Training the Teacher

by A. F. Schauffler; Martin Grove Brumbaugh; Antoinette Abernethy Lamoreaux; Marion Lawrance

Organized Adult Classes

108. Organized classes have existed in small numbers here and there for many years; not until recently, however, has the attention of the Sunday-school world been especially attracted to them. When once their value became recognized the idea spread rapidly, and the organized adult class is now one of the most prominent features of Sunday-school work almost everywhere.

109. Organization.—Elaborate organization will not be needed, except in very large classes. It is best to organize men's classes and women's classes separately. Call together by announcement and invitation those who are interested in forming a class, for conference. Furnish them with the leaflets on organized classes furnished by the denomination or by the International Sunday School Association. Explain the method and purpose of class organization. Endeavor to secure a definite number of charter members to begin with. Adopt the suggested International constitution, or some other if better suited to the needs of the class; or appoint a committee to draft the sort of a constitution desired. Secure the International Certificate of Recognition, which should be framed and hung upon the walls of the class-room. It will be well to make the organization conform to the standard set up by the International Sunday School Association, and outlined in their leaflets.

110. Purpose.—The real purpose of class organization is to make the class more effective in those things for which a Sunday-school class exists. Genuine, faithful Bible study for the purpose of leading men and women to Christ, developing Christian character, training for service, securing their membership in the church, and setting them to work, is the business of the class. Everything else must contribute to this. With this as the goal, any wisely conducted class will succeed; but if anything else overshadows this, true success is impossible. Thoroughly organized classes will solve the problem of holding men and women in the Sunday-school, and are doing it continually.

111. Officers and Their Duties.—Elect a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, whose duties will be those usually performed by such officers. The president will preside, not only at all class meetings, but at the regular Sunday session of the class as well. The most important officer to choose is the teacher. Select the very best teacher obtainable, and one, if possible, who is well known and liked by the class. The teacher and president should be ex-officio members of all committees. Other officers may be chosen as they are needed.

112. Committees.—Appoint but few committees to start with, and others as the need arises.

The Executive Committee may consist of the general officers of the class and the chairmen of the various standing committees.

The Membership Committee will seek to secure new members, look up the absentees, and visit the sick. As the class grows in size, part of this work may be assigned to special committees.

The Devotional Committee will have in charge the devotional services of the class on Sundays and at other meetings.

The Social Committee will welcome and introduce new members and visitors; it will also seek to cultivate the social side of the class, providing such gatherings and entertainments as may be approved.

The growing needs of the class will suggest special committees from time to time.

113. Name.—There is inspiration in a good name. It may be the name of some prominent person in the denomination or community, but it is better not to use the name of any one still living. Or the name may have the charm of secrecy—a word or initials—with a significance known only to the class. Whatever name is adopted, make much of it. Let it be prominent on all the class printing. Many classes adopt "colors," and decorate their class-room with them; some choose a class flower, to be worn on special occasions. Class stationery and whatever else will tend to cultivate a class spirit is desirable.

114. Class Meetings.—There should be regular meetings of the class, at least quarterly. The social committee will usually arrange for these meetings, but occasionally another committee should be in charge, as the literary or athletic committee. The great occasion of the year will be the annual meeting, when a special effort should be made to secure the presence of all members, past and present. The election of officers, a banquet, a fine program, and a glad reunion will be its customary features.

115. Relation to the School.—The organized class should be a part of the Sunday-school with which it is connected. It will be better if during the opening or closing service the members of the class can sit with the school. Their relation to the school should be the same as that of any other class. Class spirit is good, but school spirit is better. They should use the regular Bible lesson. Nearly all classes which have turned aside from the Bible lessons have gone down. They should contribute to the regular school fund, and comply with all the requirements of the school. The influence of large organized classes upon the boys and girls, thus emphasizing loyalty to the school, is very great.

116. Relation to the Community.—Organized classes are now combined in a regular department of the organized or International Sunday-school work. Each organized class should co-operate with others in extending and improving organized class work and methods. Delegates should be sent from the class to conventions and conferences, and make report to the class upon their return. The International emblem, a small red button or pin with a white center, will enable members of organized classes to recognize each other when they meet. Much helpful literature for organized classes is now in print, in the form of periodicals, lesson helps, and books for teachers, officers, and scholars.

117. Benefits.—A class spirit is fostered. The class becomes a working force and unit. The organized class has something definite to do. It sets every member to work. It helps to hold the big boys and girls in the school. It interests men and women in the study of the Bible and in the church. It furnishes workers for the church and Sunday-school, teachers for mission schools, speakers and singers for evangelistic meetings upon the street and elsewhere. It gives strength and dignity to the school. It adds largely to the school's financial resources. Organization carries many a class over the dead center of discouragement, or the weakening influence of being without a teacher. A well-organized class will grow, for a time at least, whether it has a teacher or not.