Disqus - Latest Comments for gwalter

Re: The Science of Retweets on Twitter

gwalter — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:00:26 -0000

Great post - great numbers - great analysis. Thank you!

Re: Depression in Pastoral Ministry

gwalter — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:20:36 -0000

Today, as I watched the flow of comments come in from your post on Facebook, I was impressed by a disturbing trend that I saw. There were many who expressed their love and appreciation for their pastors. Specifically, those who loved and appreciated the "great" man (or woman) God had placed in their church.

However, I did not see, nor have I ever heard someone say, "I don't really like the guy God sent us - but I love him with all my heart and appreciate him."

In fact, just a few days ago, I was chatting with a friend online and he mentioned how he didn't really care for the current pastor. "But it doesn't really matter," he said, "because the leaders are doing some great things in spite of him." (paraphrased)

This, I've found, is a common thread. The people of the church see the pastor as someone who is just passing through. If they like her, they'll do everything they can to hold on to her. If they don't, they'll just tolerate her until she moves on. It's their church anyway, not the pastor's - so it really doesn't matter what the pastor tries to do.

Granted there are some incompetent pastors out there. But isn't that God's responsibility? Doesn't the Bible tell us that God is responsible for all leaders and it is our responsibility to give them respect? What if God deliberately sent an incompetent pastor to your church? What if God sent someone who wasn't as warm and fuzzy as you'd like?

Shouldn't we follow those men and women, regardless of how they make us feel? Remember when Aaron and Miriam mumbled about Moses? Or worse, do you remember the rebellion of Korah and Kohath?

I asked my friend about this apparent disregard for the man sent to lead their church? He explained that there were some really good ministries happening, regardless of what the pastor was doing, or not doing. I asked him if good was good enough - or were they sacrificing the great, for the merely good?

And what about unity? And direction?

Is it possible, that despite the apparent disregard the people of this church had for his ministry, that God still sent Him to accomplish something specific? Is it possible that God knew of this man's faults and issues, but still called him to do something in that church? And how would he do that, if the people disregarded him - merely because they didn't like him, his personality, or his style?

And, as Ryan so well articulated above, why can't we love and appreciate someone, even if they wouldn't be our first choice?

Re: Book Review: Beyond Ellen White

gwalter — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:26:24 -0000

One of the reasons I like book reviews, is because there is never enough time to read all the books I would like to read. The same with movie reviews. Yet, in the latter, it has more to do with the disappointment I find in most films, but the reviews allow me to stay current with popular culture.

You are a good writer Steve and I appreciate what you've unleashed here. A few Summers ago we visited Elmshaven and I felt some of those feelings as I walked through the house with my then two-year old daughter. I have some great photos of her sitting on the back steps.

I've never been to Avondale, but I have attended three North American Adventist Universities and have had significant contact on three or four others. Several of these schools are at this crossroads also - yet, most do not recognize it.

The traditionalists, and/or fundamentalists, would like to restrict any progress (or progressive change). The so-called progressives, are often just liberals in disguise - they don't seek progress as much as they seek a liberalization of our theology, practices, creed, and direction.

I'm not an academic, and have not earned the right to speak out on academic issues. However, as a consumer of the educational system, and a constituent of the institution, I can say that I'm not content with the status quo - nor am I confident that all options are being considered.

The inertia of the status quo is great and efforts to alter this course are merely too little - too late. Unfortunately, these words probably apply to the greater Church Institution. We are likely far enough off course, that nothing but a radical re-visioning will enable us to see past the fog.

Don't get me wrong, our schools, churches, and medical facilities do a lot of good - but we often sacrifice the great, for the merely good.

Re: Reading Into Doubt?

gwalter — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:28:01 -0000

Gospel in the OT?

Good question - I'll strive for brevity here.

(you can see the longer version here: http://daddytude.com/2009/05/16/hell-part-1-fal...)

Basically - I was an agnostic at best, but most likely an atheist. Mostly because I had confused God with the Church. I had given up on the Church, and hence given up on God. (I've since learned that they are not the same thing ;) )

Anyway, I considered myself well-read, but I'd never read the Bible - I thought, at the very least, I should read it as a piece of ancient literature. So, I read Genesis.

By the time I got through Genesis, I was convinced that God is my Creator and that He does love me. While I had a long way to go, I began to pray and listen for His voice. I began to keep "a" sabbath, if not "the" Sabbath. (Just any old sixth, seventh, or eighth day worked just fine - thank you very much)

I saw the love in which God treated Adam and Eve after their sin; I saw the love towards Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. I saw the whole Great Controversy unfolding right before my eyes.

