Preaching in the Americas

Over the century and a half that has elapsed since the pioneering work of Bro. John Thomas, Christadelphians have carried on the commission of preaching the Truth to the communities we work and live in. In many ways, preaching has shaped our ecclesial culture. We are people who love the Word and it is not sufficient for us to keep it to ourselves. We are a body that seeks for others to embrace the Truth and to participate with us in the worship of the Almighty Father.

Preaching has provided an important platform for individuals and ecclesias to grow our faith. We’ve all experienced disappointing times where there has been little to no response, but also the exhilaration when someone understands and accepts the Truth. By the Lord’s grace, it leads us to men and women that embrace the faith we share and they and their families become precious additions to our fellowship.

This special issue attempts to capture a few snapshots of preaching work by North Americans. In no way is it intended to be exhaustive. There are countless stories and resources that we were unable to capture in these few short pages. We are all aware of individuals that influenced us, that inspired us by their commitment to proclamation. Some were bold expounders of the Truth. Others were especially adept at speaking to friends, co-workers and neighbors.

While we make no attempt to cover all these wonderful stories, we do hope to “jumpstart” an ongoing forum for sharing information and resources about preaching. Following this special issue, the Tidings Magazine will be dedicating a special “Preaching in North America” section for future editions. Lord Willing, it will become a unique way to share information and resources on individual and ecclesial preaching work. We encourage our readers to write short articles that describe preaching work that you or your ecclesia are involved with that you feel could be of value for others to learn about.

We hope that you will enjoy this collection of articles. Perhaps you will be moved to try some of the ideas your brothers and sisters have employed. Whilst the Lord remains away, may each of us be lights that are brightly shining. May we “redeem the time” that remains to share this unparalleled message of hope with all who would hear. We all hope this special issue will not only inform us as to what has been done, but motivate us all to become even more personally involved in the vital work of preaching the Truth.

We would like to thank all our contributors, who gave of their time to tell some of the inspiring accounts of the many ways preaching has been accomplished by and for those on this continent.