At our Evangelistic Review meeting last Sunday afternoon, we discussed several of the efforts various members had been trying of late in order to have Bible studies. This article is to inform the members of the congregation, as well as brethren elsewhere of what is being tried. Several are doing traditional things that we have always done, such as carrying some cards with us, which have information about the church—including its website—in case we get into a conversation and someone asks us for information. Some also carry the tip card, which thanks a server at a restaurant and also invites them to join us for worship. Of course, contacting visitors is an important source. Members have frequently studied the Scriptures with brethren whose attendance has been infrequent and whose involvement has been minimal. Some also contacted those from whom fellowship has been withdrawn.
Back in January, we had our door-knocking campaign, and about one-third of the members went out one or more times. Three have been baptized as a result of those efforts, and four other studies remain in progress. Many hours were spent to find just a few interested people, but that is what it takes in the materialistic world of today. A few Christians have continued this program on their own, spending from one to two hours a week in a territory assigned to them. This part of the city may consist of from 500 to 1,000 houses, but it is exclusively theirs. Some begin by writing down every street number within the parameters. If someone is not home, it will be noted and visited later. Using plastic door hangers, workers are prepared to leave behind something that advertises the church. It may be something the South Seminole Church has produced, or it could be a paper or DVD produced by others. They call back from time to time on those who have shown an interest. (Sometimes it takes several contacts to set up a Bible study.) We have territories available for as many members who volunteer to do this work.
Over the years, at least five have been baptized from the nursing and rehabilitation center where we regularly conduct worship on Sunday afternoons. Three of these have passed on, but for these efforts, they might have entered eternity unprepared. This past Sunday thirty were present. Members who participate in the worship there are assigned to find and bring various patients to the meeting. Many of the residents tell us how much they appreciate us coming and conducting worship. We take some time afterward to visit with them and see who might be interested in a Bible study.
Universities now have a free speech zone, in which students are free to say or distribute whatever they wish. Some of our students have set up a table with various materials available for free. Many students are actually interested in what has been made available to them. A few Bible studies have resulted from this technique. Some of our young people have done the same thing in a park. These efforts have just recently begun, but they look promising.
Another member stands on the corner of a well-traveled intersection where it’s a four-way stop, offering free materials. Yes, the police questioned him, but there was not much they could say, since his sign says, “No Donations Accepted.” He has free materials for those who are interested. Some have expressed interest in, “Why Are There So Many Churches?”; “Where Do We Go When We Die?”; and “Is the Bible From God?”
Those who are Internet savvy make use of Facebook, Tweet, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media that some of us have no clue concerning. However, younger members may be able to use these advantageously. The important thing is that we use our time and resources in spreading the gospel. Each Christian needs to learn to be effective in reaching others.