BEN F. VICK, JR.
The word “model,” as used in the title, means “an example for imitation or emulation.” Churches, like individuals, can be followed only to the degree that they follow Christ. Paul wrote, “Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ” (I Cor. 11:1). It is not wrong to hold up a congregation of the Lord as an example to follow. The Jerusalem church, in its early days, can be put before others as a pattern to follow in many respects. Paul commanded the church of Thessalonica for following in the steps of the churches of Judea by enduring persecution. “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:…” (I Thess. 2:14). The same inspired writer encouraged the church at Corinth by holding the Macedonian churches up as an example to follow. “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (II Cor. 8:1-2). What are some characteristics which make up a model church?
Sound in the Faith
A model church is one sound in the faith. The word “sound” is translated from a Greek word (hugiaino) which means “to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine):” (Strong’s Dictionary). Paul commanded Titus to rebuke some: “Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;…” (I Tim. 1:13).
A congregation sound in the faith is one which has a good educational program. By “program,” I simply mean “a plan of procedure.” This program includes goals to be achieved by each grade level. Someone has well said that if you aim at nothing, you will probably hit it. If we fail to plan, then we plan to fail. Such should not be the “approach” taken in the spiritual education in the church. If the secular world sees the importance of setting the objectives in school, why cannot the Lord’s people see the importance of the same? What would you think if your child were not taught to read by the sixth grade? Would you be concerned? Suppose, then, you went to his or her teacher and asked him when he or she expected the child to be able to read. Imagine your alarm to hear the teacher say, “Well, I do not know. Perhaps he or she will learn one of these days.” How long would you keep your child in that school system?
A good program begins with faithful teachers who are able to impart the truth to others (II Tim. 2:2). “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Good teachers do not happen by accident. They must start with some natural ability. To this must be added a knowledge of the word of God. Timothy was taught the scriptures from childhood. Homes must begin to develop good teachers by instructing children at an early age (II Tim. 1:5). “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” Then, the local congregation should provide special studies for its teachers. This can be done by special classes designed to help teachers be better teachers. These classes should deal with Bible geography, archaeology, crucial issues, hermeneutics (the science of interpretation), methods and visual aids. I believe we need to have classes in every congregation, teaching teachers how to teach. If there is a need to bring in outstanding teachers from various places to conduct a workshop for our teachers, then let it be done.
A congregation does not have to be rich materially to have a good education program. I read some time ago of a state that scored the highest of all of the states in mathematics was next to last in salaries paid to teachers. Now, I am not advocating that we should pay the preacher less so that we can hear better sermons. But one of the keys to better education is dedicated teachers.
There must be a good curriculum. By “curriculum,” it is meant “the courses offered by an educational institution.” The church is to be an educational institution. The courses offered need to cover the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and also a gamut of Bible subjects. Every teacher needs to emphasize the Bible. One of the greatest needs in the Lord’s church today is good graded lesson material for all classes from infancy through adulthood. Any literature that does not send the student back to the Bible is not good literature. Many do not know the Bible because the material used talks about the Bible but does not challenge the student to pick up his Bible and read. Why, one dare not ask the average teenage or adult class whether Paul gave his speech to the Athenians at Mars Hill or Bunker Hill.
There are special classes which ought to be taken by all adults on a rotating basis. First, there should be an ongoing novice/new convert class. A student stays in this class until he has mastered the material. Then, he could matriculate to other classes, such as: (1) how we got the Bible; (2) translations; (3) the identity of the church; (4) the history of the church; (5) denominational doctrines; (6) vital issues confronting the church; (7) prophecies and fulfillment; (8) preparation to preach; (9) developing shepherds; (10) Bible geography/archaeology; (11) Old Testament survey; and (12) New Testament survey.
In all classes there needs to be an emphasis upon memorizing the Bible. Every new convert ought to be able to give the plan of salvation, the avenues of worship, and the concept of the one church with book, chapter, and verse. He should know the books of the Bible. He should know the three ages and some great characters who lived during those times. He should be able to locate in his Bible the examples of conversion.
(TO BE CONTINUED)