Truth Magazine

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

By Charles G. Goodall

Those who have been involved for any length of time in personal work generally agree that the traits required for one to be a successful personal evangelist are a love for souls, a means of teaching the gospel, and a zeal to implement that means. When a man is found with that love and zeal, coupled with a reasonable amount of knowledge and preparation, he will be converting people to the Lord. It matters not whether he uses the Jule Miller slides, the Tisdel, Hall, McKnight, or Wilson charts, or his own privately devised lessons. In short, conversions generally come to the dedicated, hardworking, and well-prepared worker regardless of the technique. To the contrary, the finest lessons prepared in conjunction with the most advanced and proven teaching aids are useless and ineffective in the hands of those who are less than totally committed to the Lord.

How Many Lessons Before the “Invitation”?

One of the most frequently asked questions in personal evangelism relates to the time one should spend in study before encouraging a prospect to obey the gospel. Just how many lessons in a home Bible study should be presented prior to extending him the “invitation” to obey the gospel?

Gospel teaching, like the teaching of any subject, requires time for absorption. Not all learn at the same rate. The complexity of the material and the breadth of the subject are certainly variables to be considered. A personal evangelist would be remiss to encourage the obedience of even an honest and willing subject who has been unable to comprehend the truth. The prospect’s prior knowledge, prejudices, concentration, basic mental ability or any number of other factors could be responsible for his lack of comprehension. Surely is irresponsible the worker who would delay a knowledgeable and ready subject (Acts 22:16). The case of the Philippian jailer illustrates how one may soon hear and obey the gospel. His conversion was accomplished quickly under the most adverse circumstances. He had, only moments before, attempted to take his own life. His jail was in turmoil. He had to be told even on whom to believe. Yet, though the hour was midnight, he was baptized “the same hour of the night” (Acts 16:33). In fact, a careful analysis of the conversions in the New Testament indicates this immediacy to be the rule rather than the exception. Even in the case of Saul of Tarsus in which three days passed before contact was made with the preacher Ananias, there is not the slightest hint that it took three days to teach him what he needed to know to become a Christian.

The single lesson approach I use is designed to accomplish conversion “in the same hour of the night,” as in the days of the early disciples. The lesson is divided into three parts: (1) prophecy and the establishment of the church, (2) apostasy and the reformation, and (3) conversion. The lesson is presented within the home of the prospect utilizing an open Bible. While the lesson is accompanied by several charts drawn during the presentation, the lesson itself is delivered totally in an extemporaneous manner with no Bible markings or notes. The presentation is given as a story in a casual way. The conclusion and close are likewise low key. The narrative and lesson plan both come to a vivid and pointed conclusion that places the prospect in the position of being face to face with his lost condition. If the force of truth does not move the prospect to obedience, it is my judgment that he is not ready. For that reason, if the lesson itself does not move him to obey immediately, no attempt is made at that time to persuade him.

What are the Disadvantages of the Multiple Lesson Approach?

There are no disadvantages to the multiple lesson approach for those who need more time if they are spared by the grace of God and continue their interest uniformly. However, many are interested immediately in learning what they need to know and do. The Eunuch’s knowledge was incomplete when he said, “See here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36). The failure to satisfy that intense desire immediately by postponing the invitation to obey until later lessons (number four in the Jule Miller series) has led many to seek other religious teachers (Baptist, Methodists, etc.). These false teachers in turn have satisfied their desire for immediate action. Consequently, in my experience, several have announced gleefully upon my arrival for the third or fourth lesson that they have been baptized at a denominational church since the last study.

Another disadvantage of the “several weeks” approach has to do with the conservation of the personal worker’s time. Many will agree to a series of lessons who are not the least bit interested. Their motives vary. Some view the lessons as an additional social outlet. Others look on the meetings as occasions to share religious experiences (“witnessing,” they call it.) Still others simply are unable to say no. Whatever their reasons, the teacher is committed and thus must prod through five weeks of study with an inattentive and unresponsive listener.

What are the Advantages of the Single Lesson Approach?

The single lesson approach that I use places the whole picture of the uniqueness of the Lord’s church in its Biblical setting. The church is then contrasted vividly with the apostate denominations and their historical development. Finally, the plan of salvation is explored with care taken to show the blood connectivity of baptism and the inability of denominational plans to match the form of Romans 6:3-5, 17. The prospect sees at once that he is lost without God and without hope unless he submits to this “form” and unites with the Lord’s body, the church. The lesson has the advantage of setting the church apart from denominationalism within a framework that the listener can appreciate and understand without charging his teacher with being arrogant or a religious dogmatist. Most prospects know very little about church history and thus find that part of the presentation thoroughly enjoyable.

