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Pastoral Ministry
Satan attends every committee meeting, trying to impress
minds to make objections that will delay the work—The very thing
that the Lord had impressed upon the minds of His servants that ought
to be done has not been done at the right time, because these men
advanced their own ideas under the suggestions the devil had put in
their minds to hinder the work of God and to disgust those who would
see the work of God move. There have been suggestions made by
themselves which have carried, which God never put into their minds.
Satan attends every board meeting, every business meeting, every
committee meeting, and if he can impress anyone’s mind to make
objections or to throw in suggestions that will delay the work hours
and weary out those who are called upon to attend these meetings,
he is wonderfully pleased. He has had his way in the matter. And
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the business which should be pushed through with dispatch, yet in an
intelligent manner, is made tedious and to drag along because of the
human, unsanctified elements in the character of some who are placed
in responsible positions, who do not have knowledge when to speak
and when to keep silent.—
Manuscript Releases 12:23
.
Only the church, not the board, disciplines members—“And if
he shall neglect to hear them,” what then shall be done? Shall a few
persons in a board meeting take upon themselves the responsibility
of disfellowshiping the erring one? “If he shall neglect to hear them,
tell it unto the church.” Let the church take action in regard to its
members.—
Testimonies for the Church 7:262
.
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