Truth Magazine

By Leslie Diestelkamp

Since there is only one way to escape old age, and that is to die young, most people expend every effort to try to live out many years of senior citizenship. In fact, some become obsessed with ambitions for longevity. We have all heard many say, “I won’t be satisfied unless I .reach one hundred years.” Probably though, such ambitions are neither wise nor scriptural, and actually demonstrate too much love for this world and not enough interest in the eternity to come where days, weeks, months and years will be unknown and unnumbered, where there will be no flesh and bones to deteriorate and where all the physical things that we associate with the passing of time will be non-existent.

The real disciple of Christ does not dread death, though he may certainly dread the ordeal of dying. Also, because of circumstances and obligations to others, he may not want to leave various loved ones without his help and presence. But if he has fought a good fight, and has kept the faith (see 2 Tim. 4:7), he does not dread life after death, but joyously anticipates it. Paul exemplified such righteous desire for heaven but for the sake of others he gladly continued with them for their “furtherance and joy of faith” (Phil. 1:21-26).

Anticipating Retirement

A very large segment of American citizens are now retired, and another great segment of our people are actually counting the days and weeks and months until they reach retirement age. Indeed, many people desire retirement from secular occupations so that they may devote themselves more completely to spiritual objectives. I know several Christians who retired from their vocation and then devoted their whole time to preaching, teaching and to humanitarian work. Such people are to be highly commended for wisdom they have demonstrated. I do not think I have known such a person who was unhappy about the choice he had made.

Many other people seem to anticipate retirement only so it may enable them to rest. They think in terms of doing nothing at all, or if not that, of doing only that which gratifies their own physical desires. Frequently we see such people move off to some remote sanctuary to “get away from it all.” Soon they begin to miss assemblies of the saints “because it is too far” (which they knew when they arranged the location). Others settle down to a life consisting of a minimum of activity-doing as little as possible-and are usually unhappy and soon unhealthy.

It seems strange to me that people would be careful to make it practical to attend services of a faithful church for several decades, and then at retirement make an arrangement that causes difficulty or even precludes such faithfulness. Instead of thinking of a nice, quiet place “away from it all,” why not be concerned for a place where one can readily be most useful to the cause of Christ and most actively engaged in work and worship with other faithful ones.

Challenging Opportunities

It has become quite usual for many preachers to retire to some locality where they can serve in a small church that really needs their services and their maturity. This is great. However, it would be equally great for many others to do the same — those who are not preachers. Instead of settling down in the midst of a big group of strong Christians who really do not need you and where your impact will be minimal, why not choose a place where the brethren are few, the cause weak and where your influence will be immeasurably great?

It is not my desire to discuss the many complexities of senior citizenship in the physical, economic and social areas of life. In fact, for the purposes of this essay, I only desire to plead for faithfulness and fidelity in those sunset years. Jesus said, “He that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Mt. 10:22). There is no promise for those who served the Lord faithfully for forty or fifty years and then quit! Neither is there promise for those who lived in godliness for many years and then succumbed to corruption.

Finally, let us not become weary in well-doing. We must contend for the faith to the very end. Younger preachers sometimes accuse older ones of “mellowing” so much that they become “soft” doctrinally. Perhaps it is true that most older preachers do mellow somewhat. They do not manifest the same brashness and dogmatism of their youthful years. I do not lament this fact of life. However, it is pitiable when an old soldier of the cross puts down his sword and makes peace with the enemies of truth. And this sometimes happens to those who were not preachers also. Paul “the aged” was still enduring persecutions and was setting an example in steadfastness to the very end. Let us use our years of senior citizenship to produce the greatest possible impact upon the kingdom of Christ-for the strengthening of the weak, the encouragement of the strong, the saving of the lost and for our own eternal security.

Truth Magazine XXII: 19, p. 306
May 11, 1978

By O. C. Birdwell

My father-in-law would often tell a story about a farmer he knew during the depression days. The man farmed with mules, and being very poor, had little to feed them. He would dump a bucket of anything available (often during the summer, a bucket of peaches) into the feed trough and say to the ole mule, “Now you just suit yourself, you can eat it or leave it alone, it makes no difference to me.”

