It Is Your Problem
An epitaph for a dead Bible class was written and inscribed in our study booklets: "In memory of all those who died while waiting for the bell to ring. "Of course, all of us who ranged in age from 12 — 15 had a good laugh and thought no more about it until our teacher decided to collect the "tombstones" to see if the blanks were properly filled. He was not in the least amused when on the inside cover he discovered our neatly drawn grave marker with its most appropriate inscription.
As our conscientious instructor opened the class period the next Lord's day, he solemnly inquired, "Is it really that bad? Are you all bored? Are you really not getting anything out of the class?" Seeing his obvious hurt and disappointment, we all replied with heads bowed in shame that his class was excellent, and that we would do much better in the future if he would not go to our parents. Well, it worked. We got off the hook, and soon the class returned to its flotsam form on the sea of knowledge.
Look around. See whom you can blame for the failure described above. With the fault resting on someone else, go away relieved and sigh, "It is not my problem." But, it is your problem! You need not be an elder, a preacher, a parent, or a Bible class teacher to be concerned. If you are a faithful Christian, IT IS YOUR PROBLEM!
Some elders never sit in on classes to see that a teacher and his class are functioning as a unit toward set, obtainable objectives. That is their problem. Some parents never discuss with their child concerning his Bible class. They never offer assistance or ask their child a question to see if he truly understands the blank in which he has scribbled an answer, and that is their problem. Some Bible class teachers offer as much enthusiasm as donkey for a sleigh ride, and on account of it their students have a reciprocal attitude toward the Philippian jailer's conversion. That, too, is their problem, and when some preachers never show the demand for orderly, effective, interesting class situations, then they have a problem.
Do you not see that it is in a very real, meaningful sense your problem? Slovenly, ship-shod, half-shod classroom fiascos are created. An unconcerned attitude in the heart of any member of the body begats "after his kind." Because brethren in general have believed that classes were just something to keep the kids out until the "auditorium class" is over, many churches are infected with "pass-the-time-the-best-way-you-know-how-it is." Unless and until all members recognize, encourage, and strive toward teachers and classes for learning, the list for the memory of those who died while waiting for the bell to ring will increase. Those who ask, "What has happened to our young people?" are the ones who fostered the class environment which in some cases is what has happened to our young people.
In this age of skepticism, religious and non-religious infidelity, worldliness, and the lack of knowledge and respect for Bible authority, no need is more urgent than a renovation of the slum class. You can help if you will be "transformed by the renewing of your mind" toward the importance of Bible study. After your mind has been properly channeled, here is what you can do.
1. Stir the minds of others. Awake them to the importance of your new "hobby."
a. In private conversation sound out your friends as to their feelings and thoughts. You may be surprised to find that their desires, though dormant, can be kindled.
b. Express your concern to the elders and teachers. Indicate that you are available to serve in any capacity.
2. Do not impose, but offer suggestions which you feel will improve a class. Do you think charts, chalk, a projector would supplement and complement a certain study? Kindly say so.
3. Encourage the development of teacher training classes. Suggest that teachers meet and candidly express their problems and successes in a round table discussion. This will help to "clear the air" and arouse the teachers to a realization that they are not alone with their shortcomings. They should then be more receptive to a training program.
4. Suggest that students be allowed to tell what they like and dislike about their classes.
The list could go on and on. This article has been chiefly designed, however, to make you realize that inefficient Bible classes are your problem and mine. Let us be earnest and work while yet 'tis day.
— 602 W. Lee St., Plano, Ill. 60545