There are at least four areas in which every teacher needs to keep growing. We need to grow in the Word, in our people skills and in our communication skills. Today, we focus on the fourth area—the need to keep growing in personal character.
In spite of what politicians and media types might say, we all know that character really does matter, especially as it relates to church leaders. As Sunday School teachers, we know that what we teach is critically important. We also know that we teach with more than our words alone. The character of our lives teaches so much and goes beyond an hour on Sunday morning. So how do we make sure we keep growing in the area of our character? Here are some thoughts.
First, character is developed as we spend consistent, personal time alone with God. In Mark 1:35 we see the example of Jesus spending His “quiet time” with God. Following that time alone with the Father, Jesus made critical decisions, faced major spiritual battles and ministered to people in need. As a Sunday School Teacher, you are also making decisions on the direction you will take with your lesson, you are fighting spiritual battles, and you are ministering to people. If Jesus needed time alone with the Father as He started His day, it is quite apparent that we do as well. In the process of spending this time with God, we grow in our spiritual character.
Second, spiritual character is developed through personal surrender to the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Those nine qualities look a lot like the qualities we identify with Christian character. It is clear that the Spirit of God indwelling each believer produces this kind of fruit; so, in order for us to bear this kind of fruit, we must live in surrender to His control, enablement and influence.
Third, spiritual character is developed as we grow through the trials of life. We all know that “God uses all things together” for the good of those who love Him. At least part of that “good” is that we are “conformed to the image of His Son.” (See Romans 8:28-29) God uses even the sorrowful and difficult experiences of life to grow us and shape our character as He chips away those things that are unlike His Son. Our response to Him in those situations is to cooperate with His process of molding us into the image of Christ in our character. God is much more interested in our personal character than He is our personal comfort. At times He will sacrifice our comfort to strengthen our faith and our character.
Forth, Spiritual Character is developed as we deliberately study and seek to apply character qualities to our lives. One thing we can do is study the lives of those in the Bible who displayed the character traits we desire in our lives. For example, if I need to grow in the area of encouragement, I can study the life of Barnabas in the Bible. If I need to grow in the area of forgiveness, I can study the life of Joseph in the Old Testament. If I need to grow in boldness, I can study the life of Peter after the Holy Spirit comes in power in Acts 2. I can also read the biographies of great Christians to help me learn certain character traits. For example, Billy Graham’s life teaches volumes about integrity and humility and there are several biographies I can read. As I read about the life of Lottie Moon, I learn about conviction and loving, personal sacrifice for the gospel. This kind of deliberate study can help us on our way to character development and allows us to be proactive in our pursuit of holiness and godliness.
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Monday, May 20, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
What Every Teacher Needs: People Skills
We have been thinking together about several key areas in which every teacher needs to keep growing. These areas are vital to success in your ministry as a Sunday School Teacher. The first area is biblical accuracy or doctrinal integrity. A second need for every teacher is to develop strong people skills. One major hurdle in learning better people skills is realizing that we may need to grow in this area. People with poor people skills usually do not realize they have a problem! It is clear that this comes more easily for some than it does others. But it is also clear that we all can and should seek to grow in this important area.
Before we can grow in people skills, I think we must accept the fact that this is a spiritual issue. Just as surely as our love for God is a spiritual issue, our ability to love others is a spiritual issue as well. The passage that admonishes us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, also tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. People skills are really practical ways that we demonstrate our love for others. When you think about it, the fruit of the Spirit referred to in Galatians 5:22-23, helps us focus on nine traits that help us to love others by the power of the Spirit in us. It is the Spirit of God that enables us to demonstrate those characteristics. It really is a spiritual issue and those people skills are developed best on a spiritual level.
Acquiring people skills requires that we learn empathy. Empathy is the ability to see the perspective of the other person. It is putting ourselves in the other person’s shoes. The Bible says, “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them…” (Matthew 7:12 HCSB). This “do unto others” idea is empathy. You can ask, “If I were new to this class and insecure about my reading, would I want to read a difficult Bible passage in front of a room full of people I hardly know?” Or you can ask yourself, “If I were a first time visitor attending my class today, where would I sit, how would I want to be treated, or what would make me feel most comfortable?” Or you might ask yourself, “If I were 13 years old and already a very self-conscious adolescent, would I want the teacher to call attention to my lateness or my wet hair or the fact that I forgot to bring a Bible?” The devil is already at work trying to disturb the minds of lost and inactive people. Our ability to show empathy gives him one less thing to cause them to stumble.
