A bible worker can give her best service to an evangelistic effort when it is well organized. In a large city like Chicago, the people who give in their names from night to night, requesting literature, live in many sections of the city. These names must be grouped into districts according to their location in the city. In the effort with which I am now connected, the territory has been divided into six districts, and a worker has been assigned to each district, to be responsible for visiting all interested people in her respective territory.
The work is greatly benefited by having a prayer room near the auditorium, where the workers can meet interested ones for prayer and counsel. This same room may be used for Bible studies. It is not always possible for a Bible worker to meet those who are interested in their homes, and this arrangement has proved to be of great value.
Some time ago I read an illustration which likened the work of the evangelist and the Bible worker to that of a physician and a nurse. The physician diagnoses the case and prescribes the treatment, and leaves the nurse to carry out his orders. Were it not for the systematic care given by the nurse, of what avail would the doctor's instructions be? It is the cooperation of doctor and nurse that makes possible the physical cure.
So it is also with the work of the evangelist and the Bible worker. While the evangelist has the burden and care of presenting the message to a collective body, the Bible worker has much of the responsibility of bringing the message into the homes. Many perplexing problems arise daily in her work, and the consecrated Bible worker realizes that the destiny of her readers depends in no small degree upon the manner in which she handles these problems. She needs the advice and counsel of the leader. Often in working for a husband and wife, the Bible worker finds the husband going through an experience that only a man is capable of understanding. It is essential at such times for the evangelist to give assistance.
Every evangelist has his own methods of labor, and in order for the Bible worker to do her best, there should be a definite understanding at the beginning of the campaign regarding what is expected of her. If his methods and plans are clearly stated, the Bible worker will be able to cooperate with him, and they can work in greater harmony throughout the campaign. The Bible worker is associated largely with "them which are without," and hears the comments passed upon the deportment of the evangelist. A favorable, friendly attitude—one that builds confidence in the minister as well as in his message—is therefore essential.
"God's servants are to work together, blending in kindly, courteous order, 'in honor preferring one another.' There is to be no unkind criticism, no pulling to pieces of another's work."—"Acts of the Apostles," p. 275.
Many questions arise in the minds of those who hear our message, and when the Bible worker visits these people, she can clear up these perplexities, and answer questions on the subjects which have been presented. However, she should not go ahead of the evangelist in any way. When interested ones miss a meeting, she can give a study on the subject presented, thus preparing them for the next lecture. The Bible worker can also look after many details of the effort, and should stand ready to assist the evangelist as needed.
The Bible worker who goes into a town to work alone should first become acquainted with the Adventists in the town, and seek their cooperation. She should have a knowledge of all forms of church activity, so that she will be able to help the little church or company. Usually these small groups are sadly in need of spiritual help. Bible studies on doctrinal topics, as well as other helpful spiritual subjects, might well be given at the prayer meeting hour. She can bring new life into the Sabbath school by instituting a teachers' meeting, giving reviews of the lesson, conducting the missions exercise, or even helping with the' church service if no other provision is made.
Her most valuable assistance to the church will be in directing and training the members for greater efficiency. She will soon get names of interested people and friends of members with whom she can make contacts. Then, by the use of some good Bible study course, the house-to-house visitation will bring her in touch with those who love to study the Bible. After an interest has been aroused, the interested ones will tell others, and soon her full time will be taken up with Bible ministration.