BV . S JO 1916 JAN 2 :; 1954 Saved to Serve" An Inner Mission Vision - of the Ideal Congregation with Practical Hints : : ■r'Tf INHtK MISSION Copyrighted by THE INNEK MISSION BOARD of the GENERAL SYNOD EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in the United States of America. -^^^^^^^^^^ m ^ 7 M^^ TH ^^CAL^f^^i: IbV 2650 .S-.8 1^- I "Saved to sei-ve ^ What is Inner Mission? ^ Its Ideal in Your Congregation. ^ The Machinery Needed. ^ A Few Full Examples of Service. ^ Many Mere Hints. LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY FOREWORD. 1 . This booklet is suggestive in one direction of Inner Mission development, although it is the most important one — namely, congregational development. 2. It is not expected that any suggestions herein are to be mechanically imitated. Individual and con- gregational lives will be hindered in their best Chris- tian grovsi;h through mere imitation of one another. The hope of the booklet is to reveal practically the Inner Mission idea, and to inspire devotion thereto. May every congregation work out that idea, under the Holy Spirit, in its own life. There are literally hun- dreds of practical forms of service which prayerful, loving thought can devise differently in each congre- gation. It is to be "all for Jesus' sake." Address all communications to REV. WM. FREAS Gen. Secretary 1053 TRINITY AVENUE, NEW YORK CITY Copyrighted, 1916 THE INNER MISSION BOARD of the GENERAL SYNOD of the EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in the United States of America. I. WHAT IS INNER MISSION? Those who know something about Inner Mission, generally conceive it to involve chiefly the planting of many forms of INSTITUTIONS (Hospitals. Homes, Hospices, etc.) of helpfulness in Jesus' Name. That is, however, a secondary matter to In- ner Mission. The primary idea is the aim TO REALIZE A WONDERFUL VISION OF THE CHRIS- TIAN CHURCH — one which the present age can well understand. It is a true vision of what the Church must be. The idea of Inner Mission, even as first proclaimed by Wichern, is to realize the universal priesthood of all believers — to re-establish the primitive ideal of Christianity, in that LOVING SERVICE TO A NEEDY WORLD BECOMES IHE MANIFEST SIGN. WHER- EVER THERE IS A CHRISTIAN— to have the Church (the ENTIRE Church, mark it) prove her faith by her saving love. It is thus the idea of Inner Mission to put the entire so-called "laity" into the Samaritan attitude of vital, PERSONAL touch with need. THE PRIME AIM MUST, THEREFORE. ALWAYS BE CONGREGA- TIONAL DEVELOPMENT. The unused, flabby strength of members is to be developed, and the way of effectual service prepared for them. TTiere must be an increased force of real Christian ministry in every congregation. Inner Mis- sion's ideal is to have the entire live and conscious Church in service. It emphasizes the constantly for- gotten, despised fact that it is THE CHURCH (not just pastors and deaconesses) to which is given the commission of carrying out Christ's work upon earth. Congregations must more largely gain the idea of personal, loving service of men for Jesus' sake. Inner Mission is the Church's endeavor to make real to-day, what Christ was in His day — a per- son going about "doing good"; it is the Christ of "yesterday and to-day", going about in the person of His members, applying the balm of Gilead to the world's open sore, whether mental, moral, physical, or social — and always, as with Christ, for the pur- pose of reaching the depth of the wound, — SIN. 2. ITS IDEAL IN YOUR CONGREGA- TION. Practically all Christian Churches lack a virile conception that every Christian is saved to serve. "A faithful fewf" do all the w^ork. Are we to settle down to an acceptance of that situation? In those congregations which have been famous for their achievements, that is the very thing which has FIRST been overcome. The pastor who realizes the incal- culable loss his congregation and each member thereof suffer through this lack, who becomes inspired by the Inner Mission vision of individual service, and who urges this to fruition, will embark upon a new era of usefulness and joy. Pastors know, at least in part, what Christian work is waiting to be done in their congregations, and in the world's life all around the Church door. Many know also that personal love, for Jesus' sake, is the one agency which can do the work. Not all pastors know that the workers are also waiting WITHIN THEIR CONGREGATION, with the love in their hearts — waiting to be shown the work. It is thus to be recognized that Inner Mission is nothing new. To a greater or less extent, it already exists in all congregations. It is Christianity prac- tically applied. It is any service done by a Christian because he is a Christian. The ideal is however, that