SPIRITUAL COLD CALLING

SPIRITUAL  COLD CALLING

E. Roger Ammons,

General Evangelism Coordinator

The American Heritage Dictionary defines “cold call” as: “A telephone call or visit made to someone who is not known or not expecting contact, often in order to sell something.” Many annoyed prospects add their name to a “Do Not Call” list or put a “No Soliciting” sign on their door. Some salesmen claim that referral selling is ten times more effective than cold calling.

Even though, there are some benefits in cold calling as a means of evangelistic outreach, it is not as effective as follow-up of church visitors or acquaintances of church attendees. Dr. Kennedy, founder of Evangelism Explosion, said that a young man does not propose marriage to a young lady on first sight, but rather, after he establishes an appropriate relationship.

Please allow me to coin a phrase, “spiritual cold calling”, to refer to outreach which is cold and mechanical, lacking the “fervency” and direction of the Holy Ghost. We are to be, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11). We read of Apollos who “. . . being fervent in the spirit, . . . taught diligently the things of the Lord . . .” (Acts 18:25).

Members of the early Church were anointed by the Spirit and led by Him as to whom, when, and where they witnessed. Remember how God called Phillip out of a great revival in Samaria to the desert to witness to the Ethiopian eunuch. “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot” (Acts 8:29).

Prayer was a key factor which resulted in divine appointments instead of cold calls. Peter and John went to the temple at the hour of prayer and met the lame man who was healed (Acts 3:1-6). Paul was praying when he had a vision of Ananias being sent by the Lord for the healing of his eyes (Acts 9:11-12). Peter was praying when God sent three men to take him to Cornelius (Acts 10:9-20). Paul and Silas prayed in prison and the jailor said, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:25-27).

On Paul’s 2^nd Missionary Journey, the Holy Ghost forbade him to go and preach in Asia and Bithynia, but in a vision the Lord called him to preach in Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10). Then in Athens, “his spirit was stirred in him” and he disputed with the Jews daily (Acts 17:16, 17).  In Corinth, “Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ” (Acts 18:5).

Paul asked for prayer that God would open doors of utterance (Eph. 6:18-20; Col. 4:3). Otherwise door-to-door visitation may be just going for a walk.

 

 

Excerpts from Bishop Pruitt’s 2003

Excerpts from Bishop Pruitt’s 2003   

Annual Address                   

     E. Roger Ammons,               

 General Evangelism Coordinator

Our greatest responsibility to a lost and dying world is the message of salvation and hope of eternal life - the gospel in its completeness as it is revealed in the Scriptures as the old paths. The old paths, as far as the individual is concerned, are the blessings of being born again by faith in Christ in the spiritual realm and being forgiven for sins he has committed; being sanctified by the shed blood of Christ, that is being made holy by being cleansed (eradicated) of the Adamic or Satanic nature we all inherited from our ancestors Adam and Eve. This experience is the second work of grace. It is a cleansing rather than forgiveness. It is explained in 1 John 1:9 in these words, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Sanctification is a cleansing (eradication, crucifixion) of the evil nature rather than a forgiveness which one receives when he is saved or born again. When one is saved or forgiven of his committed sins is one work of grace, then he is ready to be sanctified or cleansed, a second work of grace, or we could say it is the second work of the atoning blood of Christ, which makes the one who receives it holy, by the eradication of the Adamic nature. A sanctified person is a holy person as long as he stays in the stream of the cleansing blood of Christ and does not commit sin.

When a person is sanctified he is holy and ready to receive the gift of the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. This experience is not a work of grace but is a gift from God. He (the Holy Ghost) is given as an indwelling Guide and Comforter to help the individual live a victorious Christian life, grow in grace, and be inspired and anointed by the power of the Holy Ghost to live, preach, teach, and serve God with holy joy and spiritual power that is not known to those who are not aware of these spiritual blessings.  . . .

