Q & A - Church Order
Questions 235 (COD Page 906)
Brother Branham, when we have had opportunities on the beginning of the service...I’m–I’m...the comp-...No,... we’ve had complaints... It’s wrote real little. And a “had complaints,” ain’t it? [Brother Billy Paul says, “Uh-huh,” and continues helping Brother Branham read the small writing–Ed.] ...had complaints in the beginning of the service. We have...Let’s see. We–we–we have songs, testimonies, and prayers, and prayer requests, special singing, and m-a-...maybe get it...get into the message at eleven, to...or after, but don’t have too much time for the Word. Some of the people get restless and have to leave before it–it’s, is...before–before it’s over. It’s...Please explain how many songs, and what time to start the message. And some–sometime we have prayer–prayer requests and it ends up in a testimony meeting, some things that–that don’t be...don’t seem right at the time.
158 Now, I hope I’ve got that. Billy is trying to help me here. Upon the tape, you happen...somebody in the meeting, in the service, listening to what this was, is Billy trying to help me read it because it’s wrote very, very fine, and I couldn’t make it out. I got the general idea, it is, that, “How many songs should we sing before starting the service, and what time should service start?”
159 Now, the first thing I want to make here is a confession. And when I’m wrong, I want to admit “I’m wrong.” See? And I–and I–I’ll make a confession here that “I am kind of the leader of that.” Because it’s been me holding these long services and things, is what got the church into this routine, see, of doing so, but it shouldn’t be. And now, remember, I have...I am...Was telling you all, “Sunday night, if the Lord willing, on Sunday night, that, I’m trying to allot my services from henceforth, if I have to stay a week extra, to about thirty or forty minutes at the longest for my services.”
160 Because I have found this, that a service that’s...It stands up, and the message is given in the power; if you go too far, you wear the people out and they don’t get it. The reason I been giving...I knowed that all along. See? The most successful speakers are those who have exactly...Jesus was a Man of few words, watch His sermons. Watch Paul’s sermons. On the Day of Pentecost, probably taken him fifteen minutes, and he punched the...there, something that–that–that sent three thousand souls into the Kingdom of God. See, just right straight to the spot. See?
161 And I–I am guilty. Because, the reason I have done this, not because I didn’t know different, but I’m making tapes, see, and these tapes will be played in houses for hours after hours after hours. But as you will find out, the coming Sunday, the reason that I have done it, this coming Sunday, the reason I have done these things...I might say it right now on the tape. The reason that I have did this is because of this tremendous weight upon me for the Message of this hour, to get It out. Now the Message is out, now I’m taking a thirty minutes or something like that, after the first of the year, in my meetings out in the...everywhere I go, and try and even set my watch to a thirty minute, or not over forty at the most; punch to that Message, and make the altar call if I...or whatever I’m going to do, or call a prayer line; and not take that much time, because you do wear the people out. I know that.
162 But looky here. I guess, in the year, we haven’t had a dozen people to get up and walk out, and sometimes I keep them here for two and three hours. See? That’s right. Because it’s been making these tapes that goes all over the world, see. And the people out there, they’ll set for hours and listen to That; ministers, and so forth, Germany, Switzerland, Africa, Asia, and everywhere, see, listening to That.
163 But, see, for the sanctuary, for the church...And that’s all right. If you’re here making a tape, and you got a two-hour tape, put a two-hour message on it; but if you’re not making a tape for something like that, then cut our message, see, cut our message down. I tell you why, there’s some fill up easy, some fill up long, see, like that, and you got to be at a happy medium between that.
164 And now, many times that we ruin our services by a dragged out testimony meeting, which I know I’m guilty of doing it. And you get out when you used to have street meetings, and let some old brother stand out there, and he’ll stand out...And ask him to offer a word of prayer, and he’ll pray for the mayor of the city, and for the governor of the state, and for the President of the Union, and–and everybody like that, and all the pastors around, you know, each one by number, and Sister Jones that’s in the hospital, and things like that; and the people standing, walking by on the street meeting, they just, keep–just keep on walking. See? He just wore them out. We’re just, though...
