Rocky Mountain Conference News - 2010 3rd Quarter

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IN THIS Issue

Evangelism: Delivering God’s message

R O C K Y M O U N T A I N

Conference

We, the body of Christ, are God’s chosen method to deliver the message of transformation to our neighbors, both in the local

community and around the world. Delivering this message is our mis-sion. The alternative ... is to pick a rut and make it deeper. (Stetzer)

O U R R E G I O N A L N E W S L E T T E R 2 0 1 0 A U T U M N

Pastor and author, Erwin McManus is quoted as saying, “I think a lot of us are not on a path; we’re in a rut. We have confused comfort with peace, belief with faith, safety with wisdom, wealth with blessing, and existence with life. And for many of us, our dreams will be buried

PAGE ONE Evangelism: Delivering God’s Message

PAGE FIVE Pastoral Appreciation

PAGE NINE The Neighborhood Party at LifeSource

PAGE ELEVEN 2011 Bible and Conflict of the Ages Reading Challenge

MICHAEL ANDERSON SPEAKING FOR AN EVANGELISTIC SERIES

under the epitaph, ‘I refused to let go of what I had.’”

One of the phenomenal aspects of being Adventist is being part of the worldwide “sisterhood of churches” who band togeth-er to be a delivery system for that mes-sage—the Three Angel’s message. Today there are a myriad of ways to “deliver” messages. There is the US Postal Service (USPS), UPS, FedEx, trucking companies, trains, planes, the internet and cell phones. The historical delivery service, the USPS, recently projected its losses will be around $238 billion in 2010 due to a dramatic drop in delivery services. The result? Outsourcing is now a part of the discus-sions to save the USPS.

In Brian Mosley’s blog earlier this year he wrote,

“Is it possible we are outsourcing our faith? … Here are five reasons a business outsources and how we might be doing the same with our faith.

1. Cost Savings. It costs me time and energy to study the Bible, serve oth-ers and be a disciple. If the pastor will do the heavy lifting, then I can save some of this time and energy for other things I enjoy doing.

2. Focus on Core Business. The pastor’s core thing is ministry. Mine is work and caring for my family. It will work best if we both stick to our core busi-ness.








T H E R O C K Y M O U N T A I N C O N F E R E N C E N E W S L E T T E R 2 – 2 0 1 0 A U T U M N

evangelism We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining- they just shine. (Dwight L. Moody)

Men are needed who pray to God for wisdom, and who, under the guidance of God, can put new life into the old methods of labor and can invent new plans and new methods of awak-ening the interest of the church members and reaching the men and women of the world. (Evangelism, p. 105)

3. Improve Quality. I am not really qualified to do ministry. I haven’t been to seminary or Bible college and my knowledge of the Bible isn’t great. I should leave real minis-try to the professionals.

4. Risk Management. Ministry is messy. To really get engaged in ministry could lead to rejection, heartache and additional work to my already busy life. I’d rather not risk it.

5. Tax Benefit. The most measurable way for me to minister is to give money. It’s track-able and the more I give, the more I can claim as a deductible to the IRS.”

Interestingly, the most recent news indicates that the USPS is now considering outsourcing as a solution to their financial troubles—but only after blaming the “internet” due to state-ments emailed directly to inboxes, bills paid directly online and even magazines and sub-scriptions delivering less hardcopy mail and providing online subscriptions—all resulting in faster delivery of messages, but having a wal-loping impact on the hardcopy delivery service.

Outsourcing seems to be a cultural phenom-enon. It has been said, “In today’s church, often we don’t have missionaries, we have mercenaries. The difference? A mercenary is someone you pay to do what you don’t want to do yourself.” We Americans do like to pay someone else to do what we don’t want to do ourselves – cook, clean, tune up our cars, paint and too often, even outsourcing evangelism to

the evangelist.So, how’s that working for us? Is “outsourc-ing” delivering more messages? How effective have we been in evangelizing the Wyoming, Colorado and San Juan County of New Mexico?

In 1904, .354% of the population in our region were Adventists (chart 1). Last year we dropped to .296% and the current online Yearbook shows currently we’ve dropped incrementally lower to .292% of the population (chart 2) compared to the rest of the NAD at .320%. What’s bewildering is that demographic stud-ies through Percept (an online Christian-based demographic research company), 6% of our population “prefer” Adventism! If all we did were to reach those who “prefer” Adventism, we would show a 1,955% increase over the .292% we show today, or 320,542 Adventists!

So, what’s going on? Let’s take a look at some historical numbers which begin to tell our story. Our online records begin in 1899 (see Adventist Statistic’s website at www.adven-tistarchives.org). As the church grew, record keeping changed. For instance, baptisms were not recorded until 1913. Back in those early years, there was no Rocky Mountain Conference, only a Colorado Conference. Wyoming, for a short time, was part of the Nebraska Conference, then became the Wyoming Mission and ultimately Conference until 1980 when they two merged as the Rocky Mountain. Initially the state of New Mexico was part of the Colorado Conference and there

was even a time when there was both East and West Colorado Conferences. Because of continuous changes in record keeping, there’s no doubt the numbers cannot be 100% accu-rate; however, all changes have been included in the following information to the best of our ability.

RMC’s annual percentage growth shows big swings in the early years and fell fairly flat after about 1937 (chart 3). If we remove the early years due to the dramatic fluctuations, and begin in 1937, our average annual growth is a mere 1.8%. The year 1977 was the last time our region grew by 4.0% or more. In fact, for a ten-year span ending in 1995, growth numbers were below zero.

