Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

Like most other preachers, I receive a number of church bulletins every week; approximately 75-80 bulletins cross my desk every week. These bulletins come from a number of different geographical locations and have different goals which they aim to accomplish. A large amount of the Lord’s money is being used each week just to get the bulletin mailed out to brethren. Just how much good is being accomplished through this medium of teaching?

Having personally edited a bulletin for six years, I feel somewhat qualified to analyze the amount of work which it takes to put out a, good bulletin. Too, I know something of the costs which are involved in putting out a bulletin. However, I felt that my personal exposure to bulletins might be too limited to make the general statements relative to bulletins which I wanted to make in this article. Therefore, I wrote a questionnaire which I mailed to those who are sending me bulletins; over half of those to whom I mailed this questionnaire responded. My analysis of bulletins is drawn from the 36 responses which I received and my own personal exposure to publishing a bulletin.

The Average Bulletin

Although there is no such thing as an average bulletin, I felt that I had to get some kind of average bulletin and then treat it as a specific case to make any sense out of this article. Hence, I averaged together the various statistics given to me from the 36 responses which I sent out to come up with this composite picture of the average bulletin.

The average bulletin published among us has 66 % circulation among Christians and 34 % circulation among non-Christians. Its mailing list is composed of 1269 names. The articles are written by the local preacher 69% of the time with the remainder being written by “anonymous” or “selected.” The preacher devotes approximately 10 hours of his time to what work he must do to get that bulletin in print. In the following assessments of the cost of bulletins, these figures will be used.

How Much Does Our Bulletin Cost?

Brethren, your local church bulletins are costing you a good bit more than most of you realize. From the bulletin statistics which I have compiled, let me show you how much it costs to publish a bulletin. If you went out and hired the printing done, you could get the job done for $29.84 per issue at one of the local quick printing establishments. Yet, one has to add the cost of labor on top of this expense. The preacher has already invested ten hours of his time to putting out that bulletin. I would suppose that the average preacher is getting close to $300 per week (housing allowance included); based on a forty hour week (when was the last time you saw one?), his labor is worth $75.00. Forgetting what labor has been contributed by the members and adding $10.00 for postage, your weekly bulletin would cost you $114.84.

Maybe you think that this figure is high because of the printing bill. Let’s compare the figures we receive by going the other route to see how much money is being saved by printing it ourselves. First of all, the church must make an initial investment of $1500-2500 to purchase the necessary equipment to print its own bulletin. This equipment will be used equipment. The weekly paper bill will be $6.02, if there is not one sheet of paper wasted. The church then must decide whether it is going to make its own plates or hire someone to have its plates made. If it decides to make its own plates, it will need a camera, dark room, and supplies; once this initial investment is made, making plates is relatively inexpensive. Four years ago, I was hiring our plates made for $9.00 which was cheap at that time. So, a person has at least $15.00 in supplies for doing his printing at the very least. Hence, the one doing the printing is making $10-15 per issue.

However, one should consider what quality of work will be produced by the preacher versus that which is produced by the professional printer. Frankly, I would be embarrassed to hand out some of the bulletins which I receive because of the quality of workmanship which has gone into the printing of the bulletin. I have seen very good material wasted because of the printing job which was being done. For me, I would rather see the bulletin hired, even if it costs a little more, in order that the quality of work will always be the very highest possible.

Someone counters that this cost is excessive because the preacher’s wages are added to the cost of the bulletin whereas the preacher must be supported anyway. While it is true that the preacher will be supported even if no bulletin is published, somewhere down the line brethren are going to have to grapple with whether or not it is a wise use of the Lord’s money to use the preacher to publish a bulletin. Having published a bulletin, I know from experience that there were many times when I needed to be preparing a lesson, going to visit someone, teaching a Bible class, etc. when I simply could not do it because a bulletin deadline had to be met. Hence, I was using my time typing, writing, or printing a bulletin when things more important needed to be done. Later in this article, I shall try to assess the good accomplished through bulletins.

The Reading Audience

I fear that most brethren whose money is being used to pay for our bulletins have the concept that these bulletins are going into the homes of unbelievers and are going to be effective in converting them to Christ. Of the 36 bulletins surveyed, only 6 had a larger percentage of readers who were non-Christians than it had as Christians. The average bulletin had a readership of 66% Christians out of the 1269 which were mailed. Since 1 do not know many congregations with memberships exceeding 1269 persons, I am forced to conclude that most bulletins have an audience of Christians all over the nation. Bulletins published by local congregations are going all over the nation and, I fear, that most of them are going into the homes of brethren who are already the strongest members in other congregations.

Frankly. I have serious doubts that the local church is much benefitted by a bulletin such as is our average bulletin. It will not likely reach any of the neighbors in the community to win them for Christ; it will not likely reach some unfaithful Christian in the neighborhood and make him want to be reconciled to his Lord. It will not accomplish these great goals because it is not being mailed to these people. Most bulletins, my brethren, are brotherhood papers, no more and no less!

