Southern Christian Advocate

SUMMER SCHOOLS FOR PASTORS
Rev. R. H. Ruff

The Board of Missions and Sunday School Board, in cooperation with the Annual Conference Boards and Colleges, will conduct fifteen schools for rural and city pastors during the coming summer. Doctor J. W. Perry will represent the Board of Missions in directing the school for city pastors, Reverend Robt. H. Ruff for the town and country pastors and Mr. L. F. Sensabaugh will represent the work of Religious Education in each of these schools. The pastors and membership of rural and town churches which comprise three-fourths of the membership of the Church, will be interested to know that plans have been developed and are nearing completion for holding fifteen schools for rural pastors during the summer of 1923. These schools were initiated two years ago by the Rural Work Department of the Board of Missions. That they have met a real need is evidenced by the fact in response to the demand the number of schools has been increased yearly. Two years ago there were two schools held. The experiment was so successful that last year, 1922, six schools with approximately six hundred pastors in attendance, were held. In 1923 it is proposed to conduct fifteen of these schools. And in order to make it possible for rural pastors to have training in the entire program of the Church, Sunday School Board will cooperate with the Board of Missions in putting on a full and comprehensive course of study. The rural training schools are designed primarily to bring university extension work to the pastors and lay workers in country sections. They enable the pastor of a country church to keep abreast with times and to secure special training in his own line of work. They are to the country preacher what the summer normal is to the literary teacher, the course of lectures to the doctor or scientific worker. Many pastors have not had the advantage of higher education. Special training will help to overcome this handicap. The rural school is the answer to the question, what can we do for the preacher in the country to make him more efficient. Adequate provisions have also been made to meet the needs of the large town and city pastors. Twelve days of regular study are required. A full four year course of study has been outlined covering every phase of rural life as it pertains to the work of a pastor. These courses include studies in presenting the gospel message, Bible study, Sunday school work, all problems touching community life, practical methods and training, recreation and health topics. Outstanding men and women, authorities on these subjects, have been secured to compose the faculty. They will bring to the pastor, in his own setting, and surroundings, the benefit of years of study and practical experience. Bishops and leaders of our own denomination will be active in rendering assistance. Written examinations at the close of the session will be required and credits given for the work done. Upon the completion of any course, credits will be given looking to a full diploma. In planning locations for the 1923 schools thought has been given to the accessibility from various points in annual conference territory. Schools for rural pastors will be held as follows:
Winchester, Ky., Kentucky-Wesleyan, June 27-July 11th.
Fayette, Missouri, Central College, May 29th-June 12th.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, May 29th-June 12th.
Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham-Southern College. May 31-June 14th.
Conway, Ark., Hendrix College, May 31-June 14.
Dallas, Texas. Southern Methodist University. June 14-28.
Ashland, Va., Randolph-Macon College, June 19-July 3.
Clarksville, Tennessee, Southern Presby. University, June 12-26.
Emory, Va., Emory and Henry College, August 20-September 1.
Spartanburg, S. C., Wofford College, June 25-July 6.
Durham, N. C., Trinity College, June 6-16.
Final announcement regarding the Schools for Arizona, California, Colorado and Oregon will be made in a short time...