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Pastoral Ministry
own life Christ has paid for your earnest, hearty cooperation. If you
do not work as faithful missionaries, you are untrue to your trust, and
you disappoint your Saviour.—
The Signs of the Times, December 27,
1899
.
Training contributes to church growth notwithstanding the
pastor’s administrative responsibilities—From the time that con-
verts come together in church capacity, they should be educated to
take up such lines of work as will not only benefit their own souls, but
the souls of others. “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that
watereth shall be watered also himself.” The Lord has given to His
followers talents of intellect and energy and means. Those who are
known to be men of well-balanced minds, who have the love and fear
of God before them, should be appointed as elders and deacons; and
through the exercise of the ability God has given them, they may grow
in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
They may plan wisely, and educate the individual members of the
church to act their part in trading with their Lord’s talents. By a right
use of their talents they may increase their efficiency in the cause of
God. The church may be visited only occasionally by a minister, and
yet be a growing church; for Jesus is our minister, and we are never
to think that we are left alone. Jesus never forsakes the flock of His
pasture. “This man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable
priesthood.”—
The Review and Herald, January 17, 1893
.
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The work requires the resources of ministers and members—
The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and
women comprising our church membership rally to the work and unite
their efforts with those of ministers and church officers.... It is training,
education, that is needed. Those who labor in visiting the churches
should give the brethren and sisters instruction in practical methods of
doing missionary work.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:117
.
Visitors to be trained—There are those who have some experi-
ence who should, with every effort they make in dying churches as
well as in new places, select young men or men of mature age to assist
in the work. Thus they will be obtaining knowledge by interesting
themselves in personal effort, and scores of helpers will be fitting
for usefulness as Bible readers, as canvassers, and as visitors in the
families.—
Evangelism, 470
.
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