What Makes One an Evangelist?

By THEODORE CARCICH, President of the Illinois Conference

An evangelist is one who brings glad tidings to others. At times the term evangelist has been applied only to those who are eloquent speakers and who can attract large audiences. No one will dispute that men with such gifts are truly evangelists, and that we need more of them in our midst. But to specify eloquence and a scintillating personality as the only earmarks of an evangelist is harmful both to the man who possesses such gifts and the man who does not. Such labeling tends to unduly inflate one group of workers and to de press another. It causes one class to feel that they are but the "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the cause of God; and another class of workers gain the impression that they alone, like Gideon's three hundred, are qualified to blow "the trumpets and brake the pitchers" in battle for the Lord.

An appraisal of the first evangelist, Philip, in the apostolic church will destroy the tendency among us to classify one worker as an evangelist and another as something else. It should help us to understand that neither gifts nor the lack of gifts necessarily determines who is an evangelist. Furthermore, it should help us to ' realize that evangelism is an attitude of the heart and mind—a burning passion—that will express itself, whether we are conference presidents, pastors, departmental secretaries, teachers, institutional workers, office workers, colporteurs, doctors, or nurses. All should pray that this burning passion may possess us to the end that every inherited and cultivated gift will be used in leading others to a knowledge of God's saving truth. If this passion does not possess us, then, no matter how gifted, we have no legitimate reason for remaining in God's organized work.

No doubt if our conference committees had to consider Philip's name as an evangelist, they would be tempted to pass him by. After all, he was only a deacon, hardly the qualifications we look for in an 'evangelist. Some of us might argue that he had a heavy educational problem in his four daughters, which would impede his moves to and 'fro in the conference. Others might reason that his past experience as a departmental man unfitted him for the work of evangelism. Like all men, it would be difficult for us to sense that a burning passion for souls, under the blessing of God, transforms all liabilities into possibilities.

"Philip the evangelist" did not have a crowd- gathering reputation or a pompous title. He was not known as the "State" evangelist, a world traveler, or Dr. Philip. He was merely "one of the seven." Yet under the leading of the Holy Spirit he preached and won souls in Samaria, Azotus, and "in all the cities." The Holy Spirit supplied for Philip what reputation or title could not supply.

Weakness for Titles and -Office

It is good for us in the Seventh-day Adventist Church to resist the weakness for titles and status in our work. Many good and useful men among us have been spoiled by parading some imaginary distinctions placed upon them. Van ity is no respecter of persons. Just as elaborate dress tends to puff u'p our pride, so does the consciousness of office and title in our work.

It is most distressing and painful to see young men assuming titles, thinking that these will give them prestige and success in their work. It is equally painful to see older men strutting' their titles with younger workers fawning at their feet. Human nature being what it is, the blighting germs of pride can work just as effectively in a Seventh-day Ad- ventist worker as they do in a hierarchical pre late. Surely the time is here when all of us, young and old, should address each other by the title which the Lord granted to all, irrespective of rank and ability—"all ye are brethren." (Matt. 23 :8.) One would not contend that the mere dropping of titles will eliminate pride, for we often see it manifested under the affectation of plainness. One should, however, always remember that the primary qualification for evangelism is a passion for souls, which, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, never parades any human sufficiency in the supernatural work of soulsaving.

"God has endowed some of His servants with special talents, and no one is called upon to disparage their excellence. But let none use their talents to exalt self. Let them not regard themselves as favored above their fellow-men, nor exalt themselves above other sincere, earnest workers. The Lord looks upon the heart. He who is most devoted to God's service is most highly esteemed by the heavenly universe."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 282.

Philip was an evangelist because he placed his meager talents at the disposal and direction of the Holy Spirit. He had no preference to work in the big cities only. He did not feel let down or slighted when he was directed to go to a crossroad to labor for one individual. He did not institute feelers to counteract a seemingly unfavorable call. Neither did he hasten to Jerusalem to shake hands with the brethren lest they forget him and his ability. Philip worked, not to protect his reputation and status, but to win souls. The fact that he was just "one of the seven," without title or reputation, did not unfit him from leading a high official of the Ethiopian court to Christ. Because of his sub mission to the Holy Spirit, Philip was qualified to work successfully for entire cities or solitary individuals. If we let Him, God will do the same for us.

"Divine power alone will melt the sinner's heart and bring him, a penitent, to Christ. No great reformer or teacher, not Luther, Melanchthon, Wesley, or White- field, could of himself have gained access to hearts, or have accomplished the results that these men achieved. But God spoke through them. Men felt the influence of a superior power, and involuntarily yielded to it. To-day those who forget self and rely on God for success in the work of soul-saving, will have the divine co-operation, and their efforts will tell gloriously in the salvation of souls." Gospel Workers, pp. 34, 35. (Italics supplied.)