every member of a con- gregation shall be in loving service. That means two things. It means, in the first place, that each individual shall be led to give himself to the doing of at least one definite, worthy, regular task in the con- gregation's work. It surely means, in the second place, that each Christian shall go out in daily life with the consciousness of being Christ's servant; he must have the love that goes about doing good, all kinds of good, material and spiritual; he must help individuals and groups with their social and economic problems, by practical assistance, as well as spiritual advice ; he must be, as it were, a Christian pastor in the shop, the labor union, the social club, the farm, etc. ; thus the truth would grow clearer everywhere that "the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands," but that "YE are the temple of God." 3. THE MACHINERY NEEDED. Little machinery is necessary. Take the congre- gation as it is. No need to REform it. IN form it, and it will become TRANSformed. The following suggestions may help in the process. (I.) AGITATE the subject lovingly, persist- ently. Preach sermons upon Inner Mission, and use its purposes in the application of many sermons. Gain information by securing through our Publication Society, Pfeiffer's "Mission Studies" and Ohl's "TTie Inner Mission." The single chapter in the former is most illuminating on right principles. The latter is a complete study. Loan those books and copies of this pamphlet, (secured from the Inner Mission Board free of charge) to picked individuals. If a member of the Inner Mission Board is near, secure him for a talk to your people. If the Deaconess Board has a Deaconess near, secure her for that purpose; write to the Mother- house (2500 West North Av., Baltimore) for such arrangement. A deaconess is truly a director of Inner Mission activity. She can speak upon this topic as well as upon her specific work. If there is a City or Synodical Inner Mission So- ciety near, secure its representative to enlighten others. Where such a society exists or is to be organized, in- fluence it so that, in addition to the institutional side of Inner Mission work, it will promote the primary, congregational side. (2.) AN INNER MISSION COMMIT- TEE — the only machine needed. An additional so- ciety destroys the idea that the Inner Mission spirit is essential in the ENTIRE congregation. Form a committee of picked individuals who love the work: the entire Church Council, or part thereof; or one individual from each society ; or a freely chosen circle. Educate and inspire them. This Committee becomes, as it were, a bureau of Christian employment. They must study the congre- gation, its individuals and groups; study and pray, that they may have lines of Christian work to suggest to all. The Pastor cannot find individual Christian work for each member. It would take his entire time. He must cease, in this as in all things, trying to do everything himself (a course in which the people are very willing to encourage him). The Committee might conduct an every-member canvass for doing deeds of kindness. Results cannot be expected in a hurry. Patient effort is needed with every individual. The idea will spread. Each one gained for the spirit of service is a gain indeed. The Committee may find guidance for work from the examples in this pamphlet. We present ways of service which HAVE BEEN TRIED. A society 10 or group or class may be induced to take up some special example, (even though not grouped under that society's heading). The Inner Mission Board will furnish details concerning any item. Your spe- cial opportunities will reveal much unmentioned here- in ; give the Board the benefit of your experience. (3). COMMITTEE LEADERS. The com- mittee will need one or more of these. Find such in your congregation through prayerful thought and in- terview. Lay hands upon them. Their consecrated wisdom and enthusiasm will be ENTIRELY SUF- FICIENT for leadership. They will soon come to shoulder many a pastor's burdens, as they catch the Inner Mission vision. (If it is desired and possible to have a trained leader, our Deaconess Motherhouse at Baltimore gives a one- year practical course to any woman. The cost, in- cluding home and board in the Motherhouse, is merely $125. Perhaps the congregation can arrange for this. The day is coming when we shall have arrangements to train men similarly.) If the congregation can arrange to have a deac- oness, she is especially trained to be a leader in Inner Mission work. Her purpose among the people is, not to do their work, but to guide them in doing it. 11 4.