Missionary Volunteer Organization by M. E. Kern

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 7, 1915

Missionary Volunteer Organization

By M. E. Kern

A CHURCH elder writes: “Are there rules prepared by which the society should be conducted? Should the older people be members of the young people’s society? What rights or duties has the church elder in the society? Have all young people who are church members and say they are trying to do right the privilege of belonging?”

Missionary Volunteer Leaflet No. 4, on “Organization,” sets forth the principles and detailed plans of organization of our Missionary Volunteer work. A few things have been added since this was printed, but not to change any plan laid down there. This, and twenty-nine other valuable leaflets on Missionary Volunteer work, can be obtained from your tract society or publishing house. No. 4 sells for three cents.

There is a distinct benefit to be gained from a separate young people’s society. It brings out the best there is in the young people, as they feel the burden of responsibility laid upon them. They have the privilege of planning as well as executing,—of doing things on their own initiative. The Missionary Volunteer Society is a training school for the younger members of the church, where they learn to do by doing. Ordinarily, then, the older people should not become members, but should give the young people a chance to develop. Older members are always welcome at the Missionary Volunteer meetings, and should show their interest by visiting the society.

This does not mean that no older person should ever become a member or be a leader. It often happens that the one best qualified to lead out and help the young people in the beginning of their Christian work is no longer young. It is also sometimes true that young married people or older unmarried people feel more at home among the young people, and are considered by the young people as belonging with them. Such should not be dropped merely because they may have passed a certain age limit.

On the other hand, older persons, because of the flexibility of our arrangement, should not take license to stay in the Missionary Volunteer Society merely because it may seem more congenial there. The younger ones coming on need to have responsibilities thrust upon them, and the church missionary society needs the fresh enthusiasm of the younger adult members.

The Educational and Missionary Volunteer Council at St. Helena, Cal., this summer passed the following:—

“1. We recommend the following plans for the local Missionary Volunteer Society:—

“a. No definite age limit can be drawn between old and young. Those who are considered and count themselves as belonging to the young people, may unite with the Missionary Volunteer Society; also persons who may be no longer young, but who are chosen to lead. In general, we think of twenty-five to thirty as the approximate dividing line, but local conditions and individual feelings should determine this matter.”

The church elder is the leader of the church of which the Missionary Volunteer Society is a part. The Missionary Volunteer Society has no separate existence apart from the church. By virtue of his office, the elder is adviser and helper to all departments of church work. He should take an active interest in all that pertains to the Missionary Volunteer work, and should support and encourage the leader to do his best, that he may make a success of his work. He should commend the officers for their earnest efforts and successful achievements. He is a member of the executive committee of the society, unless the church has arranged for some other officer to represent the church board in that capacity. As a member of this committee, he has a chance to render much assistance, by making suggestions, giving counsel, and speaking words of encouragement to those who are just learning to bear responsibilities. To be a success, he must believe in young people, must be tactful, and not assume the air of a lord or critic.

The conditions of membership in the Missionary Volunteer Society are two: (1) Membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church; (2) willingness to engage in active service for Christ. Those who join take this solemn pledge:—

“Loving the Lord Jesus, I promise to take an active part in the work of the Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Society, doing what I can to help others and to finish the work of the gospel in all the world.”

If these principles are set forth plainly and forcibly, it would seem that only those who have a passion for souls would want to join. The best way to begin is to organize a prayer band. As this little group prays and works for souls, its numbers will increase, and other prayer bands will be organized. Then the society will consist of these praying ones. And if this soul-winning ideal is ever kept uppermost, your Seventh-day Adventist young people’s society of Missionary Volunteers will be a power for good, and souls will be added to the church because of its work.

M. E. KERN.