The day of the long evangelistic effort is not past. Recently two part-time evangelists, one an educator, the other an administrator, conducted meetings lasting six or more weeks. The results of both campaigns were excellent, and both evangelists are convinced that the long campaign has definite advantages.
Seven weeks in Laurel
During the summer of 1984 Dr. Ken Stout, head of the religion department of Columbia Union College, conducted a seven-week series in Laurel, Maryland. He was assisted by theology students from the college and members of the Laurel church.
Stout's announcement of a seven-week series in the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., met with opposition from veteran- members and workers. "People are too busy in the cities. They will not attend religious meetings, especially in the summer," they told him. And when he announced that the meetings would start in a motel, then transfer to the church, he received even more negative feedback.
Before the series started, Stout met with church members and outlined his plan. He kept no secrets. The church's pastor, Milton Pruitt, feels that this meeting helped the members develop a better attitude. Twenty-five of the two hundred members decided to become part of the evangelistic team, and they provided valuable assistance.
After three nights in the Holiday Inn the meetings transferred to the Laurel church with little decrease in attendance.
Stout was cautioned against using strong appeals in his sermons. "Residents in the metropolitan area do not respond to sermonic appeals," he was told. When he went ahead and made appeals every night, the response was excellent. Members conducted a Vacation Bible School for the children during the meetings, and between thirty and fifty attended. Three weeks before the completion of the seven weeks of meetings, Stout formed a discipling class that met on Tuesday evenings and Sabbath mornings during' Sabbath school.
When the non-Adventists attended the Sabbath services in Laurel for the first time, they saw the doctrines of the church listed on the back of the bulletin, and asked about ones that were new to them. Pruitt says a request coupon on the bulletin prompted some to tell him that they "had finally found out how to join this church. "
On the last Saturday night Stout called the ninety non-Adventists present to the front of the sanctuary and asked them about their desire to join the church. Twenty-five wanted to become members, and eighteen said that they were considering it.
At the conclusion of the meetings the thirty-six who were baptized remained in Stout's discipling class for seven weeks. One year later thirty-four were still actively participating in the church program. They have been responsible for conducting a Revelation Seminar directed by the pastor, and at this writing were excitedly preparing for another summer campaign to be led by Stout.
Stout reports that the new members in Laurel are also giving strong financial support to the church. One couple has sold a home and recreational vehicle and bought another home so they will be able to make greater contributions. They said that keeping up with the payments was taking too much of their time and money.
Stout maintains that the longer series is very helpful, especially in establishing the new convert. It gives time for the new members to become fully integrated into the church family. And the nurture and training received in the discipling class effectively prepares them for active church service.
Six weeks in Philadelphia
Following Annual Council last year Elder C. E. Bradford, president of the North American Division, conducted a six-week series in the West Philadelphia church in Pennsylvania. Forty non-Adventists attended the first night, and before the series was over, two hundred were attending nightly. More than 550 non-Adventists attended at least once. Bradford, assisted by several Bible instructors, also conducted a special Bible-marking class that eventually became a Sabbath school class for new believers. Although the pastor of the church was ill, he gave strong moral support to the meetings.
Sixty-four were baptized as the result of Bradford's meetings. Among them were community leaders, college and university students, and senior citizens. Approximately twelve persons joined other Adventist churches in Philadelphia, and twelve children were enrolled in Sabbath school divisions. Thirty-seven others are still attending the special Sabbath school class.
Because of North American Division responsibilities, Bradford was unable to continue in Philadelphia after the close of the crusade, but he has kept in constant contact with the new members. He asserts that the extended effort helps the new convert develop staying power in the church. It makes it possible for the candidates to become seasoned. "The day of the full evangelistic campaign is still with us," he says.