There minded attitude toward dancing, card
regarded these chapters as histori- were unquestionably theological di- playing, or jewelry—even, from
cally dependable, some will ask? vergences between the patriarch of what I understand, the use of alco-
Are there no other evidences in the Constantinople and the Roman pon- holic beverages. The same is true
New Testament, for instance, in sup- tiff. Yet they pale in importance in regarding Sabbath observance. Even
port of the Sabbath? comparison with the nontheological within the same country, areas in
Equally important questions factors. Consider even the Reforma- which evangelism is strong and that
could be asked regarding the valid- tion in Germany, which occurred are undergoing a revival experience
ity of other doctrines we hold. What some 500 years later. Did it succeed are more eager to impose require-
about the doctrine of the sanctuary? merely on the basis of its theological ments than other regions. Rightly or
What about the teachings of Ellen merits? Much of the success Luther wrongly, this sharpens antipathies.
White and the meaning of her minis- encountered was due to the help he It aggravates the problem of main-
try among us? What about Christ's received from the German princes, taining unity. At times the two fac-
return? These are not merely aca- who were quite eager to help him. tions seem to find it difficult to main-
demic concerns on my part. I am not Did they do so out of theological tain a Christian attitude toward each
referring here to mere hypothetical convictions? Probably some of them. other. The rigorists wonder if the
issues. Several times the Christian For most, however, Luther's mes- latitudinarians are Adventists, while
church has seen its unity shattered sage seems to have provided them the latitudinarians regard the others
on the basis of doctrinal divergences. with an opportunity to set themselves as hardly human. The issue is not
This is how Eastern Orthodoxy and free from the suzerainty of Rome without its theological dimension.
Western Catholicism broke apart. and of the Holy Roman Empire. Here Far from it. Yet at the same time it is
This is the basis on which the Refor- again, nontheological factors played deeply rooted in nontheological fac-
mation occurred. Can we simply a determinant role in bringing dis- tors. And as we all know from expe-
close our eyes to the fact that the harmony. rience, it has the potential of becom-
unity that Christ wants to see among ing a major element of disruption in
us could be threatened by theologi- A few examples the church. There is also need to
cal divergences? Though doctrinal What are some of these recognize that this is not a problem
oneness has thus far immensely con- nontheological factors that today limited merely to one continent or to
tributed to our worldwide unity, who threaten the unity of the Seventh- one geographical area, as, for in-
would claim that the inner tensions day Adventist Church? Allow me stance, South America versus Eu-
produced by theological controver- just to mention a few. I have no rope. It happens even within a union,
sies could not reach a critical point intention of providing you with an not to say within the limits of a local
and break that unity? exhaustive list, but a few examples, church. The code of conduct di-
which in my opinion rank among the versely understood runs the risk of
Nontheological factors most significant, should suffice. Let aggravating tensions among us and
Yet this is not my major appre- me start with one in which the theo- could, if not carefully watched, lead
hension. There are other factors that logical dimension is probably more to disharmony among us.
I think need to be addressed with prominent. I shall call it the "code of Allow me to give you another
even greater care and that I would conduct." It is possible to share com- example: Sabbath worship. Ad-
like to consider at this point. Be- mon theological beliefs, to gather ventists today travel a lot—not just
cause they are more unconscious and around a general doctrinal agree- those among us who are in leader-
less striking than the theological is- ment—in our case, all of us to accept ship positions, but a large percent-
sues we just mentioned, these fac- the 27 fundamental beliefs—and still age of our people, and this in in-
tors can play an even greater role in not agree on what a Christian ought creasing numbers. We do so for vari-
disrupting the unity of the body of to do or not to do. As far as Adventist ous reasons, some for the mere plea-

MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995 13
sure of traveling, others for the pur- both the local and the universal feel out of place. We too, when we
pose of improving their lot or to church. I shall here illustrate it by travel, miss the familiar emphases.
