"What I Believe...."

I walked into the La Sierra University Church and almost took a worship credit slip from the student at the door.   (We had a nice visit--she is a theology senior who I will be interviewing along with other local conference leaders on March 8 when I return to the campus.)  I recalled years earlier the need for worship credit as a student at Andrews University.

I wasn't getting worship credit but I certainly was enjoying my seat at the front of church for the  Week of Spiritual Emphasis at La Sierra University.   The students took their seats, sang with gusto as the student life department led the praise songs, and listened attentively as the two professors gave their testimony about "What I Believe..."

Both of the faculty speakers were scientists (one from biology and the other from physics) and each gave a personally compelling sermonette about God's direction in our lives as Creator.  I thought that either one would do very well as a revival speaker for a local church or camp meeting.

Amidst my meetings with faculty, student life staff, and Board of Trustees, this event was a reminder of why Seventh-day Adventist higher education makes a unique difference in the spiritual formation of young adult learners.

Witnesses at the California Capitol

My life changed in 1999 when I was called to serve as Government Relations Director for the Pacific Union.  Our office in Sacramento became my base of operations and a staging point for some of the most amazing ministry I had experienced to that point in my life.

Today, there are two special people who are leading the work of the Church State Council office (the separately designated entity of the Pacific Union's work for religious liberty) located at 1228 N Street, Suite 1, Sacramento, CA.  At the end of this posting you can see on the map what an ideal location this is for our work in the State Capitol.

Ed Fargusson is the newly elected director of this office.  Together we visited about the work at the Council office and the opportunities that God is opening up for our work in this pivotal place.  From his rich background as a pastor and church administrator, Elder Fargusson shared, "I feel that I am exactly where God wants me to be."  Indeed, this is a calling to a special work.

Ed and I walked through the State Capitol building and talked over the strategy we use to meet and reach people with the message of religious liberty.  Rather than be embroiled in the culture war battles of the day, we are focused upon the great Gospel principles that have guided this Church's work since the pioneering days of Ellen G. White and A.T. Jones (our church's first congressional representative in the 1880's).

Our message focuses upon the bedrock foundation signified by proclamations such as:

• "God does not coerce the conscience", 
• "In matters of conscience the majority has no power",
• "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's."  

Pat Silvia is the administrative assistant that helps carry out the essential support service work that keeps the office working smoothly.  She provides a kind voice on the phone to members who are having Sabbath work problems as well as helping carry out the coordinating functions that allows the Council office to successfully carry out its mission.

As we prayed together and I departed the Thayer Building I thought of the 5 years I had devoted to the work of religious liberty in this very spot.  I began to hum as I walked down the street, "To God be the Glory" and thought, "We're in good hands in Sacramento."

By the way, if you have any need of help to have Sabbath hours off of work or any other religious liberty question don't hesitate to call the office at 916-446-2552 or visit the website at www.churchstate.org.

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Chico on Sabbath

Jennifer and I enjoyed seeing our friends (and former pastor when we attended Carmichael Church) Dave and Judy Osborne. Walking onto the campus of the Chico church (http://chico.adventistfaith.org) one immediately notices the care and concern that is given to the physical plant--landscaping, buildings, and the school.  The congregation takes special efforts to have the worship facility be a quality one which is attractive to the community.  This fits quite well with Pastor Osborne's friendly and open spirit that makes everyone feel welcome.

During the worship service we were especially blessed by the double-piano duet that lifted my spirits as I prepared to preach. (So much so that I forgot myself and bounded to the pulpit before the local elder could read the Scripture reading!  He fulfilled his duty as I stood by his side).  You can hear my sermon thanks to the church at http://chico.adventistfaith.org/podcasts.

It is a wonderful thing to talk with the members at the door which in the case of the Chico church included Elder Larry Caviness' uncles.  Potluck dinner included an interesting conversation with a member who became a Seventh-day Adventist after some years of spiritual searching.  "God led me" was his witness.

What a joy to know He does this for each of us!

What Is WestPoint 2010?

Implementing programs is a part of leadership. But what happens when you become responsible for an existing program? This was my jumping off point as the new Ministerial Director for the Pacific Union.  My first thought was, What about Westpoint of Evangelism?

The logical course was gathering the Westpoint stake holders into one room and asking the big questions.  Thursday morning, January 14, at the Union headquarters the process began.  

Four core assumptions guided our conversation:   

First, we must win people to Jesus Christ and His message.  The Seventh-day Adventist church is called by God to share the Gospel in the context of the Three Angels’ messages.  Like Ford Motor Company used to say, “It’s Job One!”

Second, we must grow these new members as active disciples.  If we baptize people and then leave them we have committed ministry malpractice.  Nurturing and growing the spiritual experience of members is crucial to our mission.

Third, the primary place for this activity is the local church.  We are indeed blessed as a church community with wonderful schools, hospitals, media ministries, and church organizational structures.  However, none exists as an end in itself.  Each  serves the mission of the Body of Christ manifested principally in the local congregation. 

Fourth, pastors along with trained members are the primary persons used by God to accomplish this work.   Over a quarter-century of ministry in local churches and administration teaches me that the local church typically does not rise above the level of its spiritual leader.  Yet the pastor cannot act alone.  It is the team of pastor-membership which creates a growing local church culture. 