The single lesson approach culls out those who are not responsive. Thus time that would have been spent with someone not interested may be used to teach one who has never had a chance to hear at all and who may well obey the gospel.

Another advantage of the single lesson approach I use is its effectiveness in dealing with anticipated questions. The lesson was designed with that in mind. Questions like “What is the church of Christ?”, “What do its members believe?”, “How does it differ from the denomination I belong to?”, etc. are all dealt with in the lesson. Even if the prospect does not agree with the answers to his questions, he understands why we take the positions that we do.

I have found in general that those who fail to respond with the single lesson approach are never again the same religiously. Several who initially appeared to reject the lesson have returned at a later date to obey the gospel.

How Many Remain Faithful?

A legitimate question asked in the series I present is, “How many remain faithful with your `one shot approach’?” It is the attitude with which this question is often raised that has caused me and others who have been somewhat successful in personal evangelism to hesitate to share approaches and techniques. In the first place, all those I know who use the single lesson approach to conversion follow up immediately with lessons of reinforcement. To do less than that would be irresponsible. It has been my experience, after reviewing a sizeable number of conversions over several years, that of those who have stayed in the follow-up program where I preach, some 75-80 % have remained faithful. Several in this number have either preached or become Bible class teachers. It is with reservation and unwillingness that I submit figures relating to personal evangelism and would not now were it not for those who have reflected unduly on this approach by calling it the “one-shot thing.”

The sincere personal evangelist, believing the gospel will produce and hoping his prospect will respond, presents each lesson in great expectation. Obviously experience has taught him to the contrary. However, each successive prospect is a totally independent individual. He deserves every opportunity to hear the gospel as a beautiful positive story of salvation unfolded in his presence. We must assume that he has never heard it in his life and that upon hearing it he will be eternally grateful for its presentation. It is for this reason that in order to mentally prepare myself, I turn on the baptistry heater prior to going to teach the lesson. I am happy to report that more often than not the baptistry is used “in the same hour of the night.”

Truth Magazine XXII: 18, pp. 294-295
May 4, 1978

By Aude McKee

When I was a boy, the phrase that makes the title for this article was heard with some frequency. Brethren often inquired then, as they do now, “How is the work going where you live?” Then the answer would sometimes come, “Well, we are keeping house for the Lord.” Those who used the phrase to describe local conditions usually were implying a number of things. They had services in the building every first day of the week with different men of the congregation rising to their feet; reading a passage, and perhaps making some comments. Another man might, after a period of quiet, request that the congregation kneel and he would then lead a prayer. When the delay between songs, prayers, or talks became especially long, one of the brethren would then “wait on the table.” Then after the Lord’s Supper, the contribution would be taken. This routine would be broken once a month when a visiting preacher would come to town on the train and then services would be held on Saturday night, Sunday morning and Sunday night. In addition to these activities, about the only thing that ever occurred that was different was the annual revival. This series of meetings was normally held during the hottest time in the year, lasted for two weeks, and the building was comfortably filled every night. A sizable number of people would respond to the invitation; some to confess their faith in Christ and be baptized, and others to be restored. Those restored were often the ones who had been baptized the year before.

“Keeping house for the Lord,” as described above, cannot be criticized because of what was done, but rather because of what was not done. The doors of the meeting house were kept open, but not with enough frequency to get the job done. Mid-week services were usually not held; special classes designed to explore areas of Bible teaching that otherwise might not be touched for years, were never conducted; Bible classes on Sunday morning were either not convened or else all held in the same room divided simply by two or three pews. The subjects covered during the annual meeting were heavily weighted on the first principle side. Those converted each year were not given the kind of spiritual food that would cause them to develop into strong Christians. The number of persons converted under those circumstances was considerable, but the attrition rate was almost as great.

Intensive private investigation of God’s Word, on the part of most people, was lacking. A real need was not kept before people and so motivation was in short supply. Bible classes that required in-depth preparation were rare; more often than not, the lessons brought during the mutual edification period were not provocative of further study, and since teaching in the home on an individual basis was seldom done, answers to all the questions that arise under such circumstances did not have to be dug out. I suspect that the practice of reading a chapter from the Bible and having prayer in the home was more common than it is today, and that practice needs to be encouraged, but reading a chapter before bedtime does not suffice for diligent study of God’s Word.

Looking back, it is easy to see why apostasy was certain to come. It seems to this writer that emphasis was placed on opposing certain practices, such as instrumental music and the support of the missionary society, but very little time was spent on basic principles that would fortify a person against similar things in new dress. The things just mentioned were dirty words to about every Christian, but how to establish Bible authority, local church autonomy, and such matters, were rarely if ever discussed to any extent. And so those Christians who did remain “faithful” were not really grounded in basics and so were easy marks for the promoters of big things. The leaders in the departures from the truth in the past quarter of a century were mostly schooled under these circumstances just described.

