Camp-Meetings Their Object, and How to Conduct Them

Ministerial Help

In camp-meetings, or tent efforts, in or near the large cities, there should be an abundance of ministerial help. In all our camp-meetings the ministerial force should be as strong as possible. It is not wise to allow a constant strain upon one or two men. Under such a strain they become physically and mentally exhausted, and are unable to do the work appointed them. That the camp-meeting may have the strength required, ministers should arrange beforehand to leave their fields of labor in safe hands,—with those who, though they may not be able to preach, can carry forward the work from house to house. In God many can do valiantly; and for their labour they will see returns, the richness of which will surprise them. PH130 16.5

In our large meetings a variety of gifts is needed. Fresh capabilities must be brought into the work. Opportunity must be given for the Holy Spirit to work on the mind. Then the truth will be presented with freshness and power. PH130 17.1

In conducting the important interests of meetings near a large city, the co-operation of all the workers is essential. All should keep in the very atmosphere of the meetings, watching the people as they come in and go out, showing the utmost courtesy and kindness, and a tender regard for their souls. They should be ready to speak to them in season and out of season, watching to win souls. O that Christ's workers would show one half so much vigilance as does Satan, who is always on the track of human beings, always wide awake watching to lay some gin or snare to destroy them. PH130 17.2

Let every succeeding day be made the most important day of labour. That day, that evening, may be the only opportunity which some soul may have to hear the truth. Keep this ever in mind. PH130 17.3

When ministers allow themselves to be called away from their work to visit the churches, they not only exhaust their physical strength, but they rob themselves of the time needed for study and prayer and for silence before God in self-examination. Thus they are unfitted to do the work when and where it should be done. PH130 17.4

There is nothing more needed in the work than the practical results of communion with God. We should show by our daily lives that we have peace and rest in God. His peace in the heart will shine forth in the countenance. It will give to the voice a persuasive power. Communion with God will impart a moral elevation to the character and to the entire course of action. Men will take knowledge of us, as of the first disciples, that we have been with Jesus. This will impart to the minister's labours a power even greater than that which comes from the influence of his preaching. Of this power he must not allow himself to be deprived. Communion with God through prayer and the study of His word must not be neglected, for here is the source of his strength. No work for the church can take precedence of this. PH130 17.5

We have too slight a hold on God and on eternal realities. If men will walk with God, He will hide them in the cleft of the Rock. Thus hidden, they can see God, even as Moses saw Him. With the power and light that God imparts, they can comprehend more and accomplish more than they had before deemed possible. PH130 18.1

More ability, tact, and wisdom are needed in presenting the Word and feeding the flock of God than many suppose. A dry, lifeless presentation of the truth belittles the most sacred message that God has given to men. PH130 18.2

Those who teach the Word, must themselves live in hourly contact, in conscious, living communion with God. The principles of truth and righteousness and mercy must be within them. They must draw from the Fountain of all wisdom, moral and intellectual power. Their hearts must be alive with the deep movings of the Spirit of God. PH130 18.3

The source of all power is limitless, and if in your great need you will seek for the Holy Spirit to work your own soul, if you shut yourself in with God, be assured that you will not come before the people dry and spiritless. Praying much and beholding Jesus, you will cease to exalt self. If you patiently exercise faith, trusting God implicitly, you will recognize the voice of Jesus saying, “Come up higher.” PH130 18.4