SOME years ago, at the completion of a series of meetings, we faced a real problem. It had been my custom personally to cover with each family the material in the Baptismal Certificate in preparation for their baptism. However, the pastor and I were left alone, making it impossible to do this with all who had made their decision. Therefore, I was forced to try something new.
I asked how many of those who had made their decision would be willing to attend two additional nights so that I could cover the message with them as a group. Their response was enthusiastic. At the first meeting, as we were covering the material, step by step, questions began to come. We didn't cover nearly as much as I had hoped, for I believe that our meetings should close promptly at nine o'clock. When I presented the problem to them concerning the material yet to be covered, they asked, "Why don't we meet an additional night or two?"
Thus was born a program that has proved to be a tremendous blessing— a week of Bible classes, all questions and answers, at the end of a series of meetings.
As soon as the church members heard what was happening in these meetings and of the blessing they were to the members-to-be, they requested permission to attend also. So we included the Bible class as a part of the series, stretching out the campaign from the regular twenty-three nights to twenty-eight, the last five devoted entirely to questions and answers.
This is in complete harmony with the Spirit of Prophecy counsel:
Whenever practicable, every important discourse should be followed by a Bible study. Here the points that have been presented can be applied, questions can be asked, and right ideas inculcated. More time should be devoted to patiently educating the people, giving them opportunity to express themselves. It is instruction that men need, line upon line, and precept upon precept.
Special meetings also should be held for those who are becoming interested in the truths presented and who need instruction. To these meetings the people should be invited, and all, both believers and unbelievers, should have an opportunity to ask questions on points not fully under stood. Give all an opportunity to speak of their perplexities, for they will have them. In all the sermons and in all the Bible studies, let the people see that on every point a plain "Thus saith the Lord" is given for the faith and doctrines which we advocate.
This was the method of Christ's teaching. As He spoke to the people, they would question as to His meaning. To those who were humbly seeking for light, He was always ready to explain His words. But Christ did not encourage criticism or caviling, nor should we. When men try to provoke a discussion of controverted points of doctrine, tell them that the meeting was not appointed for that purpose.
When you do answer a question, be sure to have the hearers see and acknowledge that it is answered. Do not let a question drop, telling them to ask it again. Feel your way step by step, and know how much you have gained.—Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 68, 69.
Woe be to the shepherd or the new sheep when an evangelist or shepherd does not do a thorough work. Notice this counsel from the servant of the Lord.
A laborer should never leave some portion of the work undone because it is not agreeable to perform, thinking that the minister coming next will do it for him. When this is the case, if a second minister follows the first, and presents the claims that God has upon His people, some draw back, saying, "The minister who brought us the truth did not mention these things." And they become offended because of the word. Some refuse to accept the tithing system; they turn away, and no longer walk with those who believe and love the truth. When other lines are opened before them, they answer, "It was not so taught us," and they hesitate to move forward. How much better it would have been if the first messenger o£ truth had faithfully and thoroughly educated these converts in regard to all essential matters, even if fewer had been added to the church under his labors. God would be better pleased to have six thoroughly converted to the truth than to have sixty make a profession and yet not be truly converted.—Gospel Workers, pp. 369, 370.
Because of this counsel from the Spirit of Prophecy, I endeavor to do a thorough work of instructing each convert in all aspects of the message. I include the health message, outward adorning, Spirit of Prophecy, tithing, et cetera. I strongly recommend the Bible class and feel that a series of meetings cannot be complete with out it. I believe we are living in a time when pastors can use this type of approach very effectively, not only in connection with evangelistic meetings but as open discussion groups that will create an interest in the community and draw many to the church.