The Purpose of the Bulletin

Why then are so many congregations publishing bulletins? In the survey which I mailed out, I asked the question of what was the aim of the bulletin, to edify the members, to reach the lost, or to relate congregational news events. The greatest percentage of responses related that the main purpose of the bulletin was to edify. Edify who? The local church? If so, why mail out 1269 bulletins all over the United States to edify 200 saints in a local congregation?

If edification is the main goal which is to be accomplished, let me suggest some less expensive alternatives. James E. Cooper publishes a weekly bulletin to be used by local churches which has the local congregation’s own name, address, and service information on the back for the very reasonable price of 40 per bulletin when mailed in a group and 50 per bulletin when mailed directly to the recipients. The quality of this bulletin is superior to that of 90% of the bulletins which I receive in content and appearance. It has a good balance of articles designed to reach the lost and edify the saints. For $10.00 a week, every member of the local congregation could receive a bulletin mailed directly to his home; that is considerably less expensive than the individually produced local church bulletins.

For just a little more expense, and probably for much less than is presently being spent on the local bulletin, magazines of 16 pages length can be sent to the home of every member. Truth Magazine, for example, will send 16 pages of good religious instruction into twenty homes four times a month for $10.00 a month. Bundles of Gospel Guardians can be sent to the local congregation at the price of 20″ for each copy. Searching The Scriptures will send thirty copies of their twenty-page magazine into your members’ homes for $10.00 per month. As a matter of fact, a local church could probably mail nearly every magazine published by conservative brethren into the homes of every one of their members on a regular basis for less than they are truly spending on their local bulletin. But, by hiding the costs (i.e., not considering the preacher’s wages, the initial investment cost of equipment, etc.), we persuade ourselves that the bulletins cost us very little.

What Is Being Accomplished Through the Bulletins?

This is undoubtedly the most difficult question to answer of the entire survey. I asked the question, “How many of the following have you gotten as a result of your bulletin in the last year? ___Contacts ___Home Bible Studies ___Baptisms __Restorations.” The results were pretty much as I expected. Very few of the bulletins could attribute any results directly to their bulletin. In the six years that I edited a bulletin, I established contact with one couple which resulted in the conversion of their soul.

Brethren are rather defensive about this aspect of their bulletins. I think most of us act toward our bulletins just as the general populace acts toward Congress. The general populace thinks that Congress is filled with a bunch of crooks; however, when election times rolls around, they re-elect their own congressman because they think that he is different from all the rest. Perhaps this is the way that most of us view our bulletins. Basically, we do not believe that bulletins are accomplishing much good (I hear a number of preachers tell how many of the bulletins which cross their desks end up in a garbage can after a hurried glance, but the one which we are working on is decidedly different; it is accomplishing untold good.

Frankly, I think that it is time for us to take a good close look at the money being spent on bulletins. Businessmen periodically assess whether money being expended in certain areas are producing any dividends to see whether or not it is profitable to sink more money into that work. Brethren need to learn a lesson from these men. We need to assess whether or not the thousands of dollars being spent each year are producing the results which we desire to accomplish. Brethren, look at your mailing lists. Do you really want to pay for sending bulletins to faithful Christians all over the United States? Brethren, look at the amount of time your preacher is having to spend in putting out your bulletin. Could that time be better used in some other field of labor? Look at the out-of-the-pocket expenses you are making on your bulletin. Could that money be used in another, more effective means of reaching the lost?

We are only discussing methods of reaching the lost and, since we are discussing methods, I am going to give my personal judgment, for whatever it is worth. I believe that bulletins at one time were very effective in reaching those among us who had headed down the institutional trail. Many families were saved from institutionalism through the work of faithful men publishing good bulletins. No doubt, some areas have had equally good success in reaching the people of their neighborhood through the printed page. However, there are more effective tactics available to you than those available through the local bulletin.

For example, consider the work of the Brown Street Church in Akron, Ohio. Just recently, they invested $6,500 to present thirteen weeks of a Bible teaching program which was aired on television at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday night. The thirty-minute program is divided into two segments: -the first part consists of a panel of three people engaged in a Bible contest patterned after the TV program “Jeopardy;” the second segment has one of the local preachers asking Brother Weldon Warnock questions pertaining to a given subject. Between these two segments, the congregation advertises its free Bible correspondence course. At the end of eight weeks, the program had enrolled 400 people in its Bible correspondence course. Now, brethren, compare the results you are getting from your bulletins with what is being accomplished in this program. Providing that this congregation uses a good follow-up program, many people in the listening area can be converted to Christ.

