BMH Editor's Blog

Northwest Focus Retreat Begins

Posted by Terry White on May 23, 2006  |  No Comments

Keith Shearer, pastor of New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church in Myerstown, PA, and current moderator of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, led off the Northwest Focus Retreat Monday evening with introductory remarks to the three-day study of Psalm 119.

Approximately 20 church leaders and pastors are attending the retreat at Camp Clear Lake near White Pass, Washington, close to Mt. Rainier. Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey is the organizer and implementer of the series of five Focus Retreats throughout the year, and Doug Lee from Fountain Community Church in Fontana, CA, is the worship leader.

The retreat will conclude late Wednesday morning with a group summary of insights gained from the study of Psalm 119. 

Visit With Pygmies a ‘Highlight’ of Africa Trip

Posted by Terry White on May 22, 2006  |  No Comments

As part of the trip to participate in the African youth conference, some Americans also ventured into the Rain Forest to visit Grace Brethren work among the Pygmy people.

Calling that visit a “highlight of the trip,” Pastor Dan O’Deens sent along this photo of a Pygmy band performing. 

African Youth Conference Concludes Successfully

Posted by Terry White on May 22, 2006  |  1 Comment

The historic youth conference in the Central African Republic is now completed and organizers are calling it an unqualified success.

Some 500 African youths attended from various parts of the country. Dr. Francois Ngoumape was the primary organizer and speaker, but teams of young people and pastors from USA and France also participated.

Dan O’Deens, pastor of Gateway church in Parkesburg, PA, sent this photo of the youths holding up copies of excerpts from Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life book which had been translated into the Sango language.

O’Deens said, “It was a pleasure to partner with GBIM and the National Pastors in the CAR in getting the Purpose Driven Life Book translated into Sango.

“What a thrill it was to hear Dr. Ngoumape teach through this material. The most amazing thing to me was that each conference theme and objective was able to spread through the entire Country of CAR. There were 23 districts represented and each district chose 15 youth to attend the conference.” 

Whitcomb Products Now Available Through BMH

Posted by Terry White on May 22, 2006  |  No Comments

Dr. John and Norma Whitcomb (pictured) have entered an agreement with BMH Books of Winona Lake, Indiana, to distribute and market Whitcomb books, charts, and written materials in the general Christian marketplace.

Dr. John C. Whitcomb is president of Whitcomb Ministries, Inc., and founder and professor of Christian Workman Schools of Theology. He has taught Old Testament and theology for more than 50 years,was on the faculty of Grace Theological Seminary for much of his teaching career, and is widely recognized as a leading biblical scholar.

His books have had a tremendous ministry and they include The Genesis Flood (co-written with Henry Morris), Early Earth, The World that Perished, and many more.

Norma Whitcomb has also written a number of works, including materials for children and material specifically ministering to women.

Until the new “Whitcomb Ministries” section of the BMH Books website is open, Whitcomb products may be viewed on the Whitcomb Ministries website at www.whitcombministries.org and they may be ordered by calling (toll-free) 1-800-348-2756.
 

BMH Now Distributing Whitcomb Materials

Posted by Terry White on May 22, 2006  |  No Comments

Workers completed the transfer this morning of the inventory of Dr. John and Norma Whitcomb’s books, charts, and materials to the BMH Books warehouse and shipping facility in Winona Lake, Indiana. (Jesse Deloe photo)

As the culmination of an agreement that has been a number of months in the making, BMH will now be the distributor for printed products for the Whitcombs.

A revised website will soon make online purchase of the Whitcomb materials available over the internet. In the meantime, all Whitcomb products may be viewed online at the Whitcomb Ministries website at www.whitcombministries.org/ .

To order, call John Leonard, BMH Books division manager (tollfree) at 1-800-348-2756 or e-mail him at mailorderjohn@earthlink.net . 

O’Deens, Gateway to Receive Church Health Award

Posted by Terry White on May 22, 2006  |  No Comments

Gateway Church of Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, a Grace Brethren church pastored by Dan O’Deens, is among 46 congregations from 18 American states and 13 other nations who will receive Church Health Awards during an upcoming Purpose Driven Church Conference at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. O’Deens (lower right in photo) is pictured with Rick Warren (center) at a recent conference.

