An Effective Teaching Program
Since this article contains some suggested class schedules, please permit me to briefly summarize why they are being given.
In a series of five previous articles we have analyzed the present teaching program that is normally conducted in churches throughout the nation. Also suggestions were made for the improvement of these classes so that they might be taught on the same level and with the same efficiency as those in our public schools. In the following schedules, I am assuming that the local evangelist will be used on a full-time teaching basis. In addition to the evangelist we should always add teachers as the program expands, but only when they are fully qualified to teach this type of class. All classes, unless otherwise noted, will be 11/2 hour classes, meeting once each week.
Beginning schedule: Tues. 7:30-9:00 P.M. Acts First Semester Wed. 7:30-9:00 P.M. Acts
Thurs. 9:30-1 1:00 A.M. Acts Having taught the book of Acts about fifteen times on this level, I am firmly convinced that this book must be the starting place. The teacher of this class should require that the students know all names, places, and numbers in the book. In addition, they must know the content of each chapter, being able to repeat it to the class when the number of the chapter is given. Memorizing Paul's journeys is also required. This includes knowing where he picked up each preacher and where he left them off again. Even more important, the student should know when, where, and why, Paul wrote each of his books. This enables the student to obtain a good general knowledge of the entire New Testament. This class is indispensible! Regardless of how many times a person has taken the book of Acts in other classes, they have never covered it to this extent. Some balk at repeating this book if they have recently had it in a typical Wed. night class, but such people will be your most enthusiastic class supporters after taking it again, comparing the two methods of teaching.
Notice that this schedule allows for the mother and father to attend on separate nights. So, those who desire may take the day class.
Second Semester Tues. 7:30-9:00 P.M. Acts Wed. 7:30-9:00 P.M. I & II Cor.
Thurs. 9:30-11:00 A.M. I & II Cor.
Thurs. 7:30-9:00 P.M. Eph. Col. Phil. Philemon This schedule allows the new converts, and those who move into your community, to take the book of Acts first. (You will find that you will have to repeat Acts often.)
Wed. and Thurs. gives you the duplication of classes for mothers and fathers. This semester you can offer two different classes as you begin to expand the program.
Third Semester: Mon. 7:30-9:00 P.M. Acts Tues. 7:30-9:00 P.M. Eph. Col. Phil. & Philemon
Wed. 9:30-11:00 A.M. Eph. Col. Phil. & Philemon Thurs. 7:30-9:00 P.M. Romans
This schedule allows the new members to take Acts. The last semester's Corinthian classes can take Eph., Col., Phil., Philemon. Those who took these two classes last semester may take the new course, which is Romans.
The above schedules are samples of expanding the curriculum slowly, and yet effectively. This gives the teacher time to adequately prepare for each class. Each semester, he uses classes for which he has already prepared, and adds at least one new course, which will consume a great deal of time in preparation.
Expanding the program: As time goes on the program will expand so that each night of the week can be used, and even more than one class can be taught on the same night. The schedule is flexible and should be reviewed each semester and molded to fit the needs of the church where the classes are being taught. If you have young men who desire to study for the purpose of becoming gospel preachers, you will have to offer more courses than given above. Such men will be able to attend school full-time and others part-time. Whatever the demand, you are set to supply the need with this type of program.
Fruits of the program: This type of program has been proven to increase the attendance sharply. In most cases, 80 to 90 percent of the members will enroll in these classes. In addition, young men will avail themselves of the opportunity to prepare to preach the gospel. We have seen men quit their jobs, and college, while others have moved hundreds of miles to take advantage of this opportunity. We have been using this program since 1961, and, in addition to the men who have already gone out to preach, it is interesting to note the present condition of the congregation. Out of the twenty men under forty years of age, six of them are now definitely preparing to preach the gospel, and others are considering the same possibility. This has been a very rewarding experience to me, and others who are using this procedure in the Northwest are finding it equally effective.
— 11523 Holmes Point Drive N. E., Kirkland, Washington 98033