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Pastoral Ministry
spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God. But often the cross of
Calvary is not presented before the people. Some may be listening to
the last sermon they will ever hear, and the golden opportunity, lost, is
lost forever. If in connection with the theory of the truth, Christ and
His redeeming love had been proclaimed, these might have been won
to His side.—
Gospel Workers, 158
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Delivery—Words
In simple language, with touching earnestness, present the
truth as it is in Jesus—Ministers need to have a more clear, sim-
ple manner in presenting the truth as it is in Jesus.... Those who
neglect this part of the work need to be converted themselves before
venturing to give a discourse. Those whose hearts are filled with the
love of Jesus, with the precious truths of His Word, will be able to
draw from the treasure house of God things new and old. They will not
find time to relate anecdotes; they will not strain to become orators,
soaring so high that they cannot carry the people with them; but in
simple language, with touching earnestness, they will present the truth
as it is in Jesus.—
Selected Messages 1:157
.
[198]
Ministers’ words should be select, their speech sound—The
deportment of a minister while in the desk should be circumspect,
not careless. He should not be negligent in regard to his attitude. He
should possess order and refinement in the highest sense. God requires
this of those who accept so responsible a work, that of receiving the
words from His mouth and speaking them to the people, warning and
reproving, correcting and comforting, as the case may require. God’s
representatives upon earth should be in daily communion with Him.
Their words should be select, their speech sound. The haphazard words
frequently used by ministers who preach not the gospel in sincerity
should be forever discarded.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:706
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Delivery—Gestures
In the desk, do not assume attitudes and expressions calcu-
lated for effect—I see that great reformation must take place in the
ministry before it shall be what God would have it. Ministers in the
desk have no license to behave like theatrical performers, assuming