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Education for the Ministry

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 18, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 38.

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Education for the Ministry

By J. L. S.

The important and sacred calling of the gospel ministry should appeal strongly to the earnest, intelligent young men of this denomination at this time. There is a growing need of consecrated, well-trained ministers. The call for wide-awake, intelligent, consecrated ministers is far greater than the supply. It is one of the greatest needs of the cause today, and is second to no other in importance. One or two hundred Spirit-filled, well-trained evangelists could be located in various places in the home land and in the mission field, with very little delay. The rapid growth of the cause in the regions beyond has drawn upon the ministerial forces in this country almost to an alarming extent. Our conferences in America have freely given of their best for the mission fields, and often have done so to the limiting of their own work.
The only way of strengthening the ministerial force in the home land is by encouraging many of our brightest and most intelligent young men to prepare for the ministry. And surely it is a worthy calling, of which there is none more important. Realizing this, the following action was taken at the last General Conference:—
“According to the instruction given in the inspired Word of God, the specific work of the minister is to preach the gospel; the object sought is to deliver those who are under the power of Satan, and to reconcile them unto God; this is to be accomplished by preaching the salvation which is found in Christ; in order to obtain the desired results, it is necessary that one should give his undivided attention to his specific work, in order that he may be ‘approved unto God.’”
“The application of these principles is seen in the ministry of the apostles, who refused to be burdened with the administration of temporal affairs, and declared, ‘It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables.’”
“In order that the ministry of this denomination may become more efficient, and may approach more closely to the apostolic standard, we, therefore,—
“Recommend, 1. That those who are ordained to preach the word devote themselves wholly to the work of the gospel ministry.
“2. That they put forth earnest efforts to make their work as efficient as possible, by prayerful study of the Word of God and by personal consecration to the specific purpose of winning souls to Christ.
“3. That they constantly strive for self-improvement, by systematic private study and by pursuing such ministerial reading courses as may be arranged.
“4. That candidates for the ministry be encouraged to take a course of study in one of our training-schools, as a necessary preparation for their work.
“5. That it is the policy of the denomination to select and train laymen possessing suitable qualifications for the business management of institutions, and for directing business affairs generally, in order that those who have been set apart for the work of the ministry may be relieved of these burdens, and may be able to give their time and strength to soul-winning.”
It is true that many young men who might have made a success in the ministry have failed, through lack of thorough training before beginning their work. To stand before the world as a minister of God, proclaiming the message for this time, is a high and sacred trust, and demands of those who accept it earnest, painstaking study and care. Emphasizing the need of thorough preparation for the gospel ministry, “Counsels to Teachers,” page 538, speaks as follows:—
“Whenever the Lord has a work to be done, he calls not only for the commanding officers, but for all the workers. Today he is calling for young men and women who are strong and active in mind and body. He desires them to bring into the conflict against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places, their fresh, healthy powers of brain, bone, and muscle. But they must have the needed preparation. Some young men are urging their way into the work who have no real fitness for it. They do not understand that they need to be taught before they can teach. They point to men who with little preparation have labored with a measure of success. But if these men were successful, it was because they put heart and soul into the work. And how much more effective their labors might have been if at the first they had received suitable training! “The cause of God needs efficient men. Education and training are rightly regarded as an essential preparation for business life; and how much more essential is thorough preparation for the work of presenting the last message of mercy to the world! This training cannotbe gained by merely listening to preaching. In our schools our youth are to bear burdens for God. They are to receive a thorough training under experienced teachers. They should make the best possible use of their time in study, and put into practise the knowledge acquired. Hard study and hard work are required to make a successful minister or a successful worker in any branch of God’s cause. Nothing less than constant cultivation will develop the value of the gifts that God has bestowed for wise improvement.”
At the time of the last General Conference, in seeking for men for various lines of work, much difficulty was found in obtaining young ministers with ample qualifications for foreign service. Calls which have been entered with all the earnestness of foreign missionaries in the field remain unfilled because laborers cannot be obtained to go. The reply to the recent call to enter the cities of this country, with their teeming millions who are waiting for the word of truth, is greatly hindered. Men of more than ordinary ability, who are possessed of good education and address, are greatly needed to present the truth in the great centers of this country.
The time is surely upon us, when the interests of the work in our conferences, and in the great cities of this country, and the growth of the message in mission fields, demand that more careful consideration be given to the preparation of men for the sacred calling of the gospel ministry. And to such as have gifts that lead in that direction we make this appeal. Seek God upon your bended knees. Ask him if it is his will that you prepare to preach the word of God, and if so, that he incline your heart to yield to the call, and open the way whereby you may obtain a preparation in one of our schools. Time is rapidly passing, and much is yet to be done at home and abroad. Our leading educational institutions, such as Pacific Union College, Walla Walla College, Union College, Emmanuel Missionary College, South Lancaster Academy, and others, have ministerial courses for those having the ministry in view. The Washington Foreign Mission Seminary is giving special consideration to the preparation of young men for the ministry, and has a well-arranged course of study covering three years.
Our great hope for the work in the regions beyond, as well as at home, lies in the effectiveness of the gospel ministry. To study selfish aims and the call of the world, and reject the work and the Word of God at this time, is the greatest mistake that a young man can make. For your own sake, and the sake of God’s cause and his kingdom, we cannot but ask you to give prayerful consideration to the Lord’s service and his plans for your future work.
J. L. S.