165 See, the main thing now, your prayer is to be in secret, your main, long prayer. Pray all...Enter into a secret closet, close the door. There’s where you want to pray all day, all night, or two hours, pray there. But in here, where you’ve got the attention of the people, make your prayer short, quick, at it. Make all your service...And put the most of your service time into that Word. That’s the main thing! Punch that Word just as hard as you can, see, get the Word to the people.
166 Now, here’s my suggestion. Now, now remember, I’ve confessed that I’m guilty of leading this on. But then I’ve told you why I’ve led it on, I’m making two-hour tapes to be sent overseas and everywhere, of a Message, you see. But the church shouldn’t pattern that (the message here at the tabernacle) after them tapes (two hours) to be gone places, see, and go out like that.
167 Now, here’s what your order...Let me just give you an example. Would that be all right, a suggestion? I would say that the church should have its doors open at a certain time, let the congregation come in, let the songs be playing. And let everybody come in to worship, not to visit. And don’t let them visit afterwards, tell them to “Dismiss and get out, not to visit. If you wanted to visit, there’s the whole outside. But this is the sanctuary, let this be kept clean.” Now, if the Spirit of the Lord is dealing here, let’s keep it Spirit of the Lord. See? And–and It’ll keep moving. If you don’t, you just mark my words, it’s going to fall; it sure will. And let’s keep it, it’s our duty, that’s why I’m here tonight. Just keep this thing lined up with these–with these orders.
168 Now look, I would say this. Ordinarily, unless we are giving out especially...and tell them you’re going to tape a message. See? Now, if Brother Neville has a message here that he’s going...he’s got a message he wants to get out to the people, out on tape, or something, say, “Now, next Sunday night we’re going to tape a two-hour tape,” three-hour tape, or what–or whatmore. “We’re going to give a two- or three-hour tape,” or whatever it might be, “next Sunday night.” And then the people know. And then when they come in, say, “Now, we are going to tape a message tonight. And I’ve got a message here that it’s one that I want it taped and sent out. I been...I feel led to send this message out. And it’s going to be taped, it may be two hours, three hours, or whatever it is.” Say that.
169 But, ordinarily, just as I do when I’m going into a place like one of them Business Men’s meetings, or I’m out in my meetings out there for a prayer line. If I stood up there and give a three-hour message of a night before having the healing service, you see where it puts me? See? Why, the people, next night your congregation’s half of what it was. See? Cause they just can’t do it, they got to go to work and everything.
170 I’d suggest this, that ordinarily...Now, I watched Brother Neville last night when he preached. Now, I know we all know that was a startling message. I took notes of him, got it here in my pocket, to use it in other messages of my own. That’s right. The Way of Escape, see, and that was a marvelous message. You see how quick he got that through? See, about thirty-five minutes, see, and he–he had it over. See? Now, that was fine. Now, and Brother Neville, usually his messages are like that. See, it’s not that long. See? But where you kill your meeting is all that drawed out stuff before you get to it. See?
171 Now, and–and where you do that...Now, I know, and now look, I–I am not saying that dishonorly by, to you trustees, or deacons, or–or pastor, but I’m just telling you: see what’s Truth, and this is what it must be. Now, you...What does it? Now, everybody, you all, good-natured, every one of you men are good-natured. If it wasn’t so, I’d say, “All but Brother So-and-so, he’s not got a good nature, we’re all praying for him.” But you–you do have good natures, and you’re longsuffering, gentle, quiet sort of men. That’s fine, but don’t be a sissy with that.
172 Jesus was good-natured, too, but when it come time to say things, “It’s written, ‘My Father’s house is made a house of prayer,’ and you are making it a den of thieves.” See? See, He–He knowed when to speak and when not to. That’s–that’s–that’s what we got to do. See? There wasn’t, never was a person like Jesus, He was God. And remember, He even...Talk about being a deacon in the church, He–He took over! He plaited some ropes together, and He didn’t wait to gently walk them out, He beat them out, see, as the house of God. And He was playing the part of a deacon, for an example to you deacons. See, He was your Example. “And now, it’s–it’s written, ‘My Father’s house is made a house of prayer.’” Now, remember, Jesus was a Deacon then, you know that, Jesus was taking the part of a deacon.