Conclusion

I am not trying to make any official pronouncements regarding whether any given local congregation should continue or discontinue its local church bulletin. Every congregation is autonomous; the editor of Truth Magazine cannot and should not try to dictate to churches what ways they should use their money. However, every eldership has a responsibility before God Almighty to use the money which is contributed in the first day of the week contribution in the best possible way. Hence, they have a responsibility to periodically assess what good is being accomplished through the means being used.

In the event that one method is producing no results, use the money that is being spent in that area to try something different. Let us not become so tied to given means and methods that we cannot experiment with legitimate alternatives.

Truth Magazine XXI: 28, pp. 434-436
July 21, 1977

By Jimmy Tuten

In religious terminology, the act of publically proclaiming the gospel is called “preaching.” We usually use the term “Gospel Meeting” to apply to a special prolonged effort devoted to preaching the gospel. In this writing, we use the term “Gospel Meeting” to refer to a prolonged series of gospel sermons.

“Gospel Meetings and the Local Church” just naturally raises the question, “‘why have a gospel meeting?” Some feel that it is simply the thing to do and so traditionally most churches have one or two meetings a year. Because it is accepted as a matter of fact routine, not much is done by way of preparation and consequently response is average or even poor on the part of the membership of the local church. In some areas the response in the form of turn-out to the meeting is so poor on the part of the church having the meeting, that were it not for the number of visitors from other congregations there would hardly be any attendance. This is a sad commentary on any church. There is definite room for improvement when it comes to gospel meetings. In this writing some suggestions on how to improve this area of the congregations’ activity will be discussed.

Members Have to be Sold on the Idea

If the members of a given collective look upon the meeting as merely a custom, then they cannot help but be indifferent toward it. Those who are indifferent are usually the ones who question the effectiveness of gospel meetings. They do not believe that the meeting is a usable tool in teaching saints and aliens. Brethren must be sold on the fact that meetings can and will do three things:

(1) It will cause the gospel to be preached. The Bible says much about preaching. For example, one cannot read the book of Acts without seeing the fact that “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). The great commission commands us to “teach all nations” and after baptizing them, “teaching them to observe all things” (Matt. 28:19-20). The Apostle Paul commanded Timothy to “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2). Because the brethren of Thessalonica saw the real value of gospel preaching, Paul could commend them by saying, “for from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad: so that we need not to speak any thing” (1 Thess. 1:8). Gospel preaching is absolutely essential to the salvation of the lost (Rom. 10:8-17).

(2) Gospel meetings stir up the church and strengthens its faith. Christians are in constant danger of drifting (Heb. 2:1-2). They are in danger of leaving their first love (Rev. 2:4-5). Even now many are lukewarm and have a name that they live, but they are dead (Rev. 3:15-16, 1-2). All of us need to be stirred up from time to time. We need to be awakened and challenged to greater service for the Lord. The acquisition of conviction however, is dependent upon a hearing of the gospel (Rom. 10:17). In this age when there are so many diversionary activities in the form of sports, etc. the meeting may be one of the very few ways many people receive any instruction in the Bible. Gospel meetings also serve to off-set the lack of teaching in the home. We cannot under-estimate the power of the gospel meeting.

(3) The meeting will serve as a unified and concerted effort to save the lost. Without the salvation Christ offers, people are lost in sin and condemned to an eternal torment (Rom. 3:10, 23). Only the gospel can save them (Rom. 1:16-17), and that only when we get them interested (Rom. 10:11-15). Many obey the gospel during a gospel meeting. If a single soul is saved during a single gospel meeting, all the efforts that went into that meeting were worth it. Rest assured that a well planned and executed meeting will reinforce our hope, shore up our defenses and stimulate us to action. But only if we take advantage of it.

Plan Your Meeting Well

A good meeting is carefully planned. A church needs to carefully and very prayerfully decide upon the purpose and goal of the meeting. Seldom do brethren stop to think: is this meeting for the edification of the church, or is it to reach outsiders? The answer to this question determines who would be best suited to do the speaking and the course of action taken for the series. The time, effort and money spent on some meetings could be better spent elsewhere due to lack of forethought.

A well planned meeting is one where the speaker has been prayerfully selected, not because he has a big name or prestige. Some older preachers may not be what the church needs. A younger man might do a better job, especially where there are a large number of young people. The greatest mistake brethren make is in concluding that power, prestige or publicity is a sign of superior ability. Big name preachers sometimes fail to get the job done. Eloquence alone should not be the deciding factor.

How well in advance of the meeting do you plan and execute advertisement? How soon you begin announcing the meeting depends for the most part on the medium used. If a church has a bulletin then as soon as one meeting ends the other could be announced. Beginning several weeks before a meeting a bulletin should be used to its fullest extent. Large, nice looking newspaper ads pay handsome dividends. Do not forget the fact that most radio stations have”community reports” where one can get free spot announcements daily before a meeting and during a meeting. Printed handbills, cards and other forms of advertisement can be handed out from door to door in a community or even mailed. Seize every opportunity to publicize your meeting! Remember, the best advertisement is word of mouth. Sell your members on this fact.

