REAL EVANGELISM

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 791, 11 October 1929, Page 16

REAL EVANGELISM

DIFFERENCE FROM REVIVAL BAPTIST PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS That more harm than good is done by certain types of evangelism was the note struck in the presidential address of the Rev. Joseph W. Kemp -which was read at the Baptist Conference last evening by Mr. L. A. North. The subject was “Revivals and Evangelism.” The Church is responsible for evangelism only, said the address. It often happened that a revival emphasised spirituality at the expense of morality, or laid stress on certain virtues while neglecting the main demands of holiness. Often, too, a “frothy” revival which appeared to do much at the time left behind a trail of moral defeat and spiritual disaster, forming a barrier against which the gospel could make little impression. It is probable that evangelism will never become popular, according to r - Kemp. The spectacular and sensational in mass missions had done much to bring it into disrespect in the past, and little good had been accomplished. The word now brought to mind the vapid thinking, the insipid style, the meagre arguments, the impossible illustrations, the spurious emotions and the parrot-like repetitions of too many of the so-called evangelists who had caused momentary impressions in the past. Actually, said . Mr. Kemp, the supreme mission of the Church was evangelism in its true sense. It was pleasing to see that, after years of indifference, Christians were waking up j to the realisation of the real meaning ' of the word. REPORT BY AUXILIARY Eight members of the Taberna ie | congregation went out to the mission | fields during the past year, according to a report presented by the Auckland j auxiliary yesterday. Three others had joined the home mission staff. A new j church had been opened at Pukekohe j and it was hoped to build one shortly jat Rotorua. Gratitude was expressed for the help given by principal and students of the college in supplying vacant church pulpits. Eleven students studied at the college last year under Principal J. J. North and the Rev. J. Robertson. Three men completed their college courses. namely, j. Crozier, L A North and B. M. Wilson. Pastor Fear has completed his entire course and will be admitted as a minister. Three former students, Messrs. R. L. Furs- ! den. Eric W. Batts and J. Ewen SimpI son have completed their probationary | pastorates with honour.

The annual meeting of the Ministers’ Wives’ Union was held yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs. W. R. Ellingham. Remuera Road. Tea was served at 5.30 p.m. by members of the Auckland Auxiliary to the visiting members of other auxiliaries.