ISSUES: Creative Arts Ministries and the Spirit of Prophecy

prepared by Pastor Tom Hughes

Ellen White’s place in comparison with the Bible.

Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light. Oh, how much good would be accomplished if the books containing this light were read with a determination to carry out the principles they contain! CM 125
The Greater and Lesser Lights.--Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light.-- Colporteur Evangelist, p. 37. (1902) {Ev 257}

Guarding Against Misuse of Ellen White's writings.

I have been shown that some, especially in Iowa, make the visions a rule by which to measure all, and have taken a course which my husband and myself have never pursued. Those who were, comparatively, strangers to the visions have been dealt with in the same manner as those who have had much light and experience in the visions. Some have been required to endorse the visions when they could not conscientiously do so, and in this way some honest souls have been driven to take positions against the visions and against the body which they never would have taken had their cases been managed with discretion and mercy. {1T 382.1}
Many from among our own people are writing to me, asking with earnest determination the privilege of using my writings to give force to certain subjects that they wish to present to the people in such a way as to leave a deep impression upon them. It is true that there is a reason why some of their matters should be presented; but I would not venture to give my approval in using the testimonies in this way, or to sanction the placing of matter which is good in itself in the way which they propose. The persons who make these propositions, for aught I know, may be able to conduct the enterprise of which they write in a wise manner; but nevertheless, I dare not give the least license for using my writings in the manner which they propose. In taking account of such an enterprise, there are many things that must come into consideration, for in using the testimonies to bolster up some subject which may impress the mind of the author, the extracts may give a different impression than that which they would were
they read in their original connection.--Lt 49, 1894 PM 359,360
"Those who are not walking in the light of the message, may gather up statements from my writings that happen to please them, and that agree with their human judgment, and, by separating these statements from their connection, and placing them beside human reasonings, make it appear that my writings uphold that which they condemn." Letter 208, 1906
At the General Conference in 1909 She turned to the pulpit and lifted from it the Bible lying there.
Opening the book, she held it forth on hands that trembled with age and said, "Brethren and sisters, I commend unto you this Book." Those were the last words she ever spoke to the Church. W. A Spicer CAM 202

Ellen G. White called herself a lesser light, leading to the greater light. She never exalted her writing to a position of equality with the Bible. She was ever careful to recommend to the church the Bible and the Bible only as our rule of faith. Her writings are to illuminate and enlighten our understanding of the Word of God, but they are not The Word of God in the sense that the Bible is. Her comments on theatrical display in the church are being taken out of context and used in a way that she never intended.

Please read the historical information included in this document so you can interpret her comments in
context.

The theater in her day was extremely immoral. There were prostitutes in the theaters plying their trade, and the theatrics included loud, bombastic movements, songs and gestures that she felt would be out of place in God’s church. To compare that den of iniquity with a simple Biblical re-enactment of the Christmas or Resurrection story, or to try to apply them directly to a puppet ministry, is not only taking her writing out of context, but it is using them in a was she, nor her husband James ever approved of or condoned.

The puppet ministry should be judged for what it is: a new method to evangelize out children and those not of our faith with the gospel. It is neither boisterous, loud, given to self exaltation, display, needless expense or any of the other things she warned about. Jesus said "suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not." The church voted once to begin the puppet ministry, and it should not allow those who would control and criticize anything new to prevent the children from pursuing their ministry. Many of the church children participated in the VBS, and loved ministering for the Lord. They are looking forward to going to Camp Meeting, Nursing Homes and Schools, to present programs. Let us put our support behind this ministry, and not paint it with a broad brush using quotes about something totally different in nature.

ANIMATION: Some have said we shouldn’t do it because it’s animated. In the Bible, God used many illustrations that were animated. Have you ever heard a tree talk? That’s animation. Have you ever heard a field clap its hands? That’s animation. Have you ever heard a donkey talk? That’s a pretty animated donkey. God sent the Hebrew prophets to give dramatic messages, like Hosea marrying a prostitute as an illustration of Israel's apostasy. God uses many methods that are new, crafted for the time in which they are used. When I looked up animation in the writings I found these quotes:

