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Pastoral Ministry
can fill. Many who might have been able to fill positions of trust,
have not disciplined themselves, nor have they done that which they
could have done from day to day to meet the increasing demands of
the present time. Others are able to bear responsibilities, and would
do so, if they were encouraged, and if there were some one who, with
patience, kindness, and forbearance, would teach them how to work.
Ministers should show a real earnestness in helping such persons
succeed, and should put forth persevering effort to develop talent.
The inexperienced are in need of wise generals who by prayer and
personal effort will encourage and help them to become perfect in
Christ Jesus, wanting in nothing. This is the work which every gospel
minister should endeavor to do, but which some are liable to fail of
doing.—
The Review and Herald, December 1, 1904
.
Teach the people how to work—Ministers, teach the people how
to work. Tell them that their usefulness does not depend so much on
wealth or learning or power as on a willing mind, their consecration to
Christ and His cause. In times past, God has used humble men, and
because of their faith and devotion, they have often accomplished more
than many more pretentious laborers. They realized their weakness
and dependence upon God; and by letters, by tracts, by personal effort
in appeals and warnings, by a well-ordered life and godly conversation,
they turned many from error to truth, from the path of transgression
to obedience to God’s law. The mighty power of grace worked with
them, and success attended their efforts. “God hath chosen the weak
things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base
things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen,
yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that
no flesh should glory in His presence.”—
The Review and Herald, June
24, 1884
.
Members’ doubt will be dispelled if they can be led to help
others—Our ministers may visit our churches, and may offer public
prayer to God for the comfort of the sorrowing, asking Him to dispel
doubt from their minds, and shed light into their darkened hearts. But
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this will not be so effective in helping these sorrowful, doubting, sin-
burdened ones, as to lead them to work for those more needy than
themselves. The darkness will be dispelled if they can be led to help
others.—
The Review and Herald, May 5, 1904
.
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