Demonstrating sensitivity and kindness to others is a Christian norm that enhances people skills. On occasion I have run into a church leader who thought it was spiritual to make harsh, rude, insensitive remarks to others. These leaders often imagine themselves to be following the pattern of prophets of old who confronted idolaters and pagans who sacrificed their own children to a false god. They use the same zeal to rebuke people in their Sunday School class over things that are much less offensive. I have seen pastors who “grew” their churches from 200 members to 60 in a very short period of time using such tactics. I have seen Sunday School teachers who emptied out their Sunday School classes using the class time as an opportunity to comment on dress, or on a Bible translation, or a political issue or some gray area of behavior. When people left or stopped attending they blamed it on the Last Days or on the “fact” that the people were too immature to handle the “meat of the Word” they were teaching. In reality, their insensitivity and lack of people skills revealed the fact that they should not have been trusted with church leadership. Developing greater sensitivity toward others does not come naturally to our human nature, but it is vital to success in our ministry as Sunday School teachers.
Before we can grow in people skills, I think we must accept the fact that this is a spiritual issue. Just as surely as our love for God is a spiritual issue, our ability to love others is a spiritual issue as well. The passage that admonishes us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, also tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. People skills are really practical ways that we demonstrate our love for others. When you think about it, the fruit of the Spirit referred to in Galatians 5:22-23, helps us focus on nine traits that help us to love others by the power of the Spirit in us. It is the Spirit of God that enables us to demonstrate those characteristics. It really is a spiritual issue and those people skills are developed best on a spiritual level.
Acquiring people skills requires that we learn empathy. Empathy is the ability to see the perspective of the other person. It is putting ourselves in the other person’s shoes. The Bible says, “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them…” (Matthew 7:12 HCSB). This “do unto others” idea is empathy. You can ask, “If I were new to this class and insecure about my reading, would I want to read a difficult Bible passage in front of a room full of people I hardly know?” Or you can ask yourself, “If I were a first time visitor attending my class today, where would I sit, how would I want to be treated, or what would make me feel most comfortable?” Or you might ask yourself, “If I were 13 years old and already a very self-conscious adolescent, would I want the teacher to call attention to my lateness or my wet hair or the fact that I forgot to bring a Bible?” The devil is already at work trying to disturb the minds of lost and inactive people. Our ability to show empathy gives him one less thing to cause them to stumble.
Demonstrating sensitivity and kindness to others is a Christian norm that enhances people skills. On occasion I have run into a church leader who thought it was spiritual to make harsh, rude, insensitive remarks to others. These leaders often imagine themselves to be following the pattern of prophets of old who confronted idolaters and pagans who sacrificed their own children to a false god. They use the same zeal to rebuke people in their Sunday School class over things that are much less offensive. I have seen pastors who “grew” their churches from 200 members to 60 in a very short period of time using such tactics. I have seen Sunday School teachers who emptied out their Sunday School classes using the class time as an opportunity to comment on dress, or on a Bible translation, or a political issue or some gray area of behavior. When people left or stopped attending they blamed it on the Last Days or on the “fact” that the people were too immature to handle the “meat of the Word” they were teaching. In reality, their insensitivity and lack of people skills revealed the fact that they should not have been trusted with church leadership. Developing greater sensitivity toward others does not come naturally to our human nature, but it is vital to success in our ministry as Sunday School teachers.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
What Sunday School Leaders Do
In my experience working with various Sunday Schools across Ohio and other states, it has become clear to me that many Sunday Schools and Sunday School classes have been working on autopilot for many years. There are people serving in many Sunday Schools who are content to manage the status quo. There is little effort to reach new people or grow the ministry. In fact, I have run into some who reject the idea that the mission of the Sunday School is to reach new people for Christ.
I’ve had teachers in other churches openly reject the idea that a Sunday School leader has any responsibility when it comes to the spiritual growth, the numerical growth and the ministry of their class. It has been said, “It is my job to grow the class deeper, and it is God’s job to grow the class larger.” While that may sound deep, and even a little spiritual, it simply isn’t true! There is no biblical basis for such a comment. It has been my experience that the difference between a growing Sunday School and a stagnant one is the willingness of pastors, teachers and workers to accept responsibility in three key areas. It’s what Sunday School leaders do.
