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Among them was a range of people from those of low degree to the well-to-do. Simpson was free from the conservative traditions that had hindered his progress in the past. He and those with him began to build up a meeting life of deep spirituality with a mighty flowing power.
Eventually a work center was needed and built, which became the hub from which busy workers radiated. Simpson was burdened for the functioning of many members. He prayed and motivated others. Through Simpson's consecration and faith, others were raised up to serve; everyone was trained to help. They held street meetings, established rescue missions, visited hospitals and jails with the gospel message, conducted special meetings for sailors, and opened an orphanage and a free dispensary for the poor. They also worked with children, young people, and different immigrant groups. Simpson published The Gospel in All Lands, the first illustrated missionary magazine in North America. Simpson was invited to speak to large groups at deeper Christian life conferences, such as the Keswick conventions. He ministered concerning the fullness of life, healing, and the work of the gospel at home and on the mission field.
 Many
religious groups cared for both the practical and spiritual needs
of the new immigrants. |
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
Still criticized by some Christians, Simpson continued to labor with his "full gospel" message. In 1887 he and a group of like-minded Christians the world over formed the Christian Alliance for the pursuing of the deeper Christian life. Two years later, The Evangelical Missionary Alliance was started for the rapid evangelization of the most neglected foreign mission fields. In 1897 these two alliances were joined, becoming The Christian and Missionary Alliance. This was not meant to be a separate denomination, but a fellowship, or bond, of united believers who had the same hunger for the deeper things of God and for the gospel. Simpson said, "We are an alliance of Christians for world-wide missionary work. It is to hold up Jesus in fullness, 'the same yesterday, today, and forever!' It is to lead God's hungry children to know their full inheritance of privilege and blessing for spirit, soul, and body. It is to encourage and incite the people of God to do the neglected work of our age and time among the unchurched classes at home and the perishing heathen abroad."
Simpson intended the Alliance to provide fellowship only, and he looked with suspicion upon anything institutional. As their numbers grew, however, new believers among them were looking for a spiritual home, and needs developed for such things as baptism and the breaking of bread. Simpson remained committed not to become a denomination, but he did take steps to provide local "superintendents," or shepherds, to meet the needs among local groups of believers in different cities.
A Laborer to the End
Simpson's workload increased, and he traveled frequently. His life text was, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts" (Zech. 4:6).
In his labor, he was determined to imitate Paul in presenting the gospel without charge. He refused to accept any salary. He conducted his own businesses and kept himself free of covetousness or fraud. He refused an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity, saying he did not want any honor "that would exalt him in any measure above the lowliest of his brethren."
Serving in Prayer
Though intensely busy, Simpson always set aside time to be with the Lord in prayer and study of the word. Simpson said, "We cannot go through life strong and fresh on express trains, with ten minutes for lunch. We must have quiet hours, secret places of the Most High, times of waiting upon the Lord, when we renew our strength and learn to mount up on wings as eagles, and then come back, to run and not be weary, and to walk and not faint."
Concerning prayer, Simpson encouraged believers to consider the Lord's answer to the disciples' question of how to pray. The Lord simply replied, "Pray." Simpson commented, "This is the only way we can ever learn to pray-by just beginning to do it. Prayer will teach us how to pray, and the more we pray, the more we will learn the mysteries of the heights and depths of prayer."
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