The church ever stands in need of a ministry that teaches the technique of spirituality by precept and by example, and at the same time stands as an exponent of doctrinal definitions, denominational standards, and missionary activity. The church needs to be lifted above all that is cheap and ignoble, and to receive from its ministry the very essence of Christian principles which produce holiness of life, rather than a formal relating of the historical incidents of religion.
The need is for ministers who are keenly intellectual, without appearing self-confident and "smart," who are deeply spiritual, but not soft or sentimental,—men with a clear vision, true understanding, and a rich experience in holiness of life, who can bring light, joy, and blessing to the spiritually hungry without any manifestation of platform artistry, selfishness, or personal pride. The work of the gospel ministry is to lead the church to high standards of thought, to heart-burning desires for truth and righteousness, to cheerful conformity in all holy conversation and godliness, and to a turning away from legal forms of worship which tend to sterility in personal evangelism and preoccupation in material things.
The Saviour loves the church, and it is His purpose to refine, ennoble, and elevate it, so that it shall stand firm amid all corrupting influences of an evil world. Those who are called to minister to the church are very precious in His sight. Concerning the ministry we have this remarkable revelation:
"The sweet influences that are to be abundant in the church are bound up with God's ministers, who are to represent the precious love of Christ. The stars of heaven are under the control of Christ. He fills them with light. He directs their movements. If He did not do this, they would become fallen stars. So with His ministers. They are but instruments in His hand, and all the good they accomplish is done through His power. Through them His light is to shine forth. It is to the honor of Christ that He makes His ministers greater blessings to the church, through the workings of the Holy Spirit, than are the stars to the world."—"Testimonies," Vol. VI, pp. 413, 414.
The Saviour's watchcare over the church and the ministry is revealed in the following statement:
"He watches to see whether the light of any of His sentinels is burning dim or going out. If the candlestick were left to mere human care, the flickering flame would languish and die; and He is the true watchman in the Lord's house, the true warden of the temple courts."—"Acts of the Apostles," p. 586.
How clearly is revealed the divine purpose that the church, through the operation of the Holy Spirit and an efficient ministry, shall be led and established in sweet fellowship with Christ and in heart holiness, and thus be prepared to meet her blessed Lord at His appearing.
The solemn summons of God to the ministry is this: "The watchmen are responsible for the condition of the people."—"Testimonies," Vol. V, p. 235. For the guidance and assurance of the ministry He speaks thus: "If they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings." Jer. 23:22.
Takoma Park, D. C.
