After graduating from seminary, it did not take me long to learn that I did not know much about the Bible's "big story." My studies had focused on correct doctrine rather than on a complex narrative. The tendency was to impose a belief system on the story, rather than to listen to the story. That approach can foster belief in a small Jesus, and focus on a kingdom that will eventually come rather than on a radical Kingdom that has already broken in--a Kingdom established through the ministry of Jesus the Messiah, a Kingdom "then, now, and forever."

Furthermore, I knew little about the art of teaching. The focus at seminary had been on preaching. As time went by, I began to understand that Jesus did "talk-about walk-about" (as the Australian aborigines say). Jesus modeled His message. He calls us to show others the Jesus we want them to believe in.

Next, those whom I served in those early years assumed it was my responsibility (not theirs) to teach the faith to their children. As time went by, I became increasingly aware that to relieve parents of their responsibility to show Jesus to each other and to their children is unbiblical and counterproductive.

When I began to understand the importance of teaching (adults, parents, children), I built my ministry around the idea: "Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I will remember. Involve me, and I will understand--eventually." This insight resulted in the development of the many teaching illustrations built into Crossways International's materials.

One more thought. I am coming to understand more clearly that to compartmentalize faith and politics into mutually exclusive areas is dangerous and misleading. The Founding Fathers were right when they insisted that no government has a right to impose a specific system of belief on its subjects. However, when those in high places shut their eyes and ears to the mind, message, mission, manner, and ministry of Jesus the Servant Messiah, confusion and chaos can result on a world-wide scale. To strive to "build empire" on the basis of concerns for genetics, territory, affluence, and power is to create havoc. We humans are never owners--only managers!

At present, many tend to see "the enemy" as "out there." While I personally am very concerned about what is taking place in many corners of Planet Earth, I ponder the reasons 18th century historian Edward Gibbon gives for the decline and fall of the Roman Empire:

(1) Family life disintegrated.
(2) Traditional ethical systems were ignored.
(3) Entertainment became perverse and immoral.
(4) Vast amounts were spent on the empire's military machine.
(5) The empire's economy collapsed.

The enemy is indeed out there, but the enemy is also here and around and within each of us.

These convictions have driven me for many years. They drive Crossways International's ministry. Check out our website. Call us on our toll-free number. We'd love to talk. You'll always get a real person during office hours.

In Him,

Harry Wendt
President. Crossways International