We’d like to begin by thanking all of the contributors to this special issue. It is apparent that the Lord has greatly blessed our household, providing an open window for us to share the Living Word. The enthusiasm and “vision” of our brothers and sisters have assisted countless men and women to the Truth and changed their lives forever. For all those who tirelessly knocked on doors, who provided public talks when there was little support or interest, who led exciting Bible seminars and provided radio and television messages — we say thank you! Many thanks to those who spoke a “word in season” to the neighbor across the fence or over a supper table. Some of us reading these articles are here because you cared.
New Methods
Our personal experience has been that Christadelphians are not the first to change methods of preaching. We are not the first to be on the radio or to offer public Bible seminars. But, what has been seen is that there is great value in trying new and different approaches — to listening to ideas from our brothers and sisters and young people. In our own ecclesia, for many years, there was a lament that nobody in our community was interested in the Bible. We often felt that we live in a “dark and degenerate age” and our preaching is primarily a witness to a world that seems to have no time for God. I felt this way myself after countless “public lectures” that resulted in few, if any visitors. But, when a new method was introduced (Bible seminars), suddenly we found that our view had been more influenced by our own ineffective presentation of the Truth. Seminars have changed my expectations and have brought about more baptisms than any other outreach I am aware of. But, seminars are not the end all. There will be new frontiers, new presentation and communications forums yet to come. The Internet has opened our eyes to a world with few limits. Thirty years ago, our brethren would never have dreamed that the Truth could be made available in every major city and small hamlet and tribal village in the world. With all the difficulties and unfortunate pollution technology has produced in our world, one can also be thankful that we also live in an age where we can preach the Gospel to literally billions of people.
While it is clear from the Word that in the Last Days there will be scoffing about the claims of the Bible and many who will abandon their faith, we also see around us today a world looking for answers. They are not finding them in the institutions they are turning to. Our view is that there has never been a more fertile time to preach. People are hearing “comic book” interpretations of prophecy. They are fed illogical and unsound sermons from their church leaders. They are beginning to read their own Bibles and are frankly quite confused as they try to make sense of what they should believe. They lack the necessary foundational platforms that the Truth requires. When they are exposed to Truth and that platform and structure exists, things fit together and make sense. These men and women are in need of “some man to guide” them.
The Future
So, what might we predict about the “future of preaching?” As we in the world are surrounded by threats and violence, the upheaval of the nations, many are wondering where this is all headed. Bible prophecy, grounded in the promises to Abraham, but relevant to today’s headlines, will remain attractive. Bible prophecy is not our fundamental message — the message of salvation and the Kingdom is. But, we must speak to the area of interest first. Use Bible Prophecy as a means to set down the fundamental teachings they must first know. It is the context, the foundation of all Bible Prophecy.
We are seeing major shifts in media and communications. Newspaper advertising will likely not remain the faithful friend of past campaigns. We will need to harness new methods of reaching out to people, to participate in new networks where people are spending discretionary time. The focus for Christadelphians will need to be how we can use these technologies without compromising who we are or what we teach. Our focus must change from being “speakers” to leading “learning.” How can I use the briefest of time to best help this person learn the importance of the Scriptural fundamental? We are blessed with many great “lecturers” in Christadelphia. In the future, lecturing opportunities will be few, but teaching opportunities will abound.
Our Ecclesias
The future of preaching is tightly connected to the very future of our ecclesias. Bro. Roberts’ words about the purpose for our ecclesias, more than a hundred years ago, still is completely valid. Ecclesias exist to provide edification of members AND outreach to our communities. When these two are imbalanced, the health of the ecclesia is impacted. Ecclesias that have strong efforts in both areas see growth of their members, but are constantly reminded of the beauty and excitement of the first principles. Such ecclesias are often blessed with new members, new Sunday school and CYC members. These center and ground ecclesias and the enthusiasm this creates is contagious. With the diversity of preaching opportunities available today, each ecclesia must be able to find outreach that fits their resources and capabilities. The Lord will bless our work!
So, this final article assumes that there will continue to be a willing spirit among our ecclesias. It assumes that we will remain as thirsty for the Lord’s return and excited about the Kingdom as our forefathers have been. We believe that new ideas will surface and new ways to connect with hearers will be found. Clearly the question before us is whether we are prepared now? Are we preparing our youth for the work before us? Are we properly including young brothers and sisters in outreach work? Are we listening to new ideas? Are we fundamentally sound regarding the first principles and the frequent wrested Scriptures? Is Bible study and preparation core to our ecclesias and embraced in our personal lives? In the last days, will there be a faithful witness of the Truth in our communities?
The key to preaching in the future is NOT going to be technology. It will be our willingness to be beacons of truth, to provide sound Bible instruction and insight. As we’ve seen, brothers and sisters have been resilient innovators, laboring because they believed in what they were doing. We do not receive our ideas or direction from a central body. Rather, each of us, and our ecclesias, are fully empowered to be creative and have a sincere passion for our local communities. It fundamentally is our message that is important. May God be praised that He has presented us with this “pearl of great price.” May the Lord bless you and future generations of workers until the glorious day of his coming!
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One