We will discuss in this article the Bible instructor's daily program, and those features which pertain to her own work. Because our evangelism directors sometimes lack training in guiding the work of the team they supervise, the pressure of the daily program too often becomes the only guide to direct her labors from day to day. The evangelist should understand the program of his assistant as well as his own program. It should be built on a mutual understanding of the entire evangelistic program, as well as denominational plans for Bible work. If the evangelist in charge understands what is considered to be an equitable work program for the Bible instructor, there will then be avoided an endeavor to build her program around his own personal plans.
Experienced Bible instructors might have a tale to tell as they review the experiences they have had in working with various types of evangelists. One evangelist may be the essence of organization, working its intricacies almost to the point of distraction, while another worker may be so entirely opposite that the Bible instructor would come to grief if she could not supply the organization he lacked. After a broad experience a Bible instructor will welcome a leader who is a thorough organizer, but who does not make his machinery jar with the friction of high-pressure organization. The kind, calm, understanding director will receive greater service from his co-workers than a "driver"—one who makes sure they are impressed with how busy a man he is himself, so that his colaborers will keep up with his pace.
The consecrated worker will always find that the needs of the work itself are the driving incentives for each day's duties. But there must be direction, and a Bible instructor is happiest when the director of the effort has definite plans for her work. An understanding of her responsibilities will help her to anticipate what should be done, without requiring frequent and taxing workers' meetings for the purpose of explaining these duties in detail. We should be considered mature men and women with insight and interest in each other's work, and after the program of procedure is learned, the weekly workers' meeting will usually be sufficient to keep the machinery running smoothly.
During the busy days of an effort there may be little time for frequent assurances by the evangelist that the Bible instructor's services are appreciated. But a word of appreciation never goes amiss, and it helps to lubricate the machinery of service. However, the whimsical worker is a detriment to the work. That friendly relationship which recognizes true Christian worth in one's co-worker is not expressed merely by means of a periodic eulogy, but rather in sympathetic understanding.
A Bible instructor should be able to plan her work. She must be an organizer. Good organization does not necessarily leave behind it multitudinous records, for, after all, methods change rapidly. Our records will be best read in the lives of those whom we have influenced for the truth. It is well to bear this point in mind when we are inclined to build up a technical reporting system. Let us work for God, and under His scrutiny rather than man's. Time will then be well spent, and without the feeling of pressure and hurry which eventually breaks down one's courage and health.
The working day will not be measured by an eight-hour labor law, but rather by Heaven's system of conscientious service. Bible instructors should not be required to work mornings, afternoons, and evenings, with hasty periods for meals to break the routine of work, holding to a program of continuous visitation until the effort closes. It is up to the director of the evangelistic series and the Bible instructor herself to change such a program. There must be time for rest, meditation, prayer, and study if lasting results are to be obtained. The art of keeping one's co-workers happy is one that may still be practiced profitably by our workers. While we should all work diligently and wholeheartedly, we should retain the joy of Christian service which will react in blessings upon us and upon those for whom we labor. We can recommend for all workers an occasional seasonal holiday which will send them back to their tasks of love with renewed energy.
A consecrated worker loves her work. Taxing as it may be, the joy of seeing souls embrace our message compensates for every hardship. But there is a need for these off-duty days if the system is to withstand the strain of Bible work.
