Value of Time at Our General Meetings by W. J. Stone

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 4, 1911

Value of Time at Our General Meetings

By W. J. Stone

W. J. STONE

Few realize the value of time at our general gatherings, or what it costs to prepare for and hold one of these meetings; therefore many do not utilize every moment according to its worth.

I was asked to occupy some time in the workers’ meeting preceding the Indiana camp-meeting, where we were discussing methods of work and topics to be considered at the camp-meeting. I devoted a portion of the study to the value of time, endeavoring to show that such opportunities are rare, and every moment should be occupied in a manner to accomplish the greatest possible good.

I asked the workers this question, “How much do you think it costs to hold an average camp-meeting, with an attendance of six hundred?” The cost was estimated all the way from three to ten thousand dollars. We then took up the cost of traveling and the salaries of all the laborers. It was estimated that at least one month’s time would be consumed in the workers’ meeting, camp-meeting, cleaning up the grounds, and getting back to the fields of labor. It was stated by the president of the conference that this item alone would cost the Indiana Conference over $1,500. The total expense of the camp-meeting for freight and all incidentals, wear and tear on tents, etc., was estimated at $500. The average expense to each individual, in extras that he must have in preparing for the meeting, car fare, drayage, rent of tent and furnishings, extra cost of living when at the meeting, etc., was placed at $10 each. A number thought it would cost more. This made, for six hundred, $6,000. Then it was estimated that among this number there would be three hundred of the attendants whose time could be easily estimated at $1.50 a day; afterward this estimate was found to be too low. This added $4,500 more, making a total of $12,500, at a conservative estimate, that the Indiana camp-meeting would cost the believers in this State.

This sum was then divided so that we could better comprehend the amount, showing that the cost would be $1,250 a day, and $125 an hour, or over $2 for each minute, estimating that ten hours would be devoted to public services each day. I think all saw, more plainly than ever before, the importance of thoroughly organizing the work, so that every moment would be used wisely, and of selecting competent committees to consider thoroughly all questions to be brought before the conference, so that, by prayer and counsel, well-defined plans may be brought before the believers for consideration. When this is done, care should be taken not to bring in vital changes or substitutions, in open conference, that would prolong discussions, and consume valuable time. Should changes be desired, the matter should be referred to the committee, giving all interested persons an opportunity of meeting the committee, and thoroughly considering the question.

It was also believed that all who are called upon to speak to the people should feel the burden of the call, and that they have a message from the Lord; also that where so many are together at so great a cost, every testimony borne ought to be to the point, and the argument stated with brevity and simplicity.

Indianapolis, Ind.