by John Humphries
Looking back on a lifetime of preaching, John shares his observations borne of experience and wisdom regarding the cause of Christ in our country and culture.
Back in the early 1950s, it was during the summer when brethren (including this writer) went to a nearby town, knocked on doors, pitched a large tent, preached the gospel, and baptized enough to have a church in the town. This was repeated in other nearby towns. In the 50s, the church was experiencing growth through conversions in many places.
Much earlier in the 19th century, there were denominational churches, including the preacher, that were baptized into Christ and became a New Testament church. The church grew rapidly in those days.
However, there are deep concerns today that not all is well in many local churches. Even in New Testament times, the apostle Paul was deeply concerned for the welfare of the Lord’s church: “Besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:28). This statement concludes a long list of difficulties that plagued Paul as he sought to serve the Lord. It is a painful listing! Besides physical suffering and persecutions, he was concerned for the churches.
Paul had visitors and letters with news of people having serious questions and issues (1 Cor. 1:11; 5:1; 7:1; Phil. 1:27; Col. 2:1; 1 Thess. 3:5-6). Reading the epistles, we gather Paul that received news of confused brethren seeking for answers and comfort in their trials. There would be a request for Paul to settle various quarrels in the churches (Phil. 4:2). Paul would receive news from messengers of distant churches, bringing tidings of good and sometimes not so good. Perhaps Paul receives word that some congregation has disappeared and is no longer assembling. There may be distressing news of false doctrines invading churches (Gal. 1:6). Paul may be told that some are leaving the faith and going back into the world (2 Tim. 4:9-10). He may be informed that some are spreading false accusations against him (1 Cor. 9:3). These are some concerns that would trouble the apostle.
Jesus had warned, “In the world, you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). He also stated, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!” (Luke 17:1, NASB). Paul himself had warned, “For there must also be factions among you” (1 Cor. 11:19). While there is true peace in the Lord, and sincere rejoicing in the all-sufficient grace of God, there are serious, heartbreaking trials facing the churches of the Lord. The above paragraphs are only a partial listing of the issues and challenges the people of God faced in the first century and also face in the twenty-first century. “There is nothing new under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9). These challenges would have distressed Paul and, sadly, continue to distress concerned Christians today.
Adding to the list above: Persecution, worldliness, compromise with sin and error, indifference, lukewarm faith, outright apostasy, blind guides, church bosses, word battles over opinions, impatience with brethren, unloving attitudes toward those that may differ, harshness toward those considered as weak, pridefully looking down on those we think are less knowledgeable, and the list could go on. These destructive issues and attitudes bring serious trouble to churches, leading to division. Some churches will be completely destroyed. These problems and challenges are a source of deep concern for sincere brethren who truly love the Lord, His people, and the truth. These problems also grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30)! Many passages give exhortations concerning this (1 Thess. 5:14-15; Eph. 4:1-6; Phil. 2:1-4).
As one reads the NT and learns of the various churches (Corinth, Rome, Antioch, etc.), we would look in vain today to find these congregations meeting for worship. Of course, we understand that earthquakes, geological shifts, wars, rise and fall of nations, departures from the faith, and other factors beyond brethren’s control have brought about the disappearance of these local churches.
When we look about us today, we observe many local churches that, only a few decades ago, were large congregations. Yes, there are local churches that are doing very well and are growing. Yet, there are many churches that once numbered in the hundreds that now have only a few precious souls meeting in a large church building. Pews that once were filled are now empty. There are large auditoriums with only a few presently using two or three pews. Another few years and these aged saints will be gone—and that local church will be no more. This is seen in many places around the country and is a reality. Brethren in the first century did not prevent this from happening, and it would appear that there is no stopping this in our day.
Nevertheless, we must not forget that the Lord will always have His faithful remnant at all times. Many passages teach this. We will note just one though there are many. Isaiah wrote concerning the Messiah and the new covenant:
“The Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” Says the LORD. “As for Me,” says the LORD, “this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants,” says the LORD, “from this time and forevermore” (Isa. 59:20–21).
The inspired apostle Paul quotes verse 20 and applies it to the preaching of the gospel (Rom. 11:26), providing further indication that the passage in Isaiah is Messianic. Notice in verse 21 that from generation to generation, “descendants” will pass on the “words” of the Lord (i.e., His covenant). There will be Christians on the earth when Christ returns (1 Thess. 4:15). Our responsibility is to seek those who will respond to the gospel of Christ.
As noted earlier, there are churches that are growing in number because people are obeying the gospel of Christ. Obviously, these brethren are active in seeking the lost and leading them to the Lord. We must not give up seeking the lost (1 Cor. 15:58). We will note some things that are being done by churches that are growing by converting the lost and not just by receiving brethren from move-ins!
The growing churches have sound Bible teaching and preaching. The word is preached in love without compromise or apologies. There are people that are hungry for truth and are seeking Bible teaching. Sound, true to the Book, preaching presents a significant contrast to the pablum of soft, feel-good social gospel fare that is offered by many. Honest hearts do not desire for their ears to be tickled, but for the truth to be accurately presented by preachers who love the Lord, the people, and the Word of God (2 Tim. 4:1-5). Truth does not fear Bible questions, and honest hearts do not fear Bible answers.