(I should mention that I tend to be a systemic/big-picture sort of person - so it is easy for me to see the systems falling into place.)

After this, I was led to read Revelation. I didn't understand it, but I did realize that there was an end to the mess that Satan started in Eden. And then, amazingly, I read Ecclesiastes. Through Solomon's writings, I saw myself. It was through Ecclesiastes that I surrendered my heart, my soul, and myself to God's will. I realized that there truly is "nothing new under the Sun." I decided to let God be God.

A couple of months later, I was baptized.

Re: Reading Into Doubt?

gwalter — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:38:55 -0000

Hey Steve! Yeah, joining the conversation - to me, that is how we have influence.

When I first became a Christian, I walked away from my friends. I didn't know how to be around them without drinking beer, swearing, chasing women, etc. It was easier (but a lot lonelier) to just stay home. It was safer - because I didn't trust myself to be around those guys.

I've found many in the church have taken this protectionist approach. It's a good place when you're a baby Christian - and I don't fault anyone from taking this stand. (Possibly, this is where you are Ellamae?)

However, as I matured, and as the church matures, we need to get out of protectionist mode and into mighty army mode. We are called to be salt and light - and we can't do that if we don't join the conversation.

Jesus (In Luke 15:1-2), joined the conversation - in the taverns, brothels, etc. If I'm a part of the conversation - whether in Facebook, Twitter, here, in a book, a blog, or in a Starbucks, I believe that the God who dwells in my heart will protect me from falsehood and will shine out of my heart.

I am not afraid - like Nehemiah, I have a sword in one hand, and a brick in the other. They can kill my body, but they cannot kill my Spirit. I am not afraid to join the conversation.

Re: Reading Into Doubt?

steveinadelaide — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:00:23 -0000

Hi gwalter (and Ellamae)

Have been reading your conversations with great interest. The sort of conversation you are having is analogous, I believe, to the sort of "conversation" one can have when reading a book. The writer who suggested that we shouldn't read anything other than the Bible seems to me to miss out on these challenging conversations and, hence, the opportunity for developing understanding.

gwalter: I'd be keen to hear how you discovered the gospel in the OT 20 years ago if you are willing to share!

Re: Reading Into Doubt?

Ellamae — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:59:45 -0000

Yes, I believe that. Making friends is so important, especially among
those who aren't Christian. But there has to be a deeper motive for joining a
church.
I have found Jack Sequeira's writing on the sanctuary to be most helpful
in telling about salvation--if only others were willing to read these
things! Our little church seems so ignored by the public it's incredible. I
think there has to be some sort of demonic plot behind it! At the same time
some of our ideas are now being spread by others.
Maybe that's it--the end time people will not belong to any one
organization. I tend to think this way.

In a message dated 10/26/2009 5:48:58 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

gwalter wrote, in response to Ellamae:

For me, personally, I found the Gospel in the OT - 20 years ago. It was
an amazing experience.

Also, having had the opportunity to baptize over 60 people in the last few
years, I've found most are influenced by relationship - more than they are
by facts and polemics.

We are told that if the Church were to represent the love of Christ, there
would be 100 baptisms where now there is just one.

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Re: Reading Into Doubt?

gwalter — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:48:52 -0000

For me, personally, I found the Gospel in the OT - 20 years ago. It was an amazing experience.

Also, having had the opportunity to baptize over 60 people in the last few years, I've found most are influenced by relationship - more than they are by facts and polemics.

We are told that if the Church were to represent the love of Christ, there would be 100 baptisms where now there is just one.

Re: Reading Into Doubt?

Ellamae — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:13:15 -0000

PS: I don't think I would believe in the God of the OT either, if I
didn't have Jesus and the NT.

In a message dated 10/26/2009 12:03:05 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

gwalter wrote, in response to Ellamae:

@Ellamae, it isn't the Old Testament itself that drives people away, or
hurts their faith - although we are told that the Gospel is a "stumbling
block" and is "offensive" to the unbeliever.

However, it is my observation that people have not been taught how to read
the Bible. Stories are taken out of context, are misquoted, or are
totally misconstrued. Just look at TV, Film, and other popular media - there are
so many misrepresentations of the Bible, that they have become common
myths.

Case in Point: There were not only two of every animal in the Ark.
(Genesis 7:2, 3 Take with you seven pairs—male and female—of each animal I have
approved for eating and for sacrifice,s and take one pair of each of the
others. Also take seven pairs of every kind of bird. There must be a male and
a female in each pair to ensure that all life will survive on the earth
after the flood.)