173 When He come to the part of a pastor, what did He say? “You blind Pharisees, leaders of the blind!” See, He was taking the part of a pastor, then.
174 And when He told them what was going to happen, He taken the part of a prophet. See?
175 And when they required that there must be tribute paid, He taken the part of a trustee, “Peter, go down and cast the hook into the river, and the first fish you take up has got a coin in his mouth. Pay them, see, pay your just debts.” Said, to us, “Give Caesar what’s Caesar, God’s what’s God.”
176 He was both Pastor, Prophet, Trustee, and Deacon. Sure was! So then you see what He did, let that be your example in the house here at this Branham Tabernacle, that we want to be a house that He’ll be honored in with everything, every office, every place, that there be no taking back. There be gentleness, and sweetness, and kindness, but just straight on the line, every man’s at his post of duty. See? That’s the way, that’s the way He wants it. He never slagged. When it come time to say, call what was what, He called it. When it come time to show gentleness, then He showed gentleness. He was sweet, kind, understanding; but stern, and everything was right to the dot with Him, and He did that for your example. Now, the Holy Spirit just give me that. So I never thought about that, Him being Deacon, before, but He was. See? He–He acted as deacon, then.
177 Now, I’d say this, say if your services begin at seven-thirty, if that’s the time, open your church half hour beforehand, seven o’clock. Let the pianist...Tell the organist...Do you pay her? You all pay the organist? Is she paid, or pianist? She does it free-will? Ask her with gentleness. Even if she wants to have pay for it, to give her something for it, tell her we want her a half hour before service. And if she says, “Well, I can’t do it,” or something, complaint, then just have her come here and make a tape of some sweet organ music. You see? And let...put that on the...Don’t have to be here every time, set your tape up. See? Let one of the deacons, trustee, or ever who open the door, janitor, put it on up there, the tape on, and let it be playing while the people comes. See? Cause if the deacons are not here, or somebody, let, trustee or somebody be here to do it, then let them play for a half hour.
178 But exactly seven-thirty, let that bell toll on top the building. See? You still have your bell out there? Yeah. All right, let your bell toll at seven-thirty, and that means that we’re not going to walk up and down the church and shake hands with Joneses and all them. Let the song leader be on the job! If there’s no song leader there, let the deacons see that there...or the...see that there is somebody to start leading songs when that bell starts tolling. “Turn to your hymnbook, number so-and-so.” See? Let it be right on the dot at–at seven-thirty.
179 All right, then have a congregational song, and then maybe a second congregational song, and then have somebody already spoke of, if you can, to lead in prayer. Let the–the pastor, or, ever...Well, the pastor shouldn’t be there, the–the song leader should do that. It’s Brother Capps, I think. See, he’d know what do, let–let him have someone spoke...or either lead in prayer hisself. Have the congregation to stand in prayer, see, just stand up, and let somebody lead in prayer. Now, if you don’t watch...
180 Now, we believe that everybody should come to the house of God and pray, that’s the–that’s the place you pray. But when you’re in that sanctuary, conserve your time. See? You call them all up around the altar, you’ll find out there’ll be somebody will be there for fifteen, twenty minutes; your time’s all run out.
181 That’s your, see, your praying’s at home. Jesus said, “When you pray, don’t stand like the hypocrites do, and–and for a long... make a long prayer, and say this, that, or the other, and–and all like that for a showing.” See? He said, “When you prayer...pray, enter into the closet, secret closet, close the door behind you; pray to your Father that seeth in secret, He shall reward thee openly.” Now, that’s the way to have secret prayer, that’s what He said do.
182 But when you, somebody, when they come in, let the song leader, say, “All right...” After the first song, then let somebody have prayer, ever who it is, just a short prayer. Don’t stand up and pray for all the governors, and so forth like that. If there’s any prayer requests, let it be known, let it be sent in, have them sent in. Write it, say, “Here.” “For tonight, in having prayer, we’re remembering Sister So-and-so, Brother So-and-so in the hospital, So-and-so, and So-and-so, and So-and-so. Remember them in your prayers as you pray. Brother Jones, will you lead us in prayer. Let’s stand.” See? Let it be laid on the platform. Tell them, let them get used to that, “If you got a request for prayer, lay it up here, [Brother Branham knocks on the pulpit–Ed.] up here.” Don’t be speaking, “Who has a request now, would you be let it known by...” And then, the first thing, somebody get up and say, “Glory to God!” You know, and start off like that, and the first thing you know, it’s a half hour ’fore they set down sometimes. See?
