This Report on our Seminars, together with a list of detailed available material, has been prompted by requests by other ecclesias to draw upon our experience and procedures following the initial seminars. It is hoped, as well, that it might serve as a stimulus and encouragement to ecclesias that have not yet been involved in such seminars.
In providing this detail, we are not suggesting a sure blueprint for success under all conditions. Nor do we presume to suggest that we have been especially successful compared with other ecclesias. It is simply that, to date, we have been involved in a total of 84 weeks of seminar presentations, covering four separate courses, over a period of 30 months. A total of 250 neighbors in our local community, seeking understanding of God’s word, have been exposed to some degree of Christadelphian outreach efforts over this period. This compares to zero response to public lectures in previous years.
A transition from seminars to home study with a very involved group of students has been accomplished. There are no confrontations. They listen to us as trusted friends. In the last three years we have tried some things that worked. We have made mistakes. It is our heartfelt, prayerful hope that other ecclesias might find something of value and encouragement in our experience that could be of help in their own efforts.
Brampton Tries Seminars
On September 19, 1995, the Brampton Ecclesia in Ontario followed the lead of other ecclesias in beginning our first seminar on “Learn to Read the Bible Effectively.” Through the grace of our Lord, a wonderful and exciting new experience in presenting the word of God was suddenly opened up to us. From that point forward, we have been generously blessed by our Heavenly Father, not only in the opportunity to proclaim His word, but in the spiritual well-being and vitality of our ecclesia.
Initial response was excellent
We held back for about two years after first hearing of seminar activities, feeling perhaps that our meeting was too small to handle them. We are not proud of that reservation, for it does not take into account the work of the Lord in our midst
Registration for the first series was 128, with 86 attending the first meeting and 69 receiving graduation certificates. Many of the 69 were eager to gain further insight into God’s word.
The seminar is over, what’s next?
It was obvious something more must be done to accommodate our friends. As “babes” in their understanding of God’s plan of salvation, they were not yet ready for direct confrontation in conflict with the orthodox doctrines which had been instilled in most of them. With this in mind, it was determined another non-confrontational seminar was the most viable method of developing further association and encouraging growth.
Ultimately, our ecclesia was privileged to present to the nucleus of this group a series of three additional seminars. The initial 6-week course was followed by:
The Book of Genesis — a six-week course.
The Life of Christ, based on the four Gospels — an eight-week course.
The Acts of the Apostles — an eight-week course.
Twenty-seven students received graduation certificates from the fourth seminar. These graduates had been involved in 28 weeks of exposure to God’s word and had been introduced to every one of our first principles. These principles were all presented in a positive manner, in biblical terms (never as denominational doctrine). Conversely, we never presented any negative concepts, such as we do not believe in the trinity, the immortal soul, etc. We simply encouraged our friends to form their own conclusions based on the Bible statements that were discussed.
During the course of the later seminars, home study discussions were begun with some who sought answers to particular questions. The home-study classes continued on at the conclusion of the 28 weeks of seminars.
Cycle repeated in 1996-97
In September of 1996, this process was repeated with similar results: 147 registrations were received for the initial seminar, 92 attended the first session, and 28 students received certificates on the final evening of the 28th week, having completed all the follow-up seminars. (Attendance at a minimum of four classes is required for a graduation certificate on a six-week course and five classes on an eight-week course.)
Many of the 28 expressed interest in proceeding to home classes. Inasmuch as the group from the first year were further along in their studies, this necessitated initiating a second evening each week of a home Bible class.
Results continue in our third cycle —1997-98
We had covered the same community on two successive years and were somewhat dubious about trying it a third time. We must thank our Lord, however, that when we again advertised the first seminar, we received 105 registrations; 74 attended the first evening, and 60 received graduation certificates at the end of this first seminar. Sixty-seven registered for the Genesis course with eventually 23 certificates being granted at the end of the fourth seminar.
The two home classes from years one and two have now been combined into one evening and those interested from the third series have joined this class.
From registration to baptism
There have been 10 baptisms directly attributable to the seminars. Furthermore, other participants in the home study classes are now expressing an interest in possibly following this lead.
Of those already baptized four have Catholic backgrounds, one comes from a Catholic father and Anglican mother, three were Anglicans and two had early exposure to Christadelphian teachings but had drifted away. One of these did not realize the seminars were being presented by Christadelphians when she registered. One of the Catholics was brought up as a Mennonite but later attended the Catholic Church because of her husband and his family.
In almost all cases, they were motivated by a desire for a greater understanding of the Bible, which they had not been able to develop through their own reading and which had not been provided by their respective churches. In some cases, during the course of the seminars they went back to their churches with questions arising from what had been learned in the classes. In each case, they were dissatisfied with the responses they received, none of which were biblically based.
One friend from an Anglican background, having attended the seminars and our meeting for a few weeks, went back to her own church. Discrepancies between what she now saw in her church and what she had learned from the Bible brought her back to us and to a subsequent commitment in the Lord.
