Herbert W Armstrong

Fourth Refresher Begins: The first session of the fourth Ministerial Refreshing Program began this past Wednesday, January 8. The schedule this time is a little less rigorous than previous programs, with a half hour mid-morning break, one and one-half hours for lunch and classes concluding at 4:00 p.m. daily. I think you'll again find the classes very interesting and helpful. Instruction on visiting new contacts, getting the balance between work and family responsibilities, prophecy, the Bible, singles, the family, counselling, preaching, decorum, leadership, drug abuse, as well as several other timely and exciting presentations, will make this program of outstanding value to the ministry.

On Correction: Perhaps one of the most important factors in our ability to grow spiritually is our attitude toward correction. As ministers, we must be able, with God's help, to take correction properly, as well as be able to give it properly.

It is a natural human proclivity to be unable to accept correction, often to even be resentful of it. Mr. Armstrong has often stated that the most difficult thing for a man to do is to admit he is wrong, we must ask. why? The answer is given by the apostle Peter.

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer for it, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, Nor was guile found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (I Peter 2:18-23, RAV).

Christ's attitude was one of humility. Even though He was great, He was clothed in humility. That example of no guile, no threatening, not rendering reviling for reviling, is the example Peter is saying Christ set for us. He even says "to this you were called." Here Peter is speaking of the attitude we should have when confronted with unjust or wrongful treatment. But how much more should we be responsive to correction given in love for the right reasons? And God's correction is always given in love (Hebrews 12:5-11).

Most people have no problem understanding the need for correction of those under them. They realize that on occasion they need to step in and point out the flaws and weaknesses of those under them (although they may often neglect or avoid doing it). But when it comes to receiving correction from those over them, their understanding of government and responsibility breaks down.

God has placed all of us under government. The local church, the deacons, elders, associates and assistants are under the spiritual care and responsibility of the pastor. In turn the pastors are under the care and responsibility of Church Administration. And it is under the authority of Mr. Armstrong. And Mr. Armstrong is under the authority of Jesus Christ, who is under the authority of God the Father.

When anyone along that line of authority needs correction, it must be given if growth is to occur. As any of us needs to be able to receive correction properly, we are also to give it properly.

Some former ministers seemed to think Mr. Armstrong never got corrected. Their spiritual understanding was so limited they could not see the ways God works with His leader. And they seemed to think that Mr. Armstrong never corrected their boss. I can tell you that is nonsense! Mr. Armstrong knows how to be corrected an how to give correction. And he does not neglect his responsibility.

Mr. Armstrong has often stated that the important factor in correction is the attitude. After all, the purpose of correction is to help, not to hinder! To encourage a person to change, to grow. If the attitude is godly and responsive, great compassion, patience and mercy can and should be displayed. But if, on the other hand, the attitude is one of self-justification, stubbornness or even belligerence and resentment, then action must be taken according to God's instruction in His Word.

We must exercise mercy and compassion even as God does. We should be praying for it and growing in it. But we must also be close enough to God to be able to exercise godly action in love when necessary.

Pray for wisdom, for discernment and for an understanding heart. And also pray for the mind of Jesus Christ, to be clothed in humility and to be able to take correction in a right attitude or appreciation for it, so that you will be able to give it prudently as well. The apostle Paul gave specific instruction on this subject in I Timothy 5:1-2 (RAV):

Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity.

I pray daily for you ministers and your wives, as I know Mr. Armstrong does. I care about your success, your future, your-growth and your value to God. I want to see you fully maximized in your ability to serve God's people and to fulfill your calling. And God cares far more than any of us, as mere human beings, are even able to.

I wrote some time ago about guarding against the potential of falling into the attitude of being willing to criticize or run down headquarters — whether about decisions, policies or personalities — in conversation with others. This subtle, satanic trap is a roadblock to being able to accept correction in a godly attitude and therefore to grow properly. When we become the judges of our superiors, we lose the needed humility to respect their office enough to listen to them. Instead, we can't see beyond our criticisms of the supposed weaknesses and shortcomings we think we know all about.

We must remember that we are a family. Not just a team. But a family — the brethren of Jesus Christ and children of God. That fact gives a much broader meaning to the word unity. I appreciate the many statements from ministers about how free they feel to call in to Church Administration to counsel about anything and everything — whether church matters or personal problems. That's the way it should be. Mr. Armstrong set that example and all of us ought to be following it. This is one of the many ways that we follow him as he follows Christ.

I also want to convey to you Mr. Armstrong's deep appreciation for the cooperation and teamwork so evident today among the ministry as we grow more and more toward that total family oneness and unity of the Family of God. I want to encourage each of you to feel free as always to call in any time day or night. Never worry that maybe I'll be too busy or that it's too late at night. My policy has always been to return every call as I'm sure you all realize.

Finally, we all need to take to heart Mr. Armstrong's admonitions to draw closer to God as this age begins to close. Now is the time to strengthen and enhance your relationship with God through prayer, Bible study and fasting, that you will be able to always stand faithfully as a part of God's ministry.

Let's all ask God for His spirit of power, love and a sound mind, that we might keep in full focus His government and our part in it, so we may grow into even more effective tools in God's service.

Index To assist you in locating necessary information in the "Pastor General's Report," we are adding an annual index to the PGR. The index is divided into two sections. The first covers policy, administrative and general guideline topics. The second is devoted entirely to topics covered in Mr. Hogberg's "On the World Scene." Topics in both sections are listed in alphabetical order by subject. We feel the index should fulfill close to 99 percent of the typical minister's PGR reference needs.

You will find the index stapled to the back of this issue. Being on the back, it is easy to remove for those who wish to file it in a separate location. Otherwise, it is convenient to leave it attached to this issue. That way you can always remember that the first issue of each year contains the index for the previous year.

Prayer Request: Mr. Filidor Illesca, local elder in Temuco, Chile, died this past Monday, January 7, of kidney failure after a long illness. Mr. and Mrs. Illesca had no children.

Mr. Illesca was serving God's Church in Santiago when he was ordained a deacon in 1974 and an elder in 1976. He was employed by the Church in 1976 and continued serving in Santiago until 1980, when he was moved to Temuco. Mr. Illesca was 74.

Please pray for his widow, Edith, that God will grant her peace and strength in this critical time. Mr. Mario Seiglie, pastor of the Santiago, Chile church, will conduct Mr. Illesca's funeral.

Please also note Mr. Frank Brown's comments about Mr. Elijah Chukwudi's worsening condition.