PRESENT-DAY CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2249, 10 March 1921, Page 2

PRESENT-DAY CHURCH.

WHAT A MINISTER SAYS,

Referring at the Methodist Conference at Wellington to the lack of young men offering for various branches of church work, the Rev. W. Lea stated that the shortage was due to the fact that ministers had not gone among the masses to gather in the raw material. He believed that this neglect was a result of the class distinction which had crept into the Church of Jesus Christ. In proof of' this contention ministerial sayings were quoted as to “upholding the Church’s dignity.” The fact that all members had travelled to conference first-class also pointed m the same direction.

“Such statements and actions,” declared the speaker, “fairly represent the attitude of the present-day Church. Yet many blind leaders fail to see reason for the existing gulf betwixt the Church and the masses, Christ declared Christians to be ‘salt of the earth,’ but it is impossible for salt to season without contact. Enthusiasm on behalf of the masses has given place to dignity, and consequently the world is no longer being turned upsidedown. The Church which was intended to revolutionise is fully engaged with passing resolutions. Many Church leaders no longer plead with and for men. We do not agonise, we only organise, consequently the Church is lifeless. With all reverence, and after having given the matter due consideration, rather than prove one of a few easy-going leaders saved from a mass of neglected unbelievers, I would prefer to go down damned with a damned world. Insofar as we hold aloof from tjje masses must we fail to influence th emasses.”