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V is it a t io n evangelism is a New Testament method. The pattern was furnished by our Saviour and was used by Him in propagating His message of the Gospel. (Luke 8:1; 10:1-17). This program of community evan gelism was followed by the Apostle Paul in his mission ary endeavors. It became the pattern for Peter and other apostles and disciples in the newly-born church at Jeru- salem (Acts 5:42). The method has never been improved upon. It worked in the first century, and it is working today and produc- ing remarkable results in church after church. Visita tion evangelism when following the program laid down by the Lord Jesus Christ has within it the potential for the greatest spiritual awakening and ingathering the world has ever known. The whole church must be mobilized! All of its spiritu al forces must be mustered. Satan, who is the arch-enemy of Jesus Christ and His Church, always has opposed every effort to evangelize. This enemy is entrenched in the hearts of millions of unregenerate persons. His empire and grip over the lives of people will never be broken and destroyed by weak and puny evangelistic measures. A successful effort requires that the pastor shall have a complete understanding of the principles and practice of visitation evangelism. He can and must learn from the success of others and the pastor should study this form of evangelism. He should carefully survey the “ field” and also his potential working forces. The pastor should then be able to carry his own enthusiasm over to his board of deacons or his council, and then in turn to his whole church membership and Sunday school. These things are positively essential. To fully condition the membership of a church requires considerable time. This can best be done through a series of Bible-based messages showing that visitation evangelism is a New Testament program. The pastor will do well to illustrate these messages by showing how visitation evangelism is effective today. He can tell what is being accomplished by churches in other communities. Several messages should be given on the personal responsibility of every believer to witness constantly for Christ. There is Ample Work for All Your whole church must engage in this warfare. The enlistment of each member and every department of the church is called for. How can we do less for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church than we were requir ed to do by the love of our own nation and the security of our national liberty in the recent world wars? The pastor should aim to inspire and gain the partici pation of the Sunday school, the choir, the young people’s departments, the elders, deacons, council members, ladies’ aid, and the missionary groups. All must feel a part of the visitation campaign. This effort calls for skilled leadership. Be sure not to put novices in places requiring experience and responsi- One of our KING'S BUSINES staff members photographed this church in central California. It is one of many whose doors are no longer open. THE KING'S BUSINESS
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'If we are to keep Gospel doors f t, visitation evangelism should nade the number one project
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