Pastor Dan O’Deens, founding pastor of Gateway Church, says he “counts it a privilege to receive such an important honor. Health is the predictor of growth and multiplication. It has been a great experience to be mentored by Rick Warren. He has taught us and coached us on being balanced and purposeful in reaching our world for Jesus.”

“These awards emphasize church health — balance and strength — over size,” said Rick Warren, Saddleback’s pastor and founder of Purpose Driven Ministries. “There is no correlation between the size of a church and its strength.

“These congregations understand that the healthy church maintains a balance between the five biblical purposes — worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission,” Warren said. “These congregations have embraced purpose driven principles to grow not only in numbers but — more importantly — to grow in health.”

This year’s list of award winners demonstrates that the Purpose Driven model is used by congregations around the world, including those large and small, denominational and non-denominational, charismatic and non-charismatic, new plant and well-established, urban and rural.

Congregations in the United States that are being recognized this year range from Eastlake Community Church in Redmond, Wash., to First Brazilian Baptist Church of South Florida in Pompano Beach, Fla., and Penn Friends Community Church in Cassopolis, Mich. to Gateway Church in Parkesburg, PA.

The international congregations include Kwai Shing Baptist Church in Hong Kong, China; New Hope Community Church in Aukland, New Zealand; Asociaacio Misionera Sendero de Luz in San Jose, Costa Rica; and Lira Pentecostal Church in Kampala, Uganda.

Each year since 1999, Purpose Driven has honored congregations that demonstrated excellence in adapting the Purpose Driven paradigm to their church life. Thousands of congregations worldwide have adopted the Purpose Driven model. More than 400,000 church leaders in every country of the world have been trained in the Purpose Driven principles.

For more information on the characteristics of a purpose driven church, visit www.PurposeDriven.com. To learn more about Dan O’Deens and the Parkesburg Church, visit http://www.gcwired.com/. 

Worshiping Where it All Began With Dr. McClain

Posted by Terry White on May 22, 2006  |  No Comments

It was a pleasure today to worship with the Grace Brethren Church of Sunnyside, Washington (Nathan Zakahi, pastor).

We had opportunity to present the work of Brethren Missionary Herald Co. in the morning service, and then participate for most of the afternoon in a fellowship dinner for Sunday School teachers and Christian education staff at the beautiful Prosser mountaintop home of the Ron Curfmans.

The Sunnyside church has a particular historical relevance to the Grace Brethren movement. It was in this town that Alva J. McClain was raised to manhood–he later became the wellspring theologian and founding president of Grace College and Seminary.

Dr. McClain committed his life to Christ in an earlier building that stands exactly where the current church building stands on Franklin Ave. when he heard L.S. Bauman preach. Bauman, who was pastoring the Fifth and Cherry church in Long Beach, California, was the visiting revival preacher.

For the next several days our online access may be limited as we will be in White Pass, out in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, with a group of about 25 pastors and church leaders for the Northwest Focus Retreat.

We’ll post updates if we can find internet access from Camp Clear Lake–but experience has shown there are far more elk around the camp than there are wi-fis, satellite dishes, or cable hookups! 

A Plea For Help From Pastor Oscar Chavez

Posted by Terry White on May 22, 2006  |  No Comments

Pastor Oscar Chavez, a dear brother in Christ and Hispanic church planter in Lancaster, California, sends the following plea for prayer and help:

Dear brothers, THIS IS A REAL TRAGEDY.

Name of the parents: Juan Moreno & Gabby

Child ’s Name: Juanito (Little Juan or Juan jr.) eight years old.

Juan and Gabby were involved in our training school for leaders and church planters. Two or three months ago they received a call from a new church starting in the city of Temecula, San Diego County.

They went to be part-time in ministry with this church with the full support of our elder board from our church La Cosecha in Lancaster.

Juan left his full-time job to help this ministry. He has been working a couple of part-time jobs and part-time in ministry so you can imagine how hard it must be for them. No insurance, no money.

