A somewhat revolutionary, yet vital, phase of MISSION '72 is the every-member enlistment program scheduled for the month of May. True, we've had every-member canvasses ever since churches have had need of funds. But this is different. It's not an appeal for money. Still, according to the recommendations, it is to be of "equal priority to Ingathering, tithe promotion, and ministerial soul winning." This indeed gives it top rating.
What, then, is this enlistment program that is to captivate such attention and widespread participation? Briefly, it is an every-member canvass utilizing many of the excellent features of the stewardship program, but geared to spiritual renewal and personal enlistment in the soul-winning mission of the church, with special emphasis on MISSION 72.
The appeal is first for a genuine spiritual revival in the heart of every member. Throughout our churches there are those who have become discouraged—they may still be attending the services, but the fire has well-nigh gone out. These embers need rekindling. They need to know that someone cares. Others may have dropped out of church life altogether, but their names are still retained on the records. They surely need to be found and restored.
Beyond this, the servant of the Lord has made it very plain that the best medicine for a sick church, or any church, is to put its members to work for other souls. This every-member canvass is to accomplish just that. Using the enlistment card, the member will be given the opportunity of checking that area of personal contact ministry which he may choose. The goal will be to have every member revived and involved in some way.
The detailed guidelines for this program have been printed and are already in your hands. Study these guidelines care fully and prayerfully. Together with your church board, make your plans for effective execution. Do it with the same thoroughness that would be given to an every-member canvass for financial commitments toward the construction of a new church or school. Select the enlistment teams carefully. Then be sure that each is well instructed.
As the canvasses are made, let each member of the church be led to see his privilege as well as obligation in having a vital part in the fulfillment of the great commission. Rightly conducted, this enlistment program can mean a new day of total involvement for the church. It can also give evidence that we are taking seriously the words of the Lord's servant that the work will never be finished until the laity and ministry are united in its proclamation—the whole church working for souls.
That such a program does bring wonderful results has been demonstrated by some churches that have already entered into their every-member enlistment program. An outstanding example is that of the church right here at world headquarters. As a result of this program the Takoma Park church of 1,300 members has already reclaimed large numbers, and is continuing with a steady program of community outreach that has brought many new interests to the church. An exciting account of this program is found on page 7. We would also solicit reports of how God is blessing your church in its various activities associated with MISSION '72.
Sharing of Interests
Another important feature of MISSION '72 is the division-wide sharing of the names of interests. This should include the names of all former members, nonattending members, and interested relatives or friends. An excellent opportunity for the securing of such names is offered by the every-member enlistment program. While the personal contact is being made, and MISSION '72 and the soul-winning work of the church are being discussed, gather in the names and addresses of these interests along with necessary in formation.
The names of the interests are to be recorded on the 4 by 6 prospect card that forms a part of the Uniform File Plan developed by the Ministerial Association. It is already in use in many conferences. The cards with names of local interests will be retained in the local file; others will be sent to the local conference office. Through the aid of local conferences, union conferences, and the General Conference Ministerial Association, the names will be sorted and sent to the church nearest the addresses indicated.
The every-member enlistment program, together with the gathering in of names of interests, is vital to the success of MISSION '72. It recognizes the solemn truth that every-member involvement in witnessing and sharing is absolutely essential and must become a fact before the work can be finished.
Let every pastor and church leader pray earnestly that he may have wisdom to present this opportunity, privilege, and duty to his congregation with all the enthusiasm and conviction it deserves. This can well be the challenge the laity has been waiting for. And knowing that it is being done in concert with other churches throughout the division will bring added encouragement.
Surely the angels will attend as these home contacts are made by the enlistment teams, and the Holy Spirit will be present to restore, heal, bless, and win.
What a picture! Multiplied thousands of newly committed members clothed in the garment of Christ's righteousness, going out into the community to share their faith, nurture the interests, and finally to bring these persons to the public meetings.
The results we seek and pray for are nothing less than a new Pentecost. Once more we are to see the sword of the Spirit, newly edged with power and bathed in the lightning of heaven, cut its way through unbelief. Again, at the close of the work of the gospel, thousands are to be converted in a day.
All this and more is to happen someday. Might not this be that day?