Those in the service of God must show animation and determination in the work of winning souls. Remember that there are those who will perish unless we as God's instrumentalities work with a determination that will not fail nor become discouraged. The throne of grace is to be our continual dependence. {6T 418.1}
Your administration is drying up the channel of love, hopefulness, and joy in your children. A settled sadness is expressed in the countenance of the girl, but, instead of awakening sympathy and tenderness in you, this arouses impatience and positive dislike. You can change this expression to animation and cheerfulness if you choose. . . . Children read the countenance of the mother; they understand whether love or dislike is there expressed. You know not the work you are doing. Does not the little sad face, the heaving sigh welling up from a pressed heart in its yearning call for love, awaken pity?
But many of you act as though there wasn't enough animation in your souls to respond to the truth. Some of you act as though you thought Jesus were locked up in Joseph's new tomb. He is not there: He is risen from the dead, and we have a living Saviour today who is making intercession for us. Then talk of His love, talk of His power, praise Him. FW 76

Results of Undue Severity:

Some time ago I was shown the case of J. Her errors and wrongs were faithfully portrayed before her; but in the last view given me I saw that the wrongs still existed, that she was cold and unsympathizing with her husband's children. Correction and reproof are not given by her for grave offenses merely, but for trivial matters that should be passed by unnoticed. Constant
faultfinding is wrong, and the Spirit of Christ cannot abide in the heart where it exists. She is disposed to pass over the good in her children without a word of approval, but is ever ready to bear down with censure if any wrong is seen. This ever discourages children and leads to habits of heedlessness. It stirs up the evil in the heart and causes it to cast up mire and dirt. In children who are habitually censured there will be a spirit of "I don't care," and evil passions will frequently be manifested, regardless of consequences. . . . {AH 271.5}
Let men and women of varied gifts come into the work, and in the fear of God do their best to save our youth. Let not those who have a mechanical way of doing things, take complete charge of the school, and mold it into formal ways, into precise habits, and yet all its life stifled in a multiplicity of regulations. It is essential to have order, but we need a great deal more spiritual knowledge along with our rules and regulations. We need a life-giving power, a zealous enthusiasm, a true animation, that our schools may become filled with an atmosphere of true piety and purity; that there may be real religious advancement; that the fear of the Lord may circulate through the school; that the superintendent and leaders may not be satisfied with a dead, formal process, but may set every agency at work, that the school may become the noblest, most efficient school in the world. This should be the object and ambition of every worker in the school. {CSW 162.1}

God will ordain new methods of ministry. God will raise up new methods of outreach to minister to our children and the world. The children’s ministries department of the General conference has encouraged puppet ministries in our churches as an excellent new method of outreach, both to teach our own children bible truth, and to attract and arrest the attention of youth outside our church.

At Southern Adventist University, our most conservative school, there is a tremendous puppet ministry. They have children’s church, and the puppet ministry is one of the main methods used to reach Adventist children with the gospel, and non-Adventist children. These methods may be new to some, but they have been used by hundreds in our church all across America to preach the gospel.

New methods must be introduced. God's people must awake to the necessities of the time in which they are living. God has men whom He will call into His service,--men who will not carry forward the work in the lifeless way in which it has been carried forward in the past. . . . the message is to go forth as a lamp that burneth. God will raise up laborers for this work, and His angels will go before them. Let no one hinder these men of God's appointment. Forbid them not. God has given them their work. Let the message be given with so much power that the hearers shall be convinced.--Review and Herald, Sept. 30, 1902. {Ev 70}
Let every worker in the Master's vineyard, study, plan, 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 in earnest. We are on the very verge of times of trouble and perplexities that are scarcely dreamed of.--Letter 20, 1893. {Ev 122.4}
From Christ's methods of labor we may learn many valuable lessons. He 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.--Review and Herald, Jan. 17, 1907. {Ev 123.1}
His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. Through the imagination He reached the heart. His illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,--with these objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled His words. Christ's illustrations constantly repeated His lessons. {Ev 123.2}

When we look at Christ’s methods, he did not use just one method, he used methods that would gain the attention; that were varied to His audience, i.e. children; He used objects to illustrate his points. A bird, a flower, or a puppet, objects can be used to attract the attention of our youth and teach Bible truth. They will always remember the things they learned. It is not theatrical in the way Ellen White used the term. It is a simple puppet show, done in good taste to arrest the attention of the children and give them a gospel message in an new and fun way. There is nothing in the Bible or the Spirit of Prophecy that specifically mentions puppets. They are a new method, and should not be discouraged, simply because they are appealing to children.

