Evening journal., 1910-12-07
CONFERENCE
ON EVANGELISM
Dr.. EOffeCker issues State
ment Explaining iulpOSe
OF meenng

Regarding the conference on ag-
gresslve evangelism to be addressed
Dy Bishops berry aud Anderson in ST.
paul's NJ. E. Church on december lS,
District Superintendent E. l.. Hol-
iecker has issued the following state
ment:
"Methodism has been called chris
tianity in earnest. That is a brief
and yet a true definition of that form
of the Christian faith, which, under
God. has accomplished so much for
the evangelization of the world dur
ing the past hundred years.
"Methodism has a large following
and occupies prominent place
among the evangelical forces in this
country and in lands beyond the seas.
In the rapid growth of the work
money has been needed and our peo-
pie have responded in a way which
deserves all praise. During this year
one branch Of the Methodist family Of
churches has raised $49,0OO00O to
pay our pastors and to carry forward
our enterprises.
But as large as this great sum OF
money is. there Is great danger OF
placing the emphasis where Il does
not properly belong.
'Methodism Is more than any thing
else a soul saving agency by the grace
OF God. The pastor is not a mere toll
gatherer to bring to conference large
sums of money for the authorized
benevolences. he Is appointed to shep-
herd the flock. and to carry the gospel
to the unsaved, and to carry II ag-
gressively to the ungospelled masses,
TO rebuke sinners and denounce wick
edness in the name and by the au-
thority Of God. A large collection of
money for benevolences is poor COM
pensation for the loss Of power to
save souls.
1t is our duty to bark back TO the
days Of the fathers and preach Jesus
with a soul set on fire by the Holy
Spirit u
The last general conference appoint
ed Commission on Evangelism. This
commission has for its head Bishop
Joseph f. Berry. four other Bishops
and a large number OF laymen are as
sociated together to push evangelism
in all parts of our country. This COM
mission recently put before the church
"a statement which contains among
othe- important things the following:
I'VE have come to a strategic hour
in the history Of Methodism. A serious
situation confrOnts us. The increase
in our membership during recent
years has been pitiably small. while
gifts to certain of our benevolences
have increased by reason of special
campaigns and special appeals. the
passion for evangelism at home seems
TO have declined. These extraordinary
appeals for money can not long be re-
sultful unless we have a revival Ol
spiritual life. Only as the evangelistic
impulse of the church at home Is
quickened and vitalized can we hope
to do really great things for missions
abroad. In other words. we must lool
after the basis of supply"
These are ringing words and true
They ought to carry conviction q
every preacher and laymen. Bisho
Berry has been relieved by his col
leagues from some of his official du
ties that he may devote more time {
arousing tho church to true sense Z
her responsibility in this all importau
matter
Caring for the material interest
of the church is important, but th
most important wo-k of the preache
is the salvation of souls. Sin is al
awful fact. It ruins mems lives I'm thi
world and will damn their souls II
the next Our duty is to save then
Great meetings. vii be held the 13t
inst in this city Bishops Berry am
Anderson will be present and TAX
charge We trust our pastors and peo
pie will attend in crowds"