42 
Souls at Risk

I also see that revenues have nearly doubled,” said Chairman Roul as he perused the documents he had been provided.

Mrs. Paulus glanced down at her own figures and nodded.

“And yet you say he is not stressing the tithe,” went on Roul. “I fail to understand such a dichotomy. People do not contribute to the collection plate unless they are reminded to feel duty bound. The tithe must be preached or we are out of business.”

“I also hear there are many conversions,” now put in Mr. Riper, who had not yet spoken.

“How can that be?” said Mrs. Packer, growing a little annoyed with her two colleagues who seemed intent on giving Diggorsfeld the benefit of the doubt. “We all know that liberals do not emphasize evangelism.”

“He has one of the most evangelistic outreach programs in the city,” added Taylor. “It is said to be quite effective.”

“A mere rumor,” she retorted. “The idea that such a man is capable of winning souls is doubtful to say the least. The question I would raise concerning these so-called conversions is whether they are true conversions?”

“If, as you say, his liberalism is well known,” now consented Riper, “then you raise a critical question. The wrong words, even uttered in prayer, will not insure salvation.”

“I say he is a dangerous influence,” rejoined Mrs. Packer.

“But the people listen to him eagerly,” added Vice-Chairman Taylor. “I saw some taking notes.”

“What in the world for?” asked Mrs. Packer.

“I don’t know. But I have never seen such a response to a man’s sermons.”

“I think we must come back again to the matter of the conversions,” said the chairman. “This could make it difficult to prove his liberalism.”

“There are conversions and there are conversions,” replied Mrs. Packer. “As I hear it, he insists on pointing people toward the Father for salvation rather than our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

A few heads began to nod, as if they had him now. Even Vice-Chairman Taylor had to admit that if this were indeed true, he would have no choice but to side with the others and make the vote unanimous.

“If these so-called conversions are not based on the blood of the cross,” Mrs. Packer went on, “then however good he may make people feel about the Father’s love, those poor unfortunate souls may still be bound for hell. It would be better, our Lord said, for a stone to be put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea.”

“Yes, you are right,” nodded Chairman Roul. “We must act, and act decisively. Not only is the man dangerous to the doctrine, souls could actually be at risk.”

More heads nodded.

“We must put a stop to the spreading of false teaching.”