Bishop Magazine, January 2014

A THEOLOGICAL JOURNAL

Standing

in the Shadow of

GIANTS

IN THIS ISSUE How To Maximize Your Ministry This New Year The Ministry Roller Coaster Predictor Of The World Harold Camping Dead At 92 A Brief Overview Of Theology President Nelson Mandela Dead At 95

THE NEW LIFE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Presents

Church History,

The First Five Hundred Years

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12 A Brief Overview Of Theology

4 Standing In The Shadow of Giants

By Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D. Min.

6 How To Maximize Your Ministry This New Year

14 President Nelson Mandela Dead At 95

By Maurilio Amorim

By Staff Writer

8 The Ministry Roller Coaster

By Carey Nieuwhof

10 Predictor Of The World Harold Camping Dead At 92

By Staff Writer

From the Desk of the Publisher, Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D. Min. I must confess that over the course of the last two years, I have struggled with producing a publication that captures my passions and interests. I started out with Theology Today and attempted to make it a journal focused upon theological issues. I then shifted to Theology Digest which sought to reach a broader audience, but with the same basic subject matter as my first publication. I then moved to "Pulpit Today" because I thought I was suppose to be talking to primarily pastors and ministers. I most recently shifted back to Theology Digest because I thought that it best described what I was attempting to to do in general.

Well, it seems that I am making a shift again. This time I pray that it will be more lasting and permanent. I have now come to realize that my problem was that I was trying to compartmentalize my publication into a narrow definition that did not accommodate all of who I am. I am a lover of Church History, but I also have a passion for the various expressions of Theology. I support Evangelism,

but also want to write on topics that are relevant in the field of Practical Theology. I get excited about Hermeneutics, but I am also intrigued by High Biblical Scholarship. In the end, I realized that I can not restrict myself to any one of these areas.

Therefore, I am happy to introduce to you the latest and hopefully last effort to design a magazine theme for this monthly publication. This magazine will not focus upon one topic, but will cover a number of subjects that represents the assortment of interests I have in the body of Christ. I have taken as my model the magazine published by Oprah Winfrey. Not so much because my face will appear on every cover, but rather because like "O Magazine", it will represent all of the fields, topics and subjects that I am passionate about.

I do hope you will appreciate the change and continue to support our efforts. Always remember, "We Are- Practicing Theologians"

STAFF: Nadine Johnson; Elder Frances Dent; Elder Deidrea Sealy; Elder Kathy Smith; Minister Bruce Green; Elsie Reavis; Dr. Andy C. “Daddy� Lewter; Overseer Justin Cohen; Bishop Dennis Golphin; Bishop David Chaney; Bishop Lester Williams

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Standing

in the Shadow of

During the month of December the world paused and said good-by to one of the most iconic figures of the 21st century, President Nelson Mandela.

During the month of January most of us will pause to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who would have been 85 years old this year.

Both of these figures are giants in the corridor of history and their shadow looms large over all of us who find ourselves standing in their shoes. Martin and Mandela are a source of inspiration that all of us who are concerned about justice are greatly impacted by.

In a matter of speaking all of us are standing in the shadow of giants and those giants are President Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Giants have the potential to block our view into the future, but in this case the giants that we are talking about provide a magnificent view of the past and how devotion and dedication can be used to strengthen our resolve to make things better for our children and ourselves.

In the case of President Mandela, we have a man that was born in the rural regions of South Africa who rose to become one of the first African attorneys of the country and went on to lead a sometimes violent revolt against the policies of Apartheid, that began in 1948. Mandela would be placed in jail in the year 1964 and would remain incarcerated for the next 27 years. After an extended stay in the South African correctional system, Nelson Mandela would leave jail, denounce retaliation and eventually become the first man of color to serve as president in an open election for the office. Mandela would go from being a beloved son of South Africa to becoming a global figure that was embraced by virtually every continent on earth. With his death comes the end of an era and a recognition that President Mandela is credited with literally saving South Africa from being devoured in race war.