Percentage growth, however, cannot tell the whole story because that growth could simply be that the rest of the world came to their senses and moved to God’s country! Just how can we understand or put a handle on how we’re doing in the “delivery” system of God’s message to our world?

Traditionally, we’ve looked at baptisms. In our region, actual baptisms have increased (chart 4). However, when we compare the actual number of baptisms against actual member-ship, we get a much different picture (chart 5). Delivering God’s message to our world is more than baptisms. How exactly can we reach our world with God’s message?

CHART 1

CHART 2

CHART 3

AN ENTHUSIASTIC MESSAGE

WWW.RMCSDA.ORG

T H E R O C K Y M O U N T A I N C O N F E R E N C E N E W S L E T T E R 2 0 1 0 A U T U M N – 3

We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining- they just shine. (Dwight L. Moody)

Men are needed who pray to God for wisdom, and who, under the guidance of God, can put new life into the old methods of labor and can invent new plans and new methods of awak-ening the interest of the church members and reaching the men and women of the world. (Evangelism, p. 105)

Monte Sahlin, director of the Center for Creative Leadership, conducted a survey in 2007–2008 based on 931 random telephone interviews with church member families across the North American Division. His findings were intriguing (chart 6).

• The majority of Adventist members grew up in an Adventist family and started going to church as a child.

• Nearly a third of members (31%) joined the church through a personal relation-ship. Informal friendship evangelism is

the single most effective method for the Adventist Church in North America.

• One in 10 members report that they joined the church through public evan-gelism. Most of these are older members over 62 years of age.

Are we baptizing our friends? I asked eAd-ventist (our online membership database) to break down Rocky Mountain baptisms in a variety of ways, including how many baptisms already have someone in the fam-ily who is a member (Chart 7). The major-ity of our baptisms (64% this year) represent our family members which is extremely impor-tant! In the meantime, our impact “outside” Adventism appears to be slowly diminishing.

How are we doing in our “delivery system” of giving God’s message to the world? Not bad, but history says we could do better. In 1977 more than 1,000 were baptized! The question is, what are we waiting for? Hopefully not only “public evangelism” because, while that reaches 10% of our current membership, the most effective tool is for us to 1) live godly lives in our families (51%), and 2) create intentional relationships (31%) “outside” Adventism for the purpose of introducing them to the mes-sage of God!

In the book, Evangelism, Ellen White wrote,

New methods must be introduced. God’s peo-ple must awake to the necessities of the times in which they are living. (p. 70)

Let us not forget that different methods are to be employed to save different ones. (p. 106)

CHART 4

CHART 5

CHART 6

God would have new and untried methods followed. Break in upon the people—surprise them. (p. 125)

Some of the methods used in this work will be different from the methods used in the work in the past; but let no one, because of this,

block the way by criti-cism. (p. 129-130)

We are to remember that the work of reaching souls cannot be confined to any one method. (p. 524)

Let every worker in the Master’s vineyard, study, plan, and devise

methods, to reach the people where they are. We must do something out of the common course of things. We must arrest the attention. We must be deadly earnest. We are on the very verge of times of trouble and perplexities that are scarcely dreamed of. (p. 123)

Returning to the analogy we began with, are we delivering God’s message via the USPS or are we inventing new, fresh ways for us to deliver the message? Time is of the essence! Are you ready to begin doing what you may not want to do? Intentionally making friends for the purpose of earning the right to share God’s message with this dying world?�nd train empower hold








Karen CressVice President for

Leadership & CommunicationRocky Mountain Conference

CHART 7









“May the church never lose sight of the pur-pose and opportunity God has placed in the hands of the First Church of Denver. This building was built to glorify God. It also stands as a monument to all of those men and women who are not here today to see the church praise God for His leadership. May

the First Church never lose the vision of those early stalwart individuals who helped make today possible—who planned and sacrif iced and built a church

that would be a beacon drawing mankind to Christ who made eternal life possible for all.”

First Church has never lost that vision! September 10–11 found LifeSource (renamed to better articulate its mission)returning to downtown as an extension of the Hampden Avenue Church, meeting at 2990 Larimer St, Denver. With 75 in attendance for worship on Friday night, and more than 100 at “Rootbeer in the Rockies” on Saturday evening, the church has followed the vision the early members had—to give God’s message to all the world—beginning with their neighbors.

For more information about LifeSource Downtown, check out their website at www.LAFDowntown.org.

Karen CressVP Leadership/Communication

LifeSource returns DowntownFrom Westside to Central to First and back again

J ames and Ellen White came to Colorado in 1872 to

improve their health. Soon they had made contact with the only two Adventists in the entire state, and eight years later, 1880, a church with 21 charter mem-bers was organizedThat first church met in a 10’ x 12’ canvas tent. Three years later they rented Euclid Hall on 14th Street in Denver and the first church of RMC was formed.

Following the White’s example, many workers moved to Colorado for their health—including G. W. Anglebarger—who arrived in 1887 and remained in Denver for the next 50 years baptizing 3,000 converts.

As the years flew by, the member-ship in the Denver area grew from one church in the fall of 1880, to seven churches by 1900.

In July, 1937, the big steam shovel began to dig a new base-ment for the newly named Central Church at 9th and Sherman. Crowded condi-tions in the old church made it necessary to use the new building while it was still under construction. Soon services were held in the main sanctuary with the congregation sitting on plank seats!

