Getting Decisions
131
Personal
Five words spoken privately will do more than a whole public
discourse—After the meetings are through, there should be a personal
investigation with each one on the ground. Each one should be asked
how he is going to take these things, if he is going to make a personal
application of them. And then you should watch and see if there is an
interest in this one or that. Five words spoken to them privately will
do more than the whole discourse has done.—
Evangelism, 285
.
Ministers must learn to work differently with each individual
type of temperament—As the physician deals with physical disease,
so does the pastor minister to the sin-sick soul. And his work is as
much more important than that of the physician as eternal life is more
valuable than temporal existence. The pastor meets with an endless
variety of temperaments, and it is his duty to become acquainted with
the members of the families that listen to his teachings in order to
determine what means will best influence them in the right direction.—
Gospel Workers, 338
.
Bible Class
Special meetings should be held to give Bible instruction to
those interested—Do not immediately follow one discourse with
another, but let a period of rest intervene, that the truth may be fastened
[128]
in the mind, and that opportunity for meditation and prayer may be
given for both minister and people. In this way there will be growth
in religious knowledge and experience. Bible readings should be
given, and believers and unbelievers should have an opportunity to
ask questions on points not fully understood. Those who profess to be
advocates of truth, should ask questions that will bring forth answers
that will shed light upon the present truth. If any ask questions that
serve to confuse the mind, and to sow doubt and questioning, they
should be advised to abstain from such questioning, that others may
be brought to Christ. We must learn when to speak and when to keep
silent, and learn to sow seeds of faith, to reflect light and not darkness.
Special meetings should be appointed for those who are interested in
the truth, and who need instruction.—
The Review and Herald, June
23, 1891
.