60 Years Ago — August 1, 1955
A satirical piece provided information to help pastors succeed in their ministries.
“Discover the prejudices and biases of the congregation and slant sermons sympathetically toward those prejudices, with the following proviso, that where the congregation is divided on an issue, always take the side where the money is. (After all, one has certain practical considerations to keep in mind even in church.) … .
Let your pulpit efforts major in ‘how to’ sermons that are psycho-therapeutic in their effect. If anyone should accuse you of skirting the pressing issues of the day, you can reply that you are dealing with the ‘basic’ problems” of the human condition.
It is good to balance off these ‘how to’ sermons … with ‘evangelistic’ measures that have a nostalgic tang of the ‘old-fashioned’ gospel. This is an unbeatable combination, for it satisfies all elements at one time or another. By following these simple rules it is possible for the young minister to go far in his chosen profession.”
From “How to Get Ahead (?) in the Ministry” by O.K. Ingram, reprinted from the The N.C. Christian Advocate
