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Pastoral Ministry
Called to Service
Qualified youth should be encouraged to enter the ministry—
There is an urgent demand for laborers in the gospel field. Young men
are needed for this work; God calls for them. Their education is of
[44]
primary importance in our colleges, and in no case should it be ignored
or regarded as a secondary matter. It is entirely wrong for teachers, by
suggesting other occupations, to discourage young men who might be
qualified to do acceptable work in the ministry. Those who present
hindrances to prevent young men from fitting themselves for this work
are counterworking the plans of God, and they will have to give an
account of their course. There is among us more than an average of
men of ability. If their capabilities were brought into use, we should
have twenty ministers where we now have one.—
Testimonies for the
Church 6:135
.
The call to preach is proven by example and work—Those
whom God has called to the ministry are to give evidence by the
influence they exert, that they are fit for the holy calling in which
they are found. Paul writes, “Be thou an example of the believers.”
Then shall young ministers be excused for their lightness and trifling?
Shall the church be expected to listen to their words, to receive their
testimony, when their example misrepresents the character of Christ,
and leads away from the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to
walk in? What can we think of churches that will listen to the testimony
of men who have no power in prayer, no fervency in their devotion, no
freedom in personal labor for souls? The Lord has commanded, “Be
ye holy in all manner of conversation.” “Take heed unto thyself, and
unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both
save thyself, and them that hear thee.” The proof of the minister’s call
to preach the gospel is seen in his example and work.—
The Review
and Herald, April 5, 1892
.
We must not rely on human judgment alone in selecting min-
isters—Those who are about to enter upon the sacred work of teaching
Bible truth to the world should be carefully examined by faithful, ex-
perienced persons. After these have had some experience, there is still
another work to be done for them; they should be presented before the
Lord in earnest prayer that He would indicate by His Holy Spirit if
they are acceptable to Him. The apostle says: “Lay hands suddenly on