Time to Examine Attitude of Mind

The time is here when all .conference-paid workers, ordained or unordained, institutional or field workers, men or women, young or old, should look upon themselves as evangelists and soul winners. This attitude of mind must be ours if we expect to finish the work. Our qualifications may be limited, but take courage, so were Philip's!

"[The] Ethiopian represents a large class who need to be taught by such missionaries as Philip,—men who will hear the voice of God, and go where He sends them. There are many who are reading the Scriptures who cannot understand their true import. All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls looking for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the kingdom, xvaiting only to be gathered in."—Acts of the Apostles, p. 109.

The hour is late. We are nearing the close of earth's history. Before us lies the double task of giving the last warning message to a doomed world, and gathering in the gospel's final harvest. Let us seek that humbleness of mind, that consecration of heart, that uprightness of life, that unity of purpose, that passion for souls, so that we can be used of God in finishing His work. Unless we seek and find this experience, God will replace us with those who have it. The work will be finished, and that, by Spirit- filled men.

Remember C.M.E. Offering in May

By: JAY J. NETHERY. [Vice-President of the General Conference.]

"pHE educational institutions in our denomination are exceedingly important to our worldwide work. "It is the purpose of God that through the excellence of the work done in our educational institutions the attention of the people shall be called to the last great effort to save the perishing."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 126.

By diligence and large sacrifice through the long years these institutions have been established. The 1949 records show a valuation for our North American colleges and academies of $26,508.461.37. Capital appropriations for the year totaled $3,569,~557.25, and the operating donations for the same year amounted to $722,- 295.67. Thus we have a total for capitalization and operating of $4,291,852.92. This is a great sum of money, but what would we do without these 12 colleges and 53 academies which are attended by 18,154 of our young people?

Now, we have just one medical college. We are all familiar with this fine institution and the special work it has done through the years since it was established. In all sections of our homeland, as well as in foreign fields, hundreds of graduates of the College of Medical Evangelists are working and forcefully witnessing for the faith. Its work must be strengthened. Definite plans are laid to do this. One particular way in which we, as workers and leaders, can help is to remember the action of the General Conference Committee in autumn session in Saint Louis, Missouri, which recommended "that a special offering for the College of Medical Evangelists be received in 1950, ... and that the date ... be May 27."

Let us call the attention of our church members to the importance of this offering, doing so every Sabbath for several Sabbaths prior to May 27. I think we are justified in urging all to do something and to be liberal in this important offering. Would it not be fine if our 250,000 members in North America would give $50,000 for this worthy project on May 27 ?

Youth Choirs in Europe

By: L. A. SKINNER, Associate Secretary, M.V. Department

TN VISITING the Seventh-day Adventist churches in Germany and in Northern Europe one is impressed with the youth choirs. These European young people enjoy singing, and they take great delight in their musical presentations in evangelistic meetings, church services, and at youth rallies. In many cases the leader is a young person who has special ability in direct ing voices and producing the shadings that make choir singing so pleasing. In other cases the leaders are older musicians who have found a way to attract young people and encourage them to sing their best.

These choirs are a great holding feature in our churches. The young people find a pleasure' in the fellowship and social opportunities that choir practice and choir recitals bring them. Their choir organization becomes an appointment in their weekly program to which they look forward.

The youth choirs become evangelizing agencies. Non-Adventist young people are invited to join. They are in harmony with our principles of Christian faith, and through this avenue they become indoctrinated with the tenets of the three angels' messages. In our evangelistic meetings these choirs take a prominent part. While I was in Turku, Finland, the choir at that time was in some other part of the country assisting an evangelist in his campaign. I found that the Berlin Youth Choir, numbering 150 members, has been responsible for the conversion of 100 individuals during the last four years.

These choirs are of great cultural value to those who take part and to those who listen. The type of music sung is uplifting and whole some, reflecting the spirit of devotion in the Adventist congregations. These choirs also become units going out to bring cheer and uplift to shut-ins, sufferers, and other under-privileged groups.

The use of choir robes was not found in these churches. The church in Oslo has a fine youth's choir. These young people have a uniformity of dress, but do not wear the robes. In Helsinki, Finland, they have the guitar choir. This choir consists of ten or twelve guitars accompanying the singing of some thirty young people. This is a pleasing combination, and seems to fit well with the plaintive music that is sung by the Finnish choirs. Each number sung by this choir seemed to have in it an invitation for sinners to seek the Lord and find forgive ness and rest.

