Examination for the Ministry
373
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Those who are about to enter upon the sacred work of teaching
Bible truth to the world, should be carefully examined by faithful,
experienced persons. After they 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 may indicate by His Holy Spirit
whether they are acceptable to Him. The apostle says, “Lay hands
suddenly on no man.” [
1 Timothy 5:22
.] In the days of the apostles,
the ministers of God did not dare to rely upon their own judgment
in selecting or accepting men to take the solemn and sacred position
of mouthpiece for God. They chose the men whom their judgment
accepted, and then placed them before the Lord to see if He would
accept them to go forth as His representatives. No less than this should
be done now.
In many places we meet men who have been hurried into responsi-
ble positions as elders of the church, when they are not qualified for
such a position. They have not proper government over themselves.
[439]
Their influence is not good. The church is in trouble continually in
consequence of the defective character of the leaders. Hands have
been laid too suddenly upon these men.
Ministers of God should be men of good repute, capable of dis-
creetly managing an interest after they have aroused it. We stand in
great need of competent men, who will bring honor instead of disgrace
upon the cause which they represent.
Ministers should be examined especially to see if they have an in-
telligent understanding of the truth for this time, so that they can give
a connected discourse upon the prophecies or upon practical subjects.
If they cannot clearly present Bible subjects, they need to be hearers
and learners still. In order to be teachers of Bible truth, they should
earnestly and prayerfully search the Scriptures, and become conver-
sant with them. All these things should be carefully and prayerfully
considered before men are sent into the field of labor.—
Testimonies
for the Church 4:406, 407
.
* * * * *
In Timothy, Paul saw one who appreciated the sacredness of the
work of a minister, who was not appalled at the prospect of suffering