Communications Principles Manual


How to Set Up Classroom Meetings

 

 I. Objectives.

     A. To expose students and faculty to Christian perspectives through classroom speaking.

     B. To build Christian faculty and students and equip them to take a bold stand for Christ in the academic community.

     C. To make Jesus Christ the issue in the college classroom.

     D. To help fulfill the Great Commission.

 II. How to line up the meetings.

A. Pray.

    1. Ask God to open the professor's heart. "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord;
        He turns it wherever He wishes" (Proverbs 21:1).

     2. Pray for boldness. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be
         dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

     3. Encourage others to pray. "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much" (James 5:16).

B. Drop in to see the professor (this is usually the most successful approach).

    1. Secure lists of professors and their offices and drop in to speak with those you find in. Professors are
        used to students waiting in the halls to see them, so you will not look out of place.

    2. Consult course schedules, catalogs, lists on departmental bulletin boards and from department offices for
        names and offices of professors.

    3. Often department secretaries will give you a list of professors to contact about a "classroom lecture  
        series."

    4. Go first to professors who teach courses most related to our topics, but do not limit yourself to them.
        Sometimes professors pick topics  they want to hear, even if they do not relate to their courses.

    5. If a professor is not in his office, write down his office hours (usually posted on the door). This will save
        much time in the future.

    6. Keep good records of the response of the professors.

        a. For example, if they say, "no," try to find out tactfully why.
        b. Some professors say no simply because the timing is bad or they want a topic not listed.
        c. This will save you much effort in finding professors who are open to having you speak in the future.

C. Possibly make an appointment to meet with the professor.

    1. Use this approach mainly for hard-to-reach professors. Students contacting their own professors can use
        this approach, too. Do not limit yourself to this approach however, since the drop-in method usually
        results in more contacts.

    2. Here is what you might say over the phone:

        "Dr. ___________. This is ________ __________. I am in your class (if applicable). I am active with a
        student Christian movement called and am meeting with a number of professors this week to explain what 
        we're doing and to discuss a short program that we're making available to different classes. I wondered if
        I could meet with you for 15-20 minutes today or tomorrow to talk about this ."

    3. If you make an appointment, be on time!

D. Communicate clearly when you meet with the professor.

    1. Be courteous and respectful.

    2. Establish rapport, asking questions about his field, background, etc.

    3. For best results, memorize what you will say so that you will present a sharp image of the program you
       are offering to the professor.
        You might say this:

    "Professor __________, as I mentioned, I am active with. Let me tell you about our movement." (Briefly,
     about a minute, explain the  in movement.)

     "I became involved as a freshman and..." (if possible, take about a minute to share your testimony).

     "Let me describe the program I am speaking of. One thing we've been doing recently is lecturing in
     classrooms on subjects that relate to the course material and the Christian faith. We've found that quite often
     students and professors are interested in hearing a Biblical view of an academic subject. This letter gives
     an example of how we've been received." (Show letter of recommendation and mention other
     local professors who have let you speak.

     "We don't offer a religious meting (no hymn books or collections!), but simply present Christian
     perspectives of various issues. At this campus we have several speakers. I wanted to show you this list of
     their topics and ask if you felt your students would be interested in hearing some of them."

     (As he reads topics) "We usually speak for 30-35 minutes and allow a time for questions. I thought that
     ________ or __________ might be appropriate topics for your courses. Does this sound like something you
     would be interested in?"

     Note: Suggest a couple of topics, but let him choose. Sometimes professors let us in for the most unusual
      reasons!)


     4. Consider the following:

         a. The biggest selling points seem to be friendliness, interesting topics and letters of recommendation.

         b. Have resumes available, but don't worry if speakers lack extensive academic credentials. Often our
             best credential is experience in working with students. Play the cards you have.

 III. How to deal with questions the professor might have.

A. "Can it be done in less time?"
    1. Stress the difficulty of developing a topic significantly in less time While leaving sufficient time for
        questions afterward.

    2. You might say: "Dr. _________, the speakers have indicated that they need a minimum of 30 minutes to
        do an adequate job."

B. "This conflicts with the separation of church and state."
    1. This does not apply at a private or religious school.

    2. Explain that the speaker will not be conducting a worship service, but rather he will be giving students the
        opportunity to consider an academic viewpoint to which they might not otherwise have been exposed.

    3. For further information on this issue, see the section in University Classroom Lecturing entitled, "The
        Legality of Christian Activities  on Secular Campuses ."

C. "If I open my class to you, I will have to open it to every group."

     1. This would be true if we were "taking over" the class rather than "relating" to it. We are offering a
          speaker who could relate directly to some aspect of the course content on which there are a wide variety
         of viewpoints. We want to help the professor accomplish his objectives!