Causes for the “Come and Get it” Attitude

Them are many causes for this prevalent attitude that we are here considering. We do not know them all, and would not have the space to list them if they were known. We do, however, want to list a few that we feel to be obvious in so many cases.

(1) With some there may be less than a firm and confident conviction. Many religious groups are no longer eager to evangelize. Some forthrightly affirm that “one is as good as another” and that none are essential to salvation. Many even doubt that there is a salvation to be offered. Mr. Billy Graham, a well known Baptist preacher, recently was quoted in McCall’s as saying that he no longer believes pagans and Jews are lost without Christ. He believes they can say “yes to God” and be saved by viewing nature, apart from Christ. If this is so, why take the gospel to anyone? This attitude may have invaded the hearts of some in congregations of Christ. I know that there are some, even several preachers, who presently refuse to condemn as wrong religious teaching and practice that is clearly outside New Testament authority,

(2) Materialism, and the involvement of most people in business, recreation, and entertainment is a definite cause. Both the teacher and the one needing to be taught are affected. It is much easier to stay home, watch television by a warm fire, and have a nice bedtime snack, than it is to make the effort to teach someone. This is especially so when it is apparent that the one we are trying to reach had much rather be doing that himself.

(3) Our nice, comfortable, and convenient meeting houses may cause the attitude. Some feel that most everything has to be done in the church building. Please do not miss the point that is being made. This does not mean that adequate meeting houses with classrooms and teaching facilities are wrong, or even that they are not desirable. They are tools to be used to an end, but they ought not be regarded as an end within themselves. How many churches have been known to die after moving into a new building? Especially is there a danger after they pay for the building. Let us remember that a building will not do our teaching for us. A building cannot “go” anywhere with the gospel.

(4) Lack of knowledge and zeal is also a cause. Although both are essential, often it is evident that there is knowledge with no zeal. Then, we may see zeal with little or no knowledge. This condition may cause people to say, “Let them come to the church building and hear the preacher.”This lack of knowledge and zeal is a direct result of some of the causes already mentioned. Materialism and love for the world brings loss of zeal and lack of knowledge. Often there is too little time allotted for Bible study, and no manifested spiritual appetite.

(5) The aggressive nature of some false teachers causes the attitude. Some may say, “I do not want to appear to be a `Jehovah’s Witness,’ or ‘Mormon.'” We should remember, however, that the zeal of some in these false religious groups is not their problem. We should not take issue with their zeal. It is often commendable. Their teaching is their basic problem. It is false. Their zeal, along with the truth, would be desirable and fruitful for Christ.

(6) When our aim and purpose is forgotten, this attitude is developed. When we forget that all men are in desperate need, and the gospel is the only answer to that need, we become indifferent and tend to do as did the Israelites. “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” (1 Cor. 10:7). We need a higher goal than this. We need more ambition. Our ambition, however, will usually depend upon our aim and purpose. For this cause our aim should be of the highest caliber. The aim of the church should not be political. We should not want worldly power and dominance. Neither

is the purpose to be commercial. Material possession is of no value except as it can be used to support the preaching of the gospel. Saving souls, and keeping them saved, is placed above everything in the world. It is the work Jesus came to do. This attitude should so completely control us that there will be no vague concept of duty or danger of drifting from complete dedication to the cause of the gospel.

Overcoming the “Come and Get It” Attitude

In the concluding part of this article it seems fitting and even necessary that some attention be given to overcoming the undesirable attitude we have been discussing. Material, presented by other writers in this issue, on subjects such as Finding Contacts, Working the Contract, Activating Members, and others, will help us in doing our work of evangelism once we divest ourselves of the “Come and get it” attitude, and get to the point where we can sincerely say with Isaiah, “Here am I send me” (Isa. 6:8). We will never accomplish much until we make the switch. The teaching and examples of Jesus and his early disciples will help us make the change. He will strengthen us to be active, and aggressive, and not passive and indifferent in evangelism. “He ordained twelve. . .that he might send them forth to preach” (Mk. 3:14). “They went forth and preached everywhere” (Mk. 16:20). It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). They were sent forth; they went forth; they preached. Where did they preach? They preached everywhere! This pleased God.