— A FEW FULL EXAMPLES OF SERVICE. Letters to Baptized Children. Baptized children are members of the Church, and stand in a most tender and vital relation to the congre- gation. It is the duty of the Church to see to it that the vows are not forgotten. Have a carefully pre- pared set of letters to be written to each child on the Baptismal Roll, upon each of the child's first five birthdays. TTie letters for the various anniversaries should be suitable to the birthday at the time. (The Inner Mission Board will gladly send model letters). They should not be type-written nor printed post- cards. They should express personality and personal interest. This will remind parents of their Christian duty, and the child will grow into the Sunday School and Christian nurture. Parents love their children. Christian thoughtfulness for parents makes parents thoughtful, and hallows their love for their children. Let a member or several members, as need be, have copies of the baptismal records, with the dates of births properly copied, as a basis for this work, which such member or members will do. The letters should bear, as signature, the name of the congregation. "The Message for the Day." In every community there are "Shut-Ins" and "Shut-Outs." The former are known to include the sick, disabled, aged, etc. There are many others, however, who are practically "shut-out" from attend- 12 ance at public worship by their occupation and other causes: railroad employees, hotel and restaurant em- ployees, domestic servants, elevator men, physicians, policemen, firemen, watchmen, etc., etc. There are more than we know. Both classes should be reached by the Church's message. We must care for them. Our Publication Society issues a leaflet with the above title for every Sunday of the year. It contains a brief form of quiet worship for the individual, and a Ser- monette. Send for samples. Per copy, 20 cents a year. (Other tracts may be used, but these are espe- cially appropriate for the two classes. They are similar to those distributed in hundreds of thousands by Inner Mission efforts in Germany). Let a few individuals or a group (with a chairman) in the con- gregation, search out all such individuals. Provide also in some way for subscriptions to the required number, and see that a copy is PERSONALLY de- livered to all. Personal delivery is important, open- ing the way for larger opportunities of service. The distributors are also blessed. Often the recipients will gladly pay a cent for each copy. Publish the fact of the distribution, and let every member who loves his fellowmen sufficiently to realize that he knows such an individual, secure from the chairman each Sunday his or her copy for delivery. Only the Lord knows what the harvest will be. His Word is sown, and the harvest is sure. 13 Associate Sunday School Worffers. In every parish there are those who cannot take regular part in the Sunday School work. Let your Inner Mission Committee seek such persons in each section of the parish, who will definitely give them- selves to observe children who do not attend Sunday School. Have them visit, invite, persuade all such children and their parents. This will increase the interest of the congregation in the school. It will also open the way for larger service by the visitors to those homes. Care of Confirmed Classes. Organize each class of catechumens with elected officers, or let a boy and girl, young man and young woman (as the case may be), be appointed, who after confirmation will keep up a personal interest in the members. These appointees can keep trace of all members; visit them, write to them, have things in readiness for invitations to social occasions, for days to attend services in a body, for weddings or funerals of members of the class, etc. They will become steady pastor's assistants in the care of the classes for years after. This need not conflict with any organ- izations for holding together the young, but may parallel or supplement them. It is a matter between the class and those appointed. Above all, the inter- est should be personal, and not organizational. 14 Attention to the Sick' Cultivate this idea broadcast in the congregation and in its societies. Secure also individuals and groups, especially fitted and inclined, vk^ho will be ready for assignments in such w^ork. Sometimes a pastor's visit will thus be unnecessary; always his visit can be followed up effectually. Christ mentions this service as one to which He will refer in the last great Day. The Christian disciple should not rele- gate it officially to his pastor, and so forego it. TTie human heart craves sympathy in the time of sickness. Let there always be Christians who will give it, who will find a way to evidence it for Jesus' sake. Many forms of usefulness come under this heading; a num- ber of them will be found in this booklet. The man- ner of working may be somewhat different in different communities. Though differing, the idea of helpful- ness and comfort, in one form or another, should be maintained. Instruct assigned ones as to care and tact, as to heeding physicians' advice, as to observing suitable times for visits, as to making them short, as to being cheerful, as to expressing or implying the comforts of religion. When needed, the visitor may remain to do work in the disarranged home. Two members can divide the watch of a night and give relief to weary members of a household, still obtaining some rest for themselves. 