     2. The university is a place where a free exchange of ideas can take place, and students can evaluate
         various views.

D. "Do speakers represent a particular denomination?" Explain that the lecture program is non-denominational
      in nature and does not represent any particular church group.

E. "Has the program been approved?"

     1. If applicable, mention administrators, faculty, student leaders, groups, etc. who approve of or have
        endorsed the program.

     2. On most campuses it is up to the individual professor to decide on outside speakers.
            a. However, in some cases it is helpful to explain the program to the chairman of a department before
               contacting the professors.
            b. If you do this, explain that you want to "make him aware of what you are offering to professors ,"
               rather than "asking permission."
                This will help keep one negative professor from closing many doors.

F. "Can the speaker alter the presentation of his topic to give it a slant that would incorporate material we are presently studying?"

     1. Get the professor's ideas and then ask the speaker if this would be possible.

     2. Do not commit a speaker to this without consulting him first. Call long distance if you need to.

 IV. How to schedule the meetings.

A. If the professor agrees to have a speaker, secure the following information:

     1. Class day, time, course subject and lecture topic.

     2. Professor's name, phone number (home and office) for confirmation.

     3. Classroom location (building and room number).

     4. Special instructions or comments (i.e., full or partial class period, etc.).

     5. Ask if you can bring a few guests to sit in and observe. Deter- mine how many.

     6. Number of students in the class.

B. Explain use of comment cards.

     "Usually we bring along some 3 x 5 cards to ask the students to evaluate our lecture. Often we find that
      some would like to know more about the spiritual issues discussed, so we ask them to leave their names
      and numbers if they want additional information." (Note: Do not approach this by asking him to do a
      special favor and let you use cards – this may raise doubts. Simply tell him, "It's our custom,
      and we wanted to make sure it sounds okay." He will tell you if he objects – few do.)

C. Set up an appointment for the speaker to meet briefly with the professor before the class period. (If
     possible, schedule this meeting at least a few hours before the class, if not the day before.)

D. Ask the professor if he would like speakers for his other classes and, if possible, schedule them, too.

 E. Inform the speaker of the details. (Note: If speaking is in conjunction with a "Christian Awareness Week"
     or other large program, give this information to the coordinator rather than the speaker.)

 


 

 THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
AT
CHAPEL HILL
27514

 DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY

 September 25,1974

 Mr. Rusty Wright
3797 G, N. Decatur
Decatur, Ga. 30033

 Dear Rusty,

 At long last, I am getting around to thank you for your visit here last Spring, and for your lectures to my classes as a part of your work in behalf of the Campus Crusade for Christ. Your devotion to this program and its higher purposes stimulated a great deal of interest among my students. I am deeply appreciative of the time you spent with us.

 As you know so well, a University classroom cannot become a pulpit for the advocacy of any particular religious sect or belief. I greatly admired your sensitivity to this problem. You handled it remarkably well, while at the same time got your message through. From a Historian's point of view, it is obvious that the Christian faith is one of our major cultural attributes, is the major determinant of our moral standards, and a great influence in our lives. You made all of these points with telling logic and persuasive discussion.

 I might add one little note. The Department conducted a Student Evaluation of Courses project at the end of the semester last spring. There were several expressions of appreciation from my students in the two courses to which you spoke for the opportunity of hearing a modern viewpoint on the continuing relevance of Christianity in our lives.

 Rusty, I sincerely look forward to seeing you the next time you are in Chapel Hill. I hope you will be able to meet with my classes while you are here.

 Very sincerely yours,

                                                                                   

 Jim DinUIlick
Instructor in History
Assistant to the Chairman

 


 

CLAYTON JUNIOR COLLEGE
P. O. BOX 285
MORROW. GEORGIA 30260

 

UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA

 March 13, 1975
Miss Linda Raney
3799 C North Decatur Road
Decatur, Georgia 30033

 Dear Linda:

 I want to take this opportunity to again offer my personal thanks to you for sharing your personal experiences and speaking to our students on "Anxiety.”

 The students were deeply touched. I feel they, as future nurses, have gained insight and a better appreciation for those who are entrusted to their care and are experiencing anxiety.

 Thank you again for an hour well spent.

 Sincerely yours,

 Jimmie R. Coffey
Coordinator, Nursing Program

JRC:mdp

 


SELECTED TOPICS FOR UNIVERSITY CLASSROOMS
Rusty Wright
Linda Raney Wright

 

1. Unlocking the Secrets of Love, Sex, and Marriage: In today's world of varying views, do the biblical documents have anything of practical value to say on these important subjects? Includes secular research as well.