Jesus, the master teacher, left us an example. He taught in the synagogue, on the mountain, by the sea of Galilee, at the well in Smaria, and anywhere else he could speak to one or more. “In the parables of Luke 15, Jesus did not speak of a lost flock, but of a lost sheep; not of a lost fortune, but of a lost coin; not of a lost race or nation, but of a lost boy. Jesus reserved his best for individuals!” (Roland Q. Leavell, Evangelism, p. 157). The apostles did the same. They preached in the temple and synagogue, in market places, in prisons, in homes, and even in the hall of the Roman Emperor. They preached to both receptive multitudes and resentful mobs. They shunned not to declare the whole council of God. They made opportunities and preached anywhere they had the opportunity. They said, “For necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:17).

Friend, let us put away this “come and get it” attitude. Let us “go,” throuh every scriptural means, with the pure and simple gospel, to the lost and erring and bring them unto the redemption and salvation that is in Christ. This is the charge of our Captain. We can do no less and obey him.

Truth Magazine XXII: 18, pp. 301-302
May 4, 1978

By Brian V. Sullivan

Thirty-one baptized at 4th and 6th Street. Twenty-one at Route 3, Anywhere. Fourteen at Hendrick Street. Beautiful to think about, aren’t they?

It would be a cold, cold heart that would not rejoice over such progress being made in proclaiming the precious gospel and such increases being given. Yet, how many of those will ever reach maturity? How many will be privileged to be among the host of them that receive the inheritance? Or, how many will become statistics in an ever-increasing toll of those who begin but never finish the course before them? We are not questioning anyone’s obedience, but rather wish to draw attention to a much needed endeavor, that of stabilizing the new convert.

The Need Is Evident

I am not being cynical when I suggest that the possibility of failure looms close in the life of the new convert. A careful perusal of the Scripture will illustrate that there are many forces that rise against all Christians. As a personal worker, we need to be aware of them and seek to prepare the new convert to cope with them. Jesus, in Luke 8 (the parable of the sower), illustrated some of the forces or influences that could interfere with truth, and they are worthy of our consideration.

The hardening influence of Satan working through his agents of unrighteousness may interfere with our work. Such agents as worldliness, lust, sin, false teaching, man’s wisdom, et al are continually confronting all of us. However, with proper warning and preparation, they should not seduce us, nor bring us into subjection. This shows the need for teaching that will prepare and reinforce one’s faith (Eph. 6:13-18).

The pressures of ridicule, abuse and criticism add to the barriers through which the new Christian must pass. Friends (?) or family may attempt to interfere, attack or mock for any number of reasons. Since rejection by others, and the need for social contact is so great among mankind, we must teach the babe and encourage them through these situations.

The flooding influence of materialism, gain and selfish quests can smother the new convert as thorns do the grain, and a loss will result (1 Tim. 6:9-10). Surely, we can see the need for teaching here.

The question is not “Is teaching needed?”, for it is evident that it is! The question is “Where do I begin?”, and to that end we continue this article.

Begin Where The Lord Commanded

We have all quoted the Great Commission as it is found in Matthew’s gospel. From it, we have tried to impress not only the authority of Christ, but also the need for teaching and baptism. Yet, for some reason unknown to me, many seem to think that the instructions found there are: Teach, Baptize and Forget. No, the Lord did not say that! The Lord commanded: Teach, Baptize and Teach! (Look up Matthew 28:18-20 and consider it again.)

Since we recognize that a taught one should become a baptized one without delay, should we not also recognize that a baptized one should receive further teaching without delay? In any field, the most successful preventative maintenance scheme is one that begins long before the first problems arise. In much the same way, the most successful stabilizing effort is one which begins immediately after conversion.

