News concerning the arrival, residence, and business of all ministerial newcomers is especially welcomed by newspaper city editors, who incidentally prefer to use cuts in introducing new ministers to the general public. One of the first things, therefore, that should be done after arriving in a city to labor, is to call personally at the desk of the city editor, modestly introduce oneself, and submit a typewritten, well-prepared but brief news story, together with a suitable photograph or newspaper cut, which he will almost invariably receive gladly. Call at his desk, but do not visit. for it is well to have him see that the new minister is a "hustler." That first contact is very important.
Having been thus introduced to many thousands in one day through the newspaper, the curiosity of the masses is in some measure aroused. They soon "spot" you, and watch you, and naturally expect that an ambassador of God will have something to say and do in molding public opinion. Since practically all newspapers feature a "church page," or at least a "church column" space,—which free courtesies are extended with the expectation that ministers will not disappoint them by neglecting to inform the public regarding the "who, where, when, and what" of their weekly church services,—I always take advantage of such reciprocal courtesies.' I hold that to be as important, in its way, as to have a neat, well-kept house of worship, with a suitable sign on it, so the public can find the Seventh-day Adventist church when they look for it.
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," is the Master's commission. "How shall they hear without a preacher?" adds the most aggressive human evangelist of all time. However, no small per cent of the world's human creatures must be reached through the printed words of God's ambassadors, rather than by personal contact. No preacher in any city can reasonably expect the great masses to come to his church, where he can personally look into their faces and talk to them, while the Spirit of God impresses their hearts. Yet a large number of those who may never expect to enter the house of God constantly search the daily newspaper, scanning for news. As a heralder of the "good news" in such a time as this, the minister of God should sound forth such soul-stirring messages as will command attention.
I feel as obligated to pass on to the unseen thousands in the homes, stores, and shops a printed story of the gist of the sermon as to preach personally to the comparatively few assembled in the place of meeting. So I submit a condensed story of the sermon for the unseen crowd, and ask God's blessing upon it. Even if it should not appear always in print, the editor at least has read it.
Such general seed sowing needs watering and cultivating; so, without neglecting that personal ministry and visiting in the homes which is so necessary in soul winning, from time to time I stir up the soil in the hearts of newspaper readers through the "Open Forum" and "Letters to the Editor," dealing with current questions of the day. Thus I endeavor to keep before the reading public not only the name "Seventh-day Adventist" and their growing, world-wide uplift work, but the great purpose of their existence as a people.
How often, too, do new converts, in telling how they first made contact with the message of God, mention not only the faithful, pioneer colporteur's book, the magazine, periodical, tract, pamphlet, and radio, but also the newspaper. I observe that thought-provoking editorials in metropolitan newspapers, though usually containing but a few short paragraphs, are terse and vital. Words are like sunbeams, —the more they are condensed, the deeper they burn. Sugar sirup is sweeter than sap, but it requires more time to get it. So, anomalously, it takes time to be brief.
Write nothing for which you will ever need to apologize. Published words are unlike kites, —they cannot be hauled in. Be sure you are right, then give the "leaves of autumn" the wings of the wind. Deal with principles, never with personalities! Respect those who may differ with you! Be positive, but never exaggerative; firm, but not egotistical; aggressive, but never thoughtlessly rash, rushing in where angels fear to tread!
These are the methods that bring the best results. But do not for a moment think that all one submits is printed. Outside the front page of all newspapers, advertising holds the right of way. And outstanding news of the world in bold headlines claims the front page. There may be good reasons why your story is not printed. Be as cordial to the editor as if it had been. Supply him regularly with all the worth-while church new you can. Cultivate that kind of fraternal friendship with him, for it pays.
One way in which we can capitalize opportunity is to submit a well-prepared news story of the sermon to the night editor of the morning daily before we deliver our Sunday evening sermon. You will often find, while scanning the following morning's daily, that while you were sleeping, the "newspaper boys" were freely helping you to speak to multiplied thousands of people who were the absent congregation when you delivered the sermon.
So at it, all at it, and always at it, and millions around the world will the more often read that "Seventh-day Adventists baptize recent converts."
Davenport, Iowa.
