Chapter 13—Organizing the Church for Welfare
Ministry
God’s Purpose in Church Organization—The church of Christ
on earth was organized for missionary purposes, and the Lord desires
to see the entire church devising ways and means whereby high and
low, rich and poor, may hear the message of truth.—
Testimonies for
the Church 6:29
,
To Unite in Exercises of Charity—Wherever the truth has been
proclaimed and people have been awakened and converted, the be-
lievers are at once to unite in exercises of charity. Wherever Bible
truth has been presented, a work of practical godliness is to be begun.
Wherever a church is established, missionary work is to be done for
the helpless and the suffering.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:84, 85
.
A Call for Men Who Can Lead—Unless there are those who
will devise means of turning to account the time, strength, and brains
of the church members, there will be a great work left undone that
ought to be done. Haphazard work will not answer. We want men in
the church who have ability to develop in the line of organizing and
giving practical work to young men and women in the line of relieving
the wants of humanity, and working for the salvation of the souls of
men, women, youth, and children.—
Letter 12, 1892
.
Like a Training School—Every church should be a training
school for Christian workers. Its members should be taught how to
give Bible readings, how to conduct and teach Sabbath school classes,
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how best to help the poor and to care for the sick, how to work for
the unconverted. There should be schools of health, cooking schools,
and classes in various lines of Christian help work. There should not
only be teaching, but actual work under experienced instructors. Let
the teachers lead the way in working among the people, and others,
uniting with them, will learn from their example. One example is
worth more than many precepts.—
The Ministry of Healing, 149
.
Preparing Our Youth for Practical Service—The Great Teacher
cooperates with all the efforts made to relieve suffering humanity.
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