I usually hold a twelve weeks' series of meetings. About the end of the first week, I call for the names of any who may wish the printed sermons. The following week we deliver these sermons to the homes, each worker having a list of names that he visits regularly. A record is kept, showing the results of each visit and the interest. As the weeks pass, further items are added concerning the progress of each family. On Sunday night beginning the fifth week of the series, I present the Sabbath truth. At this time, as we are fairly well acquainted with the people, we begin to ask for a definite statement as to how they regard the truths presented. As the testing truths are further given, the workers find many opportunities to help those interested to come to a favorable decision.
After the testing truths are presented, I usually take three or four weeks for revival sermons, speaking on subjects that show the importance and blessing of obedience to God. Each night I call for those under conviction to come forward, and give their hearts to God. At the close of the meeting, we kneel and pray with these people, asking God's keeping power upon them. We take their names and addresses, and visit them in their homes to be sure they understand the various phases of the message. After making the public calls for about three weeks, we announce our first baptismal service for the next to the last Sabbath before our tent comes down or before the tabernacle meeting closes. I do not try to have all who have expressed a desire to join the church in the first baptismal service, but baptize them when I feel confident that they are ready. We usually have a baptismal service weekly for about five Sabbaths.
I believe strongly in urging people to respond to a call by coming forward, pleading with them to ~take this step with all the power and force the Lord gives me. We sing sometimes three or four songs with the congregation standing while individuals make their decision. Sometimes the criticism is offered that these public calls work on the emotions too much. I do not believe it. We are not taking people into the church on these nights, but persuading them to make a decision. They have plenty of time in which to weigh the matter before baptism.
May it not be that one reason why some of our preachers are not having better success is that they are afraid to make these pleas for men and women to come forward, thus signifying a desire to forsake their sins? Ministers who fail to bring sinners to repentance, but are content to give the message in a mechanical way, are little more than lecturers. God's min. isters should be able to cause others to yearn for what they have. A Spirit-filled minister will have a Spirit-filled congregation.
Little Rock, Ark.