183 We are responsible for this church, not others; this is our responsibility to God. These offices are your responsibility to God. See? Reason I’m saying here tonight, telling you all this, is because it’s my responsibility to God; it’s your responsibility: Carry it out. See?
184 Now, and when something like that...let somebody lead in prayer, and when they do, that’s fine, let them lead prayer, then set down.
185 And if you got a special...Now, I wouldn’t say this, I wouldn’t go along...And if anybody wants to sing a special, announce it in the church. Tell them that “Any specials, or anything that wants to be sang, let them see the song leader before the church ever starts.” And have it...Say, “Well, I’m sorry brother, I’d like...sure like to do it, but I–I’ve got my special for tonight. Maybe if you tell me you’re going to be here on a certain night, I’ll put it on the program for you. See, I got my program wrote out here.”
186 Let–let Brother Capps or ever who is leading songs...And have a song leader, no matter who it is. And don’t let them stand up and say, or carry on like they’re a preacher, see. Let them stand up there and lead songs, that’s their business.
187 It’s the pastor’s business to preach, see, not lead songs. He ain’t to lead songs, the song leader leads songs. He’s responsible, and should come out freshly under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, from the office in there, somewhere, when it comes time. He don’t even have to be on the platform, this is going on. Let him stay in the office back there, see, or back in here, or wherever it is, the intercoms here will bring it in, see, when it’s time. When he hears that last...if there is a special, like a solo, duet, or something, for your third song. See?
188 That you’ve had two congregational song, prayer, your offering if you’re going to take it. And let every man be at his post of duty. Say, “All right, while we’re singing this last song, now, if the ushers will, let them come forward for the evening offering.” See? And while they finish singing that song, here’s the ushers standing here. Say, “All right, now we’re going to have prayer, and in offering prayer, we want to remember So-and-so here, and So-and-so,” read that off, you know, like that, like that. “All right, everyone stand. Brother, will you lead us in prayer?” Then it’s all over.
189 Then while they’re singing this second song, or whatever you’re singing, you’re, if to prefer, to take your offering, if you’re going to take your offering. Leave it...I’d take your first song, and then have your evening offering, and then go on with your second song, and then on through it. Then let your last song here, let your last song, see, be the pastor’s call. And as soon as that last hymn is sang, let the organ start with your–your–your prelude, your pastor walks out. See, everything is in order. Everybody is quiet. There’s nothing else to be said. Every deacon at his post of duty. The pastor stand there.
190 Come out, greet his audience, turn to his Book and say, “Tonight, we’re reading from the Bible.” See, after he makes it up, “We’re reading from the Bible.” And it is a good thing sometime if you say, “In respect to the Word of God, let’s stand to our feet while we read the Word.” See, then read, “Tonight, I’m reading from the Book of Psalms,” or whatever it is. Or either let somebody else read it, the song leader, or associate, somebody there with you, let him read it, whatever; where it’s be best if you read it yourself, if you can. Then read it like that, then take your text. See? In that much time, you’ve spent about thirty minutes, it’s right then about eight o’clock.
191 And from eight to about a quarter till nine, somewhere between thirty and forty-five minutes, lay that Word in there just as the Holy Ghost gives it to you, see, just like that, just place it right in there the way He says do it, see, under the anointing.
192 Then make your altar call, say, “If anyone here in this church that would like to accept Christ as Saviour, we’re asking you, inviting you to the altar right now, just stand to your feet.” See?
193 And if–and if no one stands, say, “Is there anyone here that’s a candidate for baptism, that’s already have repented, and wants to be baptized in water for the remission of sins? If they wish to come, we’re giving you the opportunity now. Will you come while the organ is still playing?” You see?
194 Nobody comes, say then, “Is there anybody here that would... that has never received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and would want to do so tonight, would want us to pray for you?” Well, maybe somebody comes up, then let two or three lay hands on them, pray for them. Send them right back in one of them rooms, somebody in there with them, instruct them somewhere how to come through with the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The congregation is all away from them.
