Biblical Instruction in the Congregation

Editorial
January/ February, 1977
Volume 12, Number 1

The general lack of Scriptural training and the inadequate understanding of basic Bible doctrines on the part of members of our churches is appalling. The decline in church membership during the past decade is a further cause for concern. One factor contributing to these conditions is simply that many church services are not meeting people’s needs. Multitudes of sermons and Sunday School lessons are not answering the basic questions of life. There is little true concern in the Church of the Brethren for persons without Christ who are lost and under the wrath of God. Liberation theology now dominates the thinking of many in positions of denominational leadership. Those who accept the tenets of the new theology, seem more anxious to point persons to secular revolution and political independence – than to show them the Way to heaven.

The current issue of the BRF Witness seeks to encourage a new emphasis on biblical teaching and preaching. There are two major points-of-view regarding formal instruction:

Progressive educators object to the excessive use of textbooks, formal lectures, and the memorizing of facts. They want education to be pupil-centered rather than teacher-centered. Pupil centered education attempts learning without the drudgery and hard work of mastering facts. Progressive educators believe it is possible to think with a completely empty mind. They try and draw out from the mind of an immature person what has never been implanted.

Conservative educators stress the importance of organized knowledge. They believe that the purpose of instruction is primarily to transmit systematic knowledge, and thus to develop disciplined minds. While a number of teaching methods may be employed, the teacher’s primary aim is to present subject matter clearly, and to expect students to work hard to achieve in their studies. Teaching involves definite and systematic instruction.

The latter conservative view of instruction and formal education is the view that I have upheld and practiced through the years. It is my belief that teachers should teach, and that while there is a place for student interaction, pupils should not have to be forever asking, “What do you think?” The preacher of the Word is not a heathen philosopher seeking to find out things, but an expositor of the Bible which is a revelation that settles things. If teachers and preachers will practice the expository method, they will more faithfully fulfill the New Testament mandate to “feed the church of God” (Acts 20:28).

–H.S.M.

 


Biblical Instruction in the Congregation

by Harold S. Martin

In 1647, the General Court of Massachusetts ordered every community of fifty families or more, to have a school to teach the children to read. The reason given by the Court for such action was this: “It being the chief project of the old deluder, Satan, to keep man from the knowledge of the Scriptures, effort must be made to thwart this old deluder.” Today Satan continues his activity, and even though most members of our local congregations can read and write very well, there is a dearth of biblical knowledge. Thus the theme “Biblical Instruction in the Congregation” is a relevant topic.

1. THE NEED

Preachers who travel many places and minister in a variety of congregations, soon discover an amazing ignorance of the Bible on the part of most church members. We are not talking about such things as memorizing the Twenty-third Psalm, or repeating the Lord’s Prayer, or knowing John 3:16 – but about a systematic knowledge of the basic doctrines of the Bible. For example: What are the evidences for the existence of God? Can you name and define briefly the gifts of the Spirit? What are the ordinances of God’s house and what does each symbolize? Our guess is that very few in our congregations could answer those elementary questions – questions that are basic to an understanding of the Christian faith.

In many places, there is a loss of interest in the services of the church. Members complain that the place is too dull; the sermons are too boring; there’s not enough activity. Some try and solve the problem by showing films, putting on plays and skits, planning Sunday School picnics, and jazzing the old hymn tunes to match today’s rock-n-roll music. The sermon itself is often preceded by irrelevant announcements, high pressure offerings, and the empty songs of weak choirs. Instead of hearing expositions of the Scriptures, many people are subjected to all kinds of speeches and lectures and social analyses. In other words, our congregations often are not getting rich spiritual food.

It is true that some in our churches want a preacher who will condone their sins and comfort them in their wicked ways, but it is also true that many have a deep hunger for the Word of God. All week long people hear from Washington and London and Moscow – and Wall Street and Main Street – and on Sunday, there are many who want to hear from Heaven! Many in our pulpits are organizers and promoters and youth directors and money-raisers – but they fail to consistently preach the simple message of the Bible in a systematic way. And as a result – the age-old question, “Is there any word from the Lord?” – goes unanswered.

