Bible Teaching In Nacogdoches
Inasmuch as several have expressed an interest in the Bible courses which are to be taught by the editor in Nacogdoches this Spring, we feel a word of explanation may be helpful.
The fine Mound and Starr congregation in Nacogdoches has been interested for some time in expanding their teaching program, and in securing the services of some qualified man who could devote himself fully to this work. Knowing something of the work we were doing in the Park Hill Church at Fort Smith, and impressed with the possibilities of that kind of program in a college town, the elders at Mound and Starr extended an invitation for us to move to this lovely east Texas town, (site of Stephen F. Austin State College), and undertake the project. We believe the following quotation from brother Robert Welch, appearing in the local church bulletin of December 13, will set forth the simple facts:
In addition to those classes which have been regularly scheduled for the increasing of the knowledge of the members and all others who are interested, brother Tant will be teaching some courses in the Bible.
Arrangements have been made with the college whereby one of those courses will receive credit toward graduation, beginning in January in the second semester. There will be others added to the list, but this one is planned in getting started, seeing how much interest there will be, etc.
This one will be a three hour course. It will meet 1 hours each on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
This class work is not under the direction of the college, nor is brother Tant paid by the college, nor is the class room provided or furnished by the college. It is merely an agreement with the college whereby the college student taking the course being taught under the direction of this church and its elders may receive credit.
Brother Tant is qualified in both knowledge and experience to teach the Bible, satisfying the demands of the Lord and the desires of the church here. He is qualified academically for teaching courses to be credited by the college. We consider ourselves fortunate in finding such a happy combination.
This work will be done in the classroom of the church building which is presently being used for teaching the college age classes. The Bible will be the text. He will be using an excellent series of outline charts in a study of the Old Testament.
For credit, the students will register at the college for the course. Others may audit (that is, sit in for the instruction, but without credit) the course.
One more word for the curious and those who may have been disturbed by some rumor that this work is being done by some kind of an arrangement whereby many congregations are contributing to this one. This congregation is supporting brother Tant, and supplying the necessary facilities for this Bible teaching, as a part of her own work. We want it to do the most possible good by having as many as will avail themselves of the teaching. — R.C.W.
A Bible Chair?
We have been asked whether this work can be described as that of a "Bible Chair." Insofar as that word denotes the teaching of the Bible for college credit, the answer is "yes." But in the ordinary connotation of the word, involving a centralized project as the work of many congregations, supported financially by those congregations, yet controlled and "sponsored" by one congregation, involving an organized social and recreational program under the eldership of the sponsoring church, the answer is a positive "no."
We would answer; then, from the point of view of the college administration and from people not members of the churches of Christ, we will probably hear this work referred to as a '"Bible Chair" in much the same way the local preacher is referred to as "the pastor." But for those of us who are connected with it and doing the work, it is simply a matter of teaching the Bible as opportunity affords. The only difference between this work and that which was done at the Park Hill Church in Fort Smith is that some students in some of the classes here will be able to receive college credit for the course.
It shall be our purpose to concentrate on the Bible itself. This will be our text-book. There are about 150 students now registered at Stephen F. Austin State College who are either members of the church of Christ or list this as their preference. It is our prayer that we may be able to reach many of these young people, and others on the campus, and strengthen their faith in and concern for the cause of Christ.
— F. Y. T.