Improvement of the Ministry
“THE Improvement of the Ministry” was the subject considered at the sixth session of the ministerial institute, May 18. Papers were read by Elders E. T. Russell and A. E. Place, at the conclusion of which it was voted by the delegates that they be printed in full in the REVIEW; but as the limits of our space at the present time will not permit of more than a brief summary, this only can now be done, leaving the entire papers to appear at a later date. Summary of Paper Read by E. T. Russell
Recruits are needed to supply the lack in every department of the work. Those who desire to enter the ministry should receive a suitable literary training in order to be properly prepared for the work, and should be educated in habits of thrift, tidiness, and industry. May the Lord deliver this cause from those that are preaching for the loaves and fishes, and not from a deep love for souls. Promising young men desiring to enter the ministry should be encouraged to enter the canvassing work, thus helping people to decide, and enabling them to lead souls to a decision in regard to the truth. A successful laborer must have more than book knowledge. The best way the ministry can be improved is by the reception of the Holy Spirit. Above all books, gospel workers should study the Book of books; for in order to win souls for Christ, we need the instruction set forth in the Bible. Great caution should be exercised in the selection of men for the ministry, for a large amount of tithe is being expended on laborers who give but little if any evidence of becoming efficient workers. Abstract of Paper Read by A. E. Place
The standard for the gospel ministry has been placed high, but none too high. If we improve our ministry, we must give more time and thought to it; the real power must be found, and will be found, by each of us in our closets. We must encourage only such men to enter the field as give evidence of fitness for the work. Is the man spiritual? Has he a proper education? Is he apt to teach? A minister who holds his audience an hour to tell them a little truth that he might tell them plainly in thirty minutes, ought to join the ministerial improvement society. The only watering of truth that God accepts is tears whose well-springs are hearts burdened for the salvation of men. We each need daily to study the cross of Christ. True preaching is as certainly a science as anything in this world. We have the most grand and beautiful truth the world can ever know, and it seems sad to hear men clothe it in ragged grammar and tattered rhetoric. Success in our ministry demands more than pulpit service, however good that may be. R. A. Underwood expressed the thought that public prayers are frequently too long. M. C. Wilcox: The converse is true; we pray too short in the closet. I would not say a single thing that would in any wise lead a young man to feel that he need not study with all his heart to improve himself; for the gospel of Jesus Christ is worthy of all the pure, precious words that can be said, and in the very best way possible, in any language on earth; but, above all things else, the essential need is to get a hold upon God, and keep a living connection with him. If we fail in that, we fail in everything. We may be the greatest orators on earth; we may be masters of rhetoric; but the greatest power, the greatest eloquence, that can come into a sermon or into Bible work of any kind is that of a heart touched with the love of God, and a soul that is burdened for other souls who are in need. E. W. Farnsworth: There is great danger of the minister’s taking about two thirds of the time that is devoted to the social meeting, and then telling the brethren, “Now, brethren, be short; there is only a little time.” It is better to let the people have the time; it is theirs by right. S. H. Lane: I have thought that the days of pulpit oratory are nearly over; and I think that our message is going to be carried from this time forward very largely by visiting the people in their homes and talking with them.