In the case of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. a son of the south who grew up having to watch the first cousin of Apartheid,

GIANTS

Southern Segregation, up close, turned down an opportunity to have a comfortable cushioned job as a college professor or president to lead a bus boycott in the city of Montgomery, Alabama. Fresh from the success of the boycott, Dr. King would go on to organize the Southern Christian Leadership Council and would engage endless episodes of racism across the country.

From cities like Birmingham to Boston, Selma to Chicago, Detroit to Watts, Dr. King birthed a movement in this country that has come to be known as the Modern Civil Rights Movement. On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King articulated a dream that rang with resonance throughout the country and the world.

Now we stand in the year 2014 and the lives of Mandela and King seem distant and removed from where we are today. However, the truth of the matter is that these two iconic figures have become the model and example for a generation of contemporarry leaders who sometimes find it difficult to identify the problems that deserve their attention. It certainly can be argued that the large shadow that Mandela and King have cast over the world provides the foundation for so much activities of social justice both today and in the future.

As we reflect upon what Mandela and King mean to us, let us not forget that they sacrificed their families, unselfishly gave of themselves and operated under the constant threat of death. During the month of January, my ministry celebrated again the life of Dr. King in a leadership awards breakfast that has become a leading event of its kind for our community. This year we were not content to recognize Dr. King alone, but expanded the celebration to include a celebration of Nelson Mandela as well. As we move forward let us forever remember that we all are standing in the shadow of giants.

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HOW TO

By Maurilio Amorim

In our culture, a new year still means a new opportunity for change, a new opportunity for new beginnings, new relationships, and a new search for a faith community. Unfortunately, most churches miss out on the first-of-the-year window because they are not prepared for the new people who will show up in the first few weeks of the year.

Typically, churches put on their big Christmas musical by the second week in December, and they shut down all but life support systems until after the holidays. So as new guests begin to arrive, they are met with less-

than-well-put-together services, often scaled-down music programs and, most unfortunately, a three-week stewardship series.

Every church needs to teach stewardship, but we must be sensitive to the growth patterns in our culture.

The first of the year is one of the top windows to reach to those outside the faith.

1. Think ahead.

Let me challenge you to think of Christmas and the New Year as a bundle. Churches conducting special

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series, shown before or during the services. When done well, this effort creates expectation and anticipation and gives newcomers a reason to return to the church a few weeks later.

2. Think like the unchurched.

Experience has taught me that a teaching series focusing on life issues is a great way to start the New Year.

Take inventory of your community and the issues people are facing and address them in a positive way.

Don’t make people “work” to see how your messages will help them.

Instead of preaching on “The Fruit of the Spirit,” as I saw recently on a church’s sign, talk about “The Life You Were Meant to Live.” While these two different titles reflect the same passage of Scriptures, the second speaks directly to the benefit.

Christmas Eve services have seen how successful these services can be in attracting large crowds.

These services, much like the Easter swell, do not often translate to sustainable growth. I always advise my clients to use the Christmas Eve services as a way to communicate their first-of-the year new series. As people come in during the holidays, they receive mini invites (business cardsized brochures of the new series) or a printed brochure featuring the new series for the New Year.

More aggressive churches will have large outdoor banners and even a video promotion for the upcoming

3. Think strategically.

Don’t let your staff off the hook for the first full weekend of the year. Make sure you are planning in advance to have a great service and to cover all your bases.

I’ve heard so many excuses for why things weren’t done well. “Everyone was on vacation,” “The music director just got back last night” or “Everyone was burned out after the Christmas programs.”

The bottom line is that the new people coming to your church do not care whose fault it is—all they know is their experience on that particular day was not a good one.

The reason you continue to visit a restaurant is that you expect every meal will be as good as what you remember.

If your first experience is not a good one, you may think twice about going back, and if they continue to falter, you will definitely not return.

Just like that restaurant, be enticing in your offerings, diligent in your preparation and excellent in your execution. Be aware of your staff’s calendar and make sure they are well prepared. Look at the first of the year as an opportunity to reach out to the new people in your community and keep them coming back.

