Some think that gospel meetings are dead, i.e., the day of good gospel meetings is over – not me! Some dread gospel meetings – not me! Some may look at our Sunday potluck meal and extra time on Sunday afternoon as highlights of a gospel meeting – not me! And, some members know that they plan to attend Sunday morning services, but do not intend to be back for any more of the services throughout the gospel meeting – not me!

Gospel meetings are a work of the church. They are planned by the church, financed by the church, and should be a united effort of the entire local congregation. We love the Savior’s charge to go and preach the gospel to every person (Mark 16:15). We also believe the Master’s promise that those who hear and obey the gospel will be saved (Mark 16:15,16).

Why "bother" having a gospel meeting?

First, because we really care about the souls of those that are lost outside of the Christ. Redemption is found only in the Lord (Romans 3:24). A gospel meeting is simply an intensified effort to preach the gospel of the Christ, which is able to save men from sin (Romans 1:16).

Second, we "bother" with having a gospel meeting because we really care about the souls of those that have obeyed the gospel, but have since that time left their first love (Revelation 2:4). Members of the Lord’s church that live in a rebellious state of sin are spiritually "dead," and need to be restored (James 5:19,20). A gospel meeting affords us a special opportunity to once again express our genuine concern for erring members of the church and by private invitations and public preaching of the word, exhort them to "come to themselves" and return home, where God’s faithful children will "make merry and be glad" (Luke 15:17-32).

Third, we "bother" to put forth the time, work, money, and change of normal schedules that a gospel meeting involves, because we know that the preaching of the word is able to build up God’s people and give them an inheritance with the sanctified (Acts 20:32). We know that all Christians need to grow in knowledge, grow in their ability to teach the gospel and answer questions, and grow in faith. The special lessons of gospel meetings help us to grow in these areas. Gospel meetings are good for the church!

Some people are Christians today because someone cared enough about them to invite them to a gospel meeting. They came, they heard, and they obeyed (Romans 10:16,17). Others are members of the church because they, on their own, saw the church’s advertising of the meeting and came to investigate. They, too, came, heard, and obeyed, leaving behind forever the old man and his way of sin (Romans 6:3-18).

What methods should a local church use to try and spread the gospel in its area? These are matters of expediency that someone must decide. God has given such decision-making authority to the shepherds that rule over a flock (1 Peter 5:1-3).

-- Roger D. Campbell