Campaigns are major preaching efforts that witness to the good news of the Kingdom of God. Each year nearly 20 campaigns are arranged across the UK, based either on an ecclesia or in a local community.

But campaigns are also about people, so "going campaigning" is where you come in! Every campaign is a God given opportunity for you to take time out and share a week witnessing to God's word with others of the same faith. There is always plenty to do, whatever skills you have to offer.

WHAT ARE CAMPAIGNS FOR?

When Paul asked 'How will they hear without a preacher?' (Romans 10:14), he wasn't making idle conversation. When we received the good news, we were told to pass it on. We are all responsible for telling everyone about the hope Jesus gave us.

Campaigns aim to get people to read the Bible - to show them that it is a serious book with an essential, life-giving message for everyone. So most campaigns have such major objectives as 'to start a Bible-reading group', 'to introduce a Bible seminar programme' or 'to develop Glad Tidings readership'.

DO CAMPAIGNS DO ANY GOOD?

Definitely! Campaigns are very effective at appealing to individuals and communities. We don't always see instant results: seed sown in faith may take years to bear fruit. But campaigns do continue to produce baptisms, as well as encouraging a return to Bible reading. And - as an added blessing - campaigns have also proved to be an edifying experience for thousands of campaigners.

A further thought - if those to whom we speak are still alive at the return of the Lord Jesus, it could be that they welcome him then rather than oppose him, recognising the truth of what we have shown them, and are ultimately accepted.

WHO RUNS A CAMPAIGN?

Each campaign is run by a leader, a brother who has organisational and spiritual skills that will make sure the gospel message is presented attractively, positively and with dignity. He is responsible for all key arrangements including liaison between the sponsoring ecclesia and the campaigners. The leader is also chosen for his ability to make the very best use of everyone who comes to help, letting their confidence grow in their witness to Christ.

Each campaign is planned up to a year ahead, and work continues months afterwards as contacts are followed up by local members. The leader takes overall charge during the week, and he may work with a team of supervisors to manage the week's activities. The leader and supervisors expect (and need) the full confidence and cooperation of everyone involved to achieve all objectives to the glory of God.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A CAMPAIGN?

The weekend you arrive, you will be kept busy with getting to know each other, with the Sunday meetings, with billing and maybe putting up the Bible exhibition.

Weekday mornings often start with a short meeting of dedication, including a 'thought for the day' from the readings or study theme. Then everyone goes on with campaign activities. We take meals in shifts so that the Bible exhibition and other essential activities can be staffed continuously. After lunch and tea, we manage to fit in a study or discuss the other readings.

In the evenings, we hold various events to arouse public interest in the gospel - a lively talk or debate a video, or drama presentation, a special "open meeting" at the exhibition....

And at the end of the day we may find time to relax together in fellowship, perhaps at the home of a local brother or sister.

WHAT WILL I DO?

Actually, every campaign is different. What you do depends on where you are campaigning, and when, and on what facilities are available - and on your personal abilities and those of your fellow-campaigners.

Some of the activities you may get involved with are:

Billing	Canvassing	Balloon Launches
Street drama	Musical Presentations	Singing
Bible reading	Handing out flyers	Street questionnaires
Activities with children	Speaking	Catering
Staffing the exhibition	Putting up posters	The list goes on...

Don't worry! You will only have to do what you feel comfortable with and feel you can manage.

I HAVE LIMITED MOBILITY. WHAT CAN I DO?

For those who are willing but less able physically, Bible Exhibition campaigns can provide opportunity for helping to campaigners who can talk to visitors about the exhibition, its purpose, its content and its message. Having a good mix of ages and abilities helps to put visitors at ease enough to engage in profitable conversation.

If you have any queries, send them using the Contact Us panel at the right hand side of the screen, and they can be sent to the campaign leader if they are for a specific campaign.

It is important that campaign leaders know of any restrictions and disabilities so that activities and accommodation may be allocated accordingly. Please use the Special Needs or Other Comments boxes for this purpose.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING?

Your campaign leader will ask you in advance how you'd like to help during the week. Most campaigns run to a timetable with a staffing rota and with all the jobs shared out fairly. So you will generally know well beforehand what you will do each day. There will be plenty of variety so you become involved in all areas of the campaign.

WHERE WILL I STAY?

Your campaign leader will look to shelter people safely, conveniently, comfortably and cheaply.

If an ecclesia is close by you will probably stay with brethren and sisters. In the details of each campaign it has information indicating whether you will stay with brethren and sisters or camp, or in bed and breakfast, the three most common forms of accommodation.

WILL I GET TIME FOR A REST?

Well, campaigns are not holidays (although holiday campaigns - part holidays, part witness activities- are occasionally arranged, usually as family events). So most of the time you will be expected to work. But campaigning together is an easy yoke and a light burden, because campaigning together is energising and emboldening - a glimpse of kingdom service, and thus a real joy and privilege.!

But fellowship is a wonderful extra benefit of campaigns. There is always a time to relax and talk - over a meal, for example - and most leaders plan a half-day off during the week, to allow the campaigners some time to relax together.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Cost should never be a barrier to you coming campaigning. Collections to cover the costs of food and accommodation. are taken periodically during the week. The leader will explain to all campaigners what costs have to be covered and you are asked to give what you can afford - whether more or less than the amount indicated. Approximate costs can be seen in the further details about each campaign.

If you need help with fares to get to the campaign, let the leader know so that he can ask the campaigner's welfare fund to contribute to your return ticket.

So come on... come campaigning - it's simply an exhilarating glimpse of the kingdom to come.

I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO GO CAMPAIGNING. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO?

Those no longer able to go campaigning can still help the work in several ways: by their prayers; by encouraging, and perhaps helping financially if appropriate, younger and more able brethren and sisters to take up the work; by seeking and notifying suitable locations for campaigns; by offering services such as despatching literature and distance learning courses.

Once a campaigner, always a campaigner!

Reports of completed campaigns - 2011

Leaders' reports

Campaigns Fraternal 2012

11 FEB, 2012

Venue: Warwick School

Gathering to focus our minds on preaching