Why should not the Sunday school take advantage of this natural, God-given instinct, to plan such organization in the church as will present the strongest claim for the loyalty of the boys in the teen age?

(b) The organization is in the hands of the members of the class, activities are planned by them, and discipline, when necessary, is administered by them.  The position of the teacher is thereby strengthened.  Instead of being an “autocrat” or “czar” in dealing with the class, the function is that of counsellor and friend.

(c) It develops initiative, self-reliance, self-control, and the ability to do things; character is thereby developed, and strong Christian character is what the church needs today.

(d) The Organized Boys’ Bible Classes will, without a doubt, become as universal in their scope as Organized Adult Bible Classes.  To be affiliated with the biggest teen age organization in the world will, in itself, appeal to every teen age boy and girl.

(e) Organization increases class spirit.  The organized class becomes “our class,” not the “teacher’s class.”  The unorganized class suffers greatly if the teacher is removed, and sometimes is obliged to disband.  The organized class helps to secure another teacher, and, in the interim, maintains its class work and is thus kept together.  Though much depends upon the teacher, the permanency of the class should not rest wholly upon his personality and work.  Changes must necessarily come.

(f) Organization enables the class to do things.  The appointment of special committees, the assignment of definite work to each committee, and the introduction of various class activities does much toward realizing the ideal—­“an adequate Christian service for every member.”  Large and permanent success is assured when this ideal is attained.

=Standard of Organization=

1.  The class shall have at least five officers:  President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Teacher.  It shall also have as many committees as necessary to carry on its work.

2.  The class shall be definitely connected with a Sunday school.

3.  A Sunday Bible session and, if practicable, week-day session or activities.

4.  The age limits of the class shall be not less than thirteen or more than twenty years.

=How to Organize=

Secure Secondary Division Leaflet No. 2, of the International Sunday
School Association.

Study this leaflet carefully, noting especially the standard of organization and the suggestive constitution, which seek to define an organized class.  Distribute leaflets among those whom you wish to interest and enlist.  Organization should not be forced on the class.  Do not go at it as though you were laying a trap.  Observe the following: 

(a) Think it through yourself; then put yourself in the pupil’s place and ask yourself the question, “How would I like to have this presented to me?” This will give you the viewpoint of your class, and you are then ready to go ahead.  You must believe in it thoroughly, enthusiastically, before you can hope for the interest and enthusiasm of your class.