Ironically, I was among the "have nots" where language was concerned.  The cohesion proceeded with surprising tolerance and grace.  It should be noted that many churches of various denominations did not survive where a predominant ethnic custom and language prevailed.  God was good to Temple and it was our joy as a church family to move ahead to the fruitful years that were in store.

Outreach:

• The Inclusive Approach

    Our primary focus was to reach the heads of homes and hence, their families.  This did not result in an immediate explosion in numbers but growth proved to be solid and continuous through the years.  The reaching of adults and their families was accomplished through a program that cultivated genuine and lasting friendships.  Our exposure and opportunity increased dramatically with the church located across the street from the new and largest shopping complex in the region, the Lloyd Center.   

    In evaluating this exciting challenge for Temple's future, I decided to attend a popular church growth seminar in a large, aggressive church in California.  I took copious notes but the Pastor's parting summation gave me considerable pause.  He said, "On the basis of what we have learned here, when you return to your churches, expect only about 10% of your members to respond.  But don't be discouraged.  Work with that 10% and leave the 90% to themselves in the 'Carnal Corral.'"  And the auditorium filled with laughter over the cute cliché.   

    As I drove home to Portland up Interstate Five, I couldn't escape the question, "What about the 90%?  I felt it was irresponsible for anyone to categorize the Christian Enterprise as consisting of only two classes, either aggressive activists or carnal pew-warmers.  The claim had been made repeatedly that God would instantly cast out the fear of man from any Christian who would be willing to flip his or her internal switch from devoted follower to driven crusader.  I found myself uncomfortable with the rigid and cavalier manner of the rhetoric.  I didn't hear the word "love" mentioned once during the three days.  It was totally out of character for me.   

      I had gone to the seminar in the hope of expanding and refining the outreach plan we had on the drawing board at Temple.  Once there, it was obvious that our basic concept was 180º from theirs.  The trip was not in vain however, for it steeled my resolve to bring our plan to completion as we had envisioned it.  A simple parable can best explain our outreach concept: could a successful car dealership exist with only salespersons – no manager, accountant, mechanic, parts or maintenance employees?  It would be out of business, pronto!  By the same token, if all employees of the inner workings had no sales force, the dealership would also fail.  But if they would work together as a team toward reaching a common goal, voilà!  All things being equal, success could be virtually assured.

• The Biblical Basis 

    Jesus did not choose his disciples from among those who were socially a cut above the rest and influential in society.  Note how he often referred to the little guy and plain vanilla people of his day.  He taught–of the poor in spirit (ptõchoi), lowly and humble–that theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.  He said also that the meek will inherit the earth, and still again, that many who are first will be last and the last, first ( Matt. 11:29, 5:3, 5:5, 19:30). Think of it.  That gives just about everything on earth and in heaven to the lowly, the meek and the last; a far cry from a carnal corral! 

    The Apostle Paul was gifted as a pro-active, fearless antagonist against the polytheism and mythology of his day.  He admonished Timothy as a young pastor not to be timid or ashamed, but aggressive and outgoing in his faith and witnessing.  On the other hand, to whom did Paul credit Timothy's conversion, but to a couple of humble housewives, Lois and Eunice, gifted in raising Christian kids, but with no hint of their being forceful witnesses for Christ.  On other occasions, Paul dismissed the matter of one person as being superior over another in types of service and ministry.  He repudiated those who became combative over which leader did what, and to whom they should give credit as the "real" soul-winner, Paul or Apollos (I Cor. 3:4-11).  Again, he used an analogy of the various parts of the human body, comparing them to the diversity of gifts in the Body of Christ, each having different functions but all being of equal value (I Cor. 12:14-27).  The Apostle listed varying capabilities for roles of ministry in the church at Ephasis and commended unity in diversity once again as the way of accomplishing the task. (Eph. 4:11,16). 

    Epaphroditus, a skin disease?  No.  He was a humble messenger from Philippi.  Observe the Apostle's words from prison, most likely in Rome: "I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.  They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.  I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs."  Then Paul added, regarding this obscure man of the Bible, "Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him."

    The above, then, became the basis of inclusiveness upon which we sought to involve our members in the program. Diversities in human nature, stations in life and varying talents were but potentials waiting to be nurtured toward noble ends to enrich the whole, so anyone in the congregation who was committed to Christ and the Church, was welcome to participate.

