The work of evangelist and Bible worker may be likened to that of physician and nurse. The physician diagnoses the case and prescribes the treatment, leaving the nurse to carry out his orders. Were it not for the systematic care given by the nurse, of what avail would be the doctor's orders?
In the sick room the nurse is confronted daily with many unexpected developments. How unnatural it would be for the physician to ignore her requests for aid! This would be contrary to the code of ethics laid down by the medical profession. It is the united co-operation of doctor and nurse that makes possible the physical cure. So with the work of the evangelist and the Bible worker. While the evangelist has the burden and care of presenting the message to a collective body, the Bible worker has the burden and care of presenting the message inclividicany in the home. As with the nurse, so with the Bible worker,—many perplexing problems arise daily in her work.
A consecrated Bible worker realizes that the destiny of her readers depends to no small degree upon the manner in which she handles these problems. She longs for the advice and counsel of the leader, but many times is left to work out these problems alone, owing to the multitudinous cares of the evangelist. 'Usually in working for a husband and wife, the Bible worker finds the husband going through an experience which only a man is capable of understanding and of giving needed aid to. It is essential at such times for the evangelist to render his personal assistance. But sad to say, there are some evangelists who apparently do not enter into all the experiences which confront the Bible - worker. While they may be sympathetic in some instances, they fail to render needed assistance in others, and the Bible worker is left to struggle along alone. Often this results in sleepless nights, impaired health, and broken spirits.
This is a matter of primary importance. I believe that more specific effort should be put forth to bring about a better understanding and a closer co-operation between the evangelist and the Bible worker. The sacred work in which we are called to serve, should impel both the Bible worker and the evangelist to give careful study, to the end that each may become better acquainted with the true position and work of the other. By this united effort, the message of salvation to precious souls can be more effectively given. The skill, knowledge, and labor of both evangelist and Bible worker should be blended as fully as that of physician and nurse.
Closer Co-operation
Lack of co-operation on the part of either Bible worker or evangelist is often due to the absence of definite organization. Many times the methods of operation, possibilities, expectations, and limitations of the Bible worker are overlooked by the evangelist. As the Bible worker does not have uniform standards, it is rather difficult to state the basis upon which to operate, except as laid out by each evangelist under his own method and ways of laboring. Many times a hardship is worked on a Bible worker accustomed to a certain routine and method, by expecting her to adopt immediately the plans and policies of an evangelist with whom she is called to labor in a new field. While some may possess greater power of adaptability than others, yet diligent study should be given by the evangelist to the placing of responsibilities and requirements upon a new Bible worker who is called to labor with him.
"As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed."—"Testimonies to Ministers," p. 30.
Unity Essential
The lack of unity which sometimes exists between an evangelist and his Bible worker may often be traced to working independently of each other. This could be remedied by consulting together, each thus becoming better acquainted with the plans and courses of study of the other. Neither the evangelist nor the Bible worker should try to influence the other to surrender his or her individuality.
"God's servants are to work together, blending in kindly, courteous order, 'in honor preferring one another.' There is to be no unkind criticism, no pulling to pieces of another's work; and there are to be no separate parties. Every man to whom the Lord has intrusted a message has his specific work. Each one has an individuality of his own, which he is not to sink in that of any other man. Yet each is to work in harmony with his brethren. In their service, God's workers are to be essentially one. No one is to set himself up as a criterion, speaking disrespectfully of his fellow workers, or treating them as inferior. Under God, each is to do his appointed work, respected, loved, and encouraged by the other laborers. Together they are to carry the work forward to completion."—"The Acts of the Apostles," pp. 275, 276.
The Evangelist as an Example
The Bible worker expects to find in the life of the evangelist a manifestation, of the qualifications that are laid down by Paul to Timothy. He is to be "patient, not a brawler, not covetous; . . . not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach." 1 Tim. 3: 3-7.
The Bible worker is associated largely with "them which are without," and hears the comments passed upon the deportment of the evangelist. A favorable, friendly attitude indicates that confidence is established in the mind of the individual, not only toward the minister, but also toward the work which he represents. It should never be forgotten that the life of the evangelist is closely inspected by "them which are without;" and if he fails to meet the expected qualifications, his example may mean the eternal loss of these souls. After all, it is not what he preaches, but what he lives, that counts in their estimation.
Hartford, Conn.
