Strong ministry means a strong church and a triumphant movement; a weak ministry can mean none other than a weak church and a half-paralyzed movement. We must resolutely set our faces, then, to build up a spiritual, intellectual, progressive, efficient ministry. Doubtless the most vital demand upon our denomination today is to build up its ministry in spirituality, earnestness, and efficiency. Think of the part or relation the ministry sustains to the church.
Paul tells us that the church is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone."
Christ has always been the great head of His church. He chose patriarchs at the beginning to represent Him among men. Then came the prophets. These were in turn succeeded by the apostles. And now in the finishing of His mighty gospel movement covering six thousand years, the ministers of His remnant church are His representatives—the successors of patriarchs, prophets, and apostles. What a high calling! What a tremendous responsibility J. And what sane, painstaking, tireless efforts are demanded of our leaders to lift our ministry to the place of efficiency and power commensurate with our responsibility!
Los Angeles, Calif.
