Some Reflections Regarding the Minister

Editor’s note: This article is reprinted from “The Moravian,” May 26, 1945, page three.

“We have always regarded the Christian ministry as the highest calling that a man could follow. The office is, however, becoming increasingly difficult to fill, and the requirements have become such that only men of outstanding ability can meet them.”

“There are undoubtedly men in the pulpit who have mistaken their calling. Some have failed to recognize the intensely serious aspect of the work and are unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices; some do not qualify as preachers; others fail to realize the problems and difficulties that beset their parishioners.

We have long felt that it would be well if every candidate for the ministry, before he is given his first charge, could ‘take a job’ for a time and rub elbows with his fellow-workers in the office, shop, or store. It would give him an understanding of human nature which he could not get otherwise, but which is essential to his success in judging the true character of those with whom he had to deal.”

“The average minister must prepare at least one sermon, and often two, every week, plus, probably, a discourse for the midweek service, and perhaps a funeral address or a ‘short talk’ on some special topic. Based on our own limited experience in authorship, this is, mentally, a Herculean task. And these discourses must be of a high standard; they must be suitable for the audiences to whom they are addressed.”

“The minister must be able to get along with people; to speak the truth in love, without promoting dissension in his congregation.”

“There is a heavy drain on the minister’s sympathies. The troubles and problems of his parishioners, and often of persons outside his congregation, are poured into his ears, and he is expected to be ready, at any hour of the day or night, to counsel and advise. If he is not naturally tactful and possessed of a fine knowledge of human nature, he is liable to hinder and not help in such cases. But many a soul who is beset with spiritual problems and other difficulties has reason to thank God for the help given him by his pastor.”

Article researched and compiled by Andrew David, intern, Interprovincial Board of Communication.