But there were other deficiencies in “keeping house for the Lord.” Since very little was ever done that required money, contributions on the Lord’s Day remained pitifully small. When I was a boy, the sight of a bill in the collection basket was the cause for conversation after the service was over. Money was scarce in the thirties but, without doubt, the per capita giving of most local churches could have doubled. And then, in most cases, what is commonly known today as “personal work” was unheard of. Everybody knew when preaching day was, and advertisements in the local paper plus flyers tacked to the telephone poles were sufficient to inform everyone of the approaching revival. We dare not charge anyone with a lack of concern for the souls of lost people, but the fact remains that very little effort was made on the personal level to convert the lost. My mother and I prayed together when I was a boy and I can remember her mentioning people in her prayers, beseeching the Lord that they might be saved. But I can never remember any emphasis being placed on our personal responsibility in the lessons that I heard preachers bring. Perhaps the annual meeting worked so well that everyone’s teaching the Word seemed unnecessary.

The solution to these problems lies in two “ships.” Good leadership and the recognition on the part of individual Christians of their stewardship. As most of our readers know, the responsibility for leadership in the Lord’s church rests on elders (bishops). These men must possess certain qualifications, detailed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, in order to be ordained. When appointed, fearful tasks rest on them. They must exhort and convince the gainsayers (Titus 1:9), rule (1 Tim. 5:17), labor and admonish (1 Thess. 5:12-13), watch for souls (Heb. 13:17), oversee (Acts 20:28), and shepherd the flock (1 Pet. 5:1-4). Really, their responsibilities are closely akin to those of a father. A father over a house (home) must see that the family is provided an adequate place to live, food and clothing sufficient to their needs, discipline (both instructive and corrective), and concern that those who “leave the nest” have been schooled to the extent they will form new homes in keeping with the Lord’s Will. Elders must see that the local church has adequate facilities for the feeding of the flock, for teaching the lost, and for God’s people to assemble and worship. They must see that opportunity is provided every child in the family for spiritual growth, and that everyone’s talents are utilized to the fullest extent. They must see that proper incentives are constantly kept before each person to live a pure and dedicated life, to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord, and to go out inviting people to partake of the good things Christ has to offer. Elders must have good vision. They must be able to see beyond the needs of the local congregation where they serve and be impressed with the mass of lost people in every part of the world. They must lead Christians, whom they oversee, to want to sacrifice that others beyond their immediate sphere of influence, may hear the gospel of Christ. To do their job properly, they must look ahead. Are people being given what they need to face the temptations and problems that tomorrow may bring? Are they being grounded in basics so that they will be able to recognize sin and digression even though Satan may dress it up in new designs and flashy colors?

Elders who are sincere in their desire to see that the local church does more than “keep house,” will have frequent and lengthy sessions together discussing the immediate and long-range needs of the flock. There will necessarily be attention given to individuals and what must be done to utilize their talents, motivate their activity, and stimulate their spiritual growth. They will seek help to do their job well from every source available. They will pray much, they will solicit help from the deacons, from the evangelist, and from every faithful member of the body. Being the right kind of overseers mean that they labor under their responsibilities twenty-four hours of every day and seven days of every week. No local church can reach its potential without the kind of shepherds ordained in God’s Word!

However, with or without proper oversight every Christian’s individual responsibilities remain. Each of us is a living stone and by the hand of the master builder have been put into the temple (Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Pet. 2:5). Even though not apostles, we are in a very real sense, “laborers together with God” (1 Cor. 3:9). We have been blessed “with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 1:3), and so are “stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet. 4:10). Paul said in 1 Cor. 4:2 that “it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.” It really does not matter whether I am a member of a wide-awake, active, concerned local church, or a part of one that for the most part just “keeps house.” My personal responsibilities remain the same. I must be faithful in all that the statement “faithful unto death” entails in Rev. 2:10. My life must be pure, my ambitions holy, and my respect for God’s authority evident in all I do and say. I must study my Bible diligently, pray without ceasing, and work in view of the coming night. Even under less than ideal circumstances, I must continually “provoke (my brothers and sisters in Christ) unto love and good works” (Heb. 10:24). I must strive to always set the right example before others because righteousness and zeal are just as contageous as evil and unconcern.

May God help us to do more than “keep house.” We must strive to make the Lord’s house a relationship into which the lost are brought and the saved are kept.

Truth Magazine XXII: 18, pp. 292-294
May 4, 1978