Unfortunately, during this construction peri-od, Elder Anglebarger passed away. The new spacious auditorium, still unfinished, scarcely held the overflowing crowd of his enormous church family. The procession that followed him to his grave was one of the longest in the history of the city of Denver.

Thirty years went by and once again the Central members found their downtown facility inadequate. On July 19, 1974, the first meeting was held in the new Denver First church out on Hampden Avenue. At the dedication service it was said,

ORIGINAL DENVER CENTRAL CHURCH

AT 9TH AND SHERMAN

evangelism There are many truths that are dear to all Christians. Here is common ground, upon which we can meet people of other denominations; and in becoming acquainted with them we should dwell mostly upon topics in which all feel an interest, and which will not lead directly and pointedly to the subjects of disagreement. (Evangelism, p. 144)

Do not present subjects that will arouse controversy. (Evangelism, p. 143)THE THREE ANGELS’ MESSAGE

WWW.RMCSDA.ORG


Pastoral Appreciation

They’re only human!

I am not talking about flattery or empty praise, but rather real encouragement for the spiritual leader the Lord has sent to your congregation.

Here are a few reasons I think it is important to take time to show your appreciation for your pastor.

1. It is not an easy task God has called them to. Did you know that nearly every occupational study shows being a pastor is one of the most stressful careers? I don’t know all of the rea-sons for this, but I do know our pas-tors are on the front lines wrestling “not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers.” The devil doesn’t want the church to succeed in its mission, and he tries his best to harm it.

2. They are only human. Pastors need the same support and encourage-ment we all need. It used to be (back in the 1960s and earlier) that pastors

were some of the most trusted and respected among us. Now responses to national surveys rank pastors near the bottom of those who can be trust-ed! A lot has happened over the years in our society to blacken the reputa-tion of spiritual leaders. Even though I am just beginning my second year in the Rocky Mountain Conference, I can say our pastors do not do what they do for fame, money or power. They truly love the Lord and want to bless and grow His churches how-ever they can. Criticism, sarcasm and distrust seem to be the main diet of our society today. Unfortunately, these traits do, at times, seep into the church and we hurt each other. Our pastors do experience hateful actions toward them from time to time. Your kindness will give them courage on their journey.

3. Simply because Scripture tells us to. Have you read lately what Paul says to us about supporting our leaders?

By the time you read this, it will probably be near the end of October or the first part of November. Did you know October is

Pastor Appreciation Month? Have you or your church family taken the time to thank your pastor or pastors for what they do?

In I Thessalonians 5:11, 12 he gives us this exhortation: “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance” (NLT). Honoring and encouraging your pastor is a biblical principle!

4. Because they love and appreciate you! All the time I hear our pastors talk about how they love their churches and all you who make it a family. Even when times are difficult, they care deeply for each of you, pray for you and more than anything want to see you in the Kingdom.

Because pastors are people, they have faults and blind spots. But with that, they also have hearts that stretch around their entire church family. Let’s hold them up as never before as they endeavor to bless us on our own spiritual journies and lead us as we seek to win our communities for Christ.








Gary ThurberPresident

Rocky Mountain Conference

There are many truths that are dear to all Christians. Here is common ground, upon which we can meet people of other denominations; and in becoming acquainted with them we should dwell mostly upon topics in which all feel an interest, and which will not lead directly and pointedly to the subjects of disagreement. (Evangelism, p. 144)

Do not present subjects that will arouse controversy. (Evangelism, p. 143)









we don’t depend solely on that method to evangelize. We use it in conjunction with or in addition to what typically happens at most Adventist churches such as worship, classes, children’s programs and community outreach.

GLOBAL EVANGELISMI just had the privilege to go on a mission trip to Indonesia. The church was thrilled and supportive of this opportunity to see what God was going to do in Indonesia as an extension of our core beliefs. To my surprise, our team of twelve and I had the privilege of baptizing 429 souls, including a Muslim woman who had been coming to our meetings. Through their prayers and digital technology, The Edge was a part of the exciting baptisms on the other side of the world.

As a result of that trip, Dennis Tilon, an Indonesian Adventist friend in Colorado, has agreed to be part of the Edge’s ministry to serve the Asian community.

Yes, evangelism has the power to change not only the souls that we bring in, but pas-tors and churches as well. We are growing healthier and stronger thanks to the DNA of our church by embracing Evange-Life.

Evangelism at the EdgeEvange-Life – a program and a way of life

Evangelism. What type of emotion or reaction does

that word elicit?

This little exercise unveils the reality of how we go about “doing” evangelism. I would like to submit to you that “evange-lism” happens when we actively proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, through our motives, words and actions, and the harvest is disciples who live under the influence of the Spirit bearing Its fruits (Gal. 5:22-26).

PERSONAL EVANGELISMPersonal Evangelism means: Evange-Life: constantly introducing new souls to Christ. “Evange-Life” takes the “program” aspect of doing evangelism and makes it a way of life. As a pastor, I am always looking for opportunities that God will present to me with people that I come in contact with every day. This happens everywhere and it doesn’t have to be a conversation with the Bible in hand. This happens at the doctor’s office, at the grocery store, in the work place, at a school. Once engaged, I am intentional about inquiring what interests and talents they possess to find common ground and embark in a personal and meaningful conversation. I try to keep the conversa-tion positive, asking questions which require positive answers and then I invite them to a church activity or gathering and typically they respond positively by

accepting my invitation. Most of the time, I don’t invite them to our church services because most people (non-believers and believers from other denominations) are reluctant to present themselves in a church setting, but I’ve had my surprises when some of these individuals have shown up to a church service and have stayed ever since.

