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The Sabbath-School

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Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 31, 1882

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 8, No. 33.

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The Sabbath-School.

By Charles H. Jones

Sabbath-school Class Meetings.—How to Conduct Them.

BY C. H. JONES.
THE "class meetings" referred to above are those meetings that Sabbath-school teachers sometimes hold with their classes, outside of the regular Sabbath-school exercises.
Before offering any suggestions in regard to the manner of conducting these exercises, it would be well to determine whether or not it is best to hold such meetings at all. This depends very largely upon the teacher. If he is one who is cold and distant, whose presence is similar to that of an iceberg; if he is all bound up in himself, and so absorbed in his own interests that he begrudges the time, and holds the meetings only because others do and he feels obliged to, it would be advisable for him not to meet with his class at all. Indeed, such an one should not be a teacher unless he can conquer this disposition. Even the smallest ones understand his feelings, better perhaps than he does himself, and he can do them little good. But if his heart is in the work, and he feels some sense of the responsibility that rests upon him; if he has an earnest desire to do something for the Master, who has done so much for him; and if he is watching for opportunities to benefit those placed under his charge,—then meetings with his class are almost sure to bring about good results. In fact, we do not see how a teacher can do justice to his class without spending some time with them outside of the school.
Having determined to hold such a meeting, the question arises, How shall it be conducted in order to secure the best results? We should have some object in view, and then work to the point. The real object of the Sabbath-school teacher should be to secure the conversion of those under his charge. Our scholars may have perfect lessons, and be punctual every Sabbath, and observe the rules of the school strictly, yet if they remain unconcerned in regard to the claims of the gospel, we have not accomplished our real object. An earnest, faithful teacher will hail with pleasure a meeting of this kind that will enable him to reach the hearts of his scholars.
Before entering such a meeting the teacher needs a thorough preparation. He should study the wants of his class, and determine what will be best suited to them at that particular time. There may be difficulties in the lesson that need explanation. Some of the class may be passing through trials and temptations, and may need encouragement. Others may be in danger of being drawn away by the pleasures of the world, and may need a word of caution. Many things would be noticed by the teacher, if he were on the alert. The teacher should make each individual of his class an object of study, and should try to meet the requirements of each case.
But the greatest and most important preparation that a Sabbath-school teacher needs is a preparation of heart. No amount of wisdom will atone for a lack of this. He may study all the text books within his reach; he may become perfectly familiar with Bible geography, so that he could name and describe all Bible places; he may study Bible manners and customs, and be thoroughly posted on all points of history, both ancient and modern, and yet, if he lacks the one thing needful, he will fail of accomplishing the work that God has given him to do. Come humbly to the Lord. Tell him your needs. Ask him for wisdom. Get your own heart all aglow with the coals from off the burning altar. Then you are prepared to go before your class, and your influence will be felt for good. Don't go in your own strength. But little good will be accomplished if you do. Go in the strength of the Lord, and he will bless your efforts.
No definite rule can be laid down for all to follow. What would be best suited for one class would not be just the thing for another, hence the necessity of studying carefully the needs of your class. If they are children, it will be necessary to have everything planned and arranged beforehand. Appoint the meeting at some convenient place and hour, and then commence promptly on time. Lead the meeting yourself. Do not allow the children to take it into their own hands—if you do there will be trouble. Carry out your plans promptly and energetically. The exercises should be varied. Children must not be kept too long at any one thing.
Children will be apt to come to the meeting feeling rather light and inclined to play. We love to see children joyous and happy, but a spirit of lightness and frivolity must be checked. A good way to subdue any feelings of this kind is to open the meeting by a short prayer, mentioning the object of the meeting, and asking God's blessing. Then spend a short time in examining the lesson for the next Sabbath. If the scholars can read, have them bring their Bibles and look up the references. Teach them to think about what they read, and ask questions, and then carefully explain to them.
After this the teacher might read or relate a short story (prepared beforehand) based upon the subject of the lesson, bringing out the most important points, and thus impressing it more firmly upon their minds. Make the story practical, and use the most simple language. Always remember that words and terms that are perfectly understood by you, perhaps carry an entirely different meaning to the mind of the scholar. An instance of this kind lately occurred in one of our smaller classes. The children were tracing the genealogy of the patriarchs. They came to Enos, who was Adam's grandson, then to Cainan, his great grandson, then to Mahalaleel, his great, great, grandson. The only thing the children could think of was in reference to size, and oh, what a GREAT big man they thought Mahalaleel must have been! It took time, patience, and some ingenuity to make this matter plain to their little minds. And so in most every lesson, there are words that the children do not understand, and a meeting of this kind is a good place to explain them.
In these meetings also there is an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with the circumstances of every member of your class. Find out how they are situated at home; who their associates are; how they spend their evenings; what books they read. Enter right into their feelings, and offer them kindly advice. If they have any special temptations and trials, urge them to tell you. Children have trials as hard for them to bear as we older ones have. Let them see and feel that you love them and have a real interest in their welfare. Let everything be done pleasantly and cheerfully, yet reverently. Let all feel that a spirit of solemnity rests upon the place; but it is not necessary to carry a long face in order to do this. We have heard of these meetings being turned into parties of pleasure, where visiting and a general good time was expected. Better not have the meetings than to have this kind. We can make the exercises pleasant to all, and still keep them under full control.
At the close of the meeting always have a season of prayer, and encourage each one to join. Explain to them the object of prayer, and if necessary, teach them how to pray. The least that can be done will be to have them repeat the Lord's prayer in concert. With a little encouragement every child will join. When the teacher prays, let him not forget to mention each member of his class by name. By so doing you bring the matter right home to their hearts, and they will know that you mean them.
These meetings should not hold over an hour. When they close, the children should go directly home, and not stop to play by the way. Perhaps the teacher can go home with the smaller ones.
These remarks have been made with reference to the children. Older classes may be conducted differently, yet many of the suggestions made for the little ones will apply equally well to the older scholars. Perhaps for the advanced classes, to the season of prayer may be added an informal social meeting, giving each one an opportunity to take part, and encouraging them to express themselves freely. Let the meeting be just as free from embarrassment and formality as possible.
Make these meetings a special opportunity for personal inquiring into the spiritual life and condition of each member of your class, being careful not to give offense. Get them interested in one another. By helping others they help themselves. God, in his providence, has committed a sacred trust into your hands. Be not discouraged. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand." Work, Watch, and Pray.