An Unusual Church by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 29, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 17.

"An Unusual Church"

By Editor

UNDER the above heading, the Word and Way (Baptist) has the following very interesting and instructive paragraphs:

"In a semi-private letter is this refreshing statement: 'I have been connected with several churches, and have observed the workings of several others, and I think the — Baptists are unusual. The peculiar streak began with the ministry of Pastor —, who wouldn't close up our church for union services in the summer-time. As a result, it happened that the folks who couldn't find room in our crowded building went to the union service. Then he persuaded us to stick strictly to the Scriptural method of giving; and we haven't had, since, a church bazaar, oyster supper, or any other money-raising device to take the place of our plain duty.'

"Verily, this is unusual, and therein is the pity. It ought not to be unusual for a church to stay with its work, never suspending housekeeping for the Lord, and following strictly gospel plans in the matter of offerings. A church that does not run on this line should be the rare exception. May churches like the one referred to above multiply until the unusual becomes the usual."

The pastor referred to in the foregoing evidently felt that he had a definite message; and any one who has the conviction that he has a message from the Lord, will not consent to keep silent or to join in some sort of entertaining "union" merely to get a crowd. Better far to have only a few who earnestly desire to hear the gospel message, than to have a great throng who are merely seeking diversion or entertainment.

Photo by Paul Thompson
Marie Menecal, president elect of Cuba — Photo by Paul Thompson Marie Menecal, president elect of Cuba

It is interesting also to note that "to stick strictly to the Scriptural method of giving" does away with the necessity for church bazaars, oyster suppers, and the like. The Scriptural method of giving is by means of the tithe and free-will offerings, and we presume this was the plan followed by that "unusual church." The entire Seventh-day Adventist denomination have followed this "Scriptural method of giving" for something like fifty years; and among this people church bazaars, oyster suppers, and things of that sort have not only been unnecessary, but have been religiously opposed and frowned upon. The God of the Bible is the fountain of all wisdom, and it is useless to try to improve upon the plans He has provided for His church.