7 Essentials
for an Effective Teaching Ministry
By Paula Marolewski
All too often, planning for Christian
Education involves desperately flipping through the church directory
and asking, “Who might
be willing to take a class?”
Is it any wonder, then, that classes fall flat, attendance is
poor, and results are non-existent?
Instead, we need to approach Christian Education with foresight
and strategy, being certain to include these seven essentials:
- Develop
a balance of classes. The teaching body should be organized so
as to teach a balance of classes at all times, and over the course
of time, that complement and build on each other. For instance,
balancing a doctrine-focused class with a practice-focused class,
balancing topical studies with biblical book studies, balancing
lecture-style with discussion-style classes, balancing basic studies
with in-depth studies.
- Mentor new teachers. New teachers should be intentionally
and carefully mentored in their spiritual gift. All spiritual
gifts require growth, education, and coaching – teaching
is no exception. Mentoring should take place with an experienced
teacher, in a safe environment, within a purposefully established
relationship that allows for constructive critique and optimum
growth.
- Perform regular evaluations. It is imperative that each teacher
evaluate him or herself on a regular basis with regard to personal
holiness and effective ministry. Additionally, however, it is
necessary that the teaching body as a whole evaluate itself with
regard to their combined ministry to the church body, and whether
or not as a whole they are upholding their calling and achieving
their goals.
- Choose topics with care. Subject matter should be chosen very
carefully, taking three main points into consideration: first,
what is a teacher’s area of expertise and passion; second,
what are the expressed needs and desires of the church body;
and third, what is the Spirit’s leading.
- Provide diversity and opportunity. Encourage rotation among
the teaching body so as to give all teachers opportunities to
teach, and opportunities to rest. Such rotation also prevents “cliques” or “followings” from
developing within the church body, and exposes the church to
a variety of teaching styles, perspectives, insights, and subject
matter.
- Encourage discipleship. While not everyone feels comfortable
or called to teach in front of people, we are all called to discipleship.
Training should take place in this area, but in essence it is
simple: encourage people to find someone they can learn from
and someone they can help, and walk in those relationships. We
all need to be learning from others, and passing on that which
we learn. Such relationships will help make Christian Education
a way of life for the church.
- Be accountable. There should be clear leadership and accountability
in the church among the teaching body. Such leadership will help
balance classes, organize a teaching schedule, and oversee the
corporate goals of the church.
With proper care, planning, and preparation in the area of Christian
Education, we will see the Word of God go forth with power in our
churches, and in each person’s life!
© 2008 Paula Marolewski
Article Source: http://www.sinkyourroots.com
About the Author:
Paula J. Marolewski provides challenging and interactive adult Bible
studies for individuals, Bible studies, small groups, and adult Sunday School
classes at Sink Your Roots. Studies
include such topics as Debunking
the Myths about Knowing God's Will. The above article is an excerpt from Called
to Teach. |