Plan a Prospect Sheet

Another good factor in bringing about a good meeting is to have a prospect sheet. Some of these on this list can be visited and others can have advertisements mailed to them. About two or three weeks ahead of the meeting have the members of the church set a personal goal of how many they will try to influence to attend. Several days later have them make a list of names, whether they are prospects or not. Then list those most likely to attend. Having done this, personal letters can be written to be followed by personal phone calls. Always offer to provide transportation.

The “buddy” system works well too. Using this arrangement each couple selects another couple who are either apostate or non-members and concentrates on them throughout the meeting. Having them over for a meal during the meeting or over for refreshments after services will encourage them greatly.

Pray for the Meeting

There should be special prayers offered in behalf of the meeting. Brethren should pray individually and collectively. For example, about four weeks before the meeting brethren could meet in different homes each week for a discussion of the meeting and specific prayer in its behalf. In this way brethren are constantly reminded of the fact that they have a vital part to play in the preaching series. Prayer should be made in behalf of the meeting, for the speaker and for the brethren themselves. Certainly prayers should be offered in behalf of the prospects.

Conclusion

We repeat: the day of gospel meetings is not over. But we must apply ourselves to the tasks of planting and watering with the conviction that God will give the increase (1 Cor. 3:6-9). Let us sanctify ourselves as in the day of Joshua (Josh. 3:5). God will work the wonders of conversion among us. We must, however, do our part. Have a good meeting!

Truth Magazine XXI: 27, p. 429
July 14, 1977

By Connie W. Adams

A gospel meeting involves a series of gatherings at which time the gospel is to be preached. Essential to such efforts is the presence and work of gospel preachers. Preaching was done by Jesus, commanded of His apostles and other Christians and freely employed in the work of the early church. Timothy was charged to “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:1-4). So vital is the good news of the kingdom, that even the feet of those who bring it are “beautiful” (Rom. 10:15). Paul said “Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:16). He was “ready to preach it at Rome” (Rom. 1:15) and everywhere else a door of opportunity might open. He taught the gospel “publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).

To “preach is to herald the gospel, to lift up the voice and sound it forth. The terms “preach” and “teach” are often used interchangeably in the New Testament. “Gospel” may be preached to both saint and sinner (Rom. 1:15-16). “Doctrine” may be taught to both saint and sinner (Acts 5:28; Tit. 1:9). Teaching involves the imparting of knowledge. All preaching should do that, though it may take the form of public discourse. Most of the distinctions existing in the minds of brethren between preaching and teaching have to do with manner of presentation.

One does not study long in the book of Acts and later New Testament references before learning that preaching was vital to the work of the apostles and early Christians. Without it, congregations would not have been established and strengthened in the faith. The newly established church in Jerusalem had a series of meetings lasting several days (Acts 2:46). Peter tarried “certain days” in Caesarea among the new converts made at the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:48). That is really what we do in today’s gospel meetings. We tarry certain days and come together daily to publicly proclaim the word of God. I seriously question the soundness of any brethren who conclude that such a practice is without benefit to the saints and to the saving of the lost.

The Preacher in Such Efforts

The same requirements for a gospel preacher which would qualify him to preach anywhere are those essential to one who might be invited to come and “tarry certain days” among the disciples at a given place. He must be “faithful” to the Lord and “able” to do the work of gospel preaching (2 Tim. 2:2). Some men who are faithful to the Lord in their conduct are not “able” to preach anywhere effectively for lack of either natural or acquired ability. Some men have not studied well. It is axiomatic that one cannot teach another what he does not know himself.

In choosing a man for a gospel meeting, brethren should always look for a godly man, whose manner of life is beyond reproach. Then they should seek a man who, in the judgment of the brethren, has the ability to effectively preach the word in order to accomplish the objectives of such a special effort. And a gospel meeting is a special effort. Some brethren think they have to send half-way across the country to obtain the services of a man who is well known in order to have a productive gospel meeting. There is nothing wrong with inviting a man who lives some distance away and who is known widely for faithfulness to the Lord and ability to effectively preach the gospel. Some modern writers have intimated that there is something suspicious or dishonorable about a gospel preacher having attained a good reputation and being frequently called upon in various places. Yet, I dare say, any one of them would try very hard to answer any such invitation, should it be forthcoming. But, fruitful gospel meetings may be conducted by men perhaps not known so widely, men who might be younger but quite capable, and who might live right in the area where a congregation could well profit from his services. I am persuaded that many congregations are making a serious mistake by not including in their gospel meeting plans some very able young men.

