The Ellen G. White book Welfare Ministry is being reissued under the name Christian Service, Volume 2. Although the title of the book is changing, representatives of the Ellen G. White Estate clarified that the content will not be changed. The original text, chapter arrangement, and page numbers will remain the same as previous editions.
The White Estate Trustees voted to change the title to accommodate the changing social use of the word “welfare.”
“Originally, welfare ministry was not in any way thought of in terms of the public assistance program that has that name today,” said Merlin Burt, director of the White Estate.
To help modern readers understand the book’s purpose, the White Estate Trustees chose a title that more accurately reflects the central theme of the book in the modern era.
The original volume of Christian Service primarily focuses on personal evangelism, witnessing, and ministry. The newly titled Christian Service, Volume 2, points “to what we should do to touch other people‘s lives and be a blessing to them in practical ways,” said Burt.
“Together, the two books present a complete picture of Christian mission,” said Dwain Esmond, associate director of the White Estate.
By publishing these books as companion volumes, the White Estate Trustees hope readers will more readily see the close relationship between gospel proclamation and gospel demonstration.
“The republication of this classic work under the title Christian Service, Volume 2 reflects a commitment to making Ellen White's writings as clear and accessible as possible for contemporary readers while faithfully preserving their content and message,” said Esmond.