The Babe’s Immediate Needs

The use of “birth” (John 3:5), “babe” (1 Pet. 2:2) and “milk” (Heb. 5:12 and 1 Pet. 2:2) should draw our attention to the helplessness, dependence, and care that is needed by the new convert. At no other time in their life will they need more attention.

If at all possible, have the same party that planted the seed bring in the sheave. In other words, do not switch teachers unless you can do it in a way that will be gradual (cf. John the Baptist’s statement: “He must increase, I must decrease” — John 3:30). The convert has confidence in the one that taught them, and should by this stage feel comfortable in their presence. This will open the door for meeting continued needs in this person. Review the plan of salvation with this person, showing them positively what they are now part of. Such repetition or reminding has a scriptural precedent (see 2 Tim. 1:5-2:26).

Make them aware of the fact that they will make mistakes from time to time, that they may yield in a time of weakness but that this does not mean that they are finished. Like the person who walks an icy sidewalk, they may not intend to fall, but inadvertently they do. What does that person do? They try to get up and go on. Do not be backward about telling them how this can be accomplished. Show them the picture of Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8) and acquaint them with the teaching of John in 1 John 1:7-10. Familiarity with these facts, at this stage, will help them to admit and correct their mistakes rather than to try to cover them up or excuse them.

As soon as possible, find out what questions they have that- are presenting problems, and try to supply scriptural answers on a personal basis. The Lord Himself utilized many occasions to teach but one person (cf. John 4; etc.), and by His action demonstrated the concern that we need to have. Only when this person has their own problem areas dealt with, will they be ready to continue the climb, and only personal contact can recognize and remove such barriers to growth and development.

Where Do I Go?

It would be impossible for me to suggest a program that would work in every place, and so I will not attempt it. However, let me make a few suggestions and perhaps by them you will find a direction to travel in this most important work.

The choice of materials for use in edifying new converts is plenteous. Film strips, study charts, prepared books, and open Bible studies are all available. The choice as to which to use must take into consideration the needs of the convert, and the ability of the teacher. Let us consider some of them briefly.

Personally, I have not utilized any of the follow-up film strips in studies with the new converts. Although I appreciate the effort that was involved in putting them together, I believe that they tend to keep the class too isolated. They lack the personal adaptability of other methods, and because they involve pictures this may mean that Junior or Sissy may stay up later and help to occupy your student’s attention. Do not interpret this to mean that I am not concerned about children, but please understand that experience has taught that even a brief period of time without interruption accomplishes more than great time with much interference.

Study charts are useful if you do not get too deep too fast. Most charts have a light splattering of scriptures on the surface, but by the time we teachers get through, we have presented a truck load. You would not feed a baby a whole box of pablum would you? Then remember that, when you confront them with a chart. Perhaps the best charts are the ones that you put together yourself. Instead of trying to guess why a particular passage is introduced, you will be acquainted with it and better prepared to relate it’s message.

Book studies come in all shapes and forms. Personally, I like to study “Fit for the Master’s Use” by Earle West. It is a good, general purpose study of 10 lessons in length. I do not teach it verbatim, but rather use it as a guide. The students are encouraged to read the next lesson and fill in the answers to the questions. Upon my return, we study the lesson and check the answers. I encourage the students to fill in the personal testimony part of the answer sheet after the class, explaining that it is their own measurement guide. They alone fill it , in, and date it. Then two to three months later they can get it out and see whether they would change any of their answers, hence determining whether they are growing or not. Another good series of practical studies is found in the efforts of Billy W. Moore. His series on Unity is valuable for home study usage and younger folks enjoy doing them. We could cite many other books by name but let me stress this all important point. Do not, I repeat, do not assume that since you are using.a book that you will not need to study. Such an attitude of laxness will result in a boring presentation of truth, and a ritualistic presentation (simply going through the motions-not really doing the job of teaching).

