PASTOR DECLINES A BISHOPRIC
A few years ago Ralph W. Sockman, pastor of Christ Church in New York, asked that his name not be considered for the office of Bishop in the Methodist Church. The announcement came on the eve of a quadrennial episcopal election at the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
He said that while he had "very high regard for the episcopal office and the men who hold it," he was convinced that the "greatest need of the contemporary church is the strengthening of the local pulpits."
"There is a tragic lag," he said, "between pronouncements of general church conventions and the practices of local church congregations. We can never exalt the pulpit properly as long as we regard it as a stepping stone to administrative positions."
Surely we can all agree that there is no more important post in the work of God than the pulpit of the pastor and the evangelist. We belive that Ralph Sockman's viewpoint should be an encouragement and stimulus to every pastor in his most important work.
Administrators are needed; how could we get along without them? But there is today a pressing need for men who feel the burden of magnifying the work of the pulpit. So whether God calls us to administer our fast-expanding cause or to give ourselves wholly to the ministry of the Word and the flock, may every minister in our ranks sense the primary responsibility of being a shepherd. We are ordained for that purpose.
BE POSITIVE
There is such convincing power in teaching positive fundamentals that one wonders how we ever get involved in fruitless argumentative teaching. Molding opinion can best be accomplished by stressing fundamental issues rather than permitting ourselves to become entangled in petty argument.
To illustrate, true liberty, real freedom, can only result from obedience to law. The commandments of God do not "restrict" the sincere Christian. They set free. Freedom from law so often expressed as the fruit of New Testament grace is superficial at a glance. Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Real freedom is not freedom from the law, but freedom in the law. It is the freedom of the bird on the wing, the accomplished artist at his instrument—each at liberty, yet each bound by law.
For example: I may wish to express myself with freedom pianowise, but since I am one of those unfortunate ones who never learned to play, my banging produces only noisy discord. Everyone knows I have no freedom at the keyboard. But let the accomplished musician ply his skillful fingers, and harmony, rich and melodious, is the result. He is free—at perfect liberty—within the laws of music in general and the piano in particular. Just so with the law of God, whether natural or spiritual. The liberty to be desired in expression and life is the result of obedience—uncalculating, love-inspired-and-aided obedience.
Fundamental thinking illustrated from life effectively molds minds for the kingdom.
USE OF TITLES
According to the best authorities it is neither good form nor proper to prefix the title Elder or Doctor or Professor, etc. to one's signature to a letter, thus: "Elder John Doe." If it is necessary to indicate that one is a minister, the title should always appear in parenthesis as "(Elder) John Doe," or on printed cards or stationery follow the name with, "minister." Extending the principles, the form "Elder and Mrs. John Doe," in joint signature is improper. Better write "John B. Doe and wife," or John B. and Mary C. Doe." The same rule extends to printed cards, book inscriptions, and the like. The fear of missing some title or honor due us should not lead to a breach of professional and social ethics. Lack of true culture is often detected in small matters such as these.
A very interesting conversation centered around a certain Bible instructor. Her well-tested work was being discussed by several friends, one of whom was a minister with broad experience, especially in pastoral evangelism. "I appreciated Miss Blank because of her rich background of Bible truth," said her former co-worker. "When an occasion arose that required more technique than just doctrinal argument in defense of the truth, I could readily select who of my associates could best handle the case; it was Miss Blank, of course. She has such a friendly approach to the Bible; she is never on the defensive, but seems to thrill to reveal God's beautiful plan of salvation from any book of the Bible. It is done so casually, and yet so solidly as she weaves into some Bible character the very principles of truth that may need emphasis in the listener's life. She lets the Word speak with conviction. Miss Blank's contacts develop into strong friendships for the truth. I have observed the type of people that respond to her way of instruction and have found them to be solid Christians who can stand without constant doctrinal nurturing."
Reflecting on this conversation, I said in my heart, "What a tribute to a Bible instructor!" How many more of Miss Blank's type would be welcomed in many needy places! There is a true need for well-balanced, dignified, informed, helpful persons
who have an experience in the Word of God. Some young Bible instructors may be .delighted to have us point out a source from which they may obtain such broad information for effective teaching. We can recommend to them Miss Rose Boose's book, Let's Study the Bible, published by the Pacific Press.
It is a treasure store and will enrich your background for your Bible readings.
