But, friends, my memories are filled with the faces, of brothers and sisters in Christ who taught classes which I attended. Many of their names are unknown beyond a circle of Friends Most of the men will never be invited to conduct a gospel meeting. The sisters who instructed me as a child were wives and mothers, unassuming and gentle by nature. But, oh, the lessons they taught!

I wish I had been wise and thoughtful enough as a youth to have told them how much they meant to me these faithful foot soldiers in the army of the Lord.

I will not mention them by name for fear of overlooking one and also because they would not desire such praise but I will speak of their work. It is high time that we recognize the importance of Bible classes and realize just how vital they are to the strengthening of a local congregation.

I'm a pulpit preacher and make no apology for that. But, by training and disposition, I'm a classroom teacher at heart. For twelve years I labored as a public school teacher in Texas and have taught Bible classes since my late teens. Believe me, I know just how much work goes into effective teaching. I realize full well that a successful 45 minutes in class is often the result of hours of preparation. When it's done right, however when the teacher knows the subject, the students are ready to learn, and the time is used wisely some wonderful things occur.

I'd like to suggest three reasons why Bible classes are important.

First, Bible classes are one way the church carries out its mission to teach the truth and to edify its members. This article is not, primarily, a defense of the Bible class arrangement. I assume that the reader already recognizes that God authorizes this practice. Suffice it to say that 1 Timothy 3:15 tells us that the church is "the pillar and ground of the truth," and Ephesians 4:11-12 states that part of the church's responsibility is to teach and edify. Clearly the church is to teach! It can't be called the pillar and ground of the truth if it doesn't do that! God has specified what we are to teach His word. He has specified who we are to teach--mankind. He has specified the only religious organization through which we are to do it--the local church. But He has not specified the time, method, or specific arrangement for doing so. Bible classes offered by the local church are simply a systematic way for carrying out the generic command to teach, as described in the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Classes provide one opportunity for elders of a local congregation to teach since they are to be "apt to teach" (I Tim. 3:2).

Surely Bible study strengthens all of us. In Acts 20:32 Paul states, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up We live in a sinful world. We need continual encouragement and instruction from God's word to live as we should. The Psalmist reminds us, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path," (Psa. 119:105). Bible classes are not the only way to study God's word, but certainly they are one way!

Our classes do not substitute for individual effort to spread the gospel, but they support it! Often our classes are graced by visitors. Children invite their friends; older folks do the same. Think about it--a person's first real examination of the Scripture may be in a Bible class! Here is an opportunity for him or her to examine issues of eternal importance, in the presence of a mature Christian who can offer guidance and encouragement. What a wonderful opportunity!

Second, Bible classes permit in-depth study of a subject tailored to meet the needs of a specific audience. The class arrangement is especially suited to an extended examination of a topic or theme. True, a preacher may bring a series of lessons on one subject, but he still cannot cover in detail the amount of material which the Bible class teacher can. If a group of individuals wants to study prayer, and they need six months to do so, the class arrangement is flexible enough to allow fur such.

Sometimes in a congregation there is a member who has specialized knowledge in a particular area, and a class of interested individuals forms to study that subject. Perhaps a brother who is a doctor has developed some class material related to abortion or euthanasia. Or maybe an older sister wants to instruct the younger women about their role as wives and mothers. A class is one way to carry out this responsibility (Titus 2:3-5).

The possibilities are endless, but the point is that a pulpit preacher must remember that he is usually speaking before a mixed audience of believers and non-believers, of widely varying backgrounds and ages. Seldom can he afford to spend an extended length of time on one subject which may be of special interest and application to only a limited number.

Thinking back over the years I remember special classes on creationism vs. evolution, song leading, teaching and preaching, an interesting class about death and dying, and a marvelous extended study of Esther. Can anyone guess the number of gifted song leaders and preachers who received their first opportunities in classes such as these?

Also, Bible classes allow the teacher to select material and present it in a way that is most appropriate for a particular age. You wouldn't feed a T-bone steak to a year-old baby, would you? Nor would you ask a grown man to eat strained carrots. Hebrews 5:12 reminds us that there is both milk and meat in God's word. There are also those things which are hard to be understood (2 Pet. 3:16).

Bible classes give us a flexible way to address these obvious stages of development. For example, it would be unprofitable to talk to a class of preschoolers about the operation of the Holy Spirit, but you sure could explain their responsibilities in obeying Mommy and Daddy. A class of seasoned Christians probably would receive limited benefit from a series of lessons entitled "There is One God," but they would be edified by an indepth study of Romans.

The point is, classes allow us to tailor our teaching to a particular age and maturity level., There's good reason why our school system arranges classes according to age. Yes, I know the stories about the old country school that had a six-year spread in one class, but that was more from necessity than any particular advantage.

No one suggests that classes for youngsters are any substitute for the God-given role of training assigned to parents, but surely they are a valuable adjunct to it!

Finally, classes allow for interaction between learner and teacher. One of the reasons I really enjoy teaching Bible classes is that I benefit from the students! They ask questions, make observations, express their puzzlement, and generally provide feedback to what's going on. They sharpen my thinking and improve their learning.

One of the frustrating things about preaching is that I often don't know how my message is being received until it's too late to much about it! I say and mean one thing, but someone in the assembly misunderstands my point. Or, I choose my words poorly and genuinely leave the wrong impression. Or, I make a mistake--either I misunderstand a passage, misquote, or misapply it, and I don't realize it until most of the people have left the building!

In Bible classes the learner asks questions and makes observations as the opportunity arises. If a person needs a verse explained more fully, he can say so, and the teacher can respond right then. If the teacher makes a mistake and everyone has heard it, it can be pointed out politely and gently. If a difficult verse admits of several possible interpretations, they can be addressed in an appropriate way. Homework which relates to the lesson at hand can be assigned and evaluated to check understanding.

The bottom line is that Bible classes provide a variety of ways to actively engage the student and provide additional teaching as necessary.

What a powerful combination Bible classes offer-the opportunity to teach the truth, in a way that is most beneficial to a particular group, so that the hearer may respond and ask questions! No wonder the Lord often resorted to small group instruction (Matt. 20:17ff; Mk. 13:3-5; Matt. :36ff).

According to God's word, there are times when this format would be wrong. For example, women are not to teach in such a way as to usurp the authority of men (I Tim. 2:11-12). When we truly recognize the importance of Bible classes, however, we will do everything we possibly can to make our classes the best they can possibly be. We will support our teachers by encouraging them and providing them with the tools necessary to do their job. We will cultivate future teachers by allowing young people the opportunity and experience to grow in this area. And, we will be model students ourselves-ready and-willing to learn (Acts 17:11).----John Evans