What to Preach

Choosing subject matter for a meeting is not always easy. The shorter the meeting, the harder this task becomes. Everything in the Bible cannot be discussed in five to seven or eight days, even if there are day. services. Sometimes a congregation solves this problem for the preacher by asking him to come prepared to address himself to certain needs in the congregation or subject matter which the brethren feel would be needed in that community at large. But usually, churches leave it to the preacher to use his best judgment. There are certain subjects which are needed everywhere. Faith in God, in Christ and the Bible must ever be established in the hearts of the doubtful and often confirmed in the minds of believer. The authority of Christ and his word must ever be established. The division of the covenants is still not well understood. There are present-day philosophies which undermine faith in the Lord and his work which need to be dealt with. The application of New Testament teaching to every, phase of godly living must be stressed. How this applies to the home, to business, to citizenship in a worldly kingdom and how the Christian may withstand the pressures of the world and still be pure before God-these and like subjects need to be discussed. Materialism ought to be exposed for what it is. Worldliness in the church should be exposed and rebuked. Indifference and indolence in the work of the Lord must be corrected. People must be instructed, convinced and stimulated to obey the gospel and saints to be more dedicated.

Some preachers have developed a reputation of being “preacher’s preachers.” That is, many gospel preachers will come from far and wide to hear those reputed to be learned and scholarly while the local brethren and community people, after a meeting or two, give him a good “letting alone.” They do not understand what he is talking about. There must be a place for meetings designed to conduct in-depth studies in word derivations, and fine distinctions, but preachers who specialize in such efforts during gospel meetings ought not to get sore when the common, ordinary person is concerned about making his life right before the Lord, haunted by guilt and doubts, battered by waves of temptation in work, at home and in society at large, and needing desperately to hear something he can understand and can use in changing his life for the better. Long ago, I stopped giving any thought to whether or not visiting preachers regarded me as wise or scholarly. Personally, I am convinced that when a gospel meeting is over, I should have taught the sinner what to do to be saved, shown the difference between truth and error, opened the hearts of hearers to the beauty and simplicity of God’s truth, and encouraged the child of God to do better. If that has been done, then God has been pleased and I have been a success where it really counts. If enough seed is planted and watered, God will give the increase, whether while the meeting is in progress or after it is over.

Gospel preachers ought to spare the brethren, and any whom they persuade to attend, their opinions and nit-picking ideas. Get into the scriptures and stay there! Tell people what the Lord said and keep your “think so’s” to yourself! There are some meetings which call for addressing oneself to specific problems known to exist among the brethren by whom you are called. When that must be done, it must be done fairly, impartially and with full knowledge of the facts. It is a serious mistake, with which the church will have to live after you have packed your suitcase and gone home, to allow yourself to become the axe-grinder for one side or another in a local feud.

Over the years, this writer has developed the practice of preaching expository sermons which summarize books of the Bible or certain chapters in context with pertinent applications made in today’s world. People need to know what the Lord said in context. Topical preaching has its place. Some of it is necessary. But exposing the minds of a sincere audience to a portion of scripture in its proper setting, with attention given to immediate and extended applications, is of great benefit to any audience at any place, anytime. Preachers often complain that too many are ignorant of the scriptures. Whose fault do you suppose that is? Certainly everyone should study the Bible for himself at home. But preachers must also share the blame.

How to Preach It

(1) The truth should be preached courageously. It is much worse to displease the Lord than an earthly audience. Paul asked brethren to pray that he might open his mouth “boldly” in preaching (Eph. 6:19). Mealy-mouthed uncertainties will not change anybody.

(2) The word should be proclaimed simply. If the audience cannot understand because of our choice of words or poor organization, making it virtually impossible to follow, then we have wasted our time and theirs. “But today’s audiences are so much more enlightened and better educated,” we are told. That is doubtful. When young people go to college who cannot spell simple, ordinary words, or construct a simple, declarative sentence, today’s audiences are not as far advanced as some might think. There are college graduates who either cannot spell or do not know how to use the dictionary, or both. I know. Some of them send me manuscripts for publication! Much of the generation under thirty years of age has been brought up listening to rock music by the hour and shuttled through school on ever-lowering educational standards. If we will reach them with the truth, we will have to keep it simple.

