ADVENTISTISCHER
FÜHRUNGSKONGRESS
2012
SEPTEMBER 21, 2012
Ellen White als Gottesdienst
Führungspersönlichkeit
Dr. Ella Smith Simmons
General Vice President
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
2
REIGN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
“Some day there will be a king who rules with
integrity, and national leaders who govern with
justice. Each of them will be like a shelter from the
wind and a place to hide from storms. They will be
like streams flowing in the desert, like the shadow
of a giant rock in a barren land. Their eyes and ears
will be open to the needs of the people. They will
not be impatient any longer but will act with
understanding and will say what they mean.”
3
Isaiah 32:1-4 GNB
ELLEN WHITE GOULD HARMON
circa 1878
circa 1859
4
ELLEN WHITE THE WOMAN
• Ellen White was born into a family in which the deeper
values of life took priority over social standing.
• Simplicity accurately describes the person.
• She was humble.
• Simple dignity is the combination that depicts her
character and personality.
• She had a tranquil outlook on life.
• She was mentally vigorous—dynamic, spirited,
enthusiastic.
5
Noorbergen, 1972
ELLEN WHITE THE WOMAN
“She is remembered as “a quiet, kindhearted
grandmother who was always full of love.”
She had a sense of humor and “ was always able to
laugh and enjoy the happy things of life.”
*Willie White’s pulpit nap
“She had the ability to put people at ease” in her
presence.
6
ELLEN WHITE THE WOMAN
In her early years following the event that left her
disfigured and physically weak for a long while she
experienced
• loneliness
• doubt
• perplexity
heartbreak
despair
agony of mind
Noorbergen, 1972
7
ELLEN WHITE THE WOMAN
• My feelings were unusually sensitive and caused me great
unhappiness.
• Often with wounded pride, mortified and wretched in
spirit, I sought a lonely place and gloomily pondered over
the trials I was doomed daily to bear. (1T 12)
• I often felt that it would greatly relieve me to weep away
my sorrow.
• Sometimes the kindly sympathy of friends banished my
gloom and removed, for a time, the leaden weight that
oppressed my heart.
8
ELLEN WHITE THE WOMAN
New Found Strength from Faith
In her illness and subsequent rejection by peers Ellen
became more alert to and dependent upon spirituality
that guided her to God.
In later years she looked back on her ninth year with an
odd mixture of emotions
 It terminated one phase of her life.
 It introduced her to what was to come. This spiritual
journey began with two dreams at age 14.
9
Noorbergen, 172
ELLEN WHITE THE WOMAN
It was at this time that she changed her view of God as
demanding and stern.
She came to understand God as a kind and tender parent.
This early discovery became an encompassing theme in
her life and in her writings.
The Scriptures were the lens through which Ellen White
viewed theology and from which her worldview emerged.
Tutsch, 2008
10
THE WHITE FAMILY CIRCA 1865
Perhaps the loss of Henry in 1863, tightened the family bonds among the
remaining members of the White family. Edson (on the right) was now the
oldest son, turning 16 in 1865. William, or "Willie," as he was affectionately
called by family and friends, was five years younger .
11
White Estate
ELLEN WHITE’S ROLE
IN THE CHURCH
For seventy years, from the age of seventeen until her
death at eighty-seven, Ellen White (1827-1915) was
actively involved in initiating, shaping, and developing
the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The Adventist community recognized and accepted her
as one manifesting a genuine prophetic gift.
Valentine, 2011
12
ELLEN WHITE’S ROLE
IN THE CHURCH
The Seventh-day Adventist Church holds that the
writings of Ellen White pass the Biblical tests for the
Gift of Prophecy.
The Church officially holds that her writings are
authoritative and that her writings are subordinate to the
Bible.
13
TEST FOR THE GIFT OF
PROPHECY
1. A true prophet does not lie. Her/his predictions will
be fulfilled (Jer. 28:9)
2. A true prophet prophecies in the name of the Lord,
not in her/his own name. (II Pet. 1:21)
3. A true prophet does not give her/his own private
interpretation of prophecy. (II Pet 1:20)
4. A true prophet points out the sins and transgressions
of the people against God. (Isa. 58:1)
5. A true prophet is to warn the people of God’s coming
judgment. (Isa 24:20, 21; Rev. 14:6, 7)
14
TEST FOR THE GIFT OF
PROPHECY
6. A true prophet edifies the church, counsels and
advises it in religious matters. (I Cor. 14:3, 4)
7. A true prophet’s words will be in absolute harmony
with the words of the prophets that have preceded
her/him. (Isa. 8:20)
8. A true prophet recognizes the incarnation of Jesus
Christ. (I John 4:1-3)
9. A true prophet can be recognized by the results of
her/his work. (Matt. 7:16-20)
Noorbergen, 1972
15
ELLEN WHITE’S ROLE
IN THE CHURCH
She relied on and taught the certainty of Scripture.