There are whole families who might be missionaries, engaging in personal labor, toiling for the Master with busy hands and active brains, devising new methods for the success of His work.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 40. {ChS 183.1}

When a new member first proposed the puppet ministry in our church, I was thrilled to see her reaching out to do God’s work in this way. Her proposal was within church guidelines, and the church board approved of this ministry. It is a new and inspiring way to get the message across to children, in a way that they can instantly understand and relate to. Her vision fulfilled the prophecy quoted here:

Christian women may exert an influence for good over the youth and children. Their capabilities are God's entrusted talents, and should be wholly consecrated to the Master's service. Many are quick to discern, and efficient to execute, but they need to be closely connected with God. They will seek for new methods and ways by which to develop character and educate the youth how to use the talents God has given them. CSW 165
In the providence of God, those who are bearing the burden of His work have been endeavoring to put new life into old methods of labor, and also to invent new plans and new methods of awakening the interest of church members in a united effort to reach the world. CS 190

New Methods: I have been shown that in our educational work we are not to follow the methods that have been adopted in our older established schools. There is among us too much clinging to old customs, and because of this we are far behind where we should be in the development of the third angel's message. Because men could not comprehend the purpose of God in the plans laid before us for the education of workers, methods have been followed in some of our schools, which have retarded rather than advanced the work of God. Years have passed into eternity with small results, that might have shown the accomplishment of a great work. If the Lord's will had been done by the workers in earth as the angels do it in heaven, much that now remains to be done would be already accomplished, and noble results would be seen as the fruit of missionary effort. Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 11 pp. 27-30.

Youth: Children and youth are benefited by being trusted. Many, even of the little children, have a high sense of honor; all desire to be treated with confidence and respect, and this is their right. They should not be led to feel that they cannot go out or come in without being watched. Suspicion demoralizes, producing the very evils it seeks to prevent. . . . Lead the youth to feel that they are trusted, and there are few who will not seek to prove themselves worthy of the trust. {CG 158.1}

THE SPIRIT AND THE TRUTH
Praise Him with uplifted hands and hearts,
Let all things be done decently and in order.
Love me with all your heart, Intuitively and emotionally.
Love me with all your mind. Intellectually and mentally.
"These are the true worshipers the Father seeks" John 4:23

