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Talking the Minister Up

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 16, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 20.

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Talking the Minister Up

Years ago there was trouble in a certain church over the young pastor. Many members insisted upon his leaving. His few ardent friends insisted with equal zeal upon his remaining. Much bad feeling had been generated. The case was critical.
Finally two prominent gentlemen called the congregation together and counseled them as follows: “It is true our pastor is not a great man. He does not preach learned or eloquent sermons, but we all know that he is a good man, and that he is doing all in his power to promote our spiritual interests. Let us all agree to bear with him, and, instead of talking him down, let us go out from this meeting resolved to talk him up.”
The advice was accepted. The result you can guess. He remained in that church nearly half a century, and remarkable success attended his ministry.
Many talk the minister down. They discount all his doings. They misunderstand his plainest sayings. They credit him with unworthy motives. They predestinate his failure. An angel from heaven could not succeed under such conditions.
That is unwise. It is unfair. It is wicked. How much better to “talk up” the minister!
The world will accept him at your estimate, and respect him according to the measure of your own respect.
Talk up the minister in your home. Help him to win and save the children.
— Selected.