According to the divine pattern for Bible work, the Bible instructor is more than a home visitor. But there is also a definite work to be performed by the "gospel visitor," which is recognized by the Spirit of prophecy. (Please read Evangelism, pages 470, 471.) Many of our sisters from the lay ranks have skill and adaptation for visiting. Some of them have no particular professional preparation to become strong Bible teachers, and yet they are fruitful soul winners. Many later develop their teaching skill, and so become helpful teachers of the Bible after a period of years. Such talents are needed in the work, and should be recognized by the Bible Instructor license. The credential is to be granted at the time the worker actually demonstrates a gift to teach the Bible. Lay sisters may be temporarily and locally used in our evangelism, and these are to hold the Bible instructor license. They will be recognized as "gospel visitors."
EVANGELISTIC HELPERS.—The young woman who is employed by the denomination as a typist in the evangelistic effort, or perhaps as a musician, is granted the missionary license and not the Bible instructor credential. When in her services to the cause she begins to devote sufficient time in actual house-to-house visitation and Bible teaching, and has gained some experience in Bible work, then a Bible instructor license may well be issued, and after a satisfactory period in the Bible work this worker should be granted the Bible instructor credential. She may still be using a part of her time in typing, singing, or playing for the public meetings, but it is understood that the major part of her time will be given to home visiting and Bible teaching. Bible work is a holy profession for trained and skilled Bible teachers.
GLIMPSING INTO FUTURE.—We sincerely believe that the Bible work as a profession is making a new appeal to our young women. A high aim has been set before them, and scores of young women in our colleges are now preparing themselves for this form of ministry. They are developing skill in teaching the Word with power ; in the use of the voice in public and radio ministry; in journalism, music, art, and church leadership. The prospective young minister today seeks a wife who is trained in evangelism techniques. We believe that the next few years will see the Bible work elevated to a much higher plane. It will be looked upon as a calling demanding respect and skill.
As the evangelist's qualifications are being raised for efficiency and productiveness in soul winning, even so the Bible instructor's qualifications will be meeting the pattern outlined in the Spirit of prophecy to provide the same results in her specialized service. She does her best work, we have been told by divine counsel, in connection with regular evangelistic efforts. In the light of the loud cry now due to the world, the Bible instructor must have a broad vision of her appointed task. The picture of soul-winning service must include willing laity whose talents may be cultivated to become skilled helpers under the supervised direction of the leaders of the art. This, together with the service of conference workers, will prepare a fully equipped army of personal workers.
L. C. K.
