Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

depends upon God (more on prayer later). Another key to a successful meeting are...]
Mark A. Copeland
III. PROSPECTS
A. WHO ARE THE PROSPECTS...?
1. For a meeting designed to evangelize, the prospects are the unsaved
a. Including friends, relatives, neighbors
b. Anyone who has yet to come to the Lord
2. For a meeting designed to edify, the prospects are ourselves!
a. Every member of this congregation is a prospect
b. Every member needs to be encouraged, uplifted
B. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE FOR THE PROSPECTS...?
1. They should be invited (before and during the meeting)
2. Transportation should be offered if needed
3. One might invite them to dinner, and then attend the meeting together
[There are plenty of prospects (cf. Jn 4:35). With preparation the purpose of the meeting will likely
be fulfilled. But there are three more keys to a successful meeting, one being...]
IV. PRESENCE
A. PRESENCE MAKES OR BREAKS A MEETING...
1. Your presence is edifying, while your absence is demoralizing!
a. Just as the absence of Titus depressed Paul - cf. 2 Co 2:12-13
b. Just as the absence of two and a half tribes would have discouraged the rest of the
tribes of Israel - cf. Num 32:6-7
2. We might think our absence is not important, but it is
a. Empty seats have an affect on those who are present
b. Affecting the morale of the members, and the impact of the meeting upon visitors
B. MEMBERS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE...
1. Most meetings enjoy the presence of visitors, yet the overall attendance is often below the
normal attendance on Sunday mornings
2. Why? Because the meeting is poorly attended by the own members of the congregation!
3. If all the members would just attend, most buildings would be filled!
4. Sadly, sometimes there are more visitors than members!
C. EXCUSES, EXCUSES...
1. Invariably, members will offer excuses to explain their absence
a. Like those in the parable of the great supper - cf. Lk 14:15-24
b. Unless it is sickness or unavoidable work, I have little sympathy
2. Don’t tell me your excuses...
a. Tell it to your brethren who are discouraged by your absence
b. Tell it to the visitors who wonder why the members don’t support their own meeting
c. Tell it to the lost who wonder if the gospel or Christ’s church is worth it
d. Tell it to those who have the same reasons not to attend, but come anyway!
e. Tell it to the Lord, who came to this earth and died for you!
Topical Sermons 149