PUBLIC EVANGELISMI remember thinking, “We must do more.” Every single Sabbath service is an evangelistic service. I learned this from Dr. Phil Jones who recently retired from the Southeastern California Conference

where he served as an evangelist for 25 years. He has mentored me and instilled in me the fact that I have to make altar calls or appeals every single Sabbath. To my surprise, it works! God sends people who respond to the altar calls and they accept Jesus as their personal Savior. At the Edge Worship Center, we started baptismal classes in order to prepare individuals for baptism. I have been able to implement this approach and it has been a blessing and a joy to be in a place where evangelism takes place every single week!

Our church family has caught the vision and they are bringing their friends and con-necting with them as they mature in their relationship with Christ. We also conduct public Evangelism series at our churches but








Roberto CoronadoDistrict Pastor

The Edge and Carbon Valley

evangelism It is not enough to preach to men; we must pray with them and for them; we must not hold ourselves coldly aloof from them, but come in sympathy close to the souls we wish to save, visit and converse with them. (Evangelism, p. 641) .

By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse. (Evangelism, p. 483)A RELATIONAL MESSAGE

WWW.RMCSDA.ORG









Tamara’sStory

T wo years ago, she attended my prophecy seminar followed by

studies with Tamara, her mother and her sister. The more she studied, the more convicted she became about the Sabbath being an important issue to God and thus a call to her obedience.

With just one year left in her Social Work Master’s program, she decided she would change careers if her pro-fessors insisted upon her attendance on Sabbaths. As she explored her options, she found she could transfer to Denver University in Denver and take all the classes she needed, though it would cost her $5,000 more.

Upon arrival at Denver University, she was given a scholarship to cover the extra expense. When she returned to Farmington, Tamara and her sister, Eugenia, were baptized. Today Tamara sings in the choir, leads a new believers class and started a study group reading through The Great Controversy. Yes, evangelism is her way of life!

– Blake JonesDistrict Pastor for Pinon Hills,

Waterflow, and LaVida Mission

RMCPastors

What Evangelism means to

What do some of our pastors say about evangelism and what it means to them?

BLAKE JONES—PINON HILLSTelling people what God is like, what His offer is and how to get in on that offer, ‘cuz it’s a great deal!

MIKE KISSNER—FRUITA, ETCOne-on-one, intentional ministry that leads to dialogue about biblical themes.

REX BELL—BRIGHTONMaking it a priority to ask someone, everyday, some person, to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. It is far, far too easy to become so busy that we forget (or too busy) to invite others to accept Jesus. Evangelism is a daily part of life, not a yearly event.

TIM CRESS—LAF DOWNTOWNOne of my favorite authors and pastors, Erwin McManus says, “The key to evange-lism in the New World is the same as it was in the first century—creating environments where people who don’t know God can spend time with people who do.”

If you were asked, what does evangelism mean to you, how would you answer? John Wesley once said:

Do all the good you canIn all the ways you canAt all the times you canWith all the zeal you canAs long as ever you can

The question is, are we spending time with people who don’t know God?

Someone asked, “will the heathen who have never heard the Gospel be saved?” It is more a question with me whether we—who have

the Gospel and fail to give it to those who have not—can be saved. (Charles Spurgeon)

It is not enough to preach to men; we must pray with them and for them; we must not hold ourselves coldly aloof from them, but come in sympathy close to the souls we wish to save, visit and converse with them. (Evangelism, p. 641) .

By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse. (Evangelism, p. 483)









president of the North American Division, replacing Elder Don Schneider, who retired after serving in that position since 2000. Even though Don and his wife Marti have retired, they continue to bless our church right here in Rocky Mountain! Currently, the Schneiders are serving as interim pastors for our own Denver South Church.

As the world winds down and Christ’s com-ing draws near, we need to hold up our lead-ers in prayer and support them. They have an awesome task God has given them to do. It is always easy to find fault and question the motives and decisions of others, but I can tell you that those that I have the privilege of knowing personally, love the Lord and only want to bless the church by what they do.

In his sermon to the world church on the last Sabbath of the Session, Elder Wilson reminded us of our roots and the message God has given us to share with the world. He pled for us to study the Word of God as never before and to seek the counsel God has given us through the Spirit of Prophecy. He urged us to meaningfully worship in a way that brings joy to our Savior’s heart. He invited us to join him to pray for a revival so God can have His way in all we do.

These are exciting times. I can only imagine how Peter and John and the entire team of disciples would have loved to be alive dur-ing these last days. If you haven’t been to a General Conference Session, I want to encourage you to plan to be in San Antonio in 2015. Well, then again, we may just have our reunion in Heaven … perhaps near the Sea of Glass!

– Gary Thurber, RMC President

General Conference Session Gary’s Musings and Observations

I am excited and thankful to be a part of the Seventh-day

Adventist Church today! Once every five years, the world church comes together to worship, elect our world church leaders, make decisions on how we work col-lectively and celebrate what the Lord is doing.I must confess that during the time between these sessions, it is easy for me to become so immersed in my local ministry that sometimes I forget I am part of an organization that takes seriously the call to the “uttermost parts of the world.”

It is hard to describe the atmosphere cre-ated when people are brought together from literally every corner of the globe. It provides a worship and working environ-ment like no other. The music is incredible and the preaching inspiring. Even when confronted with the mere statistics of our world church, it’s overwhelming. Here are just a few:

• Membership:16.3millionwith25to30 million worshipping in Adventist churches worldwide each Sabbath

• Churchpresencein212ofthe232countries recognized by the U.N.

