Promoting The Vacation Bible School
In these days that try men's souls, there is a great need for spiritual power in the lives of God's people. There is but one source from whence this power may come. It must come from God through his word. This means that God's word must be taught. We are happy to see this paper widening its scope of teaching to meet the present need. The writer is encouraged by many congregations increasing their teaching programs. These efforts are not only to instruct the local membership but to project the influence of the church more widely in the community. The Daily Vacation Bible Schools that are being conducted by many congregations are rendering a distinct service and making many communities feel more keenly the influence of the New Testament teaching.
Removing Prejudice
Some in the church have been prejudiced toward Vacation Bible School efforts. Their major objection is that the denominations conduct Vacation Schools. It is true that the denominations have conducted such schools as early as 1866 and now the Jews and the Catholics are holding schools of similar nature. While these religious bodies are conducting schools to teach their peculiar doctrine, we should not allow this to become a "scarecrow" and keep us from using such opportunities for New Testament teaching. We could as easily object to meeting on the first day of the week because the denominations meet on that day. No one should be led to believe that denominationalism is the originator of a daily teaching program. To members of the church of Christ, daily teaching should not be anything new, for the word of God was taught daily in the Jerusalem church. Acts 2:41-47.
What Is A Vacation Bible School?
A true Daily Vacation Bible School is a school conducted by the church held daily in the vacation period where the Bible is taught to the students as an unerring guide.
The Importance Of Such Work
All will agree that we are using our church buildings too little for teaching the word of God. In a two or three weeks' Daily Vacation Bible School, we do as much teaching as in one half of the year in our Sunday morning Bible School. Such schools not only afford an opportunity to instruct the church but to teach our children that which will aid them in character building, and the plan that God has to save their souls.
Four Things Necessary In Planning The School
In planning the school we need to consider the possibilities of the local congregation and make our plans adequate.
1 - The time for the school is important and should be arranged when it is possible to reach the most people. Perhaps soon after the close of school will be best for the children.
2 - Faithful men and women must be selected to do the teaching. There is a need for good teachers in the church. The Vacation Bible School furnishes an opportunity for training teachers to be more efficient in teaching. We learn to do by doing. In this work we not only develop new teachers, but the training improves those who have already had some experience.
3 - Much study should be given to the courses that are going to be taught. If it is a Bible School, let a truly make it what the name implies. Our courses should not be in manual arts, paper dolls and home economics but Bible courses. We must give the students something that is distinctive in teaching.
4 - Advertising the school is a simple matter. If we know how to advertise a gospel meeting, we should know how to advertise a Vacation Bible School.
Enrolling The Students
The student body of the Vacation Bible School be made up of children and young people from the home of the members of the congregations in many localities. But, we should not overlook the opportunity of having adult classes for the fathers and mothers, at the same time. Neither should we pass up the opportunity for reaching the homes in the community by encouraging the children from denominational homes to enroll. In this way we are "reaching the unreached." Then there are many children in the community that do not attend Sunday School nor religious services of any kind. These we should endeavor to reach.
The church can do some fine evangelistic work by holding these schools. The church can best fill it mission in a community with an adequate teaching program.
Suggested Program Outline and Class Periods.
1 - Duration of school, Monday through Friday of two weeks.
2 - Time of day from 9 o'clock until 11 o'clock (more if needed).
3 - Devotional, 9:00 to 9:20.
a - Children's songs.
b - Scripture reading.
c - Prayer.
d - A good theme song will be in order.
4 - First class period, 9:20 to 10:00.
5 - Intermission, 10:00 to 10:15.
6 - Second class period, 10:15 to 10:55.
7 - Assembly in auditorium, 10:55 to 11:05, for:
a - Children's songs.
b - Announce plans for tomorrow.
c - Encourage children to bring someone tomorrow.
d - Report number present.
e - Closing prayer.
Success Of The School
The success of a Daily Vacation Bible School depend upon the vision, interest, enthusiasm and work on the part of the elders, teachers, preacher, and members of tie local congregation. If we faithfully carry out our duties God will abundantly bless our labors.
—O—
A little four-year-old, spending a night away from home, knelt at her hostess' knee to say her prayers, expecting the usual prompting which she got at home. When the help failed to come from her hostess, she said "Please, God, excuse me tonight. I can't remember my prayers and I'm staying with a lady who doesn't know.