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Relation to the Conference Tract Society

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 4, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 49.

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Relation to the Conference Tract Society

Duties of the Church Missionary Secretary—No. 1

The secretary of the tract and missionary department of the church holds an important office. More of the life and prosperity of the church depends upon the extent to which the missionary secretary performs the duties devolving upon him than many realize. Let us consider some of the responsibilities resting upon the one occupying this position, and how they can best be discharged.
The work of the missionary secretary may be divided into two general divisions, and these subdivided something as follows:—
1. Relation to the conference tract society:— a. Communications to the secretary. b. Communications from the secretary. 2. Relation to the church:— a. To encourage individual effort. b. To promote interest in missionary meetings. c. To keep the accounts. d. To look after the finances.

Relation to the Conference Tract Society

COMMUNICATIONS TO THE SECRETARY

The missionary secretary acts as the medium of communication between the church and the tract and missionary department of the conference. Often all the conference tract society secretary knows of the missionary operations of the church is what is learned from the missionary secretary. This is especially true of the more distant churches. It is important, therefore, that the missionary secretary keep in close touch with the tract society, acquainting its officers with every detail of his work. The missionary secretary who communicates most frequently with those at headquarters about the work in his church, stands in the best position to receive help in the way of instruction and encouragement from the office, as the information furnished in reference to the condition of the work in the church enables those in the office to give the instruction that will tend to build up and strengthen the work. We recommend that each missionary secretary make it a practise to write to the tract society secretary as often as once a month under ordinary circumstances, and oftener when occasion demands.
In addition to this correspondence on missionary lines, it devolves upon the missionary secretary to conduct a business correspondence with the office, which should include all the orders for supplies, remittance of money, etc.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE SECRETARY

The missionary secretary is also a medium through whom the tract and missionary department of the conference communicates with the church, and is also frequently the channel through which the conference itself, the publishing house, and other organizations communicate important matters to the church-members. Plans are constantly being developed by our general workers for the benefit of our churches and for the advancement of the truth. As particulars concerning these are sent out from time to time, it is very important that they should lose none of their force in passing through the hands of the missionary secretary, but rather that they receive a new impetus in the hearty co-operation of the missionary secretary.
One week there may be a special issue of the Signs or the Watchman to be circulated. At another time an interest may need to be aroused concerning the importance of widely circulating some new tract or pamphlet. Then there may come a request for the missionary secretary to see that every family of our people is supplied with the REVIEW or with the union conference paper. A few weeks later an urgent appeal for funds for some special enterprise may be made. As these various plans and suggestions are presented, let the missionary secretary give them all due consideration. Let him not become discouraged because there are so many different lines of work to be urged forward, but rather take courage in the thought that our work is so wonderfully arranged and adapted to the capabilities of every one that all can act a part.

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