 

2. A Christian View of Sex: Is the Bible down on sex? Why wait until marriage? A look at the practicality of a Christian position and its implications for a dynamic sex life.

 3.A Biblical Therapy for Anxiety: Four major causes of anxiety are considered. A biblical solution is examined to determine if it can demonstrate valid therapeutic merit.

 4. Above Beyond Freedom and Dignity: An analysis of psychologist B.F. Skinner's view of human nature (as presented in his book, Beyond Freedom and Dignity). His perspective will be contrasted with a biblical view of human nature, and comments on the validity of each will be presented.

 5.  A Biblical View of Human Nature: What is a human being? An insignificant automaton in an infinite universe or a creature of dignity and worth? A Christian concept of this basic issue will be presented.

 6. A Christian Perspective on Racism: Does Christianity promote racism? Is it a "white person's religion?" This consideration will deal with the perspective of biblical Christianity on these issues.

 7. The Psychological Influence of Poverty on the Individual: How does material poverty affect one psychologically? An analytical look will be taken at some of the data. Solutions to the psychological problems of poverty from a Christian perspective will be discussed.

 8. Is There Life After Death? Philosophers, scientists, theologians, and others have struggled with this question for centuries. This lecture will examine evidence for the possibility of life after death and will include an analysis of "out-of-body" and near death experiences.

 9. Miracles and Science: Are miracles and the supernatural possible even though science may never have observed them? An objective look at some of the evidence and its implications.

10.Atheism: A Realistic option? A careful look at the presuppositions of atheism to determine if it is philosophically tenable. Evidence for the theistic view will also be considered.

11. Basic Misconceptions of Christianity: A brief look at some historical, philosophical and scientific misconceptions of the Christian faith which are often raised as objections to its validity.

 12. The Uniqueness of the Bible: An investigation of the composition, continuity, circulation, survival, and message of the Bible to determine what makes it unique among literature. Emphasis will be given to factual credentials.

 13. Are the New Testament Documents Reliable? Is the New Testament that we have today worthy of consideration as accurate history by the intelligent observer? A look at the bibliographic, internal, and external evidence, using accepted methods of historical analysis, demonstrates the reliability of the existing documents.

 14.  The Quest for the Historical Jesus: A historical analysis of some evidences for His true identity, including implications of the significance of these findings.

 15. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Fact or Fiction? What is the evidence behind the assertion that Jesus Christ rose from the dead? This analysis will survey the confirmed historical evidences.

 16.Old Testament Prophesy Fulfilled in the New Testament: A look at some of the prophetic statements in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah and their fulfillment in the New Testament. Could they have come true by chance?

 17.The Theology of the Born Again Movement: A survey of the general beliefs of this movement that has taken place among Americans in recent years.

 18. The Difference Between Christianity and Religion: Is Christianity "just another religion" or is there something unique that sets it apart from all others?

 19.The Born Again Movement as a Modem Phenomenon: An examination of some of the distinctives of this current movement. Basic beliefs, behavior, and socio-cultural aspects will be discussed.

 20. Characteristics of a Successful Leader: Some of the factors that bring about strong leadership will be discussed. The contribution that faith can make to leadership will also be considered.

 21.Secrets of Successful Humor: How to use humor effectively in public speaking. Why do people laugh? How can you tell humorous stories with a punch? What do you do when it bombs? This lecture, by the author of the book, Secrets of Successful Humor, covers these topics and also deals with a crucial ingredient to effective humor (and all public speaking)...a healthy self concept.

 22. Persuasive Speech: A speech from a Christian perspective in persuasive style.

 23. *Women: A Biblical Approach: Is the Bible against women? What did Jesus have to say about women and their role in society? Does Christianity view women as inferior or second-class citizens? This lecture examines these and related issues.

 * Linda's topic

RW:nz

 

 

  

Home Communications Principles Training Can Come To You! Classroom Lecture Training: Staff Orientation Sheet Classroom Lecture Trainig (CLT) Registration/Commitment Form How to Prepare and Present Lectures How to Establish Classroom Credibility Questions Students Ask How to Set Up Classroom Meetings How To Follow Up Classroom Meetings How to Involve Others In Classroom Outreach Classroom Lecture Critique Sheet Speaker's Self-Evaluation Action Steps For Follow-Through on Communication Principles Training Classroom Lecture Training Evaluation The Christian free University Curriculum Creation Production Slide Shows Rusty & Linda Raney Wright - Resource List Print this page
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Communications Principles Manual
CPM-0.1-ENG-0006

4/17/2002 1:26:07 PM

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