15 Educational Campaigns. Have the Inner Mission Committee conduct an edu- cational campaign, to present the work of all Boards of the General Synod. It may be carried on for catechetical classes, for some society, or for the con- gregation in general. The educational idea is to re- ceive the emphasis. All need information. Just tell them. Let benevolent contributions come v^hen they will, but DO NOT KEEP THE PEOPLE IN THE DARK. Let individuals IN THE CON- GREGATION, be appointed, who will study the work of a Board, securing information as needed, from the secretaries. Let those individuals, them- selves greatly benefited by the study, present the topic as best they can. In connection with the presenta- tion, tracts secured from the Boards, may be distrib- uted. Such tracts may also regularly be placed in the book racks of pews, to be read by early arrivals at Sunday Service, or to be taken home, or to be handed to others. La^ Readers. Read the illuminating report on this subject in the Minutes of the General Synod of 1915, pages 1 79 to 185. In accordance with that report, develop the powers of public expression in such as have the proper gift. Begin to assign such for assistance at public services, reading the Scripture lesson, conducting parts 16 of the liturgy occasionally. They may also read the committal service at a grave, when the pastor cannot be present. During a pastor's absence at Synod or on a vacation, services may nevertheless be held. Con- gregations where regular preaching is infrequent, can have meetings conducted by approved lay workers. New congregations can be organized through their efforts. Methodism was largely spread by the "local preacher." Present the opp>ortimity for lay help in those functions which are too often accepted as ex- clusively "clerical." Make practical our grand Lutheran doctrine of "the UNIVERSAL PRIEST- HOOD of ALL BELIEVERS." It can be done compatibly with good order and dignity. 17 5. MANY MERE HINTS. A. Jrmer Mission in the congregation generally. MTT Keep in touch, through some members' corre- -^ spondence, with army and navy men who are members of the congregation, but away from home. If you are within reach of posts, forts, navy yards, etc., arrjinge for an interest in the entire force there, and especially in men of our own denomination. Pre- vent their religious isolation. Look for other such groups of isolated individuals in your locality. ^ Arrange for correspondence with children and ■^ others who were in the parish, but are now, tem- porarily or permanently, away at an institution or else- where. tflT Have MEMBERS look up absentees from serv- ■^ ices, seeking their return. Have correspondence opened with those who have moved away, so that they may to some degree become associated elsewhere. Prevent the loss of grace begun. tfjT The choir should be made to know that they are ^ ministers of holy things in the sanctuary. A sanctified esprit du corps may be fostered among them. They may elect officers and discuss their sacred office. Processional choirs should have a marshal (to form the line and have charge of the procession), keepers of the wardrobe, librarians, etc. The choir may have its own social occasions, etc. 18 #T[ Young people or Sunday School classes can keep -" the service, song, and library books in repair by reinforcing them, covering them, etc. Architect's tracing cloth and tough paper, together with library paste and liquid glue, prolong the life of the books, and make for a feeling of proprietorship. This idea can be extended to other things, involving personal labor. fl Appoint members whose special duty it shall be to welcome worshipers, both members and strang- This makes the church "homelike." tfjl Attack the problem of innocent and healthful -^ recreation and social life away from enervating or contaminating influences. If there is no available gymnasium in your neighborhood, see if you can pro- vide one. Maybe there is space about your property which could be more profitably worked in and used than at present. Think of tennis courts; bowling alleys; shower baths; rooms for social gatherings, where the young may meet, sexes separately and at times together, under the proper auspices; baseball, football, and basketball teams. Phonographs and moving pictures have