Open Bible studies are the best answer to edification. Choose a New Testament Book that will meet the needs of your class and then diligently study it. Encourage questions and answer them. Often in home studies of this nature we visit for a few minutes and then after a brief word of prayer with them, we take ten to fifteen minutes (or more, if required) to answer any questions on any subject in the Bible. This meets the immediate needs and then we can begin our study. Take along a pen and lots of paper. Jot down a brief outline of what you are saying as you go along, illustrating it with brief charts or line drawings. At the end of the study period, hand this over to your contacts to study. Remember two things in relationship to it: (a) They must be able to read it; and, (b) It must include scripture references. Begin the next study period in the same manner, only briefly review the main points of the previous lesson before going on.

Whatever the method you employ, go with determination to do the best you can. Go with enthusiasm that will generate enthusiasm. Go with the purpose of getting across at least one point but do not overkill it. Set the example of conduct, behaviour, reverence and appreciation for the things of God that becomes a Christian.

How Long?

Perhaps the most often heard question about this work is expressed in two words: “How long?’.’ The answer to this question lies with you and your contact. Many new converts, with proper encouragement and incentives set before them, will begin to progress on their own after only a brief period of time. Others may take, what seems like, years of careful feeding. If you are seeing success, by all means continue the class. Build these folks to the place where they will be able to take an active part in the church.

Sadly, much emphasis has been placed upon the number converted in different places. This is not :where the emphasis needs to be. The proof of the pudding is not in the number of puddings you make, but in the quality you attain. Jesus condemned the Pharisees because of the damage they did to their converts: att. 23:15). The Hebrew writer declared that “those who have tasted” and “were made partakers,” if they fell away, were impossible to renew again unto repentance (Heb. 6:4-9). Peter with vivid language showed the end of those who once having “escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” became entangled therein again (2 Pet. 2:20-22). With such warnings as those, let us never give up too soon. The farmer who does not bring his sheaves in the barn has little to show for his efforts, and is not being very thankful for the Lord’s increase. Neither is the soul winner who does not help bring the sheaves home to heaven.

It May Be Slow, But It’s Worth It!

Involvement in this type of teaching holds just as much excitement as sharing the good news in the first place. It does not allow glowing reports of conversions, but it does give personal satisfaction to see the babe continue to grow and blossom into a fruitful tree unto God (Psa. 1).

Have you always wished that everyone in the local church was an active personal worker? That, which seems like a dream, could be a reality if we will but extend the effort in this area of stabilizing the new converts. It brings me just as much happiness to see someone that I have labored and toiled with (in teaching the gospel and follow-up after conversion) bring in their first convert to Christ, as it would if I myself played some part in the effort. But, the beautiful thing is that the Lord’s plan is doing what it can do. Jesus set in motion in the Great Commission the greatest plan for increase known. Consider it carefully. In brief form, it declares: Go, teach, baptize and teach. Teaching them to observe what I commanded. That means, teaching them to go, teach, baptize and teach. What a wonderful day that will be! Not `will be,’ could be, if we will do our part.

Then, when the Lord comes to receive us home, in the last day, we like the song writer said, “can come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.” May we seek to glorify God and save souls through this most important work. Let me close with Paul’s words by inspiration: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

Truth Magazine XXII: 18, pp. 299-301
May 4, 1978

By Peter McPherson

We Find What We Want To Find

When a man wants to get married, he ` findeth a wife” (Prow. 18:22). When we want to do something, “thy hand findeth” it to do (Eccl. 9:10). If we are after a certain thing, it is usually true that “he that seeketh findeth” (Mt. 7:8). When we lose something, we “seek diligently till (we) find it” (Lk. 15:8). We have little trouble to “find pleasure” (Isa. 58:3). Whenever Barnabas set out to “seek Saul …he found him” (Acts 11:25-26). An old car buff hunts until he finds the model he is looking for. The devoted stamp collector looks and looks until he finds that rare stamp. The coin collector enthusiast will find that special one.

We usually find what we really want to find. First. we have the desire to find and, then, we diligently search for it. You must want to find, more than anything else, personal work contacts-people to study the word of God. And, what better desire could a man have! What better search! What more important find!

