Any efficient business operation keeps records. When a new man takes over he does not have to start from scratch, but builds on that which his predecessors have accomplished. In the ministry there are basically two essential types of records that need to be kept. One is a file of the church membership and the other a file of prospective members. When a uniform card is used throughout a conference, a worker transferring from one church to another can begin immediately to work intelligently with the records left by his predecessor. He does not need to set up a new filing system, because the one already set up is the same as that to which he is accustomed. The work of transcribing records from one system to another is eliminated.
Recognizing the need for standard forms on which to keep these vital records, the committee on evangelism of the Oregon Conference has adopted for use within the conference a church Family Record Card and an Interest Information Card. Both cards are printed on 6 by 8 card stock. Different-colored stock is used to distinguish one card from the other. The cards are scored for folding to make a double 4 by 6 card for pastors who prefer a card file to a notebook. They are also punched for a standard size 51/2- by 81/2-three-ring binder for those who prefer the notebook method.
A card is made out for every prospect that comes to the pastor's attention. This would include relatives of church members, guests who visit the regular services of the church, funeral contacts, literature evangelist contacts, those who have attended past evangelistic services, et cetera.
These names provide fruitful ground for friendship team visits, invitations to evangelistic services, and a place on the "friends of the church" mailing list to be notified of special events on the church calendar.
With the implementation of this simple system there should never be a time when a new man assumes a pastorate without inheriting the name of a single prospective member from his predecessor.
The Church Family Record provides an incoming pastor with a profile of each church member, which enables him to become acquainted with the needs and potentials of his flock in a minimum of time. He will know who have recently become members, and to these he will give his first attention. The use of this file will help to make the transition from one pastor to another as smooth as possible.
This system is not cumbersome. It does not add work but it does add efficiency.
The records kept in heaven by angels will determine who is saved and who is lost. In another sense it might also be said that the records kept or neglected by pastors here on earth will in some cases be a deciding factor as to who is saved and who is lost. Names are souls—a sacred trust. Guard them well.