Maurillo Amorim is the CEO of The A Group, a media, technology and branding firm in Brentwood, TN established in 2001.

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The Ministry Roller Coaster

By Carey Nieuwhof

Life is emotional. But for those of us in ministry, it feels like it’s even a little more emotional.

That’s true even for those of us who think of ourselves as more rational than emotional. Sometimes we get surprised by how intense ministry can become. I started out in my twenties as a lawyer, so emotion wasn’t really a huge part of my wiring.

But within a few years of beginning ministry, I realized that if I didn’t figure out how to navigate the emotions of ministry, I probably wouldn’t make it in the long run. And looking back on my time in ministry so far, I can honestly say the biggest crises I’ve had to navigate have not been spiritual or vocational nearly as much as they’ve been

emotional. What I mean by that is, I didn’t know how to emotionally cope with the demands of my calling. My biggest challenges for both paid staff and volunteers seem to involve handling the pressures, challenges and criticisms of ministry.

It is helpful to drill down on the reasons why ministry is emotionally draining for so many.

So, to that end: Why is ministry so emotional for so many?

Here’s my theory. Ministry combines three areas of life that are intensely personal: Your faith Your work

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Your community Because of that, it gets confusing.

What you do is what you believe.

What you believe is what you do.

Your friends are also the people you serve and lead.

Throw your family into the mix (because they believe what you believe, and are friends with the people you/they lead and serve) and bam—it’s even more confusing.

Because of this, things that normally happen ‘at work’ very seldom stay ‘at work.’

Here are three common pitfalls many ministry leaders struggle with: 1. Disagreements at Home.

You and your spouse end up arguing about being out ‘one more night’ at a meeting or event. But because ‘what you do is what you believe,’ you feel that staying home is somehow being ‘unfaithful’ to God. 2. Taking Criticism Personally.

You get an email or comment criticizing something you said in a message, and you’re really bothered by it. It’s more troubling because you’re not sure whether it means you’ve somehow failed God, not just your employer. And then, guess what? You bring that home to your spouse, who also loves God. Repeat that pattern multiple times and your spouse can end up resenting the very place that’s supposed to be her spiritual home and the spiritual home of your kids.

3. Friendship.

One of the worst forms of hurt can come when someone you consider to be a friend becomes a critic of your ministry. I’ve had this happen to me a few times, and it hurts deeply. When people you share your life with quietly (or not so quietly) start to work against you, it’s very difficult to navigate.

If you don’t navigate these issues well, here’s what can happen as a result: You begin to resent the church you serve.

Your family begins to have mixed emotions about your church.

You stop trusting people.

Your personal time with God becomes clouded, and even dies for a season.

You dream of getting out of ministry.

You build up an anger you’re not sure how to get rid of.

If you want strategies to deal with this, keep reading.

You can overcome it! I’ve learned to cope with all of this.

But in the mean time, how have you found this to be true? What have you seen people struggle with emotionally in ministry.

You probably think the only way to get off the emotional roller coaster of ministry is to quit. It’s not.

In fact, I don’t recommend it. You don’t have to abandon your calling, even though we live in an age where many do. It’s so tragic because there is a way to survive, and even thrive. Believe it or not, there is a way to stay in ministry and not engage all of the emotional twists and turns that leave so many leaders wrung out. Knowing the reason why ministry is emotional is half the battle, but the other half is about practices you follow to stay healthy.

So, what are those practices? What should you do to stay emotionally balanced and healthy?

Here are six that helped me: 1. Understand the perfect storm of work/faith/ community.

Church world is the only place I know of where what you believe is what you do, and the people you serve are also your friends. You need to understand this. I wrote about how unusual and important this is in my last post on it so I won’t go into more detail here.

But seriously, if you keep this in mind, it will save you a thousand times over. Here’s why: Understanding why something is emotionally confusing is the first step toward untangling the confusion. When you turn on the lights, you don’t have to stumble over the same furniture in the room again and again, like you did when it was dark. So take time to understand how confusing ministry is and why.