Accept responsibility for the maturity of the class. I have discovered along the way that I cannot force anyone to grow up as a Christian. Some folks decide to remain spiritual babes no matter what we do or say. I can, however, do my part to provide an environment for growth. Anyone who has ever had a garden understands the concept. Only God can make the plants grow, mature and bear fruit. But when the gardener gives time and effort to prepare the soil, provide a safe, sunny spot and water the plants regularly, the Lord is much more likely to grow the seedlings into healthy, reproducing plants. As Sunday School leaders, we are to provide regular prayer, biblical, interesting teaching and a personal interest in the spiritual growth of our enrollees.
Accept responsibility for the ministry of the class. Each Christian has been given spiritual gifts and abilities in order to minister to one another in the church. Each Christian is also called to be on mission with God in various ways. A leader doesn’t wait for someone else to get the class involved in ministry to one another. If an enrollee is sick, a leader takes action to meet the need. If a member has been absent, a leader initiates involvement in the absentee’s life. Waiting for someone else to do the ministry usually means someone “falls through the cracks” and they eventually stop attending.
Accept responsibility for the growth of the class. Growth is not a matter of luck or some mystical blessing. Of course only God can save and bring spiritual development to a person, and there are things beyond a teacher’s control like job transfers, illnesses and people relocating to another town or state. But God blesses the hard work of outreach, a good spirit in the class and competent teaching. These are things a Sunday School leader can influence. When we do our part, we can confidently trust the Lord to do His part.
I realize it is difficult to accept these responsibilities as a Sunday School leader. There is a lot depending on the success of your class. I am reminded of James 3:1 that says, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” Sometimes it is easier to let someone else carry the burden of responsibility, but then again, there is nothing quite so fulfilling as seeing God use you to impact lives for His glory. Thank you for serving and accepting the task the Lord has given you.
I’ve had teachers in other churches openly reject the idea that a Sunday School leader has any responsibility when it comes to the spiritual growth, the numerical growth and the ministry of their class. It has been said, “It is my job to grow the class deeper, and it is God’s job to grow the class larger.” While that may sound deep, and even a little spiritual, it simply isn’t true! There is no biblical basis for such a comment. It has been my experience that the difference between a growing Sunday School and a stagnant one is the willingness of pastors, teachers and workers to accept responsibility in three key areas. It’s what Sunday School leaders do.
Accept responsibility for the maturity of the class. I have discovered along the way that I cannot force anyone to grow up as a Christian. Some folks decide to remain spiritual babes no matter what we do or say. I can, however, do my part to provide an environment for growth. Anyone who has ever had a garden understands the concept. Only God can make the plants grow, mature and bear fruit. But when the gardener gives time and effort to prepare the soil, provide a safe, sunny spot and water the plants regularly, the Lord is much more likely to grow the seedlings into healthy, reproducing plants. As Sunday School leaders, we are to provide regular prayer, biblical, interesting teaching and a personal interest in the spiritual growth of our enrollees.
Accept responsibility for the ministry of the class. Each Christian has been given spiritual gifts and abilities in order to minister to one another in the church. Each Christian is also called to be on mission with God in various ways. A leader doesn’t wait for someone else to get the class involved in ministry to one another. If an enrollee is sick, a leader takes action to meet the need. If a member has been absent, a leader initiates involvement in the absentee’s life. Waiting for someone else to do the ministry usually means someone “falls through the cracks” and they eventually stop attending.
Accept responsibility for the growth of the class. Growth is not a matter of luck or some mystical blessing. Of course only God can save and bring spiritual development to a person, and there are things beyond a teacher’s control like job transfers, illnesses and people relocating to another town or state. But God blesses the hard work of outreach, a good spirit in the class and competent teaching. These are things a Sunday School leader can influence. When we do our part, we can confidently trust the Lord to do His part.
I realize it is difficult to accept these responsibilities as a Sunday School leader. There is a lot depending on the success of your class. I am reminded of James 3:1 that says, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” Sometimes it is easier to let someone else carry the burden of responsibility, but then again, there is nothing quite so fulfilling as seeing God use you to impact lives for His glory. Thank you for serving and accepting the task the Lord has given you.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Church Leadership: Is it a Position or a Role Assignment?
I once heard about a lady who was given the ministry opportunity to direct the choir in her local church. She was obviously one of the most talented singers in the church and she knew it. She had experience directing choirs in college and she had taken formal training in conducting. She really knew her stuff and the Nominating Committee and the pastor were certain that they had the right person for the position.
