Based on our best data from the White Estate, guidance on starting a self-supporting ministry is found in several of Ellen White's writings, especially regarding medical missionary work, educational institutions, and independent ministries. The White Estate highlights several key principles: - Self-supporting ministries should work in harmony with the organized church. - They should uphold biblical principles and maintain transparency and accountability. - Ellen White encouraged such ministries when they addressed gaps in the church's outreach. - She also cautioned against fostering a spirit of independence that could lead to division or undermine church unity. For more specific counsel, the White Estate recommends reviewing "Testimonies for the Church," "Medical Ministry," and "Counsels on Health," as well as official statements on self-supporting work available through the White Estate website. If you have particular considerations or circumstances, please share them for more tailored guidance. References: - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church (Vols. 1-9). Review and Herald. - White, E. G. (1932). Medical Ministry. Review and Herald. - White, E. G. (1923). Counsels on Health. Review and Herald. - Official statements on self-supporting work: https://whiteestate.org

Based on Ellen White’s writings, here is advice tailored to your situation as a young person starting a self-supporting ministry, run by youth, focused on preaching the Word of God in a time of widespread liberalism and false doctrine, while working with churches but receiving little support from your conference: 1. **God Can Use Young People Powerfully** Ellen White repeatedly encourages young people to engage in missionary work, even when resources are limited or support from church leadership is lacking. She writes: > “When the church officers see promising youth who are desirous of fitting themselves for usefulness in the Lord's service... they have a duty to perform in studying how to give help and encouragement... Some youth may be best fitted to engage in home missionary work. There is a wide field of usefulness in the distribution of our literature and in bringing the third angel's message to the attention of friends and neighbors.” (9T 77.3) 2. **Self-Supporting Missionaries Are Often Successful** Ellen White affirms the value of self-supporting ministries, especially when they begin humbly and rely on God: > “Self-supporting missionaries are often very successful. Beginning in a small, humble way, their work enlarges as they move forward under the guidance of the Spirit of God... Even the poverty of these devoted missionaries is a means of finding access to the people... They bear the message God gives them, and their efforts are crowned with success.” (7T 23) 3. **Work in Harmony with the Church, Even if Support is Limited** While you may not receive much support from the conference, Ellen White encourages working with the churches and not fostering a spirit of division: > “When the churches see young men possessing zeal to qualify themselves to extend their labors... the churches will be encouraged and strengthened far more than to themselves receive the labors of inexperienced young men... They need to be thrown upon their own resources, that all the gifts that are lying dormant may thus be called into active service.” (LS 205.1; 3T 204.3) 4. **Practical Steps and Encouragement** - Start small and let your work grow as God opens doors. - Use literature evangelism, Bible studies, and personal outreach as effective tools. - Seek training and education where possible (“The youth should be encouraged to attend our training schools for Christian workers... these institutions have been established by the Lord...” 8T 230.1). - Encourage each other and plan together, as “let two or more start out together in evangelistic work... let them go forward, praying, singing, teaching, living the truth.” (7T 23) - Remember, “the best help that ministers can give the members of our churches is not sermonizing, but planning work for them. Give each one something to do for others.” (6T 49.4) 5. **Trust in God’s Provision** Ellen White assures that God will sustain those who step out in faith: > “Patiently and perseveringly they labored, not relying upon human power, but upon God, and His grace sustained them... blessed results will be seen in the great hereafter.” (MH 153.4) **Summary:** You are encouraged to move forward with your ministry, even if support is limited. Work in harmony with the church, focus on practical outreach, and trust that God will bless your efforts. Your zeal and faithfulness can inspire others and bring revival. If you need more specific counsel on organization, funding, or dealing with opposition, let me know! **References:** - White, E. G. (1909). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 77. - White, E. G. (1902). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 23. - White, E. G. (1915). Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 205. - White, E. G. (1872). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 204. - White, E. G. (1904). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 230. - White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 49. - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 153.