What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "What principles apply to the external form and behavior on the pulpit?"
Answer
A preacher on the pulpit should adopt a dignified and modest demeanor that corresponds to the holy truths he proclaims. Any gesture that recalls an actor, such as exaggerated motions, shouting, or theatrical behavior, must be strictly avoided, as it devalues the solemn message. In addition, careful, orderly clothing and a melodic, well‑modulated voice are required to leave a positive impression on the listeners.
Dignified presence instead of theatrical effects
»On the pulpit one must not assume attitudes and expressions that are calculated for effect‑seeking. Preachers have no permission to behave like theater actors... They do not take the holy place as actors, but as teachers of serious truths. There are also fanatical preachers who, in trying to preach Christ, rage, shout, jump up and down and pound the lectern in front of them as if this physical exercise would be of any use. Such caprices give no power to the truths expressed, but rather repel people of calm judgment and elevated views.«
Influence of clothing and gestures on the listeners
»The preacher must consider that his appearance on the pulpit—his posture, his manner of speaking, and his clothing—creates favorable or unfavorable impressions on his listeners. He should cultivate courtesy and refinement of manners and conduct himself with a calm dignity appropriate to his high calling. Solemnity and a certain divine authority, blended with meekness, should characterize his behavior. Coarseness and rudeness are not tolerated in ordinary life, let alone in the service of the preaching office.«
Awe and prayer when entering the pulpit
»According to the light given to me, it would be pleasing to God if preachers knelt as soon as they step onto the pulpit and earnestly pray to God for help. What impression would that make? It would place solemnity and reverence on the people... Preachers should first look to God when they enter the pulpit, thereby telling everyone: God is the source of my strength. A preacher who is careless in his clothing often offends people of good taste and refined sensibility.«
Avoidance of comedy and inappropriate language
»I have been pointed out that it is wrong to use coarse, disrespectful expressions, to tell anecdotes for amusement, or to present comic illustrations to provoke laughter. Sarcasm and word‑plays with an opponent’s statements do not correspond to God’s order... The voice can be trained so that even prolonged speaking does not harm the vocal organs. Preachers should love order and discipline themselves.«
Order and taste in clothing
»Some people's clothing was even untidy. It lacked not only taste and order in the design of the garments on the body and a color suitable for a servant of Christ, but some clothing was even sloppy. Some preachers wear a light vest with dark trousers or a dark vest with light trousers, without taste or orderly arrangement... When the preacher gives people an example of order and shows them the appropriateness of cleanliness and taste in their clothing, or he gives them lessons in negligence.«
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.
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