What subjects to present FIRST

[Woody]

In trying to reach people with our message ... what should be the first subjects to present. Some lead out with the Sabbath which is important. Some present God is Love. What do you recommend?

[Woody]

Here is one quote sbout Ellen White that I stumbled across today. I am sure there are better ones.

Quote:

"Vuilleumier asked also about presenting the Advent message in new fields. Should the Sabbath be introduced first? Mrs. White reviewed with him the counsel she had given earlier about beginning with practical godliness, devotion, and piety--subjects about which all Christians could agree. She must also have given him courage to accept ordination, because on the last evening of the council the brethren laid their hands upon him, setting him apart for the ministry." {EGWE 75.1}

[teresaq]

Those who labor for Christ should be men and women of great discretion, so that those who do not understand their doctrines may be led to respect them, and regard them as persons void of fanaticism, void of rashness and impetuosity. Their discourses and conduct and conversation should be of a nature that will lead men to the conclusion that these ministers are men of thought, of solidity of character, men who fear and love their heavenly Father. They should win the confidence of the people, so that those who listen to the preaching may know that the ministers have not come with some cunningly devised fable, but that their words are words of worth, a testimony that demands thought and attention. Let the people see you exalting Jesus, and hiding self.--RH Apr. 26, 1892. {PaM 135.1}

I have been shown that our ministers go too rapidly through their subjects and bring the most objectionable features of our faith too early into their effort. There are truths that will not involve so great a cross, that should be kept before their minds, day after day and even weeks before the Sabbath and immortality questions are entered upon. Then you gain the confidence of the people as being men who have clear, forcible arguments, and they think you understand the Scriptures. When once the confidence of the people is gained, then it is time enough to introduce publicly the Sabbath and immortality questions.--Ev 246. {PaM 135.2}

[Woody]

Thanks teresa. That's excellent.

[Woody]

Here's another:

"The greatest success attends those who come in as close relation as possible

with those with whom they labor, gain their sympathy and

confidence, visit at their homes; those who appear interested,

pray with them and for them. In this way only will the direction

be followed to go out in the highways and hedges, and compel

them to come in. {2BIO 453.4}

It is this fireside effort, this home work, that is attended with

signal success. Try it, brethren, in the ministry. Some of our

ministers do not love this kind of labor. They shun it. There is a

cross attached to such personal efforts, but this is the labor the

people must have if they embrace unpopular truth. In this close

contact with souls who are in darkness, our light may shine more

effectually, directly in the darkness, and they will see by our

deportment, our conversation, our solemn yet cheerful courteous

manners, that the grace of God is with us, that the peace of

heaven is brought into their homes. They will be charmed with

the truth, which is attended with such blessed results.--Letter

55, 1874.

[Ted Oplinger]

In trying to reach people with our message ... what should be the first subjects to present. Some lead out with the Sabbath which is important. Some present God is Love. What do you recommend?

No set order...depends on who's being addressed. I present what is held in common, first. If the defining doctrines arise in discussion early, I frame the discussion as much as possible to the perspective of personal convictions first. The Sabbath, Sanctuary, and other subjects do them no good if these don't become their own personal convictions, and find relevance in their lives.

[phkrause]

I think teresa, CoAspen and Ted have made good points. I don't think I can add much or anything to what they've stated.

[Gerr]

In trying to reach people with our message ... what should be the first subjects to present. Some lead out with the Sabbath which is important. Some present God is Love. What do you recommend? [/quoteco]

If you believe that we should welcome ALL into church membership and even LEADERSHIP regardless of deviant beliefs, why should/would you worry what message to reach people with?