2. Find friends who aren’t in your church or organization.

Be friends with the people you live with and serve. But find some friends you can talk to about anything.

You don’t need many—even two or three is plenty, but they can be invaluable.

If you only have friends ‘inside’ the church, there’s always a dual relationship. You either don’t disclose enough because you worry about being fired or inappropriate, or you overdisclose and you put a strain on the friendship because you are also that person’s leader.

A spouse or unchurched friend isn’t the right person for talking through every problem with either. Your spouse wasn’t designed to bear the full weight of your frustrations every time you’re frustrated. And your unchurched friends probably aren’t the right people to confide all your frustrations in either. Because this is the church you’d like to invite them to.

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So develop some friendships in which you can talk honestly. It’s healthy. An easy choice is to find a peer (pastor or key volunteer) in another church or community.

3. Don’t base tomorrow’s decisions on today’s emotions.

This one is so simple, but so often missed. Don’t make decisions when you’re angry. Just don’t. Go to bed. Pray about it. Call a friend. Wake up in the morning and then make the decision. Or wait a week.

Don’t make the decision Until. You. Calm. Down.

You’ll thank yourself later.

4. Seek a Christian counselor.

I’ve gone to a counselor numerous times over the last 12 years. I’m pretty sure it’s why I’m still in ministry and why I’ve got a solid marriage today. My counselors have helped me see things I’m blind to, challenged me on issues I’m sure God wanted me to deal with and helped me realize that personal change can bring leadership progress.

Don’t think of it as an expense. Think of it as an investment. Your spouse, kids, church and colleagues will be grateful you sought help.

5. Develop a devotional life that has little to do with work.

One of the common casualties of serving in the church is your devotional life. You get too busy to read your Bible.

Or you ‘cheat’ and make your sermon or lesson prep your devotional time as well.

I use the One Year Bible to make sure I read through all of God’s word, not just the parts I’m teaching on. And I try to pray about the things I would pray about if I wasn’t a pastor.

6. Develop a hobby or interest outside of work.

Or you might say, get a life. I struggle with this (because I love what I do), but if you have a hobby like photography, hiking, painting, woodworking, golf, skiing, cycling— something to get your mind and heart into fresh space, you will be richer for it. I cycle. I also write. And I love to travel. They’re all good for my soul.

These six practices have helped me become more emotionally balanced.

Carey Nieuwhof- In addition to serving as Lead Pastor at Connexus Community Church north of Toronto Canada, Carey Nieuwhof speaks at conferences and churches throughout North America on leadership, family, parenting and personal renewal.

Predictor of the World Harold Camping Dead at 92

By Staff Writer

Harold Camping, founder of the Family Radio network and oft predictor of the end of the world, died this past weekend at his home in Alameda, Calif from complications resulting from a fall.

Camping, 92, was best known for his widespread advertisement of the end of the world on May 21, 2011, then again on October 21, 2011. Camping finally offered an apology to the public and admitted that he had no evidence that the world would end soon, calling his attempts to predict the future "sinful." But he did add that his “incorrect and sinful statement allowed God to get the attention of a great many people who otherwise would not have paid attention.”

Regardless, Camping was certainly relentless in his messaging, says The New York Times. He raised tens of millions of dollars for his campaigns (including billboards, books, pamphlets, television appearances, and newspaper and magazine articles) from his devoted listeners. Some of these sold everything they owned, rushed into marriages, quit their jobs and gave away their possessions. When the world did not end as predicted, many complained to the Federal Communications Commission that Camping had created a panic and had deceived listeners.

Camping was born in 1921 in Boulder, Colo., and earned a degree in civil engineering from UC Berkeley in 1942.

His radio network grew to 140 stations around the world.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years and his six children.

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THE NEW LIFE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Presents

The Disciples of Jesus

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A Brief Overview of Theology

By Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D. Min.

