Principles and Methods by M. B. Van Kirk

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 6, 1908

Principles and Methods

By M. B. Van Kirk

The Teacher

The gift of teaching is named among the gifts of the Spirit in the enumeration made by the apostle Paul. This is conclusive evidence that teaching ability is a positive gift of the Spirit of God. Much significance attaches to the fact that teachers are set in the church, implying that the work of the teacher is, in God’s plan, a part of the legitimate work assigned to the church, and the teacher is as fully an acknowledged element in the gospel plan as any to whom another specific gift is imparted.

Again: we are told that the gift must be cultivated if the finest fruit be seen from the efforts of the teacher. To cultivate this gift, one must place himself under the training of a competent superior master, must learn to follow correct principles, must be alert, and with careful observation assimilate the best methods with which he comes in contact. That there are methods of work which are commendable all around us, few would deny. Yet these methods, when they are true, are but the reflection from the Great Teacher,—the beams reflected from the Sun of Righteousness. Why should not we, too, with Nicodemus, acknowledge Christ a great “teacher come from God”? We do this in spiritual things, and yet Christ is the author of the gift of teaching. Therefore when he taught with authority, he used the power which was his own because he is the author of these gifts. Since he is the author of the gift of teaching, to whom could we go for clearer methods, for a more wholesome example? We are told that he is our example. O that all teachers would recognize this beautiful truth—Christ an example to teachers! Christ’s methods were to be followed by those who would successfully perform the duties which are placed upon the teacher.

To the infidel and atheist, it is a wonder how these most beautiful truths have stood through all the world’s midnight of darkness, undimmed, shining with the wonderful light of the Spirit of God. It is unaccountable to those who acknowledge no God. To us who believe the Scriptures the statement, “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,” solves the problem. This “light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not;” and yet where the darkness contrasts most fully with the light, the beams of this light shine with the brightest glory. This Teacher, sent from God, with his simple methods was enabled to attract world-wide attention; and may not we, as teachers under his authority, go to this the author of our gift and sit as little children that we may gather the beams of light which shine from him and his work, and thus reflect them in our work? If we were always to do this, how different might be the results following many of our efforts in teaching.

From personal experience we know that a careful study of his life, of his object-lessons, of his careful, simple, and yet fully intelligent methods, would do more to cultivate in us this wonderful ability which we so much desire, than the study of any other method may or can do. How many times I have been thankful for the gift of the spirit of prophecy, which has so carefully gathered these wonderful methods and placed them at our disposal, that we may have them with but little effort upon our part.

And while it is customary and commendable to read of the experiences of the world’s most famous and successful teachers, yet where is the book which contains more clearly developed methods than those outlined in “The Desire of Ages”? Or where is the book that lays down more beautiful principles of pedagogy than the book “Education”? These, together with the simple narrative of Christ’s work as given to us by the evangelists and apostles under the influence of the Spirit of God, worked out in detail as suggested by the experiences of other men and women who have thought as they taught, should develop in each teacher the ability to apply these most incomparable principles to his own work, and thus develop, under the direct guidance of the Spirit of God, detailed methods which will insure abundant success.

Among the things which attract our attention in the work of Christ is his ability to interest his hearers. Those of us who teach know that the ability to interest and attract the attention of the pupils of the classes is perhaps the first requisite. Our experience teaches us that a careful study of the operations of the faculties of the human mind, together with a perception of Christ’s manner of teaching, would enable one who yields his heart to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to put into successful operation these beautiful methods.

Study the Great Teacher; assimilate his methods; yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit, and expect fruit for the kingdom of heaven.

M. B. VAN KIRK.