Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 11
November 12, 1959
NUMBER 27, PAGE 3b

What Are The Poor "Antis" Going To Do?

Cecil Willis, Akron, Ohio

Within recent months we have become quite accustomed to seeing ads from churches wanting a preacher in which it is specified that no "Anti" need apply. Sometimes the ads are explicit enough to specify to which things the "applicant" must not be "Anti." Preachers, when advertising for a job, feel that the ad will better serve its purpose if a punch line such as "I promote the Herald of Truth" or "The congregation where I now work supports ________ orphan home" or "Have no hobbies" is added. We have come to expect such discrimination against gospel preachers.

So we are not surprised to observe a church placing an ad in the Gospel Advocate of October 1, 1959 stating "If you are opposed to orphan homes and churches cooperating, do not apply." Another ad says "If you are not deeply concerned for the care of orphans on a cooperative basis, please do not apply." Well, brother, here is one preacher that won't be applying! It does appear that brethren would come to realize that a preacher working with a congregation is not a one-sided effort. I do not intend to work for a congregation that would advertise as above, even if it would let me. The brethren at such a church would try to hinder me in the preaching of the truth on several subjects. Certainly they indicate their mind is closed to any objective consideration of any position different from their own. So, let preachers whose convictions are for sale or for hire work for these churches. Mine aren't; and I won't.

However, I was amused to see an ad from O. E. Moss of Marathon, Florida also in the Oct. 1 issue of the Advocate which stated "a brother here offers employment for the winter to a good all-around auto body man (metal worker and painter). No hobbyist need apply." Now we have known for some time that these "hobbyists" could not preach in some places, but this is the first time I had heard that an "Anti" could not straighten smashed automobile fenders. So far as this ad states a Catholic might do — a sectarian may be acceptable — but no "hobbyists", please!

Some Of The Liberal Brethren Have Told Me I Would Do The Cause Of Christ A Distinct Favor If I Would Quit Preaching, And Get Myself Secular Employment To Support My Family. Now What Can We Do? We Cannot Preach Because We Do Not Parrot The Right Line — We Refuse To Scratch The Itching Ears Of The Spiritually Sick Brethren. Now We Learn That A Detestable "Anti" Is Not Acceptable To Do Automotive Repair Work.

What Can We Do?

Let me suggest that we continue to work for God instead of for men. Hire out to God instead of to a group of brethren with itching ears. When preaching brethren cease to sell their convictions and consciences for a few paltry dollars, we will no longer see such silly ads as above. So long as there are men to be hired or bought out, brethren will continue to advertise to try to locate these hirelings.