Christian Service

Chapter 5—The Church a Training Center

The Need of the Hour

That which is needed now for the upbuilding of our churches is the nice work of wise laborers to discern and develop talent in the church,—talent that can be educated for the Master's use. There should be a well organized plan for the employment of workers to go into all our churches, large and small, to instruct the members how to labor for the upbuilding of the church, and also for unbelievers. It is training, education, that is needed. Those who labor in visiting the churches should give the brethren and sisters instruction in practical methods of doing missionary work.—Testimonies for the Church 9:117. ChS 58.1

God expects His church to discipline and fit its members for the work of enlightening the world. An education should be given that would result in furnishing hundreds who would put out to the exchangers valuable talents. By the use of these talents, men would be developed who would be prepared to fill positions of trust and influence, and to maintain pure, uncorrupted principles. Thus great good would be accomplished for the Master.—Testimonies for the Church 6:431, 432. ChS 58.2

Every worker should be understandingly efficient. Then in a high, broad sense he can present the truth as it is in Jesus.—Testimonies for the Church 7:70. ChS 58.3

There should be no delay in this well-planned effort to educate the church members.—Testimonies for the Church 9:119. ChS 58.4

The greatest help that can be given our people is to teach them to work for God, and to depend on Him, not on the ministers.—Testimonies for the Church 7:19. ChS 58.5

It is evident that all the sermons that have been preached have not developed a large class of self-denying workers. This subject is to be considered as involving the most serious results. Our future for eternity is at stake. The churches are withering up because they have failed to use their talents in diffusing light. Careful instruction should be given which will be as lessons from the Master, that all may put their light to practical use.—Testimonies for the Church 6:431. ChS 58.6

The people have had too much sermonizing; but have they been taught how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has a line of labor been devised and placed before them in such a way that each has seen the necessity of taking part in the work?—Testimonies for the Church 6:431. ChS 59.1

It is by education and practice that persons are to be qualified to meet any emergency which may arise; and wise planning is needed to place each one in his proper sphere, that he may obtain an experience that will fit him to bear responsibility.—Testimonies for the Church 9:221. ChS 59.2