# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S1057
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

PARISH EDUCATION 859

Bible Use. in the Home

i: Another subcommittee has been dealing with the problem of
increasing the profitable use of the Scriptures in our homes both
eprivately and in family worship. Many Bible-reading plans have
wobeen investigated. One plan has been tried out experimentally in
whole District. Further studies are being made, including
a scientific survey to get solid facts on which to base a preventive
‘and a remedial program, which will lift the devotional habits of
‘our people, A full acceptance of the Lutheran doctrine of the
ord and of the priesthood of all believers demands a practice that
consistent, namely, regular and fruitful use of the Word of God
our private lives. Use of the Word should come natural to the
child of God. Nothing less will give us people capable of coping
with the increasing secularism, the aggressive Romanism, and the
® anti-Christian Communism of our age. There is a distinct need
for special efforts in every congregation during the next triennium
to increase Bible use in the home.

Bible Study and Youth

4 Some preliminary studies have indicated that fully 70 per cent
of our young people between the age of 14 and 24 are not enrolled
f in Bible classes nor teaching the Bible in Sunday school classes.
¢ This is far below a creditable record for our Church and spells
F disaster for tomorrow. There is need for a special and careful
;. analysis based on facts and a vigorous promotion which enlists
y all that are concerned: the home, the church, Bible classes, Sunday
E schools, and youth societies. A subcommittee has been appointed
* to give guidance toward an effective approach to Lutheran youth.

Bible Institutes Increase

‘ Under the blessings of God the St. Louis Lutheran Bible Insti-
;. tute founded in the fall of 1946 has continued with two semesters
ba year and maintained an enrollment of more than 200 per
- semester. It has also stimulated the founding of six other Bible
; institutes. Five or six more are being established in 1950. Recog-
... nizing the importance of training more volunteer parish workers for
four churches, the Board for Parish Education has asked the
& St.Louis Institute Committee to supply guidance to the institute
&: movement. The busy pastor, with his crowded parish calendar,
»-and the fuller achievement of our missionary and educational task
# as a world Church call for the training of many more consecrated’
}-.men and women with all types of parish activity. We believe that
.: many more Lutheran centers should be encouraged to set up Bible
institutes, that the Board for Parish Education should be charged