A theoretical course in the art of giving Bible readings is a prime essential in training, but this alone will not bring most satisfactory results. Much depends upon willingness to receive help and advice from experienced workers who, during years of study and practical application of various methods, have established certain fundamentals leading to increased efficiency.
The Bible worker who is just entering upon her chosen work will encounter grave dangers, trials, and disappointments; she must pass through many bewildering experiences as she seeks to find a firm footing for progressive and successful work, and it is most essential to seek counsel from those who have passed over the way before.
We read that "the important conception of the disciples as to what it meant to teach, grew out of their three years' personal association with the greatest Teacher that ever lived." In somewhat less degree, might not the same principle apply in the relationship which should exist between the experienced and the inexperienced Bible workers? The younger laborers need to gain wisdom, strength, and confidence through association with workers of long and successful experience, in order to hasten this important message to the world.
1. Order and System.—Real izing that we should constantly improve our opportunities, and knowing that organization and systematic planning of our daily schedule should receive careful attention, we need help in arranging and rearranging our studies, and in rightly dividing our time between hours of study, missionary visits, calls, home work, and self-improvement.
2. Methods in Operation.—Visualization is a prime factor in indelibly stamping facts upon the mind. Careful observation while accompanying the experienced worker in her visits, affords the best possible epportunity of reviewing her methods in operation, as to the best avenue of approach and the manner of procedure and presentation of subject matter. Information obtained in this way by the beginner serves as a bulwark in building a. firm foundation for future development.
3. The Need of Tact.—That peculiar ability to deal with others without giving offense, known as tact, must be possessed by the Bible worker, and the cultivation of this gift is of great importance. Along this particular line the experienced Bible worker may render much assistance by warning of developments in a certain course of action which might prove detrimental. To be able to deal with a sudden and unexpected situation, and yet remain firm, composed, patient, and free from embarrassment, requires a preparation and a drill which is based on experience. For example, let us assume that the Bible worker of meager experience is in the midst of a study on the seal of God and mark of the beast, during which time a Catholic neighbor or friend enters the room and decides to remain for the study. Here is a situation which places a draft upon the resources of tact, and much depends upon success or failure in ability to deal with others without giving offense. Personal experiences in meeting such situations would be of interest and help to those who are subject to meeting similar situations at any time.
4. Helpful Illustrations.—The experienced worker has, through acquaint. ance with individuals and realities, a reserve storehouse of choice, but simple, illustrations or object lessons. There is no better method of vividly portraying or imparting Bible truths to individuals, no Matter what the station in life may be, than through object lessons. Jesus made use of the common everyday events of life to teach lessons of vital importance to the people in every walk of life. Eternal truths were more clearly discerned when illustrated by water in the well, the busy ant at work, the birds of the air, and the flowers of the field. The same method for presenting truth is most effective in our day. The inexperienced worker needs to enlarge her fund of illustrations, and if workers of experience would consider this need and contribute from the accumulated storehouse, it would be greatly appreciated.
5. Constructive Criticism.—It may be that the beginner in the Bible work has some undesirable habits, mannerisms, or traits of character which she does not recognize, but which, if not checked, will undoubtedly work hardship and failure. The experienced worker who will frankly and with discretion point out these shortcomings, and suggest a remedy, will prove to be a great blessing. Have we not a rightful claim to greater dependence upon our leaders in this respect?
Therefore, we workers young in experience, appeal to workers of a broader; deeper, richer, and fuller experience, to help us avoid every apparent failure or danger which threatens to hinder our progress. We solicit suggestions, reproof, guidance, and sympathetic constructive criticism; and it is our earnest desire to unite with you in more concentrated effort, keeping a broader scope of the work in view, and witness an ever-increasing number of souls brought into the truth.
Okareda Kettermati
Lansing, Mich