Many people are not aware of the sequential order of the salvation blessings, not knowing that one is not sanctified until he is saved (or born again) and is not baptized with the Holy Ghost until he is sanctified. These blessings come in that order and it is God's will that one does not stop seeking until he has received all three . . . of them: saved, or born again; sanctification; and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues.

Building Relationships (bonding Part 2)

BONDING: Part 2

Building Relationships

E. Roger Ammons,

 General Coordinator

Building relationships is an essential aspect of the “bonding” process. Personal relationships encourage newcomers keep coming back to church.

Christian fellowship is emphasized in the “one anothers” of Scripture “peace one with another” (Mark 9:50); “love one another” (John 13:34, 35; 15:12, 17; I Thess. 3:12; 4:9; I Pet. 1:22; I John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11, 12; II John 1:5); “members one of another” (Rom. 12:5; Eph. 4:25); “kindly affectioned one to another . . . “preferring one another” (Rom. 12:10); “one may edify another” (Rom. 14:19); “receive ye one another” (Rom. 15:7); “care one for another” (I Cor. 12:25); “greet one another” (I Cor. 16:20; II Cor. 13:12; I Pet. 5:14); “serve one another” (Gal. 5:13); “bear ye one another's burdens” (Gal. 6:2); “forbearing one another” (Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:13); “forgiving one another” (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13); “teaching and admonishing one another” (Col. 3:16); “comfort one another” (I Thess. 4:18); “edify one another” (I Thess. 5:11); “preferring one before another” (I Tim. 5:21); “exhort one another” (Heb. 3:13; 10:24); “consider one another” (Heb. 10:24); “confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another” (James 5:16); “having compassion one of another” (I Pet. 3:8); “hospitality one to another” (I Pet. 4:9); “minister . . . one to another” (I Pet. 4:10); “fellowship one with another” (I John 1:7).

Small groups are an effective means of helping new people form significant relationships. God has set “helps” (auxiliaries) in the Church in the form of small groups which assist in the “bonding” process.  One pastor often announces that newcomers will soon be asked to join a small group, but that if they desire to join the church, they should approach the pastor and do the asking. All newcomers are not yet ready for church membership, but all newcomers are eligible to join some auxiliary. Even as courting may lead to marriage, joining an auxiliary may lead to church membership.

There is a dimension of bonding which cannot take place within the four walls of the church building. We read of the Early Church, “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:46-47). Small groups limit their help in “bonding” when they limit their activities to the church building.

WALK IN THE LIGHT

(1Jn 1:7)  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

WALK IN THE LIGHT

 “Will you sincerely promise in the presence of God and these witnesses that you will accept this Bible as the Word of God—believe and practice its teachings rightly divided—the New Testament as your rule of faith and practice, government and discipline, and walk in the light to the best of your knowledge and ability?”

 (Joh 1:4)  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

(Joh 3:19)  And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

(Joh 3:20)  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

(Joh 3:21)  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

(Joh 12:35)  Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

(Joh 12:36)  While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

(Act 1:15)  And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

(Act 1:16)  Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

(Act 1:17)  For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

(Act 1:18)  Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

(Act 1:19)  And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

 

(Act 1:20)  For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

 

SAUL WALKS IN THE LIGHT

(Act 9:10)  And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

(Act 9:11)  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

(Act 9:12)  And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

(Act 9:13)  Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

(Act 9:14)  And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

(Act 9:15)  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

(Act 9:16)  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

PETER TESTIFIES TO WALKING IN THE LIGHT

(Act 10:28)  And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

(Act 10:29)  Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

(Act 10:30)  And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

(Act 10:31)  And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

(Act 10:32)  Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

(Act 10:44)  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

(Act 10:45)  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

(Act 10:46)  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

(Act 10:47)  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

(Act 15:1)  And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

(Act 15:2)  When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

(Act 15:3)  And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

(Act 15:4)  And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

(Act 15:5)  But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

(Act 15:6)  And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

(Act 15:7)  And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

(Act 15:8)  And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

(Act 15:9)  And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

(Act 15:10)  Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

(Act 15:11)  But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

(Act 15:12)  Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

THE CHURCH CHOOSES TO WALK IN THE LIGHT

 