Friday afternoon Juan was moving some cars that belong to the person who owns the property he is renting. He has been nice to the man by helping him.

The car he was moving had a flatbed trailer with a car on it. As he was moving this car he did not realize that Juanito jumped on top of the flatbed trailer. Unfortunately Juanito fell from the trailer into a hole.

At the same time Juan drove in the hole where Juanito had fallen, causing Juanito to be run over by the car pulling the trailer that his dad was driving. Juanito got smashed and went to be with the Lord.

Two petitions.

1. Prayer. Juan feels guilty about this tragedy. We need to pray for him and his wife.

2. They do not have money to bury this little boy. We are asking churches to please collect a love offering to be able to help with these expenses. This is a family who wants to serve Christ and they have been doing it for a long time. They are co-laborers with us. I beg of you to please share this with your congregation and if they give one dollar that will be OK. If they give more, they will be a blessing to this family. Please help us to help them.

Your brother in Christ
Aprendiendo a Amar en Cristo

Pastor Oscar A. Chávez
Cell (818) 633-0695
Casa (661) 948-1250
WWW.iglesialacosecha.org

Prayer Requested for Betty Poyner

Posted by Terry White on May 21, 2006  |  No Comments

Grace Brethren have been faithful in prayer during the cancer battles of longtime Grace Brethren pastor Randy Poyner and his wife, Betty (pictured).

Betty says, “I know it is the prayers of many people that God has answered during these last few months even including Randy’s remission. His blood and urine tests last week were all great and showed evidence of continued remission. Thanks.”

But then she shares the following (reproduced here by permission) and asks for the further prayers of God’s people.

“This has been a difficult week to say the least.

“Last Thursday and Friday I had appointments with my oncologist and my surgeon. I told them I was feeling pressure in my pelvis and Dr. Buckley did a pretty thorough exam and said he was feeling something, but didn’t know if it was bowel or tumor.

“I had a CT Scan on Wednesday. Yesterday Dr. Warmuth’s nurse called and said that he wanted to see me today. Not a good sign.

“We went in today and he told us that the CT Scan revealed two areas of concern. One area is a metastatic tumor about two inches square. The other is an enlarged node. Dr. Buckley was off today, so they couldn’t discuss treatment, but it looks like surgery and chemo and/or radiation.

“All of my other abdominal organs were normal, so that is encouraging for me. I don’t look forward to the drill. It’s really ironic that tonight is the women’s banquet at our church. The theme is extraordinary women and I was asked to give my testimony as part of the program. Guess I’m still a little in shock, so think I’ll be able to hold it together. It’s been a long week to wait for results.

[In a later update, she reports, "The speaking went well. I think I was still a little in shock, but God gave me calmness through it. I have considered anointing and have asked our pastor for it tomorrow morning during the 8:45 service."]

“Obviously whatever they do, it will be quick since this thing seems to grow very quickly. My CT Scan in February was negative.” 

Shearer Comments on ‘Da Vinci Code’

Posted by Terry White on May 21, 2006  |  No Comments

Keith Shearer, pastor of New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church in Myerstown, PA, and this year’s Moderator of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, is quoted at length in this article excerpted from the Lebanon (PA) Daily News:<br />Viewers: And it’s unimpressive

By DAVID MEKEEL
Staff Writer

Could Hollywood really bring about the downfall of the Roman Catholic Church?

If the reaction of local moviegoers is any indication, it’s wholly unlikely.

“I think people are kind of blowing it out of proportion,” Chase Kramer said as he sat in front of Annville’s Allen Theatre on Friday evening, waiting for his chance to see “The Da Vinci Code.” “It’s a fictional story. It’s what you go to the movies for, entertainment. You don’t go to a movie to have religious beliefs thrown on you.”

With this weekend’s release of the much anticipated film version of Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, the Catholic church has renewed its efforts to battle the series of controversial claims about Christianity that the blockbuster has introduced to the masses.

“It sensationalizes an ancient heresy,” explained the Rev. John Douglas of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Annville. “If people believe what it says, it casts a lot of doubt on our faith.”

