Greater Evangelism

The Effective Use of the Radio (A Symposium)

Numerous inquiries have been lodged with the association office as to the cost, effec­tiveness, restrictions, and modus operandi of radio broadcasting in connection with pastoral or evangelistic work. The responses appear­ing in this symposium have been gleaned from men with successful experience in this field. Others, not included here, have attempted radio work with equally gratifying results, while other instances have been disappointing. Properly conducted, these efforts over the air give wide and favorable publicity to our mes­sage, create interests, develop calls for litera­ture, increase attendance at the evangelistic meetings, produce converts, and are decidedly helpful in breaking down prejudice. Unwisely handled, they have inherent possibilities for great damage. Ministerial novices had best remain away from the microphone, and all broadcasting should of course be done with the consent and counsel of the conference lead­ership. Unquestionably we have failed to capi­talize many opportunities of reaching multi­tudes who would never venture into our public services unless first interested through such a channel. Other articles will appear later.—Eds.

(See PDF for the Article on "Initial Contacts and Follow-Up")

Free Time on the Air

By A.D. Bohn 

We are broadcasting over WCAZ each week, and have been doing so since Christmas. The first contact was made by members of the church. I had them ask permission for their pastor to speak at Christmas time, which re­quest was granted. After this broadcast, they made another approach, and I spoke a second time. Then a delegation from the church called on the manager of the station, and asked if I might give a series of lectures on our view of the times and our tenets of faith. The man­ager granted this privilege, for he said our programs were pleasing and spiritual. So at present I am speaking weekly on the signs of the times, being allotted thirty minutes for each broadcast.

This week, after my broadcast, I stopped at the manager's office to ask if he would give me a little time to explain to him my future messages. This he granted. So I told him about our views of the Bible, and that in presenting them I would be fair and not at­tack any organization or person, but would give the Bible texts together with our view on each subject. He told me that I could present any topic I desired, and could have as many weeks as needed; also that if a half hour was not enough for some subjects, he would arrange for more time.

I now expect to give a series of lectures somewhat as I do in my tent work, tactfully bringing in features of the sanctuary, the 2300 days, the law, the Sabbath, and other funda­mental denominational truths. The attendance at my public services, including the Sabbath service, is increasing each week. The people are revealing a growing interest, and tell me they are listening to the radio lectures. I have announced that free literature will be mailed to all who request it. Cards and letters asking for literature continue to come. Let­ters are coming to the station commending our programs and asking that WCAZ permit me to continue my messages, as the people want them. This is very effective with the station, and no doubt will help us to stay on the air without cost for some time. Truly God is at work for us.

Quincy, Ill.

Give Message, Not Programs

By Allen Walker

The radio proved very fruitful in my work in Birmingham, Alabama. We had a half hour every Sunday at 6 r. M. for seventy-five consecutive broadcasts, As soon as the subject was announced, without any preliminaries of any kind, not even a song, we went ahead with the subject in a spirited manner, presenting many Bible texts to prove the points under discussion. It is my personal conviction that certain of our evangelists have found radio work unprofitable because too much time was spent in rendering a "program," rather than in giving a message. We should not be afraid to present wisely over the radio our essential positions, just as we would in a tent or lecture hail.

I have found, moreover, that the presenta­tion of doctrinal subjects is that in which the people are most interested. We began our series of lectures with talks on the second coming of Christ, the signs of the times, the millennium, and kindred themes. From these we went on to the state of the dead, the punish­ment of the wicked, and related subjects. Then came the Sabbath question, the ten command­ments, what was abolished at the cross, law and grace, etc. Then, just as in a regular evangelistic series, we took up the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation.

At the close of each lecture, free literature was offered those who would write for it. In this way we found entrance into many homes, and those interested were easily led to accept the truth. More than forty converts have been taken into the church during the year, and all have remained loyal. To test out the interest, I have stopped at homes in various sections of the city, inquiring if they were listening to the talks. The results of such inquiries have been very encouraging.

I have been using a local, independent sta­tion and paying $7.50 for the thirty minutes, the expense of these broadcasts being met largely by donations from interested people outside the church. The radio audience was not urged to give, but it was made known that the continuance of the lectures was dependent upon contributions from listeners. It is my conviction that radio work, properly conducted, is one of the most profitable factors in getting our message before the people today in a way that will lead them to accept it.

Atlanta, Ga.

Health, Devotional, and Special Broadcasts

By John Mitchell

I determined that I would preach the non­controversial features of our message. I wanted to capitalize the musical feature this time, and began looking for a theme song with a real message in it, finally selecting "Calvary," by H. A. Miller. We broadcast at eight in the morning, and as soon as we got the signal, started our song. After two stanzas, the announcer made the station announcement, and another song followed. During the whole month of December I based my talks on "Steps to Christ," using the plan that I followed with "Ministry of Healing." I decided it was better to have prayer at the close, inasmuch as there was not time to offer two prayers. We repeated the theme song at the end of the broadcast.

I always wrote out my lectures, as I do not follow the extemporaneous form on the radio. Of course, one should be a good reader, and if he is, the audience will never know that the talk is being read. I invariably read my ser­mons aloud several times to become familiar with them, and in order to time myself. I had two or three paragraphs at the close which could be omitted, if lack of time made it neces­sary. The prayer was, of course, not read. I did not invite correspondence of any kind, but received a great many letters, addressed to the station, some of which have followed me here to my new location.

We also broadcast in connection with the union conference session in Macon, Georgia. Arrangements were made for a thirty-minute radio period for each day of the session. Elders Walker, Shuler, and I divided the time, and we presented phases of our message. It was really made a part of the convention. We wrote out what we wished the announcer to say—something after this order: "During the next thirty minutes you will be listening to ministers from the Seventh-day Adventist Con­ference, now in session at the Hebrew Temple here in Macon." Then he would add just a little about our work.

This is where I learned the actual value of gospel music over the radio. I had charge of the music at the session,and we had a men's chorus of eighteen voices, all ministers. We rehearsed every day for an hour. So we pro­vided excellent music, giving three numbers on the half-hour service. We had prayer, three songs of two verses each, and a few announce­ments. We had to choose songs which would take only two minutes, otherwise they con­sumed too much time. This would cover prac­tically fifteen minutes, leaving fifteen for the giving of the message.

We invited all who were interested in our message, or any particular phase of it, to write to the pastor of the local church, and we an­nounced his name and address. We always invited the listeners to the Sunday night meet­ings. I recently received a letter from the pastor of the Macon church, stating that he has not been so busy in years. He has had  a very good interest as the result of our radio work at the time of the union session.

As to speaking technique: When addressing your audience over the radio, speak naturally, as if you were addressing some one standing across from you in your usual conversational
voice. Stand within nine to eleven inches from the microphone, and do not speak directly into it, but slightly at an angle, so the voice goes just past it. In this way there will be no blare. Be as natural as you can, and for get you are in front of the microphone.

Charlotte, N. G.