Some of our new brothers and sisters commented on the degree of enthusiasm and joy in serving the Lord which they experienced in attending the seminars. Generally speaking, the common denominator among those who were baptized, and even those who completed the seminars without such commitment, was a strong belief in God and a sincere desire to seek understanding in God’s word, which had been a mystery to them.
A thrilling experience
We have concluded our third consecutive and exciting year of presenting the Word of Life at an encouraging level of concentrated encounters with interested, searching individuals. No one in our ecclesial experience has enjoyed such response, even after years of public lectures and personal contact.
Important Considerations
Why not a fifth seminar?
As the participants in these classes approached the conclusion of the 4th seminar in the series, we pondered this question. It was our opinion that a prolonged formal class structure might simply lead to the concept of perpetual students. As eager as they were to absorb information, we feared the possibility of lulling our friends into a pattern of academic study. This could lead to a position of, in Paul’s words, “always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (II Tim. 3:7 NKJV).
The building blocks were all in place; it was time to provide guidance toward a decision and baptism into Christ There needed to be a sense of urgency in seeking a personal relationship with God through our Lord.
We had gradually introduced an increasing emphasis on personal commitment as the seminars progressed. By this time, the realization of Christ’s return and a kingdom on earth were accepted facts. By allowing the Bible to speak for itself, this had been established throughout the classes, without any confrontations on immortal souls, reward in heaven, punishment in hell, etc. The theme “Be Ready for Christ’s Return” was stressed in the presenter’s dialogue throughout the “Acts” seminar.
About the seventh night of this fourth seminar, we introduced the offer of holding “Be Ready” classes in the home. These are dedicated to discussion of what is personally involved, based on Scripture, in being prepared for Christ’s return. From each year not every student who completed all four seminars attended these classes which began three weeks later. Those who did attend, however, had reached a level of association with us that they were prepared to listen and discuss first principles as friends and such discussions have been the most productive means of conversion in recent years.
It is indeed a thrilling experience to have such conversations in a group context. It is exciting to witness the pleasure of these students when one of their number makes the decision to be baptized, even if they themselves have not yet reached such understanding and commitment.
Is smaller better?
Due to the number of registrations in 1995 and 1996, we had broken up the first seminar series into three separate classes, feeling that 30 to 40 members constituted the ideal class size. We ran three simultaneous classes utilizing three teams of two presenters.
In this most recent series held in the fall of 1997, we kept the whole group in one large room. Two teams of presenters were involved, alternating each week. It would appear that this is more effective than breaking the students up into smaller groups. Perhaps, as individuals, they felt less intimidated in the midst of a larger attendance. There was more audience response to questions than during the early sessions of the two previous years. More participants stayed after the close of each evening to offer comments and ask questions. In fact, the audience broke into spontaneous applause at the close of the last of the six sessions. (That is a first for us).
We also had some other firsts which may be coincidentally related to keeping one large group. Apart from the 71 registrants who attended the first night, six others phoned to apologize for being absent, confirming that they would be attending. At the urging and recommendation of friends and relatives who did attend, eight new registrants contacted us during the next two days.
Keep the whole ecclesia involved
Keep the brothers and sisters of the ecclesia informed and involved as the seminars progress. It is sad in discussing these seminars with other ecclesias to find that the membership in general is unaware of how they are proceeding. Weekly progress in our seminars is included in our Sunday morning announcements, coupled with a request for continuing prayer.
Some of our members attend the classes as observers, with the understanding that they do not become involved in confrontation or preaching doctrine. As they see the students’ eagerness and friendliness grow, such awareness generates spiritual excitement. As this infectious enthusiasm grows, so does the intensity of prayer for our Heavenly Father’s support. Without His blessing, we will accomplish nothing.
Be true to your word
The most singular common comment made by those who now freely discuss first principles with us is that we gained their respect by staying true to our promise that we would not overtly attempt to convert them. We never told them that their current beliefs were wrong or that their churches were wrong. We made no direct attack on their belief in orthodox doctrine.
Awareness of error developed of its own accord as true knowledge of the Word was established. By simply dwelling on what the Bible states, without presenting it as our doctrine, we were not engaged in argumentative confrontation. Those who were truly seeking God’s will and word began telling us where they had been wrong. Their priests and ministers did the arguing and were shown as lacking in understanding by the light of God’s word.
As respect grows, so grows trust. We now discuss first principles of truth as friends. Every brother and sister who is in any way involved with these seminars should be familiar with the brochures and advertisements through which the students were invited to attend. Respect the promises made in these invitations!
Do not confront or attempt to tear down doctrine that, in blind trust, is held dear to them. This is important even if they declare it to you. Simply persist in providing a true Biblical foundation, step by step, on which they can build. Let false doctrine crumble of its own accord due to a lack of biblical support.
What shall we so?
Reports are coming from many parts of the ecclesial world about the impact of these seminars in generating opportunities to present God’s word. These opportunities are beginning to bear fruit, as students embrace the real truth of the gospel.
