Evangelism is manifestly God's program for this hour. Every member of the church should engage in soul-winning work, distributing literature, giving Bible readings, ministering to the sick and needy, and holding cottage meetings; yet the program would be obviously incomplete without the public evangelist. There is something about the voice of the Spirit-filled messenger of God when lifted up in earnest public preaching, that stirs and convicts the hearts of men as can no other instrumentality. The mighty preacher of the Jordan was a "voice," and God's closing work on earth will be given with a "loud voice" in the "loud cry." While these expressions refer to the power of the Holy Spirit mightily energizing every agency, yet above all it signifies the stirring voice of the living evangelist, trumpeting the message of warning, of rebuke, of comfort and hope in halls, theater buildings, tabernacles, tents, on the streets, in the open fields and forest jungles.
In the more important evangelistic efforts there are distinct advantages in the use of the tabernacle. If a suitable location is secured, the tabernacle itself and its construction will be excellent advertising. People will inquire: "What are they building here?" "What is this to be?" "What is going on here?" If they do not find out earlier, the first large sign on the new building will be eagerly read by the passing thousands.
The tabernacle, with its construction work, affords excellent subject matter for interesting news stories for the press. Also, there is the advantage of the unrestricted use of the front and outside walls of the building for large signs, and a bulletin board for the daily advertising of the subjects to be given. The exclusive use of the tabernacle is a great advantage. Seldom can the use of a suitable public building be obtained where things are not constantly disturbed and disarranged.
In the construction of the tabernacle, needed features may be built in, such as a choir loft, rooms for after meetings and baptismal classes, baptistry, and dressing rooms for candidates, nursery room for the small children, literature and book display stand, and suitable quarters for the caretaker. It is an excellent plan to have a man and his wife live at the tabernacle as caretakers, to meet inquirers during the day, and to answer telephone calls. The tabernacle provides not only for the evening meetings, but for workers' meetings and other special appointments.
The tabernacle is valuable also for Sabbath afternoon meetings, where revival services may be conducted and appeals made for interested ones to take a definite stand for the truths presented. It is easier often to persuade people to begin attendance at Sabbath services when they are held in the same place as the evening meetings. A metal baptistry may be installed in the tabernacle and the new believers baptized in the course of these Sabbath afternoon meetings. If the baptismal services are made impressive, they will exert a strong influence in helping other interested ones to make decisions for the truth.
Previous to the baptism of any candidate, he should be personally instructed by a baptismal committee, and thoroughly questioned as to his beliefs. It is wise for this committee to include the pastors of the local churches which are to receive the new converts. In this way the pastors become acquainted with the new believers, and help determine their fitness for church membership. This plan also safeguards the evangelist from any charges that converts are hurried into baptism before they are duly prepared for the holy rite.
Oakland. Calif.
