Relation of the Missionary Secretary to the Missionary Meeting by E. M. Graham

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 21, 1909

Relation of the Missionary Secretary to the Missionary Meeting

By E. M. Graham

THE missionary secretary should plan for the meetings well ahead, so as to allow time for the necessary study. Nothing that is done haphazard, at the last moment, without thought or prayer, will be a success. If there are parts to be studied and spoken, they should be given out, with proper instruction, so that they can be prepared and the missionary secretary have time to hear them recited before the meeting takes place. A short rehearsal may be held, or the instruction may be given individually. Some may think this will make the meetings too formal, but experience has proved that the programs which have been the most carefully worked up are those where there is most apparent freedom. Every one knows his part, and is conscious that he has conscientiously done his best to present it so that God can be glorified.

In all preparations for these meetings, this motive should be kept constantly before all, that everything should be done in the best way possible, to glorify God, and not ourselves. This is especially needful with children and young people. We all enjoy seeing and hearing the little ones taking part in these meetings, and they should have a part in them, but unless care is exercised to see that they realize they are doing it to please and glorify God, their hearts may become tainted with vanity and emulation. Where they are taught to take part from the right motives, it proves to be a factor in attaching them to the cause of God. They feel they belong to it and have a degree of responsibility for its success.

If a foreign mission study is to be given, the missionary secretary should see that a map is hung up, on which the places referred to may be found. If a tract is to be studied, he should see that copies are given out the previous week to the members, that they may prepare themselves. Whatever may be needed should be provided.

Reports of labor should not always be called for in the same way or at the same time in the program. One week have the blackboard ruled and headed with the various kinds of work; and as the reports are given, put them down. When completed, let the church see its week's record, which, if a true one, is what will be its heavenly record. Are they satisfied with it? Another time call for periodical work, then for work with tracts, with books, and also for other work. One week simply have the written reports handed in, without verbal comment, unless there are some specially interesting experiences. If thought is given to this, the missionary secretary can devise other ways of calling for reports.

Never let any item go into a program simply for entertainment. Let everything—recitations, lessons, special singing, or whatever it may be—have a bearing on the subject under consideration. There is so much excellent matter available that there is no difficulty in preparing programs that will be appropriate and interesting.

E. M. GRAHAM.