RESULTS and achievement are among the rewards of leadership. The minister's program is often overcrowded. He is driven from one duty to another. Sometimes those he serves do not understand the pressure of his program and may at times expect too much from him. However, when the minister sees the tangible results of his efforts and the fruition of his labors, they are like a cool breeze on a sultry desert night.
I think of Pastor C. C. Rouse, of the Upper Columbia Conference. When he became pastor of one of the medium-sized churches, the Sabbath school Investment Offering was approximately one hundred dollars. He encouraged his Sabbath school leaders by precept and example. He made appropriate public remarks as occasion permitted, mentioned the Investment Offering in his pastoral prayers at times, and discussed it with the members when he visited in their homes. Moreover, he had his own Investment project. He was given the use of some land free of charge by a non-Adventist neighbor. In this ground he planted potatoes. The members saw him working at his own Investment project. They were encouraged and inspired by his noble example. His enthusiasm was contagious. Others caught the spirit, and the Investment Offering began to grow. The offering jumped from approximately one hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars in one year. The power of example coupled with positive leadership brought results. At the time of the 1960 Autumn Council the Sabbath School Department was requested to raise one million dollars through the Investment Offering during the year 1961. This is one offering that comes through the wonderful prospering hand of God as a direct result of our investing for Him. We will need the encouragement and positive leadership of our ministers if we are to succeed in reaching this challenging goal.
If all join wholeheartedly in promoting this offering, it is certain that God will give results. It is His work. He is more interested in it than we can possibly be.
If we are successful in doing our full part in this great undertaking, there will be a feeling of satisfaction that will be ample reward for our efforts. However, when we stop to consider what can be accomplished in the mission field with the money realized from investing for Him, it will bring us double joy.
Remember that "nothing is so successful as success" (Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 24). One minister's example and leadership inspires another. One good Sabbath school report of achievement stimulates another. It is like throwing a stone into a lake. A wave is formed, and another and another. The circle grows larger and larger until it reaches the shore. So will it be with the influence of our leadership on the Investment Offering.
May God richly bless our ministry in their many responsibilities and varied leadership. May success in your Sabbath school Investment Offering be one of the many rewards of your leadership.