escape oppression. Our world is a referring to the worldwide Adventist Then complaints are voiced: The
global village, and our church is no Church. Sociologists have discov- church in this or that part of the
exception. As they thus travel, our ered something interesting about us. worldwide Adventist family is de-
people discover new interpretations Usually, wherever the three angels' parting from the faith. The disen-
of the Adventist faith, sometimes messages are preached, economic chanted consider withdrawing into
disturbing. Sabbath worship can eas- prosperity follows. Within one or small organizations where what they
ily become one of those nontheo- two generations one finds a prosper- regard as the pure gospel is main-
logical factors that threaten our one- ous constituency. This seems to be tained. Theology has very little to do
ness. Some among us value simplic- due essentially, though not exclu- with it. It is essentially a matter of
ity. Others appreciate an elaborate sively, to the Adventist emphasis on economic prosperity and status. The
liturgy. Those who treasure simplic- self-worth and education. The resulting estrangement is not brought
ity are likely to feel ill at ease in an preaching of the Adventist message about by theological divergences,
Adventist church that follows a more has a way of resulting in prosperity. though the latter remain a signifi-
elaborate liturgy. An intricate form Yet, in turn, this economic prosper- cant component of the whole phe-
of worship confuses them and dis- ity tends to destroy the revival spirit nomenon.
tracts them. They seem unable to see and to bring apathy. Before long,
what for the other side is a very education and prosperity tend to The issue of nationalism
meaningful way of worship- Allow me to deal with an
ing God. Those ritual forms ugly monster: nationalism.
are perceived as choking the This is a deep-rooted factor
spontaneity of the human soul. Our world is a global that unquestionably threatens
Those who follow them can our unity in the foreseeable
hardly be Christians. The ad- village, and our church future. To make things worse,
vocates of a ritual liturgy, on
their part, wonder how stark
is no exception. As it is a phenomenon that is by
no means limited to the level
simplicity will ever be able to they travel, our of a whole nation. It can also
mediate the beauty of God. be a regional phenomenon,
The next step is altogether people discover new what we sometimes call "trib-
too obvious. The advocates
of simplicity and the lovers of
interpretations of the alism." It is true that tribalism
is usually associated with Af-
ritual decide not to associate Adventist faith, rica. But as we have come to
with each other any longer know, it is developing also in
because there is too much mis- sometimes disturbing. the Western world. What is
understanding between them. happening today in the former
Arguments pro and con mul- Yugoslavia is a sad illustra-
tiply on both sides, and it does not generate change. Changes in build- tion of what I am referring to. Na-
take long before the cry of apostasy ing, for instance. We long for more tionalism has a very subtle and
is heard. How much theology is in- imposing and artistic structures. unique way of fostering division. To
volved here? There is some, to be Changes in the music we listen to. illustrate the issue, let me remind
sure, but how much? This is essen- Changes in our rituals, our worship you of Jacques Ellul' s statements.
tially a nontheological factor. Still, service, and liturgies. Economic The celebrated French author, theo-
it threatens us as much as issues prosperity even causes changes in logian, and philosopher writes that
regarding Creation or the sanctuary. the kind of topics we preach on Sab- for the average French person,
bath mornings. It tends to alter our Lutheranism is a German church.
Economic prosperity basic patterns of Christian lifestyle Lutheranism is German. It is first
Let us consider a third example. as well as our ethical values. None and foremost German. At the same
Not only are our code of conduct and of us, I am sure, has failed to notice time, for the average German, Bap-
Sabbath worship patterns potential this. tists and Mormons are American
causes of disruption, but another fac- At the same time, our people in sects. The same is true of Seventh-
tor is just as much of a threat as those parts of the world that are not day Adventists. Have you never been
these—economic prosperity. It is blessed by economic and social told in the exercise of your ministry
amazing how powerful a role of dis- progress are deeply disturbed by that you belong to an American
ruption economic prosperity can what they see. When they come to us church, that your denomination is
play. Worldwide travels have a way and spend time in our midst, they American? The phenomenon is well
of opening our eyes to this threat. just do not feel at home anymore. known. It is essentially an expres-
This danger exists on the level of They will tell you frankly that they sion of nationalism. And this nation-
14 MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995
alism is something that seriously Orthodox churches of Russia, Ro- esty, aren't such suggestions evi-
threatens us as Seventh-day Advent- mania, Greece, and Albania, to men- dence of a contemptible and unbe-
ists. tion just a few. Though all share the coming nationalism that threatens
We are no exceptions. There is same faith and are in communion the unity of God's church today?
indeed a definite danger that our with one another, they too remain
church might sometime be broken self-governing and independent in The administrative side
up into regional churches. This threat their internal administration. of things
proceeds from our attachment to In other words, what I am refer- The last factor that I would like
national patterns. This is where we ring to here is no theoretical phe- to bring in has to do with the admin-
feel secure. You may think that this nomenon. It is not inconceivable that istrative side of our church. There is
is merely a theoretical possibility. we could end up having an Adventist little doubt that in order to fulfill
But let me remind you that this dan- Church of Europe, an Adventist God's given task, the early church
ger has threatened just about every Church of Africa, another of adopted some form of organization.