(3) Gospel preaching should be done with great concern for the lost. This will generate in our preaching a sense of urgency. If our concern is real, our urgency will be natural and apparent to those who hear. Frankly, much of the conversational-tone preaching makes me sleepy. It lacks urgency. One does not have to shout to be fervent, nor to practice all manner of facial contortions and frantic gestures to be intense. But one thing is certain and that is that we shall stir nobody to change unless we are evidently stirred with the truth of what we are saying. Perhaps at no point in a sermon in a gospel meeting does this concern, or lack of it, become so apparent as during the offering of the Lord’s invitation. Of course, the sinner must be, informed as to what he ought to do. Saints have heard t over and over, but that does not lessen the need of the sinner. Many a sinner may have been disturbed at the time he needs to give the more earnest heed by the inconsiderate fumbling and rattling of song books if the preacher happens to mention faith, repentance or baptism after speaking about thirty minutes. Try this, brethren. When you are ready to offer the invitation, announce the song to be used and ask the audience to turn to it and hold it ready. Wait, and then ask them to give back their undivided attention. Then earnestly present the Lord’s plan, and then take a few moments to plead with those who are lost to realize the importance of what is about to be done, of what it can mean to their lives and eternal destinies. Many of us do not know how to exhort. We can argue, reason, lay out the facts, expose error, present a well organized lesson which is faithful and true to the Book, but we do not know how to exhort men to flee from the wrath to come. We do not make them shudder at the thought of being lost in hell, nor quicken their appetite for the beauties and glories of eternal rest with God in heaven. We do not help them to make the contrast between the hopelessness of serving the Devil and the rewards of godliness which hold promise in this world and that which is to come.

Some preachers seldom persuade people to obey the truth while others are much more successful. Some of those who make such complaints are extremely capable men. It may be that they are always present during a meeting when only sowing is done. The watering and reaping may come later, and that is all right. The number converted in gospel meetings is not the only measure of success. But it is a fact that in gospel meetings today, many are attending who ought to obey the truth, who have had some private teaching and who are looking for the way that is right and cannot be wrong. We ought to preach as if we expect people to obey the truth. Some of us preach about as pessimistically as the little girl who came to my door once and with head hung down blurted out “Mister, you don’t want to buy no Girl Scout cookies do you?” Some people who are persuaded of the truth and would obey it in a gospel meeting, do not come forward because they do not fully understand what procedure will be followed if they do come forward. Well, what would be wrong with taking a few moments to simply state what will be done?

Then seek the cooperation of the song leader. Ask him to choose old songs which have a fervent appeal to the heart, and ask him to start singing the very instant you ask the audience to stand and sing. If you are convinced there are some in the audience who are “in the valley of decision” stop after a verse or two and exhort a little more. I know some of the brethren will say that sounds like a holiness meeting. This can be overdone until an excitement is generated which overpowers the reason and disgraces the gospel. But if there is anything out of place with letting an audience know you are solicitous for the souls of men who are almost persuaded, then I have failed to find it. I have never done much of this in gospel meeting preaching or in local work, but there are times when I think it is needed and if the brethren do not want me to do it, then they ought to invite someone else to do the preaching. Other preachers can go about it the best way they can. That is what this preacher intends to do.

I hear some lamenting now that “Nobody obeys the gospel in meetings anymore.” Well, that is not so. If a man works in meeting after meeting, year in and year out and never persuades anyone to obey the Lord, then something is wrong and ought to be corrected.

Something also needs to be said about the use of a preacher’s time through the day during meetings. He can be kept on the social circle, stuffed until he can not get his breath and the meeting will actually be hindered. He can not think as well and he can not preach as well. Personally, I am always disappointed when the brethren have not planned for day services, if no more than ten or fifteen people can attend. Further it helps a meeting for a preacher to be willing to spend some time studying privately with those who are good prospects. That might interfere with his golf or fishing plans, but it also might help lead some to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Brethren, an invitation to conduct a gospel meeting is not a status symbol. It is a door of opportunity opened before you to plant and water gospel seed. Let us all watch and be faithful.

Truth Magazine XXI: 27, pp. 426-428
July 14, 1977

By Weldon E. Warnock

Qualified elders are necessary for the well-being of the local church. Titus was told to “ordain elders in every city” (Tit. 1:5). Paul, on the return trip of his first missionary journey, appointed elders in every church (Acts 14:23). Hence, churches are to have elders. God has assigned the role of elders in the church. It is a grave and serious responsibility as we shall see. Some take the office lightly, treating it as some glorified position to hold rather than a work to be done. The Bible says, “If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work” (1 Tim. 3:1).

A man who is motivated to become an elder simply to control the church, and not to do the work which the office entails, has the wrong attitude. He has no business being an elder. Paul says a man is to desire the function or work, not the power to rule somebody. Even some brethren look upon the eldership as just a decision making body as they constantly say in their prayers, “help the elders in their decisions.” Of course they are to make decisions, but there are other important things elders are to do. Thank God for all those men who have the ability to be God’s elders and have accepted the oversight in order to serve the Lord to the fullest of their abilities. They conscientiously and energetically look out after the church of God. May their number increase.

With these preliminary remarks, let us now consider what the role of an elder is in a local church, primarily from a practical standpoint. This will not cover every duty, but we will endeavor to deal with some major duties and what they imply.