been used with good results; also stereopticons, with rented slides illustrating foreign lands, the Holy Land, etc. In general, study how to provide real enjoyment without silliness. Arrange that all these things shall be under the sympathetic supervision of older members who understand how 19 to restrain and direct the younger members, without oppressing them. Workers in this department bridge over much misunderstanding between the older and younger elements of the congregation, which often results in the loss of influence with youth. Time and personal work will be required. Contact with youth will keep the workers young. #]T Devise practical ways of inculcating religious ^ observances in the home: family devotions, prayer at the table, religious instruction by the head of the home. #11 Cultivate the Inner Mission idea of Christian -^ kindliness everywhere in life's walk: on the street, to strangers, to railroad employees, to shopkeepers and their help, to telephone operators, etc. ^ Look up the "Big Brother" movement, and the opportunities it provides. tfjT Study the entire organization of the congregation, -^ as to its societies. Consider the value of a Woman's Home and Foreign Mission Society, and the opportunities to spread the missionary idea through all societies. Think of the value of a Ladies* Aid Society. Investigate the ideas of a Lutheran Brother- hood; of the "Every Member Canvass." Use all societies for the betterment of the congregation as a whole, for the improvement of church attendances, etc. 20 Keep the activities of all societies in proper co-opera- tion, without too much overlapping and lost energy. Stimulate the Church Council's personal interest in the aims of them all. Let all make interesting reports at congregational meetings, followed by discussion. J][ It is worth while to have regular visitors who will •^ go to the homes of those couples married by the pastor. A visit within a month or so of the mar- riage, may help to bring the newly formed household into the class of religious homes. ^ The clerical work incidental to a congregation's activities can be assigned to individuals, who will at stated times enter up communion, baptismal, funeral, etc., records; correct addresses; prepare nec- essary lists on a typewriter; even give certain hours for work as a secretary to the pastor, etc. JIT Elncourage among the members the spirit which is ■^ looking for young men and women who might enter the ministry. Many an individual has been pointed that way by the wise, interested suggestion of a church member who was not a pastor. tfjT Some men are sufficiently interested in boys and ■^ young men to plan for them a summer camp and to accompany them. The close contact of that life affords such men wonderful oppjortunities for real help to youth. 21 B. Inner Mission among the sick, '^e poor, children, etc. (Other hints applying here are given on other pages also.) tfjl Send the pulpit and altar flowers to the sick ^ with a written or printed card about as follows Altar Flowers — Evangelical Lutheran Church of — We have thought of you in the Lord's House where are The Beauty of Holiness (His Word) and The Fragrance of Prayer. ^ Scripture or other verses cut from block calen- -^ dars, old Bibles, and other sources, may be folded and placed in papers such as are used for medicine powders. Have them given or sent to the sick as "Comfort Powders" to be taken "according to directions." Let the verses be carefully selected. Similarly, large medicine capsules may be used. tfjT Used picture cards may be pasted, writing to writ- -^ ing, and sent to sick children; possibly to grown- ups. The task of preparing these will give work to young people, who will be delighted to serve. The pictures may also be cut up into puzzle pieces. 22 ^1[ Scrap books may be made by the use of copy books, covers of old books, etc. Fill them with pictures. If these have been selected as illustrating some subject of travel, science, manufacture, history, or merely selected for prettiness or whimsicality, vari- ous ages of patients will find them to be blessings. They may be filled also with clippings and short stor- ies, the cream of scissors-editorship. Send or bring to the sick helpful, cheerful read- ing. Or sunshine bags, containing marked pack- ages for each day for a month, or for each holiday; a toy trunk may be used as a container. (These are helpful for those long ill.) Or small pasteboard fans with Bible verses pasted in neat arrangement on both sides; also fans with humorous clippings. Or dain- ties, baskets of fruit, magazines, etc. #][ See that each society or committee is represented -^ by a visit and perhaps small tokens, when any member of such is sick. tf|[ In the case of needy families, raise funds among -^ a few friends for the