Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Mar/82

Contributor - Jim and E.H. Stein

Title - Teacher Training for Sunday School or Church School

Topic - Education

The Teacher - Lesson 2

Two (2) outstanding qualifications are necessary and essential in a Church School Teacher: Spirituality and Personality.

Every Christian possesses these two qualifications to some degree, and can be definitely improved. "The teacher's life is the life of his teaching". He will teach a little by what he says, more by what he does and most of all by what he is.

In surrendering our wills to God we do not lose our personality.

In order to succeed the teacher must have:

1. Self-confidence

2.Desire to teach

3.Willingness to learn

1.Faith in God

2. Faith in the Bible

3. Faith in the task

4. Faith in the pupils

A teacher should recognize the importance of his position and should endeavour to adequately fill the position. The teacher is the hinge on which the Church School swings, and if the teacher is trained, the hinge is oiled, then the work will proceed forward smoothly. The teacher stands central in the whole program of religious education. If teachers fail, then the school fails. Good teachers make good schools. Emerson said, "Let me select my teachers and I care not who arranges the study course." Professor Frank McKibben, in Introduction to Supervision of Religious Education, states that ninety percent of a school's success rests with the teacher.

All this involves training. The more we realize the importance of the task, the more will we appreciate preparation for same. Christ was thirty years preparing for three years of public ministry.

In order to improve, the teacher should know:

1. The Bible - No teacher will be content with just a mere smattering of Biblical knowledge, - he will constantly seek to improve his knowledge of the Book of books. He studies not only Bible doctrine and prophecy, but also quests for knowledge in such subjects as Biblical criticism, Christian evidences, Bible Geography and customs, and early church history. He uses Bible commentaries, dictionaries and the works of noted Bible expositors, but always remembering that the Bible is the text book.

2. Teaching techniques, skills and resources. Know how to use what one has in the best possible manner.

3. How to keep fit.

a) Mentally - Realizing that he has to deal with individuals as well as group personalities, the teacher strives for a working knowledge of the most effective methods of Pedagogy. He will continue his study from all available sources: (i.e.) Sunday School Conventions, Church School magazines, etc.

b) Physically -Both over-work and over-indulgence will hinder one from their best in this important task, and the general rules of health (correct diet, exercise and rest) should be observed.

c) Spiritually - The Bible must not be studied with the sole purpose of meeting the needs of others. It is essential that our own personal spiritual experience should be met, and this is only possible in our daily devotions and fellowship with God.

4. The teacher should have

a) A definite time for study - Teaching the School lesson is too important to relegate the study of the same to "just spare moments". Certain hours each week should be observed in which the lesson is thoroughly studied.

b) A definite plan of study - The systematic preparation of the lesson will accomplish more in its presentation than disorderly study.

c) A definite object of study - The first law of teaching demands that "The teacher must know that which he would teach" and, being essentially a Bible teacher, is familiar with the general structure, plan and context of the various books of the Bible, and there is a great temptation to delve into other channels that are not associated with the lesson. So, Stick to the Lesson!

Pupils of even the same ages cannot all be taught in the same manner, therefore, the teacher should ever keep his own group before him in the preparation of the lesson.

The Church School Teachers Aim

Because of the lack of a clear cut aim, education has suffered perhaps more than any other field.

The Church School teacher must have a clear and minutely defined aim if he is to see if his efforts are successful.

1. The teachers three-fold aim -

a) Bring the pupil to Christ by making pupils aware of the Love of Christ.

b) Build the pupil up in Christ plant, cultivate, water and feed to help growth.

c) Send the pupil forth to work for Christ - responsible Christians.

The supreme aim of the Church School teacher is to shape the immortal destiny of a soul according to the Word of God. Therefore, in order to shape the Immortal destiny of a soul according to the Word of God, every teacher:

1. Must clearly reveal the will of God in salvation according to the Word of God. That salvation is not of works but of grace. That all are dead in trespasses and sins and require to be quickened by the Spirit. They that believe not are condemned already, but they that believe are justified in the sight of God.

2. Must definitely prepare and train each pupil to fulfill God's purpose in his life. God has a plan for every life. It is seldom disclosed in early life, but by study of the Word of God and prayer we find ample directions as to best equip one for God's service.

Evidences of Spiritual Growth

1. WORSHIP - will be the expression of spiritual growth. This act is an essential part of a teacher's responsibility. This should include reverence, gratitude, love and faith, so, that all songs, stories, etc. should carry this thought to the pupil. Church Schools pupils should be given every opportunity for worship and prayer; we learn to worship through worshipping, and to pray through praying. Let us truly cultivate the true spirit of worship, devotion and reverence to God and His House.

2. GOOD CITIZENS - Christian character is dependent upon Christian habits and Christian habits are dependent on Christian instruction. We inherit a nature but we acquire a character by repeated acts. Church Schools are habit factories. Let us never let our pupils get a wrong conception towards God, His House and eternal things. Children can be taught habits and attitudes of truthfulness, honesty, purity, regularity, punctuality, courage, respect to parents and governments. Then, when saved, these virtues will take on new meaning and emphasis. By twelve years of age many habits are established that remain throughout life.

3. SERVICE - Spiritual development manifests itself in service. A growing Christian is an active Christian, eager to serve the Lord. Church organization should provide an outlet and work for all such members where their talents and services can be utilized.

We must always be clear as to what we are aiming at, and, then devote every effort to achieving that aim.

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