Reality Versus Fantasy

There are few gospel preachers, Bible teachers and personal-work Christians that are over-flushed with contacts. And no one should over-simplify the matter by saying that finding contacts is a breeze. I could wax over-enthusiastic, become sales promotional and talk about all the people there are in the United States who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness; about the millions in Canada that are dying for the truth; about all the neighbors around you who are just waiting for you to talk to them; about all the fellows at work that are yearning for you to discuss spiritual things with them, etc. But we need to be practical, reasonable and tell it like it really is.

Brethren, in North America, there are few places that are truly “ripe unto harvest.” There are few places where people are just waiting for someone to come along and talk to them about Christ, Bible baptism and the New Testament church. And, may I add, there are few people who respond after they are told about the same. This is the bare, yet sad, truth. And for some preachers to not face reality but to cite a few rare instances of rapid growth and attempt to make such specific cases the general picture is to affect adversely the spirit of a steady, hard-working, personal-working evangelist. Certainly preachers need to be go-getters but this is not the only factor involved in this work as anyone with a little common sense and spiritual understanding full well knows (Mk. 1:38; Mt. 13:1-23; Mt. 10:14; Acts 17:33; etc.). I say this because I too have been the victim of suspicious looks simply because I mentioned that a certain area was a “hard” area. I realize that much of the problem is in attitude but that does not mean that it’s all a matter of attitude or that there are not actually and, in fact, “hard” areas. Do not always accuse us of a lack of zeal and effort.

Finding Contacts

North America however is not barren. All the soil is not “hard” or impossible to work with. And we do need to keep men in America; we do need to establish sound churches in more cities and villages as well as keep the established congregations active, alive and evangelical. So, how do we find contacts to accomplish this?

A Needed Quality

Ask any person who is dependent for his livelihood on direct sales if he can just coast along or if he has to really dig for his prospects. Ask any successful business man if he got where he is today by slouching, complaining, by negative comments, by “it’s no use” statements, by pessimism, indifference and negligence? It takes hard work, steadfastness, stick-to-it-iveness and dogged perseverance to be successful in almost any field of endeavor. We should not let realism (the fact that we do not have 100 hot leads on file) keep us from being positive and progressive (making one contact here and one there). In many of the areas where we find ourselves working for the Lord, it is imperative that we always and ever be optimistic. Enthusiasm is contagious. Zeal spreads. Eagerness is picked up. To make contacts the very first quality is that we be “filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18-19). Or, that we be bubbling over with “the word of God dwell(ing) in us ‘richly” (Col. 3:16). And, good friend, if you do not have that ingredient then you will not likely find a single contact to work.

“Seek, And Ye Shall Find”

When Jesus said, “Seek, and ye shall find” (Mt. 7:7), He was stating a general principle, truth, rule or maxim. And it works in personal evangelism too!

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as He walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto Him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? And He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him unto Jesus . . . .The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow Me . . . .Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see (John 1:35-42a, 43, 45-46).

Our motives in seeking contacts must be right. Not to get a big name nor to gain a personal following, etc. Some were “seeking for Jesus. . .because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled” (Jn. 6:24-26). Contacts should be sought for only one reason-saving their souls..One fruitful result will be a numerically growing local church (Mt. 16:26; Acts 6:7).

Contacts For Christ

We must learn to treat every person as a potential contact for Christ. In all honesty we have to admit a sense of failure in this matter. We do miss opportunities. We pass up some chances. Or, when we do make an approach, we feel that we did not have the right words. Vie did not say the right thing. I am not so concerned about the latter as I am about the former. We can learn to` carry on somehow and follow up someway on a contact after it has been made, but we must make that contact. This is the important thing: making the contact. Anti this is what Mike has asked me to write about. I tromble. I am no pro. I do not have any secret, sure-fire and smooth speech for this. And yet I do make a lot of contacts. I know that I must. I know that as a gospel preacher I just have to (no one but a “hireling” would read the work of a preacher any other way). I know that as a Christian teacher, I had better try. So, I try. I make attempts. I work at it. Let me give you one example of my feeble efforts to make a contact.

