A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
IN THE majority of our meeting-rooms the Sunday evening is devoted to the preaching of the gospel. Even where a series of such meetings is rare, it is seldom that the regular weekly preaching is discarded. Sometimes, however, even this is done, because the brethren consider they lack the “gift” to carry it on, and a Bible reading is substituted—care being taken to introduce gospel remarks should strangers attend. No doubt circumstances may sometimes justify this, especially if the brethren are isolated by distance; but this omission has occurred when the confessed lack could have been supplied.
At least one night out of seven for gospel preaching in our rooms is desirable—for the glory of God and the salvation of sinners. Besides, where this work is unnecessarily suspended the affections of God’s people dry up, and the very meeting-room seems somewhat at variance with God’s attitude toward the world.
Nor is it sufficient that the Word be regularly proclaimed; it should be done in such a way that one would gladly urge strangers to attend, confident that they would hear a good gospel. A sister relates overhearing a man remark to a woman with whom he was walking: “Do you see that hall with a bill-board by the door? Well, if you want to hear the pure gospel, go there!” This testimony should apply to all our meeting rooms.
It is a fact however, that this testimony cannot always be given, and I have known brethren who, willing to attend personally, would not invite strangers because of the uncertain character of the preaching. But had these brethren faced this matter with God, it might have been remedied; for much of the unsatisfactory preaching in our rooms springs from a haphazard method of conducing it, so that whispering is sometimes heard in the audience as to who is going to speak. At other times there is even a pause for this one or that one to get to his feet.
There is a mistaken notion with some that it is the business of the brethren to conduct the preaching. Gospel preaching is the work of the Lord’s servant, not the work of the saints. The latter ought to support him in every way and contribute what service they can, for some of them can do parts in the work better than he, even though they take no part in the preaching.
In the city where I lived forty years ago, one of the halls rented by the brethren could seat about five hundred people, and as they determined to secure interest by giving good gospel, a suitable brother was asked to “undertake this responsibility.” Consequently he saw that men whom God had fitted for the work were on hand, and sometimes large and interested audiences listened to the Word.
But a few years later when I got to know of this arrangement, I considered it a human interference with the liberty of the Spirit, and asked an older brother, “Who authorized the brethren to take this work out of the hands of the Lord and commit it to brother ———-?” He replied by asking me, “How do you think this work ought to be done?” “Well,” I answered, “when we come together to break bread, we wait upon the Lord, and He guides us; why should not this be done at the gospel meeting?” But he pointed out that I was confounding things that differ; that at the breaking of bread the question of “gift” does not properly arise; that all are upon one level; that no brother takes charge; that the Lord in our midst must be looked to as Leader; that on such occasions a few sentences from a worshipful heart may be a touching evidence of the Lord’s guidance, whereas a coherent but premeditated address from “a gifted brother” may indicate failure to recognize Who is in charge. He then pointed out that in the gospel-meeting things are on a different basis; that the question of “gift” must be recognized, even if it be limited; that the Lord had so ordained. If the brethren desire the message to go forth in their hall, they will turn to those whom the Lord fits for this work, and seek with prayer to strengthen them in it. But the meeting held is not theirs, but his who preaches. And if such an one proves unsatisfactory the brethren will rescind their offer, and seek others to take up the work.
In this day, however, what we call “gift” is not always distinctive. A Charles Stanley is an evangelist; a William Kelly is a teacher; but there are brethren who preach a good gospel and do solid work among the saints who could not be described so simply. Let me illustrate. In our elaborate civilization we have skilled engineers, pattern-makers, carpenters, decorators, etc., whom we consider indispensable. But when a vessel founders and its passengers are cast ashore, these skilled persons are not indispensable in the altered circumstances. But if there is a “handy man” at hand, who can do some needed wok, even roughly, what a “find” he is. But let this be noted: Although he is not a specialized mechanic, he does not make a failure of his work, and the cabin he erects is not blown downn by the first storm that arises.
Similarly, the brother who preaches the gospel, even if not a distinctive evangelist, must have the ability to say what he means, and the conviction of what he says, and say it with a measure of unction. Rambling talks will empty the room, and give a wrong impression of the truth we hold dear. It is only right to add, however, that where the measure of ability is small, if it be used with humility and devotedness to the Lord, the measure may be increased. Are we not told to desire earnestly the best gifts? But this excludes self-confidence, and begets dependence that will only move at the Lord’s behest.
Of course the brethren, not the preacher, will judge of the preaching; but on the whole they welcome any indication of a helpful word. Mistakes may be made, but as a rule God’s people judge correctly, and ultimately they always do.
A preacher once invited a young brother to share the meeting with him, and to speak as long as he had anything definite to say. He spoke for about ten minutes, and stopped suddenly. It was then surmised by a few that he could never be a preacher; but the preacher thought it well that the young man stopped when he had expressed what was on his mind—which so few are willing to do. And his judgment was correct, for this young man became a true winner of souls.
A few years ago a brother who did a little preaching locally and acceptably, gave up his trade to devote all his energy to the gospel. His brethren thought, and said, he was going beyond his measure in the contemplated move. However, he was decided, and departed to another region to proclaim the gospel—his brethren wisely leaving him to his Master. Not long after, this brother was in a small town where I worked, and the audiences which came to listen to his earnest message could not always find room, and many precious souls were being saved.
To sum up: If brethren would renounce haphazard methods for gospel-meetings; if they would remember that the preaching is the work of the Lord’s servant; if they would ask a spiritually competent brother to see that preachers are on hand even if sometimes they may have to come a distance; if they would support the work in every way; if they would use care and kindness in judging and take sufficient time; if they would leave room for variety; if their chief concern would be to discern whether the Lord is giving anything, and if they would show some warmth of heart when He grants it, the tone of our gospel meeting would be better.
—R.J.R.