(Act 15:13)  And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

(Act 15:14)  Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

(Act 15:15)  And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

(Act 15:16)  After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

(Act 15:17)  That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

(Act 15:18)  Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

(Act 15:19)  Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

(Act 15:20)  But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

(Act 15:21)  For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

(Act 15:22)  Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

(Act 15:23)  And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

(Act 15:24)  Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

(Act 15:25)  It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

(Act 15:26)  Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Act 15:27)  We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

(Act 15:28)  For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

(Act 15:29)  That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

THE SIMPLICITY OF CHRIST

 

(2Co 11:3)  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

(2Co 1:12)  For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

(AM 1923 ) Quote from A. J. Tomlinson

"The minutes of the Assembly never have been regarded as laws to follow until quite recently. They were only regarded as records showing what had been dug out of the Book, and the Book was still our law book. And, thank God, it is still good enough today.  What would it be for a judicial body or a court of justice to serve out the laws in particular cases, make a record of all they found, and carry it off as the law book when it was merely a record of their findings!  No, the minutes of our Assemblies are not to be considered as laws, but only records of our findings.  We must cling to the blessed old Book for our laws if we keep the favor of God.”

(2Co 10:12)  For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

(Rev 22:18)  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

(Rev 22:19)  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

There are things that the Bible neither prohibits nor requires that the General Assembly may determine to be spiritually helpful in accomplishing the work of the Lord. These are things that the General Assembly in harmony with the authority given to the Church by Christ to loose and to bind, can decide to change or eliminate at any time.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY’S POSITION OF HUMILITY AND BROTHERLY LOVE

(AM 1924)

“In these meetings matters should be discussed with love, humility and meekness. No votes should be taken to decide questions. Every­thing should be done with one accord and questions settled by mutual agreement. If there is division on a matter hold it over until all can agree. If one should seem obstinate and contrary, don't run the matter over him, but take up his case and investigate the cause for his obstinacy, and if he shows the good spirit so that he should be heard, then show him courtesy. But if he proves to be wrong, then deal with him as the Bible directs. After this is all done take up the original subject and dispose of it in harmony and love.”

 

(Rom 12:9)  Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

(Rom 12:10)  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

(Rom 12:16)  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

(Eph 5:21)  Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

(Eph 4:32)  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

THE SCRIPTURES REQUIRE THE BRETHREN TO HAVE THE SAME SPIRIT OF BROTHERLY LOVE AND HUMILITY AS DISPLAYED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMB LY.

(Gal 6:3)  For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

All brothers who are members in good standing have a VOICE but not a VETO.

 

THE HOLY GHOST

 

(Joh 14:26)  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

(Joh 15:26)  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

(Joh 16:13)  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

(Joh 16:14)  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

(Joh 16:15)  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

(Joh 16:16)  A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

 

 

BONDING: Part 1

BONDING: Part 1

In this article, “BONDING” is used to describe the process from when a person first becomes aware that a local church exists until he becomes a member. It would not include shepherding, discipling, and perfecting after one becomes a member. A more inclusive word “assimilation” is commonly used by some denominations which think that its use is relatively new. Actually, F. J. Lee used the term at the 15th Assembly in 1920. He said, “I will read the Syriac for it expresses it a little fuller. ‘For ye, my brethren, became assimilated to the churches of God in Judaea . . . ’ (1 Thess. 2:14). ‘Assimilate’ is taken from ‘ad’ and ‘similare,’ to convert into a like substance, as food assimilates to our body.  . . . They had be­come a part of the church; they were in perfect fellowship with the church, and the church with them.” The King James Version reads, “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea . . .” (1 Thess. 2:14).

