The Philadelphia Ministerial Institute
By Arthur G. Daniells
At the General Conference Committee Council held in Washington last November, it was decided to hold a ministerial institute at some suitable place in the East for the ministers of the Atlantic, Columbia, and Canadian union conferences. Later it was arranged by the brethren in these unions to hold this institute at Philadelphia, April 12-30. The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Committee has the preparations for entertainment in hand, and assures us that everything will be in readiness in good time. The meetings will be held in our comfortable and commodious church building in West Philadelphia. And now we hope that all the conferences in the three unions for which this institute is to be held will make every reasonable effort to send their ministers and Bible workers. We greatly need the benefits of such a meeting. It has been nearly twenty years since the last ministerial institute was held until this winter. During that time there has been a great change in the personnel of our ministry. Many of those who attended the Bible studies twenty years ago have ceased active labor, and a large number of young men have entered the work. Of the seventy-seven laborers who attended the Knoxville Institute, there were only five who attended the last institute held before that one. Of the large number of ministers who have entered upon their work during the last twenty years, very few have received the instruction they have needed and desired regarding many vital features of their work. The purpose of the institutes which have been started this winter is to study and discuss together the most important questions relating to the gospel ministry. Of course, this must include the study of the Word of God, where we find the best and truest instruction. It is the earnest desire of those who have taken a leading part in planning for these institutes that they shall prove to be a great blessing to our ministers and Bible workers, and so to our cause throughout the world. At no time in the history of the Lord’s work has there been need of a stronger and more spiritual ministry than there is to-day. Every ambassador for Christ should now separate himself from worldly interests, and give himself wholly to the gospel work. Even those in charge of the administrative affairs of this cause should turn their hearts as never before to the spiritual side of the work. We must have greater power in our ministry to impress the hearts of those to whom we preach that our message is from God. We must see greater results from the expenditure of time and means that is being made. Soul-winning must become the one yearning passion of our hearts. If our Philadelphia institute shall give us a decided lift in this direction, it will be of inestimable value. The time and expense required to attend, may prove to be the best investment that can possibly be made by us at this time. I hope we shall all come to this meeting earnestly praying for a great spiritual awakening. The question has been asked if this institute is for ministers only, or whether it is intended to give the Bible workers the help they need. Our conferences in the South sent their Bible workers to the institute, and I think no one present appreciated the studies more than they. The nature of their work is such that they need the study and spiritual uplift as much as do the ministers. This important meeting will soon convene. Let all pray daily for just the blessing needed at this time.