At the recent session of the Spring Council of the General Conference, a very important series of recommendations bearing on the work of our ministry was adopted. These recommendations appear on the opposite page. They are the outgrowth of a deepening conviction on the part of many of our leaders that the time has come to take a decided stand against certain tendencies that are creeping into the work and methods of some of our ministers.
In the discussion of this matter the principle was laid down as fundamental that any person who consents to accept credentials from the church, and thus becomes its representative, is in honor bound to accept the counsel of the church. If one's methods or practices are contrary to the accepted principles of the church, it is the duty of the body to give counsel and advice in order that such things may be corrected. These recommendations are intended for that purpose.
Whatever success has attended this movement in the past has not been due to the greatness or ostentation of the men connected with it. The needs of this work today certainly do not call for any change in this regard. A great message in the men, rather than great men in the message, is still our need and assurance.
However, we cannot close our eyes to a growing tendency on the part of some of our workers to make themselves the center of their own work. They advertise themselves in a spectacular and sometimes grotesque manner. If their own advertising of themselves is to be believed, they are men of great renown, with national or international reputations.
The thirst for this kind of self-advertising even leads some to assume titles and degrees to which they are in no way entitled. As illustrations of this we have before us samples of advertising matter actually used by some workers. In one case a brother advertised himself as "Professor," and announced that he was a graduate from a certain junior college. The whole world knows that junior college graduates are not entitled to the term "Professor." There cannot be much public appeal in that which to the public appears cheap. In a large half-page newspaper announcement with his own picture prominently displayed, another brother used the title "Doctor" in describing himself. In this case the brother has never received any degree that carries the title "Doctor." It is entirely self-assumed. No worker has a right to assume titles or degrees not justly earned by his scholastic efforts, or that are not recognized by the body employing him.
We also have samples of advertising before us where workers announce their meetings under headings that cannot be regarded as strictly honest. As one example, a preacher, in a full-length two-column advertisement, announced his meetings under the caption "Interdenominational." The obvious meaning of this term is between or among denominations; hence his use of this caption is misleading. Another worker announced his meeting under the caption "Evangelical." While this is a general term used in describing all bodies of Christians holding to the fundamentals of Christian belief, in a special sense it is applied to a special body or denomination of believers. A better term for this worker to use would have been "Evangelistic."
Another minister announces that his meetings are held under the auspices of the — Gospel Medical Society. But the common understanding of a medical society is that it is an organized group of physicians. It is a very questionable practice for a preacher, even in his zeal to present the health phases of our work, to organize a medical society as a background for his effort. It is better to stick to the preaching of the word, rather than to attempt to pose as a pseudo-doctor.
These recommendations also call attention to the need of keeping within the message itself in the selection of topics. Many announcements are made that have but little reference to the matter intended to be presented. Certainly to resort to the methods of this jazz-mad age in selecting either topics or matter for sermons, is out of keeping with the spirit of this message. We should strive earnestly to follow the example of Jesus in all these things. We cannot imagine Him resorting to some of the methods now in use in order to get a hearing. The minister who violates the principles of good taste defeats his own purposes. In all our advertising, selection of topics, and in sermon material, we should strive to honor this message, and give to its presentation a becoming dignity.
Why should not every worker in this cause be more concerned with maintaining a standard of simplicity than in following methods that only cheapen and belittle the whole movement?
Men who preach the integrity of God's law ought not to bear false witness in their advertising. Of all people in the world, Seventh-day Adventists should be honest and keep faith with the public. The greatness of our simplicity properly represents this cause and the Master we serve. Our departure from simplicity only defeats and belittles this cause and the Master Himself.
Brethren in the ministry, let us as workers recognize the right of the church which we represent, to counsel and correct us in all these matters. Let us endeavor in all our plans and methods to conform only to those things that reflect honor and credit and dignity upon our cause, and only humility and simplicity upon ourselves.
If we take the recommendations referred to in this spirit, there will be an immediate reform on the part of all who have fallen into the errors mentioned. A decided reform is called for. This article has been written at the earnest request of a large group of our leaders in the interest of a decided reform. We appeal to all to respond heartily.