When the OT is taken in context, as seen through the eyes of a Great
Controversy - these events, coupled with the failures of the men and women
involved, begin to make more sense.

Link to comment: http://disq.us/2es5g

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Re: Reading Into Doubt?

Ellamae — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:12:09 -0000

Yes, we know all of this, however, the general public does not, as you
say. In fact in almost every case in discussing the Bible with unbelievers the
same question comes up--why was God so horrible in the OT? So maybe our
efforts in spreading the good news need to answer relevant questions before
getting into theology, prophecy, etc. I don't see an answer without some
major changes in our evangelism. With all my knowledge I even question these
OT episodes. But I have to believe that God is good, fair, love, and
caring, or He does not exist or some alien force is at work that keeps life
going on this planet. There is definitely ID. But most of all I have my own
personal experience with Jesus that tells me He does exist and what He is
like. Jews and others in the major religions are locked in their inherited
boxes and few are willing to push out. I look for a God that will be fair
in dealing with them.

I have a book entitled Good Book by David Plotz. He reads the Bible
for the first time as an agnostic of Jewish background. He says:

I began the Bible as a hopeful, but indifferent, agnostic. I wished for
a God, but I didn't really care. I leave the Bible as a hopeless and angry
agnostic. I'm brokenhearted about God....After reading about the genocides,
the plagues, the murders, the mass enslavements, the ruthless vengeance
for minor sins (or no sin at all), and all that smiting--every bit of it
directly performed, authorized or approved by God--I can only conclude that the
God of the Hebrew Bible, if He existed, was awful, cruel, and capricious.
He gives us moments of beauty--sublime beauty and grace! but taken as a
whole, He is not a God I want to obey or love.....If I want to find grace,
forgiveness, and wonder, I have to read and believe in the story of Jesus
Christ, which explains and redeems all. But that doesn't work for me. I'm a
Jew. I can't believe Christ died for sins. And even if I did, I still don' t
think that would wash away God's epic crimes in the OT. Jews don't have
the luxury that Christians do of writing off the evil parts of the OT....I
did not become a better person for reading the Bible--but I am thinking."
He goes on to note that the OT heroes did challenge, argue, and
negotiate with God as he now does.

As the population gets more educated and knowledgeable, the stories of the
Bible seem more and more unbelievable and remote.. At the least,
believers need to do a lot more explaining.

In a message dated 10/26/2009 12:03:05 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

gwalter wrote, in response to Ellamae:

@Ellamae, it isn't the Old Testament itself that drives people away, or
hurts their faith - although we are told that the Gospel is a "stumbling
block" and is "offensive" to the unbeliever.

However, it is my observation that people have not been taught how to read
the Bible. Stories are taken out of context, are misquoted, or are
totally misconstrued. Just look at TV, Film, and other popular media - there are
so many misrepresentations of the Bible, that they have become common
myths.

Case in Point: There were not only two of every animal in the Ark.
(Genesis 7:2, 3 Take with you seven pairs—male and female—of each animal I have
approved for eating and for sacrifice,s and take one pair of each of the
others. Also take seven pairs of every kind of bird. There must be a male and
a female in each pair to ensure that all life will survive on the earth
after the flood.)

When the OT is taken in context, as seen through the eyes of a Great
Controversy - these events, coupled with the failures of the men and women
involved, begin to make more sense.

Link to comment: http://disq.us/2es5g

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Re: Reading Into Doubt?

gwalter — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:02:45 -0000

@Ellamae, it isn't the Old Testament itself that drives people away, or hurts their faith - although we are told that the Gospel is a "stumbling block" and is "offensive" to the unbeliever.

However, it is my observation that people have not been taught how to read the Bible. Stories are taken out of context, are misquoted, or are totally misconstrued. Just look at TV, Film, and other popular media - there are so many misrepresentations of the Bible, that they have become common myths.

Case in Point: There were not only two of every animal in the Ark. (Genesis 7:2, 3 Take with you seven pairs—male and female—of each animal I have approved for eating and for sacrifice,s and take one pair of each of the others. Also take seven pairs of every kind of bird. There must be a male and a female in each pair to ensure that all life will survive on the earth after the flood.)

When the OT is taken in context, as seen through the eyes of a Great Controversy - these events, coupled with the failures of the men and women involved, begin to make more sense.

Re: We Are Sabbath, Part II: An Event Worth Celebrating

Ellamae — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:29:19 -0000

Thank you. I did send it off to AR through Roy Adams. Ella

In a message dated 10/23/2009 12:54:49 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

gwalter wrote, in response to Ellamae:

Ellamae, we invite our readers to submit any of our content anywhere,
anytime. Were we to submit this, it might seem somewhat self-promoting.
However, if you have "connections" we invite you to let them know of our content
here.

