p. 18 | To Our Ministers and Bible Workers

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 20, 1911

To Our Ministers and Bible Workers

By Arthur G. Daniells

FOR a long time I have felt that we ought to have a Gospel Workers' department in the REVIEW. It has seemed to me that through such a department there could be given, in a definite, regular way, information, suggestions, and counsel of very great value to our ministers and Bible workers. We have a large staff of these workers scattered over the world-wide field. Many of them are toiling alone, without the encouragement and inspiration that come from association with fellow workers; and it is safe to say that the great majority are so situated that they are deprived of many of the advantages they need for personal improvement. This situation is created by the character and object of our movement, and it must continue until we have finished the work committed to us.

But instead of allowing the obstacles surrounding us to dampen our courage, and seriously hinder our growth and improvement, we should make every possible effort to overcome them. We must wisely improve every opportunity that comes to us, whether it be great or small. We must do more than improve opportunities; we must make them.

Now the object of opening this Gospel Workers' department in the REVIEW is to provide a channel of communication between ministers and Bible workers. For years we have had similar channels of communication for those carrying on the work of other departments of our cause. Who can tell how much of encouragement and uplift the workers in these departments have received from the stimulating, helpful information and instruction that have passed through these channels?

As to the plan of this new department, it is not necessary to do more than say that it should deal with all that is fundamental in the gospel ministry. It should give the very best that can be given on the character and dignity of the ministry; the minister: (a) in his study; (b) in the pulpit,—what he should preach, and how he should preach it; (c) as a soul-winner; (d) in his association with others; (e) in his deportment and dress. There will be given through this department valuable suggestions as to how to prosecute our work in new fields, especially in the cities; how the minister can render our churches the greatest possible service when visiting them; how to conduct our camp-meetings for the greatest benefit of both the public and our own people. Administering baptism, celebrating the Lord's supper, conducting the ordinance of humility, performing the marriage ceremony, conducting funeral services, etc., will receive attention.

Our city Bible workers should avail themselves of this medium of communication to give one another the best suggestions they have regarding the more important features of that line of valuable gospel work.

In carrying out the plans of this department we must have the earnest co-operation of our ministers and Bible workers. Those who have had long experience in different departments of our work can render valuable service. I wish here, in this public way, to extend a hearty invitation to our ministers and Bible workers to furnish good matter for this department. I must go further than to extend an invitation—I must earnestly request this. Please send articles on those topics which press most heavily upon your hearts. We would also like good selections from the best writings on any important features of the ministry.

Thus by diligent effort and hearty co-operation we may all render help that will prove a great blessing to our ministry. This will, of course, be a blessing to the entire cause; for the ministry is the primary and fundamental factor in the work of God among men. When the ministry is weak, all is weak; but when the ministry is strong in faith and in service, the church goes forth “conquering and to conquer.” May the Lord bless the endeavors of all who do what they can to contribute to the upbuilding of our ministry. A. G. DANIELLS.