payment of the druggist's bill, which is such a dislocation to the family finances. Thus remove worry at a time when worry is so harm- ful. ^ Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays are -" excellent opportunities for service among the needy. Send baskets of provisions. Young folks 23 can bring surprise by giving and helping to decorate Christmas trees for those who would be without or nearly so. Give Christmas gifts to those who really need them. ^ Write to the orphanages of our Church or to those ■^ near by, asking for hints as to articles which can be made. The paper dolls, circuses, gardens, etc., which appear in magazines to be cut out, may be con- structed. Have bean bags crocheted. Day nurser- ies may also be helped thus. tfjT Write to our own Home for the Aged and other -^ such institutions for hints as to articles which need to be supplied, giving an estimate as to how much you can do. Ability will increase with interest, as your work and the number of its friends increase. ^ Get in touch wath Lutheran nurses. Inspire them to work in their calling as for Jesus. MIT Busy housewives who often cannot attend the sick in person, can put up jelly in very small glasses. Get young ladies to cover berry boxes or very small baskets with attractive paper, and place a few glasses in each, for the sick. ^ Sevsong for the needy is a large opportunity. A "^ Dorcas Society of earnest women is richly blessed. Poor families are generally without a ma- chine. Do work for tired mothers and poorly clad children; make bed-covering, etc. 24 MTT Forgotten and broken toys accumulate ; these can ■^ be gathered — then mended and painted by mem- bers. They can be given where they will delight. In general, level surfeit and lack, in such a kindly way as to convince the membership that the brotherhood of Christ is more than form. C. Inner Mission in the Sunday School. (Find also on other pages that which may be specially applied here.) tfjT The Inner Mission spirit in the Sunday School -^ should emphasize, not perfection and success of organization or of numbers, etc., but rather the Christ spirit, — the untechnical. #][ The Nebraska Synod of the General Synod is •^ working out, through its Synodical Sunday School Secretary, many helpful plans for the develop- ment of schools. Write for the pamphlets issued, to Rev. C. H. B. Levy^is, Emerson, Nebraska. JT[ Interest individuals, the classes, and the whole ■^ school in benevolent work in their owm commun- ity, as well as in the objects of the Church in general. Some schools and classes have, for instance, helped day nurseries in the community, undertaking some definite object in that connection, visiting the nursery, and finding work there. The organized class furnishes a convenient, and mostly a small base from which 25 personal interest may come about. Classes in one school sent contributions to certain home missions, and supplied needs in the foreign field. Bibles were dis- tributed. Does every family in your community have a Bible? JTT See that new scholars are welcomed and visited. -^ Let this be the special business of certain indi- viduals. Members of classes, as well as teachers, should visit absentees. tf|[ By all means have a teachers* training class or- ■^ ganized. Write for information to Rev. C. P. Wiles, D.D., Editor Lutheran Publication Society. tfjT Some scholars may make neat and beautiful -^ Christmas tree ornaments, such as dainty paper chains, pictures cut out and mounted, etc. MTT Older members of the school can organize new -^ Sunday Schools in neighborhoods where they arc needed. This may mean among the poor, but richer districts are sometimes in want of them. Care must be taken not to divide fields so as to weaken them. There are places where a school is needed for the smaller scholars who cannot go far in all weathers and dangers. Such junior schools are gatherers and feeders to more remote, larger ones. ^ Think about cradle roll workers for the school. 26 D. Inner Mission in the Young People's Societies. (Seek on other pages much that is also useful here.) JTT Tlie societies need more than flourishing organi- ^ zational success, which may be selfish; even more than helpful deeds accomplished, which may be vain. There is needed the constant motive and aim: "For Jesus' Sake." J][ Write for information concerning the one-year Jl trainbg course mentioned on page 1 I . Speak to those who might take it. J][ These societies must give diligent care to the j1 newly confirmed. Every member of every class must be gained. Plan to make the younger feel at home. Let the older ones do this through personal work, and not through resolutions passed or invitations issued. Induce all members to mingle with the younger ones, to introduce them to active work, and to visit them when