One of the most frequently asked questions we get about this publication is, “What is a brush arbor?”
The historical Brush Arbor meetings began in the late 1700s and gained momentum throughout the 1800s, continuing on until the last of these meetings were known to be held in the mid-1900s.
Early 1900s brush arbor at Falls Creek Conference Center
The Brush Arbor meetings got their name from the crude structures under which these meetings took place. Brush arbors were roughed-in shelters made of upright poles driven into the ground over which long poles were laid across the top and tied together in lattice fashion to serve as support for a primitive roof of brush or hay that served to protect the worshippers and seekers from the elements.
In many rural areas during those years, no formal church existed. Small congregations were often unable to afford a full-time pastor or shepherd for the believing flock in their little community.
Itinerant preachers and traveling circuit riders would send news of their imminent arrival on ahead so that the arbors could be prepared and folks could make arrangements to participate in the meetings. Oftentimes, work would be suspended so that everyone—regardless of their religious persuasion (or the lack of it)—could attend.
The brush arbor meetings were held anywhere from a few days to several months. It was not uncommon for the meetings to last far into the night as men, women and children wrestled with God over the state of their souls.
In those days, the brush arbor meetings served as the time and place of spiritual reckoning for many who “saw the light” and found salvation from their sins. Meetings in those old brush arbors were recognized as “Holy Ground” experiences where decisions of eternal consequence were faced, and hearts and lives were eternally changed.
In our day, despite widespread internet, radio and television evangelism (or, perhaps, in part because of much of it) far too many still find themselves in desperate need of the simple and basic truths that have the power to set them free from their empty and hopeless lives.
Sin-weary pilgrims have stumbled fruitlessly through modern-day, man-made religious institutions while wandering from one powerless (Godless) “church” to another in search of the simple, unadulterated truth about Jesus Christ—the only One Who has the power to save them “to the uttermost.”
Today, many believers have found themselves, once again, alone and without a shepherd. Many are longing for spiritual encouragement and the like-minded fellowship of true believers.
The vast majority of professing Christians have never been discipled as Jesus directly commanded and haven’t the foggiest notion of God’s distinct plan and specific purpose for their lives.
In the spirit of the old brush arbor meetings, this magazine is designed to be, in essence, the brush arbor meeting that comes to your mailbox.
It is our prayer that Brush Arbor Quarterly will serve as a call and a reminder to you to come away from your busy schedule and become a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ as you sit quietly at the Master’s feet. We invite you, through the pages of this magazine, to step aside for a few moments from the frenzied pace and heavy burden of your hectic life to reevaluate your standards, refocus your priorities and simply take His yoke upon you and learn of Him.
It is our hope that you will invite your friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers to come along with you on this exciting pursuit of God—that through the publication of Brush Arbor Quarterly, you will come to better know and love the eternal God who knows no boundaries, no limitations—and that you will find on these pages a means to introduce others to Him, as well.
SPREAD THE WORD!
If you are blessed by what you find on these pages, don’t be selfish—tell others about it! Better yet, consider investing in a Bulk Subscription to pass around your neighborhood, church fellowship, or college campus. The magazine format filled with power-packed, indepth articles can have even greater potential for spiritual impact than the standard religious tract. Help us get the word out about this powerful non-denominational resource by telling others about Brush Arbor Quarterly. Remember, too, as with all Wisdom’s Gate publications, you can give a gift subscription to a friend with every subscription you purchase! (For information on special pricing for bulk and gift subscriptions, )
