74
Christian Service
them individually, endeavoring to arouse them to seek for a deeper
experience themselves, and to work for others. When they are prepared
to sustain the minister by their prayers and labors, greater success will
attend his efforts.—
Gospel Workers, 196
.
In some respects the pastor occupies a position similar to that of
the foreman of a gang of laboring men or the captain of a ship’s crew.
They are expected to see that the men over whom they are set, do the
work assigned to them correctly and promptly, and only in case of
emergency are they to execute in detail. The owner of a large mill
once found his superintendent in a wheel-pit, making some simple
repairs, while a half-dozen workmen in that line were standing by, idly
looking on. The proprietor, after learning the facts, so as to be sure
that no injustice was done, called the foreman to his office and handed
him his discharge with full pay. In surprise the foreman asked for an
explanation. It was given in these words: “I employed you to keep six
men at work. I found the six idle, and you doing the work of but one.
Your work could have been done just as well by any one of the six. I
cannot afford to pay the wages of seven for you to teach the six how
to be idle.”
This incident may be applicable in some cases, and in others not.
But many pastors fail in not knowing how, or in not trying, to get
the full membership of the church actively engaged in the various
departments of church work. If pastors would give more attention to
getting and keeping their flock actively engaged at work, they would
accomplish more good, have more time for study and religious visiting,
and also avoid many causes of friction.—
Gospel Workers, 197, 198
.
[71]
A Good Example
The apostle [Paul] felt that he was to a large extent responsible for
the spiritual welfare of those converted under his labors. His desire for
them was that they might increase in a knowledge of the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom He had sent. Often in his ministry he would
meet with little companies of men and women who loved Jesus, and
bow with them in prayer, asking God to teach them how to maintain a
living connection with Him. Often he took counsel with them as to the
best methods of giving to others the light of gospel truth. And often,
when separated from those for whom he had thus labored, he pleaded