A Division of Labor
A serious and perhaps unsuspected hindrance to the success of the
truth is to be found in our churches themselves. 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. The
very best sermons may be preached, the message may be just what
the people need, and yet no souls be gained as sheaves to present to
Christ.
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
them individually, endeavoring to arouse them to seek for a deeper
experience themselves, and to work for others. When they are prepared
to sustain the minister by their prayers and labors, greater success will
attend his efforts.
* * * * *
Nothing lasting can be accomplished for churches in different
places unless they are aroused to feel that a responsibility rests upon
them. Every member of the body should feel that the salvation of his
own soul depends upon his own individual effort. Souls cannot be
saved without exertion. The minister cannot save the people. He can
be a channel through which God will impart light to His people; but
after the light is given, it is left with the people to appropriate that
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light, and in their turn to let it shine forth to others.—
Testimonies for
the Church 2:121
.
* * * * *
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