The strength and influence of God's people cannot be measured in numerical terms alone, but rather in their degree of spiritual life and power. Numbers, without conversion, are to the church like barnacles to a ship; they check her speed and hamper her movements. The greatest danger to the church in every age has been her unconverted members. Or, to change the figure, the striking power of an army is limited to that portion of its forces which is trained, properly equipped, and in possession of full information regarding the plan of action. The ill-equipped, untrained, and ignorant soldiers become an easy target for the enemy, and provide an opportunity whereby the morale of the whole force may be weakened.
The duty of those engaged in training and instructing others who would join in the battle of Prince Immanuel, is indeed a solemn one. They must be the physicians who declare the candidates fit or unfit for service. They must be the instructors to drill and develop the would-be soldiers desiring to take part in the campaign against sin. And they must know when their charges are ready to pass from the recruit stage to the permanent force, prepared to go forward to victory.
In order to reveal their beauty, diamonds need only to be cleanly cut. Just so, our sermons do not need eloquence or oratorical embellishment so much as the cutting away of verbiage in order that the precious jewel of truth may shine forth in its true beauty.
The truth should be presented so simply that the uneducated and unenlightened in the audience can easily grasp its meaning. It is surprising how ignorant, even in this cultured age, are the majority of persons with reference to Biblical and historical facts.
Stilted and wordy language, with an abundant use of polysyllables, is not in keeping with a message that must reach every kindred, tongue, and people. When a minister strives after effect in his preaching, it may impress the minds of some of the hearers, but will fail to convict of sin or win men to accept Christ.
Preaching to the Heart
Plain, direct sermons must be delivered, not only to interest the mind, but to captivate the soul. The eloquence of fervor and earnestness, the tone of love and compassion, the sympathetic treatment of the opposition viewpoint, the urge to heal rather than maim, the eagerness to save and the reluctance to condemn,—all these constitute drawing power to one who would preach to the hearts of men. In no uncertain way, men must be led to see and know the way to enter into the joy of the Lord; that here and now there is balm for troubled hearts, rest for tired souls, ease for burdened consciences; that a life of peace and joy can be theirs now and for eternity. As the sinner seeks joy and peace in repentance, he must be taught that true repentance leads to unquestioning obedience, and be led to accept the truth as it is in Jesus. Such sermons will be spiritual, and will lead men to follow Christ. Those who work on this plan will receive the evidence that the gospel has not lost its power.
Personal Visits
Early in his campaign the evangelist will receive requests for personal visits. These are precious opportunities; for it is in the home that the greatest victories are won. Here we are brought face to face with reality, and can give instruction and render help and encouragement that will produce permanent results. The Bible workers in the effort should not have so many names that they are unable to spend sufficient time to do thorough work with those who are really interested.
The names of persons most deeply interested should be placed on the prayer list to be presented at the workers' meetings, so that each worker may become intimately acquainted with the progress.
When the subject of baptism has been presented, which may be about the middle of the series of meetings, it is an opportune time to start a baptismal class. This may be announced as a special Bible study circle, or instruction class, so that not only those contemplating baptism, but others interested, who may be led to make a favorable decision later, will feel free to attend. The workers should encourage all their most interested readers to attend this class, and the instruction given should be such as will build up a practical Christian experience. In due time all the definite features of our truth can be dealt with in a simple but thorough way. Questions should be encouraged, and all obscure points made clear.
The workers should make a mental note of those with whom they are acquainted who are in attendance at the class, and at the close, when the workers compare notes, a record of attendance can be made. If some who are known to be preparing for baptism are not in attendance at any one class, the workers who are visiting those persons should be held responsible for giving the study that has been missed through nonattendance. In this way, when it comes to the time for considering the cases of those going forward in baptism, the minister not only satisfies himself that each candidate has received adequate instruction, but the worker is able to give this assurance.
Final Steps
After the workers have met together and decided who, among those interested, are ready for baptism, the evangelist should present the names to the church board for their approval, provided there is an organized church in the locality. Then the candidates can be brought before the assembled body of the church, questioned on faith and doctrine, and the vote of the church obtained admitting the new believers into the church subject to baptism, which can be immediately administered. In case the effort has been in virgin territory, the evangelist should consult with his conference president as to the procedure to be followed.
By giving thorough instruction, and taking every precaution, the worker is guarding the best interests of the entire church, the local church, that of his helpers, and lastly, his own; while much will have been done toward solving the problem of holding the people firm to the end.
Johannesburg, south Africa.
