Now that our fall meeting with Steve Dewhirst has successfully come to an end, we must turn our attention to the next matter at hand, our home Bible study program. When the elders presented their two year plan to the congregation several weeks ago, they made a plea for a more concentrated effort at evangelism. This program was designed to aid us in that goal of reaching the lost.

The Bible passionately speaks of our need to evangelize. It was the intention of Solomon, “the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls” (). Yet, in spite of our obvious responsibility and all of the opportunities that surround us, we have not answered this divine call.

“Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” ().

The elders have chosen four deacons to comprise two teaching teams—Lowell Koenig & Morgan Lester and Jim Alverson & Bob McIlvain. These are four men who not only possess knowledge of the word and wisdom to rightly divide it, but who also have a genuine concern for people along with a humble and gentle spirit. As one brother has said, “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Each team will meet once a week (one team on a Tuesday evening, the other on a Thursday evening) over a five week period beginning Tuesday, October 20th and ending Thursday, November 19th. This gives folks the opportunity to choose which night best fits their schedule and which location is more convenient for them. The focus of the classes will be to watch one tape each week of the Jule Miller Video Series and have a short lesson/discussion. These tapes are excellent teaching aids and provide an overview of the three dispensations as well as a brief history of the church and God’s plan of redemption. This format will hopefully provide a “non-threatening” environment where one who is not very familiar with the Bible will still feel comfortable and at home in this setting.

What can you do? First, recognize your obligation to be involved in evangelism. Let’s not turn the Great Commission into the Great Omission. We need everyone. Second, begin thinking and praying about who you can invite to these studies. Develop a list of prospects who are interested in learning more about spiritual things. Third, ask someone to come with you. It will only take one evening over a five period, and it is sure to be educational, edifying, and beneficial.