Co-operation of Ministers and Laymen
73
every church. Let different ones take turns in leading the meetings, and
in giving Bible readings; in so doing they will be calling into use the
talents which God has given them, and at the same time be receiving a
training as workers.—
Gospel Workers, 197
.
Ministers should not do the work which belongs to the church, thus
wearying themselves, and preventing others from performing their
duty. They should teach the members how to labor in the church and
in the community.—
Historical Sketches, 291
.
When an effort is made to present our faith to unbelievers, the
members of the church too often stand back, as if they were not an
interested party, and let all the burden rest upon the minister. For this
reason the labor of our most able ministers has been at times productive
of little good.—
Gospel Workers, 196
.
The Minister’s Duty
The best help that ministers can give the members of our churches
is not sermonizing, but planning work for them. Give each one some-
thing to do for others. Help all to see that as receivers of the grace of
Christ they are under obligation to work for Him. And let all be taught
how to work. Especially should those who are newly come to the faith
be educated to become laborers together with God.—
Testimonies for
the Church 9:82
.
Ministers, preach the truths that will lead to personal labor for those
who are out of Christ. Encourage personal effort in every possible
way.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:124
.
Let ministers teach church members that in order to grow in spiritu-
ality, they must carry the burden that the Lord has laid upon them,—the
burden of leading souls into the truth. Those who are not fulfilling
their responsibility should be visited, prayed with, labored for. Do not
lead people to depend upon you as ministers; teach them rather that
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they are to use their talents in giving the truth to those around them.
In thus working they will have the co-operation of heavenly angels,
and will obtain an experience that will increase their faith, and give
them a strong hold on God.—
Gospel Workers, 200
.
In laboring where there are already some in the faith, the minister
should at first seek not so much to convert unbelievers, as to train
the church members for acceptable co-operation. Let him labor for