# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1953_S203
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

PARISH EDUCATION 203

very peak of their learning efficiency. They represent a
mendous working force for Jesus Christ if the Church will
‘hi-them, train them, use them, lead them.
le Study. — Adult education in our Synod has been largely
tified with Bible study in the last two trienniums because here
sed seemed greatest. In 1946 about 6.8 per cent of our com-~
micant members were reported as being in Bible classes. By
this had risen to 12 per cent. Synod at its last convention
sed the comprehensive resolutions of 1947 with a call to
e:the enrollment by another 5 per cent. By the end of 1951
despread gain could be reported. For that reason the Board
dip the Bible Study Advance, calling upon each parish to take
tive action to enroll its people for Bible study.
The Bible Study Advance gives directions for a Bible rally,
‘énlistment meeting, a permanent recruitment program, enough
asses to serve all age levels above confirmation, the enroll-
all adults and children confirmed for further indoctrination,
e ‘training of teachers and parents for greater Bible use in
d church through the use of the five new Bible sound-
ps. The Advance was introduced with a Reformation day
iphasis on the open Bible in 1952. For mass Reformation meet-
}@ pageant was written, orders of service suggested, and a tract
ed. A congregational manual, Take the Sword of the. Spirit,
ed procedures, and a booklet on Enlisting People in the Bible
was prepared to help Bible classes set up a continual enlist-
¢:program. Twelve tracts were assembled to help the churches
‘Each District of Synod has a Bible Study Advance Committee
given the task to its Board of Education. Every circuit has
asked to set up Bible teams of laymen to help introduce the
ce. About 1,000 laymen are being used in this manner. The
her League and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League are
notable assistance on the District level. The Lutheran Lay-
s League is helping both on the District and national levels.
very congregation needs to give attention to better courses: of
etter teaching, and better administration of its youth and
ble classes if it is to gain and hold its people. In the coming
ium Synod needs to give special attention to (1) curricula
all Bible class teachers, (2) helping Bible classes set up good
stration, (3) helping congregations provide better facilities
ble classes, (4) set up more Bible classes. We have approx-
7 6,000 Bible classes. With a minimum of three classes for
th, we should have 10,000 more classes.
se worship service with the sermon is still the most vital
we have for keeping people with Christ and is indeed an