One of the must’s for being an elder is the ability to lead. The Bible states, “Obey them that have the rule over you . . .” (Heb. 13:17). The word, “rule,” in this passage signifies “to go before, to show the way, to guide; to lead, as an army or fleet, and so to command, to rule; to be a guide, a leader, ruler, chief” (Church Polity, Wm. Hayden, p. 54). Hence, an elder is to be a leader, a guide, a ruler. Brethren, in some places, have put the emphasis upon “faithful children” and have almost ignored leadership qualities. We should have come to realize by now that a church cannot go beyond its leadership. This is why some churches are stymied in growth-they have incompetent leaders. Competent leadership would demand the following things:

(1) Regular and frequent business meetings. Before elders can know in which direction to lead, they must make plans. Some of these meetings must include the preacher, deacons, teachers, and the other members, as all play a part in the growth of the church. Some places, the elders meet infrequently, and then the time is consumed talking about material things. I have seen elders huddle in a corner. for a few minutes after worship and try to discuss the work of the church. A few matters might be decided in a huddle, but no serious and in-depth plans can be worked out to move the church ahead.

Too, all the time necessary should be devoted to a business meeting. Some limit a meeting to an hour, regardless of the problems to deal with. Any unfinished business is postponed until the next meeting, perhaps a month or two later. Thirty to sixty days have been procrastinated simply because some men did not think enough of the Lord’s work to spend the amount of time needed to get the job done. Elders are to rule diligently (Rom. 12:8) and not slothfully (Rom. 12:11).

(2) Vision. Someone said, “A leader sees three things: what ought to be done, what can be done, and how to do it.” Elders need this kind of vision. They need to see the opportunities to stimulate, both the spiritual and numerical growth of the church.

(3) Initiative. After seeing what can be done to promote progress, they then must initiate the plans. Too many elders have to be goaded into nearly everything that is attempted. It is so easy to stay in the rut and be satisfied with the status-quo. Elders should initiate teaching and training programs, new and better methods of work, visitation programs, changes in order of worship occasionally, better facilities and equipment by which to work, etc. In other words, they should lead in a positive manner and not always have to be prompted to take every step forward. They should be the leaders and not the ones led.

(4) Distribution of responsibility. God gave elders the authority to rule the church, but this does not preclude distributing work to the other members. In fact, delegation of responsibility must be made to others if the work gets done. This is good leadership.

Deacons need to be given the job God authorized them to do, that is, take care of the physical responsibilities. Deacons, under the elders, should be given charge of the building and grounds, needy saints, baptismal equipment, communion supplies, etc., and the elders devote their time to the spiritual aspects of the church (cf. Acts 6:1-4). Some elders have taken over the deacon’s work and their duties go wanting.

Members can be given the task of checking absentees, visiting some of them for the elders, writing letters, helping in Bible classes to see that supplies are adequate and several other things. Some elders seemingly do not know how to systematically assign duties to others. They either try to do everything themselves or it is not done at all. All members should be made responsible in some duty or other. Members of the church should not be lost to the devil by a lack of activity; nor should they have to be coming to the elders asking for work. Elders ought to put them to work before they get a chance to ask.

(5) Communication. A good leader has a harmonious relation with his followers. He takes them into his confidence and at times asks their advice. All the brains are not in one man-not even a preacher. He informs them of his plans and stimulates them to serve by saying, “Let us rise up and build” (Neh. 2:17). Elders cannot expect cooperation by aloofness and an air of “bossism.” The attitude, “We are running things around here and it is none of your business what we do,” will not work. Elders are members of the congregation, too-not above it or outside it. The church is not theirs. They were chosen by the members to lead, guide and coordinate the functions of the church. The church deserves some consideration. Actually, for the most part, members should be told what transpires in the business meetings of the elders. Their meeting is church-business, not just elder-business.

May elders of God’s church everywhere strive to properly govern its affairs, adequately manage its interests and suitably promote its welfare. The church for which Jesus died deserves nothing less.

Role of Shepherding

In addition to being leaders, elders are shepherds or pastors of God’s flock. Paul told the Ephesian elders “to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28, NASB). Peter exhorted elders to “shepherd the flock of God among you. . .” (1 Pet. 5:2, NASB). The King James has “feed” instead of “shepherd.”

We can easily understand what is involved in shepherding if we consider the term in its physical sense. Shepherds who tend sheep have a three-fold responsibility. They are to feed the flock, keep the flock from straying and protect the flock from predators. In like-manner, elders have an identical responsibility toward the flock which they pastor (shepherd). Let us notice each one briefly in the order we have stated them.

(1) Feed the flock. One of the qualifications of an elder is “apt to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2). This indicates that he must know the Scriptures and be able to nurture and strengthen those whom he watches over. Several methods can be employed by elders by which the flock can adequately and sufficiently be fed. One way is the Bible class arrangement. Faithful and able teachers are secured to edify the church. Some elders are dilatory here. They fail to train men and women for teachers, never have teacher’s meetings, have little thirty-minute classes twice a week, fail to provide adequate facilities and materials, and just let anybody teach a class. We provide for our livestock a better diet than this.

