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The Effectiveness of Gospel Meetings

 Many critical statements about the effectiveness and usefulness of gospel meetings are being made these days. We are hearing more and more that the day of the gospel meeting is over. We are told that gospel meetings was an effective tool to reach the lost in the past, but that our modern culture of the twenty first century can't be reached by the gospel meeting. Some have even said that gospel meetings are a waste of time and money. However, we are assured by the Holy Spirit that no work which we do for the Lord is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

 Gospel meetings can still be very successful. It is true that attendance at meetings and visible results may not be as some years ago. This is partly due to worldliness infecting the hearts of humanity and the gospel meeting now has to compete with every form of entertainment and recreation. It also was the case that prior to the beginning of gospel meetings, many studies had already been conducted and people were already on the verge of obedience to the gospel before the meeting was over.

 Whenever the gospel is preached and planted into good and honest hearts (Luke 8:15), there will be worthwhile results. God says that His word will not return unto Him void, “but shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

 Preaching the gospel is God's plan for bringing men to Christ (Rom. 10:13-17). It is also His plan for strengthening and building up the body of Christ (Acts 20:32). If congregations will work hard and invite people to come and hear the gospel preached in love, power, and simplicity, then results will surely follow. Here are some things that you and I can do to help our meeting be effective.

  • ·PRAY FOR ITS SUCCESS. Pray for the speaker and the message. Pray that non-Christians will be receptive. Pray that the lukewarm and indifferent will be touched by the message and thus, renew their commitment to Christ. Pray that each Christian will be strengthened.

  • ·BE PRESENT FOR EVERY SERVICE. Nothing hurts a meeting more than the failure of the members to support it. Determine not to miss a single service. Your presence will encourage others.

  • ·INVITE/BRING NON-CHRISTIANS. Don't you know someone who is not a Christian? Invite them to the meeting. Better yet, ask them to come with you. Offer to pick them up.

  • ·ENCOURAGE WEAK OR DELINQUENT MEMBERS TO ATTEND. Your love and concern in addition to something they hear may cause them to be restored.

  • ·LISTEN ATTENTIVELY TO GOD'S WORD. Determine to put into practice the truth that is learned. Allow this meeting to help you to be a stronger Christian.

  • ·ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER. Let's make this a great effort by joining and being involved.

  • ·SING HEARTILY UNTO THE LORD. One of the greatest contributions to a meeting is good singing (Eph. 5:19). Sit closer to the front and sing like you mean it.

    The day of the gospel meeting is not dead. The gospel meeting is very much alive when the gospel is preached and Christians work to save the lost. Let's work together for a great meeting.

            - K.A. Pugh

    - Article written by Jimmy Ferguson, the evangelist at the Stage Road church of Christ in Memphis, TN.