WITH workers throughout the world field launching forth into public evangelism, some for the first time, a check list may prove a helpful guide to things that must be done to ensure success. Thorough preparation will make it possible to attend to all detail work before the meetings begin, so that while the meetings are in progress the all-important matter of intensive visitation may be given priority. Many are the things that can be dispensed with in evangelism, but visitation is not one of them if the worker is to enjoy success.
There is usually a direct relationship be tween hours spent in evangelistic visitation and souls baptized. Woe be to the would-be evangelist who is painting signs or cutting stencils when he should be out visiting.
Each worker will need to add and delete certain items, depending upon his methods and his field of labor, but a check list similar to the following will avoid costly neglect and frantic frustration. The list should be consulted frequently during the weeks preceding the effort. Check each item as it is cared for.
Check List
I. CONFERENCE
1. Submit plans and budget for conference approval.
2. Obtain effort expense book (if financial help is being requested from the conference) and book of baptismal certificates.
II. BOOK AND BIBLE HOUSE
1. Order all supplies needed from the Book and Bible House at least one month in advance of need.
a. Specify date materials are needed.
b. Specify whether materials are to be picked up or delivered. (Order pencils if you use Bible Marking Plan.)
III. ADVERTISING
1. Provide printer with copy for hand bill one month before you expect delivery.
a. Arrange to proofread before hand bill is printed.
b. Specify time, place, and method of delivery.
c. Determine quantity needed and order enough.
(1) House-to-house distribution.
(2) Mailing (post office will give you number of patrons).
(3) Neighboring churches (adequate supply at least a week before effort begins).
(4) Use at the hall and in visitation.
2. If you use a nonprofit organization mailing permit for bulk mailing, visit the post office and be sure you understand their regulations. Make allowance for Post Office holidays when no mail delivery.
3. Contact professional and business men of your church a month before effort begins.
a. Invite them to mail invitations to patients, clients, or patrons.
b. Provide handbills, et cetera, for offices.
4. If you request letters from the Voice of Prophecy, Faith for Today, Signs of the Times, These Times, et cetera, to be sent to the names in your area on their mailing lists, do so at least a month in advance of your opening date.
5. If you use newspaper advertising, get your copy in early and specify preference of location on page; exempli gratia, top outside column, page 3.
6. Provide your church press secretary with information and pictures on time (at least two weeks before the series).
7. A month before meetings, begin to send articles to the union paper telling of plans and requesting names of all interests and former members to be sent to your address.
IV. STAFF
1. Song leader.
2. Pianist and/or organist.
3. Head usher and ushers.
4. Receptionists.
5. Nursery staff to care for preschool children.
6. Public-address system operator.
7. Projector operator.
8. Man to control lighting.
9. Transportation committee.
10. Baptism committee. Instruct deacons and deaconesses to make all physical arrangements for baptism.
11. Treasurer.
a. Count offering.
b. Write checks.
c. Keep books.
12. Practice.
a. Schedule a practice session on prayer meeting night in advance of opening night of compaign.
(1) Have all staff present.
(2) Give careful instructions.
(3) Test all equipment.
(4) Delegate responsibility to heads of committees.
b. Follow same schedule and order of service as on opening night.
c. Share soul-winning experiences involving laymen in previous efforts.
d. Have season of prayer.
V. SUPPLIES
1. Order any films to be used at least one month in advance of showing date.
2. Provide receptacles for offering.
3. Order signs, posters, envelopes, decision cards, attendance cards, et cetera.
4. Provide notebook or file system for recording attendance.
5. Provide light for pulpit, piano, and organ.
6. Be sure the exterior of the building is well-lighted.
7. Ticket punchers for attendance cards.
8. Flashlights.
9. Spare projector bulbs on hand at all times.
10. Know location of fuse box or circuit breakers. Have extra fuses on hand.
11. Power cords, light bulbs, masking tape, plastic tape, tacks, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pliers, soldering iron, etc.
12. If building is heated with oil, make provision for extra use, especially if you have "keep-full" service.
13. Have restrooms clearly marked. Replenish supplies of towels, et cetera.
