Jesse Moren Bader - Contributions To The Evangelistic Life of Churches

Contributions To The Evangelistic Life of Churches

'Visitation evangelism' was a method of sharing the gospel and discipling that had been in effect for some time in the twentieth century, with many denominational leaders contributing to its development. (It could even be claimed that it was established by Jesus himself.) Because it was so successful the Department of Evangelism of the Federal Council of Churches adopted it officially and commended it to all churches. Visitation evangelism stressed the need for all Christians (ministers and lay people) to be involved in sharing their faith and it provided a natural, but very intentional, means of achieving this. In 1946-47 in particular a special emphasis was placed on this form of witness. Visitation not only added to the church, it strengthened the faith of those members taking part. Because visitation evangelism was interdenominational, it also gave the church a further sense of its God given unity.

Another significant contribution made by Jesse Bader to the evangelistic life of the churches was the religious census. Dr. Bader believed that it was essential to know people's church preference. He was certain this needed to be obtained by churches working together visiting house to house. The technique he perfected required careful processes and months of preparation. The results, in a society that was becoming much more mobile, needed to be used quickly.

The Annual Universal Week of Prayer (now Week of Prayer for Christian Unity) held in January, also received Jesse Bader's vital interest and encouragement. In the USA his Department sponsored this emphasis. He believed that churches in local communities could do no better than begin the year by sharing fellowship and prayer. Prayer would provide the focus for all that was planned.

Although Jesse recognised (and so did the evangelists themselves) that large revival meetings were not the most effective form of outreach they nevertheless received his support. Jesse Bader was a friend and consultant for the young Billy Graham and his team. Dr Bader was proud of the transparency of the public accounting of the Graham organisations.