Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Acts 14:3
1960 was a banner year for the rural community of Millbrook. Preachers came in the summer and held a series of Gospel meetings, during which 25 souls professed to be saved. For a little farming community well off the beaten path, that was an incredibly transforming event, and affected everybody in the area. But that was not the end of the work there. As soon as the preachers moved on, good men stepped in to carry out a solid program of follow-up work. Making use of a vacant house nearby, they held Gospel meetings on Friday nights and Sunday afternoon. Gradually, the Sunday meeting faded away and the Friday night meeting evolved into what we called a children’s meeting. And yes, it included singing and a message for the children. But it also included a component of teaching for the new Christians. During that follow-up work, many more souls were saved, large groups of young Christians enjoyed good times of fellowship and training, and many of those who attended went on to fruitful Christian service and blessing to the many Assemblies where they spread. Such is the value of follow up work, as described in our text.
While preachers often venture into new and remote areas, they are much happier to conduct Gospel work in conjunction with local Assemblies and in areas not far from where companies of Christians meet. This is because of the need for follow-up with those who are saved during the meetings. The preachers can be comfortable leaving the new converts in the skilful hands of the Assembly leaders, to mentor and teach and guide. The work that the missionaries had launched in Iconium did not have the benefit of a local Assembly yet, so Paul and Barnabas stayed for a long time to establish the work. Without this followup effort, the new Christians would have been left in a state of confusion. Remember, they did not have Bibles, or at least the New Testament portion of the Bible. So they needed guidance and direction in their Christian lives. New Christians of today do have Bibles, but they also need the fellowship and guidance of other Christians if they are to grow and develop in their new life.
Followup work is the task of the entire Assembly as the saints encourage and welcome the new believers. It is also the work of the Assembly oversight, to make sure the new believers are taught the Scriptures and good Christian practices. It is also often the responsibility of the preachers, as they take delight in seeing their spiritual children grow in the Lord. Nurturing new Christians is a work that we all share. -Jim MacIntosh