• Morethan130,000congregations• Ourmessageissharedinmorethan

890 languages• Morethan1,548,000studentsinmore

than 7,600 Adventist schools• 175hospitalsandclinics• 429clinicsanddispensaries

• ADRAhelpedin116differentcountrieswith contributions exceeding 348 million dollars

Those are just a few facts that helped me wrap my mind around the church I am a part of ! Praise the Lord for how He has led!

At the 59th General Conference Session, in addition to the work of updating our Church Manual and working through our constitu-tion and by-laws changes, we also voted several statements that were discussed thoroughly on a variety of topics. Just to give you a sampling, the church voted statements on:

• Condemningviolenceagainstwomen• Thenurtureandprotectionofchildren• Globalpoverty• Theneedforarecommitmenttothestudyof

God’s Word and the Spirit of Prophecy• Thereaffirmationofthechurch’sstandon

the literal six days of creation as given in Genesis 1 and 2

This session also made changes to our lead-ership positions around the world church. Elder Ted Wilson was elected President of the General Conference replacing Elder Jan Paulson who retired after serving 13 years in that office. Elder G. T. Ng is our new Secretary, replacing Elder Matthew Bediako who also retired after serving in that position since 2000. To round off our administrative team, Elder Bob Lemon was reelected as G. C. Treasurer.

In addition to officer changes, there were Director changes as well, including electing Elder Jerry and Janet Page to head up the Ministerial Department.

For the North American Division, Elder Dan Jackson, previously president of the Adventist Church in Canada, was asked to serve as

evangelism If less time was given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen. The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persua-sion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, this work will not—cannot be without fruit. (Evangelism, p. 459)A CONSISTENT MESSAGE

WWW.RMCSDA.ORG


Neighborhood Party

The most recent answer to this question came in the form of a Neighborhood Party. Our community was invited to join us for a great time of fun and food—no strings attached.

In order to draw the biggest crowd, we set the Party up on the front lawn, including a car show with nearly 30 cars. The variety of automobiles became a focal point for those driving on Hampden Avenue. Family fun included inflatable games, such as a Velcro Wall, Hoop Shot basketball challenge, a bouncing room for children, and Sumo wrestling suits. Other interactive games such as a beanbag toss were interspersed between to fill out the fun opportunities for all. Several food booths supplied corn on the cob, watermelon, Indonesian food, and des-serts. Prizes were given out for tickets earned by winning various game challenges.

Evidence of success was seen in the crowd of more than 400 who attended the party, plus the smiles and laughter on the faces of parents and children. It was seen in a letter sent by a single mom who thanked us for car-ing enough to think of them and in comments such as one child asking his mom, “Are we going to come to this church next Saturday?” One man could not get over the fact that the party was free. He had never known a church to do anything for the com-munity.

The neighborhood party became the kick-off

LifeSource Adventist Fellowship (LAF) has been asking, how can we become the best church for the community? How can

we design a strategy that places us, not just in the community, but where we become part of the community? How can we be the kind of church that would be missed by the community if we disappeared?

event for our cycle of evangelism. Every family was given a brochure inviting them to various activities, classes, seminars and other events, including an invitation to “Friends Sabbath” with Pastor Peter Casillas preaching a gospel message. Several families attended church that week, one family enrolled their child in Pathfinders and helped with our Youth Rally.

The overwhelmingly positive reaction we received from our community makes this event a must for next year. We hope to double the number who attended this year and be more effective in designing our evangelism cycle to maximize this opportunity to advertise our upcoming events to those who attend. For example, we will be planning our Friends Sabbath the very next Sabbath after the neigh-borhood event along with another “fun” event for the family. I Believe that because of the Neighborhood Party many went home saying, “I’m glad LifeSource is in our community.”

– Pastor John Cress

HOT ROD VOTED “BEST IN SHOW” WITH OWNER HOLDING TROPHY

If less time was given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen. The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persua-sion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, this work will not—cannot be without fruit. (Evangelism, p. 459)

Fun Times for the Community








T H E R O C K Y M O U N T A I N C O N F E R E N C E N E W S L E T T E R 1 0 – 2 0 1 0 A U T U M N








is “to disciple every student at Campion Academy who wants to be discipled.” Part of the discipleship program is, of course, reaching out to others. He already has sev-eral students whose baptisms are scheduled.

Other programs with evangelistic pur-pose and potential include mission trips to Honduras and Belize (40 students have already signed up to go to Belize during spring break), the Aineo praise team and drama team helping with worship services in various conference churches, Community Service Day, and Operation Christmas Child.

– Ardis Stenbakken

Campion Academy Christian Education is Evangelism

Evangelism is happening at Campion Academy. It

happens in each classroom and dorm as impressionable young people decide where they want Jesus in their lives and what they want to do with their lives.From music programs to science classes, to literature and history, students see where Christ fits into life. But there are also intentional evangelistic programs. Even though school has just started, and many of the programs are still in the planning, evangelism is occurring.

One event happened before school even started. The leadership team met for a training retreat. As part of this program, the faculty sponsors and student leaders walked through the community looking for people to help—and found many. One group met a woman who had been home-less for several weeks and completely des-titute. Although the girls were not able to give much material help, they did encour-age and pray for her and she appreciated it greatly. She saw Christ in action.