2. THE METHOD

The Church should provide many opportunities for carefully instructing its members, so that each might become a workman that need not be ashamed. The church should be a training center which helps to mold and build an understanding of Bible truth. Each congregation should be a small theological seminary.

The Scriptures indicate that one of the major responsibilities of the church is to give instruction. In the Great Commission there is a two-fold command to teach (Matthew 28:19-20). Paul says that an elder should be “apt to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2). The Now Testament in several places ranks teachers along with apostles and prophets (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11). The word “preaching” itself includes the concept of instruction. Believers in Christ need to be nurtured and instructed – and preaching (especially expository preaching) is one of the primary means God uses to instruct the flock.

The expository sermon is a message which unfolds the truth contained in a passage of Scripture (generally longer than two or three consecutive verses).

A good expositor will open up the Scriptures (Luke 24:37) and explain the meaning (Nehemiah 8:8) in such a way that we wonder why we didn’t see it before. As a rule, the expository message follows the order of the ideas contained in the passage of Scripture, but that order is not slavishly followed. Expository teaching is not merely making some running comments on the successive verses of a Scripture portion – but it is the formulating of a theme, grouping the verses under headings which amplify that theme, and then proclaiming the practical message of the passage.

True biblical instruction concentrates primarily on the proclamation of certainties. Today, true preaching and good teaching are often replaced by “dialogue” and “rapping.” In place of a “Thus saith the Lord,” lots of audiences are hearing their pastors and teachers saying, “This is my perception of things.”

There are many structures the congregation can use for implementing the teaching ministry of the church. One of the instruments is the Sunday School; another is the Bible Institute; another is the instruction class for new converts; another is a week-long or week-end Bible Conference. Yet, while recognizing that there are many ways of reaching human hearts and with no thought of discrediting any of them it can still be factually maintained that preaching is primary. Titus 3:1a indicates that preaching ought to be the central part of the church’s program. All other methods of instructing the congregation should be secondary and supplemental. And furthermore, the style (or method) known as “expository” is paramount for efficiently instructing the congregation.

The expository method should be the primary approach used in teaching Sunday School classes, and in conducting small group studies. Many Bible studies are merely settings where the “teacher” gives off-the-cuff comments that happen to come to mind. Much of the time is spent simply exchanging ideas about things one already knows. The “leader” follows the aimless shifts of thought, as various persons talk about matters on which they are not really well informed. R. E. 0. White calls such typical discussions, “articulate ignorance spreading bewilderment more widely.”

Most of the Sunday School classes that I have attended have been rambling discussions, not genuine Bible studies. The congregation should provide training classes for its teachers and emphasize the truth that a good teacher is one who is well prepared, able to share the meaning of a biblical passage, and one who brings forth the riches of its meaning by making practical applications for daily living. His goals are to instruct the pupil in the doctrines of the Christian faith, to encourage obedience to the teachings of the Word of God, and to enrich character by seeking to instill gratitude, love, faith, and other Christlike qualities.

3. THE RESULTS

A program of dynamic expository preaching by men of God who hold strong biblical convictions will produce good results. Each congregation that arranges for weekend Bible conferences, regular Lord’s Day sermons, instruction classes for new converts, etc.–choosing preachers and teachers who will use the simple expository method–will find the inner spiritual life of the individual believers growing stronger.

A businessman, reviewing fifty years of constant traveling, two thousand Sundays spent (often in two or three different churches each week), shares this testimony; “Some of the services were so much wasted time. However now and then, sometimes in inconspicuous pulpits, I have heard messages that meant much to me and my need. Invariably they were of the expository type. The preacher selected a passage from the Bible, related it to a fundamental human need, and enlarged upon it in all its helpful suggestions throughout the sermon” (Herman Sasse, A Short History of Christian Thought).

All of us who have the duty of instructing others in the church, must keep in mind that there is no particular virtue in our thoughts, our cleverness, our gathered illustrations, our shared experiences–except as these serve to illuminate and drive home the message of the Word of God.

