The Preacher and his Work, Wendell Winkler (c. 1987)
Have an understanding with your elders on how often you can be gone. There are two extremes: (1) None and (2) Once a month. 3-4 weeks a year is good (Sunday through Saturday). Ask if you could hold two meetings per week (Fri-Sun a.m.; Sun p.m. –Thursday)
How do you get invitations to hold meetings?
- Do a good job locally.
- Do a great job in your first meeting.
- Ask the local church to send you on a meeting in a mission area.
- Swap out with other preachers.
- Don’t advertise or self-promote!
What to preach in meetings
- Preach sermons that convert.
- Preach sermons on the cross.
- Preach sermons on the church.
- Preach sermons on Christian living.
- Preach sermons that compel people.
Examples:
- Why Am I a Member of the Church of Christ?
- Crucifixion (Phil. 2)—Convicts one of sin to see it was vital, vicious, vicarious, victorious. See Things that Accompany Salvation (Wendell Winkler) (chapter on blood).
- What Church Would Jesus Attend if He Were on Earth?
- Heaven, Hell, Judgment
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Daily Schedule in Meetings
Meetings are not vacations. Use your time while away to “catch up” (writing, study). Don’t just see the sights.
- 7:00 a.m. Arise early. If staying in a home, do not expect host to fix two breakfasts.
- 8:00-12:00: Study
- 12:00-2:30: Lunch with brethren
- 2:30-3:00: Take a nap/relax
- 3:00-5:00: Study
- 5:00-6:30: Eat
- 7:00-8:00: Services
- 7:00-following: Fellowship with the brethren
General thoughts
- While holding meetings, afternoons may be used for counseling. If it’s a young lady, do it on the phone or at the building twenty minutes before services. No exceptions!
- Work closely with the song leader. Don’t use “Almost Persuaded,” we want people to be fully persuaded. Use “Lord I’m Coming Home,” “Just As I Am,” “Nearer My God to Thee.”
- “Radiate” during meetings. Have lots of energy. Be sure to shake hands and laugh.
- Do not become a spokesman for a malcontent.
- Send a letter back to the home church or close friends. Write a two sentence thought on extra brochures to shut-ins back home.
- Report back to church and have them pray for you.
- Write a thank you note back to the congregation that invited you after coming home.
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