Advice for Successful Gospel Meetings

by Allen Bailey
1993 Preacher’s Study Notes
I am happy to serve as a respondent during the 1993 Preachers’ Study. The following options are granted to me:

1. Disagree
2. Reinforce
3. Expand
4. Produce another angle

In the interest of space, let me briefly say that I have no major disagreement with the preceding speech from Brother Raymond Fox. He provided a great speech. He has years of experience and his thoughts should he carefully considered.

I do want to reinforce what he said regarding the interest we should have in reaching the lost. The formula for numerical growth is clearly defined in I Corinthians 3:6 --- “I have planted. Apollos watered, but God giveth the increase.”

I would like to expand on a point that is controversial at times. Some have expressed concern at referring to a gospel meeting as a “revival.” Is it appropriate to call a meeting a “revival meeting” or a “gospel meeting”? These terms are not mutually exclusive. I do not oppose either, and in fact, I sanction both phrases. Remember, we are to encourage congregations during meetings; we are involved in a meeting that will revive the people. We are having a revival where the gospel is being preached. There is no problem whatsoever with referring to a meeting by either of these popular phrases.

Please allow me to use the remainder of my time to produce an optional angle on reaching the lost in evangelistic meetings.

Face the facts. brethren, meetings are not what they used to be and there is a reason. Is it a lack of effort. ambition. quality of preaching. or of zeal and determination? Let us cut right to the heart of the issue.

· First, if visitors attend gospel meetings it is going to be the result of a working membership. Advertising brings in scattered numbers, but generally very few come as a direct result of only advertising. The members of the congregation should be involved in bringing their friends, neighbors, and associates to the meeting. This should be done while laying the foundation for growth by having a church that worships and works according to the New Testament pattern

· Second, successful gospel meetings are expensive, but unsuccessful ones are even more expensive: a lot of time, money, effort, etc., goes down the drain. Here is a point: in scheduling a meeting, consult the members of a local congregation about dates and times. Do not just randomly select a time and shove it down everyone’s throat. Be kind, considerate, and give some thought to peoples work situations, schooling, trips. etc. This will enhance the atmosphere for a successful gospel meeting.

· Third, the preacher conducting the meeting will have a major effect on the success of the meeting. It is my strong conviction that preachers conducting revivals should be out working and working hard. This principle was taught to me by my father, Alton Bailey, and by my grandfather, F. H. Miller. and we should stand for the same today. Welcome the visitors and try to schedule a home study with them during the week. Help resolve conflicts within congregations. Be a servant and do not feel or act like your responsibility is only between 7:30-9:00 p.m. during worship services. I have known preachers who have indicated that their daytime was their time. Their attitude was, “I am not here to study, visit. etc.; I am here to preach and I do that at night time.” This approach to gospel meetings is most disturbing. A congregation has a right to discuss with a preacher his work with them during a revival. The leadership of the congregation should also advise the preacher of specific needs, visitation needs, and so forth, and these suggestions should be listened to and carefully considered. A preacher does need some time during a meeting. He will need study time, rest time, etc. However, he needs to really work while in a meeting or not go at all!

· Fourth, including the personal touch of the members enhances a meeting. Members should send out personal letters, call people on the phone to invite them, send a fax even—use a variety of methods to get people invited. Plan ahead and let people know the meetings are coming up. Please do not wait until the revival is half over to invite for the first time.

· Fifth, among several important components of a meeting, the content of the lessons is important. It should be heavily based on the Bible and stress the importance of the church, one’s soul, worship, doctrine, salvation, and like themes [Bible Evidences,pdc]. As preachers, we need to re-evaluate our material from time to time. The subject that is interesting to you may not be the best for a gospel meeting. Please think of others more than yourself. What does the audience need to hear? What would Jesus preach if He were here? These are thought-provoking questions.

From time to time we hear people question the importance of gospel meetings. Most congregations do not have an evangelist working with them, nor do most congregations have elders and deacons. So evangelists who travel and hold gospel meetings are doing a great work. They have the opportunity to "set things in order” and address what is lacking within the congregation. Never underestimate the importance of their work. They should be supported well financially, because some preachers travel year round holding meetings and it is their major source of income. These men work hard and make many personal sacrifices that a lot of Christians would not consider making. They need our respect, encouragement. and prayers for their continued success, safety, and good health.

The Lord has blessed the congregations in America with excellent brethren who serve the congregations as leaders, elders, deacons, evangelists, teachers, and working members. Be thankful to Almighty God for these rich blessings and always strive to give God your very best in whatever capacity you serve Him.
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