It was clear after the first choir rehearsal however, that problems were on the horizon. Several people quit the choir after the first 15 minutes. The director had announced that anyone who could not read music should not be in the choir. After they left the room, she told the choir that she expected them to never miss a practice unless it was for a vacation (she expected two-week’s notice), an illness or a death in the family. She expected some of the sopranos to sing alto for the good of the choir and then made some unkind comments about their limited vocal range when they tried singing the new part. She pointed out several men in the bass section were slouching and rebuked some of the tenors for being a little flat on the high notes.
When Sunday came around, she was shocked to find that she only had three choir members left to lead in Sunday morning worship! She told the pastor after the service that the choir had let her down and she was appalled that people were not more committed to the Lord’s work. She was certain that he had been pastoring a bunch of carnal Christians and if he had preached more “hard sermons” on commitment and dedication, people would not be so weak in their walk with God and she would still have a choir. Then she promptly resigned her position.
Many people are under the delusion that in the church, we minister from a “position of authority” rather than from a role assignment that we have been entrusted with by God and others. Someone who sees their ministry as a position has certain expectations. He expects people to follow because of his position. If he is ever challenged, he points others to his position and informs them that if they do not submit to his leadership, they must have a spiritual issue.
When we realize that God has called us to be servant-leaders rather than positional leaders, we begin to see ourselves in a role assignment rather than as an authority figure. We see others as equals, and we become more sensitive and understanding of their needs, feelings and even criticisms. We seek to build relationships with the people we lead and seek to understand what makes them tick.
As you serve your class in the role-assignment of a Sunday School teacher, seek to build strong bonds with the people to whom you minister. It is a special privilege to share the Word of God with people on a weekly basis, don’t take it lightly. They volunteer to show up every week to experience your teaching. Let me encourage you to express your gratefulness to them on a regular basis. They follow your example in service and ministry to the Lord. Be sure to communicate your love for them. The best Sunday School teachers know that it is their love for the people that they lead that motivates them to follow and keep wanting to attend. It keeps the people of your class eager to participate in the work of the Sunday School.
It was clear after the first choir rehearsal however, that problems were on the horizon. Several people quit the choir after the first 15 minutes. The director had announced that anyone who could not read music should not be in the choir. After they left the room, she told the choir that she expected them to never miss a practice unless it was for a vacation (she expected two-week’s notice), an illness or a death in the family. She expected some of the sopranos to sing alto for the good of the choir and then made some unkind comments about their limited vocal range when they tried singing the new part. She pointed out several men in the bass section were slouching and rebuked some of the tenors for being a little flat on the high notes.
When Sunday came around, she was shocked to find that she only had three choir members left to lead in Sunday morning worship! She told the pastor after the service that the choir had let her down and she was appalled that people were not more committed to the Lord’s work. She was certain that he had been pastoring a bunch of carnal Christians and if he had preached more “hard sermons” on commitment and dedication, people would not be so weak in their walk with God and she would still have a choir. Then she promptly resigned her position.
Many people are under the delusion that in the church, we minister from a “position of authority” rather than from a role assignment that we have been entrusted with by God and others. Someone who sees their ministry as a position has certain expectations. He expects people to follow because of his position. If he is ever challenged, he points others to his position and informs them that if they do not submit to his leadership, they must have a spiritual issue.
When we realize that God has called us to be servant-leaders rather than positional leaders, we begin to see ourselves in a role assignment rather than as an authority figure. We see others as equals, and we become more sensitive and understanding of their needs, feelings and even criticisms. We seek to build relationships with the people we lead and seek to understand what makes them tick.
As you serve your class in the role-assignment of a Sunday School teacher, seek to build strong bonds with the people to whom you minister. It is a special privilege to share the Word of God with people on a weekly basis, don’t take it lightly. They volunteer to show up every week to experience your teaching. Let me encourage you to express your gratefulness to them on a regular basis. They follow your example in service and ministry to the Lord. Be sure to communicate your love for them. The best Sunday School teachers know that it is their love for the people that they lead that motivates them to follow and keep wanting to attend. It keeps the people of your class eager to participate in the work of the Sunday School.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday School Jesus Style
The first Sunday School was started a little over 200 years ago—so I am fully aware that Jesus did not have a Sunday School class in the same way we talk about it today. Yet Jesus clearly did have a small group ministry with the 12 disciples. His ministry to His “class” of disciples was an intentional strategy and priority of His ministry on earth. I have been studying a little about Jesus’ work with His small group and I have discovered some principles that still apply today.
