Ministerial Training
47
Some ministers might have done tenfold more if they had
cared to become intellectual giants—The men who now stand be-
fore the people as representatives of Christ have generally more ability
[48]
than they have training, but they do not put their faculties to use, mak-
ing the most of their time and opportunities. Nearly every minister in
the field, had he exerted his God-given energies, might not only be
proficient in reading, writing, and grammar, but even in languages. It
is essential for them to set their aim high. But there has been but little
ambition to put their powers to the test to reach an elevated standard
in knowledge and in religious intelligence. Our ministers will have to
render to God an account for the rusting of the talents He has given
to improve by exercise. They might have done tenfold more work
intelligently, had they cared to become intellectual giants. Their whole
experience in their high calling is cheapened because they are content
to remain where they are. Their efforts to acquire knowledge will
not in the least hinder their spiritual growth if they will study with
right motives and proper aims.—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel
Workers, 194
.
The gospel is not properly taught by ministers who have
ceased to be students—Some of our ministers have a runway of
discourses which they use without variation year after year. The same
illustrations, the same figures, and almost the same words. They have
ceased to be students. There is an end to improvement, and they stagger
under the load of a few set discourses to prevent mental decrepitude.
But by the ever-learning student new light, new ideas, new gems of
truth will be found and eagerly grasped.... The gospel is not properly
taught and represented before unbelievers by men who have ceased
to be students, who have, as it were, graduated as far as searching the
Scriptures is concerned, and they bring a reproach upon the truth by
the manner in which they handle it.—
The Voice in Speech and Song,
323
.
Time for preaching, study, and visitation must each be kept
in balance—The ministers of the Word are God’s chosen agency to
spread the knowledge of His will; but there is too little of a missionary
spirit, even among our ministers. After preaching the Word, some
confine themselves almost wholly to reading and study, to the neglect
of other and vitally important duties. While it is right to devote some
time to study, every minister should feel a deep interest to do all that