Just after school started, Senior Survival took place at Glacier View Ranch, where seniors learned to depend on each other and on Christ. Four seniors were baptized by Campion Chaplain Benjie Maxson. As Shawna Ansari, the task force assis-tant chaplain put it, that experience was a

“pushing over moment.” If evangelism is measured only in baptisms, last school year was a good evange-listic year as 20 students were baptized. In the spring, the Chaplain’s office, Dick Stenbakken, local retired pastor/chaplain, and students will be involved in an outreach/week of prayer.

Over the summer, 36 young people were involved in active evangelism through Campion’s Literature Evangelism program in Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, Castle Rock and Pueblo. They have already received over 100 requests for Bible studies.

Ansari says that she wants “this year to be different—the best ever.” She sees her part in bringing students to Christ as being a good example and helping students know they are loved. She said the Chaplain’s office goal is to make that office a comfortable place for students to learn more about Jesus, have Bible studies and ask any questions they may have.

Joe Martin, director of the LE program, began a very successful discipleship program on cam-pus last year and is continuing those classes. He already has 35 students signed up. His goal

October 5–10 Home leave 15–16 Hand bell tour 20–24 MAUC Volleyball at UC 29–30 Steve Arrington/30-Hour FamineNovember 1–2 Union College Days ( Juniors) 12–14 Parent/Grandparent Weekend 16 Community Service Day 15–20 Week of Prayer 23–28 Thanksgiving breakDecember 16–January 2 Christmas break

Campion Academy

Dates

The Bible and Conflict of the Ages

evangelism Educate the youth to help the youth. (Evangelism, p. 443)

We must learn to adapt our labors to the condition of the people-to meet men where they are. (Evangelism, p. 484)

So it is through personal contact and association that men are reached by the saving power of the gospel. (Evangelism, p. 460)A CREATIVE, YOUTHF UL MESSAGE

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T H E R O C K Y M O U N T A I N C O N F E R E N C E N E W S L E T T E R 2 0 1 0 A U T U M N – 1 1








Campion isGratefulT hank you, alumni and friends

of Campion Academy!

Over $13,000 was raised for student financial aid at Campion Academy from the fund-raising letter put out by the conference in August 2009. We want to thank the friends and alumni who donated to this. Without your help we wouldn’t have been able to provide a Christian education for many of our students. God blessed us this year with 170 students, but we have yet to meet our financial needs for this year. If you are able and willing to donate, please do so and know that we appreciate it greatly and will continue to strive to provide the best Christian education we can for our students.

Being transformed to be more like Christ every day means our focus, our thinking and our actions must be changed which happens as we spend time with Him.

One of the best ways to change our thinking is to read God’s Word and/or the Spirit of Prophecy. Together, they bring conviction that only God can give.

As your conference Administrative team, we have committed together to a read-ing plan that will take us through all five books of the Conflict of the Ages series in 2011—plus Bible readings to comple-ment the book readings. We will be read-ing approximately one-chapter-a-day in the books, plus the corresponding texts in God’s Word.

In each Newsletter, you will find a single sheet with upcoming readings scheduled. Beginning January 1, 2011, we will read the books in the following order:

1. Patriarchs and Prophets (PP)2. Prophets and Kings (PK)3. The Desire of Ages (DA)4. The Acts of the Apostles (AA)5. The Great Controversy (GC)

The Adventist Book Center will be happy to help you get a set of the books in hard-copy format, or you can go to our website and download all the books—and the reading plans—for your digital device. You can find these resources at www.rmcsda.org by clicking on:

• Our Services• Document Downloads• 2011 Reading Challenge

ONE OUTCOME OF ADVENTIST EDUCATION—BAPTISMS

We dare you – to join us in reading the entire Conflict of the Ages books and the Bible together in 2011.

2011 Reading PlanThe Bible and Conflict of the Ages

Educate the youth to help the youth. (Evangelism, p. 443)

We must learn to adapt our labors to the condition of the people-to meet men where they are. (Evangelism, p. 484)

So it is through personal contact and association that men are reached by the saving power of the gospel. (Evangelism, p. 460)
















foremost in lifting Christ before the world.”

Karen’s lessons are now available on her website: www.liftingupjesus.net in English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian—with German coming soon. Color Press has also recently released Lifting Up Jesus lessons with Nathan Green graphics, available at the Adventist Book Center, or at www.adven-tistevangelism.com.

–An Interview with Karen

Bible Worker Training in RMCHow Lifting Up Jesus Lessons Came About

Karen was baptized by Mark Finley in Chicago three

years after her then boyfriend/now husband was baptized. When they moved to Denver, she learned first-hand what “righteousness by faith” was all about, creating a deep passion to share Jesus with others.In 2004, Karen was hired to help with the metro area evangelistic effort with Mark and Teenie Finley. Due to a large number of Bible studies as a result of the series, Karen was kept on to follow up on those studies, and to continue training Bible workers in our region

“A Bible worker is a person who has a passion to share Christ with others and leads and disciples them through weekly Bible studies,” Karen says. In the past six years, Karen has trained nearly 300 indi-viduals to give Bible studies themselves.

Initially, Karen did not set out to write a series of Bible studies; however, her first Bible study was given to a woman with a Catholic background who was also expe-riencing a painful divorce. Because Karen had the same Catholic background, she knew that this woman could not have a thorough understanding of the gospel, and what she really needed was to know Jesus personally.