Prayer is a key strategy for reaching new people. Before Jesus enlisted His disciples, He spent much time in prayer. Each teacher would do well to have a prayer list of prospects for his or her class. Prayer for prospects focuses us on who we are trying to reach and provides insight on how to reach them. Are you and the members of your class praying for the people they are hoping to reach?
Personally seek out the people you want to reach. Jesus did not wait for someone else to enlist people for Him. He did not expect people to simply find their way to Him or drop by because they were in the area—He went after His disciples! Many Sunday School classes have no strategy or plan for reaching new people. All growth requires effort and work. We cannot expect new people to attend if we are not working a plan for reaching them. Are you and the members of your class inviting people to attend your Sunday School class?
Jesus also accepted the personal responsibility for the spiritual growth of the people in His group. I know that people have to want to grow to make any real progress, but there must also be someone willing to lead and teach them. A good teacher assumes that the enrollees are ready and willing. She sees the potential of each individual and designs the lessons with the needs of the pupils in mind. Are you seeing personal growth in the lives of the people in your class?
Jesus equipped His disciples to serve. He didn’t just fill their heads with facts and Bible knowledge and send them home with notebooks full of information. No, He demonstrated compassionate ministry and then sent His disciples out to do the same. The success of a Sunday School class is not measured in attendance alone. Instead of asking, “How many have come,” we should also ask, “How many have been sent out?” Are you and the members of your class involved in ministry projects and outreach?
Jesus released leaders out of His group to start new groups, new churches, and new ministries. If Jesus was not willing to release His 12 disciples, the church may not even exist today. New Sunday School classes are almost always started by a few committed leaders who have been learning from a faithful teacher who was unselfish enough to release them with his blessing and encouragement. It is a blessing to extend the level of your influence by releasing the people you have discipled to serve in other places.
Can you imagine a father who says that he loves his children so much that he never wants to see them marry and start families of their own? That is unhealthy and unnatural. Growing things reproduce themselves. Growing Sunday School classes do the same. Are you and the members of your class releasing people to teach and start other classes?
Jesus is the ultimate Sunday School expert. The leadership He provided for His small group of disciples is a challenge to us all. Leading a class “Jesus Style” produces amazing results!
Prayer is a key strategy for reaching new people. Before Jesus enlisted His disciples, He spent much time in prayer. Each teacher would do well to have a prayer list of prospects for his or her class. Prayer for prospects focuses us on who we are trying to reach and provides insight on how to reach them. Are you and the members of your class praying for the people they are hoping to reach?
Personally seek out the people you want to reach. Jesus did not wait for someone else to enlist people for Him. He did not expect people to simply find their way to Him or drop by because they were in the area—He went after His disciples! Many Sunday School classes have no strategy or plan for reaching new people. All growth requires effort and work. We cannot expect new people to attend if we are not working a plan for reaching them. Are you and the members of your class inviting people to attend your Sunday School class?
Jesus also accepted the personal responsibility for the spiritual growth of the people in His group. I know that people have to want to grow to make any real progress, but there must also be someone willing to lead and teach them. A good teacher assumes that the enrollees are ready and willing. She sees the potential of each individual and designs the lessons with the needs of the pupils in mind. Are you seeing personal growth in the lives of the people in your class?
Jesus equipped His disciples to serve. He didn’t just fill their heads with facts and Bible knowledge and send them home with notebooks full of information. No, He demonstrated compassionate ministry and then sent His disciples out to do the same. The success of a Sunday School class is not measured in attendance alone. Instead of asking, “How many have come,” we should also ask, “How many have been sent out?” Are you and the members of your class involved in ministry projects and outreach?
Jesus released leaders out of His group to start new groups, new churches, and new ministries. If Jesus was not willing to release His 12 disciples, the church may not even exist today. New Sunday School classes are almost always started by a few committed leaders who have been learning from a faithful teacher who was unselfish enough to release them with his blessing and encouragement. It is a blessing to extend the level of your influence by releasing the people you have discipled to serve in other places.
Can you imagine a father who says that he loves his children so much that he never wants to see them marry and start families of their own? That is unhealthy and unnatural. Growing things reproduce themselves. Growing Sunday School classes do the same. Are you and the members of your class releasing people to teach and start other classes?
Jesus is the ultimate Sunday School expert. The leadership He provided for His small group of disciples is a challenge to us all. Leading a class “Jesus Style” produces amazing results!
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