Personal Ministry to Members
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order. The churches that have such labor are disorganized, weak, and
sickly, and ready to die. The sermons are not vitalized by the Spirit of
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God, because the blessing of God will not rest upon any man who is
neglecting the flock of God.—
Appeal and Suggestions to Conference
Officers (Ph 2)17, 18
.
Walk in Jesus’ footsteps, not by visiting where He lived, but by
working as He worked—Among our workers are some who feel that
a great object would be gained if their feet could tread the soil of old
Jerusalem. But God’s cause and work will never be advanced by His
workers wandering about to find where Jesus traveled and wrought His
miracles. Would you trace the footsteps of Christ, behold Him in that
hovel, ministering to the poor; see Him at that sick bed, comforting the
suffering, and speaking hope and courage to the desponding. Those
who walk in the footsteps of Jesus will do as He did. “Whosoever will
come after me,” He said, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross,
and follow me.”—
The Review and Herald, July 30, 1901
.
Visit with a purpose—Many love to preach, but shun the labor
that is required to lift souls out of sin. Men are dying all around us,
and we have not made any special efforts to address them earnestly,
interestedly, affectionately, as Christ would have done had he been
on the earth. We are Christ’s ambassadors, watchmen unto the house
of Israel, to see the dangers that await souls, and give them warning.
The pastor is a shepherd of the sheep, guarding them, feeding them,
warning them, reproving them, or encouraging them, as the case may
require. There is visiting to be done, not to have a pleasant chat,
but to do the work required of a watchman. There should be earnest
conversation and prayer with these souls. This is the kind of work that
gains valuable experience in the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom.—
The
Review and Herald, October 20, 1896
.
Women should be appointed to visit—Women who are willing
to consecrate some of their time to the service of the Lord should be
appointed to visit the sick, look after the young, and minister to the
necessities of the poor. They should be set apart to this work by prayer
and laying on of hands. In some cases they will need to counsel with
the church officers or the minister; but if they are devoted women,
maintaining a vital connection with God, they will be a power for good
in the church. This is another means of strengthening and building up
the church. We need to branch out more in our methods of labor. Not