Characteristics of a Minister
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for him who was to be the leader of Israel; for in the care of the flock
of God he would be called upon to nourish the weak, to instruct the
wayward, and to bring the lost one back to the fold.—
The Signs of the
Times, January 16, 1893
.
Responsibility
Feed, oversee, and be an example to your flock—The ministers
of the Word, and others who fill responsible positions, as well as
the body of the church, need this spirit of humility and contrition.
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The apostle Peter writes to those who labor in the gospel: “Feed the
flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not
by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the
flock.”—
The Review and Herald, December 16, 1890
.
Preach the Word, and visit the people—No part of the minister’s
duty is to be neglected. He is to preach the Word, not the opinions of
men. He is to labor with individuals, to visit families, not simply to
talk of the commonplace happenings, but of things of eternal interest,
praying with them, and teaching in all simplicity the truth of God.—
The Review and Herald, June 30, 1891
.
Arrange for each member to have something to do—The work
of the minister represented by the seven stars is a high and sacred
work. When he entertains the idea that his work is comprehended in
sermonizing, he overlooks, and is sure to neglect, the work devolving
upon a shepherd of the flock. It is his work to have care, to oversee
the flock, to so arrange the elements of the church that each may have
something to do.—
The Review and Herald, May 31, 1887
.
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