• The Concept In Action 

    I completed a first draft and presented it to the Deacons.  They were enthused and at my request, appointed a committee to work with me.  Planning continued through the summer months.  We prayed, searched the Scriptures, researched materials, interviewed a cross-section of the members and correlated the information into a workable program.  It was finalized, approved by the Deacons and made ready for presentation at the Fall Kick-off Banquet where it was ratified unanimously.

    Members were given an opportunity to become involved following the presentation.  Teams of two were chosen from the respondents so as to represent various ages and life-styles compatible with assignments, i.e., youth, adult singles, parents, families, senior citizens, et cetera.  The response was most gratifying.  About forty people signed on.  Responses in following years gave us a continuum of about twenty teams each year. 

    The results from our interviews clearly revealed that the majority of volunteers desired to participate on a level in keeping with their personal attributes.  They were very amenable toward initiating and cultivating friendships but were intimidated at the thought of eyeball-to-eyeball spiritual confrontation. The rare candor of the volunteers reinforced the truism that "Not everyone is a born salesperson." 

    As we took into consideration the clarity of the Scriptures referenced above, plus the prevailing sentiment of the people in the survey, the name chosen for the program was, "Lifestyle Evangelism."  The mission statement was taken from Eph. 4:12-13, "To prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."  

    The brochure included a visual of the operational model.  It depicted a triangle with two sections based on the analogy by the Apostle Paul, 1."planter/waterer, 2. reaper", from harvest field parlance. The triangle's bottom, larger half, planter/waterer, would be made up of those with limited training or background in dealing with people regarding spiritual commitment.  The top, smaller half, reaper, would consist of those who were both well-trained and experienced counselors.  Corresponding levels of training materials had been prepared accordingly.

    We made it clear that volunteers who desired to serve only at the level of planter/waterer were encouraged to do so.  As it turned out, they were to become invaluable as intermediaries between their new friends and their counterparts on the reaper level.  They also came to realize with joy that they were preparing the soil for harvest and thus were fulfilling an important role in that harvest.  An unusual confirmation of the viability of all the above could not have been more striking, nor could it have happened sooner. 

    When departing the initial kickoff banquet, a gentleman of high esteem in the church commended me for the concept.  I thanked him and then asked him to consider being the leader of a team, including the man who was standing beside him.  He emphatically made it clear, as did the other, that they were not "cut out for that sort of thing."  But  something within compelled me to send him an "easy" assignment, a family man and member of a Conference Church in Seattle.  He and the family had moved to Portland.  They had attended Temple off and on over a few weeks and I had visited them a few times. 

    I expected a phone call from this team leader as soon as he had opened the letter.  It came!  But after a time of seriously discussing it together, I asked him to trust me.  He said he'd "do it for me, but only this once."  A couple days later, he phoned saying that he and his partner had arranged to take the gentleman to lunch, and then followed with, "I've got news for you; you're coming along.  I've reserved for four."  I agreed if I could go "Dutch" and we were on.

    The visit revealed common interests, as I anticipated, and the men bonded within minutes.  The time couldn't have been more appropriate at the close of the hour together, so I asked our guest: "I realize that you've been searching for a church home here in Portland.  Are you leaning toward a decision yet?  He replied, "It's interesting that you ask.  My wife and I decided just last Thursday that it was going to be Temple." 

    Our two men, usually measured in their responses, were visibly overjoyed.  That visit led to a solid family at Temple, including a romance, and lay leadership at both the Church and the Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes.  Our team leader thanked me for sending him the assignment.  He also came to me in the foyer one Sunday a couple of months after he had completed a second assignment, thanking me for having sent it.  He said that he and that man had become close friends, "as close as a brother." 

    He asked if Deloris and I would arrange to meet with the couple regarding spiritual matters because he felt apprehensive about broaching the subject himself.  We were delighted.  It resulted in the couple making a very moving and sincere commitment to the Lord.  That dear couple are continuing their walk with the Lord as members of the church to this day.

    Years later, I was deeply moved when attending that team leader's funeral, not only in losing a cherished friend, but also when I saw the man of his second visit included among his pallbearers.  The "star for someone's crown" just had to be destined for that team leader.  No question.  And he, like many others, was involved on the planter/waterer level, preparing the soil well, for a harvest of two. 

    Some participants serving on that level requested further training to move on to the reaper level.  These dynamics came into play as the program grew and participants discovered their capabilities.  It should also be noted that we always had an ample number of reaper teams, well trained, experienced in the Word and counseling, who could assist the other teams. 