195 If anybody comes to be...wants to accept Christ and standing there at the altar to be prayed for, make your...let them pray. And when they do, just say, “Bow your heads now, we’re going to pray.” And say, “Do you believe?”
196 If any little thing that would delay the congregation in any way at all, send them right into the prayer room, and go in there with them, or send somebody in there with them. And let the congregation go right on, see, like that, you haven’t held them nowhere then. See?
197 And then while...before...In a–in a few...then if they, say, if nobody comes, then say, “Would there be somebody that would like to be anointed with oil tonight, for their sickness? We pray for the sick here.”
198 “Well, I’d like to see you privately, Brother Neville.” “Well, you see me in the office. See one of the deacons, they’ll take it up, see.” “And I’ve got something I’d like to say to you, Brother.” “Well, one of the deacons here will see you to the office, and we’ll...I’ll see you immediately after the service.”
199 “Now, as we’ll stand now for dismissing.” See, and you haven’t been over about a hour and forty-five minutes in the whole thing. See? See, a hour and thirty minutes, your service is over. You’ve had the little, quick punch; you–you give it what it’s done; you’ve done the...and everybody’s satisfied, and go home feeling good. See? If you don’t, then, you see, if you let...See, you–you–you mean well, see, but see...
200 You know, this is about thirty-three years in this platform for me, thirty-three years, and the world around. You learn a little something in that much time, surely. See? If you don’t, you better quit. So then, see, I find out this. Now, if you’re dealing with just Saints altogether, man, you could just stay all night if you wanted to. But you’re...See, you’re not dealing with them exactly, you’re trying to catch these out here. Here’s the ones you’re catching, you got to work on their field. See? And don’t...Bring them in here and then let the Word come, and then, see, there’s nothing can be complained. If there’s anything they wants to see you about, well, fine, take them right on into the office like that, but don’t hold the congregation.
201 Then, you know, people will get up and say, “Well, I tell you, let’s have a good testimony meeting.” See? I don’t mean any critics on this, I just mean to tell you Truth. I mean to tell you Truth. See? I’ve found testimony meetings of more...they–they do more harm sometimes than good. See, they really do.
202 Now, if somebody would have a red-hot testimony in time of a revival, you know, you’re having a revival on, you know, a meeting, and somebody got saved and just wanting to say a word, well, bless God, let him unload his soul. You see? If he–if he wants to–if he wants to do that, see, just in time of revival, say, “I just want to say, ‘Thank the Lord for what He’s done for me.’ He saved me last week, and my heart’s a-burning up with the glory of God. Thanks be to God,” set down. Amen! That’s fine, go on. See, that’s all right.
203 But when you say, “Now come on. Who’s next? Who’s next? Now let us hear a word, let us hear a word of testimony.” Now, if you got a meeting set aside, a certain night for that, see, you’re going to: “Tonight...next Wednesday night, instead of prayer meeting, it’s going to be a testimony meeting. We want everybody to come in, and it’s going to be testimonial meeting.” And then when they come to–to the place to give testimony, read the Word, have prayer, and then say, “Now, we have announced this is testimony night.” So let people testify for that hour or forty-five minutes, or thirty minutes, or whatever it is, and then–then go ahead like that. See what I mean? And I think it will help your congregation, it’ll help everything, altogether, if you do it that way.
204 Now, it’s...I’m getting late, so...Brethren–brethren, these are the best of my knowledge. I see what’s on your heart, this is the best of my knowledge the questions that you have asked. Now, from now on you know. And if it’s ever in your mind, come to the tape. Ask that...Listen to the tape. If it’s for deacons, trustees, or whatever it is, let the tape be played. Let it be played to the congregation out there if they want to hear it. All right. And that’s–that is the best of my knowledge to the will of God for this tabernacle here at Eighth and Penn Street, and that’s the way I’m commissioning you brothers to carry this out under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, with all kindness and love, showing your grace before people that you are Christians. And Christian don’t mean a baby that can be pushed around anywhere, that means “a man that’s full of love, but yet, just as full of love for God as he is for the congregation.” See what I mean?