p. 10 | Standing by the Minister by Ernest Lloyd

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 7, 1916

Standing by the Minister

By Ernest Lloyd

ERNEST LLOYD

Soon after the death of a hard-working minister, some friends called on the bereaved widow to express their sympathy. They spoke warmly of the loving deeds performed by the pastor, and tried to tell how much he would be missed. Through her tears, the good woman thanked them, and then exclaimed, “Oh, why did you not tell him of these things while he was alive?” Ah, how slow we are to speak the word of approval and encouragement! We seem to forget that our ministers and workers need and appreciate words of sincere commendation; and more than mere words—some one to come along and help them lift a bit, some one who can help do things.

Let me emphasize some of the things we can all do to assist our ministers, and thus coöperate in building up the church of God. We can all help our ministers by not criticizing them. “We would not think of going to others with criticisms of our parents or brothers and sisters. If there is anything we dislike in those we love, we may tell them so, if it will help them; but we never tell any one else. And the same rule of family honor ought to include our ministers.” We should never listen to or repeat one word of gossip or criticism regarding them.

“We can pray for the minister in his work, in the presentation of his sermons while he is preaching to us, in his special public efforts, in his work among the homes, in his own discovery of truth, for his own soul and for ours. We can render him invaluable help by prayer. Even if by reason of sickness or inability we can do nothing else to help him, we can in this way do more, perhaps, than in any other way.”

We can help to prepare people to be won to Christ and his service. We can talk with them and get them ready for the minister’s message and appeals. We can provide them with our literature. The influence of the silent messengers cannot be overestimated. Perhaps, by God’s grace, we can win individuals to the Master, and bring them to our minister for reception into the church. Be assured that in so doing we shall share the minister’s reward. Remember, the minister is not to be the only Christian worker in the church. He is the leader of others in the work of soul-winning; but we are “workers together.”

“We can be on hand promptly, with as many others as we can bring, at the church services and prayer meetings. Being there in the spirit of love and prayer is in itself a great work. It is the accomplishment of something. It is a positive coöperation. Whoever brings a true and open soul to a gathering of Christians, helps them all to see the truth more clearly, and to draw nearer to the minister.”

We can help by never refusing to do what we are asked to do, and by not waiting or neglecting to do what we ought to do and what we can at least help in doing. If we are called upon for any service, we can help by saying at once, “Of course I shall be glad to do it.”

We can help by giving what we can to the work of the church. It may not be much, but it cannot be less than a little; and it is the collection of the many littles that makes the much.

The church is accomplishing great things today, not through the large gifts of the few, but through the moderate gifts of the many. Let no one lightly esteem the influence of small means. Every stone is essential to the strength and symmetry of the bridge. Some of the most important stones in a structure are often quite out of sight. Thus many obscure members are the real strength and power of a church. Let us fill our niche faithfully and gladly, no matter how small or obscure that niche may be. “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do much, but I can do something.” Whoever will say that and act upon it, will be a real assistant to the minister, and a builder of the kingdom.