Some church leaders seem to think that gimmicks attract young people. It is true that pizza parties may attract for a while, but in the long run, if those attending the services of the church are not spiritually fed, interest will decline. Young people generally want truth. They want to know why they are on this earth. They want to know where they came from, where they are going, and how they are going to get there. Teachers in the church must systematically set forth the Word to hungry sheep looking for food. It will feed the flock, grip young people, and sustain interest. God will use the expository approach to teaching the Word of Truth so that multitudes of people will have a better understanding of the Scriptures and they will have deepening convictions about important truths of the Bible.

People in our churches are still hungry to hear what Almighty God has to say about matters which are applicable to their lives. We recall with amusement the farmer’s remark to his preacher who had just returned from a denominational convention. The farmer said, “I see by your bulletin that at the Convention you discussed the subject ‘How to Get People to Attend Church.’ This seems strange to me (the farmer said), I never heard a single address at a farm convention on how to got cattle to come to the rack! When we get together in meetings, we spend our time discussing the best kind of feed.”

It is the conviction of this writer that what works with cows will work with congregations.


The preceding article was prepared for The Sword and Trumpet magazine, published monthly in Harrisonburg, Va., and appeared in the January and February, 1977 issue of that periodical.

 

THE BOOK OF DANIEL

Captivity… Dreams… Rulers… Fire… Lions… Prayers… Kingdoms. From a dedicated youth to a faithful sage, Daniel’s life stands as an example to follow.  Yet beyond his personal life, God gifted Daniel with a message of future events.  Though difficult to grasp, these events would shape the world for the coming Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ as King.

STUDIES IN LUKE

Luke presents a warmly personal and historically accurate account of Jesus as “the Son of Man.” This course will survey the Third Gospel, with emphasis on the unique events, miracles, and parables of Jesus found in it.

HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

This class will provide a broad overview of general church history. We will then focus on the Anabaptist and Pietist movements, especially as they relate to the formation and development of the Brethren groups. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

ONE FOUNDATION

This course is intended to lay down a measure in a world where truth is slippery and often subject to interpretation. Where “Christian Values” become a political slogan, and “good people” are our allies despite their faulty core beliefs. Where Facebook “friends” post memes about the power of God, despite a lifestyle that is anything but Godly. In the process we often fight among ourselves, doing Satan’s work for him. The purpose of this course is to lay the measure of Jesus Christ against the cults, religions, and worship in our contemporary world.

THE APOCRYPHA

While Protestant translations of the Bible contain 66 books, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches recognize additional canonical books as well.  Where did these books, collectively known as the Apocrypha, come from and why aren’t they part of our Bible?  How reliable are they, and what value is there in studying them?

STUDIES IN 1 AND 2 PETER

The goal of this class is to acquire a firm grasp of the teachings and themes of these two general epistles. Peter covers topics from salvation and suffering to spiritual deception and the return of Christ. These letters are packed with warnings and encouragements for Christian living.

THE GREAT I AM’S OF CHRIST

A detailed study of Jesus Christ and His relationship to the “I Am” metaphors in John’s gospel. Why did Jesus describe himself in these terms? How do they relate to each other? We will look at spiritual and practical applications to further our Christian growth.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES: AN AMERICAN CULT

Have you ever been visited by someone who said they wanted to study the Bible with you so that you might discover the truth together?  Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to have much in common with evangelical Christians, and they seem to be well versed in the scriptures.  But what do they really believe and how can we effectively witness to those who have been ensnared by this false religion?

THE BOOK OF HOSEA

While we may consider Hosea as one of the minor prophets, his message vividly illustrates the major doctrine in all Scriptures.  The theme of God’s unconditional love is magnified and extended beyond those deserving it.  God expresses tender words towards His erring people inviting them to turn from sin to reconciliation with Him.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

This course will look at basic principles and polity of leading the local church. We will examine the balance between upholding a spiritually focused organism of ministry and cultivating proper order for effective organization. Practical applications will be emphasized. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.