During his presidency of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, Jan Paulsen participated in over 30 episodes of a one-hour live talk show broadcast on the church’s international television network.  “Let’s Talk” gave young adults on six continents the opportunity to ask questions of their church’s president.  It was unscripted and unrehearsed.  The “Let’s Talk” website provided additional opportunities for them to express their questions directly to the president.  These conversations in person and over email inspired this book.  In it, Elder Paulsen invites Adventists of all ages to join these timely conversations.

This book is passionate about listening. For Elder Paulsen church is family and he reminds us that in a family differences of opinion are normal, to be expected, yet we still remain family.  Each voice remains valued.  In families we listen to each other.  Paulsen believes that honest questions from family members even though they might be troubling deserve thoughtful responses, particularly when the questions are from the younger members.  They are family.  So we hear his moving refrain:  “This is what they said.  This is the church speaking to the church.”  Will the rest of us join the conversation?

The questions asked by young people in their conversations with Elder Paulsen included topics ranging widely from wearing jewelry to racism, military service, women in ministry, community activism, homosexuality and more.  The issues may be divisive and difficult, but conversation is the key.  Elder Paulsen believes we must learn from and with each other.  His frank discussion of the issues is unembarrassed, unafraid and deeply refreshing.  These are just the kinds of questions I hear when I speak at singles conventions and youth events and weekend retreats.  Elder Paulsen believes that when young people are silent and stop asking questions it does not mean that they are in agreement but rather indicates “minds closing, attitudes hardening, and communication coming to an abrupt end.”  And, “when conversation ends, people walk away from each other…”  So…Let’s Talk! 

The format of the book reflects its main points.  The actual questions of young adults begin each chapter.  Then Elder Paulsen shares his thoughtful perspective, often bringing in examples from his wealth of international experience.  Each chapter ends with “conversation starter” questions and scenarios.  In addition to his proven leadership, Elder Paulsen’s deep pastoral wisdom and skill as a teacher shine through, providing provocative questions for his readers to ponder individually, but more importantly within our faith communities.

I heard myself say, “wow!” as Paulsen quoted singer and social activist Bono when addressing young people’s concern that church is culturally irrelevant.  Then it was “yes!” in the chapter encouraging intellectual curiosity.  Even my occasional “really?” pulled me into the conversation.  I heard myself joining in. I am sure you will too.  Whether you are young or old you will find these conversations just as engaging.

The Adventist students in my classroom and in the church where I worship will love this book and will be richly blessed to read this courageous and compassionate invitation to wrestle with contemporary issues with one such as Elder Paulsen as a guide.  Paulsen shows that he has listened carefully, read widely and understands that young people are savvy with social media, sharply aware of issues in science and technology, and long for a church that leads by standing up for its moral convictions. This is just what my students need!  Elder Paulsen recognizes that issues are complex and the challenges posed by the questions may not always have neat answers, but he is still willing to listen and remains confident in the younger generation of our church family and in the God who leads them. 

This book by a deeply wise leader clearly indicates he loves his family, all of us, because he loves the Adventist church so very much.

—Kendra Haloviak Valentine is Associate Professor of New Testament Studies at La Sierra University. 

Constituency delegates approved a series of changes to La Sierra University’s bylaws during a special meeting held on the campus on May 23. The revised bylaws document passed by a vote of 69-10, or 87 percent, well beyond the two-thirds vote required for passage. The bylaws revisions provide refinement to La Sierra University’s governance, while addressing some concerns about the university’s bylaws expressed since 1996 by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, La Sierra’s regional accrediting agency.

This follows an information session held on February 21 in which constituents offered feedback and suggestions on the proposed bylaws revisions.

“We all need to appreciate the difficult task that our Articles and Bylaws Committee members have had to complete,” said Ricardo Graham, Pacific Union president and current La Sierra University board chair. “During their nearly two years of study and review, committee members have listened to constituency delegate feedback, and have used care to ensure the revised bylaws meet current governance needs while reinforcing La Sierra University’s clear and unequivocal connection to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its mission and philosophy.”

The significant bylaws changes fall into two main areas:

• Changing the way in which the board chair is selected.

• Making clear the specific roles of the Board of Trustees and the university President.

  Delegates approved bylaws changes that require, in consultation with Pacific Union Conference officers, La Sierra University’s Board chair to be elected by the board itself from one of the four ex officio member Union officers, rather than automatically being the Union president. This change allows the trustees to select their own chair, while simultaneously ensuring that the chair will always be an officer of the Pacific Union. An additional key limitation would be that neither the chair or vice chair of La Sierra’s board can serve concurrently as chair or vice chair of another university or college board. This resolves Pacific Union Conference’s unique issue in its operation of two institutions. La Sierra University and Pacific Union College both faced questions from the accrediting agency on this issue that are not faced by institutions in the rest of the North American Division.

  Since 1990, La Sierra’s board membership has included nine ex officio members (the Pacific Union Conference president, secretary, treasurer, vice president; the Pacific Union Conference education director; the presidents of the Arizona, Southeastern California, and Southern California Conferences; and the university president); and 14 members elected by the constituency. No change in that composition was considered during this process. Additionally, the revised bylaws require all 14 elected trustees be members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Previously one elected trustee could be from outside the Church.

  The approved bylaws charge the Board of Trustees with ensuring that the mission and major policies of the university reflect the goals and objectives of the Adventist Church. Other changes recognize the limitations of expecting a board to manage day-to-day details of a complex institution.

  The board will continue to appoint the president, provost, and vice president for financial administration, and grant tenure to members of the faculty. This allows the board to have direct interaction with the administrative, academic, and financial leaders of the university. It allows trustees to maintain financial oversight of the university, and to establish the policies necessary to university governance. The president is identified as the university officer accountable for implementing the board’s broad policies into daily operations.

  Trustees will also focus on providing strategic vision for the university, establishing governing policies, and protecting the university’s assets. The full bylaws document identifies 18 specific governance functions retained by the trustees under the revised bylaws. The full document will be posted on the university website after the bylaws committee completes editorial changes voted by the delegates

  “God’s spirit was evident throughout the session,” Graham said. “I appreciated how delegates cared so much about these issues, as demonstrated through the robust discussion and their insightful questions.

  “I am optimistic about La Sierra University’s future,” Graham concluded. “The board, administration, and faculty are committed to building this outstanding institution of higher education and developing the Christian commitment of every student.”