Special Course for Ministers and Bible Workers
By M. E. Kern
“The time demands greater efficiency and deeper consecration.” And surely there never was a time when there were such urgent calls for well-qualified laborers as now. With unwarned millions in the regions beyond, and with the great cities of the home land calling for help, surely it is a time to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers. “With such preparation as they can gain, thousands upon thousands of the youth and those older in years should be giving themselves to this work.” Our schools are God’s appointed agencies for the training of workers. The Foreign Mission Seminary has from the first given special attention to the training of mature young people who can spend but a short time in school. The success of last year’s special course, and the unprecedented demand for ministers and Bible workers, not only for foreign lands but for the great cities in the East, has led the board of managers to provide for a similar course this year, beginning January 23, and continuing eighteen weeks. HISTORIC AND PROPHETIC REVIEW.—This is an advanced class in the study of the great truths of the third angel’s message. The class is planned especially for those who have had some experience in the work, or who have taken the regular Bible and history work in one of our training-schools. BIBLE DOCTRINES.—A study of the doctrines of the Bible by topics. Designed for Bible workers, nurses, canvassers, and all who need a thorough grounding in the fundamentals. PASTORAL TRAINING.—This is a class for the training of ministers. Attention is given to all that pertains to the preacher’s work. One day each week is given to public speaking in the class, and the students do practical work in holding meetings and conducting Bible studies in and about the city of Washington. BIBLE WORK.—The long-neglected work of training Bible workers is now taken up vigorously by the Seminary. An experienced teacher and Bible worker is giving her whole time to the training of young women for city work. Readings are prepared, and plans of work studied, in connection with regular class work, and one day each week is given to practical work in the city of Washington. REFORM EPOCHS.—This class will study the Protestant Reformation and the French Revolution. These great epochs in the history of Europe and of the Catholic Church should be thoroughly understood by all who take part in the work of the last great reformation. GENERAL HISTORY.—Those who have never studied history, and desire a briefer course, may study the Roman16empire, the Middle Ages, and the modern age, in the general history class. SPECIAL ENGLISH.—Next in importance to the truth itself is the manner in which it is communicated. How often has the work of God been marred by the careless and incorrect use of the English language! This class will be adapted to the needs of those who take it. The fundamentals will be reviewed, and attention will be given to the correction of common errors in spoken and written language. JOURNALISM.—An advanced class in English for those who desire special instruction in writing for the press. GREEK.—Many a progressive minister has a worthy ambition to know the language in which the New Testament was written. A thorough knowledge of Greek is a great advantage to the Bible student. Such a knowledge can not be obtained in eighteen weeks, but we have arranged to have the teacher of Greek in the Fireside Correspondence School teach this subject in the special course, and the students will have the privilege of going right along by correspondence when they leave the school. This is a great opportunity. HYGIENE, SANITATION, ACCIDENTS, AND EMERGENCIES.—These are subjects that should be understood by the gospel worker, that he may properly care for his own body, help others to understand the laws of health, and assist those who are in distress. Classes are also in operation in hydrotherapy, which can be taken by those who already know something about the subject. BOTANY.—This regular Seminary class is open to special course students. BOOKKEEPING.—A very practical subject for Christian workers is bookkeeping. A good knowledge of the fundamentals can be obtained in eighteen weeks. DENOMINATIONAL HISTORY.—The advent movement itself is a wonderful sign of the soon coming of Christ. Every worker should understand the providences of God in connection with the rise and progress of this message, and the place in the work of God on earth which it occupies. LECTURES.—One hour each school day is given to lectures on “Denominational Organization and Work,” and “The Bible Versus Human Philosophy.” These lectures, by men who stand at the head of our denominational work, are a special feature of the work of the Seminary. MISSIONS.—For those who are especially interested in foreign missions, there are classes beginning in the study of the far East, India, Africa, Latin America, and Mohammedan fields. OTHER CLASSES.—Aside from the classes mentioned, all the regular literary, scientific, or mathematical classes are open to special course students. (1) Workers who desire better equipment. To many who are new in the work, a course of systematic study and practical training under an experienced teacher will do much to insure success. (2) Mature persons, whom God is calling to leave secular pursuits to enter his work, and who are not provided for in our union conference training-schools, will be welcome here. (3) Graduate nurses who need a few months of earnest and systematic Bible and history study to enable them to enter the Bible work. All whom God is now calling should respond to such special opportunities for preparation. The regular expenses at the Seminary are about $17.50 a month, and one hour’s work each day. Opportunity can be given to a few to earn part of this by extra work. For further information address the undersigned at Takoma Park, care Seminary, Washington, D. C.