Seventh-day Adventist colleges are, at the present time, producing most of the ministerial talent for the world field. This means that the young men enrolled in theological courses today are potentially the pastors, evangelists, conference administrators, and departmental secretaries of tomorrow. Consequently, a great and solemn responsibility rests upon educators and students alike as preparation is made to meet the needs of a field that is ripe for the harvest.
Those who direct the work of the ministry in the field have more than a passing interest in the product of our colleges. They are constantly seek ing for young men and women who are consecrated in heart and life, equipped with sanctified judgment and practical knowledge, and willing to devote their energies and abilities enthusiastically to the great but humble mission of bringing salvation to their fellow men. Many times, however, they have reason to be disappointed in the graduates of the theological course. Young men find their way into the ministry when they do not have a sufficient knowledge of the Scriptures to present the faith intelligently. Some are incompetent and inefficient in other responsibilities pertaining to the work of the gospel ministry. Still others have a tendency to be overconfident regarding their ability to preach, and are not willing to learn and to do the humbler tasks. They have a mistaken idea that a call to the ministry involves labor of a public and spectacular nature, and that the work of giving Bible studies and making personal visits is beneath them.
These deficiencies present real problems that cannot be set aside as part of a normal process of transition from training to active service. It is my conviction that, with the help and co-operation of all concerned, much more can be accomplished during the period of training to prepare practical, bumble, and consecrated young men who can be of immediate value to the field.
It is, of course, recognized that the instructors in the college theology department, as well as the ministers in the field with whom the young men are called to associate, carry a great responsibility in guiding the preparation and development of a mature and powerful ministry. However, the student who definitely feels called of God to enter the ministry has a tremendous responsibility to prepare himself thoroughly for his work. He should make it his business, with God's help, never to be guilty of incompetency, overconfidence, or self-pride.
Development While in Training
There are several objectives for a young man to keep in mind while preparing for the ministry. Having received a call to this sacred work, he should immediately begin to live and act in accordance with the high standards of his calling. If he plans to win souls when he enters active service, he should begin to work for others while in train ing. The years at school provide many golden opportunities for soul winning and unselfish service among fellow students. He should realize that a sudden change or baptism by the Spirit will not take place when he is transferred to the conference pay roll. Even when he has been accepted as a conference worker, and associates with other ministers in the field, he is still the same human instrument he was while in training.
The theological student should strive to be pro found rather than brilliant. He should develop the best qualities of his mind and body. He should seek to be a permanent influence for good, rather than to make popular impressions. The foundations of his character must be made broad and deep.
It is, of course, the responsibility of the teacher to keep these important lessons before the students. He should make them well aware of the fact that mighty preaching is the result of deep consecration, loving service for others, diligent study directed by the Spirit of God, and profound conviction. When the life of the minister has become enriched by this type of service, he will then, and not until then, be able to speak with power from the pulpit.
While in training, the young man will naturally form an opinion of the kind of work he would like to do in the field. This is natural and proper, provided it is done prayerfully and with the spirit of humility. But he must remember that he may not always do the choosing. God chooses him, and He may have some other work for him to do either as a lifework or as preparation for that work. Whatever he may prefer, his greatest desire should be to win souls for Christ. Too often preparation is made with the method only in view, rather than the result and product of the method used. A minister is not trained merely to be a public speaker, no matter how capable and efficient he might be in that art. His preparation should be for the purpose of soul winning
Young men should determine, while in training, to be willing to do what they are asked to do, no matter how menial the task may appear to be. It may be that God wants them to teach in a church school or to canvass for a time. Such tasks pro vide opportunities for further development. If they are given the responsibility of driving tent pegs., caring for the tabernacle, or operating the projector, they will be the better workmen for having begun at the bottom and climbed the ladder round by round.
Making calls and giving Bible studies is most important, and no one should complain if this is his task. This type of work is to be done by the minister as long as he labors for the Lord, and if he does not begin his ministry in this way, he may never experience the joy of personal work in leading souls to the Saviour. Consequently, his ministry will be weak and fruitless.
It is well to plan on a small and humble beginning. To the intern, an effort in a small town has many advantages over a large effort. With a small staff of workers, there will be a greater variety of tasks to perform and more opportunity for self-expression. Progress will be made faster, and the abilities of the young minister will be observed more readily by those in authority. In this way added opportunities will be provided and greater responsibilities given. It pays to begin well within the limits of one's capabilities and then grow with experience.
There are six essential elements of intrinsic importance to be coveted by a young man preparing to enter the ministry: (1 ) a call from God, (2) a deep consecration, (3) a practical experience in personal work for others, (4) a competent knowledge of the Scriptures, (5) a humble spirit, and (6) an eagerness to learn in whatever capacity he may be called to work. With these objectives constantly in view, there will be limitless possibilities for growth and development in the ministry of Christ.