Our regular milk delivery man was sick. The supervisor was making the calls. I was in the house that day. I knew that I had a one-shot opportunity to try and talk to him about spiritual things. He appeared like a vary personable fellow. A little “gabby.” I thought probably he was quite worldly! But here goes, I must try. What do I say? Where do I start? First, I asked him hid name and introduced myself. Then I simply blurted out the question, “What church do you go to?” And then followed my next nervous un-necessary remark (yet not in a sarcastic tone, at least) “I suppose none.” He answered “Oh yea, as a matter of fact I am a member of the church.” Well from then on it was easy. We could talk. I asked him how long he had been a member of that church. I told him of my spiritual interests and finally, before he left, I told him that I would drop in on him and his family some evening. He said, “Sure, anytime.” Wow! How hard, but how easy! You see I just made the conversation spiritual. Few of us always have the ability to turn a conversation into a spiritual one like Jesus the Master Teacher did (Jn. 4). We can try but if it just does not turn out that way, We can open up on the prospective contact with a direct question. Say something! And then be ready to follow it up by listening as well as by talking! By just opening our mouths we can make more contacts. With real conviction coupled with true courage, we can do it. How many contacts do preachers pass up every week? What about the salesmen that frequent your house or office? Have you ever tried to make a contact of you mail-person? Why not?

I was determined to try making some contacts with the people sitting next to me on my flights to Columbus, Ohio from Great Falls, Montana and back again. I did. And I talked and talked for hours to three different people. One of these contacts is in the hands of another preacher in another city. Surely such contact making attempts for Christ was only what we “ought to have done” — especially when I was flying to and from holding gospel meetings.

Ways and Means of Finding Contacts

1. By Direct Questions To Strangers. You have a few quiet minutes with a person somewhere. Preface one of the following questions directed to this person with a “I hope you don’t mind me asking but. ..,” and then follow it with one of these: “What religious affiliation do you have?”; “Do you attend church?”; “Do you read the Bible?”; “Are you a member of any church?”; “What are your spiritual interests?” Whatever their answer might be, follow up the same by telling them your name, your spiritual interests, the New Testament plea for unity, etc. This approach can also be used on your friends and neighbors and on all “cold” calls. Sometimes this leads into an opportunity for Bible study or in them going with you to worship. (By the way, do not ask them questions that puts un-wanted ideas in their minds. A question like, “Would you like to help us start a new church in this town” is plain stupid when you consider it from their point of view. Why of course there are already too many churches in town! And never say, “Now I don’t want to cram anything down your throat ….” This is not helpful but only suggests something that they may have never thought about, till then.)

2. Bible Correspondence Courses. Usually those that finish a Bible course need further study before they are converted. Thus, the Bible course can serve as an effective tool in making contacts. Presently this is how most of my contacts are being made. Advertise a free Bible course regularly in your paper or over the radio or TV.

3. Personal Calling Cards. No one has to be a preacher to use a calling card. Advertise your church services, Bible courses, etc., and give your name, address and phone number for anyone wanting any spiritual help. Carry the cards with you always. Leave them all over town. Give them to clerks, attendants, waiters, etc. Contacts have been made this way. And, you have tried.

4. Cold Calling. Canvassing an area for Bible courses, for Home studies, for gospel meetings, etc., will turn up some contacts which show interest. Door knocking is hard work but I have done my share of it over the years. It is challenging, can be frustrating, but is also has its rewards. In spite of the arguments against it-most of the people not home; people sleeping in the day time due to shift work; inconvenience caused by interrupting family privacy; will be associated with the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, etc., it is indeed an effective way to make contacts. And some have more success at this than do others. You might at least try it now and then.

5. Visitors Attending Services. This is a great way to make a contact. They have done all the work for you by dropping in. Now you must drop everything, greet them, give them your name, ask them for theirs and write it down(address too); do it right there in front of them, for they will not mind, and be warm with your handshake and friendly with your voice and manner (some of the handshakes that I have been given by some of our meeting preachers felt like a cold fish and their manner made them appear like a cold turkey!). Invite them back again. If they do not come then you had better “jump” on that situation right away. Do not let the contact get cold!