Pulpit preaching is an effective manner of edifying the church, providing the preacher studies and well-prepares his sermons. A good library, a well-supplied tract rack, religious journals, special classes, vacation Bible schools, a bulletin, etc. are excellent ways that elders can feed the flock. Good shepherds use these methods, and others, to build up the church.

(2) Keeps the flock from straying. A good shepherd watches for the safety of the flock so that one does not wander off and become lost. If, perchance, one does get lost, the shepherd immediately leaves the flock and searches for the lost sheep until he finds it (cf. Lk. 15:46).

The inspired writer said that elders “watch for you souls. . .” (Heb. 13:17). When the church meets and some of the flock is not present, faithful elders find out what is wrong. They may have fellow-saints assisting them in calling on the absentees, but they are getting the job done. If the situation merits it, then the elders make a personal visit and deal with the matter.

Some elders hardly ever bother with absentees or problems among brethren, unless the problem stinks to high heaven. In fact, they do not even miss the absentees until they have already petrified and ossified, spiritually. Then, its too late. Brethren, those elders who are not going to shepherd need to resign. They are a hindrance to the church and the spiritual welfare of the souls under them.

(3) Protect the flock from predators. Paul told the Ephesian elders, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch. . .” (Acts 20:29-31).

Elders must be very careful as to what preacher they secure to fill the pulpit. Good churches have been ruined by preachers. Furthermore, elders need to choose faithful teachers and also be familiar with the subject matter in each class. Our present crisis in the church over institutionalism, liberalism, fellowship, etc., would never have happened, or at worst, would only have been minimal, if elders had been doing their job. May elders have the courage to carry out their Godgiven duties of being shepherds over the flock of God

The Role of Being An Example

The Bible teaches that elders are to be examples to the flock. Peter exhorts elders, “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:3). In the epistle to the Hebrews, the inspired writer declares, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (Heb. 13:7). Elders must, therefore, go before the flock, showing and demonstrating how New Testament Christianity is to be practiced. The flock is to walk in their paths as they walk in the path of righteousness. Elders should not drive but rather lead. So much more can be accomplished by this procedure. Let us notice some things wherein elders are to serve as examples.

(1) Serving the Lord. Christians are “not to be slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11). Enthusiasm must be generated in reaching the lost, edifying the saints, helping the needy, visiting the sick, worshipping God, yea, in anything that involves serving the Lord and doing his will. Elders must be examples in this zeal and fervency for the things of God.

(2) Domestic life. Elders are to be examples as husbands and fathers. They are to love, honor and provide for their wives and their wives are to be in subjection unto them (cf. Eph. 5:22-33). Many elder’s effectiveness is destroyed by insubordinate and worldly minded wives (cf. 1 Tim. 3:11). Those who are elders must .have taught their children to honor and obey their parents and to be faithful Christians (cf. Eph. 6:1-4).

(3) Hospitality. One of the qualifications for an elder is hospitality (1 Tim. 3:2). He should open his home for the lodging of visiting preachers or at least have the preacher in his home for a meal. He should have brethren in for meals and entertainment and lodge deserving brethren who are passing through town. There are some elders who never put themselves out to have anybody in their home. Their example is not becoming to the work.

(4) Community life. An elder is to have a good report of them which are without (1 Tim. 3:7). A boorish, selfish person would have little influence for the Lord. An elder must exemplify kindness, courtesy and concern for others.

(5) Disposition. Elders must demonstrate how to get along with people. They must be willing to listen to others when they have suggestions or problems, and respond with respect and appreciation. They must show that there can be matters of disagreement over opinions without losing their temper and becoming angry. Elders are not to be soon angry (Tit. 1:7). Some elders cannot be differed with or they become indignant and accuse you of being insubordinate to the eldership. Such attitude is wrong, being self-willed.

(6) Generosity. Paul told the Ephesian elders “to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Elders should be liberal with their own money, and the Lord’s as well, using it to promote the Lord’s work. Men who are misers or covetous should never be appointed elders. Yet, some are appointed and retard the progress of the church by hoarding the money. Let elders be an example in giving and spending for the Cause of Christ.

In conclusion, I quote from the pen of H. E. Phillips. “The responsibility of the elders is continued from day to day in the congregation over which they rule. They have not been appointed to ‘let another do the work’ of overseeing and tending the flock, because only elders can do the work of elders. The sooner bishops can realize their duties and respond to them the sooner the church will begin to grow spiritually and numerically in every city of this great country” (Scriptural Elders and Deacons, p. 189).

Truth Magazine XXI: 27, pp. 424-426
July 14, 1977