The response to these seminars attests to the fact that there is a growing number of lost and bewildered individuals in the communities around us who realize they need help in reading the Bible with understanding. They are looking for hope in an increasingly chaotic, violent and uncertain world. They are hungry for answers from God’s word. Due to lack of exposure to the Bible, and confusing doctrine, they are overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness in trying to understand the Bible on their own.
They are not receiving adequate guidance into biblical insight from their churches. Many are genuinely praying for understanding, just as Cornelius did (Acts 10). In these last days, our Father has opened up a path for us to serve as instruments in response to such prayer. It is our responsibility and privilege to guide our friends toward the realization of the need to be baptized, as they, like those bewildered first-century men and women standing before Peter, asked: “What shall we do?”
Acknowledgements
Thanks must be expressed to the North Industry Ecclesia in Ohio, for their pioneer work in developing the original seminars, and to their brethren who refined this approach and shared their time and experience with the rest of us.
We must thank the brotherhood for generous financial support to our ecclesia, thus enabling our own efforts which financially began as a leap of faith. Individuals, ecclesias and the Preaching Fund Administrators have provided help, reinforcing the realization that we are all, indeed, members of one family in Christ. A special note of thanks must be expressed to the Simi Hills Ecclesia in California who underwrote a substantial portion of our costs. These brothers and sisters provide a wonderful, practical example of service to the Lord in administering material blessings to the benefit of the brotherhood.
Consider the things which God has done
The most important acknowledgement has been left to the last, because it encompasses all the blessings which contribute to spiritual development and the presentation of God’s word to the world around us. We acknowledge and thank God in all these activities.
Although never presuming to compare ourselves with the status of Paul, we certainly take care to consider his example. Having completed years of preaching for which he personally endured great hardship, he stood before the brethren at Jerusalem to relate his experiences and the results of his preaching efforts. There is a volume of exhortation in his introduction (Acts 21:19): And after he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one, the things which God had done among the Gentiles.
In citing our own experiences, and successes, however modest, we declare the things which God has done and proclaim His glory.
Resource Material
Many ecclesias in North America and abroad have requested seminar materials from the Brampton Assembly over the last two years. It has been suggested that we formalize the guidelines and procedures that have been utilized in addition to the basic seminars. As a result, we have compiled the following list of additional resource material, which might be helpful to other ecclesias involved in, or considering, Bible seminars. It is easier to build on or modify an existing base than to break new ground.
Seminar manuals
“Learn to Read the Bible Effectively” student and presenter manuals and superb set of overheads:
McDonald Publishing Services (Bro. Brian McDonald)
P. O. Box 400
San Dimas, California 91773-0400
Follow-up seminar courses on “Genesis,” “Life of Christ,” and “Acts of the Apostles” presentation manuals in hardcopy, disc or email form:
Bro. Dave or Sis. Marlene McKay
12 Madras Place,
Brampton, Ontario,
L6S 2Z2
Phone (905)792-6848
E-mail – davemarlene@sprint.ca or gmckay@readthebible.com
Helpful suggestions making up a brief manual.
Before you begin
- Advertising – sample flyer, sample newspaper ad.
- Registration and name tags – sample name tags.
- Supplies
- Duty roster.
During the seminars
- Punctuality.
- Prayers..
- Friendly rivalry among presenters.
- Serving refreshments.
- Getting to know the students.
- Graduation (attendance, certificates, prizes). Sample certificates.
- Free material to students.
- Question and answer periods.
- The hard questions.
- Student comments.
The home study classes
- Be Ready invitations (home study).
- Be Ready lessons (home study).
- Bible quiz (first principles – home study).
- Bible quiz (men vs. women – home study).
- Workshops on soul, hell, devil and promise of kingdom and purpose of God (introduced at suitable stages of discussion in home study).
Additional items
- Video tapes of classes in each of the four seminars.
- Web site.
- Workshops.
- Promises course outline for between the seminars.
- Watch Israel.
Any of the foregoing material can be made available by contacting:
Bro. Dave or Sis. Marlene McKay,
12 Madras Place,
Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6S 2Z2
Phone (905)792-6848; Fax (905)456-8588
E-mail – davemarlene@sprint.ca or gmckay®readthebible.com
Bible Seminar Web Site – www.readthebible.com
(Please note: We have received a substantial number of requests for seminar courses and tapes. It is appreciated if we can recover out-of-pocket costs for manuals, discs, video tapes and shipping.)
May God bless us all in our efforts to plant the seeds of His Word.
A Final Word
As a footnote, we must acknowledge the positive effect that these seminars, and the resulting baptisms, have had upon our ecclesial family. The enthusiasm of our new members provides an infectious hunger for fellowship and the desire to share this “new” and wondrous treasure with families, work associates, and neighbors. Their intense appreciation of the greatness of the gospel, a formerly unknown blessing, provokes us to the excitement of sharing in the joy of angels over sinners who repent. This joy is infectious.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One