Too many persons go through our church doors that quit attending, much less join the Church. What can we do to help them get from point “A” (aware that the church exists) to point “B” (church membership)? Remember the Parable of the Sower and how seed fell either “. . . by the way side, . . . upon stony places, . . . among thorns . . .” or “. . . into good ground . . .” (Matt. 13:4-8). But this does not lessen our concern, for there are souls at stake.

In Luke 15:2 the Pharisees and scribes murmured against Jesus, saying, “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” In response, Jesus spake a parable saying, “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?” (Luke 15:4). They were faulting Jesus for “BONDING”.

When Jesus told Simon Peter to cast his net on the right side of the ship and Peter caught a multitude of fish, don’t you think that a “BONDING” took place between Jesus and His fishing buddies?

Members of the Early Church “sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts  2:45-47). What a beautiful picture of “BONDING”!

Paul wrote, “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you” (1 Cor. 9:19-23).

Just as Jesus went to the seashore and to the sinner’s table the Early Church from house to house, and Paul from country to country for the cause of “BONDING”, even so we have been commanded to go “into all the world” (Mark 16:15) and “into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that” God’s “house may be filled” (Luke 11: 23). The Church of God is to be insulated, but not isolated. If we will go and invite persons, the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit Who dwells in us will compel them to come.

We should be like Andrew who invited his brother to come to Jesus (John 1:40-42). Consider the research conducted by Church Growth, Inc. of Monrovia, California. When more than 42,000 Christians were asked, “What or who was responsible for your coming to Christ and your church?” over 75 % said that it was a friend or relative (Win Arn and Charles Arn. The Master’s Plan of Making Disciples. 1982. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998. pp. 45-46).

A beautiful building, nice sign, advertisements in the Yellow Pages, news media, posters, newsletters, text messages, phone calls, cold calling, etc. may result in attracting some to a church service, but “BONDING” can only take place as a relationship with other people. God’s plan is for men to invite men. No invitation is more effective than that from a friend or relative.

By faith, we should expect visitors to come to our church. We should prepare for “company” by creating a welcoming atmosphere. Provide printed materials near the main entrance which inform about upcoming events, various ministries of the church, etc. Greeters should be at every door and ushers should assist with directions to classes, restrooms, nursery, etc. Pastors should encourage church members to come early and get acquainted with newcomers who may sit near them.

First impressions may determine whether or not visitors will return. They will form certain opinions as they enter the building. If they perceive us as a friendly, loving, caring church, it will draw them back like a magnet. Many members can give testimony of such an experience.

Be sure to get the newcomer’s name, telephone number, and address on a visitor’s card or in a guest book. Follow-up is an important part of the “BONDING” process.

According to Herb Miller, author of How to Build a Magnetic Church  (Nashville: Abingdon, 1987, pp. 75-760), when members, rather than the pastor, make brief fifteen-minute visits to the homes of first-time visitors:

85% of guests return if visited in 36 hours

60% of guests return if visited in 72 hours

15% of guests return if visited in 7 days.

If the pastor makes the first visit instead

of a lay person the % is cut in half.

The visits last no longer than fifteen minutes. Their purpose is to (1) get acquainted, (2) answer any questions that they have about the church, (3) learn about their religious needs, (4) leave information describing the church, and (5) invite them back.

In the denominational world, it is not unusual for first-time visitors to receive a letter, an e-mail, and one to three phone calls, all within one week after their first visit.

They may also receive freshly baked cookies or a friendship cake at their home.

Herb Miller says that an average of only 12% of first-time visitors eventually join the church. According to Marshall Shelley (“From the Editors.” Leadership 11.4 (1990) p. 3), a denominational study showed that over 75% of church attendees who became inactive did so because they did not have a sense of belonging. According to Robert Orr (“The First Year.” Net Results 12.3 (1991) p. 6), these newcomers did not find satisfaction in one or more of the following questions: “Can I develop friends in this church?” “Where do I fit in?” “Am I needed?”

