In the fall of 1930 leaders of the advent movement assembled in Autumn Council, gave most serious and earnest study to the matter of greatly increasing our evangelistic efforts and results. A mighty clarion call was sent forth from that meeting for a greater and more fruitful evangelism. Both workers and lay members responded most heartily to the call. All through North America and in overseas fields there came a real awakening.
Ministers and pastors who, because of many and heavy administrative responsibilities, had not conducted a series of evangelistic meetings for some time, gladly took on an extra burden, erected a tent or secured a public hall, and proclaimed the message from the pulpit to rapidly increasing audiences. Conference executives and departmental secretaries joined enthusiastically in this good work of public ministry and personal soul winning. Best of all, evangelistic fervor soon reached down into the churches, and the response on the part of the laity was roost encouraging. Laymen of talent and consecration engaged in public and private efforts with great success. Cottage meetings were held everywhere, and truth-filled literature was circulated broadcast. The spirit of personal witnessing took possession of old and young alike.
The timely appeal sent forth to both workers and laity a decade ago needs reemphasis. As leaders in this great world-wide movement we recognize that there must be no letting down, no cessation in this work of greater evangelism for the finishing of the work. There are thousands of cities, towns, and villages in which the message of truth has never been heard. And we know that there are thousands who are longing for the light which we have. "In every town, city, and village, there are persons who would embrace the truth if it were brought before them in a judicious manner."---"Testimonies," Vol. II, p. 513.
We consider it a rare privilege to cooperate in the suggestion of the editor of THE MINISTRY to review briefly in these columns some features which are connected with this great challenge of the hour for a more intense quest for souls.* There is an urgent need everywhere for organizing and launching a strong, well-balanced program of evangelism in every church, and this is a matter to which the ministry and the church boards should give most careful and prayerful consideration. Refreshing indeed is the earnest and understanding support and direction which are being given by conference leaders and ministers everywhere to a more thorough training and a fuller harnessing of the laity in the entire soul-winning program of the church of God.
A new day has dawned. Irrespective of what has been done in past years in this or that community, territories must be worked again. Men, and women everywhere are inquiring as to the meaning of the solemn times upon which we have come. Seventh-day Adventists have the key which can unlock the door to the treasure house of knowledge regarding these things. May God impress both the ministry and the laity with the lateness of the hour, with our duty to proclaim the truth boldly, yet with meekness and fear, so that the work may be finished speedily and the glorious kingdom of our Lord be ushered in.
* See symposium on lay preaching, pages 24, 25. —Editor
Pacific Union Worker Councils
By GLENN CALKINS, President, Pacific Union Conference
There are about three thousand workers -a- of all classes in the Pacific Union Conference—ministers, Bible workers, conference office workers, regular colporteurs, administrative leaders, departmental heads, employees of our medical institutions, colleges, academies, and church schools, as well as those connected with the publishing and health-food work. It has been our custom in the past to hold frequent meetings with the workers in the local conferences. This year instead of following this plan we arranged for two large meetings—one for the workers in the northern part of the union to be held at San Jose, and one in the southern part, at Glendale.
The daily program began at eight-thirty in the morning with a devotional meeting, followed by a fifteen-minute recess. The rest of the morning was spent in round-table discussions on topics vital to the spiritual life of the workers. Following a two-hour intermission for lunch, another Bible study was given. This was followed by a short recess, and then by round-table discussion and the question box until the supper hour. In the evening another two-hour round-table session was conducted. We were grateful for the valued help given by J. L. Shuler, of the Theological Seminary, who was with us during both of the meetings, and by L. H. Christian, who was with us during the Glendale meeting.
On our agenda were two main topics for study: First, personal preparation of each worker, and second, greater evangelism—a natural outgrowth of the first. Around these two great topics all our Bible instruction is centered, as well as the round-table discussions. It was most inspiring to see the way our workers entered into the spirit of these meetings. As we discussed the first topic it seemed as though the hearts of all responded in longing for a deeper experience in the things of God. The sacredness of our work and the high calling of the gospel minister were vividly brought before us, and renewed impressions were made upon our hearts of the responsibility of our work.
Revivals took place, and a spirit of devotion and consecration was manifested on every side. During the early morning hours and at other times during the day many of the workers gathered together in their rooms for small group prayer meetings, and the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them in a special way. With this rededication of life and heart and talents to God, it was but natural to expect that a greater desire would be seen to carry the message of a soon-coming Saviour to others. We feel sure that this coming year's evangelistic program in our union conference will be greatly benefited by these inspiring meetings. We returned to our work greatly refreshed and strengthened to carry on in the name of our Saviour.
Utilize as a Supplement
By D. E. REINER, Home Missionary Secretary, Northern Union
The possibilities of lay evangelism in supplementing the work of the ministry are unlimited. Wise is the minister who recognizes this. Great will be his reward, and large the returns for every investment of time and energy thus made. Humble, consecrated laymen can supplement our work in many ways, some of which I shall mention.
1. Preparing the held for public efforts. Through (a) the literature ministry, perhaps the most inexpensive and yet the most successful way by which our laymen can work; (b) public meetings and Bible studies. Many of our church buildings stand empty Sunday nights. Laymen can be trained and encouraged to hold Sunday night meetings in these places, with excellent results. Small efforts in empty stores and schoolhouses, cottage meetings in private homes, create large interests among unbelievers.
2. Assisting during public efforts. Laymen with a burden for souls, who have prepared the way, contacted their neighbors, and have received an intelligent understanding of what is involved, will create a most helpful atmosphere for the preaching of this message. These same laymen can be encouraged to visit the interested and bring them to the lectures. A personal testimony and a godly life will convince many a struggling soul that the minister otherwise would not reach.
3. Following up efforts. At best, evangelists cannot stay long in any place, and much is lost when there is no proper follow-up work. Laymen who have tasted of the joy of soul winning can do much to create the proper atmosphere for new converts to grow in strength and confidence, and in soul-winning experiences. New souls can be contacted and new leads followed up, with a fostering of constant growth and expansion of the work, even after the minister has left the field.
4. Holding gains. With so few ministers and so many churches and companies in our conferences, how could we ever carry on—conduct Sabbath services, raise mission funds, operate church schools, and do a host of other things—without the help of our faithful laymen ? God bless the mass of our laymen who patiently live this message in the lonely places, bring their tithe and offerings, distribute literature, send their children to our schools, and uphold the light of truth in their communities.
The laymen, who support us with their prayers and funds, are worthy of every confidence and training which we can give them. When properly guided and encouraged, they will bring about the final movements, which will be not only rapid, but Spirit filled.