In western Germany, from Hamburg in the north to Stuttgart and Munich in the south, the choirs are an integral part of the church. Especially in the Rhine Valley were the singers responsive to the spirit of the meetings. In the youth rally in Neanderthal, where 550 were present, there were six different choirs. These groups took turns in presenting messages in song to those who gathered at the school auditorium.

As the Advent message expands and permeates every village and hamlet of Europe, music will take its place prominently even as in historic times the singers prepared the way for the spoken message.

Evangelistic Centers Needed

OSWALD J. SMITH in Christian Digest, July, 1949.

MULTITUDES there are who throng our , cities on every side, and they are perishing simply because we have no vision. Christless masses for whom Jesus died may never hear God's message of salvation unless we get a vision. Our great centers of population for which we are responsible do not know the Gospel of God's grace because we, His followers, are without a vision. What are we going to do about it? When, oh, when, will we get the bur den and become conscious of our responsibility? True indeed is the verdict, "Where there is no vision, the people perish."

Snug in our little nest, comfortable amid our surroundings, satisfied with our handful of overfed followers, we hold our services, preach our sermons and seem to have no care, no thought, for the perishing multitudes around us. Yet God never told sinners to come to us. He told us to go to them. . . .

The world goes out into the open to attract attention. Theaters are built on the most prominent corners and brightly lighted, whereas the church, only too often, selects a back street, puts up a small building and then wonders why the people do not attend. "The children of this world are . . ."wiser than the children of light." Every city needs a large, centrally-located evangelistic work, easily accessible, capable of attracting the passer-by, and with a real live, evangelistic program, a program geared to arouse the indifferent, awaken sinners and point them heavenward. . . . The professing Church, as prophesied, is fast becoming apostate. Many are turning from the faith. This means that the entire world has now become one vast mission field. The message is almost as much needed here at home as it is abroad. . . . Only here and there do we find a pulpit where the Gospel is preached, the new birth emphasized, salvation made plain and an invitation given. Services are becoming more and more formalistic. In many churches the minister preaches as though everyone in his audience were already saved and bound for heaven, yet in most every congregation there are those who have never been born again.

O for preaching of Bunyan, Baxter, Aileen, Edwards, Wesley, Whitefield and Finney; preaching that made sinners tremble and cry aloud under a fearful burden of sin and guilt. May the Lord raise up such men again, men who, realizing- the awful seriousness and responsibility of their calling, and laying aside all minor subjects, will fearlessly proclaim the great fundamentals of the faith, that in these closing days of the age a clear and unmistakable testimony may be given. There is no other preaching, no other message, worth the time and effort. . . . "It is reported that not a single convert was made last year in T 1.394 churches in the United States. The official yearbooks of the Presbyterian, Northern Baptist and Methodist Episcopal churches show that 3,269 Presbyterian churches failed to secure a convert and that 500 of the others had only one convert each." This is one of the most startling signs" of the times that we have yet noted. Our churches are becoming social centers. What a challenge to those of us who believe in the necessity of the new birth.

Too much time is given to religious controversy. Why should we be on the defensive? Controversy has never been profitable. The truths of the Bible do not need to be defended; they only need to be proclaimed. The Bible will defend itself. It will survive long after its critics are dead and gone. We need a positive message. . . .

Oh, then, let us keep to our one great task of getting out the Gospel both at home and abroad. Let us work together in the unity of the Spirit. If we cannot agree on anything else, we can agree on evangelism. We all believe that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Then let us preach it. Atheists have never been convinced by argument.

We are living, according to the Scripture, in the Laodicean days of the Church. Therefore the Church itself must be evangelized. There must be a new call to separation from the world and wholehearted devotion to Jesus Christ. How anyone who has been born again can remain in a church that is nothing more than a club is beyond me. Compromise is always condemned in God's Word. The darkness must be dispelled. How else can we meet the fearful apostasy, of the day? In unity there is strength.

The enemy is upon us. The storm is gathering and is about to break. Nothing but the preaching of the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit can stem the tide. Then let us evangelize.

Unique Methods of Advertising

By: GEORGE BURNSIDE, Evangelist, Christchurch, New Zealand

MTETHODS of advertising- vary slightly with the place one is called to work. I aim at using the best means available. I have one or two of my helpers investigate all the avenues of advertising that are available in that particular city. My experience is that each day has an advertising advantage over the others. For instance, in Christchurch we found that it was possible to hire a tram at so much an hour and use it solely for advertising. Large display notices can be placed along each side and small notices on the front and back. When these were surrounded by colored lights, they attracted attention. This tram ran around the cityat whatever hours we specified, and at very busy periods it would stand for perhaps half an hour in the square in the center of the city. We used this tram during the first two weeks.