    Deloris and I had already experienced this upward mobility  in our Duluth Friendship Evangelism program.  One Sunday evening, two husband-and-wife planter/waterer teams invited two assignment couples for a snack at one of the homes following a special event at Church.  In the course of the conversation, one of the guests began to ask questions about becoming a Christian.  We had folks at our home also, when the phone rang.  The team leader, cupping his hand over the mouthpiece, whispered, "Pastor we have some friends here and the discussion has turned to the subject of what the Bible says about accepting Christ.  Can you come?"  I told him I'd be right there. 

    I excused myself, sighting an urgent call, and was on my way.  I shared the Scriptures with them and after a time of discussion, closed with prayer.  I gave the couples my calling card and an invitation to phone me if I could be of help.  The one couple accepted the Lord in my Study a few days later.  At the close of the following Sunday Worship, the "whispering" team leader asked if he and his wife could attend the next reaper training course.  The result?  Another planter/waterer team had moved to the reaper level. 

    The reaper level at Temple, as at Bethany, Duluth, included deacons, deaconesses, Deloris, myself, other pastoral staff and those who had completed the training.  The program worked well because one objective in the progressive assignments was to encourage growing friendships on both levels.  Then, when the time seemed appropriate, the assignment by the reaper team could take place in a genuine spirit of commonalty among friends. 

    Names of prospective people were derived from member acquaintances, friends from all avenues of daily life.  They were also chosen from visitors' cards of those who had attended church meetings and functions.  Thus, team assignments were never made without some kind of stepping-stone, springboard or common ground as an opener.  The key was to build relationships whereby we might earn the confidence of the persons and hopefully, over time, the right to share the Love of Christ with them.  

    Personal canvassing and door-to-door confrontation was not our modus operandi.  The reverse directory mail-outs were more productive as a source for prospects.  No assignments could be carried out in Lifestyle Evangelism by just showing up at someone's door, unannounced and uninvited, presenting a spiritual proposition and if unsuccessful, to "shake the dust off our sandals" then moving on.  The purpose of the initial contact from Temple, to emphasize again, was simply to extend genuine friendship to the persons involved.  Apprehensions would began to vanish, any thought of an ulterior motive would fade, common interests would emerge and bonding would become real.  Some showed an openness early on.  For others it was months and even years for a few.

