# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1947_S304
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

304 PARISH EDUCATION

whether co-ordination of effort in the publication of materials
might be achieved. Before adjournment, the representatives
appointed a Committee on Bible Classes with instructions to study
objectives and materials, undertake necessary research, and submit
a report in due time.

The Committee (Dean R, Jesse, chairman, Dr, Th. Graebner,
Dr. J. M. Weidenschilling, and Rev. A. C. Mueller, secretary) began
its studies immediately. Sessions were held regularly during
1945 and 1946. The following studies were made and then pub-
lished as a mimeographed booklet of fifty-four pages: “Objectives
of the Bible Class,” “The Bible Class in Parish Education,”
“Questionnaire with Analysis and Evaluation,” “The Bible-Class
Situation,” “Promotion and Improvement of Bible Classes,” “Sug-
gested Courses for Various Age Groups,” “Throwing the Responsi-
bility on the Laity,” “Emphases in the Course of Study,” “Publi-
cation of Courses,” “Materials and Methods.”

A fairly accurate Picture of the Bible-class Situation was
obtained by means of the questionnaire. The general complaint
of respondents was that of an indifference so deeply rooted as to
discourage effort and planning. Various causes were said to account
for the indifference of the laity, The Bible-class idea is relatively
recent. People are unwilling to enroll because they have not
been trained to attend Bible classes. Confirmation is usually
regarded as graduation from the formal educational program of
the congregation, Everywhere the either-or policy prevails;
church members think they are free to choose between the Sunday
school and the church Service; they feel no obligation to attend
both. Some believe that by emphasizing Catechism and Bible
History we have given the Bible a secondary place in the thinking
of our people. Laymen are indifferent because they are ignorant

to make the Bible a fascinating book to the people. We have
neglected to train laymen for Bible class teaching. Pastors have

On November 30, 1946, the Committee reported to the larger
group of representatives. After hearing the report, the group
was unanimously of the opinion that the Bible-class situation
should be brought to the attention of Synod, that our pastors
should be enlisted to Promote a Bible-class program, and that
steps should be taken immediately to enroll our laymen everywhere
in Bible classes. To ensure the preparation of an adequate Bible-
study program, the synodical Board for Parish Education, in a