to accept another position or he may be asked to continue on for several years more. A Protestant church must be democratic but its members do not direct matters independently of one another, the boards or the pastor. It matters not how capable any member may be. If he cannot re ceive authority and work with others in humility and love he will be of little use to the church. When members are made aware of this, when they are personally contacted, when they know exactly what they must do, what the church hopes to do and what help they can expect in doing it, then more and more of the members will gladly assum e a vital role in Christ’s body. Members assuming such roles have a stake in the church and know that the local church has a stake in them. Ser mons on the spiritual and financial obligations of members will not fall on deaf ears. As y o u th ink th rou gh these thoughts in terms of your own church ask yourself these questions: What concrete tasks do I hold in my church? Do I have too many? Am I encouraging assistants to take my place? Do I take advantage of tra in in g and refresher courses when they are offered? Do I have a Christ-like Spirit of humility with co-workers? Do I resent criti cism and help from the pastor? Do I ask for any? Would I be cheer ful if the church gave my position to someone else or would I act like a child and assume that others are too worldly to do the splendid job I am doing — for God, of course? If I am doing just about nothing in my church am I willing to give time and energy and heart to the church in gratitude to the one who spared not His life for my soul? Is my one, short life counting as it can — as it should — for God? As an officer am I working with my pastor to mine the untold human wealth in our church that should be used for Christ? As I write these words within me I hear a voice asking, “ As a pastor, does your ministry bespeak confidence in your people and Mine?” END.
importance of leadership training. W e feel that Mr. Jones is growing in grace, attends church worship regularly and therefore would “ be good for that job.” W ith no previ ous training whatever he is thrust into it and expected to make a go of it. If he feels inadequate he is told that “ God will help you,” to which he replies to himself, “He had better because no one else will.” Essential classes are: 1) Classes in teaching and audio visual aids, 2) a course for new officers in the goals and organiza tion of the total church, 3) methods of visitation and counseling, 4) methods of evangelism, 5) methods of ministering to the sick, 6) learn ing what your group or organiza tion can do to further missions, 7) stewardship and the financial goals of the church and 8) a class for new members.
and must have a working knowl edge of Scripture or be willing to enlist in the teacher training course to be conducted shortly. He must not he a compulsive talker who loves to lecture because the shut-ins and sick will partially require coun seling and mature understanding. It is the shut-in who may wish to express fears, concerns, etc., and probably does not want to be harsh ly indoctrinated. He should be cheerful but not an obvious extro vert. He should be in fair health and have a means of transportation or at least be able to use the bus. He cannot be a gossip. A retired person w h o has surrendered a heavy schedule in the church but has an ability to pray short prayers, listen carefully and work depend ably would be fine. After studying the card file on members, the board or committee chooses one person. A representative
D
uring National Sunday School Week, it is a privilege to give support to those who advance the goals o f religious education across the breadth o f our land. This country was founded on basic principles derived from citizens o f character and abiding faith. To keep these privileges alive and meaningful requires the continual training o f each generation. Congratulations to the men, women and children who serve and attend the Sunday schools o f our nation. — PRESIDENT DW IG H T D. E ISENHOW ER
of the committee makes an appoint ment to see him. Then at the man’s home — and certainly not over the telephone — the position is de scribed, the committee’s confidence in him is expressed and he is in vited to accept the position. It is difficult to overemphasize the
When any Christian accepts a position in the church he certainly will want to do so with the full authority of the Church of Jesus in view. He can expect direction and encouragement. He can expect crit icism in love. After a year or two or three he will automatically leave
The King's Business/October 1957
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