    When friendships would prove to be of long standing and mutual respect, there would be ample opportunity in due time to discuss spiritual things in earnest.  However, had we been aggressive in our first approach, no matter how stealthy the guise, chances were that it could have become paradise lost.  To quote an old adage, "There's never a second chance to make a first impression."  Nothing is truer when so much is at stake.  To repeat, "We have nothing to sell, but something of great value to share." 
    I asked the question of each new group in our training sessions: "How many of you came to know Christ because of an approach by a total stranger?"  The response would always be virtually nil.  When reversed, "How many of you because of the influence and/or approach of someone whom you loved, trusted or respected?"  The response would always be virtually unanimous.  It made a lot of sense to follow an outreach plan whereby the odds were 100 to 1 or 2 in one's favor. 
    Behind the scenes was an excellent volunteer secretary, Evelyn Smith, who had just retired from her secular employment.  She built the file base, mailed all assignment letters to the teams, which included pre-stamped, addressed, return envelopes with information forms.  If the forms were not returned by a  suggested time, Evelyn had a wonderful gift of effectively reminding participants without offending them.  She also chronicled the returned information so that on-going assignments to other teams could be updated.  Candid evaluations from the teams contributed toward the matching of teams and prospects as well as eliminating redundant assignments to disinterested people.   
    It is only realistic to mention that some efforts resulted in less than our desired hopes, and for that there is biblical precedent.  This was not an often occurrence because of our efforts to find common ground for each team and prospect before making assignments.  One case in point merits a few lines.  The leader of a senior citizen team came to me on one occasion feeling down after several failed attempts to connect with a couple.  It was his first unsuccessful attempt and he felt that he "blew it" and had lost the couple.
    I told him of an experience I had as a pastor in the Bethany Church of Duluth.  I had been building a relationship for several months with a couple who were prospects for the Lord and our Church.  Rudy, one of the church leaders and a salesman for a hotel and restaurant supply, took me aside one Sunday morning and questioned why I hadn't approached these folks about spiritual things.  I answered, that I was waiting for just the right time because I didn't want to lose them.
    He then told me about an occasion when he stopped for lunch at a cafe along his route.  It was not one of his accounts.  He chose to sit at the counter by the grill where he would have easy access to the owner. A friendship built over time between the two men of common interests.  Finally, he asked the owner if he would be interested in his company's services.  The owner replied that his relationship with Rudy's competitor had been fine for many years and that he had no desire to change.
    Rudy continued, that when he was     When an individual, a couple or a family indicated genuine interest in the Lord and/or Church, we would sometimes double or triple-team them.  One Sunday, a father came walking across the foyer at the close of Morning Worship, waving his white handkerchief and humorously saying above the milling crowd, "Okay Pastor, we give up, we're coming! we're coming!"  They had no sooner become members before the parents requested to become a husband-wife planter/waterer team. 
    Friendship Evangelism developed within the Church more by osmosis than regimen.  There were people who caught the spirit of it and became very effective participants without even joining a team.  The pyramid graphic loosely portrayed the concept and we were careful to be flexible in carrying out its function.  Example: a husband/wife team or an experienced/non-experienced training team would each be effective in their own ways.  
    Participants found that having a part in building friendships, gaining confidences, cultivating ties between newcomers and church folks–including reaper friends,–brought great joy.  Then, in due time and through our combined efforts, to see the redeeming work of God in hearts and lives was humbling, rewarding and a cause for rejoicing, all at the same time. 
    What could create relationships in ministry more dynamic, compatible and effective?  Truly joy, happiness and, yes, uplifting humor and laughter, were all blest by God.  "You will go out in joy · · the mountains and hills will burst into song before you and all the trees of the field will clap their hands · · The joy of the Lord is your strength, (Isa. 55:12, Neh. 8:10).  People who are absorbed in making harmony together have little time for disunity.  A joyous contagion became the hallmark of Lifestyle Evangelism, and not only on earth but also an occasional "rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents," (Luke 15:10).  
    I must have inherited a penchant toward joyfulness and humor from my dad.  It came naturally to him and when I discovered it within myself I wondered at times, especially as a minister, whether or not I should have smothered it; that is, until one of those Sunday evenings in the early sixties.
    Someone informed Deloris and me at the close of the service that a few folks in the foyer had decided to go to the Oyster Bar before picking up their children at Farrell's on the way home.  We said we'd be there shortly to join them.  There were sixteen people at the large Captain's Table in the side room when we arrived.  We ordered, then visited about the activities of the day at church.  As we relaxed toward the end of lunch, a few innocent jokes started us laughing.  Finally I said, "Okay guys, we had better knock it off and go get our kids."
    I closed our delightful time in prayer and we all headed for the cashier.  Deloris and I were the last in line.  But then in a moment, I received a tap on my shoulder.  I looked and there was a little, elderly man behind me.  He said, "I take it you're the minister of this group."  I thought, "Oh no, where's a hole I can fall into?"  He continued, "Could I see you for a moment in the alcove?"  We moved to the little offset just a few steps around the corner from the cashier's counter. 
    He continued by telling me that his wife had come down with terminal cancer two years before and had passed away "a month ago."  His daughter had brought the staples they needed and he hadn't left his wife's side during the whole time.  Having been lonely and grieving for so long, he decided that his first outing would be to attend his church for the evening service.  When no one had noticed or spoken to him during the whole time, he wasn't in a mood to go straight home, but to stop at the Oyster Bar on the way.  He had been sitting in a corner booth unbeknown to us and had come to feel almost like part of our group.  I indicated that he should have let us know for there was room and that we would love to have had him with us.  He replied that he wasn't ready for that but paused saying, "I called you aside to thank you and your people; you helped me laugh for the first time in two years."  I gave him a hug (not according to Hoyle in those days) and we both were in tears. 
    I rejoined Deloris, introduced the two, and we left.  After about a half a block down the sidewalk, I paused, looked into the dark sky and prayed, "Lord keep me from ever losing the priceless gift of bringing a little joy and laughter into the lives of others."  Knowing that Deloris had to be perplexed by this time, I shared with her the significance of tears following the delightful time together.  We went on to the car, reflectively, hand in hand.  As soon as we arrived home I phoned my friend, the gentleman's pastor, and shared the incident with him.  He thanked me with deep appreciation.  He remembered the gentleman and expressed concern about contacting him as soon as possible.
    As pastor and people, we charted a different course in outreach evangelism and were privileged to experience one era among many in  Temple's history when He deigned to bring showers of blessing.  Looking back, Lifestyle Evangelism was not a program bought but a spirit caught.  How could a pastor be more blest than to have scores of members partnering with him in different ways to reach people for Christ.  And then to be enriched by everyone involved, loved by them, bonded with them, sharing life with them and now, more than three decades later, growing old with them.  Deloris and I can gratefully say, "I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God." 
    Divine Providence as has been evidenced in the comings and goings of Temple pastors. Each one, gifted in his own way, has added dimensions and filled needs in the ongoing ministry of the Church.  The pastors and wives who succeed us will be in our prayers until the Lord comes, or calls. 
    The Lifestyle Evangelism materials, explaining the biblical principles and operational methods at Temple, were later expanded into "Don't Cramp My Style" seminars that I conducted in pastors' and church leadership groups.  They were scheduled between engagements during our cross-country travels over a period of two decades.

