SOME ministers try to perform all the duties of the church by themselves. They spend long hours preparing their Sabbath sermon and half as many more for the midweek prayer service. Beyond this, fundraising campaigns, board and committee meetings, members' personal problems, visits to the sick, funerals and weddings, et cetera, occupy so much time that the pastor has little time or zest for his real job, which is fulfilling the gospel commission (Matt. 28:19).
A good executive rarely appears over worked. That's because he allocates responsibilities to others and yet knows what's going on. A minister likewise should assign certain definite duties (and see that they are carried out) to the officers and members of his church. Too often all the local elder does is to sit on the platform each Sabbath to announce a hymn or possibly offer the morning prayer. The extent of many a deacon's chore is to take up the weekly offering and escort members to and from their seats.
"But," you say, "no one in my church can do certain tasks the way I do them. Besides, if you want a thing done, do it yourself."
Granted. But remember, some layman may do almost as well. At least it will give him a feeling of accomplishment, and it will save you time. Maybe next time he will do better. "In every church," says Ellen G. White, "there is talent, which, with the right kind of labor, might be developed to become a great help in this work."— Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 117.
"It is not the Lord's purpose that ministers should be left to do the greatest part of the work of sowing the seeds of truth. Men who are not called to the ministry are to labor for their Master according to their several ability."—Ibid., p. 128. "We should be careful not to take upon our selves burdens that others can and should bear."—Ibid., vol. 3, p. 13.
Always remember, laymen grow under responsibility. Besides, the magnitude of the undertaking of proclaiming the gospel commission is far too much for ministers alone to complete in this generation. Evangelism must be the watchword of every Christian. All must bear witness to their faith.
The disciples of Christ recognized the urgency of spreading the gospel message. The Lord crucified and risen was uppermost in their thoughts. Their lives revolved around Him. Even though they lacked degrees, held no church office, and were without funds for evangelism, they witnessed to their faith.
Instill in your members the knowledge that the early Christians faced greater obstacles than any that now exist. They were a much smaller, despised minority than Seventh-day Adventists. The Jews were openly hostile, and the pagan Gentiles ridiculed them. Despite persecutions they achieved marked success because they were obedient to the heavenly vision (Acts 26: 19).
Not only do we have the same gospel as the early Christians, but we have far better tools and more advanced methods at our disposal.
Take time to see that "every member of the church should be instructed in a regular system of labor. All are required to do something for the Lord. . . . The minister who shall educate, discipline, and lead an army of efficient workers will have glorious conquests here, and a rich reward awaits him when, around the great white throne, he shall meet those saved through his influence."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 308.
To operate at maximum efficiency you must have a trained core of workers. Of course, you must work much harder than anyone else in your church, but remember, don't try to do it all yourself. Organize your members into active service for Christ; everyone, cripples and invalids included, must be given a task, no matter how small. Only by united action can we hope to hasten the return of Jesus.
