The New Layman for the New Time, a Discussion of Principles

The New Layman For The New Time, A Discussion Of Principles by William Allen Harper presents a manifesto for revitalizing Christian ministry through lay leadership. The work, first published with an introduction by Amos R. Wells, argues that true Christianity requires faith to be lived out in action and that laypeople should share in the ministry alongside ordained leaders. It surveys the historical development of lay involvement, the relationship between laymen and ministers, and the Church's role in evangelism and social service. Harper recounts a long-standing tradition of lay initiative—from early believers to modern movements like the Sunday School movement and various lay brotherhoods—demonstrating that spiritual progress has often occurred outside ecclesiastical hierarchies. He advocates a spiritual democracy where all believers are priests, rejects sacerdotalism, and urges training and mobilization of lay members for preaching, evangelism, community leadership, and social reform. The book also outlines a modern program for lay training, laments ecclesiastical rigidity, and calls for interdenominational cooperation to advance the Kingdom of God through active service.