The Standard of Attainment by M. E. K.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 3, 1908

The Standard of Attainment

By M. E. K.

IN these stirring times there comes to all our Missionary Volunteers with renewed force Paul’s admonition to Timothy: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.” Our young people are called to labor where they are, engaging in any branch of the work in which they are qualified.

To do this they must prepare where they are. For this reason the standard of attainment was established. The following resolution, passed in the Sabbath-school and Young People’s Convention at Mount Vernon, Ohio, explains the plan:—

“We recommend, That the members be encouraged to reach a standard of attainment, which shall require the passing of an examination in the history of our denomination and the cardinal points of our faith; that with the quarterly report of the society shall be given, not only the regular membership, but also the membership of attainment; that these examinations be provided for as follows:—

“(a) The General Conference Young People’s Department shall prepare questions once every six months, and in response to orders shall send them to the Young People’s secretaries of the local conferences, or if there be no such secretaries in a conference, then to the church elder.

“(b) The church elder or some one appointed by him shall conduct these examinations during the first week of March and September of each year. [This fall it may be held any week in September.]

“(c) The papers shall be sent to the local conference Young People’s secretary, and he shall grade the papers, and issue, to those passing, a certificate of attainment.”

This plan appeals to all our people, young and old. Our youth are ambitious, and every one of them should be encouraged to pass the examinations in Bible doctrines and denominational history. Let our church elders, upon whom special responsibilities rest in regard to this, consider the matter at once, and see how many of the young people in their churches will take one or both of these examinations at this time. Send to your conference Missionary Volunteer secretary at once for as many copies of these examinations as you can use. When the examination is written, send the papers to the Missionary Volunteer secretary.

Those who pass both examinations are granted the certificate of attainment, but both examinations need not be taken at the same time.

M. E. K.