Christian Service

Chapter 8—Organizing Christian Forces

Organization Essential

Time is short, and our forces must be organized to do a larger work.—Testimonies for the Church 9:27. ChS 72.1

The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me by One who cannot err.—Testimonies for the Church 7:21, 22. ChS 72.2

Let there be in every church, well-organized companies of workers to labor in the vicinity of that church.—The Review and Herald, September 29, 1891. ChS 72.3

In every city there should be a corps of organized, well-disciplined workers; not merely one or two, but scores should be set to work.—The General Conference Daily Bulletin, January 30, 1893, 37. ChS 72.4

In our churches let companies be formed for service. Let different ones unite in labor as fishers of men. Let them seek to gather souls from the corruption of the world into the saving purity of Christ's love.—Testimonies for the Church 7:21. ChS 72.5

The church of Christ on earth was organized for missionary purposes, and the Lord desires to see the entire church devising ways and means whereby high and low, rich and poor, may hear the message of truth.—Testimonies for the Church 6:29. ChS 72.6

If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members, but for unbelievers. If in one place there are only two or three who know the truth, let them form themselves into a band of workers.—Testimonies for the Church 7:22. ChS 72.7

If discipline and order are necessary for successful action on the battlefield, the same are as much more needful in the warfare in which we are engaged as the object to be gained is of greater value and more elevated in character, than those for which opposing forces contend upon the field of battle. In the conflict in which we are engaged, eternal interests are at stake.—Testimonies for the Church 1:649. ChS 72.8

God is a God of order. Everything connected with heaven is in perfect order; subjection and thorough discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. Success can only attend order and harmonious action. God requires order and system in His work now no less than in the days of Israel. All who are working for Him are to labor intelligently, not in a careless, haphazard manner. He would have His work done with faith and exactness, that He may place the seal of His approval upon it.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 376. ChS 73.1

Well-organized work must be done in the church, that its members may understand how to impart the light to others, and thus strengthen their own faith and increase their knowledge. As they impart that which they have received from God, they will be confirmed in the faith. A working church is a living church. We are built up as living stones, and every stone is to emit light. Every Christian is compared to a precious stone that catches the glory of God and reflects it.—Testimonies for the Church 6:435. ChS 73.2