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W. R. Warren, ed.
Centennial Convention Report (1910)

 

Building Up a Teacher-training Class

Geo. O. Foster, Lawrence, Kan.

Bellefield Church, Monday Afternoon, October 18.

      The teacher-training class should be organized on a business basis. Business methods, therefore, are as applicable in its work as in the world of secular business. The successful merchant has found that there is good profit in good goods, good salesmen and good advertising. The teacher-training class has good goods, should have good "salesmen" and should advertise. In all classes there should be a "key" man; this man should plan the campaign. He should have a committee to aid in carrying out the campaign, because there is a difference between a plan and a campaign. The architect and the engineer plan our buildings, but they must depend upon the mechanic
Photograph, page 542
G. O. FOSTER.
to build in conformity to their plans. The key man will find other members of the class who have an abundance of ideas, but who lack the ability to carry them out to the point of securing practical results. Other members are plodders; their work is not "showy," but they never "let up" till the job is finished. Neither of these two types, if left to its own resources, will make a brilliant success. Team work is what is needed. Combine the talents of these types. And this means, practically, the training of every member of the class to be a living, moving, breathing partner in the business. Use tact saturated with love. Hold frequent conferences of the entire class to inspire the individual member to get busy, because he gets very close to the non-member--often closer than it is possible for key man or teacher. Have committees in the church vestibule before and after services to greet attendants, learn addresses and shake hands. The "God bless you" handshake will have much to do in adding to the class membership. The work of the vestibule committees can be followed up during the week by calling at the addresses secured. There is no reason why there should not be a teacher-training emblem to be worn by members of the class. It will stand for co-operation and serve to bind together the forces of this great Christian host. What army would dare go to war without a flag to inspire and enthuse its soldiers to heroic deeds? A well-timed parade through the streets of the town with properly inscribed banners; an "invitation" social to whim each member may invite a friend; an announcement board outside the church or at a street corner; a class banquet; announcements from the pulpit; the United States mail; the newspaper and the printing-press--all these mediums may be used with surprising results in adding to the class membership. In the summer, lawn parties, excursions, picnics, trolley rides, which should always include the invited guests, are effective. The purpose is not to provide a "good time" alone, but the class should use its social side for the purpose of linking men and women to the class and the activities of the church, and awakening in them a desire to know God's will as found in his Word. While the members of the class are taught to rally around the banquet board and other social functions, they should also be taught to rally around the class, the Sunday-school, the church, the Lord's Day and the word of God. In carrying out the advertising plans other than social, it is well to have a publicity man. Make him a clearing-house through which all advertising plans and ideas pass. Through the newspapers he should keep the public informed concerning class matters of general interest. Advertising is an art and will require most careful and conscientious study to reach satisfactory proficiency. [542]

 

[CCR 542]


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W. R. Warren, ed.
Centennial Convention Report (1910)

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