The biggest problem religious leaders worldwide have with Brown’s story are its claims about Jesus–including that he wasn’t actually the son of God and that he married and had children with Mary Magdalene–which they see as plainly untrue.

“Jesus was not married, didn’t have kids and didn’t survive the Crucifixion,” Douglas stated bluntly.

The Rev. Keith Shearer of New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church in Myerstown agreed.

“That whole idea is historically irresponsible,” he said. “It’s just crazy. It’s historically and factually insane.”

But, Shearer said, while some of the facts are off, there’s no reason for Christians to get bent out of shape.

“It is not Dan Brown’s intent to teach theology. It is his intent to entertain,” he explained, admitting that he had read and enjoyed the book. “I personally found it an interesting read. It was fun.”

The idea that “The Da Vinci Code” isn’t found in the nonfiction section of bookstores is something that Douglas said he has been working hard to promote.

“People need to remember that it’s fiction,” he said.

Douglas, whose church adheres to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, said that, while he doesn’t like the idea of a book or movie like “The Da Vinci Code” reaching the masses with its message, he plans to take it in stride and use it as a teaching experience.

“We’re saying it’s not OK, but we can respond to it,” he said, explaining that the church will screen a film titled “The Da Vinci Delusion” in the next couple of weeks. “Yes, it’s blasphemy and heresy, but that’s nothing new. The church has been dealing with that for 2,000 years.”

Shearer said he probably doesn’t have such strong feelings against “The Da Vinci Code” because his church is not associated with the Catholics.

“The book really goes after the Catholic church with the cover-ups and conspiracies,” he said. “I don’t feel we’re implicated at all.”

While Shearer does have a problem with Brown’s portrayal of Jesus, he said other parts of the book actually might be beneficial. Among those benefits are its unveiling of Opus Dei, an ultraconservative Catholic sect whose actions and motives have remained cloudy since the group formed early in the 20th century.

“I think the Catholic Church does have a history of cover-ups,” he said. “Exposure of Opus Dei, which has been very secretive from the beginning, and Roman Catholic cover-ups are valid questions to raise.”
 

Television Shows to Feature GBNAM

Posted by Terry White on May 20, 2006  |  No Comments

Platinum Television Group has announced that Grace Brethren North American Missions (GBNAM) has been selected to be featured on its innovative, educational television series, “Today’s Family.”

The program is expected to air in December of 2006, and GBNAM will be featured in a segment on “Reaching Your World for Christ” in the series “Until The Whole World Hears.” It will be aired on WE, Women’s Entertainment Network, ABC Family Network, and on PAX networks regionally.

Founded in 1939, Grace Brethren North American Missions (GBNAM) is the North American church-planting ministry of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, and is dedicated to reaching those in the U.S. and Canada for Christ. They serve in three areas of Initiatives: Regional, World Class City, and Ethnic American (Hispanics, American Indians, Asians, Albanians, Haitians and Caribbeans).

GBNAM believes that planting new churches is the best way to fulfill the Great Commission, by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, building communities of faith, and helping them become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Dr. Timothy Boal is executive director of GBNAM.

The segment will tell the story of selected Christian ministries and groups that are sharing the gospel, making disciples and getting people involved; encouraging those people to show their love of Jesus by word and deed; and showing how families and individuals can make a difference in the lives of others through donations of money, time, prayers and in-kind gifts, and much more.

Boston-Area Flooding–Jack Brown Reports

Posted by Terry White on May 20, 2006  |  No Comments

Jack Brown, pastor of our Grace Brethren church in the Boston area, had earlier requested prayer for his congregation and others in his area who are so affected by the flooding and recent rains. Tom Avey and the FGBC are investigating whether some disaster-relief funds may be available to help. To donate to this fund, go to http://www.gbnam.org/special-donations/disaster-relief-fund.htm Here is Jack’s followup report:

“Thanks so much for getting folks praying. It was such a blessing to receive e-mails from brothers and sisters in the Fellowship. I know the folks at NSBC were encouraged.

