Christ commanded the disciples to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom to all the world. He said in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” In an age of darkness and wickedness, the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is the hope that the world needs!
Tomorrow’s World Presents is a vital program the Living Church of God is using to preach the Gospel. These events—also called “TWPs”—have proven to be an effective link in the process of introducing Tomorrow’s World subscribers to the Church of God. These local, live events give them real, live exposure to the Church of God—in many cases for the first time.
The Church of God has been doing “live campaigns” for decades. Mr. Herbert Armstrong conducted personal appearance campaigns in the early days of the modern era of the Work of God. Dr. Meredith has described some of the personal campaigns he was part of in years gone by.
In recent years, public Bible lectures were occasionally conducted in the Global Church of God, and in Living Church of God as well. But it was not until about 2006 that LCG began to put together a concerted effort to develop a program of personal appearance campaigns. Today they are called Tomorrow’s World Presents, and these live events have become an important part of preaching the Gospel over the last ten years.
Since 2006, the Living Church of God has conducted 741 TWPs. Ninety different ministers have conducted them. Through these presentations, LCG has conducted live events in 304 cities in 36 different countries. Many of them are major cities where we already have established congregations, but some are local areas where we do not yet have a presence. The potential for new areas to explore is endless! As Christ said, “I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 10:23). We still have much work left to do!
The Living Church of God has also conducted five live Internet TWPs over the last few years. These live Internet events are exciting for different reasons. Through the Internet, the Living Church of God is able to reach a larger audience than in local events, and reach remote places that otherwise would not be reached. Also, there is something exciting and compelling about a live broadcast on the Internet!
In the first century, Jesus Christ and the apostles spoke to audiences in whatever opportunities they had—in the Temple, on a mountain, or from a boat on the Sea of Galilee. Today, the Living Church of God continues to reach out to people who are interested in hearing about the exciting hope of the Kingdom of God, and the warnings for the world before Christ returns.
In recent years, the Church has developed several themes as an overall thrust for the TWP effort. In the United States, from 2012 to 2013 the TWP theme was “The Gathering Storm.” In 2014 we presented a two-year theme entitled “After Armageddon.” Beginning this year, we started a new theme in the U.S. entitled “Wake Up, America!” International areas have adapted the title in 2016 to fit their cultural environment, such as “Has God Abandoned Mankind?” in Canada and the UK and “Is Australia Broken?” Currently, each TWP typically consists of two presentations in one day, each lasting roughly 50 minutes to an hour long, separated by a short break with refreshments. The first presentation usually consists of a sobering assessment of world events, with a prophetic warning of the coming Tribulation and Day of the Lord and the way we can escape it. The brief intermission gives the audience a chance to stretch their legs and have light refreshments and coffee. The second presentation in the U.S.—entitled “The Pathway to Hope”—takes the audience through the prophetic plan of the Holy Days, explaining the hope that the Holy Days give to all of mankind. After the second presentation, many guests typically remain to chat with ministers and members and browse the information table for booklets and offered DVDs.
Putting it all together
The TWPs are a very important part of the overall effort to preach the Gospel to the whole world. With the mass media efforts—the Tomorrow’s World telecast, the Tomorrow’s World magazine, and the growing Internet effort—the Church puts a lot of energy and money into putting the Truth in front of hundreds of thousands of people all over the globe. TWPs then give Tomorrow’s World subscribers an opportunity to know that the Work is active in their local area. They are sent a letter and brochure inviting them to attend the event in their locality, weeks in advance. Then, if they have an e-mail address, an e-mail invitation also reminds them of the event and gives them a chance to register for the presentation. The Tomorrow’s World website also gives curious TW website-visitors the chance to request an invitation through the Internet. The printed brochure and letter also includes the local phone number of the pastor who will be hosting the event, so people can get in touch with him and ask any questions they may have.
A common question new people often have is, “This all sounds good—but can anyone really live this way of life? Can anyone really keep God’s commandments in the world today?” TWPs give new people the chance to meet with others who are proof that it can be done! Members of the Church—who are keeping the Sabbath and observing the Holy Days—are a powerful witness to visitors that God’s way works, even in Satan’s world. It is eye-opening for newcomers to see what is being done! TWPs can help people along in their growth, encouraging those whom God is bringing to repentance. For those who are interested in starting to attend services, it can give them the gentle nudge they might need to make that leap of faith. There is nothing like a live contact to encourage people in their spiritual development, as they come in contact with the Church of God for the first time.
What are the fruits of TWPs? New people are attending the Living Church of God who never did before. We also have brethren who have a Church of God background who have found us because of local TWP events. TWPs are also energizing to our local congregations, as local brethren get to be on the front line of the Gospel, interacting with new people as greeters and ushers, answering questions and manning the information tables, or providing food for the guests.
But perhaps the biggest fruit of the TWPs is simply to be a witness to the world. Over 22,000 people have attended the TWPs over the last ten years. Of course, they have not all become Church members. But Christ was very clear that our purpose is not solely to bring people into the Church! We are here to preach the Gospel as a witness, as He said in Matthew 24: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (v. 14). Our job is not to convert the world—but rather to get the message out to as many people as possible, before time runs out!
Our local brethren are crucial to the success of the TWP program. We could not accomplish it without them! Thousands of brethren have been involved in hosting local TWPs over the last ten years. If there were no base of manpower, it would be impossible to put on these local events. There are always needs in running the sound system, preparing refreshments, stocking and manning the information table, and just greeting people with a friendly smile and handshake. The ministry alone cannot accomplish what is being done through the TWPs! And for those whom God is calling into His Church, it is very encouraging to meet people just like them, who can help make them feel comfortable and welcomed.
What can you do to help in the TWPs? Be yourself! Be warm and welcoming. Just engaging new people (but not interrogating them) has a profound effect on the visitors, to know we are happy to see them. Every TWP event involves new people who may be experiencing their first-ever contact with the Church of God. What a great opportunity to make a first impression! So, it is our responsibility to do all we can to let them know we are here to help in their spiritual development, as God wills.
Thank you to all who have given of themselves to make the TWPs a success. Your efforts and enthusiasm are vital components of this exciting program. And if you are interested in hosting a TWP in your local congregation soon, check with your local pastor—he might be planning one already!