METHODIST TRANSFER SYSTEM                    39





                             VI


IS THE METHODIST TRANSFER SYSTEM A GOOD
                   OR A BAD THING?


    In answer to the question propounded, I desire to state as
briefly as possible the leading objections to the system of trans-
ferring ministers in the Methodist churches from one Conference
to another, and set over against these objections the considerations
in favor of the practice.
    I take it that my method of stating these two positions will
be accounted fair, while at the same time revealing my own
individual opinion that the transfer system is, per se, a good
thing and explanatory in large part of the wonderful growth of
Methodism in the land.
    OBJECTION I.--There are some ministers peculiarly fitted
for certain churches in the connection. They are specially adapt-
ed for certain lines of work in the church, namely: Revivalists,
trainers of young people, church-builders, financiers, splendid
pastors, leaders of men. "And He gave some apostles and some
prophets; and some evangelists and some pastors and teachers."
Ephesians 3: II.
    OBJECTION 2.--All men are human.  Favoritism oftentimes
enters into the ministry.  Men are transferred  from one large
charge to another, not so much for what they can do, as because
they are favorites.  It is doing the church more harm  to-day




			

African Methodist Episcopal Church Review, Vol. 23, Num. 1

Is the Methodist Transfer System a Good or Bad Thing?

C.

Volume:  23
Issue Number:  01
Page Number:  39
Date:  07/1906