rsz_articles_20webAs our gospel meeting begins this week with brother Fenner, it is beneficial to remind ourselves what makes a gospel meeting great, and successful. The Bible reveals unto us the keys to success when evangelizing.

  • Great Preparation. Prior to preaching the message of the gospel is the preparation of that message. The apostles were prepared by being given the Holy Spirit to guide them (cf. Acts 1:4-8). A preacher today can be prepared by studying “that which is perfect” (1 Corinthians 13:10). Diligence is key (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15). It is also necessary for the hearers to prepare themselves to receive the message (cf. James 1:21).
  • Great Advertisement. Each of us has the ability to invite others to the meeting. This is a responsibility placed on us as Christians. Those in the first century “scattered [and] went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). The more hearers, the more success!
  • Great Crowd. On the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, a great multitude gathered to hear the apostles preach. This resulted in many hearing the word, and many obeying the word (cf. Acts 2:40-41).
  • Great Sermon. The reason many responded obediently to Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost was due to the content of the sermon. He, being inspired, spoke the wisdom of God! He quoted scripture. He preached the truth! These things constitute a great sermon, and contribute to the success of a meeting.
  • Great Results. “That day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41). The first “gospel meeting” had great success. However, we must not measure success solely by those who have obeyed. If the seed has been sown, successful it has been. The “gospel of Christ…is the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16). It is capable of continuously working on the heart in which it has been sown.