Visual Aids and Cutting Edge Props in Ministry

Ellen White highly commends the use of striking visual aids, such as charts, symbols, and object lessons, to simplify the truth and make it more impressive to the human mindVSS 280.2+1.

The Use of Visual Aids in Ministry

The Lord has clearly and distinctly instructed that charts and other striking illustrations should be used in the presentation of present truth to make difficult lessons clearVSS 280.2+1. These visual aids are effectively used to explain prophecies relating to the past, present, and future, serving as object lessons that the Lord uses to impress the minds of the peopleVSS 280.2+1. By using these representations, a minister can make the truth stand out distinctly, following the example of God Himself, who employed symbols and pictures to reveal lessons to His prophets through the sense of sight1BC 1106.1+1. Write the vision, and make it plain on tables, that he may run that reads it Habakkuk 2:2.

Striking Examples of Effective Illustration

Elder W. W. Simpson is specifically noted for his remarkable success in using a perfect system of charts to explain the prophecies and show that the end of all things is at handPC 320.3+2. These illustrations have a marked effect in vindicating the truth and are in perfect accord with the work to be carried forward17LtMs, Lt 51, 1902, par. 1. Similarly, the use of blackboards, maps, and pictures in Sabbath schools and public schools helps to simplify the message for the active minds of childrenVSS 280.2+1. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye be single, your whole body shall be full of light Matthew 6:22.

Guidelines for Using Props

While visual aids are a great help and in harmony with the Word of God, they must be used according to specific principles to remain effective:

• Simplicity and Economy: The work should be kept as simple and inexpensive as possible, avoiding elaborate or theatrical displays that consume excessive fundsVSS 280.2+2.

• Quality Over Quantity: Illustrations should be choice rather than numerous, and only those that are good representations of the subject should be usedPM 215.2+1.

• A Focus on Obedience: These illustrations are to be made even more impressive by words that emphasize the vital importance of obedience to GodVSS 280.2+1.

• Avoiding Distractions: Props must not be used merely to entertain or create a theatrical performance, as the presentation of truth must always be characterized by the love of Christ and a dignified demeanorGW 357.1+1.

God only does wondrous things, and His name is to be blessed forever as the whole earth is filled with His glory Psalm 72:18-19.

...more interesting. The public schools have of late years greatly improved their methods of teaching. Object lessons, pictures, and blackboards are used to make difficult lessons clear to the youthful mind. Just so may present truth be simplified and made intensely interesting to the...— VSS 280.2 (1988)

...t as they are presented to the people in vindication of truth. The Lord uses them to impress minds. Instruction has been given me clearly and distinctly that charts should be used in the presentation of truth. And these illustrations should be made still more impressive by words...— 17LtMs, Lt 51, 1902, par. 1

...dvancement of the truth. Brother Simpson presents the truth just as it was presented in past years. He has a system of charts that is the most perfect thing of its kind that I have ever seen. At his request I had a long conversation with him, and I know that he is sou...— 19LtMs, Lt 311, 1904, par. 13

...everything of this kind should be destroyed.... The second commandment prohibits image worship; but God himself employed pictures and symbols to represent to His prophets lessons which He would have them give to the people, and which could thus be better understood than if give...— 1BC 1106.1 (1953)

By the use of charts, symbols, and representations of various kinds the minister can make the truth stand out clearly and distinctly. This is a help, and in harmony with the word of God; but when the worker ma...— 9T 142.3 (1909)