6. Leads From Members. Sit down with every member and ask them to give you a list of the names and addresses of their close friends and of their relatives. When you call on these people, you will have someone to relate to as a mutual friend. This “breaks the ice” immediately.

7. Fallen Away Members. Call on all the non-attending members of the church in the whole area. Some might be revived (James 5:19-20).

8. Do Good Deeds. My son mowed the lawn for an aged and crippled widow. This caused her to come to a gospel meeting and to her conversion. Before her death some five years later she had helped to convert about 10 others. Individuals should do good deeds whenever they can (Mt. 25). One never knows what good seed he is sowing by such good deeds.

9. By Living A Faithful Life. We must always keep in mind that there are people watching us all of the time. Our constancy at the services and our dedicated lives are telling someone something. “Let your light so shine before men” (Mt. 5:16). By doing so, a contact can be made with a sinner. He sees you with something that he does not have. Work on being a sincere, contented and joyful Christian where ever you are. You are bound to make contacts for Christ this way.

10. Through Un-important People. Many times we simply wipe off this one or that one because of their humble circumstances, poor education, etc. But let me tell you that contacts are made much easier with such as these-with the down-trodden, the poor and lowly than the intellectuals and with the sages of this age. Never discount a person because of his age, appearance, mental abilities or social prestige. I personally know of four elderly ladies which, from society’s point of view had nothing, but they were contacted, converted and they have become the back-bone in a congregation that started from scratch. Many of the people that I have baptized into Christ have been very poor and many have been in their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s; a couple were even in their 90’s. And many of these so-called un-important people have served to be the door unto entire families, some of which were much young.

11. A New Neighbor Move-in. By warmly welcoming new neighbors, we are apt to make a spiritual contact as well. The fact is, keeping news on the move-ins all over town makes good sense. Strangers to a new area sometimes find it hard to make new friends. You can help in more ways than one.

12. Visiting Sick and Shut-in People. Personal evangelism contacts have been made by simply making a call on those you know to be sick or hospitalized. People appreciate this, remember it and will accept your invitation to “come to church” or have a Bible study.

13. Follow-up on Bible Class Student’s Parents. In many places there are children attending our Bible classes and/ or the V.B.S. Go and see the parents or guardians of these children. Try to get them as a family to “see the Jule Miller Bible films,” or to come to the services. Relate to them the child’s progress in Bible classes and how happy he or she is with learning about Christ, There is no question that, people do things for their children. We might as well take some advantage of that concept, right?

14. Fellow Workers, Associates, etc. I know that you cannot press a fellow about religion when you are supposed to be “on the job.” But, are you sure that you are taking advantage of the opportunities when they open up? What will we say in the Judgment when people with whom we work, play, hunt, fish, bowl and buddy-buddy point an accusing finger at _us and say, “You never told me”? These people ought to be your best contacts. After all, are they your friends? Well can you talk to them about spiritual things ever? Come on! Young people, you too, yes, you ever more so have an abundance of contacts. Your young friends are impressionable. Some are seeking. Pray to God to help you make a contact for the Savior. You can do it!

15. Keep A Contact Name List. Every concerned personal worker should have a little book in which are listed the names addresses and phone numbers of any person that might be a prospective student of the word of God. List them under various categories: Good Contact, Possible Contact, Un-faithful member, New Neighbor, etc. But keep a list. Go over this list regularly. This way you should never run out of people to work with.

Conclusion

Brother Peter Wilson stated in the preface of his book “Indestructible Foundations” (one use of which is for personal evangelism classes) that we should always be “class conscious.” We should try to arrange a home Bible class rather than just answer questions or discuss spiritual things with “a few hurried words. “Likewise, we need to ever be “contact conscious.” Treat everyone as a potential prospect for conversion and view all people as contacts for Christ. Make a contact today. Find one! And remember, “If at first you do not succeed, try, try again! “

Truth Magazine XXII: 18, pp. 296-298
May 4, 1978