”We are starting to get a better handle on the damages–overall we fared pretty well (PTL)! Folks 40 miles north of us who live along the Merrimack River have had some pretty horrendous situations. Let me share with you some things on a local level.

”The two worst situations involved a handicapped woman from our church who lives in public housing. She is out of her home until June 1. Housing is taking care of the cleanup. This lady is being housed with another lady from the church.

”The other situation involved the Keogh family. They live alongside the Ipswich River, which became a part of their basement. Up until today there seemed to be very little recession of the river, but now this morning the river has begin to flow out of their basement.

”The town has given them open use of the dump through Memorial Day weekend (next week) to bring all their trash from the flood. So, we will need to move quickly and I think we can organize enough folks from our church to get the job done.

”We probably had another 8-10 people with two-plus feet of water in their basements. So pumping out and drying out is in order and then we have to see what is salvageable.

”People will need to replace hot water heaters, major repairs to furnaces, washers and dryers, etc. One family has already spent over $500 for furnace repairs (they have the ability) but some of the other folks do not.

”Also, perhaps we can help some of our neighbors who don’t know the Lord.

”In Gloucester there was one street where just about every home had to be evacuated and water rose into the actual living areas of these houses. I’m sure they are weeks and maybe months from getting back into their houses.

”Thanks so much for offers of assistance. Just keep praying and we’ll do what we can do. New Englanders are a hardy bunch of people. They say this is the worst flooding here in 70-plus years.”

Dads/Daughters Picnic Concludes SMM Year

Posted by Terry White on May 18, 2006  |  No Comments

A “Dads and Daughters Picnic” (held inside because of the rain) this afternoon concluded the year for an SMM program conducted by Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church at nearby Jefferson Elementary School.

The SMM (Serving My Master) is for girls in the lower elementary grades and they have been meeting each Thursday from 3:45 – 5 p.m. throughout the school year.

Led by Miriam Pacheco, the program averages about 20 girls. Approximately 10 women from the Winona Lake church are involved leading programs, helping girls learn the SMM songs and scripture verses, making crafts, and participating with the girls.

This year the girls studied five women of the Bible and at today’s picnic they dramatized the stories of biblical women Mary and Martha, Dorcas, And Esther for their dads. They also presented to their dads keepsake personalized mugs.

Each girl has been keeping a notebook with coloring pages, stories of biblical women, and a study of a character trait each could apply to her own life.

Posted by Terry White on May 18, 2006  |  No Comments

Dads and daughters together enjoyed a pizza picnic and a program at today’s SMM year-end event at Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church. (photos by Sharon White) 

Alaska Student Awarded ‘Honor Her’ Scholarship

Posted by Terry White on May 18, 2006  |  No Comments

The latest issue of “Women’s Infoline,” the newsletter of Women of Grace USA arrived today, and it included the announcement that Sarah Dompier (pictured) from Eagle River, Alaska, is the latest Honor Her scholarship recipient.

Honor Her scholarships help young women from Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana, to participate in short-term missions. This gives them an opportunity to explore the possibility that God may be calling them to invest their lives in full-time missionary service.

Funding is provided through offerings given by Grace Brethren women in honor of women who have been an example of investing their lives in God’s service.

Sarah is being awarded $1,000 to help her be a part of the Philippines GO team this summer. She is a May, 2006 graduate of Grace College, with a double major in English and Biblical Studies. She has taken several previous trips with Grace Brethren International Missions, including three trips to France. She interned in Paris for a semester with Dennis and Jeannie Martin and Tom and Doris Julien.

She says, “I plan to use this trip as a further catalyst for my personal passion for missions, especially with leading and motivating teams of young people. I hope to help light and stoke the fire for ministry in the hearts and lives of my generation.

“My future plans will always include international missions. I have a heart for cross-cultural ministry that will show up in whatever I’m doing, I’m sure. I hope to pursue a master’s degree in the fall, possibly in Apologetics.”

The newsletter also announces that the Women of Grace 2006 “Project of the Year” is raising money to renovate the Grace Brethren missionary residence in Winona Lake. The four “Missionaries of the Year” for WGUSA are Beth Bryant in Canada, Becky Good in Cambodia, Ruth Ann Martin in Argentina, and Letitia Yoder in Germany.