In a world that is dominated by pop culture and an ever-growing need to have the newest, latest and most current gadgets, it is legitimate to ask why anyone would be interested in the topic of theology. Afterall, is it not the subject matter of seminaries and divinity schools. Does it really have a place in the normal conversation of everyday people? Why would a pastor, with a busy schedule and enough things to do already, spend any of their time reflecting upon matters of the mind. These are some of the questions that I ask myself when I contemplated writing an article on the general topic of “Theology”.

After several semesters in seminary I was certain that once I exited the classroom I would not entertain the thought of re-visiting the various areas that the subject of theology includes.

However, it is abundantly clear to me that theology is not just a mental exercise. In fact, theology touches every facet of our being because it deals with how we think about God. For those of us who are in the faith community, how we think about God is a daily activity. So, for just a moment, let me provide you with a brief overview of why theology is an important matter for us to consider.

I begin with an almost mundane definition of the term as presented in the premier online resource that has become a popular internet destination for people in search of quality information, wikipedia Christian theology is the enterprise which seeks to construct a coherent system of Christian belief and practice. This is based primarily upon the texts of the Old Testament and the New Testament as well as the historic traditions of Christians. Christian theologians use biblical exegesis, rational analysis, and argument to clarify, examine, understand, explicate, critique, defend or promote Christianity. Theology might be undertaken to help the theologian better understand Christian tenets,[1] makecomparisons between Christianity and

other traditions,[2] defend Christianity against objections and criticism, facilitate reforms in the Christian church,[3] assist in thepropagation of Christianity,[4] draw on the resources of the Christian tradition to address some present situation or need,[5] or for a variety of other reasons.

Systematic theology is a discipline of Christian theology that formulates an orderly, rational, and coherent account of the Christian faith and beliefs.

Systematic theology draws on the foundational sacred texts of Christianity, while simultaneously investigating the development of Christian doctrine over the course of history, particularly through philosophical evolution.

Inherent to a system of theological thought is that a method is developed, one which can be applied both broadly and particularly. Systematic theology will typically explore God (theology proper), the attributes of God, the Trinity for trinitarian Christians, revelation, biblical hermeneutics, the creation,divine providence, theodicy, anthropology, hamartiology, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, missiology, spirituality and mysticism, sacramentaltheology, eschatology, moral theology, the afterlife, and the Christian understanding of other religious systems and philosophies.

Over the next several issues I will be writing on many of the topics that have been listed in the preceding paragraph. I would argue therefore that theology, as basic and profound as it is, represents a key and pivotal understanding to who we are and where we stand in relationship to our creator. So relieve yourself of the thought that theology can only be discussed by geekish personalities who have their heads buried in books.

Theology is for you and once you come to understand its critical impact upon what you do everyday you will find yourself becoming a “practicing theologian”.

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THE NEW LIFE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Presents

Birth of the Church

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President Nelson Mandela Dead at 95

By Staff Writer

Former South African president Nelson Mandela has passed away at the age of 95 after battling several incidences of illness related to his age. Mandela, a civil-rights giant who came to symbolize the struggle for justice around the world, emerged from a 27year prison sentence to lead South Africa out of its apartheid-scarred existence starting in 1990, as described byThe Christian Post. Mandela was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. South African president Jacob Zuma called Mandela his nation's "greatest son."

"This is the moment of our deepest sorrow. Our nation has lost its greatest son, yet what made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human," said Zuma.

"We saw in him what we seek in ourselves and in him we saw so much of ourselves. Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell."

The Nelson Mandela Foundation announced his death with a note on its website reading, "We want to express our sadness at this time. No words can adequately describe this enormous loss to our nation and to the world. We give thanks for his life, his leadership, his devotion to humanity and humanitarian causes. We salute our friend, colleague and comrade and thank him for his sacrifices for our freedom. The three charitable organisations that he created dedicate ourselves to continue promoting his extraordinary legacy."

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THE NEW LIFE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Presents

The Life of Moses

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THE NEW LIFE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Presents

Understanding the Old Testament

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