Another factor in growing churches is that members are encouraged to visit and get to know one another—to be a spiritual family and not a collection of cliques. It is not good when a meeting house clears out in less than ten minutes after the last “Amen.” It certainly does not encourage visitors to return, as they sense a lack of closeness, and perhaps even coldness, among the members. Members need to visit with one another, but must never neglect visitors. It is imperative to make visitors feel welcome to the assemblies of the church. Remember to exercise hospitality as it is a command and not a suggestion by the Lord (Rom.12:13; 1 Pet. 3:9).
Brethren must be encouraged by the elders, the pulpit, and all who teach and lead, to love the Lord, their brethren, and others (Rom. 13:8-10). According to Jesus, love among brethren is the true badge of discipleship (John 13:35). This love among brethren will encourage non-Christians to desire to learn more about the Lord, His teaching, and His people. Brethren letting their light shine in the community and the workplace, etc. by being a good example of what serving Christ is all about, gets the attention of sincere seekers and can lead to others being converted to Christ (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-16; 1 Pet. 2:11-12).
The pulpit and the classrooms must resound with Bible teaching. All the teaching and preaching must be Christ-centered. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness do not care for pop psychology or what the denominational “scholars” have to say. They seek Bible-centered lessons, and long to hear what the Word of God reveals concerning the subject under consideration. “Preach the Word” must be the constant goal of the pulpit (2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Pet. 4:11).
Growing congregations involve the brethren in scriptural endeavors such as handling the Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) offered by the church. This means receiving, grading, and sending out the BCC studies. Brethren are also encouraged to invite their neighbors into their homes for Bible reading sessions once a week. A book of the Bible is read through with each one (who wishes to do so) taking a turn at reading a few verses. This may lead to a deeper study of the word of God, resulting in a conversion to Christ. Some have approached fast-food places and received permission to use a table for “meet ups” in order to read a book of the Bible. Some use the internet and other means of advertising the “meet-up.”
A men’s training class is a good way to promote orderly services (1 Cor. 14:40). Men should have instruction in making announcements, leading prayers, leading singing, managing the Lord’s table, making talks, greeting visitors, making calls, and other responsibilities. Also, a good teacher training course (children and adults) that is taught by capable teachers will improve the Bible classes.
Another helpful activity is for the church to have a small recommendation card for the brethren to give to people. The basic message (which must obviously be brief) tells the person that if they are looking for a church that loves the Lord, one another, and the Word of God, then this congregation is recommended. Also, have a brief note that the children will have good Bible classes to attend. Brethren should be encouraged to have several of these little cards on their person when they go out among the public. They will be able to hand one of these cards to someone and ask them to “come visit with us sometime.” Conversions to Christ have resulted from the generous use of these cards. Each member should try to give out several each week.
Through the years, churches have used TV, radio, and the newspapers to teach the Word of God. It is important that in these efforts, there needs to be contact information provided in each program or article. One good contact item is to offer a Bible correspondence course with each broadcast or article. The contact address must be easy to understand and write down. It should also provide a phone number to call and request the Bible correspondence lesson.
Call-in radio or TV programs, as well as a brief “Question and Answer” articles in the local newspaper, have been used effectively by various churches.
Many use the internet for reaching out to non-Christians. If the internet is to be used effectively, it is helpful if someone in the congregation has good computer skills. In today’s world, local churches need to have a presence on Facebook and/or a well-done website with good information and teaching. Many churches post (or broadcast) sermons and Bible classes to the internet. Don’t forget to advertise a Bible correspondence course with all these programs. This is a way to have contact with people. When the course is finished, and the certificate is to be delivered, it presents an opportunity to set up a home study with the student.
Keeping the grounds, the foyer, the auditorium, and all the rooms in a tidy, clean condition makes a good first impression on visitors. Don’t allow the pews to become a collection of clutter.
Some churches have a certain Sunday in mind where members attempt to invite people to hear timely lessons from the God’s word. The lesson should be especially good for a non-Christian to hear for the first time. Respect for the Lord and His word, as well as the need for salvation in Christ, are excellent lessons for the non-Christian to hear for the first time.
There have been congregations that offered a “Dial a Bible Moment” for anyone to call the number and hear a brief Bible message. The message is changed each day and offers a free Bible correspondence at the end of the message. The message should be brief and basic.
Mail-outs to the neighborhood where the church building is located has potential to find souls that are seekers. These must be well-written articles for non-Christians. The mail out should not only have clear directions and times for the assemblies of the church, but also offer free tracts and a Bible correspondence course.
Tract racks have been used effectively by congregations. Careful, mature thought must be devoted to the selection of tracts. Only attractive, well-written tracts should be selected. An untidy, ill-kept tract rack is not very inviting for visitors. Some churches also include the first lesson of a Bible correspondence course in the tract rack.
The bulletin that is printed each week should be well done. It should be attractive in appearance and well-written dealing briefly with the news and notes and containing a good teaching article.
Remember, as the people of God, we should not lag in our diligence, but be “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11). Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians challenges saints today: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58, NASB).
