Pioneer Christian Monthly - September, 1982

Teacher Training For Sunday School or Church School
Jim Stein and E. H. Stein

Impression & Expression - Lesson 7

The law of review and application is that "the completion, test and confirmation of teaching must be made by review and application". It is a fact that ten minutes of work done by the class is better than an hour's work done by the teacher.

There are two main steps in the learning process: first, Impression, represented by the reading and study of the lesson and the teacher's remarks; secondly, Expression, by which the pupil gives out the results of his own thinking and labour. Therefore, the real test of a teacher's work is not what is said to the pupils, but what those pupils say and do as the result of the instruction received. Education is not completed by the acquisition of knowledge, but the expression of that knowledge.

Therefore, expression is the whole object of teaching, for the pupil is not merely learning facts, but learning to apply them.

The supreme purpose of the Sunday School teacher is to mould the eternal destiny of the pupils in his charge, according to the Word of God. The impartation of Biblical knowledge is a comparatively simple matter, but the development of Christian character is far more difficult. Therefore, a knowledge of Scripture which does not affect the pupils's life either inward or outward, is worse than useless.

Character is not developed through dreaming or wishing, but by doing, and it is strengthened by expression. The habit of doing nothing is as bad as the habit of doing wrong. One is deeply impressed by the emphasis which Christ laid on doing His will or carrying out His instructions.

"If you know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." Teachers themselves have experienced the truth that we learn by doing; for life that is not expressed dies.

Application of the instruction can be included under three general headings:

1. What shall pupils be taught before conversion?

While proper habits may be taught unsaved children, two warnings are essential to all Church School teachers in this connection -

a) these pupils require to be continually reminded that they need Io experience Christ in a personal way, and

b) also to be instructed that attending a Church School is not "grace itself", but rather the "means of grace", and that all good habits will not merit them salvation.

I. The Scriptures:

Pupils will be encouraged to reverence and love the Bible by the attitude and enthusiasm of the teacher. It will be assumed and never questioned that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. Only the Word of God provides the principles for Christian living, and to attempt to build character independent of its instruction is useless. Unfortunately, modem educators have lost sight of this in this zeal for the application of truth. It is claimed that this book (the Bible), written centuries ago, is unsuitable for modem application, failing to recognize that the Bible is the changeless book for the changing ages.

II. Prayer:

If God speaks to us through His Word, then we speak to God in prayer. This includes requests for what the child consciously needs and thanksgiving for the supply of these things. It will include intercession for other pupils. Habits of prayer may be cultivated by the example, exhortation and testimony of the teacher. In the class, the teacher can lead in prayer, in simplicity and earnestness, bringing the class into real contact with God. Pupil participation in prayer may also be practiced (Matthew 21:16).

III. Reverence:

It is of basic importance that all children, from their earliest years, be taught to reverence God, His Name, His book and the House of God. Especially during prayer, absolute silence must be maintained. Severe reprimands for such breaches will not likely achieve the de-, sired end, rather a quiet talk with the offender in private, manifesting the genuine grief of the teacher, will be more effective. Misplaced humour in the Church School is quite undesirable.

IV. Obedience:

This desirable habit and attitude is definitely lacking in thousands of families today. Obedience to God's Word is more likely if the child is taught obedience in general, to parents, to teachers, to government, etc. All as unto the Lord and according to His Word.

An unruly child will probably not be very desirous of submitting to God's will, as he knows none but his own will.

V. Unselfishness:

In the same way, love for God will be associated with love for others, in contrast to an all-absorbing love for self. It will find expression in the class if some plan is used in helping the less fortunate children of the neighbourhood. Here also, as always, the example of the teacher will count for more than he can say'

2. What shall pupils be taught about conversion?

Every pupil should be reminded of his personal responsibility for a decision for Christ. All instruction, in a class having unconverted pupils should have for its goal the personal acceptance of Christ, for there is no more essential application of truth than that which leads to Christ.

3. What shall pupils be taught after conversion?

The Christian life and the Christian faith will be subjects chosen for the benefit of those converted.

a) Bible study, prayer, good habits, etc., as already listed, will take on new meaning and emphasis. They will be recognized as essential to Christian growth and development of the new life within. Happy is the young convert who is already established in these- habits.

b) The necessity for now living a Spirit-filled life. This is in keeping with the command of Jesus and so essential for service. it is the heritage of all who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

c) Testimony. The value and importance of testimony will be shown. Water baptism is also a public witness to Christ.

d) Fellowship with other Christians of like precious faith will be encouraged at school, at play and at work.

e) Worship, as including thanksgiving for spiritual blessings in Christ, will be the normal expression. This will lead to attendance at services, for the joy and satisfaction involved and association with the Lord's people in a more formal way.

f) Giving. The development of the spiritual life includes the obligation of the practice of stewardship, the proper use of possession. Pupils should be led into giving money for missionary and charitable purposes. This, as far as possible, should be their own money which they have earned. For a child to be given money for an offering does not train him in stewardship. One of the greatest truths that any teacher can learn is that they are "raising" children and NOT money, and only as far as the spirit of sacrifice enters into a child's offering is any real gain accomplished.

g) Missions, their importance and needs should be impressed on all Christians.

All these, and many more, will be the practical results of lessons taught to young converts.

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