The inability to provide sufficient funds to meet the actual expenditures of our numerous city efforts is a leading executive problem in nearly all conferences. Provision for our evangelists and pastors to devote the major part of their time to a program of evangelism calls for studied and continuous economy on their part, and the fullest possible cooperation of all engaged in this important work in order that the conference budget may be maintained. Many of our large eastern cities demand effort S which call for a large investment of money. In such cases a small outlay of money would only result in failure and a waste of funds. In the expenditure of conference funds, the following counsel should be faithfully heeded:
"In this age of extravagance and outward show, when men think it necessary to make a display in order to gain success, God's chosen messengers are to show the fallacy of spending means needlessly for effect. As they labor with simplicity, humility, and graceful dignity, avoiding everything of a theatrical nature, their work will make a lasting impression for good.
"There is a necessity, it is true, for expending money judiciously in advertising the meetings, and in carrying forward the work solidly. Yet the strength of every worker will be found to lie, not in these outward agencies, but in trustful dependence upon God, in earnest prayer to Him for help. in obedience to His word. Much more prayer, much more Christlikeness, much more conformity to God's will, is to be brought into the Lord's work. Outward show and extravagant outlay of means will not accomplish the work to be done."—"Gospel Workers," p. 346.
Experience has taught us that it is not safe to resort to the policy of borrowing money for financing an evangelistic program. Adequate funds should either be in hand before the effort is launched, or a definite plan should be laid for meeting all expenses. We build for greater strength if a number of evangelistic efforts can be conducted in different parts of the conference, instead of all the conference funds being invested in one or two large efforts. This plan of sharing in holding efforts brings a good spirit into the conference. When our churches feel that they will profit locally by part of the means they contribute, they are encouraged to give more freely.
Our churches are gaining a larger vision of evangelism, and if approached in the proper way, they will give from fifty to seventy-five per cent of the funds required to finance an effort. Those evangelists who give the conference strong financial backing by raising money for evangelistic purposes, are enabled to spend the major part of their time in holding efforts, with good results.
Every minister should study the secret and art of enlarging the offerings. Efforts in which liberal offerings are given are fruitful ones. The organization and presentation of the message, the general atmosphere of the meetings, and the proper appeal, have much to do with the size of the offering. This we find is true in both large and small efforts. It is very helpful for the evangelist to budget his effort carefully, keeping strict account of the expenditures and rendering an accurate statement to the conference.
"All should learn how to keep accounts. Some neglect this work as nonessential; but this is wrong. All expenses should be accurately stated. This is something that many of our laborers will have to learn."—Id., p. 460.
Following this instruction is a protection to the evangelist himself, and the procedure is altogether necessary in order for the conference administration to know how the effort is running financially. Order is heaven's first law. God is a God of order, and He is pleased to see order and system in all lines of His work. Again we quote from the Spirit of prophecy:
"A solemn responsibility rests upon those who receive the liberal donations of the church, and administer the means in God's treasury. They are to study carefully the providences of God, that they may discern where there is the greatest necessity. They are to be colaborers with Christ in establishing His kingdom on the earth."—Id., p. 454.
Through His Holy Spirit, the Lord is convincing men and women among the wealthier classes of the solemn truth of this message. Men and women of means, who have a mighty influence over others, are being led to take their stand for the truth, and they will lead others into the light, thereby greatly strengthening the cause. This is clearly indicated in the following quotation:
"The Lord desires that moneyed men shall be converted, and act as His helping hand in reaching others. He desires that those who can help in the work of reform and restoration shall see the precious light of truth, be transformed in character, and be led to use their entrusted capital in His service. He would have them invest the means He has lent them, in doing good, in opening the way for the gospel to be preached to all classes, nigh and afar off. . . .
"Altogether too little effort has been put forth for men in responsible places in the world. Many of them possess superior qualifications ; they have means and influence. These are precious gifts, entrusted to them by the Lord to be increased and used for the good of others. Seek to save men of wealth. Entreat them to return to the Lord the treasures He has lent them in trust, that in New York and other great cities there may be established centers of influence from which Bible truth in its simplicity shall go forth to the people. Persuade men to lay up their treasures beside the throne of God by returning to the Lord their substance, enabling His workers to do good and to advance His glory."—Id... pp. 349, 350.
The evangelists who can be used to the greatest advantage are those who can carry on a successful evangelistic program throughout the year with the means the conference is able to appropriate for operating efforts, and promote such a program that will tend to strengthen and build all lines of conference work evenly. This will keep our treasuries strong, and at the same time strengthen our churches.
