JUST PLAIN FACTS:
Inc role of the Seventh-day Adventist minister's tvife is in Transition. It is not a question of a departure from "the good old days." It is just factual. Not too long ago we made some practical observations as we saw the wife of one of our younger ministers crowding into her weekly program what we are about to relate—and much more: For a visitor does not see the whole picture. But just what did we see?
This young wife is the mother of two children. She has ability and a good background for her ministerial responsibilities. Her husband is an aggressive evangelist. Connected with radio as well as public evangelism, he also carries the leadership of two sizable city churches. We would expect him to have an assisting couple besides his helpful partner. And he did. They are excellent helpers in many ways. In preparation for public evangelism there were special meetings each evening of that week.
The wife's program, however, included more than getting meals for her family, for there was entertaining. Helping in the evangelistic office, which occupies a section of the parsonage, required extra effort on her part. Also the minister's wife, with others, sang for the church service and over radio and television. The latter was the feature of concentration all Sunday morning. Then I thought of all the conversations by telephone, and the morale building for her children, who had to keep subdued in these activities around them. A health problem did not lighten the work, either. After a very busy Sabbath, with meetings morning and afternoon, there was a board meeting at night. This last event called for a prepared dish on her part, and added interest for the otherwise dry business of such a meeting. After a pleasant meal together we thoroughly enjoyed the church's annual report. By means of unique charts, graphs, and maps we were informed on its progress and future activities. It was an occasion when the ministerial family could mix with younger and older members.
Today this pattern of activitiy is familiar to all ministerial women. In mentioning these more conspicuous duties we do not overlook the endless smaller responsibilities of the minister's partner. For her, however, we plead a few quiet, relaxing hours when the calm of the Master's presence may refresh her soul. To be a minister's wife requires talent, energy, and a true spirit of sacrifice. The ever-busy life of the modern minister's wife might at times become disappointing without these in-fillings of the Holy Spirit. Even as the undershepherd must remain close to the Great Shepherd, so his companion MAUSt also listen to Jesus' voice to find rest of mind, soul, and body.
L. C. K.
"HOW TO"
Under this intriguina title a compelling formula for efficient handling of problems that administrative committee: sometimes face is published in the Februar issue of the Chiistian Herald. Assured that our workers would appreciate it, n-e quote here this bit of stimulating advice:
"Methodist Bishop Gerald H. Kennedy has a step-by-step formula for committees that come to him seeking advice on how to get rid of a pastor who is inefficient. We pass it along, since not all such committees are Methodist.
" 'I. Look him straight in the eye when he is preaching, and say "Amen" once in a while. He'll preach himself to death within a few weeks.
"'2. Pat him on the back and brag on his good. points. He'll work himself to death.
"'3. Start paying him a living wage. He's probably been on starvation wages so long he'll eat himself to death.
"'4. Rededicate your own life to Christ and ask the preacher to give you a job to do. He'll probably die of heart failure.
"'5. Get the church to unite in prayer for the preacher. He'll become so effective some larger church will take him off your hands.'"
The editor was right when he declared that not all groups handling this kind of problem are Methodist. But the suggestions made are pertinent and worth thinking through.
Years ago in the city of Melbourne, Australia, a fire had broken out in one of the buildings in the downtown area. The elevator and the stairway, were both cut off by flame. While some firemen were working feverishly to quench the fire, others were rescuing folks from windows. But with the change of the wind the smoke was making the rescue work difficult. One man three quarters of the way up the longest ladder was almost overcome by the smoke and fumes. Yet a woman from the top story was crying for help. The situation was desperate, and with the fireman himself swaying. it looked as if it was going to he a double tragedy. when all at once one of the bystanders shouted, "Give him a cheer, boys!" And in an instant a hundred voices rang out. The effect was instantaneous and tremendous. The fireman, as if by magic,. pushed his tvay up through the smoke to the ton story and brought the woman to safety. It was the cheer of the cro‘d that changed the situation. "Cheer the brethren on" became a slogan of our late beloved leader, W. A. Spicer. His life was a benediction because of his attitude of cheer and confidence. More cheer and less criticism can change any situation.
