CREATIVE ADVICE

 

While typing Dad’s notes for the third book of collective sermons I am giving to my siblings I came across a short list of creative advice he gave to his fellow pastors. I think it is good advice for all of us.

1. Don’t monopolize conversations. “Your education may be the best of anyone present, but others like to express themselves.”

2. Answer your mail promptly. (Read ‘email’ today). “Missionaries do not relish having to ask repeatedly to come present their ministry. Dr. W. B. Riley said the success of his ministry was answering his mail the day he got it.”

3. Be honest in advertising and publicity. (Read ‘media’ today). “Nothing will bring disrepute to you and fellow workers quicker than a lie in the newspaper.”

 

4. Don’t try to run your former field. “Discourage letter writing. Don’t return for funerals. Back the new man.” His answer to the objection that Paul corresponded with former churches, “You are not Paul and you are not writing under inspiration.”

 

Another of Dad’s favorite sayings which was not on this list was, “God so loved the world that He did not send a committee.”

 

It has been a great blessing to go back and re-type all Dad’s sermon notes. He has been gone thirty years now, but like Abel in Hebrews 11:4, “he being dead yet speaketh.”