p. 18 | The Ministry of Money by M. E. Kern

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 28, 1916

The Ministry of Money

By M. E. Kern

It was not the purpose of the officers of the Missionary Volunteer Department when the department was organized in 1907, to especially emphasize finances in the young people’s work. But the young people wanted to give, and different local and Union Conferences asked for missionary enterprises to support. Finally a North American Division goal was adopted, including a certain sum of money to be raised for missions; and working to a goal has proved to be a great blessing to our young people.

The Missionary Volunteer financial goal for the North American Division for 1917 is $35,000. This is more than the entire denomination donated to foreign missions in 1886, thirty years ago. Not only will the raising of this money greatly aid our foreign mission work, but in the raising of this money the young people are gaining an experience

in the principles and practice of Christian stewardship, which is of great value.

Children and young people need to be educated in this as in every other line of Christian life and work. This thought is well expressed in the following from the Epworth Herald:—

“Giving is a matter that demands careful education and constant supervision. The church needs today to teach right habits of giving which shall remain with children as they grow into manhood and womanhood. How is this to be done? In short, three methods may be suggested: 1. Supply material so that the right motives may constantly be appealed to. Here may be seen the great value of a study of missions. 2. Have children make definite pledges to give to definite causes which can be made to appeal to them. Pledges like this are good, because as soon as children come to deal with money in the business world, they must make pledges. It is businesslike to do it. 3. Keep a constant supervision until the habit of giving is formed. This means years of work, until the child reaches middle adolescence. We may then look for some results in greater giving in after-years.”

A uniform plan has been adopted for the education of all our Missionary Volunteers in the habit of systematic giving, and for reaching their financial goal. This is outlined in the Instructor of January 2. It has also been printed in Missionary Volunteer Leaflet No. 54, which will be sent free of charge, by the conference Missionary Volunteer secretary, to all Missionary Volunteer leaders and church elders. Every church officer and every one interested in the advancement of our Missionary Volunteer work should study this plan, and should lend his influence to the training of the young in systematic giving and in an appreciation of the ministry of money. M. E. KERN.