Critical outcomes emerged for Westpoint 2010.  These include some new elements:

1.  Westpoint will no longer be an event but a process.  December 5-9, 2010 will be the major gathering but the Westpoint project will continue throughout the year.  

2.  Our Westpoint 2010 curriculum will include tracks of seminars designed for Local Church Pastor/Member Teams.  These trained and mobilized leaders will return to the scene of but will be supported throughout the coming year by Westpoint consultants.  Through Webcasting, Facebook, and a YouTube Channel  (to name a few),  the Westpoint experience will  continue through the year for Westpoint Ministry Teams in the local church.

3.  A Spanish language track of seminars will debut in 2010.  The fastest growing portion of our membership in the Pacific Union will have training events in Westpoint designed specifically for them.  

I am truly exhilarated by the synergy that is coming about from our strategic examination of the future of Westpoint.  More is coming.  

"Westpoint:  Inspire, Instruct, Mobilize."

  

  

New Year. New Decade. How Long?

How quickly the year 2009 ended. My journey in ministry since October felt like the bullet train moving through the days towards the just completed holiday season.

The North American Division Year-end meetings in early November were highlighted by the "Year of Evangelism" reports which showed a marked increase in soul-winning endeavors. (It will be telling to see the final numbers on baptisms given the surge in spending for meetings.)

Jennifer and I were blessed to be with our friend Elder Jan Kaatz for the 100th anniversary of the Burbank Church on November 21. Jan and I served together at the Simi Valley Church in

Southern California Conference and he has really taken the challenge of turning a declining congregation in a new direction of growth and mission. Nice presentations were make by local civic officials and the leadership of the Conference.

The El Monte Vietnamese Church was quite an eye-opening experience. As I preached for two services (traditional Vietnamese and a youth service in English) on December 5 the challenge and opportunity of Pastor Vinah Nguyen who has served this church for 13 years. This is truly a missionary church that is not only serving the transitioning population of Vietnamese people in Los Angeles but also the world field with a printing press ministry. I didn't need to understand the language to comprehend the wide-ranging impact of this congregation.

A highlight for these waning weeks of the year was the Ordination service which I conducted with Elder Ivan Williams on December 12. The five evangelists serving the Amazing Facts ministry that were set aside by the laying on of hands brought back happy memories of my own ordination in 1988. Preaching for the morning service at the Granite Bay church was an inspiring experience particularly because so many in the audience were folks interested in the Adventist Church or new members. At the close I gave a hand-raising appeal for committing our lives to Christ and His teachings.

The end of the decade. How long until we shall see Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven? We don't know the day nor the hour but we can "work until Jesus comes." I'm thinking and praying about how 2010 can become a year of breakthroughs for Jesus in my life and yours.

God bless you in the Year to Come!

Would You Like To Get Away?

Quiet spaces promote reflection.

Nestled along the coast of Mendocino County, CA sits Albion Field Station operated by Pacific Union College. This was the destination for our 2nd Annual Board of Trustees Strategic Retreat.

Gibby Muth (retired professor) and Larry Provonsha (board member for 28 years) have devoted tremendous effort to the refurbishing of the property. The results speak for themselves. Brightly appointed rooms, private baths, wireless internet, and comfortable meeting rooms. These improvements have greatly enhanced the experience of students, staff, professors, community and church groups, and...the Board!

Our time was divided between learning more about board governance, socializing as members, conducting important business, and simply benefiting from the soul-renewing setting. It was particularly wonderful to meet the new "First Couple" of our College-Dr. Heather Knight, President, and her husband Elder Norman Knight. Her enthusiasm, vision, and remarkable qualifications were all on display as she shared goals for the future with us.

I'm already looking forward to our next meeting in the Fall of 2010. Until then remember Pacific Union College in your prayers. And by the way, the Albion Field Station is available for your use any time. Check their website at

Keep on Shining

Since 1897, people in Provo, UT have been making friends with Jesus Christ through the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Today was a defining moment for the community that gathered in the newly-completed Community Center of this historic congregation.

As Jennifer and I walked into the Center the smell of paint still lingered in the air. Over 200 chairs were readied for the crowd that would assemble to dedicate this space to the Lord's service at 11:00 a.m. As we toured the offices, classrooms, and large gymnasium I recalled just a few months before when it was a dirt parking lot, unfinished walls, and exposed electrical and duct work that greeted the eye.

Transformation occurred quickly! And not only the physical space but also in the paradigm of purpose for this new location on the church grounds. What makes this project unique in my eyes is that the church is not hoarding this space exclusively for its own use. The Red Cross, the Utah Bell Choir, the Boys and Girls Club, the United Way, and many others will use this as the gathering place for service.

By church time every seat was occupied. Special guests included the mayor and all the contractors that made this facility possible. It was evident from all the community friends that joined in this hour of dedication that this was truly an event that had captured city-wide attention. We sang, I offered a dedication meditation and prayer, local elder Brad Walton presented a gracious biblical message, and Linda Walton recognized the contributions of the people who had made this day come to reality. This joyous day ended with food--lots of it!

As we departed Provo Church it occurred to us that rather than an end this was truly a new

beginning. The spirit of service that brought the first Adventist evangelist to Provo, UT in 1897 will continue to light the way for this special congregation. Driving off to our next appointment the words of Jesus came to mind, "Let your light shine before men that they may glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Keep shining, Provo Church!