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ISSUES: Creative Arts Ministries and the Spirit of Prophecy
prepared by Pastor Tom Hughes Ellen White’s place in comparison with the Bible. Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light. Oh, how much good would be accomplished if the books containing this light were read with a determination to carry out the principles they contain! CM 125 The Greater and Lesser Lights.--Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light.-- Colporteur Evangelist, p. 37. (1902) {Ev 257} Guarding Against Misuse of Ellen White's writings. I have been shown that some, especially in Iowa, make the visions a rule by which to measure all, and have taken a course which my husband and myself have never pursued. Those who were, comparatively, strangers to the visions have been dealt with in the same manner as those who have had much light and experience in the visions. Some have been required to endorse the visions when they could not conscientiously do so, and in this way some honest souls have been driven to take positions against the visions and against the body which they never would have taken had their cases been managed with discretion and mercy. {1T 382.1} Many from among our own people are writing to me, asking with earnest determination the privilege of using my writings to give force to certain subjects that they wish to present to the people in such a way as to leave a deep impression upon them. It is true that there is a reason why some of their matters should be presented; but I would not venture to give my approval in using the testimonies in this way, or to sanction the placing of matter which is good in itself in the way which they propose. The persons who make these propositions, for aught I know, may be able to conduct the enterprise of which they write in a wise manner; but nevertheless, I dare not give the least license for using my writings in the manner which they propose. In taking account of such an enterprise, there are many things that must come into consideration, for in using the testimonies to bolster up some subject which may impress the mind of the author, the extracts may give a different impression than that which they would were they read in their original connection.--Lt 49, 1894 PM 359,360 "Those who are not walking in the light of the message, may gather up statements from my writings that happen to please them, and that agree with their human judgment, and, by separating these statements from their connection, and placing them beside human reasonings, make it appear that my writings uphold that which they condemn." Letter 208, 1906 At the General Conference in 1909 She turned to the pulpit and lifted from it the Bible lying there. Opening the book, she held it forth on hands that trembled with age and said, "Brethren and sisters, I commend unto you this Book." Those were the last words she ever spoke to the Church. W. A Spicer CAM 202 Ellen G. White called herself a lesser light, leading to the greater light. She never exalted her writing to a position of equality with the Bible. She was ever careful to recommend to the church the Bible and the Bible only as our rule of faith. Her writings are to illuminate and enlighten our understanding of the Word of God, but they are not The Word of God in the sense that the Bible is. Her comments on theatrical display in the church are being taken out of context and used in a way that she never intended. Please read the historical information included in this document so you can interpret her comments in context. The theater in her day was extremely immoral. There were prostitutes in the theaters plying their trade, and the theatrics included loud, bombastic movements, songs and gestures that she felt would be out of place in God’s church. To compare that den of iniquity with a simple Biblical re-enactment of the Christmas or Resurrection story, or to try to apply them directly to a puppet ministry, is not only taking her writing out of context, but it is using them in a was she, nor her husband James ever approved of or condoned. The puppet ministry should be judged for what it is: a new method to evangelize out children and those not of our faith with the gospel. It is neither boisterous, loud, given to self exaltation, display, needless expense or any of the other things she warned about. Jesus said "suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not." The church voted once to begin the puppet ministry, and it should not allow those who would control and criticize anything new to prevent the children from pursuing their ministry. Many of the church children participated in the VBS, and loved ministering for the Lord. They are looking forward to going to Camp Meeting, Nursing Homes and Schools, to present programs. Let us put our support behind this ministry, and not paint it with a broad brush using quotes about something totally different in nature. ANIMATION: Some have said we shouldn’t do it because it’s animated. In the Bible, God used many illustrations that were animated. Have you ever heard a tree talk? That’s animation. Have you ever heard a field clap its hands? That’s animation. Have you ever heard a donkey talk? That’s a pretty animated donkey. God sent the Hebrew prophets to give dramatic messages, like Hosea marrying a prostitute as an illustration of Israel's apostasy. God uses many methods that are new, crafted for the time in which they are used. When I looked up animation in the writings I found these quotes: Those in the service of God must show animation and determination in the work of winning souls. Remember that there are those who will perish unless we as God's instrumentalities work with a determination that will not fail nor become discouraged. The throne of grace is to be our continual dependence. {6T 418.1} Your administration is drying up the channel of love, hopefulness, and joy in your children. A settled sadness is expressed in the countenance of the girl, but, instead of awakening sympathy and tenderness in you, this arouses impatience and positive dislike. You can change this expression to animation and cheerfulness if you choose. . . . Children read the countenance of the mother; they understand whether love or dislike is there expressed. You know not the work you are doing. Does not the little sad face, the heaving sigh welling up from a pressed heart in its yearning call for love, awaken pity? But many of you act as though there wasn't enough animation in your souls to respond to the truth. Some of you act as though you thought Jesus were locked up in Joseph's new tomb. He is not there: He is risen from the dead, and we have a living Saviour today who is making intercession for us. Then talk of His love, talk of His power, praise Him. FW 76 Results of Undue Severity: Some time ago I was shown the case of J. Her errors and wrongs were faithfully portrayed before her; but in the last view given me I saw that the wrongs still existed, that she was cold and unsympathizing with her husband's children. Correction and reproof are not given by her for grave offenses merely, but for trivial matters that should be passed by unnoticed. Constant faultfinding is wrong, and the Spirit of Christ cannot abide in the heart where it exists. She is disposed to pass over the