OPEN-AIR MEETINGS

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 20, 1893

OPEN-AIR MEETINGS.

THE old methods seem to commend themselves to some people even in this over-boastful, last-day generation. One of the old methods in the gospel work is that of proclaiming the gospel to souls wherever they may be found, in open air as well as in temples. All the old prophets used it; our Lord himself taught on the mountain slope, by the seaside, from the shallop on the lake, in the green valleys, by the wayside. So did his apostles, and so did the Reformers. There is now in this country the Open Air Workers' Association of America, formed last spring to conduct open air and tent meetings in the propagation of the gospel. A conference was held on this subject in Chicago, October 10, in the Memorial Art Palace. Prof. Graham Taylor, D.D., of Chicago Theological Seminary, said:—

Open-air preaching is indispensable to the entire fulfillment of the church's mission to society. It is practicable. It is advantageous to both church and community. It reaches non-churchgoers of our large cities. Not many perhaps are converted at the open-air service, but many do follow the preacher to the church, become interested, and scores are thus brought to Christ. Once when preaching from the rear of a gospel wagon, Professor Taylor invited his audience to come with him to an evangelistic meeting in the church. Instructing the driver to proceed slowly along the street, he kept on preaching. The crowd followed, and when they reached the church over one hundred men entered. Roman Catholics in large numbers attend. They seem to welcome and appreciate effort and message. Some are converted and become Protestants; others are blessed and stay in their own communion. No need of trouble with police. If they are consulted previously, their authority recognized, and their coöperation requested, they will prove friends. Congregations, including Romanists, will join in the Lord's prayer, which often is very helpful and inspiring. It is good for country, as well as city. In one Connecticut town a union open-air Sunday evening service on the village green drew out three hundred, double the number who would have entered the church on summer evenings.

Interest manifested in audience should be followed up invariably in after meeting indoors or by personal address.

Rev. C. H. Tyndall, of Broome Street Tabernacle, New York City, said: "We hold open-air meetings the entire year and always have good audiences, even when it is so cold the speaker's overcoat must be buttoned. It is a regular church service, the notice being on our bulletin with all the others. The meetings are near the Bowery; the audience consists mainly of men, not only those on the streets, but those in an adjacent hotel, who raise their windows and listen. Several speakers, each taking about five minutes, we find the best arrangement. Our ladies speak, holding the interest and generally making the deepest impression. Audience is always quiet for them."

We have been acquainted with tent and open-air meetings for a half-score of years, and believe when properly conducted they are productive of good. But it is a mistake to think that anyone can conduct an open-air meeting. As good talent and ability are needed to interest an audience out-of-doors, with a great deal more tact, as to interest one in a church. We have had as attentive audiences on the streets of this city as we ever had in a church. Talks should be short, pithy, pointed, and full of God's grace. Good singing is a great help.