106
Pastoral Ministry
man long preside over a conference. A change of gifts is for the good
of our conferences and churches.
Ministers have sometimes felt unwilling to change their field of
labor; but if they understood all the reasons for making changes, they
would not draw back. Some have pleaded to remain one year longer
in the same field, and frequently the request has been respected. They
have claimed to have plans for accomplishing a greater work than
heretofore. But at the close of the year there was a worse state of
things than before. If a minister has been unfaithful in his work, it is
not likely that he will mend the matter by remaining. The churches
become accustomed to the management of that one man, and think
they must look to him instead of to God.—
Gospel Workers, 420
.
Conference
Shepherds have been treated with reckless disregard by those
in high positions—Sinful and worthless creatures though we are,
through a vital connection with Christ we yet may be renewed in
knowledge and true holiness, and thus reflect the glory and image of
our Creator and Redeemer, and be qualified to care for His sheep and
lambs. Not only have the sheep and lambs been dealt with in hardness,
but even the shepherds themselves have been treated with reckless
disregard. They have been spoken of in a way that shows that many in
high and lower positions have little courtesy to give to God’s ordained
ministers. The churches themselves have been educated in such a way
that they have had too little respect for those who preach the Word of
God, and who for years have given full proof of their ministry. But this
way of dealing with the ministers and with the members of the family
of God must be changed. The blessing of God cannot rest upon those
who manifest little respect for the workers together with Him.—
The
Review and Herald, October 24, 1893
.
Ministers should not act independently of the opinions of their
brethren—Though we have an individual work and an individual
responsibility before God, we are not to follow our own independent
judgment, regardless of the opinions and feelings of our brethren; for
this course would lead to disorder in the church. It is the duty of
ministers to respect the judgment of their brethren; but their relations
[104]
to one another, as well as the doctrines they teach, should be brought to