good in her children without a word of approval, but is ever ready to bear down with censure if any wrong is seen. This ever discourages children and leads to habits of heedlessness. It stirs up the evil in the heart and causes it to cast up mire and dirt. In children who are habitually censured there will be a spirit of "I don't care," and evil passions will frequently be manifested, regardless of consequences. . . . {AH 271.5} Let men and women of varied gifts come into the work, and in the fear of God do their best to save our youth. Let not those who have a mechanical way of doing things, take complete charge of the school, and mold it into formal ways, into precise habits, and yet all its life stifled in a multiplicity of regulations. It is essential to have order, but we need a great deal more spiritual knowledge along with our rules and regulations. We need a life-giving power, a zealous enthusiasm, a true animation, that our schools may become filled with an atmosphere of true piety and purity; that there may be real religious advancement; that the fear of the Lord may circulate through the school; that the superintendent and leaders may not be satisfied with a dead, formal process, but may set every agency at work, that the school may become the noblest, most efficient school in the world. This should be the object and ambition of every worker in the school. {CSW 162.1} God will ordain new methods of ministry. God will raise up new methods of outreach to minister to our children and the world. The children’s ministries department of the General conference has encouraged puppet ministries in our churches as an excellent new method of outreach, both to teach our own children bible truth, and to attract and arrest the attention of youth outside our church. At Southern Adventist University, our most conservative school, there is a tremendous puppet ministry. They have children’s church, and the puppet ministry is one of the main methods used to reach Adventist children with the gospel, and non-Adventist children. These methods may be new to some, but they have been used by hundreds in our church all across America to preach the gospel. New methods must be introduced. God's people must awake to the necessities of the time in which they are living. God has men whom He will call into His service,--men who will not carry forward the work in the lifeless way in which it has been carried forward in the past. . . . the message is to go forth as a lamp that burneth. God will raise up laborers for this work, and His angels will go before them. Let no one hinder these men of God's appointment. Forbid them not. God has given them their work. Let the message be given with so much power that the hearers shall be convinced.--Review and Herald, Sept. 30, 1902. {Ev 70} Let every worker in the Master's vineyard, study, plan, 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 in earnest. We are on the very verge of times of trouble and perplexities that are scarcely dreamed of.--Letter 20, 1893. {Ev 122.4} From Christ's methods of labor we may learn many valuable lessons. He 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.--Review and Herald, Jan. 17, 1907. {Ev 123.1} His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. Through the imagination He reached the heart. His illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,--with these objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled His words. Christ's illustrations constantly repeated His lessons. {Ev 123.2} When we look at Christ’s methods, he did not use just one method, he used methods that would gain the attention; that were varied to His audience, i.e. children; He used objects to illustrate his points. A bird, a flower, or a puppet, objects can be used to attract the attention of our youth and teach Bible truth. They will always remember the things they learned. It is not theatrical in the way Ellen White used the term. It is a simple puppet show, done in good taste to arrest the attention of the children and give them a gospel message in an new and fun way. There is nothing in the Bible or the Spirit of Prophecy that specifically mentions puppets. They are a new method, and should not be discouraged, simply because they are appealing to children. There are whole families who might be missionaries, engaging in personal labor, toiling for the Master with busy hands and active brains, devising new methods for the success of His work.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 40. {ChS 183.1} When a new member first proposed the puppet ministry in our church, I was thrilled to see her reaching out to do God’s work in this way. Her proposal was within church guidelines, and the church board approved of this ministry. It is a new and inspiring way to get the message across to children, in a way that they can instantly understand and relate to. Her vision fulfilled the prophecy quoted here: Christian women may exert an influence for good over the youth and children. Their capabilities are God's entrusted talents, and should be wholly consecrated to the Master's service. Many are quick to discern, and efficient to execute, but they need to be closely connected with God. They will seek for new methods and ways by which to develop character and educate the youth how to use the talents God has given them. CSW 165 In the providence of God, those who are bearing the burden of His work have been endeavoring to put new life into old methods of labor, and also to invent new plans and new methods of awakening the interest of church members in a united effort to reach the world. CS 190 New Methods: I have been shown that in our educational work we are not to follow the methods that have been adopted in our older established schools. There is among us too much clinging to old customs, and because of this we are far behind where we should be in the development of the third angel's message. Because men could not comprehend the purpose of God in the plans laid before us for the education of workers, methods have been followed in some of our schools, which have retarded rather than advanced the work of God. Years have passed into eternity with small results, that might have shown the accomplishment of a great work. If the Lord's will had been done by the workers in earth as the angels do it in heaven, much that now remains to be done would be already accomplished, and noble results would be seen as the fruit of missionary effort. Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 11 pp. 27-30. Youth: Children and youth are benefited by being trusted. Many, even of the little children, have a high sense of honor; all desire to be treated with confidence and respect, and this is their right. They should not be led to feel that they cannot go out or come in without being watched. Suspicion demoralizes, producing the very evils it seeks to prevent. . . . Lead the youth to feel that they are trusted, and there are few who will not seek to prove themselves worthy of the trust. {CG 158.1} THE SPIRIT AND THE TRUTH Praise Him with uplifted hands and hearts, Let all things be done decently and in order. Love me with all your heart, Intuitively and emotionally. Love me with all your mind. Intellectually and mentally. "These are the true worshipers the Father seeks" John 4:23