“Here Am I, Lord, Send Me”
89
Workers to Train Church Members
It is evident that all the sermons that have been preached have not
developed a large class of self-denying workers. This subject is to be
considered as involving the most serious results. Our future for eternity
is at stake. The churches are withering up because they have failed to
use their talents in diffusing light. Careful instruction should be given
which will be as lessons from the Master, that all may put their light
to practical use. Those who have the oversight of the churches should
select members of ability and place them under responsibilities, at the
same time giving them instruction as to how they may best serve and
bless others
Mechanics, lawyers, merchants, men of all trades and professions,
educate themselves that they may become masters of their business.
Should the followers of Christ be less intelligent, and while profess-
edly engaged in His service be ignorant of the ways and means to
be employed? The enterprise of gaining everlasting life is above ev-
ery earthly consideration. In order to lead souls to Jesus there must
be a knowledge of human nature and a study of the human mind.
Much careful thought and fervent prayer are required to know how to
approach men and women upon the great subject of truth
[69]
Just as soon as a church is organized, let the minister set the mem-
bers at work. They will need to be taught how to labor successfully.
Let the minister devote more of his time to educating than to preaching.
Let him teach the people how to give to others the knowledge they
have received. While the new converts should be taught to ask counsel
from those more experienced in the work, they should also be taught
not to put the minister in the place of God.
The greatest help that can be given our people is to teach them to
work for God, and to depend on Him, not on the ministers. Let them
learn to work as Christ worked. Let them join His army of workers
and do faithful service for Him
64
Testimonies for the Church 6:431
65
Testimonies for the Church 4:67
66
Testimonies for the Church 7:19, 20