The Women of Grace website is currently under repair, but communications may be e-mailed to womenofgraceusa@aol.com or sent to PO Box 711, Winona Lake, IN 46590.
 

An Early-Morning Reminder From Genesis 9

Posted by Terry White on May 18, 2006  |  1 Comment

[God speaking] “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

“Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you–never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.” (Gen. 9:13,14)

Pastor Jack Brown and the Brethren in New England may be wondering, with all the rain and flooding in their community, but this was the scene at 7 a.m. today over Heritage Pond back of Winona Lake, Indiana. God’s promises are sure!
 

Grace Church Orange Calls Mike Sciarra as Pastor

Posted by Terry White on May 18, 2006  |  No Comments

Grace Church of Orange, California, voted unanimously on May 7 to call Mike Sciarra as the church’s next senior pastor.

Mike and Angela Sciarra and their five children (pictured) will begin at Grace on Sunday morning, August 6. They will also be attending National Conference, where others in the Fellowship will have opportunity to meet them. (Sciarra is pronounced “share- a.”)

Sciarra, 43, has been Associate Pastor at Voyager’s Church in Irvine, CA, for 14 years. His primary responsibilities have been facilitating and overseeing the family and adult ministries, most of which he initiated through the leadership of church members. He completed his M.Div and Ph.D. at Talbot Seminary, where he teaches a class in Family Ministries.

Grace Church’s current senior pastor, Ed Trenner, who will be stepping back to an associate’s role, says, “Mike shares the long-time values of Grace–relationship with God and each other, commitment to the authority of Scriptures in faith and living, nurturing spiritual maturity that reproduces faith, involvement of the Body in the work of ministry, and active involvement in reaching the lost in our community and around the world.”

Trenner, who will serve as Associate Shepherding Pastor for the first year. said, “I could not be more pleased with the selection of Mike Sciarra. He’s perfect for Grace.”
 

Holts Run to Support Urban Hope

Posted by Terry White on May 17, 2006  |  No Comments

On January 26 of this year French Holt (pictured) went home to be with the Lord. He was a dear husband, father, grandfather, friend and brother in Christ. French was an avid runner and finished a marathon at the age of 67.

Through sharing his faith in Christ, French also left a legacy of family and friends who have trusted in Christ as their Savior because of his godly influence.

On June 3, 2006, Bill, Jason, and James Holt will be running the Ridge Runner Marathon in West Virginia in honor of their grandfather, French. They say, “French loved running in the mountains and valleys of West Virginia and we plan to do the same!”

Jason Holt is the coordinator and interim director of Urban Hope, the Grace Brethren work in inner-city Philadelphia. Bill Holt is pastor of student ministries and assimilation at the Grace Brethren Church of Waldorf, Maryland (Jeff Thornley, pastor).

All proceeds raised through this memorial race will go to benefit the work of Urban Hope Training Center in Philadelphia. Urban Hope is very involved in reaching families in their community with the message of Christ–in 2005 nearly 700 children and 250 teenagers participated at least once in programs that Urban Hope offers.

Urban Hope is located in an impoverished area of inner-city Philadelphia and is dependent on the contributions of outside individuals and organizations. Go to www.urbanhope.net to find out more about Urban Hope.
To make an online contribution to the Holts’ run, log onto http://www.active.com/donate/holt. 

Vic Rogers Update

Posted by Terry White on May 16, 2006  |  No Comments

Roger Mayes sends along this update to his earlier prayer request for Pastor Vic Rogers:

Pastor finally gets his halo!

On April 23 Pastor Victor Rogers fell off the bottom step of a stepstool face-down onto concrete.

Initially doctors thought that he had a stroke. There is no paralysis. After more examinations, x-rays showed that he had cracked his C2 vertebra in his neck. Doctors surgically implanted a halo ten days ago. Victor will have to possibly wear the halo for an extended period of time.

His right hand continues to be swollen which makes it hard for him to grasp a walker. He cannot walk without assistance from therapists due to the weight of the halo.

