Bible Classes Will Not Meet for Six Weeks in  2003 

Most people who teach Bible classes will tell you that the first few minutes of the class are the most important, because the introduction helps the class focus on the topic for that day. The scripture under consideration is read, or the thoughts that will hopefully create more discussion are presented; however, this presents teachers with a dilemma. If we begin on time, most people will not catch the introduction, because they are not there yet or because of the distraction created by the arrival of those who are late. 

What does one do? We usually opt to begin about five minutes late. It is better to have less time than to have so many people miss out on the beginning of the class. Five minutes isn’t much, is it? Well, there are forty-five minutes scheduled for our Bible classes. Five minutes is 11% of that time. If you deduct those five minutes from an entire year, it amounts to almost six class periods (5.7). In effect, to give up five minutes of our Bible class each week is the equivalent of not meeting for six weeks. This is almost half a quarter. Hmmmm. That doesn’t sound good, does it?

Are you looking for a way to get more out of Bible study and help the church be all she can be? May I suggest that, if needed, you resolve to come early to Bible class each week. Notice that I didn’t say that you should try to be on time. If our goal is to be on time, but we encounter any delay, we will be late. Make it your goal to come early. Not only will it help us reclaim those six weeks, it will also bless your life by giving you more time to visit with others. 

Tim Curtis