THE TRAINING OF WORKERS.
By L. Flora Plummer
A FORMER article called attention to the use that might be made of Reading Circle meetings, in giving the members a training in conversing upon different points of faith, and in answering questions intelligently and without embarrassment. This week let us consider the plan of holding readings, which is the natural outgrowth of neighborly conversations upon Bible topics. The following quotations from “Gospel Workers,” pages 339, 340, set forth the importance of this method of labor:— The plan of holding Bible readings was a heaven-born idea. There are many, both men and women, who can engage in this branch of missionary labor. Workers may thus be developed who will become mighty men of God.
To all who are working for Christ, I would say, Wherever you can get access to the fireside, urge your way there. Take your Bible and open before the people its great truths. . . . The presentation of Christ, in the family, by the fireside, and in small gatherings in private houses, is often more successful in securing souls to Jesus than are sermons delivered in the open air, to the moving throng, or even in halls or churches.
An extract from “An Appeal for Home Missionary Work,” page 18, must have a place here:— This is the way light is to be communicated,—by private, personal effort. In the home circle, at your neighbor’s fireside, at the bedside of the sick, in a quiet way you may read the Scriptures, and speak a word for Jesus and the truth.
We are also given a suggestion as to the way in which the local members may receive an experience that will be to them a real training in this very work. A paragraph on page 101 of “Gospel Workers,” is certainly just as applicable to the leaders in our churches, or to those who have charge of Circle meetings, as to the ministers to whom it is addressed:— The minister should not feel that it is his duty to do all the talking and all the laboring and all the praying; but he should educate workers in every church. Let different ones take turns in leading the meetings, and in giving Bible readings, and in so doing you will be calling into use the talents which God has given you, and at the same time educating workers.
These quotations cover the ground quite fully, and we have the facts before us: First, the effectiveness of the Bible-reading plan in bringing souls to Jesus; secondly, that many, both men and women, may be developed into strong workers in this branch; and lastly, the duty of leaders to teach the members of the churches how to do this very kind of work, by arranging for them to do it in their meetings. Now what better opportunity could possibly be afforded for carrying on just such a course of training for the brethren and sisters in the local churches than is afforded by the Circle meetings? The review of the lesson itself may be conducted as a Bible reading; and many of the lessons have side studies so closely connected with them that a few texts grouped together seem almost necessary. For illustration, take the lesson on the tenth chapter of Daniel. The whole chapter calls for an understanding of the ministration of angels. How appropriate, then, in reviewing that lesson, to have given a short Bible reading on that topic, connecting it with the lesson. Such work should always be assigned a week in advance, and the review meeting should be held after the week is passed that is indicated for the home study of the lesson. In selecting members for special work of this nature, let the young and inexperienced have a part to act. In some cases it will be best also to name an older and more experienced member to assist in the study and preparation. If it is possible, the Bible reading should be given without notes or helps, using only the Bible. As the readings should always be short, the task of remembering the texts will not be great. The idea should not be to exhaust the subject, but simply to present a few scriptures in a connected way, and in such a manner as would be proper and convincing if presented to any one seeking information on that subject.