He is back in Riverside County Regional Hospital in Moreno Valley, California, after being in a nursing home for three days. Victor is there due to kidney and bladder complications. At times he is putting scriptures together for sermons. At other times, his speech doesn’t make much sense.

Doctors believe that this problem is related to the pain killers given him in the last three weeks. Doctors are now restricting all pain medicines.

Vivien, and daughters, Ruth Ann and Sharon, want to express their thanks to all for their prayers for Vic.

Orme: ‘DaVinci Code’ Nothing to Fear

Posted by Terry White on May 16, 2006  |  No Comments

The following commentary by Brian Orme (pictured), associate pastor at Community Grace Brethren Church in West Milton, Ohio (Steve Peters, pastor) appeared in Saturday’s Dayton (OH) Daily News:

Church has nothing to fear from ‘Da Vinci Code’

By Brian Orme
Contributing Writer

With more than 40 million copies of the book sold in the last few years, a barrage of advertisements and movie hype, The Da Vinci Code is creating quite the buzz.

Does this sure-to-be blockbuster surmount to a devastating assault on the Christian faith or is it harmless entertainment? Should the typical Christian or Catholic feel comfortable delving into their wallets to pay see Ron Howard’s film, which opens Friday?

In regard to the church, this movie deals with a subject matter that’s sacred: the deity of Jesus, the authority of the four Gospels, the validity of the church. These things are serious business.

Take the deity of Jesus out of the church and you’re left with a soft-sided country club of good intentions. Take away the authority of the Gospels and the church is left with a lack of leading and certainty about God’s plan. Take away the validity of the church and the people of faith are stranded as isolated individuals to fend for themselves.

In this sense, Dan Brown’s book does the church no favors.

But many evangelicals are hoping that the church will use this movie as an opportunity to engage nonbelievers with the truth in the Bible.

Willow Creek Community Church, the famed megachurch in suburban Chicago, released a 4-session DVD, shot on-site in Paris, to use in a small-group setting to help people discover the real Jesus through The Da Vinci Code. Droves of churches are wrapping their preaching series with Code-esque themes to draw people into the conversation, too.

Of course, there are critics–people who would scoff at the idea of using movies for redemptive purposes–but, for the most part, the church seems to be riding out the Code bandwagon and using the props of Dan Brown to conspire for good.

However you look at it, Jesus is a controversial subject in our culture, and He has been for 2,000 years. Whether Jesus is being portrayed too graphically, a la The Passion of Christ, too Hollywood or too human, people will always be talking about who Jesus is.

So how should we react to this particular conspiracy-driven pulp fiction that says Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and started a family with her?

Well, we can start off by nailing down what we believe and why. Those who consider themselves followers of Jesus should be ready to respond with the truth, but it should be overflowing in grace as well. In other words, we don’t need to get mean.

Perhaps this is a small wake-up call for the church. Professor Scott McKnight of North Park University in Chicago said, “I hope we use this movie to press the church to learn to be more credible, trustworthy and full of integrity.”

No doubt the many controversies and downfalls within the church have made people more suspect to the truth it upholds.

The church needs to be above reproach, so that conspiracy theories aren’t even an enticing alternative. When the church is doing what it’s supposed to, it’s radical enough to quell any conspiracy theory of church suppression, for sure.

Bottom line: The church has no need to be nervous; conspiracy theories will always come and go–even the ones on the best-seller list. In reality, the most scandalous plot will always be the fact that the Bible is the best-selling book of all time, and the story of the Gospel–God sending his son to die on a cross for the sin of mankind–is more subversive than any theory we could ever imagine on our own. It’s what the author Dallas Willard calls the “Divine Conspiracy.”

In the end, Dan Brown’s book and soon-to-be film is proof that people will always thrive on conspiracy, even if it is fiction. But that doesn’t mean that the church can’t conspire to use a little pop culture to point to authentic biblical truths, either.

Brian Orme is the associate pastor of Community Grace Brethren Church in West Milton. Contact him at (937) 698-4048 or visit www.brianorme.com.