The Training Class — No. 2
In the January issue of The Ministry reference was made to the Bible Workers' Training Class conducted by Mrs. Edna Ferguson in the Detroit (Mich.) church. We now continue the suggestions concerning the art of giving Bible studies which were presented to the class on the blackboard, for study, discussion, and copying into individual notebooks. We believe that these thirty-four suggestions are of a practical, constructive nature, and will be of value to pastors and Bible workers in carrying out the " heaven-born idea" of holding Bible readings in the homes of the people and training the lay members to render effective service in this line of work.
The Blackboard Work Continued
XI. Hold to the Subject.— Hold to your subject, for there is great danger of becoming sidetracked, and thus failing to make the desired impression.
1. Do not try to explain the entire verse in the Bible reference, where there is more than one thought conveyed; refer only to those parts of the verse which relate to the subject.
2. Answer irrelevant questions briefly, and bring the mind directly back to the subject. When necessary, promise that another lesson will be given to explain the questions which cannot be answered at the present time.
3. Remember that it is one of Satan's schemes to divert the mind so that truth may lose its force.
XII. Be Master of Yourself.— Practice absolute self-control, for sometimes people are purposely exasperating.
1. Let no suggestion of irritation enter into the tone of voice.
2. Be courteous. (Read 1 Peter 3:8; 2:20, and be governed accordingly.)
3. Do not permit sarcasm, discourtesy, or unkindness to influence deportment.
XIII. Be Considerate.— Do not take it for granted that the reader sees in the text all that you do; take occasion to call attention repeatedly to definite words and phrases in the text.
XIV. Follow the Principles of Pedagogy.— Keep the one to whom you are giving the Bible study seriously thinking — thinking for himself and not listening to what you say.
1. Be a Bible teacher, not a lecturer.
2. Telling is not necessarily teaching.
3. It is possible to talk a person into a mental stupor.
4. True teaching is "causing another to know."
5. By tactful questioning, the reader gives expression to truths presented, and thus convinces himself.
XV. Plan for Follow-up Study. — Make it easy for the reader to continue the study of the subject during the intervening time between appointments.
1. Always leave with the reader an outline of the study which has been given.
2. Always leave reading matter on the subject.
3. Select appropriate quotations, and leave as written or printed slips to be placed in Bible.
4. Occasionally leave with the reader a few pointed questions, written, with Bible references given, asking that the answers to the questions be written on the slips by the time of the next Bible study.
XVI. Thoroughly Review.— Principal points should be gone over again and again.
1. Necessary because so much is entirely new to the reader.
2. Not all which seems clear at the time of the lesson is retained in the memory, and a review of the instruction serves to fix it in the mind.
3. Careful review reveals how one subject relates to the next, and demonstrates that all truth is one truth.
XVII. Psychology.— Study personalities, and adapt the studies to individual needs, as to mental capacity, special point of inquiry, et cetera.
1. With one person, the lesson must be made simple; with another person, in order to hold the interest, the study must be of a deeper nature.
2. Lessons on special subjects will sometimes be necessary.
3. Keep out of a rut.
4. Study to find the way to the heart.
5. Seek to discover the exact nature of difficulties or perplexities which prevent clear understanding or acceptance of truth.
XVIII. Meeting Opposition.—While seeking to avoid opposition in every possible way, be prepared to meet it when it comes.
1. Do not denounce opponents; treat everyone as being honest in heart.
2. Do not argue; to do so will multiply opposition. (2 Tim. 2:23-26.)
3. Do not repeat opponent's statements; this will only strengthen argument.
4. Hold to the affirmative — this is Christ's method.
5. Never get excited, or allow angry feelings to arise.
6. Avoid discussion, for thereby sacred truth will often be derided. " Let thy words be few."
7. Follow Nehemiah's example," We are doing a great work, and cannot come down." (See Neh. 6:3, 7, 9; "Gospel Workers," p. 376.) If Satan can keep one busy answering the objections of opponents, and thus hinder the most important work, his object is accomplished.
XIX. Do Not Become Discouraged.—Do not become easily discouraged if souls for whom you labor do not respond quickly in obeying the truth.
1. The seed falling on rocky ground is that which quickly springs up, and as quickly withers.
2. Have faith. Remember, " the worker for God needs strong faith." " Hope and courage are essential to perfect service for God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreasonable."— Mrs. E. G. White.
3. Never give up a soul as long as there is a gleam of hope, and bear in mind: " We are to present the word of life to those whom we may judge to be as hopeless subjects as if they were in their graves. Though they may seem to be unwilling to hear or to receive the light of truth, without questioning or wavering we are to do our part."—" Testimonies," Vol. VI, p. 442.
XX. Guard the Reputation of Fellow Workers.— Refrain from saying anything that would cast the slightest reflection upon a fellow worker.
1. " Never speak disparagingly of any man " or woman. (See " Gospel Workers," p. 481.)
2. God's ideal for workers is that they " work together, blending in kindly, courteous order." (See " The Acts of the Apostles," p. 275.)
3. " No unkind criticism, no pulling to pieces of another's work." (See " The Acts of the Apostles," p. 275.)
XXI. Seek the One-Soul Audience.—Whenever possible, deal with the individual alone.
1. It permits of the effective personal touch.
2. It permits of freedom of expression.
3. There is direct personal appeal.
(To be concluded in March)
