POSITIVE CHURCH IN THE NEGATIVE WORLD SUMMARY

In this book, Jonas bases on the Bible and also from the counsel of Ellen White and he
demonstrates that offering a positive focus, even in the worst situations, opens the door to
healing, restoration, and even to heaven itself for those in deepest need—our wounded saints.
He says, “I want to experience a church that helps those who are suffering and which is
committed to preserving the good name of their fellow members and to helping heal those who
are wounded.” So does Jonas Arrais. And so will you after you finish reading this book.

CHAPTER ONE. CREATIVE CHANGES ARE HEALTHY

Everyone is creative, and God wants everyone to use his talent in transforming his church to be a
better place of worship and healing hence maintaining people in church and attracting more souls
to Him for eternity

Chapter 2 creative changes needed

As leaders we need to be sensitive and pay attention to the signals/ issues / actions raised by
people we lead and creatively find solutions to them immediately before conditions begin to
deteriorate. These signals provide good clues that something is not going on well. Also, to listen
to good ideas they suggest.

CHAPTER 3 DECISION- MAKING

As leaders we need to analyzer problems carefully with adverse thinking of the outcome. We
need to obtain other people’s perspectives and more information on the causes and solutions to
the problem. Finally, we draw conclusions from gathered evidence and pose solutions under
God’s direction

CHAPTER 4 DANGER OF NEGATIVITY

Hinders us from progress/ change which may lead to stunted growth and failing us to reach our
dreams.

CHAPTER 5. APPLYING BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES.

As leaders, we need to backup all the proposals/ suggestions and ideas we make with biblical
principles. This is because the matters upon which the Church acts are matters that the Word of
God has already judged, upon which the Law of God has already ruled. Principles of Scripture
are not just opinion, but involve actions taken to deal with sin, where the verdict is rendered
according to the Word of God.

CHAPTER 6. THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE

Change is inevitable, as leaders, it’s probably best to accept change and rise to the challenge,
even embrace it. And that’s a lot easier to do when we prepared with the knowledge and tools for
managing it.

When we venture into the unknown, perhaps the most consistent and successful strategy is to be
open to new situations that may arise. When we are willing to adapt, change becomes our friend.
A great temptation in leadership is to run away from commitments, especially when the leader
sees the challenges ahead.

CHAPTER 7 — MAINTAIN CHRISTIAN ETHICS

As leaders, we need to maintain ethics regardless of the hardship we go through remembering

that oftenly God uses problems to prepare us for something much better. Every problem has a
peculiar way of molding virtues such as patience, trust, perseverance, self-control and kindness
(James 1:2-3). Problems also discipline the mind. The best kind of problem is that which
strengthens our character, and shows us who we really are and what we can do. Better still,
problems build and consolidate our faith.

CHAPTER 8 — ETHICS IN CONTROL

As leaders instead of remaining undecided and appear distressed after facing circumstances that
are beyond our control which sometimes generates frustration, we understand that if we use what
we are able to control, circumstances will favor them. In other words, we must not concentrate
on what is beyond our control. On the contrary, we must exercise control over our thoughts and
our actions.

CHAPTER 9 — BIBLICAL DISCIPLINE

As a leader must know One’s personal opinion may not always apply, but a biblical principle is
lasting. A spiritual leader needs to know biblical principles, for he/she is responsible for the
attitude of the church committee. Regardless of the discipline, no matter what the reason for the
discipline, the biblical principles needs to be applied. The leader who wants to implement the
biblical model in church administration needs to apply it in the area of human relations too

CHAPTER 10 — THE IMPORTANCE OF CONVICTION AND CONFIDENTIALITY

As leaders, it is up to us to preserve the good name and reputation of church members. People
are more important than anything else. Even in the most serious cases of ecclesiastical discipline.
Not everything is written down in a manual regarding every detail of the decisions we make and
procedures we follow.

CHAPTER 11 — A MODERATE APPROACH TO DISCIPLINE

it would be wise for the leader to clarify what happened, without entering into details or saying
too much. Remember that even when someone’s problem is made public, we should preserve the
image and reputation of those involved

we must remember not to make an important decision when we are emotionally involved. Rage,
passion, hurt, pride, or conceit may lead us to make decisions in the heat of the moment. These
decisions are usually dangerous, for we are not rational, and our ability to analyze the situation
may be—and usually is—deeply affected by our emotions.

CHAPTER 12 — DOING WHAT IS RIGHT IN THE RIGHT WAY

As leaders, it is important to be aware that we are dealing with people who are spiritually and
emotionally hurting. They will be sensitive to any kind of comment or observation. Thus, one
should be very aware of their feelings, taking care not to increase their suffering. We do not have
the right to make anyone suffer, even if our intention is to help restore them.

CHAPTER 13 — YOUR GOOD NAME IS SAFE IN OUR HOUSE