University of Virginia Library

THE TEACHERS

Some religious broadcasters prefer teaching to preaching. Most who go this route sit quietly on sets, living-room style, and teach Bible lessons or discuss how one may live the religious life. There is some entertainment, but usually not much more than a couple of musical numbers by a bright-eyed group of young people, just to warm up the audience for the lesson that follows.

Richard De Hann and Paul Van Gorder

"Day of Discovery" is a direct descendant of one of radio's oldest continuous religious programs, "The Radio Bible Class." Pioneer evangelical broadcaster M. R. De Haan taught daily on "The Radio Bible Class" for many years. When the program went to television in 1968, it became "Day of Discovery." Richard De Haan, son of the founder, is one of the two principal teacher-speakers. Paul Van Gorder is the other.

The program opens with a musical number or two by the "Day of Discovery" singers, usually videotaped in Florida's colorful Cypress Gardens, and then Richard or Paul gets down to the

quiet, serious business of teaching a Bible lesson. The atmosphere is friendly and dignified. There is no promotion except for the free offer of a copy of the day's lesson. "Day of Discovery" has Bible courses available if you want to do serious study, but money is never solicited on the air. Still, voluntary contributions from the show's serious viewers keep the program going, despite the low-key solicitation.

Frank Pollard

Frank Pollard is the teacher on the Southern Baptist study program "At Home with the Bible. " As with others in this genre, entertainment is limited to a musical number or two. The set looks like a living room, and the cast has the casual appearance of a family. It's low-key, informal education, designed to appeal to the surprisingly large number of Americans who have a serious interest in Bible study. The Baptists don't buy time for the program; it is seen on sustaining or free time. Nor do they solicit funds on the air. As for "Day of Discovery," if you write for their Bible study materials, you'll receive them free of charge, and the appeal for financial contributions is low-key. A typical appeal, at the conclusion of a letter that makes no mention of money, reads as follows: "Please keep praying for us and for the support that makes our ministry possible." Of course, a pre-addressed envelope is enclosed in case you want to do more than pray.