Central sets lofty goal for homecoming attendance
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Emphasizing one-to-one contacts as well as media advertising, church members are encouraging friends, neighbors, family members and co-workers to attend the events, starting with Bible study and worship this Sunday.
“The entire community is warmly invited to any or all of the events in this series, including the big fellowship dinner right after worship services Sunday morning,” said Nestor Stewart, one of the elders of the historic downtown church.
James Watkins, who has conducted gospel meetings at McMinnville’s Central and at hundreds of other congregations in many states, returns as guest speaker for the four-day program, whose evening programs will be broadcast live on WBMC, 960 AM, and on public radio WCPI, 91.3 FM.
The series opens with Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, followed by worship at 10:30, then the open-to-the-world fellowship meal about 12 noon. Sunday evening services will be at 7:30, with programs Monday through Wednesday at 7 p.m. Watkins will offer a short devotional message during the highly popular community luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 pm Tuesday, Aug. 20.
“Many people in Warren County have been looking forward to Brother Watkins’ return here as visiting speaker,” said Steve Stubblefield, one of four newly-installed elders at Central. “These people remember his warm, congenial speaking style and his extraordinary ability to communicate Bible truths in a way that’s relevant and vital in our everyday lives,” he remarked.
“After people hear him the first time, they can understand why he is so much in demand as a guest speaker. Audiences appreciate his sincere, personal concern for saving souls and respect his scholarship and solid grasp of scriptural knowledge,” Stubblefield added.
Ken Smith, another of the new elders, stressed the congregation’s eagerness to welcome visitors, both newcomers and those who have shared in worship and study at Central in the past.
“The red carpet is always rolled out for visitors at worship and fellowship events at Central, but we especially want to make the homecoming and gospel meeting an opportunity for welcoming the community,” Smith emphasized. Both the noon meal Sunday and the “come-and-go” luncheon Tuesday are free to the public.
The target number for Sunday morning attendance—818—was suggested by the calendar, as the event is slated for Aug. 18, explained Dr. J.C. Gaw, another of the congregation’s elders. “Of course, we hope not just to meet but exceed that number,” he said.
In a statement from the pulpit last month, Gaw cited Jesus’ parable of the sower and urged all Central members to use their contacts and influence to encourage others to share in the blessings of the gospel meeting.
“Some of the seed [in the New Testament lesson] brought forth a hundred-fold,” Gaw reminded his audience. “That suggests to us that just one person you might invite could be responsible for bringing 100 souls to Christ. The example of Cornelius, after first hearing of God’s saving grace through Christ, went home and converted his whole household.”
Stubblefield and Smith are joined by Steve McGregor and William Ramsey as the first new elders at Central since 1993. The four were chosen following open nominations from the church membership and were formally installed June 30.
“These four men have proven themselves to be men of honor, dignity and leadership,” said elder Jimmy Griffith. Charles Bogle, another elder speaking at the installation service, observed that the new elders “have a great desire to serve [and] willingness to grow and work with the congregation.”
“We believe another victory has been won for the Lord,” commented Marion Pistole, another of the elders. He commended the “harmony, fitness and agreement” of the nomination and consultation process, and urged the congregation to support the elders as spiritual leaders of the church.
Reinforcing Pistole’s exhortation, Central preacher Kirk Brothers underscored the responsibilities of the membership. “If you want these men to continue to be great men of God we need to be greater followers of God,” he declared.