For decades Adventist ministers in general have been encouraged to recognize the importance of colporteur work as a definite part of their preparatory training for the ministry. This is good, for few experiences can equal that of literature evangelism in providing the needed background of public relations—the know-how of meeting all types of people under all kinds of conditions. While valuable for Arty line of work, it is particularly helpful to one who feels called to the gospel ministry. Moreover, clear counsel from the Lord has been given us on this matter. Here are just two of many such statements:
If there is one work more important than another it is that of getting our publications before the public, thus leading them to search the Scriptures. Missionary work—introducing our publications into families, conversing, and praying with and for them—is a good work and one which will educate men and women to do pastoral labor.— Colporteur Ministry, p. 7.
In the very handling of these books, the youth will meet with many experiences that will teach them how to cope with problems that await them in the regions beyond. During their school life, as they handle these books, many learn how to approach people courteously, and how to exercise tact in conversing with them on different points of present truth. As they meet with a degree of success financially, some will learn lessons of thrift and economy, which will be of great advantage to them when they are sent out as missionaries.—Ibid., p. 30.
With such counsels as these before us, and also in the light of experience, some have at times taken the position that no man should be permitted to enter the work of the ministry unless he has spent a definite period of time in the colporteur work.
Those of us who have engaged in this wonderful service for a year or two or three know its importance, and the last thing we would want to do would be to minimize its value. Yet if it were to be made an absolute requirement that everyone entering the ministry must put in a period of service in literature evangelism, then we might be going beyond the mind of the Lord. Although the clearest counsels have been given us regarding this work, yet nothing that we have been able to find in the writings of Ellen G. White would warrant our taking such a position.
On the contrary, the messenger of the Lord expressed a definite principle to some who, many years ago, were discussing this very matter. She stated that if one who undertakes this work discovers that he is not able to sustain himself and his family, then his brethren should seek to find other work for him that will be more in accordance with his ability, and whereby he can sustain his family.
We bring this matter to the attention of our readers, and especially our administrative leaders, because of inquiries that come to the General Conference from time to time. Although it is the conviction of our leaders that no work is more vital in the carrying forward of God's final message to mankind than that of the literature ministry, yet we must not be found taking too narrow a view of God's vineyard and His workmen. We thank Him for every regular colporteur evangelist, and also for that army of prospective ministerial recruits who today are going from house to house with our truth-filled books. This is indeed good training for their future work as pastors, administrators, and evangelists. We need not fewer but more of these dedicated self-supporting missionaries. But in stressing the importance of this work we must beware lest in our enthusiasm we be found making requirements beyond what the Lord would have us impose. We are strong only as we follow His clear leading.
In all matters pertaining to the development of our work, and particularly the training of the ministry, we have abundant counsel from the Lord. And in harmony with this instruction we are doing everything possible to lift the standard of the ministry. While certain educational standards and wise and definite procedures should be followed, God is not bound by any prescribed pattern in the perfecting of His workers. It is recorded that Michelangelo, the master sculptor, always fashioned his own tools in his own way. So the Master of men, in His infinite wisdom, fashions those whom He calls to His work.
Advanced education, cultural development, natural aptitude, and techniques in public relations, gained perhaps through thousands of personal contacts in such work as colporteur evangelism, all find their place in the over-all training of a well-equipped ministry. God has at times seen fit to give success to men lacking not only one but maybe all of these qualifications.
The ministry is a many-sided work requiring many different types of men. Martin Luther once declared that no man should be permitted to enter the ministry who was not a musician. No one can deny that musicianship is good, and is a great asset to any minister. Yet some very successful ministers never qualify as musicians. God will use every talent and every experience of the dedicated worker for the up-building of His kingdom, but we must take care lest we be found making the ideal the imperative.
R. A. A.