single Protestant denomination. You America, if not an Adventist Church God's church today, entrusted with
know, I assume, that we are the only of Germany, and one of France. This the three angels' messages, has felt
Protestant church organized on a could very well happen. We would, the need to organize itself to do the
worldwide basis. Be aware of what of course, confess the same faith and work fast and well. We have devel-
happened to others. Being in Ger- show some cooperation. But how oped an administrative system that
many, let us start with the Lutheran effectively would we under those we like to describe as representa-
church. There is the Evangelical circumstances work at our global tive. As a result, the Seventh-day
Lutheran Church of Germany, the task? How would we efficiently ful- Adventist Church finds itself with
[Lutheran] Swedish Church, the fill our worldwide mission? Sure, administrative and financial struc-
Danish [Lutheran] Church, the we could continue to share the same tures. However, as soon as we adopt
American Lutheran Church, etc. 27 fundamental beliefs, but in my a particular system of church gov-
Likewise, you have the Reformed opinion we would not be function- ernment, we cease to be a strictly
Church of France, the Presbyterian ing in harmony with God's wish. A spiritual body. When the church or-
Reformed Church in the U.S.A., the merely spiritual union in Christ is ganizes itself, it takes the character-
Dutch Reformed Church, or the Re- not enough. As we noticed earlier, if istics of an organization, and it does
formed Church of Geneva. There is the world is to know and to believe, not take long before shortcomings
also a long list of Anglican, or Epis- the world is to see. Truly, from what appear. This is to be expected as
copal, churches, such as the Church we can see around us, nationalism is long as we are on this side of the
of England, the Anglican Church of an undeniable danger. All we need Jordan River. Such imperfections
Canada, the Episcopal Church of to do is to lose sight of the impor- will lead some of us to set up a list of
Brazil, the Episcopal Church in the tance of the universal body of Christ errors and mistakes, which is not
U.S.A., etc. These churches are built and start comparing ourselves with difficult to compile. Next we start
on a national basis, usually limited others. We find pride in our achieve- indicating that we do not agree with
to national border lines. This does ments or in the size of our nation, if specific resolutions adopted by a
not mean that they live in isolation not of our native church. A few weeks General Conference assembly. It
or that there is no cooperation among ago I found myself in the Philip- appears obvious to some that one of
national bodies within confessional pines, a nation in which there are the most efficient ways to nullify
families. You will find alliances, approximately 600,000 Seventh-day such decisions is to alter the admin-
covenants, or associations among Adventists. But what kind of istrative structures. Why not get
them, such as the Anglican Com- Adventists? some will ask. Are they away from the representative sys-
munion, the Lutheran World Fed- as solid, as devoted, or as enlight- tem and adopt, for instance, a con-
eration, or the World Alliance of ened as we are? Is it not true that gregationalist approach to church
Reformed and Presbyterian Adventists in my part of the world government? We would not want to
Churches. They do cooperate among are more up to standards and closer opt for an episcopal system; this
themselves and help each other. Yet to genuine Adventism than in most would hardly improve the situation.
they remain self-governing entities, other parts of the world? Consider But a congregationalist pattern,
each reaching its decisions indepen- our national achievements, our so- claim its advocates, would help to
dently from the others and organiz- cial successes. See our national tra- solve our problems.
ing its debates or research on its ditions, and scientific achievements, To bolster our calls for adminis-
own. our intellectual abilities. How do trative reforms, we draw attention to
We find somewhat similar struc- those from the other side of the ocean the way finances strike us as mis-
tures within the family of Eastern compare with our scholarly skills or managed. Besides, the current lead-
Orthodox or Greek churches, situ- our biblical methodology? Even the ers seem increasingly remote from
ated mainly in Eastern Europe. Prob- size of our financial contributions to us. They don't seem to care about us,
ably better known among us are the the church sets us apart. In all hon- or what we say anymore. See, some
MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995 15
argue, how hard they clamp down on changes. Let's, like the other churches, some parts of the world faster than
dissenters. Others will complain that accept these nontheological factors in others. We who discern the signs
they did not come down hard enough. and, adjusting to the times, adopt, of the times have come to recognize
Let's change all of that. among other things, new forms of the dangers to our unity. Let us face
Insidiously enough, this tendency church government as well as up- them, aware of their implications,
is encouraged by the membership date our understanding of who we and address them. Let us also be
shift that is currently happening in are and how we should fulfill our deeply conscious of how sinful it
our church. Let me give you a few task. would be to divide Christ's remnant
figures and ask you to reflect on people. No single part of God's
their implications. I will give you Conclusion church may live for itself alone.