• This was/is evident in her writings and speaking.
She held that the Bible explained itself—its meanings
and intents.
She offered the “Word of God” as the rule
of faith and practice.
Tutsch, 2008
16
ELLEN WHITE’S ROLE
IN THE CHURCH
The Bible portrays Israel’s leaders going to the prophets for
advice.
It depicts the prophets going to the leaders to give counsel
from God and even to rebuke them when necessary.
A study of Adventist history reveals the same patterns.
• “Ellen White, in her role of God’s ‘messenger,’ was in
regular contact with the denominational leaders as they
sought to guide Adventism according to God’s will.”
Knight in Valentine, 2011
17
ELLEN WHITE’S ROLE
IN THE CHURCH
• She said her work included much more than the word
“prophet” signifies.
• She communicates messages from God for edification,
encouragement, and consolation of the Church.
• Early Adventists recognized Ellen White as having
theological authority.
• Today the Church continues to value her guidance in
understanding the teachings of Scripture and application
of those teachings.
18
Tutsch, 2008
MESSENGER
Ellen White referred to herself as “God’s messenger.”
Seventh-day Adventists consider her to be a divinely
appointed spokesperson for God, in the same way that
Old and New Testament prophets were appointed as
God’s messengers.
Some have characterized her work as “forth-telling.”
• In the Old Testament – signifies one who spoke for
God and interpreted God’s will.
19
Valentine, 2011; Tutsch, 2008
COUNSELOR
Early in her role she counseled to nurture and unify a
disappointed and fragmented group of believers.
She played a pivotal role in the group through her
practical public and private counsel.
Further, she led and counseled a large segment of the
religious world (general population) of her time into a
deeper spiritual and social awareness.
Valentine, 2011; Noorbergen, 1972
20
GUIDE
But she did more than give religious counseling.
She was a guide on spiritual matters aiding deeper
understanding of the Bible and prophecies in general.
She gave guidance on medical and nutritional matters
from her special insights that were gained through more
than two thousand visions and prophetic dreams that
provided her with a knowledge that was in many cases
more than a hundred years ahead of her time.
She forecasts the events of the end times and also points
the way to escape from the final tragedy humanity is
preparing for itself.
21
Valentine, 2011; Tutsch, 2008
SPIRITUAL TEACHER
“Ellen White saw her role to include correction of error
and to open the ‘scriptures to others as God has opened
them to her.’”
She said, “I have a work of great responsibility to do—
to impart by pen and voice the instruction given me, not
alone to Seventh-day Adventists, but to the world.”
She was a problem solver on many fronts.
22
Tutsch, 2008; Noorbergen, 1972
ELLEN WHITE THE PROPHET
It was unusual for 19th century women
to be photographed with pen in hand
as Ellen White is shown here.
• It portrays her as a professional
and writer.
She was in her late 30s here.
23
1864, from White Estate
PROPHET
• “She was not an astrologer, seer or mystic. Ellen G.
White drew her prophecies from the true source of
revelation—divine inspiration, . . .”
• She described scenes shown to her while in vision.
• However, she did not boast of being a prophet, but
rather referred to herself merely as God’s messenger.
24
WRITING WHAT I HAVE SEEN
“Early in my public labors I was bidden by the Lord,
‘Write, write the things that are revealed to you.’”
At the time this message came to me I could not hold
my hand steady. My physical condition made it
impossible for me to write. But again came the word,
‘Write things that are revealed to you,’ I obeyed; and as
the result it was not long before I could write page after
page with comparative ease. Who told me what to
write? Who steadied my right hand and made it possible
for me to use a pen? It was 25the Lord.”
WRITING WHAT I HAVE SEEN
“The
words I employ in writing what I have seen
are my own, unless they be those spoken to
me by an angel, which I always enclose in
marks of quotation.”
The visions enlightened her mind; she then in
turn transposed those mental impressions into
words—and she took her task seriously.