A study of fifteen churches in the Portland, Oregon area stated, “The most surprising discrepancy between the responses of church leaders and new Christians related to why unchurched people were attracted to the church. Preaching and a friendly, caring atmosphere were two of the four categories mentioned most by church leaders. Yet, neither category received more than two responses out of forty-five new Christian interviews. A personal invitation was by far the most important factor for attracting new people to the church; however, when asked, “Why did you stay?” the new Christians’ top two responses were friendliness or caring and preaching. Church leaders need to realize that though these were not factors in why they came, they were very important reasons for why they stayed” (Copyright 2002 by David Durey. A doctoral dissertation, Attracting and Assimilating the Unchurched in the 21st Century, p. 139).

This World Needs the Church. What Does the Church Need?

This World Needs the Church.

What Does the Church Need?
R. O. Covey
White Wing Messenger, January 25, 1975

WHEN A MAN’S MIND AND HEART are full of one particular thing or type of thing, he has no capacity for other concerns. This is just as true in the Church as elsewhere.

While any condition seldom applies to every member, still the Church is one Body. In the natural body, one diseased member can cause suffering throughout the body; one afflicted part can impede the movement of the entire body. But it does not follow that only one or two sound members can give health to all the body.

The Body of Christ suffers throughout when even a small minority of its members are “diseased” by sin and the world which is at enmity with God. Also, the self-will of the minority can impede the progress of the whole Body.

Society has always been able to survive the occasional sickness of its people, but when certain diseases have reached “epidemic” proportions, all-out efforts have often had to be expanded —smallpox and polio, by way of examples. Nations ranking as world leaders have survived limited corruption for many years, only to fall and become a reproach when that corruption became the prevailing thing.

LET US NOT FORGET that Christianity is a “kingdom” or “society,” and the Church is a “nation” under government. No society has ever been so stable that it could not be debauched when it lowered its morals. No nation has been so strong that it could not fall when its subjects lost their patriotism or its government became corrupt. And the Church of God is no exception to the rule, as was clearly shown in the 4th Century!

“Oh, it can’t happen again!” some may protest. And the protest often comes from those who are “glorifying in the flesh” but camouflaging their glory by a prolific use of the name of the Lord. They may wallow in the world and defy the Church’s authority while they shout the name of Jesus and laud the Church of God. This is no help to the Church, much less to the world we were sent to help!

THESE PEOPLE REMIND ME of an article written by A. J. Tomlinson entitled, “SOME PEOPLE CAN’T HELP.” His subtitle was, “What’s the Use to Try to Get People To Help When They Have Proved Unworthy?” We keep trying to help our erring people by warning them that they are inviting the judgments of God, even though they know that the Church must reach perfection. But they refuse to be admonished. Eventually they will get beyond our help, and beyond being helped. Their hearts are full of the world and their minds are full of themselves. They have no capacity left to be of any help to anybody.

It is the opinion of many that worldliness has already reached “epidemic” proportions among us. If the Church is full of the world, how can it be full of the Spirit and power of God? Without the Spirit and power, we cannot help the world. Like Samson, we have said a lot about our power, but if we continue laying our head in the lap of sin, “shaking ourselves” will suddenly fail to produce results, and the Philistines (the world) will see our helplessness!

THE WORLD KEEPS DYING and going to hell. They need help—but so do we! They admit that they have no solutions to their problems. We can tell them that Jesus is the answer—that Jesus is the way, for He is. We can tell it in “shouting volume” that Jesus is a Healer and Miracle Worker, for He is. But when we have come to the place where the world must say to us, “Physician, heal thyself,” what do we say then? When we tell them about the One Fold, and read them the Church teachings, what do we answer when they can say, “I hear you, but I see nothing in you that I cannot see in a hundred other places”? We can preach about the world-shaking power of the Holy Ghost until the rafters ring, but the dialogue will end if our hearers can say, “We see you quake, but we feel no conviction—we hear your whistle, but your train seems stalled on the up-grade.”

