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

  1. 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!
  2. 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.”
  3. “Radiate” during meetings. Have lots of energy. Be sure to shake hands and laugh.
  4. Do not become a spokesman for a malcontent.
  5. Send a letter back to the home church or close friends. Write a two sentence thought on extra brochures to shut-ins back home.
  6. Report back to church and have them pray for you.
  7. Write a thank you note back to the congregation that invited you after coming home.