Youth:
     Another blessing of our Temple ministry was working with youth.  In the second year of our ministry, I recommended "Bud" Malmsten as Youth Pastor and Choir Director to the Church Council, resulting in his call to the position..  It resulted in a decade of working together in united purpose as a team.  Bud was uniquely loved by the youth as a trusted friend and wise confidant.
    Many of the youth were open to the truths of the Word of God from early childhood.  By the end of high school most had accepted the Lord, were growing in their faith and a few went on to pursue full-time Christian service.
    Their enthusiasm and involvement knew no bounds.  Temple's youth were constantly in the highest attendance quantile at high school camps at Lake Retreat and also at Columbia Conference youth rallies.  During one year in the mid-sixties at the Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, Temple had the largest number of students from any West Coast church ever–twelve, if memory serves me correctly.
    The youth as a group manifested unusual qualities of camaraderie and magnetism.  One year in June, a Temple father told me of plans for a family vacation in California.  Their highschoolers asked if they could stay in Portland instead.  The reason?  They didn't want to miss the on-going youth meetings and activities, including a special youth event.  The parents granted the request because they recognized that it was not just a lark but a desire to be a part of good things that were happening among their peers.  All was in order when the rest of the family returned a week later.
    Another remarkable event took place when two families moved from the suburbs to the inner east side of Portland so that they and their children might grow in the Lord together with the Temple family.
    Our annual youth weekend at Camp McGruder on the Coast was a unique time for getting closer to our youth through teaching, interaction, recreation and quiet times.  The lodge was filled each year and those weekends were memorable indeed.  Many personal decisions were made at casual times in the lodge, under a tree on the grounds or on a beach log.  All of the above, treasured memories.
    Many young people from that generation are active members and leaders at Temple, and in churches across the country.

Music:    
    Throughout my life, God has seen fit to use my compositions and the sharing of sacred music.  It was an honor to be recommended for membership into the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) by Drs. John Peterson and Donald Hustad.  Consequently, I have been a member for several decades with a number of published works.
    If I were to become incapable of expressing myself in sacred song, it would be tantamount to losing the primary language of my soul.

Pastor's Wife:     
    Deloris' role as a pastor's wife was not one of aspirations toward leadership or notoriety.  She, however, loved to teach in the junior department of Sunday Bible School and was also active in girls' club ministries.  To this day, girls–and boys–(now adults), send her notes or phone me expressing their appreciation and endearment for her interest and example for them during their impressionable years.
    One of her unusual gifts was one-on-one counseling with women and girls.  There were several reasons: 1. She was knowledgeable through involvement as a teenager in her home church, and having completed the Christian Education Course at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota.  2. She was not pushy or abrasive. 3. She could be trusted implicitly.  She kept confidences and her many friends knew it.  I have known some pastors' wives who were aggressively involved, but whose husbands would have to go about putting out fires after them. 

    But then, there are those like Deloris who personify the adage, "Quiet waters run deep."  I have been privileged to spend a lifetime appreciating those quiet, deep waters of a Godly woman's soul.

From Deloris and me to all of you, God gave us twelve wonderful years together.

Thank you, Temple.

 

 His Favorite Bible Verse

    "He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6:8

His Favorite Saying

"Jesus died to pay a debt He did not owe, because I owed a debt I could not pay." (Unknown)

His Favorite Hymn

I WOULD BE TRUE 
       

I would be true for there are those who trust me;

I would be pure for there are those who care;

I would be strong for there is much to suffer;

I would be brave for there is much to dare.

 

I would be friend to all – the foe, the friendless;

I would be giving and forget the gift;

I would be humble for I know my weakness;

I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift."

 

Howard W. Walter    James Y. Peek

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