For years I have been impressed with the importance of our dormitory worship hour and what is presented during that period. Too often it is just another meeting which the students must attend. Knowing that it was a period at my disposal as dean of men, and wondering if there was any way to vary the program and yet continue to make it of value, I decided to launch a new plan at Washington Missionary College, which we have followed for some time now. This plan is being passed on because someone else may be able to use it or some modification of it.
A panel of five young men was selected, to whom questions were directed relating to the topic chosen for discussion. All questions were taken up by the chairman and assigned to one of the members, sometimes arbitrarily, and sometimes after asking the group which one would care to answer it. At times no one on the panel cared to answer. Then the question was submitted to the group as a whole, but always the panel was given the first chance to answer the question. It should be stated that there was a regular plan in the selection of the topics which were discussed. These were posted ahead of time in order that the panel and the group as a whole might have time to study the topic under consideration. This is a skeleton outline of the first topic, as placed on the bulletin board :
Why We Believe the Bible
1. What is inspiration?
2. What is revelation?
3. Did the Bible writers themselves recognize each other as inspired and thus authoritative ?
4. Briefly state prophecies that indicate the inspiration of Bible.
5. Is tradition as safe a guide as inspiration?
6. How does the Bible differ in results from other sacred scriptures, such as the Koran?
As can readily be seen, this topic was capable of engendering a great deal of discussion. One example may be given. The question was raised: When Christ said to search the Scriptures (John 5:39) and when Timothy said, "All Scripture is given by inspiration," etc. (2 Tim. 3:16), how could this include the New Testament, since the term "Scriptures" necessarily meant that which had been written? How, then, could the New Testament be proved to be Scripture, and thus inspired? After some discussion one young man brought forth a text which settled the matter ; namely, 2 Peter 3:13-16.
Many other questions came up that were of interest. After this first general topic others were discussed—the first advent of Christ, the second advent of Christ, the nature and destiny of man, salvation from sin, etc. There was no attempt to enter into an exegesis of each subject, but questions were so asked as to lead the discussion into profitable lines.
It became necessary to set up a system to facilitate matters in handling the discussion of the program. Therefore certain regulations were adopted. Questions must be on the topic under discussion. (The privilege of deciding whether the question was relevant or not rested with the chairman.) Questions could be submitted in writing or asked orally. Most of them were oral. While canvassing, many of our boys had been asked questions which they were unable to answer. Often these questions found their way to the chairman of the panel.
Since this general program had as one of its objectives the preparation to meet people outside the church and answer their questions, we ruled that in answering questions we would use only the Bible and historical facts. We soon realized how much we needed the Spirit of prophecy for proof of our various doctrines and positions; yet Scriptural proof was what we held to to prove every point.
After the plan had been functioning several evenings, numbers were drawn, and according to those numbers the members of the panel were replaced, one being added and one deleted at each new meeting. A great deal of interest was manifested, so much so that some of the students wanted to have the discussions every night for worship. This was impossible, although it was planned to have them Sabbath afternoons, allowing anyone who wished to to join us at that time.
A few cautions might be pertinent. It is exceedingly difficult for the chairman to sit still and be patient while the discussion slowly brings a correct point to the surface, when he could so readily do it, but in a program such as ,this, it is important for the group to develop the point of view and thus derive the feeling that it is theirs. It is interesting to watch and see the truth develop. One must not be dogmatic and feel that all need come to his point of view, nor must he feel offended, if the groilp does not see as he does. It takes time for any group to become accustomed to this type of discussion, but before long no one will be speaking out of turn, and the meetings will be conducted with a reverential attitude. This is a little difficult to do at first and still have everyone feel free to speak and express himself.
You may ask, What are the values of this program? First, the young men begin to think ; they wonder what they do believe. The best way for them to find out what they believe is to try to express it before a sizable group. It was found that they did much more independent study after a discussion of this kind. They believed something that someone else did not, or they did not believe something another did. As it became necessary for them to study to prove their point, with an honest heart sincerely searching for the truth, they often became converted themselves. The young men discussed Bible topics rather than worldly'topics. Much of the spirit of criticism and frivolity left the dormitory.
This plan could be used very effectively in our college ministerial seminars. Such groups would naturally be interested in the message and in discovering new methods of presentation. Some use might also be made of this method in conducting open-air meetings where people from the audience could ask questions.
How may this plan be utilized in other fields ? This is only conjecture, but it does seem that our Sabbath school classes should be conducted more on this order, rather than having the teacher just give another little sermon, using the Lesson Quarterly as an outline. Participation is what people want. They want a chance to express their views.
A modification of this plan may be used in our churches for prayer meetings or, study group meetings, or by a group who are giving Bible studies. Questions met in the giving of Bible studies may be discussed in such a group.
Care must be taken to keep in mind that you are searching for truth, not dogmatically forcing truths or views on people. It is even conceivable that young people's meetings could be conducted after this fashion'. Converts could also be instructed by this means. Possibly radio programs could be conducted on this order. New methods are constantly needed to attract different people.
It is to be kept in mind that this is suggested as one plan, not that this plan is, to supersede all others, but merely to augment and to introduce variety. Those who try this plan or any of its modifications will be surprised to see how much interest will be engendered when people learn that it is a meeting in which they can participate.