Because Christchurch is a city of bicycles, we thought of a way to utilize these vehicles. White cards with red lettering were silk screened. These were given out at our churches, and our members and children put them on their bicycles. With scores of these round the city, attention was attracted. They proved to be inexpensive but very effective advertising.

Another inexpensive means was found by using the wooden circles from the ends of the rolls of newsprint. These we purchased at the newspaper office at three pence each. They gave us the cardboard circles that go within the wooden circle. On this was silk screened, "Hear Burnside, Sunday nights. Regent Theater." These were nailed up on trees or posts along the highway coming into the city. In the out skirts we had no trouble in getting such per mission, and thus for a mere pittance we had scores of unique-shaped listings. Thousands read them. Of course, we also used such well- known, methods of advertising as the telephone, tram, and bus signs, bumper-bar notices on cars, spot ads on the radio, window cards, invitations posted personally to interested people, handbills, newspaper advertisements, and a no tice outside the theater all day on Sunday.

We encourage our people to engage in a whispering campaign in lifts, busses, and trams. One person tells another of the wonderful things he has been hearing from the Bible at the Regent Theater on Sunday nights.

We have found that these methods never fail, under the blessing of our Lord, to bring out a good audience to hear the message.

WANTED! Evangelistic Materials for Exhibit

We invite you to send us a few individual copies of your choicest ANNOUNCE MENTS, posters, window cards, record cards, literature request cards, or other publicity items, for the evangelistic exhibit at the Pre- Session Ministerial Council of the General Conference, July 7-10, this exhibit to remain in Polk Hall "A" throughout the session.

We also desire choice PHOTOGRAPHS (preferably 8’’x10" or larger) of your evangelistic meetings, choirs, baptisms, baptistries, radio choruses or quartets, bulletin or announcement boards, auditoriums, tents, tabernacles, etc.

Selection will be made from the items submitted for display in the evangelistic exhibit at this Pre-Session Ministerial Council, July 7-10. Those chosen by the committee of selection (whose decisions will be considered final) will be placed on multiplex exhibit wall boards in Polk Hall "A," of the Municipal Auditorium, where the Ministerial Association meetings will be held. The materials we are particularly eager to obtain fall into the following classifications:

1. Pre-effort advertising used in preparing the field for a campaign (including pictures of billboards, window cards, bumper cards, bus ads, etc.).

2. Materials used on the opening night.

3. Newspaper ads, handbills, direct-mail items, etc., used during the campaign.

4. Advertising for special or unusual campaign meetings, such as health institutes or cooking schools, religious liberty rallies, temperance rallies, etc.

5. Radio or television publicity.

6. Correspondence course publicity.

7. Church revival publicity used preceding a public campaign.

8. Spearhead meeting publicity. When sending your materials the handling would be greatly facilitated if you would group and mark by the foregoing categories the di vision within which the material comes.

Six Things to Remember, Please

1. Do not send quantities of your announcements for general distribution during the council or session.

2. Send your display items for the exhibit to San Francisco and not to Washington.

3. Have these materials in San Francisco by July i, 1950.

4. Pack photographs so they will not be bent or cracked. (If large, use a substantial mailing tube.)

5. Type complete captions for photos on separate slip, and attach to upper left-hand corner. Do not mark on face of photograph.

6. Kindly send all materials to Ministerial Association, Room 310, Central Tower Building 703 Market Street, San Francisco 3, Calif.

 

 


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June 1950

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More Articles In This Issue

RELIGIOUS WORLD TRENDS: "The Lilienthal Lullaby"

Thoughtful sober workers in the Advent Movement have continually guarded against irresponsible and sensational quotations regarding the seriousness of the hour in relationship to the signs of the times and to the atom and hydrogen bombs.

PASTORAL PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES: Progressive Bible Clubs

"our ministers fall into two main types. One is the evangelistic type; the other, the pastor-evangelist, or pastor-teacher, type."

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LITERATURE EVANGELISM: The Evangelistic Reading Room

The content of an evangelistic reading room

EDITORIAL KEYNOTES: Distinguish Between Problems and Quibbles

"We need rightly to distinguish between important and unimportant questions —between basic problems and those sheer quibbles that confront us indiscriminately from time to time."

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