Most congregations plan and conduct at least one or two Gospel meetings during the year. There are those who question the value of such efforts. In the minds of some they are a waste of time. How many times has it been said, “We don’t have Gospel meetings like we used to”?

It could be that some Gospel meetings have become nothing more than a tradition. We have them because we have always had them. Unless we understand the value and impor­tance of such efforts, we will not have success­ful Gospel meetings. Why are Gospel meetings valuable to the work of the local congregation?

Gospel meetings are valuable in the:

Preaching of the Word of God

We must take advantage of the opportu­nities to make known the Will of God. The Word must be proclaimed. “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2). “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). We must preach the Word and Gospel meetings provide such an opportunity.

Promoting of the Work of the Church

We have the obligation to “seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Our main business in the church is to be in the “soul-sav­ing” business. Gospel meetings remind us of the great responsibility we have toward those (1) outside of Christ that need salvation (Rom. 1:16-17; 2 The. 1:7-9) and (2) in Christ mem­bers of the church who have become unfaith­ful, that need to be restored (Jam. 5:19-20).

Protecting the Welfare of the Congregation

God desires for His people to be united (John 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:1-6; Psa. 133:1). Feuding, fighting, and fussing among the brethren is fatal to the spiritual welfare of any congregation. Gospel meetings encourage brethren to think about others and to work to­gether. Gospel meetings edify us and strength­en us as we hear the Word proclaimed and la­bor together (1 Cor. 15:58).

Preventing of Wandering from the Lord

It is possible for the child of God to be­come unfaithful to the Lord (1 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 5:4; 6:1, 7-9; Heb. 3:12; Jam. 5:19-20, 1 Pet. 2:20-22). As we grow “in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18), we are helping ourselves to remain faithful to the Lord. In 2 Peter 1:5-11, we learn that we must “add” and “abound” in the “Christian graces.” Why? “To make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (1:10). Gospel meetings help to prevent unfaithfulness.

Proving of Our Well-Being

Gospel meetings help us as Christians to see where we are spiritually. It helps us to check up on our (1) Commitment, (2) Con­viction, (3) Courage, and (4) Compassion. In Gospel meetings we demonstrate what is re­ally important to us. Do we pray for our Gos­pel meetings (Col. 4:2; 1 The. 5:17)? Do we eagerly participate in the promoting of such efforts (1 Cor. 3:9)? When the Gospel meet­ing begins we will be present for every service (Heb. 10:24-25). Gospel meetings are a test of our faith and faithfulness.

Preparing for That Wonderful Place Called Heaven

It is God’s desire that we go to Heaven (1 Tim. 2:4). Heaven is a prepared place for those who have prepared themselves (John 14:1-3; Mat. 7:13-14, 21-23). Gospel meet­ings afford us the opportunity to think even more about Heaven (Col. 3:1-3). As we think about Heaven and hearing the Gospel of Christ being faithfully proclaimed, we are motivated to make sure we are preparing for Heaven according to God’s plan. God’s plan is the only way (John 14:6; Heb. 5:8-9; John 8:24; Luke 13:3; Mat. 10:32-33; Mark 16:16; Rev. 2:10). Preparing for Heaven is what this life is all about (Phi. 1:21; Ecc. 12:13).

How thankful we should be for Gospel meetings where the Truth is faithfully pro­claimed and upheld. Gospel meetings are valuable.             –Author Unknown