absent. This will be an encourage- ment to overworked visiting committees. #][ Societies should be developed strongly in the idea jI of service. Every member has been "saved to serve" in some worthy way. J][ TTiose who are readers, and who have the enthu- jl siasm with the gift to popularize good authors, can open a great field for intellectual improvement. Have gatherings for readings, where there is presen- tation and discussion. Have readable and good books pointed out for all ages; help to avoid inferior ones. Readers are legion. #11 Lutheran loyalty can be fostered and maintained ^ amoBg high school and college students. Such students may also be guided to use the Inner Mission idea and spirit in their schools, to be Inner Mission propagandists there; thus they can aim to "haze" the newcomer with kindness, to put the spirit of kindness in the school, to look up the sick, to furnish conveni- ences of information, etc. Those who are in business houses may be inspired quietly to develop the same spirit in the shop. Have talks or conferences on business pursuits or trades, professions, etc., led by men of the con- gregation in those callings, arousing interest and giving the young ideas as to their choice of life work. Phy- sicians can give talks on hygiene, first aid to the in- jured, practical nursing of invalids and children, physi- ology, etc. M7[ In some congregations there are enough of the ^ younger members to cover, by their own support, the expenses of renting a parish house. Mil Boy Scout Troops and Boys' Brigades, organized jl by Christian workers, have rep)orted excellent results. The workers benefit. The boys learn needed lessons. Christian influence is made possible. MTj Some circle may find a joy in providing comfort -^ bags for sailors or other men who are alone. Let the bags contain thread, needles, buttons, scissors, Bible or Testament (secure same from American Bible Society for this purpose, possibly without cost), an unsigned letter, etc, 28 E. Inner Mission in the Communitv About You. (Much on other pages may be widely apphed here.) tfjl Let the idea become fixed in the minds of all ■^ members that a congregation is not a pastor's field of Christian work but his force for Christian work m the community. ^T| Church members moving into the community ■^ should be kept from drifting. Appoint those who will look them up and turn them towards some church. Others should be charged with inviting those to church who have never been asked. ^T| Study these questions and their solution: Do the -*• laboring people go to church? Is there a ne- glected foreign element? Are there children of such, and do they go to Sunday School ? tflT Are there students attending institutions near you ? They will have largest influence in shaping the future of the country. Devise ways of reaching them. tflT There are those who know young people in un- -^ churched families who could be brought into the catechetical class, if they realized how blessed that work would be. Claim such help. tfjl Workers may be found who will organize night -^ classes for education and manual training in the community. 29 #11 Institute a movement for a more beautiful com- ^ munity. Start annual "Arbor Day." Interest persons to beautify back yards by gardening away their ugliness. Prevent vacant lots from becoming dumps, etc. Form a union among young and old to agitate the idea of keeping streets free from litter and garbage. Work for the town beautiful. tfjT There is the idea of a day nursery for working ^ mothers. With some paid help, and Christian volunteer help in rotating shifts, the enterprise need not involve very great expense. A small or moderate fee will be gladly paid by the mothers. It will be a boon. A Kindergarten could be connected with it. tfjl Help the poor of the community. Orgauiize sta- ^ tions where used garments, mended and disin- fected, may be distributed. It is sometimes desirable to charge a low price and call it a sale. It maintains self-respect. Give your station an attractive name. Other things than clothing may be continued in use- fulness. "It is a pity to throw it away; some one could use that"; bring it to your station. On certain days dispose of the goods. J][ The church of the helping hand, "for Jesus' ^ sake," is a live church and loved. Close cor- p>orations languish. #11 Housewives may be helped by domestic science J* meetings. Some have little opportunity for learn- ing. Make for presents, and to be read at meetings, scrap books containing recipes, directions, household hints, labor saving devices, aids in emergencies, etc. 30 #11 Have mothers' meetings to discuss nursing and Jl child care; institute a "Better Babies" propa- ganda. JTI Hospices. A movement to generalize this work Ji is desirable. Fertile fields are