For thirty-five years, Daniel F. Roth was a German-speaking Seventh-day Adventist minister. When he died, his son, Don A. Roth, was sorting the boxes of items left behind and came across some textbooks his father had used when he attended the old Clinton Theological Seminary. (This institution was operated in Clinton, Missouri, from 1910 to 1925 as a junior college with affiliated grade school and academy. Drawing students from the many German-speaking Adventists in the Midwest, its purpose was to train ministers for work among German immigrants.) The flyleaf of one book carried the following counsel, which D. F. Roth had written by hand in English and titled, "Twenty Don'ts for Young Preachers." We feel it is excellent advice, not only for young ministers, but for those of every age, and just as pertinent today as when it was written decades ago.
—Editors.
1. Don't live beyond your income.
2. Don't be a stingy person.
3. Don't preach your doubts.
4. Don't preach so much against things as for principles.
5. Don't be tempted on any occasion not to preach your best.
6. Don't be looking for a larger field or another call.
7. Don't be a pessimist.
8. Don't deal in off-color stories.
9. Don't lose your temper in public.
10. Don't overlook the Bible when looking for [preaching] texts.
11. Don't be jealous of your fellow ministers.
12. Don't scold or deal in personalities.
13. Don't be artificial or sensational.
14. Don't belittle little things.
15. Don't be lazy.
16. Don't neglect the sick and sorrowing.
17. Don't betray a confidence.
18. Don't fail to keep your appointments.
19. Don't allow anyone to dictate your message.
20. Don't fail to pray.
by Daniel F. Roth