Noorbergen, 1972; Tutsch, 2008
26
WRITING WHAT I HAVE SEEN
27
ELLEN WHITE’S VIEWS
ON LEADERSHIP
28
ELLEN WHITE'S LEADERSHIP
WORLDVIEW
Ellen White's leadership worldview emerges from the
scriptural frame of reference described in Philippians 2:5-8.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to
be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation,
taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness
of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He
humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death,
even the death of the cross.” (NKJV)
29
Tutsch, 2008
FOCUS OF ELLEN WHITE’S
LEADERSHIP COUNSELS
Knowing God was the goal of Ellen White's life, and the
focus of her leadership counsels.
The framework upon which her leadership counsels are based
is the “depths of the love of God” as demonstrated at
Calvary.
“For her, no true leadership exists without knowledge of God
--as being imparted chiefly through the
agency of the Holy Spirit.”
Tutsch, 2008
30
THE LEADER’S CHALLENGE
Leadership is far more than “wearing” a title or “filling” a
position. Challenges are many:
• fear of losing the position that stifles wisdom and action
• stagnation and decline in spiritual life discouraging
investigation and discussion of new scriptural truth
• losing sight of and relationship with Jesus and His grace,
and thus losing the desire to emulate His methods
• believing in human reasoning and aspirations
• loss of a selfless, sacrificing, spirit for service;
temptation toward being served
Tutsch, 2008
31
THE LEADER’S CHALLENGE
Ten Pitfalls of Leadership
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Oversensitivity
Spiritual lethargy
Domestic neglect
Administrative
carelessness
10. Prolonged position
holding
Pride
Sexual sin
Cynicism
Greed
Mental laziness
Blackaby & Blackaby, 2001
32
THE LEADER’S CHALLENGE
Today we face the age-old challenge by the claims of
Gnosticism: that we are creatures of two worlds—
matter and mind
matter being the source of evil
mind the source of what is
rational and good
33
THE LEADER’S CHALLENGE
• Today the claims of our being creatures of two
worlds focus more on a natural and spiritual
dichotomy.
• The claims are that humans are divided by or
between the secular and the sacred.
Organizationally – the world and the church
34
THE LEADER’S CHALLENGE
Malik observes that “we always have in the womb of
history and in the heart of man Christ and Antichrist
contending.
What a mystery!”
The Great Controversy
Malik, 1987
THE LEADER’S CHALLENGE
This is largely the root of the tension between faith and
culture—the “secular world.”
Is there a difference in leadership?
Paradox: Concurrent with the church’s discovery of popular
(secular) axioms or proverbs on leadership, secular writers have
been discovering the timeless truths of Christianity.
36
Blackaby & Blacaby, 2001
THE LEADER’S ROLE
Research reports more than 850 different definitions of
leadership.
• Most do not relate to God and His purposes.
The greatest want of the world is the want of men/women
who will not be bought or sold; who in their inmost souls are
true and honest; who do not fear to call sin by its right name;
whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole;
who will stand for the right though the heavens fall .—
(Education, 57)
White, 1903; Bennis & Nanus, 1997
37
THE LEADER’S ROLE
• Leadership requires the closest attention, care, and
mental labor.
• It requires the exercise of sound judgment and wisdom.
• It requires self-denial, a whole heart, and a firm will.
In that important position God will have a leader to venture,
to risk something; to move out firmly for the right, whatever
may be the consequences; to battle against obstacles, and waver
not, even though life be at stake. (1T320)
38
THE LEADER’S PREPARATION
“For Ellen White, one essential qualifier for leadership is
a living connection with Jesus Christ that results in total
obedience to His will.” (5T423)
The Holy Spirit is essential in the leader’s walk. She
asserts that a true leader is the recipient of the Holy Spirit
and responds to the grace of God in his or her life.
She says that the human heart must be “submitted to be
molded by the Spirit of God. (RH, 1896)
Tutsch, 2008
39
THE LEADER’S PREPARATION
Holy Spirit
The leader must
• Be empowered by the Holy Spirit
• Receive a spirit of team work from the Holy Spirit
• Hear the voice of God through the Holy Spirit
• Exercise humility as a prerequisite to the Spirit’s blessing
• Have his or her call qualified by the Holy Spirit
Tutsch, 2008
40
THE LEADER’S PREPARATION
Prayer—Much Prayer
For the leader
• Power and strength come from prayer.
