What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Please search my writings for topics such as the networks of church leaders, nepotism, reforms, evangelism strategies, the responsibility when one cannot change the situation of the church, and admonitions to look up to God in times of discouragement and despair – all in the sense of Adventist doctrine."
Answer
In the writings of Ellen G. White it is emphasized that God has not provided for a royal monopoly or selfish concentration of power and resources in His church, but rather a shared responsibility and mutual support. When problems arise, believers and leaders have the duty to boldly name the misdevelopments instead of remaining silent out of fear of influential persons. Regarding evangelism, it is highlighted that preachers must venture into new fields of work, while believers in periods of discouragement and despair should fix their gaze on Jesus and the divine promises.
No Royal Dominion and Distribution of Responsibility in the Church
»God has not instituted a royal authority in the Seventh-Day Adventist free church to dominate the entire body or any branch of the work. He did not intend for the burden of leadership to rest on a few men. Responsibilities are distributed among a large number of capable men. Every member of the church has a voice in the election of church officers. The congregation elects the officers of the local conferences. Delegates elected by the local conferences elect the officers of the union conferences, and delegates elected by the union conferences elect the officers of the General Conference. Through this arrangement each union, each institution, each congregation, and each individual, either directly or through representatives, has a voice in the election of the men who bear the primary responsibility in the General Conference.«
Warning Against Concentration of Power, Jealousy, and Lack of Reform Readiness
»I have been instructed that a reformation is needed in this regard, that greater generosity should prevail among us. There is a constant danger that even Seventh-Day Adventists may be overwhelmed by selfish ambition and seek to concentrate all resources and power in the areas of work they particularly oversee. There is a danger that people allow a feeling of jealousy to arise in their hearts, becoming envious of interests that are as important as those they themselves manage. ... Those who bear responsibility should carefully seek the welfare of every branch of the matter and of God’s work. They should promote and support concerns in other fields just as they do those in their own.«
The Duty to Boldly Address Problems in the Church
»Those who bear responsibility in the church have feared acting on their convictions, raising their voice, and relieving their conscience; as a result some have found themselves in bondage. God’s blessing does not rest on the church as it would if injustice in the church were not harbored by covering it up. ... When he sees that things are going wrong in the church, it is his duty to speak, and it is the church’s duty to support him. He feared expressing his convictions regarding the matters in the church that seemed to him to be wrong. Someone must take responsibility, move, speak, and correct errors, even when they cross the path of influential church members.«
Evangelism Strategy: Venturing into New Fields of Work
»If the preachers in New York want to help the congregation, they can do so in no better way than by going out into new fields and committing themselves to lead souls to the truth. When the congregation sees that the preachers are fully filled with the spirit of the work, that they deeply feel the power of truth and strive to bring others to its knowledge, this will bring new life and new strength to them. ... Had they, like faithful soldiers of the Cross of Christ, dared the step “outside the camp,” relied on God and their own abilities instead of heavily leaning on their brethren, they would have gained experience and would now be qualified to serve in the work where their help is most needed.«
Looking to Jesus in Times of Discouragement and Doubt
»Many who sincerely strive for heartfelt holiness and purity of life seem helpless and discouraged. They constantly look at themselves and lament their lack of faith; and because they have no faith, they think they cannot claim God’s blessing. These persons confuse feeling with faith. ... They should turn away from themselves in order to dwell in God’s mercy and goodness, recount His promises, and simply believe that He will fulfill His word. ... Darkness and discouragement may sometimes come over the soul and threaten to overwhelm us, but we should not discard our confidence. We must keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, feeling aside.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
