The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1915-01-07
BY WILLIAM 7. ELLIS.

How many Christians unitedly do
comprehensive service for the whole
nation and the entire world? That
is big question. difficult question,
and pressing question. All the
temptation for a local church lies IN
the direction OF parochialism. Church
work suffers from smallness and SELF
centeredness. The problem IS TO re-
late every individual congregation and
Christian TO the broader work or the
XII gdom The system OF denomina-
tional boards that is in present use Is
admittedly imperfect. There is too
much waste energy In II. II overlaps
too greatly and overlooks too much.
The national and international agen-
cies are too many, and too seriously
dur Heated, owing TO the nearly two
hundred Protestant denominations In
North America. A slow, strong. steady
drift OF our day Is toward the reorgan-
ization Of UNCONVENTIONAL boards, with
a view 10 lessened expense and In
creased efficiency. Interest In these
larger phases OF Christian work is ex-
pected OF all thoughtful church mem
bers.
Notwithstanding all their limita-
tons and defects, UNCONVENTIONAL
/ boards are the best means for secur-
i ing an outreach OF ones personality,
influence and offerings. They repre-
sent the individual Christian In fields
which he could not personally enter
| In his behalf and at his behest. they
work for him In ways In which he is
NOT personally skilled. A diversified,
constant and far-reaching ministry IL
possible TO every church member
through his denominational benevo-
lent boards.
All boards are not Of equal import
ance. The wise giver exercises dis
elimination In his support. II, by any
method OF for any reason, church
members should acquire the habit OF
giving conventionally a lump sum to
all bepevolences, much OF the Joy and
Inspiration and effectiveness OF giving
would be lost. An intelligent study OF
church boards, their purpose, person
mel and methods, is really the duty Of
every discriminating church number,
Seldom are the long-established
church boards "a sensational In their
appeals as certain independent organ
izations. The very word "undenomina-
tional" sounds alluring TO many per
sons The result has been that large
sums are contributed TO agencies
which are irresponsible and relatively
ineffective, being strong only in the
money-raising end Candid words
! need TO be spoken about this. Every
unbiased investigation OF which have
knowledge has shown that the cheap
est. the best-administered and the
most effective form OF missionary
work r. that under the care Of the
great UNCONVENTIONAL boards. These
latter are thoroughly responsible: and
amenable TO the givers. Through the
church courts they may be brought
to book at any time. over independ-
ent Philanthropies there Is no control.
/ - -
| A devoted giver. plus church board,
r. the fulflment OF the command to
go Into all the world"
! One by one old church leaders are
diving on. Where are their success
ors? There Is always call for young
men who will give thought and time
10 the larger concerns OF the KINGDOM
The two principal qualifications are a
sincere and intelligent interest In
Christ's work in all It's aspects; and