LAST year the Pacific Union College hosted for one week the first Bible instructors' workshop to be held in the Pacific Union Conference.
An evening convocation introduced the timely subject of "Creationism" to more than thirty Bible instructors and other friends and guests who represented the entire Pacific Union Conference with the exception of Hawaii. The speaker was Ervil Clark of the college biology department. In two succeeding lectures he continued this subject, inspiring all to a greater confidence in the inspirational Word of God and the truths that have been revealed to mankind. Beyond that, he stated, modern science may only conjecture.
The Bible instructors' workshop continued throughout the week. Teachers from the Pacific Union College department of religion took an active part in the presentations and discussion.
Carl Coffman and Leo Van Do'son gave practical help on Bible study methods; and Leslie Hardinge filled three afternoon sessions with the topic "Presenting Christ Through the Sanctuary." Robert W. Olson, chairman of the Pacific Union College religion department, led out in several discussions, including the final hour of study, which was on the Ellen G. White books and references as used in modern Bible study lessons.
Devotional topics were presented by L. H. Hartin, W. T. Hyde, and W. K. Nelson, all from the college religion department, and guest speaker Mrs. Taylor Bunch.
Another guest speaker, Mary Walsh, presented topics of interest to all Bible instructors. A veteran Bible instructor, Miss Walsh emphasized ways of meeting obstacles and deterrents brought into the Bible study program by opposing forces.
Details and coordination of meetings were under the supervision of Carrie Tichenor, instructor of Bible study methods at Pacific Union College.
This week for Bible training brought a very good response from instructors and visitors alike. Truly, the responsibility of Bible instruction is to "uplift the principles and purpose of Christ" to modern humanity.
The many thanks and words of appreciation that have come from the Bible instructors and guests who attended have brought great joy to those who were responsible for the workshop.
Gleaning from the book Evangelism by Ellen G. White we read that in some places the house-to-house personal Bible study plan may prove more profitable to God's work than a public evangelistic meeting (p. 457).
"The plan of holding Bible readings was a heaven-born idea," said God's messenger, and she added, "There are many, both men and women, who can engage in this branch of missionary labor."—Ibid., p. 456.
Pacific Union College is dedicated to the task of preparing young people for service in the Lord's vineyard. Because of the conviction of these guidelines the department of religion has joined forces to make possible thorough preparation in all branches of evangelism.
Principles of public evangelism are taught and practiced. Students of theology secure needed experience and manifold privileges as they conduct meetings and branch Sabbath schools in neighboring cities. This is as it should be.
But the "heaven-born idea" of quiet, humble Bible study in homes where families and friends may study the Word of God under the guidance of a dedicated Bible instructor should not be neglected. Both men and women may be trained for this important part of gospel ministry.
Pacific Union College offers two courses to interested students. Both mature men and women may take advantage of a short course in Bible methods and Bible knowledge and thus prepare for part-time or full-time Bible instructor's work. This short course does not grant a college degree.
A four-year course, however, granting a B.A. degree is provided under the title of the Bible Instructor Course. This major field includes not only the training in Bible doctrines and Bible study methods but also includes training in all phases of evangelism. A foreign language is one requirement of this major. This may be Greek or a modern language.
The Bible instructor degree will be given for the first time in the spring of 1967. This is the second year this course has been offered at Pacific Union College.
Promising young people are already responding to the needs in the field of personal evangelism. May many get the vision.