Great care should be taken in the selection of a suitable meeting place for an evangelistic effort. Much depends on the location, the reputation, the attractiveness and the desirability of the building to which you invite the public to hear the glorious heaven-born message of eternal life. No greater, no more important work has ever been given to man than the preaching of the third angel's message. We should therefore put forth every effort to proclaim it amid surroundings in keeping with its high and holy character.
We have the beautiful, precious pearl of great price. The world should have the opportunity and privilege of seeing it in a proper setting. Those who have counterfeit pearls may display them in a cheap, unattractive manner and background, but this must not be true of those who are the happy possessors of the genuine.
First, let each minister and conference administrative body desiring a location take the problem to the Lord in earnest prayer for His wise guidance and overruling providence. God gave direction in the building of the sanctuary in the wilderness, and in the plans for the succeeding temples wherein He met with and spoke to the people. He will as verily direct us in the selection of suitable places today, that His Word may be heralded in an atmosphere favorable to its acceptance.
There should be close co-operation between the man in the field and the officers of the conference, for the united judgment of several may result in a better choice of meeting place and more satisfactory arrangements. Owners of desirable property might not be willing to rent to an individual minister, but they might consider leasing to a responsible organization.
Then, too, there is the financial aspect that will need the careful study and support of the conference committee. In every decision, whether for a large auditorium, theater, hotel ballroom, tabernacle, or tent, consideration will naturally be given to the population of the city or the territory to be evangelized, the amount of means available, and the size of the evangelistic company. It is not the part of wisdom to extravagantly waste money on a large setup, and at the same time not have enough help connected with the effort to reap the harvest.
Be as centrally located as possible in the city, or section thereof, to be worked. It is also desirable to select a well-known place where the people are accustomed- to going. I would not rent a theater or dance hall of bad reputation, or be located in a place where my meetings would be disturbed by noise from undesirable neighbors.
I do not think a church building of another denomination would be best. It is marked with a sectarian background, and there would be difficulty in getting the public to respond to this type of meeting, although in rural communities I have known of successful efforts held in church buildings owned by other denominations.
Tabernacles and tents have done a great work for this cause, and I do not think that their day of usefulness has entirely passed—at least in the smaller centers. However, I believe we have come to a time when they often savor of some fanatical evangelist, and do not have the dignified appeal our message should command. If a tabernacle is used, make it outstandingly beautiful, attractive, and comfortable. Some tabernacles I have seen used by our ministers resembled a horse barn or sheep shed more than an attractive place where God would meet with lost sinners to give them a message of hope.
Where the climate and conditions indicate that a tent would be acceptable and appropriate, it should be made inviting. The entrance could be camouflaged with a built-up front of beaverboard or some other material, attractively painted. Even the walls might be of board construction instead of canvas, giving it a better appearance.
The old sawdust trail, the sanded aisle, and plank seat are no longer of much value. With the new style of shoe worn by women today I can hardly imagine a woman leaving a meeting in good spirits with the toes of her shoes full of sawdust or sand. Neither can I imagine her being very happy if she had snagged her dress or hose on a rough 2 by 12 plank all covered with splinters.
The enemy knows the value of a well-lighted, comfortable place to hold the people, as seen in the theaters and places of amusement throughout the land. Should we let the children of this world be wiser in their generation than the children of light? May the Lord give us wisdom to know how and what we ought to do in such a time as this.