During the months of June, July, and August, two Seminary Extension Schools were held, one in England at Newbold Missionary College, from June 1 to July 15, and the other in Norway at Tyrifjord Hoyere Skole, (Norwegian Junior College) from July 20 to August 27.
There were three full-time instructors, R. A. Anderson, secretary of the Ministerial Association, A. L. White, secretary of the Ellen G. White Publications, and W. G. C. Murdoch from the Department of Systematic Theology of the Potomac University. In addition to these three teachers there were many visiting lecturers who presented subjects of special interest and of great importance to the minister of the gospel.
The Three Classes
The class taught by Elder White did much to establish more firmly the confidence of our working force in the Spirit of Prophecy. This course traced the prophetic guidance in the Advent Movement, showing how the Lord has led the church through the years of our history since 1844. The tests of a true prophet were examined and opportunity was given to the student to decide for himself on the genuineness of the messages sent through Ellen G. White. This class has always been most popular in the Seminary at Washington, D.C., and the enthusiasm with which it was received in these two summer schools was most refreshing. A well-prepared syllabus and full collateral notes brought much of the richness of the content of the course offered in the parent institution to this overseas division.
Elder Anderson's class in evangelistic leadership was most practical and stimulating. The dynamic presentation of such subjects as "The Divine Call to the Ministry," "The Making of a Minister," "Successful Methods in Meeting Modern Problems in Evangelism," "The Correct Use of the Voice," and "The Place of Music in Worship" was arresting and challenging. Not only was stress laid on the art of soul winning, but the need for carefully shepherding the existing flock was strikingly emphasized.
We have always believed in the centrality of Christology in our teachings, but sometimes we have not stressed this important subject in our preaching. The objective of the course in Christology and soteriology was to present in logical sequence such great themes as "Christ's Pre-existence," "His Unique Personality and Sinlessness," "His Substitutionary Death," and "His Subsequent High Priestly Ministry." Soteriology is a corollary to Christology, and traces the way of salvation, from grace, faith, regeneration, repentance, justification, through sanctification to final glorification. As these great doctrines were reviewed we were impressed anew with Heaven's wonderful provision made for sinful man, and vowed that from now on as ministers we would be "foremost in uplifting Christ to the world."
The Visiting Ministers
It means much to any school to have visiting speakers present lectures in the fields of their specialty. In the 1959 Seminary Extension Schools we were particularly fortunate in this respect. At the English school S. H. Horn, who was on his way to the Middle East with a guided tour, took time from his busy program to give a most informative talk on "The Present Climate in Old Testament Study." W. J. Cannon, who was on furlough, gave us freely of his limited vacationtime and presented ten lectures in the field of pastoral psychology. F. D. Nichol stopped long enough in his world tour to spend the last week at the school. He drew many helpful lessons from his intensive research on The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary. W. H. Beaven inspired and charmed the students in his special field of speech and sermon delivery. W. R. Beach in his mission appeal made it clear that our work is one around the world. Whether we present the message to the neighbor across the street or to the national across the sea, the work of God is one in all the world.
A. F. Tarr, president of the division, brought to us the high standards a worker for God should maintain in order that "the ministry be not blamed." G. D. King, secretary of the division, gave us a stimulating talk on how we can be ambassadors for Christ. He pointed out certain ministerial weaknesses and suggested ways of remedying them. The union president, J. A. McMillan, admonished us to spend more time in the great essentials of soul winning and cited some of the self-sacrificing efforts of our pioneers, comparing the many advantages we have today with the lack of resources in the early days. J. H. Bayliss, president of the South England Conference, did credit to the subject given him, which was "Sound Speech That Cannot Be Condemned." W. L. Emmerson gave an illustrated lecture on the beginnings of the Advent Movement in the Old World, and how these were transplanted and took root and bore fruit in the New.
In Norway we did not have so many special lecturers, but were favored in having V. N. Olsen, Bible teacher at Newbold Missionary College, lead us into the field of early Christian literature. He brought the Sabbath-Sunday question into sharp focus as it was discussed by the early fathers from Ignatius to Constantine. He traced the great Christological controversy from the Council of Nicaea to the Council of Chalcedon.
W. E. Read presented eight lectures on the greatest theme of all, "The Incomparable Christ." As the students and workers saw Christ uplifted anew in all His majesty and beauty, they were drawn to rededicate their lives to the speedy finishing of the work in all the world.
Special Features
Two special features of the schools were the temperance conventions and the three-day workers' meetings. W. A. Scharffenberg, W. H. Beaven, and C. D. Watson took charge of the two-day temperance meeting in England. On one of these days we transferred our students to the University of London, where we had well-known temperance advocates lecture to us. W. A. Scharffenberg and O. Jordal were successful in obtaining some of the leading authorities in temperance in Norway to visit our school and give instruction.
In order that some of the benefits of these special schools be extended to the entire field, the leaders of the division and unions called in the other workers who were not privileged to attend the regular classes during the school term. Three days were spent with this larger group in intensive study. Both method and content were presented during these days, and a time of deep spiritual refreshing was experienced.
Objective
The motto of the Theological Seminary is "From All the World, to All the World." This motto came alive in our schools as the student body was representative of many countries, and we all entered into a solemn pledge to do our utmost to take the last message to all the world. The students were enthusiastic in their praise for the valuable instruction received. These extension schools are not in the nature of a convention, but teaching is carried on as in a regular school. During the term examinations are given, and the students who have the prerequisites and who successfully pass the three courses are granted six hours postgraduate credit.
Very few of our workers from overseas have the opportunity of attending our Theological Seminary in America, but by means of these extension schools many of the benefits of the Seminary are brought to them in their own country and in their own language. We have always believed that workers should be trained in their own country, and should have the responsibility of leadership placed on them. These extension schools can do much in the training and development of young men in their home fields. We found the students eager, intelligent, and cooperative. They expressed a strong desire that the full fifth year ministerial program be offered to them in their own division. This request is being passed to the General Conference and the Potomac University Board.
As teachers we could not speak too highly of the cooperation received from A. F. Tarr, the division president, and also from the other officers of the division, and from the union and local presidents. The two colleges gave us freely of their facilities. We believe that the new vision of the message and the improved methods of presenting it will mean much in the near future in the finishing of the work in the Northern European Division.