TO THE CHURCHES by E. A. Sutherland

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 29, 1900

TO THE CHURCHES.

By E. A. Sutherland

How many times have these words been read by you:— “In all our churches, and wherever there is a company of believers, church schools should be established.” “The education that is generally given in the schools of the world is not that which can be accepted as true education.” “Children are the heritage of the Lord. . . . Shall the members of the church give means to advance the cause of Christ among others, and then let their own children carry on the work and service of Satan?” “I say again, Establish schools for the children wherever there are churches. Where there are those who assemble to worship God, let there be schools for the children.”

The churches can not plead poverty; for the poor churches are not excepted in the command to establish schools. It is useless to say that too much is now being given to other enterprises, for the education of the children is placed ahead of any other missionary work. The fact in the case is that there is no excuse for any church, for all must educate their children. Since there are 1,470 churches in the United States, should there not be as many schools? There are probably a few churches where there are no children, but these are very few. Many of these churches will open schools in the fall. They will need well-trained teachers, for the Lord has said that the work of educating the children should not be intrusted to novices. It is time for each church to decide the matter, and, if possible, select a competent teacher from their own number. Send this teacher to the summer school for a training. Be sure that the one selected has the proper qualifications for a teacher. He should be thoroughly consecrated; should have an education sufficiently thorough to do good work; that is, he should at least be able to obtain a second-grade teachers' certificate. With the knowledge of the principles of Christian education and the methods to be used in a church school which may be obtained during the summer, you have fair prospects of a good school.

Let the matter be decided at once, for the summer school opens June 20, and every day is valuable. If you desire reading matter on educational topics, address The Advocate, Battle Creek, Mich.

There is much greater danger of obtaining a weak teacher if there is delay in making the application, for those churches which first apply are first supplied.

It has frequently happened that after much delay a church has insisted upon a teacher at the last moment. Much of the weakness in the work has been due to this. We do not wish to send out any incompetent teachers; so make application at once.

E. A. SUTHERLAND.