college towns, manufacturing centers, large cities to which young people go to work. Truly Christian homes are thus established for those who long for them. They can be made nearly self-supporting. Should be available to Lutheran travellers, who would prefer them to hotels. Talents of a man and wife with genius for home making can here be used. The German "Her- berge zu Heimath" shows the plan to be feasible. It will receive free advertising with propriety in church papers, Lutheran Almanac, etc. The movement will gain friends when advocated. The Board of Inner Mission will be glad to offer extended suggestions on inquiry. #11 Some one should see to it that the local congre- ^ gation is made known to strangers by bulletin boards, hotel announcements, railroad station notices, etc. Announcements need not be sensational advertising. You have what the community most needs — see that they get it. The pastor is neither omniscient nor omnipresent. Put your church on the map. q Welcoming strangers at trains has been suggested and pronounced practical service. Find homes for homeless children. See "Home Finding Societies" in the Lutheran Almanac. 31 IMPORTANT. 1 . This booklet is suggestive in one direction of Inner Mission development, although it is the most important one — namely, congregational development. 2. It is not expected that any suggestions herein are to be mechanically imitated. Individual and con- gregational lives will be hindered in their best Chris- tian growth through mere imitation of one another. The hope of the booklet is to reveal practically the Inner Mission idea, and to inspire devotion thereto. May every congregation work out that idea, under the Holy Spirit, in its own life. There are literally hun- dreds of practical forms or service which prayerful, loving thought can devise differently in each congre- gation. It is to be "All for Jesus' sake." 33 ':■:"<'•»',. x^ 1 N '•i^^-'.- ■^-yi::^<^ D ''<^>- ■'■ ■ SE RVI 1 CE ■m. D U SS-- A ■ 'V ■. \ ■"■ L OUR EMBLEM. "By This Sign Conquer." All know the story of Constantine and the legend of the appearance in the heavens the day he fought that battle. That was but a legend; but One who it King of kings said, "And I, if I be lifted up, shall draw all men unto me." This is the keystone of Christianity. The Cross of Christ is the revelation of God's love, the power of Christ, the inspiration of the Christian, and the consolation of the world. IHHtH MISSION The Board of Inner Missions has chosen an emblem expressive of its work and aims. Two things are brought out distinctly. The perpen- dicular has on if the word "INDIVIDUAL," and the transept the word "SERVICE" — also the words "All for Jesus' sake." Look at the perpendicular first. The symbolism points upward and ever upward. The individual is to aspire to grow like a tree "planted by the rivers of waters" — to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." "Where is the limit? There is no hmit! Wherever we have His Hfe, He gives it "more abundantly." Here we have an unbroken order of growth and progression — all for Jesus' sake. There are systems of the world that belittle the individual, restrict his growth, and stunt his personality — not so the Cross. But there is the transept or crosspiecel Our allegiance to heaven creates higher devotion to man for Jesus' sake — for this earth and its children are the objects of God's love. 35 The upright alone is nothing more than a big letter "I" — the embodiment of selfishness, the badge of egotism, the banner of personal vanity! But as some one has said, "Jesus puts the crosspiece of sacrifice to all things personal," and thus the letter "I" is changed into the cross. If the upright is the answer to the first injunction, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind and strength," then the transept is the explanation of the second part "and thy neighbor as thyself." We should love our neighbor for Jesus' sake. How far is that to extend? It is like the upright, without restric- tion. Wherever there is a human being THERE the Christian has a NEIGHBOR. The world is the Christian's neighborhood. For what is the world but your street — the city or village you live in "writ large." We must never forget that Christ combined the two. As the upright rises, the transept must extend or the proportions fail. There must not only be the upright with its uplift to all aspira- tions of body, mind and soul, but the crosspiece of service and responsibilily; to my neighbor who is a part of society; and society sorely needs Him! For this Christ is the SOLUTION of all this crazy old world's troubles, as well as the troubles that were YOURS till you knew HIM! 36 Pfjnceton Theological Seminary Librarie 1 1012 01233 4456 Press of 1^ l495Thirc New Yor BV 2650 .S38 1916 "Saved to serve"