two sets of statistics indicating per- I have attempted to call your at- What we need is a new aware-
centages of Adventist membership tention to theological and nontheo- ness of the importance of the unity
in the main areas of the world. They logical factors that threaten to dis- of the church. Like the early church,
refer not to divisions of our church, rupt the unity of God's church. There we must show deep concern for the
but to geographical regions.' oneness of the church. God has
The first refers to 1945, when done wonderful things for us
I became an Adventist; the in the past. True, the challenges
second, to the year 1992. we are facing are enormous,
These figures will show you While our task remains the task gigantic. But not im-
the shift that has occurred
within my own SDA lifetime.
that of preaching the possible, according to God's
Word. I hope I have aroused
In 1945 there were approxi- gospel, it devolves us your minds to some dimensions
mately 576,000 SDA church in the life of the church that we
members around the world. also to take account of cannot afford to disavow. Let's
Today we count more than 8
million. In 1945 Europe rep-
what threatens the ask God to help us address
those issues. I believe it can be
resented 15 percent of the visible unity of the done. ■
church membership; today, 6
percent. Africa in 1945 church.
amounted to 16 percent of the
membership; today, 30 per-
cent. Asia in 1945, 11.5 per-
cent; today, 16 percent. Oceania are others. Those I have retained * Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in
this article are from the New American Stan-
stood for 4 percent; today, 3.5 per- should suffice to illustrate what I
dard Bible.
cent. Latin America in 1945 held wanted to share with you. That ten-
16.5 percent; today, 35 percent. In sions of the type I have mentioned The issues and particulars retained in this
North America—the U.S.A. and have started to appear among us is paper have been drawn from G. W. B romi ley, The
Unity and Disunity of the Church (Grand Rapids:
Canada—our membership moved not just some academic hypothesis Eerdmans, 1958), esp. chap. 2, "The Challenge of
from 37 percent to 10 percent. on my part. It is a fact. They are Disunity"; Daniel Jenkins, "The Ecumenical
The shift in membership is quite slowly gaining importance among Movement and its 'Non-Theological Factors,' "
telling, appalling to some. Accord- us. They are, to be sure, an expres- The Ecumenical Review iii, 4 (1951), p. 339 ff.; E.
T. Clark, "Non-Theological Factors in Religious
ing to experts, and assuming the same sion of our sinful natures. Hence, Diversity," The Ecumenical Review iii, 4 (1951),
growth rate in each area of the world, the only power that can overcome p. 347 ff.; C. H. Dodd, G. R. Cragg, and Jacques
we may expect some 12 million Sev- them is the power of Jesus Christ. Ellul, Social and Cultural Factors in Church
Divisions (New York: WCC, 1952).
enth-day Adventists in the year 2000. While our task remains that of Thus, for instance, the figures related to
In that same year Africa, Latin preaching the gospel and the three Angola and Mozambique come out under Africa
America, and Asia, those three to- angels' messages to the various parts rather than the Euro-Africa Division. These statis-
gether, will represent 81.5 percent of the world, it devolves us also to tics have been prepared by Dr. F. D. Yost, director
of the General Conference Office of Archives and
of our church membership; Europe take account of what threatens the Statistics. See his letter of March 15. 1994.
2.5 percent, North America and Eu- visible unity that God has given to
rope jointly will amount to 10.5 per- the church, so that the world may Bible credits: Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the
cent. Within the 50 years of my Ad- believe. Nell American Standard Bible. 0 The Lockman Foundation
1960. 1962. 1963. 1968. 1971, 1972. 1973. 1975. 1977. Texts
ventist experience our church mem- Satan has succeeded remarkably credited to NIV are from the lob Bible, New International
Version. Copyright 1973. 1978, 1984, International Bible
bership in Europe and North America in breaking up historic Christianity Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
has decreased from 52 percent to 16 into innumerable parts. Shall he en- Texts credited to NKJV am from The New King James Version.
Copyright C 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson. Inc., Publish-
percent. This has occurred during counter the same success with us? ers. Bible texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised
my own brief lifetime. So what do There is no reason that it be so. We Standard Version of the Bible. copyright0 1989 by the Division
of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of
I hear? Again, let's bring in a few are growing rapidly worldwide, in Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission.

16 MINISTRY SUPPLEMENT/MAY/1995