• Wisdom comes from prayer.
• A quick mind, large heart, and tender spirit come from
prayer.
• Personal prayer is preparation for corporate and
intercessory prayer with and for colleagues/followers.
41
Tutsch, 2008
THE LEADER’S PREPARATION
Character Development
For the leader
• Integrity and character development are predicated on
time with God
• Both blessings and challenges call for dependence on God.
• Care for the poor develops character.
• Obedience and trust in God develop character.
• Wisdom is a higher priority than wealth, power, or fame.
42
Tutsch, 2008
THE LEADER’S CHARACTER
Ellen White ascribed to the servant leader model, after
Christ’s life example.
• The leader combines God’s strength and wisdom with
humble diligence, yet does not flaunt humility.
• The leader is self-sacrificing and diligent.
• The leader is nurturing and empowering of others.
• The leader is respectful and compassionate, yet strong.
• The leader is not dictatorial, but decisive and courageous.
• The leader is converted, is under the converting power of
God.
43
Tutsch, 2008
THE LEADER’S CHARACTER
The leader exemplifies
• Moral integrity founded on God’s law
• Impartiality, dignity, sound judgment, and tenacity
• Intelligence and independent thinking (yet open to input)
• An even temper, self-control, tenderness, and security
• Openness to learning from mistakes, a teachable spirit
• A positive perspective, faith, hope, and love
• A missionary spirit, a passion for saving souls; an
intolerance for injustice
Tutsch, 2008
44
THE LEADER’S PREPARATION
“Experiential knowledge of God was central to Ellen
White’s philosophy of leadership.”
The presence of the Holy Spirit and trust in God
overcome
• Secularism
• Consumerism
• Love of power
• Desire for prestige and recognition
45
THE LEADER’S PREPARATION
• For Ellen White leadership begins with a call from God.
• It requires a discovery of one’s gifts and talents—
strengths.
• She patterns her leadership model on the life of Christ.
• It relies on trust in God; God’s will becomes the leaders
will. (The leader takes on God’s will.)
• She says leaders must understand the great controversy
and keep it ever in mind—worldview.
46
THE MAKING OF A LEADER
• Innate qualities
• Life experiences
- home life
- failures
- crises
- personal struggles
- hardship
Blackaby & Blackaby, 2001
47
THE MAKING OF A LEADER
Spiritual ends require spiritual means, and spiritual means
come only by the Holy Spirit.
Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of
hosts. Zechariah 4:6
Linking One’s Self With Holy Spirit Means Success.—
The success of the ministry of Elijah was not due to
any inherited qualities he possessed, but to the
submission of himself to the Holy Spirit, which was
given to him as it will be given to all who exercise
living faith in God. (MS 148)
Blackaby & Blackaby, 2011
48
THE MAKING OF A LEADER
1. Sovereign foundations – God’s activity during formative years:
love, birth order, illness, prosperity or poverty . . .
2. Inner life growth – conversion and development of character
and spiritual life
3. Ministry maturing – earliest attempts at spiritual leadership:
volunteering, sharing faith, skill development
4. Life maturing – focusing on strength and leadership
opportunities that match; God works through the leader.
5. Convergence – ministry and life experiences merge
6. Afterglow or celebration – after success, reflecting, teaching
others
49
Blackaby & Blackaby, 2001
THE LEADER’S VISION
Ellen White asserts that the vision must come from God.
• Specific direction comes from the Holy Spirit.
• Prayer and often fasting are essential for visioning.
• Expansive visioning includes others; shuns uniformity.
In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and
apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of
His Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed His
people more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His
will and the course that He would have them pursue." (FLB 296)
50
White, 1958
THE LEADER’S VISION
FROM WHERE?
• Ellen White is clear that the leader’s vision and agenda
come from God and are Spirit-led.
“This does not authorize any one man to undertake the work of
ordering his brethren arbitrarily to do as he thinks advisable,
irrespective of their own personal convictions of duty. Nor are God’s
chosen laborers to feel that at every step they must wait to ask some
officer in authority whether they may do this or that. While cooperating
heartily with their brethren in carrying out general plans that have been
laid for the prosecution of the work, they are constantly to look to the
God of Israel for personal guidance.” (TM491)
• Yet she says we should be in
harmony .
Tutsch, 2008
51
THE LEADER’S VISION
FROM WHERE?
