THE WORK OF THE BIBLE CHAIR—By Stephen Eckstein, Jr.

THE WORK OF THE BIBLE CHAIR---By Stephen Eckstein, Jr. THE WORK OF THE BIBLE CHAIR
Stephen Eckstein, Jr.

During the past few years, the church has become increasingly aware of the need for more spiritual training for the young people, especially those of college age. When we consider nine out of every ten young people who are members of the church attend state institutions of higher learning, the need becomes more apparent. However, the following facts make it absolutely 'imperative that some spiritual instruction be given our youth during the time they are enrolled in college:

1. From fifty to ninety percent of the young people who are members of the church become indifferent
to the Lord during their four years in college.
2.A lesser percentage renounce their faith in Christ. This varies according to the school and environment.
3.This loss is brought about by a lack of parental guidance, influence of bad companions (1 Corinthians 15:33),
false teaching by unbelieving professors and a failure to be grounded in the faith before going to college.

It seems to me that the Bible Chair is the very means which may be used by the church to eliminate this tragic loss of our youth to the evil one. The Bible Chair does not attempt to take the place of the Christian college but rather to provide spiritual nourishment for all who will avail themselves of this fine opportunity, studying God’s Word while attending college. To my knowledge, there are now nine Bible Chairs in the United States supported by churches of Christ. However, I am sure further clarification is necessary to picture the nature of a BiDle Chair. I shall use as an example the chair I am associated with now, the one at Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, New Mexico. In 1947, the elders of the 4th Street church in Portales met with the university officials with the intention of establishing a Bible Chair. Problems to be solved were those concerning a physical plant, curriculum, number of hours of Bible which might be counted as credit toward a degree and teaching qualifications. Fortunately, the university was very receptive. Soon a site was acquired adjacent to the university, a building erected comparable to university facilities and an instructor selected with necessary academic requirements. In 1950, the building was enlarged and additional courses added to the cur-riculum. I am happy to say that we are able to offer a B.A. or M.A. in Bible fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The offerings vary from place to place. For example, most Bible Chairs in Texas offer up to twelve hours of Bible which may be counted toward a degree. This is the principle upon which all Bible Chairs are established with minor differences at each individual school.

It should be made clear that the Bible Chair is sup-ported financially by the church, not the state and is under the oversight of the elders of the local congre-gation. This gives the instructor complete freedom in teaching the Bible and at the same time complies with the American concept of the separation of church and state. The work of the Bible Chair consists mainly in teaching the Bible. Where I teach, it is possible to offer a course in any part or parts of the Bible desired. This is truly a marvelous opportunity. In addition to teaching God’s Word, daily devotionals with prayer, singing and short talks by the young men are excellent in providing fellowship and spiritual exercise of the talents of our youth. Through personal counselling, the instructor can stimulate the student to a more active work in the local congregation and help him overcome problems which may confront the college student away from home for the first time. Recreation, such as parties, games or visits to other Bible Chairs, meets a need of active youth. Because of favorable geographic location, the Bible Chairs at Eastern New Mexico University, Texas Tech and West Texas State try to visit each other at least once each school year. This has provided for a fine spirit of fellowship between these young people.

Adequate advertising is necessary to acquaint the congregations in the surrounding area of the wonderful opportunity offered that the young people may avail themselves of it to the utmost.

I believe that the evangelists, elders, parents and young people should be made conscious of the fact that a four year college education is incomplete unless spiritual advancement is parallel with that made in the academic field. Many of our American youth graduate with considerable favor in the eyes of men, but with little toward God. They may be academic giants, but most are spiritual pigmies. Let us encourage our youth to follow the divine example as given by Luke in portraying our Lord: “And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

Encourage all Christian youth to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18) that they may take their place in the world as useful servants of the Lord, the church and their fellow man. Whenever and wherever possible, let other Bible Chairs be established to meet this great challenge and render a great service, the teaching of the Bible in connection with state schools.