The True Joy of Positive Living Ch:17

• The ministry has been greatly aided by church officials, including elders and deacons.
• Church officials were competent, sincere Christians.
• Milton D. Ketchum, a conservative yet supportive senior elder, has served since 1932.
• Milton D. Ketchum objectively, dispassionately, and spiritually approached problems with total commitment to Christ and the church

Arthur Caliandro

• Arthur Caliandro, a classmate of the author's daughter, was appointed executive minister to supervise church administration.
• Arthur Caliandro eventually became the successor, delivering a positive, life-changing message like his predecessors.
• After a few years, the author suggested a younger minister leading to concentrate on other responsibilities.
• The board resisted the decision to relinquish the ministry initially, indicating the will of God.

Impact of Ministry

• The ministry impacted thousands of lives over fifty years.
• Charles Kennard's story exemplifies the transformative power of the Gospel.

Charles and Hazel Kennard

• Charles Kennard, an alcoholic, sought help from Dr. Edward Silkworth in New York City.
• Dr. Silkworth, an expert on curing alcoholism, treated Charles.
• Dr. Silkworth said "Yes, there is one Doctor who can cure you, but He is very expensive...His name is Jesus Christ"
• Charles, penniless, was robbed by a bellboy of all his money.
• Dr. Silkworth referred Charles to Jesus Christ for complete healing.

Charles's Transformation

• Charles struggled with the idea of complete surrender to Christ, seeking assurance before committing.
• Charles located the author's church at night during a snowstorm.
• Charles wrote a card to "Dr. Jesus," surrendering himself and asking for healing, then slipped it in the mail slot.
• Charles felt a warm glow, experienced relief, and knew he had been healed.
• The author learned of Charles's story during a speech in Roanoke, Virginia.
• Charles never told the story to anyone until in Roanoke.
• Charles became a field representative for Guideposts magazine, blessing people throughout the South.
• Charles was seen in church, bathed in sunlight, singing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."
• Charles Kennard's story represents the redeeming ministry in the old church.

The Great Depression

• The Great Depression created extraordinary needs, leading to an agency of human helpfulness.
• People experienced salary cuts, job losses, business closings, and bank failures.
• Many sought comfort and understanding in the church, needing healing and hope.
• The author recognized a lack of knowledge in how to help troubled people.
• The author had a caring attitude and willingness to let people talk out their fears.

Dr. Iago Galdston and Dr. Smiley Blanton

• In 1935, the author consulted Dr. Iago Galdston for guidance from a Christian psychiatrist.
• Dr. Galdston introduced the author to Dr. Smiley Blanton, uniting psychological science and pastoral methodology.
• Dr. Smiley Blanton was a graduate of Vanderbilt University, formerly of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in London
• Dr. Blanton characterized himself as a "hillbilly Methodist from Tennessee."
• Dr. Blanton and the author worked together, combining psychiatric insights with the Gospel.
• Dr. Blanton and the author formed a team of psychiatrist and pastor.
• Dr. Blanton would say to a patient "Now, as a doctor, I tell you go to Dr. Peale, a pastor, and he will give you the cure which the Great Physician provides."

The American Foundation of Religion and Psychiatry

• Student psychiatrists joined Dr. Blanton, leading to the creation of the American Foundation of Religion and Psychiatry (later, the Institutes of Religion and Health).
• The organization provided training programs and educational credit at prestigious institutions and the Blanton-Peale clinic.
• More than one hundred Pastoral Counseling Centers developed across the nation.
• Dr. Smiley Blanton is honored as a pioneer for integrating pastoral care and psychiatric medicine.
• W. Clement Stone and Neal Gilliatt were chairmen dedicated to the healing work.

Positive Thinkers

• Positive thinkers are achievers and winners with strong personalities.
• Donald Trump was considerate in church negotiations, securing long-term financial stability.

Religious Leaders

• Prominent religious leaders known included Dr. Daniel A. Poling, Billy Graham, and Bishop Fulton J. Sheen.
• Dr. Daniel A. Poling was the author's predecessor at the church.
• Billy Graham is the best-known preacher of our time.
• Bishop Fulton J. Sheen was one of the most accomplished preachers.
• Cardinal Francis Spellman was a spiritual leader with legendary business acumen.

Baseball

• A big league baseball fan, the author admired pitchers like Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, and Carl Erskine.
• A dedicated fan, the author watched baseball.
• Cy Young, a legendary pitcher, became curator of the Museum of Honored Battle Flags.
• Baseball players today are "sissies" compared to the old timers.
• Cy Young said to "stay right in there and keep pitching."

Political Trouble

• In 1960, the author was embroiled in political controversy during the presidential election between Kennedy and Nixon.
• Traditionally a Republican, the author remained neutral, without bigotry towards Catholics.
• A meeting on religious freedom in Washington, D.C., led to accusations of anti-Kennedy sentiment.
• The author, as temporary chairman, was mistakenly labeled as leading an anti-Kennedy group.

Fallout

• The incident caused embarrassment and led the author to offer his resignation.
• The congregation and church board rejected the resignation, expressing support.
• Senator Robert Kennedy dismissed the incident, acknowledging the author's spirit and respect.