Recruiting and Training Volunteers
163
If members are not taught to work, the minister’s work is
nearly a failure—The cause might be in a healthful condition in
every field, and it would be if ministers would trust in God and allow
nothing to come between them and their work. Laborers are needed
much more than mere preachers, but the two offices must be united.
It has been proved in the missionary field that, whatever may be the
preaching talent, if the laboring part is neglected, if the people are not
taught how to work, how to conduct meetings, how to act their part in
missionary labor, how to reach people successfully, the work will be
nearly a failure. There is much to be done in the Sabbath school work
also in bringing the people to realize their obligation and to act their
part. God calls them to work for Him, and the ministers should guide
their efforts.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:256
.
If ministers have properly instructed those under their care,
when they leave, the work will not ravel out—The work of the
ambassadors for Christ is far greater and more responsible than many
dream of. They should not be at all satisfied with their success until
they can, by their earnest labors and the blessing of God, present to
Him serviceable Christians who have a true sense of their responsibility
and will do their appointed work. The proper labor and instruction will
result in bringing into working order those men and women whose
characters are strong and their convictions so firm that nothing of a
selfish character is permitted to hinder them in their work, to lessen
their faith, or to deter them from duty. If the minister has properly
instructed those under his care, when he leaves for other fields of labor
the work left will not ravel out, for it will be bound off so firmly as to
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be secure. Unless those who receive the truth are thoroughly converted
and there is a radical change in their life and character, the soul is not
riveted to the eternal Rock; and after the labor of the minister ceases,
and the novelty is gone, the impression soon wears away, the truth
loses its power to charm, and they exert no holier influence, and are no
better for their profession of the truth.—
Testimonies for the Church
4:398
.
Teach All to Be Active
Ministers should help potential church workers develop their
talents—Some workers are incapable of filling positions that others