Local Contact Groups

The importance of the Christian message being heard or read on a local basis is increasingly important as the spiritual and moral decline in our nation continues at an ever faster rate.

A recent survey confirmed that the United Kingdom is now one of the most irreligious countries in the world, with only 56% claiming to belong to any kind of religion. This compares with 86% in the USA.

The concept of Local Contact Groups resulted from our concern that so many people of all ages in our nation have either little or no knowledge or understanding of the Word of God. The solemn, but inevitable consequence of this is that Satan, combined with all the powers of evil which are by nature in the human heart, will lead individuals, and therefore the nation, into the utmost degradation and depravity. We are witnessing this by the laws which have been placed on our Statute Book in recent years, and more particularly in recent months, by our irreligious government.

We are told, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt.5:16. The question is therefore, how can our light shine to glorify God from our Local Contact Groups? The first answer is by prayer, asking the Lord for guidance, wisdom and all necessary help, and that His blessing may attend all that is done in His holy name and for His cause.

The second point is by communicating the Word of God to the people around us, at every opportunity which the Lord provides.

When we consider the willingness of the Apostle Paul to spend and be spent in the Lord’s service, how far short we come! He was motivated by his love for the Lord, and his desire that souls should be converted to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Prov. 11:30.

A Local Contact Group consists initially of a Chairman and Secretary who provide the communication link with CW national co-ordinating office. Other willing members of CW in the locality can be co-opted as required to form a team to undertake a particular mission or project.

It is a good idea for a regular meeting of local CW members to be held, for example, every three months at which time the willing and enthusiastic supporters will become evident. Such a meeting provides opportunity for a progress report to be given, and a plan of action for the following three months to be discussed and agreed.

Meetings of this type, which are well planned with adequate notice being given, will assist in the development of an effective and locally respected team.

As new members join they are notified to their Local Contact Group Secretary who should communicate with them to make an introduction and advise of any current or planned activities. It is important that we do not appear too commercial, but very important that we are efficient. Ever remember, when in the Lord’s service we should always give of our best, in a Christ like spirit.

Suggestions for Local Contact Group Opportunities:

1. Communicate with leaders from Bible believing churches and chapels in the area, perhaps offering to meet, for the purpose of explaining the objectives of your CW Local Contact Group.
2. Arrange meetings to create an awareness of our national situation, and to encourage others to support the work of CW at national and local levels.
3. Establish a line of communication with local newspapers and radio by responding to articles and letters from other correspondents which you consider to be unscriptural or where contending for the faith is necessary.
4. Write to local members of parliament and MEPs on subjects of concern at local or national levels.
5. Contact local schools to offer assistance in taking religious assemblies.
6. Contact homes for the elderly, requesting the opportunity to read the scriptures and to pray with the residents once or twice a week.

Remember what Samuel Rutherford said - if only one soul from Anworth be saved (by his preaching and other evangelical labours there), heaven would be two heavens for him.