During Christ's earthly ministry He chose twelve men and set them apart from all others as leaders of His church. Concerning this great event in human history we read as follows: "He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would.... And He ordained twelve." Mark 3:13, 14. These chosen and ordained twelve were given "power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases," and they were sent "to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." Luke 9: 1, 2. "It was at the ordination of the twelve that the first step was taken in the organization of the church that after Christ's departure was to carry on His work on the earth."—"The Acts of the Apostles," p. 18. Such is the brief account of the founding of the Christian church, destined to be the living vehicle for the heralding of the everlasting gospel to all the world.
Shortly after the ordination of the twelve, however, another group of leaders, much larger in number, was called out from the throng and given an "appointed" work. Referring to this group, the Scripture states, "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come." Luke 10:1. Thus is brought to view, in the earliest days of the apostolic church, the divine provision for a staff of lay preachers, who were to unite with the ordained leaders, and in a special sense to bear the responsibility of preparing the way for the coming of the Saviour "in every city and place."
These chosen "seventy" had been for some time with Jesus, in training for their work, and the commission given to them when sent forth was similar to the instruction given the twelve. There is, however, a very significant statement regarding one exception made in their appointment, which is as follows: "But the command to the twelve, not to enter into any city of the Gentiles or of the Samaritans, was not given to the seventy."—"The Desire of Ages," p. 488. There was a class of people who could best be reached through the ministry of these seventy, and they were directed to pioneer the way in places where prejudice and opposition barred the entrance of the recognized disciples of Jesus. So "when the seventy went forth in His name, they visited, first of all, the cities of Samaria," and we learn that these people "welcomed the Saviour's messengers," and that a precious harvest was gathered from among those who had once been bitter enemies.
It is the divine plan that the ordained minister of the gospel and the true and tested layman shall go forth into the ripening fields together, each to do his appointed work, strengthened and supported in their endeavor by the prayers and active cooperation of every member of the church. It is in harmony with this plan that there is manifest throughout the ranks of the ministry an increasingly widespread interest in the development of a staff of lay preachers, and it is most inspiring to see the evidences that the Spirit of God is moving upon the hearts of laymen to enter upon this larger field of service, and to note the ready response. Presidents of conferences are searching out men of ability and consecration, and giving them every encouragement to prepare for this work. In various conferences, institutes have been held for the benefit of these lay workers, where groups of laymen assemble for study and instruction in the best methods of presenting the truths of God's word in a -public way.* Wherever these institutes have been held, the work has developed in a very gratifying and successful manner.
Recognizing that it is the prerogative of the church to give official recognition to the work of those who are to represent its teachings in a public way, the General Conference Committee has authorized the granting of an official "Lay Preacher's Certificate," and has specified certain requirements to be met by the candidate for such recognition. These specifications are set forth as follows:
"1. The candidate for certificate must be sound in the faith and of good reputation in his community.
"2. He must be in good and regular standing in his church and represent the truth in his life.
"3. He must possess a general knowledge of the doctrines of the church.
"4. He must give evidence of an earnest purpose and demonstrate ability in soul winning through public ministry.
"5. He must be a faithful tithe payer.
"6. He must evince a willingness to labor under the counsel of the conference.
7. He must understand that this recognition is granted on the basis of being a self-supporting missionary, carrying on his work without remuneration by salary or solicitation."
There are now several hundred lay preachers doing successful public work, but the number should be greatly increased, and a helping hand should be extended by our ministers to these faithful, self-sacrificing men who dedicate their talents and go forth at their own charges for the finishing of the task committed to the church. Years ago the servant of the Lord clearly pointed out the possibilities for rapid extension of the third angel's message which were vested in the humble laymen. In the Review and Herald of September 29, 1891, is found the following statement:
"In places where the truth is not known, brethren who are adapted to the work, might hire a hall, or some other suitable place to assemble, and gather together all who will come. Then let them instruct the people in the truth. They need not sermonise, but take the Bible, and let God speak directly out of His word. If there is only a small number present, they can read a 'Thus saith the Lord' without a great parade or excitement; just read and explain the simple gospel truth, and sing and pray with the people."
Washington, D. C.
* As a further aid 10 those entering upon this Work, a small volume, entitled "A Manual for Lay Preachers," has just been prepared, containing suggestions, experiences, and sermon ontlines.—Editors.