So, after scouring the Adventist Book

Center for any kind of relational lessons, she returned home empty handed. In desperation, she asked God for His leading which resulted in Karen sitting down at her computer and writing that first lesson. The second week, again she looked everywhere for something—anything that would be of help to this dear woman. Still nothing.

Karen says, “After the third week, I just quit looking and simply relied on the Holy Spirit to guide me as I wrote. The woman was soon baptized and since then hundreds of baptisms have occured as a result of using these lessons by pastor and layper-son alike.

Unlike most Adventist lessons that begin with the second coming of Christ or Daniel 2, these lessons are targeted to those who are total-ly “unchurched.” Gospel Workers, p. 156 reads, “Of all professing Christians, Adventists should be

BibleWorkerConnect offers Adventist Churches and organizations the opportunity to attract and select professional Bible workers to assist them in their evangelistic ministry. We know that wherever you are, the Holy Spirit is at work making sure that the harvest is plentiful. Our prayer in making this service available is that those who are willing and qualified may be led to the ministry that best suits their gifts and the needs of the mission field.

www.bibleworkerconnect.comA resource for pastors and church leaders

evangelism Who can represent the truth and the example of Christ better than Christian women who themselves are practicing the truth. (Evangelism, p. 467)

We greatly need consecrated women who, as messengers of mercy, shall visit the mothers and the children in their homes, and help them in the everyday household duties, if need be before beginning to talk to them regarding the truth for this time. (Evangelism, p. 459)

A MESSAGE OF DIVERSITY

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Rick Roy

Evangelism—by the book

Scattered throughout this issue as well as right here, are some of those notes. These statements are not always good news, but God has to talk straight with us at times to help us know where we are so that we can move forward with Him.

WE MUST ACT NOW!At the present time there is not a thousandth part being done in working the cities that should be done and that would be done if men and women would do their whole duty. (p. 29)

I am drawn out to call upon our people to make every effort to save souls. (p. 98)

Work for the cities without delay, for the time is short. (p. 33)

We are to be God’s helping hands in saving souls. (p. 456)

Right where you are, right where the people are, let earnest effort be put forth. (p. 458)

In these perilous times, we should leave untried no means of warning the people. (p. 63)

The conversion of the human soul is of no little consequence. It is the greatest miracle performed by divine power. (p. 290)

WHERE ARE WE?Let us remember that as a people entrusted with the sacred truth, we have been neglectful and positively unfaithful. (p. 60)

But in the work and cause of God, men are afraid to venture ... God will have men who will venture anything and everything to save souls. (p. 63)

Those churches in the conference that are willing to work, and are in need of help in order to know how to do effective work, should have the needed assis-tance. (p. 65)

OBSTACLES TO FINISHING WORKThere is to be no unkind criticism, no pulling to pieces of another’s work. (p. 106)

About a year ago, I read the book, Evangelism. As I read, I took notes so when I was asked to write about evangelism, I thought

I would put together a compilation of my notes.

Who can represent the truth and the example of Christ better than Christian women who themselves are practicing the truth. (Evangelism, p. 467)

We greatly need consecrated women who, as messengers of mercy, shall visit the mothers and the children in their homes, and help them in the everyday household duties, if need be before beginning to talk to them regarding the truth for this time. (Evangelism, p. 459)

The peace of Christ cannot dwell in the mind and heart of a workman who criticizes and f inds fault with another workman simply because the other does not practice the methods he thinks best, or because he feels that he is not appreciated. The Lord never blesses him who criticizes and accuses his brethren, for this is Satan’s work. (p. 102)

There are in our churches those who profess the truth who are only hindrances to the work of reform. They are clogs to the wheels of the car of salvation ... I shall name this class chronic church grumblers. They do more harm in the church than two ministers can undo ... God will reward these troublers of Zion according to their works. (p. 371)

WHAT WE NEEDWe need more of God and far less of self. (p. 558)

There must be most earnest seeking of God, most thor-ough study for the plans which will place the work of God on a more elevated platform. That is where it should always have stood, but men’s narrow ideas and restricted plans have limited and lowered it. (p. 563)

We are all together too narrow in our plans. We need to be broad minded ... We must get away from our small-ness and make larger plans. (p. 46)

Everything must be done according to a well-matured plan, and with system. (p. 649)

Courtesy, ref inement, Christian politeness, must be cher-ished. (p. 637)

Tact and good judgment increase the usefulness of the laborer a hundredfold. (p. 638)

Let the people see that you are exalting Jesus and hiding self. (p. 171)









Welcome Growing the Circle of Friendship

Eight years ago when Brandon served his first

year in the Adventist Education system at Sunnydale Adventist Academy, he knew once and for all what he wanted to do.

The answer was easy—serve God’s youth. For the past six years Brandon and his wife have lived and worked at Campion Academy in Loveland as the associate dean of men and gymnastics coach. It was one of the greatest honors in his life to be a part of Campion and he was blessed watching many young people grow into strong Christians. With two children of his own, he decided to take the outdoor education position at Glacier View Ranch. This past summer Brandon also worked with our youth as summer camp director and in the outdoor education program. Brandon looks forward to seeing how God works to help GVR change young people’s lives.

Brandon Hart joins Glacier View Ranch Staff Porter Place

For residents at Porter Place Retirement Community, a caring smile and a friendly hello are just around the corner. “Everyone here knows each other by name and is very family-oriented,” said Dorothy, a resident of the community for just over a year.

