Peter cast nets. John mended them. Several of Christ’s earliest disciples were fishermen, and Jesus told them to leave their trade and learn to be fishers of men. Did these disciples perhaps have an advantage in their new calling because of the skills they learned in their old vocation? Successful fishermen know the ways of fish, and adapt to them. They know what the fish like, where the fish are, how the fish behave. They can read the times and the weather and adapt their technique–or save their bait for the next occasion.
In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul describes his technique as a fisher of men. He spoke of adapting to the legalistic, tradition-steeped culture of the Jews; he spoke of “becoming weak” to those who were not as strong as the Jews in their knowledge and understanding of the God of creation. He concludes, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” to the vital knowledge of the gospel. Here was a man who went where fish could be found, and baited his hook with discernment. Paul was the prototypical evangelist in the church of Jesus Christ.
After reviewing the scriptural pattern and principles, Elder Harter applies them to our current situation. Bethany Church will soon move into a new building in south Forsyth County. We can only arrive once; it is an opportunity that will not be repeated. Will the families who visit find something here that “hooks” them?
Few will know the customs and traditions of the Primitive Baptist church, nor at first will those things be of interest to newcomers. The young families we are trying to reach will want sermons that are practical, and relevant to the challenges they face in life. They will want to be greeted warmly and made to feel welcome, though not made to stand in a virtual receiving line! They will want to be assured that we want to know and serve them, not reach into their wallets to pay our bills. They may expect child-care services, and find our family-centered worship style intimidating; they may need encouragement and reassurance that their entire family can sit together during service without drawing angry glances if a child does not sit perfectly still and quiet.
Once the environment is attuned to welcoming new members, where will we find them? Scriptures teach that evangelism is most effective when begun with family and friends. Every member must be excited about coming to church; otherwise, it will be difficult to make a neighbor or friend excited.
Elder Harter then set forth an exciting five-point vision for the purpose of Bethany Church, giving us a clear picture of where we must go:
1. Bethany Church is a place…
where the hurting will find healing;
where the fearful will find faith;
where the discouraged will find hope;
where the lonely will find love;
where the guilty will find forgiveness;
where the confused will find guidance;
where the rejected will find acceptance;
where the pilgrim will find a home.2. Bethany Church is a place where the gospel of God’s sovereign grace is proclaimed with power, to the comfort and the instruction of God’s people.
3. Bethany Church will welcome hundreds of members into church fellowship, loving, learning, laughing, living in harmony together.
4. Bethany Church is a place where its members are brought to spiritual maturity through counseling, Bible study, the preaching of the gospel, and Christian fellowship.
5. Bethany Church equips its members by helping them to discover their gifts, that they may minister what God has blessed them to have.
Elder Harter concludes by exhorting the members to start practicing for our debut in the new sanctuary. We should arrive early, before the song service; visit with one another; welcome guests; participate in the singing if able. If we all invite everyone we meet, someone will do as we ask: “Come and see!”
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