The world functions by vision.
God’s people live by revelation.
Pray to God. Commune with Him. Prove the very mind of
God, as those who are striving for eternal life, and who
must have a knowledge of His will. You can reveal the truth
only as you know it in Christ. You are to live by every word
that proceeds out of the mouth of God; that is, what God
has revealed. (CH 371)
52
THE LEADER’S GOAL
Ellen White understood the leader’s goal to be moving
people onto God’s agenda, to where God wants them to be.
• Bringing glory and honor to God
• Reflecting the glory of God
• Achieving spiritual maturity—self, others, organization
• Achieving God’s purpose for the time
Blackaby & Blackaby, 2011; Tutsch, 2008; Noorbergen, 1972
53
THE LEADER’S INFLUENCE
• The greatness of an organization will be directly
proportional to the greatness of its leader.
• It is rare for organizations to rise above their leaders.
• Leadership involves specific skills, but ultimately
leadership is more about “being” than about “doing.”
Blackaby & Blackaby, 2001
54
THE LEADER’S INFLUENCE
“Ellen White encourages the Spirit-led leader to build a
relationship with his or her followers based on shared
purpose, values, and vision and to encourage dialogue and
dissent as authentic steps to change.”
• She encouraged leaders to pray for those they influence
and inform them of those prayers.
After a person has nothing more to do with anything under the
sun, the example he or she has set, the golden words he or she
has spoken, live through time and through all eternity. This
influence which was after the divine pattern never dies. That
life has been connected with God.
Tutsch, 2008
55
THE LEADER’S INFLUENCE
Illegitimate Sources of Influence
• Position
• Power
• Personality
Blackaby & Blackaby, 2001
56
THE LEADER’S INFLUENCE
Legitimate Sources of Influence
•
•
•
•
•
God’s authentication
Encounters with God
Character/Integrity
A successful track record
Preparation
Blackaby & Blackaby, 2001
57
THE LEADER’S DECISION
MAKING
Ellen White says, “Industry in a God-appointed duty is an
important part of religion. . . Prompt and decisive action at
the right time will gain glorious triumphs, while delay and
neglect result in a failure and dishonor to God.”
She says, “If the leaders in the cause of the truth show no
zeal, if they are indifferent and purposeless, the church will
be careless, indolent, and pleasure-loving; but if they are
filled with a holy purpose to serve God and Him alone, the
people will be united, hopeful, eager.” (PK676)
Tutsch, 2008
58
THE LEADER’S DECISION
MAKING
•
Prompt and decisive action brings success; seize the day.
•
The leader must venture out and take risks.
“I have been shown that the most signal victories and the most
fearful defeats have been on the turn of minutes. Delays,
doubting, hesitation, and indecision frequently give the enemy
every advantage. Rapid movements at the critical moment often
disarm the enemy…” (TM201)
•
Yet, she disdains rash, hasty, impulsive moves. She says they
dishonor God.
59
Tutsch, 2008
THE LEADER’S SCHEDULE
Ellen White maintained that leaders must take time for
careful, continual, and deep study of the Scriptures
• To seek a deeper relationship and commitment to God
• To find truth and wisdom
She felt it imperative that leaders of integrity schedule
time for daily communion with God.
She counseled leaders to take time for rest and recreation.
60
THE LEADER’S SCHEDULE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
WHY LEADERS SHOULD PRAY
Prayer is an essential leadership activity.
Prayer brings the Spirit’s filling.
Prayer brings God’s wisdom.
Prayer accesses God’s power.
Prayer relieves stress.
Prayer reveals God’s agenda.
61
ELLEN WHITE’S
LEADERSHIP
Cindy Tutsch categorizes Ellen White’s theory
of leadership as progressive, because
• She promoted a fresh approach to old truths.
• She empowered an inclusive church.
• She condemned as conservative those who refused to
examine new understandings of Scripture.
62
ELLEN WHITE’S
LEADERSHIP
• She promoted creativity, appropriate conflict,
humanizing interaction with workers, and distributed
leadership.
• She extolled Biblical values such as spirit, love,
empowerment, trust, grace, humility, and forgiveness.
63
LEADERSHIP PROMISE
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that
I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because
I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will
do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything
in My name, I will do it.
The Lord has a use for His people, and He is well pleased
when they make the very highest demands upon Him, that
they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if
they have faith in His promises. (DA 668)
64
White, 1898