Several residents of this special community have friendships that go back for years and include a history of working together at Porter Adventist Hospital. Margaret, a for-mer operating room and delivery room nurse, now 97, has lived at Porter Place for nine years. She and her friends, Lila and Dorothy, who also worked at the hospital, now spend time together enjoying special activities and going to chapel service offered five days a week.

“It’s wonderful that the mission of Porter Adventist Hospital where we used to work is the same here at Porter Place,” said Dorothy. “It’s nice staying in the neighborhood and being so close to the hospital and the South

Denver Adventist Church. If you’re not feel-ing well, care is just a call away.” Ruth, a new resident, added “everything you need is right here and you can even walk up to the Adventist bookstore around the corner. Living here makes everything very convenient and I’ve made so many new friends, they now feel like family.”

Moving into a retirement community didn’t mean these ladies had to slow down. These movers and shakers have many activities and outings at their fingertips including scenic driving tours, exercise classes, the “lunch bunch” restaurant group and a courtesy car to take them to appointments. This special group of friends who dedicated their lives as caregiv-ers in serving God and those in need at the hospital are now enjoying fun outings with friends but know a caring hand is a call away if needed. For these residents, their circle of long-time friends and new friends makes living at Porter Place feel like home.

DOROTHY, MARGARET, AND LILA

evangelism Jesus did not follow merely one method; in various ways He sought to gain the attention of the multitude; and then He proclaimed to them the truths of the gospel. (Evangelism, p. 123)

The work of Christ was largely composed of personal interviews. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience; and that one soul has carried to thousands the intelligence received. (p. 443)

The essence of true politeness is consideration for others. The essential, enduring education is that which broadens the sympathies and encourages universal kindness. (Evangelism, p. 637)A PERSONAL MESSAGE

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Hispanic

Meeting

E nlarge my territory in the time of the End

Wyoming Evangelists

God is on the move in Torrington, Wyoming

With enough enthusiasm to wear out the youngest person, lay-pastor, Ted Williams, and the Torrington Adventist Church are all about influencing the community for God and growing His church while they’re at it!

GOSHEN COUNTY FAIRRecently they hosted a booth at the Goshen County Fair. Thirty-seven people signed up for a drawing for the Conflict of the Ages series—so the church decided all thirty-seven will “win” a set though the discounted price tag is $49.99 per set. They also gave away water bottles and had high Sabbath at the end of the Fair with the Indonesians providing music. With 91 in attendance, they couldn’t use

their own facility, but met in the nearby Methodist Church.

BAPTISMS Patti Benninghove, who had been away from God for a long time, was welcomed home—along with a custom-designed, artist donated folder for her certificate!

Donna Miller was washed clean for a brand new start, though she’s never left

the church. She was wrapped up in find-ing fault with her brothers and sisters. God brought her to the point where she exclaimed with won-der and tears, “The problem is not with them. I am the one

with a problem. I have kicked Jesus out of my heart and taken over myself.”

We gave away 3,300 bottles of water, 1,100 “Jesus Did It” busi-ness cards, 300 Happiness books, 100 Passion of Love books,

prayed with a large number of individuals.

Pastor Richard Howell from Honduras committed our church members to be involved faithfully in evangelism. Lorena Dominguez from Houston, Texas inspired the attendees through her songs. As a good complement Pastor Jonathan Santos from Adventist University of Colombia, challenged the brotherhood to growth spiritually in the time of the end.

A remarkable moment was recognizing outstanding soul winners and commit-ted church members in service. Children and young people enjoyed spiritual, social, and physical activities. After the event many faces left GVR happy.

Camp2010

Jesus did not follow merely one method; in various ways He sought to gain the attention of the multitude; and then He proclaimed to them the truths of the gospel. (Evangelism, p. 123)

The work of Christ was largely composed of personal interviews. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience; and that one soul has carried to thousands the intelligence received. (p. 443)

The essence of true politeness is consideration for others. The essential, enduring education is that which broadens the sympathies and encourages universal kindness. (Evangelism, p. 637)







accountable leaders growingTAKE THE 2011 READING CHALLENGE

See Page 11

RMC Upcoming Events Our policy is, do not make prominent the objectionable features of our faith ... until the Lord shall give the people a fair chance to know that we are believers in Christ.

(Evangelism, p. 613)

PeopleChanged

Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists2520 South Downing StreetDenver, CO 80210

The Father, Himself, joys over the rescued one (a repented sinner) with singing. (Evangelism, p. 500)

November, 20106–10 LaVida Mission Food Pickup14–19 Mid-America Year End Meetings

(Lincoln, NE)24 Office Closed at noon for

Thanksgiving25 Thanksgiving Holiday

December, 20107 RMC Finance Committee (8:00am RMC Office)7 RMC Executive Committee (9:30am RMC Office)14 GVR Board (9:30am RMC Office)15 Property & Trust Board (9:30am RMC Office)25 Christmas Holiday27 Office Closed for Christmas Holiday

January, 20113 Office Closed for New Year Holiday9–12 Pastors’ Meetings (GVR)15 Area Bible Bowls15 NE Colorado, 2011 Town Hall

(Campion)16 Wyoming Taskforce (Casper Church)19–23 MAUC Education Summit (Lincoln, NE)21–23 High School Bible Conference

(GVR)25 RMC Finance Committee (8:00am RMC Office)25 RMC Executive Committee (9:30am RMC Office)29 SE Colorado, 2011 Town Hall

(Colorado Springs Central)

For more information on any of these events, please check the calendar on our website at www.rmcsda.org/calendar.

Documents

Rocky Mountain Conference News - 2010 3rd Quarter