Intelligent Cooperation Invaluable
By H. L. SHOUP, Pastor, Lansing, Michigan
Paul was a militant preacher. Wherever he went, his ministry either awakened a revival or stirred up a riot. Quite different from his attacks upon sin was the tender care he gave the churches raised up by him, and his solicitude for his associates in labor. His epistles to the churches at Philippi and Rome reveal his appreciation of his helpers. He commends Julia, Phebe, Priscilla, Mary, and the mother of Rufus. He did not, of course, call them Bible workers, but coworkers who labored much in the gospel.
The type of personal coworker that is always appreciated by the minister is the one who has a vision of what evangelism is all about. In the army, one is considered a good soldier who does what he is told. But the one who really distinguishes himself in service is not the one who merely meticulously executes orders, but the one who uses his intelligence to help gain the victory. The same is true in gospel work. Leadership, organization, talent, tact, and cooperation are all important factors in achieving success. Nevertheless plain, hard work, focused intelligently toward the end of winning souls, is indispensable.
A good helper is one who talks courage, whether on duty or off, who never speaks despairingly of the task in hand, no matter how dark the outlook. Talking faith, hope, and courage is far better than whining over circumstances that for a time may be disconcerting. Consistency is another characteristic of successful gospel helpers, whose precept and example either help or hinder truth seekers in accepting the life-giving message of Adventism. It is the reflection of Jesus, seen by the inquirer, that wins hearts as much as do the doctrines taught.
One of my associates practiced the habit of keeping a nightly record of attendance at the public meetings. This required a great deal of painstaking effort, but well repaid it. She was as much in evidence while the congregation was gathering as were the ushers. As a pleasing hostess looks after the comfort and happiness of her guests, so she made the newcomers welcome. Thus she made contacts and won friends. She kept the speaker informed of the pulse of his audience. She
Mutual Understanding Necessary
By ALMA DuBoss, Bible Worker, Lansing, Michigan
The working relationship sustained by the Bible worker or instructor toward the minister with whom she is associated is of no little moment. The points here emphasized are gleaned from my own experience and findings and from the experiences, observations, and convictions of fellow Bible workers.
Regarding the working relationship essential in a tent, hall, or church effort, there should be a mutual understanding concerning plans, more or less in detail. When the people feel that the Bible instructor is well informed as to the entire evangelistic program, they have greater confidence in her. As she visits them in their homes, meets them on the street, or talks with them over the telephone, she should be able to tell about some interesting feature of the service—such as a special musical number, the subject to be presented, or possibly a guest speaker in whom they might be interested. But too often these various features come as a surprise to the Bible worker, and she loses an opportunity to interest people in attending the service.
A Bible instructor is only too glad to have the evangelist counsel with her, telling her what he would like to have done that would be a help to him. There are certain general principles and procedures which every Bible instructor knows must be carried out. But there are also matters which depend on the individual evangelist's preference. Some evangelists like to have detailed records made, while others would direct her efforts in another way. I am sure that it is the desire
knew the regular and the irregular attendants, and what help those who were perplexed needed most. This fund of information, gathered by personal touch, had a value all its own in leading interested ones into the light of truth and preparing for church fellowship.
Frequent conferences between the evangelist and his associates, whether by regular appointment or otherwise, are imperative. Inspiration and fresh courage come from comparing notes and experiences. By this exchange of information, time and energy can better be directed toward the accomplishment of the one supreme end of saving souls.
of each Bible worker to be of the greatest help possible to the minister with whom she is working. Each evangelist has his objectives, and works to that end, and his assistants must adapt themselves to the needs of the particular series of meetings being held. Constructive criticism must be cheerfully received by those who wish to become progressive workers. Remember that the interests of all are mutual in the great goal to be attained.
Sometimes people with whom only the minister has made the contact attend the meetings. If the pastor or evangelist would make his Bible instructor acquainted with such, she might be able to aid in securing their further interest. It is a bit embarrasing to have to introduce herself and tell them just who she is. Neither the Bible worker nor the minister should feel that a soul is solely the fruit of her or his labors. One plants, another waters, and God gives the increase. Independence or jealously in such work is not conducive to the ingathering of souls. A congenial understanding and sympathetic interest by the minister or Bible instructor is perceived and felt by the people. If ever teamwork were needed, it is in the winning of souls.
During a series of meetings it is helpful if the evangelist speaks occasionally of his Bible instructor from the pulpit—letting the people know who she is and that she is capable of answering their questions as she visits them in their homes, or mentioning that she can give them a Bible study on the same subjects he gives from the pulpit. This is not done to advance the Bible instructor, but to help the progress of the meeting.
When I am giving a series of studies in the homes of the people, I appreciate the privilege of taking the pastor and his wife to these homes once or twice during that time in order that the people may become acquainted with them and that they become acquainted with the readers. Then they do not feel quite so strange when they first begin to attend the church service on the Sabbath. Again, in making this contact, the evangelist may be able to detect some things the Bible instructor may have overlooked.
And may I point out one feature that sometimes brings defeat? Should a pastor visit promiscuously the people with whom his Bible instructor is working, without knowing what ground she has covered, and discuss subjects she has not presented, it may hinder her future appointments. Sometimes they are not ready for added light, even though they may ask questions to lead one to delve into advance studies. Is this not parallel to the case of a minister holding a series of studies, and the Bible instructor answering questions in advance of the subjects he has presented? Her obvious obligation is to direct their attention to some future evening when this subject will be discussed and invite them to be present. After the subject has been presented, all questions should, of course, be answered freely and frankly.
And now just a closing word regarding the Bible instructor and the local church. She is not placed in the city to assist the pastor in his strictly church activities. The church board is to assist him in those. Yet she is constantly meeting church problems. Therefore she needs to be informed as to church problems and matters of promotion in order that she may be able to help intelligently, and thus be able at all times to give assistance to the pastor. The members should feel that she is interested in all church activities and is in sympathy with the pastor's burdens.
Recommendation on Training of Bible Workers
"Whereas, 'The plan of holding Bible readings was a heaven-born idea,' and,
"Whereas, Experience has proved that women can do very effective evangelistic work in giving Bible readings, either in connection with public evangelistic efforts or working alone ; and,
"Whereas, There are many earnest Christian young women who would gladly prepare for the Bible work if they saw in it the possibilities of a career in soul winning;
"We recommend, That our conference leaders . give careful study to the need for Bible workers in the field, and cooperate with the General Conference Department of Education in planning for adequate instruction in Bible work in our colleges, •that will meet the needs of the field."-1937 Autumn Council.
