Educational Department by J. L. Shaw

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 7, 1913

Educational Department

By J. L. Shaw

J. L. SHAW - - - General Secretary W. E. HOWELL - - N. Am. Div. Asst. Secretary

More Thorough Preparation for the Work

An Appeal to Our Young People

AT the recent General Conference there was heard from all parts of the world field the call for a larger number of more efficient workers both at home and abroad. The reports from the mission fields sounded the need of more help in the regions beyond, and the study of mission problems continually kept before us the need not only of more help, but of more efficient help. It was apparent that the missionaries at the Conference felt the great and insistent demand for laborers of larger intellectual and spiritual efficiency. The great dearth of young people of sufficient training for the home field as well as the mission field, seemed more evident than at previous conferences.

At the same time an examination of our academies and colleges makes it evident that these institutions are not well filled with advanced students. There were last year a surprisingly small number doing work above the twelfth grade. At the same time there are a large number of young people among us, and a growing need of competent workers in every line of gospel effort. The demands of foreign lands have very largely reduced the operating forces in this country, and the present need is for well-trained ministers, teachers, and laborers in other lines.

We are living in the closing years of this world’s history, and have been given a message to be carried to all parts of the earth. While beginnings have been made in America, Europe, and Australia, the great heathen world knows little of Jesus, and scarcely anything of his message for today. In this great need lies the call of God to our young people at this time. You are young and strong; why not get a thorough preparation for the work? There are openings for consecrated, well-trained men and women on every hand in this country and in the regions beyond. Our leading men are realizing that one of the most imperative needs at the present time is consecrated, efficient workers. There never was such a demand for successful ministers. The insistent calls from the mission fields have greatly reduced the ministry of the home land. In many conferences the lack of well-qualified ministers is greatly crippling the work. And the large cities require evangelists with sufficient education and training to meet the people and turn them to the truth.

In this time of need where shall we turn? Is it not to our young people? "I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong." The call of God today is to the young people of this denomination. "To every household and every school, to every parent, teacher, and child upon whom has shone the light of the gospel, comes at this crisis the question put to Esther, . . . 'Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?'"—Education, page 263.

Our schools stand ready with open doors to receive young people and to train them for the Master’s service. What a remarkable system has been developed in this denomination in the past forty years! They are now prepared to take children when old enough to enter school, and carry them through the church-school, the intermediate school, the academy, and the college, covering, in all, sixteen grades. There are ninety colleges, academies, and intermediate schools, having a student capacity of 10,418. Facilities are, therefore, provided for every young man and woman who wishes to have a good education for the work under the direction of Christian teachers.

Courses of instruction to train young people for various lines of work are carried on in our schools. Business courses for those wishing to fit themselves for business, and normal courses for those desiring to be teachers, each year become more proficient. There are ministerial courses leading to the ministry, and what a dearth there is of well-qualified evangelists! To those wishing to lay a broad foundation either as teachers, physicians, or ministers, there are college courses. Our advanced educational institutions are prepared to take many more students in their courses. It would be a great blessing to them in every way if a far larger number continued longer in school. And what a blessing to the work everywhere! In addition to these, the Foreign Mission Seminary conducts work especially for those going to the mission field, that volunteers answering the call to other lands may be better fitted for their future labors. Surely God has provided the means of an efficient ministry for the rapid completion of his work in the earth.

America is a land of plenty. A young man or woman with firm determination, and willing to labor, can get an education and finish an academic or college course with less effort than anywhere else in the world. Such need not be satisfied

with a limited or superficial education. Where there is a will, there is almost sure to be a way. The call of God to prepare for his service is the pledge on God's part that he will help, and, if need be, provide a way amid what seem to be almost insurmountable obstacles. To labor and toil for an education, and press on when the funds are gone and heaven above seems brass, gives to our young people the very experiences they need for the battles of life when school-days are over. Then why leave school too soon? Two or three, or possibly four, years more in school would discipline the mind and provide a fund of knowledge which would be helpful in after-service for the Master. "Christian Education," page 143, gives the following counsel:—

"The Lord is in no wise pleased with those who have opportunities to obtain knowledge but who excuse themselves in neglecting to improve all the privileges he has placed within their reach that they may become intelligent, well-qualified workers, of whom he will not be ashamed.

"Above all other people upon the earth, the man whose mind is enlightened by the opening of the Word of God to his understanding, will feel that he must give himself to greater diligence in the perusal of the Word of God, and to a diligent study of the sciences, for his hope and calling are greater than any other. The more closely connected man is with the Source of all knowledge and wisdom, the more he can be advantaged intellectually as well as spiritually through his relation to God. The knowledge of God is the essential education, and this knowledge every true worker will make it his constant study to obtain."

It is quite evident that the standard of efficiency for missionaries going to other lands should be raised. In the last report of the Board of Missionary Preparation, which represents the majority of mission societies of North America, the dominant note is, Greater efficiency. Dr. Barton, chairman of the committee on preparation of mission candidates, makes this statement in his report: "We are reaching a third stage in mission work. The first was an endeavor for territory, trying to get into the world; the second, of resources of men and money; and now we have come to the third. I think the foundation of the Board of Missionary Preparation and a similar board in Great Britain proclaims the third stage 'efficiency.'" It is true that a consecrated man well trained can accomplish infinitely more in the mission field than one of meager preparation. Paul, who sat at the feet of Gamaliel, was chosen to preach the gospel among the Gentiles. His education and training were one of the most necessary requisites for his work. The heathen in Paul's day were influenced by his intellectual ability and spiritual power. There is little difference today; the message is judged by the messenger. The Japanese expressed their mind when petitioning a mission board, by saying: "Don't send us ten one-thousand-dollar missionaries, but send us one ten-thousand-dollar missionary." Their viewpoint is no doubt wrong, yet it shows their attitude toward the equipment of the missionary. The doctrine of heroism, cultivated for ages, has its influence in the heathen world, and must be reckoned with in the mission fields in sending out missionaries.

Aside from the endowment of God's Spirit, the greatest need in the worldwide extension of this movement is an increasing number of humble, zealous, efficient laborers in various lines of gospel effort. And while the call is coming, is the time for the young and strong to press into our schools, remain sufficiently long in training, and then pass on to the work to whatever field the Lord may call. Our schools, which are ordained of God to educate workers for the cause, invite our young people. Conferences and institutions in the home land are in pressing need of efficient laborers; and the mission fields, where millions are going to Christless graves without a knowledge of Jesus and his message to this generation, send back the Macedonian call for help. Surely now is the time for willing and earnest young people; and for their sake and for the more rapid advancement of the message, these words are written. J. L. S.