# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1944_S662
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

78 ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

[202] Sunday School Teacher Training

Dear BRETHREN:

During the six years in which the Concordia Teacher Trainin
Program has been in operation, growth has been steady and con
sistent. It has enjoyed a favorable reception; it has firmly ens.
trenched itself, and indications are that it will continue to grow.

- Wartime conditions have effected the enterprise to a degree hardh
perceptible. The over-all picture is encouraging. For the’succ
of this major undertaking we praise and thank God. Progress can’
best be shown by means of comparative data; we therefore plac
the figures of 1941 and 1943 side by side. (1) Distribution of text-
books: 80,000—128,000; (2) groups reported in training: 683
to 971; (3) teachers reported enrolled: 9,000--13,895; (4) credits ’’
issued: 16,000—28,496. Of the number of students enrolled 507,
representing 116 congregations, have completed the six courses O!
the First Series and have been awarded the First Certificate
A considerable disparity exists between the number of textbooks
distributed and the number of credits issued, as the above figur
reveal. Apparently many groups studying the courses have fail
to apply for credit. A Second Series is being projected by the
Committee. Two courses in this series have already been pu fs
lished; a number of manuscripts are in preparation; eventually we
shall have a longer list of Second Series courses, thus making it
possible for teachers to choose the areas in which they car ‘to
undertake special studies and also giving teachers an opportunity,
to continue in training over a longer period of years. Most of the:
courses are suited to the capacity of the average lay member of
our Church; therefore all laymen should be encouraged to enroll;.
those in particular who have been assigned positions of leadershi
and can well profit by the information and inspiration given by
these courses.

Your Committee therefore recommends:

1. That all teachers be encouraged to work for credit. ,

2. That individuals complete the First Series and earn the First
Certificate before taking any of the Second Series courses.

3. That groups of teachers who have completed the First Series
proceed to the Second Series so that, in keeping with the original
plan of the Committee, they continue to grow. :

4. That provision be made in the local congregation to admin-.
ister the courses of the First Series a second time in the interest:
of beginning teachers who need special preparation for the impor.
tant task of teaching God’s Word in Sunday school.

Pau. Koenic, Chairman
A. C. MUELLER, Secretary