June 1931
279
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SNotes on Qkristian ßndeavor' |
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Milo F. J am iso n
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A Bible Discussion Course A constructive, connected series o f practical Bible discussion subjects and outlines to be used by Christian En- deavor societies, Sunday-school classes, and other Bible study groups. T HERE are two essentials to symmet rical growth. The first lies in the field of education; the second in the field of expression. One deals with the process of information; the other with the com munication of that which has been learn ed. Education can be likened to the food which we eat and digest to give us nour ishment. Expression corresponds to ex ercise which keeps us strong and healthy. In the realm of the Christian life, a balance must also be kept. A personal, regular study of the Bible, and time for private meditation and prayer, should be balanced by an opportunity for expression and discussion of that which has been learned. The education should be cared for by a constructive,' daily Bible devo tional course; the expression, by proper opportunity for discussion and testimony. In the suggestions which follow, we are dealing primarily with the expressional side of the picture. However, since there can be no real expression without some source of education, it will be necessary to suggest a study plan as well as discus sion subjects. A N ew P lan In order to insure adequate, worth while material upon which can be built a real program of Bible and Christian life dis cussion, the Gospel of John has been se lected as a source book of information. One chapter will be used each week, thus presenting ample subject matter around which to develop a constructive study. In the present treatise, the only consid eration will be in the preparation for and participation in the topic discussion itself. Such features as preliminaries, music, etc., will be dealt with later. I. Preparation 1. Each day of the week preceding the meeting, the entire chapter assigned should be read slowly and prayerfully. 2. The outline for the day should then be analyzed and enlarged upon. It should be borne in mind that the outlines herein presented are not to be used in copy book fashion. Rather, they are given as a thought-starter for sluggish minds. 3. One of the discussion questions should become the basis for a period of meditation each day. II. Expression After the thought content of the chap ter has been firmly fixed in the mind, an alyzed, and outlined, the next step is to pass on to Others some of that which has been learned. Any one of the outlines suggested., or others that may be worked *All rights reserved.
out by the individual, can be used, as the basis for a short talk to be given in the meeting. These should be formal ad dresses in miniature, complete, yet short and condensed. The time should be gov erned by the character of the meeting and by the number of persons to take part. A loquacious bore is never appreciated! III. Discussion In the technical sense in which the words “expression” and “discussion” are being used in these studies, expression indicates more or less formal talks or ad dresses, whether 16ng or short. Discus sion is used in the sense of an informal yet organized group conversation in which an effort is made to come to sane, satisfying conclusions concerning mutual ly interesting questions. Both formal ex pression and group discussion are valuable forms of imparting and receiving in formation. In so far as the information is transformed into action, the life will be enriched and the value made permanent. As a rule, in the meeting, the discussion
period should follow the more formal ex pressional period. Sometimes the forum method can be used, with the entire group asking questions of the various speakers concerning the subject of their talks. At other times, the discussion questions will supply a stimulant to an active participa tion by all. L e a d e r sh ip There are four outstanding reasons for the failure of any expressional meeting. 1. Timidity. Because the members of the group are afraid of each other. 2. Indifference. Because they are not interested in the subject. 3. Ignorance. Because they do not know enough about the subject to discuss it with freedom. 4. Disorganisation. Because the sub ject is not presented in a way to draw out the individual. The first of these difficulties, timidity, can be met by getting the members of the group better acquainted. The second, indifference, may be over come by changing the discussion subject, or by_presenting a new approach which will tie up the subject to something of interest to the group. Ignorance must be remedied by more study and preparation on the. part of the individual. Disorganization can be solved by prop er leadership of the group in their dis cussions. — o — July S, 1931 WHO IS JESUS CHRIST ? John 1 :l-34 T H E R E is no figure in all history who compares with Jesus Christ. Our cal endar dates from His birth. The good in our civilization is the fruit of His in fluence on the lives of men and nations. Thousands have died for His cause, and millions have given Him their allegiance. His personality, His influence, His claims all mark Him as a unique charac ter. Every one should know about Him'; every one should know Him! This chap ter centers around Christ, though other correlated material is included in the out lines. P reparation Read John this week. 1 :l-34 carefully each day Monday Underline the striking vers es which might be memo rized. Prepare a brief outline of the chapter. Wednesday Study all that is said con cerning Christ in this chap ter. Thursday List and explain the titles given to Christ in the chap ter. Friday Study the life and tes timony of John the Baptist. Tuesday
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Some Suggestions to Leaders 1. Select a goal or goals for the meeting. 2. Prepare p r a ye r f u l l y and carefully. 3. Make y ou r m eeting an event! 4. Seek to attain dignity with out the loss of enthusiasm. 5. Place the topic before the group in a carefully pre pared brief statement, pre senting clearly the subjects and problems to be dis cussed. 6. Give every one in the group a chance to talk as long as he is making a point. 7. Prevent a few individuals from monopolizing the dis cussion. 8. Do not talk too much your self. Do not comment upon each remark made by a member o f the group. 9. Allow for silence occasion ally in which people may think. 10. Respect every individual and opinion. Laugh with, but never at any one. 11. Suggest new questions from time to time to stimulate further thought. 12. Present a brief summary and conclusion at the close of the discussjon period. —M. F. J.
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