Pastoring a Multi-Church District
273
Worship Service When No Pastor Present
Long, prosy talk does more harm than good—The same course
is frequently pursued in the Sabbath meetings. When there is no
preacher present, the one who is appointed to lead the meeting feels
it his duty to try to supply the lack as best he can, and starts out with
a long, prosy talk that kills the meeting on the start. And yet he is
often distressed because there is so little interest manifested by those
who attend these meetings. He sees that the interest is waning, and
he begins to inquire what he shall do. To such I would say, Cease
your efforts to sermonize. Many love to talk; but their speeches are
long and dry; there is none of the heavenly moisture in them. I can
but sympathize with the listeners when such a one has charge of the
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meeting. He thinks that so much talking ought to do a great amount of
good, but it is a positive injury.—
Sabbath-School Worker, October 1,
1885
.
Having a minister present is not a prerequisite to having a
meaningful worship service—Let not the little companies think that
they can have no meeting when they have no minister. Let them not
think that one of their members must stand in the pulpit and preach to
them. The time and season are very precious. The assembled believers
are in the audience chamber of the universe of Heaven. They are
to witness for God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave His life for
the world. The little company are to do service to God by offering
to Him spiritual worship. When there is no delegated minister to
speak to the little companies, let each one witness to the truth, and
be faithful to speak often one to another of the love of God, and thus
train and educate the soul. Let each one seek to become an intelligent
Christian, bearing his responsibility, and acting his personal part to
make the meeting interesting and profitable.—
The Review and Herald,
September 10, 1895
.
When little companies meet to worship, let several take part—
Let the praise of God be upon your lips when you meet together in
little companies to worship God. Let not one man do much of the
talking. Let several take part.—
Manuscript Releases 15:153
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A Bible class approach is sometimes more helpful than
preaching—Our people should not be made to think that they need
to listen to a sermon every Sabbath. Many who listen frequently to