How To Have A Good Meeting
The purpose of a gospel meeting is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in order that souls may be saved from sin and that saints may be edified in the faith. A series of meetings for the proclaiming of the gospel, good tidings, concerning Christ does much good. Knowledge of the word of God is increased, faith in God and things divine is deepened, and souls are built up in the most holy faith as a result of a gospel meeting. In these meetings those outside of Christ have an opportunity to learn of Him and to enjoy spiritual blessings by coming into Him through the obedience of the gospel. Fellowship with fellow saints in spiritual matters, and with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit is to be found in gospel services. "God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Cor. 1:9) "Yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:4)
In order to have a good meeting, members of the body of Christ, Christians, must pray for the success of the meeting. Pray "that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified." (2 Thess. 3:1) Pray that the preacher "may speak boldly," as he ought to speak. Pray for those who are lost that they may he saved in obedience to the gospel. Paul prayed for Israel according to the flesh, "My heart's desire and my supplication to God is for them that they might be saved." Paul knew that they could not be saved unless they subjected themselves to the righteousness of God, as he said, "For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God." (Rom. 10:1-3) The Jews knew that God was a righteous being, but they did not know, they were ignorant of, God's plan for making men righteous — saving them from sin through the gospel. God's plan of making men righteous is revealed in the gospel of Christ. (Rom. 1:16, 17)
It is necessary for the members of the congregation to work to have a good meeting. Give personal invitations to friends and neighbors to attend the meeting. Make calls by telephone to invite people to be present to hear the preaching of the word of the Lord, Offer to use your car to bring people to the meeting place. Mail advertising material to those whom you know that you would like to see attend the meeting. Encourage those who are members of the church, but have grown careless and indifferent, to hear the sermons through a gospel meeting. If they can be persuaded to he present there is the possibility of much good being accomplished on their behalf.
Members of the local congregation should, of course, attend every service of the meeting. Make arrangements for your time to be spent in the interest of the meeting while it is in progress. Do not permit business and social matters to interfere with your active participation in the meeting. Be a good example to others by attending the meeting regularly. The Christian is setting the wrong example to others by failure to attend every service.
Every one in the audience during a service of a meeting should be reverent and attentive all through the service. Let all things be done decently and in order. Be on time. Let there be no talking or other disturbance during the service. Sing and take part in the worship. Give attention to the lesson and manifest a genuine interest in what is being done. In the defeat of the Midianites under the leadership of Gideon it is recorded that "they stood every man in his place round about the camp." (Judges 7:21) Every man filled his place, lived up to his responsibility. Every relationship of life that is worthwhile involves responsibility.
Membership in the church of the Lord bestows the highest blessings and privileges, and therefore, carries with it the greatest responsibilities and most serious obligations. If every member of the church appreciates and fulfills his responsibilities in a gospel meeting it will be a good one. We need to participate in the meeting that we may be encouraged to greater diligence in the Lord's work. "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (I Cor. 15:58) Fellowship in a gospel meeting promotes purity of life, "Purer yet and purer I would be in mind, dearer yet and dearer, every duty find."
— 693 Chemeketa St. N. E., Salem, Oregon