The previous article (July/August 1981) outlined the necessary equipment for telephone preaching. Hopefully the descriptions were simple and clear so that those not fond of “gadgets” would not feel intimidated about this kind of preaching project.
Having the “hardware” in hand, the “software” is next. This is the people side of the phone system with potential for all members to help.
Four Basic Functions
The work involves developing (1) messages to “broadcast,” (2) advertising to attract callers, (3) literature and related mail-out materials, and (4) follow-up procedures for those seeking more information.
Each new tape message requires the functions described above. If an ecclesia plans ten different tapes a year, then it will repeat the four basic functions ten times. Each ecclesia needs to evaluate its “manpower” in setting up a schedule. In any case, few preaching projects allow so many members to contribute in such a wide variety of tasks in such an ongoing way. Even Sunday School students can help stamping envelopes and doing similar tasks.
Selecting Message Topics
Our limited experience so far shows that current-events topics bring consistent response. Maybe this is because the ad promoting the phone message can be flashy (“Middle East Explodes — What Next?”). Perhaps too the average citizen lives closer to the here-and-now and feels more vulnerable. Certainly more people identify with current events than with Bible doctrines. Relating a recent event to God’s master plan and to prophecy makes for an excellent tape message.
Non-current event topics are also possible. The Apostles emphasized a current event (Jesus’ resurrection) but also spoke of Jesus’ certain return and signs connected with it. Several different telephone messages can be developed around this theme with little or no reference to current events. And, just as important, numerous good follow-up leaflets are available.
The Apostles also brought up “sensitive” topics like individual responsibility to God, personal repentance, and judgment. Perhaps these bear developing for phone use, as long as good follow-up literature exists.
Straight “hard-doctrine” topics per se may be counter-productive. Finding a common beginning place with callers is the intent of telephone preaching because the ultimate goal is personal contact. Topics such as the trinity, the devil, heaven-going, the immortal soul would usually be too strong. Topics like “Is Baptism Commanded ?”, “The Real Bible Teaching About Eternal Torment,” “Why does God allow suffering?”, “Should Christians File Lawsuits ?”, may find a reception because they are provocative. The real test is in trying and seeing what happens. Attractive as such “novel” subjects are, there is a danger: thinking up “catchy” phone message titles doesn’t guarantee there’s a pamphlet “out there.” On “Lawsuits” for example, no leaflet exists.
Identifying Good Pamphlets Essential
The existing supply of give-away literature shouldn’t totally regulate our thinking as to possible subjects. We need to approach this new preaching form creatively. Yet, the choice of which telephone message topics to use must also be guided by the availability of a suitable follow-up pamphlet for each subject selected. This cannot be over stressed. Realistically a phone message of some 120 seconds can only whet the appetite. There must be something after the appetizer, something intelligent and appropriate for callers.
There is some variance of opinion on how related the pamphlet must be to the actual message. Most feel there should be a clear and obvious relationship between the message and the pamphlet (and hopefully its title). but also feel the pamphlet can be broader. The recorded message may speak of today’s violence as a sign of Jesus’ near return. The pamphlet itself may cover numerous signs of His return, but should include some discussion on violence as among those signs.
Many Suitable Pamphlets Available
Several of our publishing sources try to capitalize on current news developments, producing pamphlets that move from a topical event into the broader patterns of fulfilled and fulfilling prophecy. “Herald” pamphlets have served well for telephone preaching of current events subjects. Where a pamphlet is a bit dated, a brief “Update” neatly typed, xeroxed and stapled inside the leaflet can help.
On other subjects, not tied to dated information, many pamphlets can be found which are appropriate for novice Bible students (our contacts are beginners!) and which encourage further inquiry (which leads to the further contact we want).
Wherever possible, the ecclesia should obtain samples of leaflets and review them for their usefulness in phone work. The Detroit Ecclesial Library offers an excellent variety of selections in their catalog obtainable by writing them at 14651 Auburndale, Livonia, Mich. 48154. Another source is Bro. Tom Graham, 9728 Nevada Ave., Chatsworth, Ca. 91311. In addition to other literature, Tom is a supplier of various issues of the Herald of the Coming Age. By being placed on his mailing list, the ecclesia can receive regular updates on what’s available from his stock. (In Canada, the agent for Herald publications is Bro. Art Bull, 1022 7th Ave., New Westminster, B.C., Canada Z3M 255). Both brothers deal with Heralds but are not agents for Logos publications.
Keep in Touch with Supplier’s Changing Inventories
Published bi-monthly, and often geared to current events, Heralds are popular for preaching projects. However supplies are limited. Heralds are printed in Australia in a fixed quantity (with a view to demand) and then shipped around the world. So a popular issue (title) can go out-of-stock rather quickly. The lesson is to check first with pamphlet suppliers. If the desired pamphlet is still available, place the order, and determine shipping time. Only then can the ecclesia confidently begin “broadcasting” the telephone message requiring that pamphlet.
Even then, unforeseen popular response can require a “back-up” leaflet or other measures which will be considered in a future article.
Finally, regarding literature, we must recognize and appreciate the great service rendered by literature suppliers. All this activity is done voluntarily, faithfully, and basically on a non-profit basis. Any one ecclesia is not the only customer.
In sum, avoid “last minute crises, most common with current events topics, by careful planning and keeping in touch with literature suppliers.
Rotating Topics Monthly Works Well
With a sense of topics appropriate to the area and ready with suitable pamphlets to offer, the ecclesia can now draw up a tentative six-month schedule of subjects. This calendar approach helps structure the whole process. Such a schedule is always flexible of course. Should a stunning Mid-East development arise, we would substitute in an appropriate message. Likewise, a tape proving popular in March could be extended into April (or repeated in May).
A new topic every month, or every other month, works well for many small ecclesias, especially since there are other related tasks that must be attended to. There is no law of course about changing topics monthly etc. Some groups have reported running the same current event for up to 5 months with steady response. The urbanized areas tend to favor more frequent changes perhaps because the classified ad itself becomes stale. Another possibility is to use the phone system only when a good, “hot” current event is brewing. However, that could result in dormant periods and under utilization of preaching potential.
With a menu of message topics selected and organized into a phone preaching calendar, we now need the messages themselves. Do we get ready-made ones ? Do we write our own? That will be among the items of the next article, God willing.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One