IF THIS WORLD WANTS HELP, it is the help of deliverance from its own sin. Oh yes, there is an element in the world that will settle for happiness without holiness, but the soberminded ones want holiness, so far as “religion” goes, it is nothing more than another episode in a long line of experiments; it too will soon be cast aside. But true holiness is the result of the death-pangs of sanctifying crucifixion. It is a sobering, settling experience, and the joy and happiness comes only after the suffering.

In religion, happiness without holiness is the devil’s counterfeit for the real manifestation of the Holy Ghost. The devil never objects to halfway change. In fact, he encourages it, because it is even more damning than outright iniquity. As “the prince of this world,” he loves for professing Christians to cling to the things of the world. He is glad to see us “shouting happy” as long as our behavior and appearance compliments his evil kingdom!

A CHURCH CAN BECOME so full of the world that it doesn’t know its own condition, for there is so little remaining in contrast to show up the difference. Its members can hardly do anything at all unless the world first sets a pattern. In this condition, most of its “gains” will be of the same worldly sort. This kind of church cannot help the world. But, O that the world might help that church to see its own lost estate!

We speak quite freely of the uniqueness of God’s Church; but we stand in danger of losing that distinguishing mark unless we stick to God’s pattern. We may not “ask for a king,” as did “the church in the wilderness,” but we seem to be “looking around!” Every “religious fad” that springs up finds some of our people sitting on its doorstep for a “briefing” on its philosophy. “Old Mother World” seems able to “sell” every new pattern in large quantities to the Church of God—whether it be a style, fashion, or some religious gimmick (often falsely spoken of as “a new method”).

IF WE WILL LEND THE LORD AN EAR, He will help us so that we can help this world. And probably His first word of admonition will be, as it so often has been—“HUMBLE YOURSELVES!” Think about it!

A Revival of Purpose and Courage

A Revival of Purpose and Courage

Robert J. Hawkins Jr.

General World Mission Director

“And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel. And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” (1 Sam. 17:25-29).

David's faith and courage in volunteering to fight Goliath was an embarrassment to his older brother Eliab, a warrior in King Saul's army. He may have thought, “If my little brother defeats Goliath everybody will wonder why didn’t I go out and fight him.” David’s boldness may have interrupted the temporary ease of conscience Eliab found in the other soldiers as they declared that defeating Goliath was impossible. Why, even King Saul would not face Goliath. So why should Eliab feel bad? But, conviction as to his fears and inaction made him uncomfortable and the Bible records that Eliab’s anger was kindled against David. He accused David of being prideful and having evil motives—false accusations meant to discourage, deflate, and turn David away. Instead of becoming excited by David’s bravery and encouraging him, Eliab tried to drag David down.

Those were potentially devastating words from David’s older brother. The Bible tells us, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). The defeat of Goliath had enormous implications for Israel and its enemies. Satan had gambled a great deal on Goliath's frightening power. The enemy realized that David had the favor of God to turn the tide of the battle. So, wherever Satan could find the opportunity in the attitudes of those close to David, he capitalized on them. The words of Eliab may have been much more difficult to overcome than anything that Goliath had to say or the sight of his intimidating presence.

God allowed David to be tested by those close to him. When a spiritual Goliath presents itself, be assured you will face similar trials. When you make decisions to step out and follow God it will put pressure on others to do the same. If not inspired by you, their shame and lack of faith will move them to put you down. Eliab publicly asked David, “…and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness?” in order to label and limit David as a mere shepherd boy in his eyes—and everyone else’s. But David knew what Peter declared many years later, “...Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34, 35). Disregard the gainsayers and say with David, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” and do it!