# Ellen White's Counsel on Former Spiritualists in Ministry While the provided documents don't contain a direct statement specifically addressing people with backgrounds in spiritualism, the occult, or divination entering ministry positions, Ellen White's writings do provide relevant principles about spiritual discernment and caution in ministry selection. ## Avoiding Engagement with Spiritualist Teachings Ellen White was emphatic that ministers should not engage with spiritualist theories or those who promote them. She wrote that "we are not to enter into controversy over these spiritualistic theories, because such controversy will only confuse minds" (
Ev 624.3). She warned that if ministers and teachers give themselves to studying these erroneous theories, "some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils" (
Ev 624.3). Even more directly, she cautioned against ministers debating with spiritualists: "Men who bring in these damnable heresies [the teachings of Spiritualism] will dare those who teach the word of God to enter into controversy with them" (
GW92 194.2).
She explained that in discussing with spiritualists, ministers "do not meet man merely, but Satan and his angels. They place themselves in communication with the powers of darkness, and encourage evil angels about them" (
GW92 194.2). Her counsel was clear: "The very best course for us to pursue is to avoid them" (
GW92 194.2). ## Essential Qualifications for Ministry Workers Regarding who should be given positions in ministry and mission work, Ellen White emphasized that character and consecration are essential. She stated that young men and women should receive a training and an education in these lines that will qualify them to work for the Master. But if they do not possess solidity of character, and a spirit of consecration, all efforts to fit themselves for the work will prove a failure" (GCDB February 6, 1893, par. 1). She was explicit that none should be connected with the mission who do not give evidence that they possess these essential qualifications" (GCDB February 6, 1893, par. 1).
For older workers as well, she wrote: Unless they have the truth sanctifying soul, body, and spirit, they will not do the right kind of work; they cannot exert a saving influence in the canvassing field, or in any other branch of the cause" (GCDB February 6, 1893, par. 1). ## The Seriousness of Sin in Ministry Ellen White also addressed the heightened responsibility of those in ministry positions. She taught that ministers "should not be looked upon with superstitious reverence; and because of the power vested in them through their office, sin in them should not lose its offensiveness. Their very office makes sin in them more exceedingly sinful; for in committing sin they make themselves the ministers of sin, the agents of Satan, through whom he can work with success to perpetuate sin" (
SpTA11 2). ## Practical Application Based on these principles, the implication would be that anyone with a background in spiritualism, the occult, or divination would need to demonstrate clear evidence of complete conversion, solid Christian character, and thorough sanctification before being considered for ministry positions. The church would need to exercise careful discernment, ensuring that such individuals have fully renounced their former practices and show no inclination to bring spiritualist theories or practices into their ministry work. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:**
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