Giving No Offense in Anything

The statement is made, on highest authority, that "a man can have no greater honor than to be accepted by God as an able minister of the gos­pel."—"The Acts of the Apostles," p. 328. And by the same authority we are told that "Paul's writings show that the gospel minister should be an example of the truths that he teaches, 'giving no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed.' "—Id., p. 369.

This greatest of all honors which can be conferred upon man involves responsibility of equal magnitude. It is stated that, "as divinely appointed messengers, ministers are in a posi­tion of awful responsibility;" and the plea is made, "Would that every min­ister might realize the sacredness of his office and the holiness of his work." —"Prophets and Kings," p. 142.

That the minister wields a very positive influence through careful ob­servance, or lack, of pulpit decorum, involving mannerisms, dress, and gen­eral deportment, is clearly set forth in the various volumes of the Spirit of prophecy. This instruction is full and clear and oft repeated. These state­ments require no comment as to their application. Some conditions prevail in the world today which were not known at the time this instruction was given, and the underlying prin­ciple would apply with equal propriety to the flashy hosiery and neckwear of this "jazz age," which has a tendency to creep even into the pulpit.

Scrupulous attention to such matters as polish on the shoes should never be overlooked before entering the pul­pit. In referring to the requirements made of priests in the sanctuary serv­ice, attention is called to the laver placed between the altar and the con­gregation, affording opportunity for the priests to wash their hands and feet, and we are told that the signifi­cance of this was to show the congre­gation "that every particle of dust must be put away before they could go into the presence of God; for He was so high and holy that unless they did comply with these conditions, death would follow."—"Testimonies," Vol. II, p. 614.

Another phase of pulpit decorum is the proper prearrangement for all de­tails of the service in which those who appear on the platform are to take part. The persons selected to accom­pany the speaker should be notified, and should be at the appointed place on time to enter the pulpit with the speaker. The choosing and announc­ing of hymns and Scripture reading should be arranged for, and each per­son assigned his part before appearing on the platform. Such detail arrange­ments are appropriately made in the pastor's prayer room, where all par­ticipants meet prior to the service to seek God for His special blessing. The seat which each is to occupy on the platform, the order of entering, and every detail of the service should be made clear.

All should enter with reasonably slow and orderly step, and simultane­ously kneel in silent prayer, bowing with back to the audience. It is well to encourage the congregation to bow the head reverently in silent prayer during this time. The speaker of the hour may indicate by a subdued "Amen" the conclusion of the period of silent prayer, at which all ministers rise from their knees and take their seats.

The announcement of hymns should be characterized by the dignity becom­ing sacred service, avoiding every­thing that savors of the perfunctory. Then, as the one who offers the open­ing prayer gives the signal for kneel­ing, his fellow ministers and the congregation should kneel (the minis­ters facing the audience and the au­dience facing the pulpit) with him while he prays.

In the matter of general announce­ments, and presenting names for vote as to adding or transferring church membership, I would suggest that such details receive attention before the announcement of the opening hymn of the service; and that the offering be taken either in this connec­tion or following the opening prayer.

The attitude of ministers while on the rostrum is a matter of no small importance. The speaker needs the help and strength which comes from knowing that his brethren are sym­pathetically co-operating with him in the delivery of the message. It should be apparent to the congregation that the ministers on the rostrum are deeply interested listeners to the mes­sage of the hour, and an occasional hearty "Amen" from the occupants of the chairs behind the preacher may serve to give courage to the speaker and impressive emphasis to the mes­sage. Whispering should be avoided.

There is also the posture of the min­ister while in the pulpit to be consid­ered. An erect, gentlemanly posture affords no latitude for slouching down in the chair, or crossing one leg over the knee of the other, neither of which is in good form.

After the "Amen" of the benedic­tion, both ministers and people should silently bow the head for a brief in­terval; and at the proper signal indi­cated by a melodious chord from the organ, all should pass out quietly from the place of worship.

"The great Head of the church su­perintends HIS work through the in­strumentality of men ordained by God to act as His representatives," and it is incumbent upon such men to seek by every means to give "no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed."

College Place, Wash.