Link to comment: http://disq.us/28mzb

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Re: We Are Sabbath, Part II: An Event Worth Celebrating

gwalter — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:54:44 -0000

Ellamae, we invite our readers to submit any of our content anywhere, anytime. Were we to submit this, it might seem somewhat self-promoting. However, if you have "connections" we invite you to let them know of our content here.

Re: We Are Sabbath, Part II: An Event Worth Celebrating

gwalter — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:53:12 -0000

Getting back to the core of our understanding of God is far more important than following the mere traditions we've allowed to overtake us. It's not just that the traditions are bad - in fact, many of them are quite good. But we should never settle for the merely good - we must always pursue the great!

Re: Reading Into Doubt?

gwalter — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:51:05 -0000

Nice quote Tony - thanks!

Re: Worshiping the Sabbath vs Worshiping on the Sabbath

gwalter — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:44:58 -0000

Go for it Travis!

Also, did you get my note about posting your latest Facebook musing?

G

Re: http://reinventingsdawheel.blogspot.com/2006/04/qualifying-this-blog-for-adventists.html

gwalter — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:44:29 -0000

Thank you Jeff!

Re: Worshiping the Sabbath vs Worshiping on the Sabbath

gwalter — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:26:45 -0000

Travis - this is really an eye-opening revelation. So simple, yet so relevant. Thank you for sharing it with us!

For others, you'll find a rousing discussion on Travis' Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=152972...

Re: http://reinventingsdawheel.blogspot.com/2009/10/abominable-blister-beetle.html

gwalter — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:32:18 -0000

You are welcome! And, thank you!

Re: http://reinventingsdawheel.blogspot.com/2009/10/abominable-blister-beetle.html

andyhanson — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:44:43 -0000

Gary,
Thanks for the note and the help. I'm not sure how to straighten things out, but have asked for help. I'll keep you posted. By the way, I'll be 67 on October 13. You have really breathed new life into the blog, and, as a consequence, motivated this blogger to actively participate. Best wishes, Andy

Re: http://reinventingsdawheel.blogspot.com/2009/10/abominable-blister-beetle.html

gwalter — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:19:25 -0000

Wow - this is well articulated - and so very similar to my own perspective.

Several years ago I was speaking at a Singles Retreat/Conference in British Columbia. No sooner had I arrived and sat down to eat, then someone approached me to ask me some esoteric, yet inane, theological question. I gave this person the same answer I share with my congregations:

"I'm not a theologian - I'm a coach, a mentor, someone God has called to help others know Him better. You should probably ask someone else that question, because I just don't know."

What I leave unpoken is this:

"...nor do I care. It just doesn't matter in the bigger schema. I, and most of us, are just trying to live one day at a time - and those question just don't help me discover how to get through today."

In other words, So what?

Re: Egocentric mission or exclusivist gospel?

gwalter — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:01:33 -0000

Thanks for your perspective Glenn. You're right, there is nothing wrong with bringing people to the church - but the attitude of why. That is a really good question to ask.

I might add however, that Christ asked us to take His good news, the Gospel, to people, not people to Him or the church. "Go!" He said - not bring. (Matthew 28) It's a subtle difference, but one we, as the Church, have not fully grasped.

Thanks again for your thoughtful reply!

Re: http://reinventingsdawheel.blogspot.com/2007/05/rap-session-greg-and-shasta-nelson.html

gwalter — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:28:22 -0000

To the best of my knowledge, Dan is not working as a pastor. He was in Seminary with me, and is a friend, but, like all of us, he is growing. Last I heard he was working as a Radio DJ in an college town in Iowa.

Re: Relevance, Part 3

gwalter — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:59:36 -0000

Thanks Chris!

Re: Multi-Generational Church Leadership

gwalter — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:43:16 -0000

If the generational strata operated along the lines that John wrote about - where the old men taught and led the young men - we wouldn't have the hierarchy issues. Instead we'd have more of a multi-generational family system - based on benevolence, not power and authority.

I completely agree with your analogy on a wartime mentality though. This is exactly where I wrestle with the common church attender. Most see church as a fellowship (navel-gazers?), but I see church as standing armies ready to do battle against the gates of Hell.

Vision and purpose inspire excellence. The clearer the vision, the better the values, the more defined mission, and the integrity of purpose will better enable people to drop their pretenses and join the cause.