|
Bible
Study Resources
- Learn how to lead a small group Bible Study.
- Free Bible Study outlines, questions, & potential
answers for over 30 studies.
|
Recruiting New Sunday School Teachers
One of the toughest challenges in Children Ministry
is recruiting volunteers who are passionate and knowledgeable
about raising up a generation of children after God's
Heart. Other ministry demands, busy schedules, having
a child in the Sunday School, don't feel qualified,
etc. are examples of reasons hindering people from
committing to Children Ministry. How to recruit teachers?
Here're a few suggestions:
a. Jesus told in Mt.
9:38 to "Ask the Lord of the harvest...to send
out workers..." Regardless of whether you have
only a handful of volunteers or have too many willing
helpers, they are not your helpers. They must be
God's workers. Pray that God will call and select
His workers to serve His little children.
b. Pray that God will grow the passion of seeing
little ones come to Jesus in the hearts of all your
potential teachers. There is nothing worse than
having a teacher who treats Sunday School as nothing
more than a babysitting service.
a. It may be time consuming than just making a
public announcement but it is far more effective.
b. Share with the person your passion about children
ministry and how if the Lord put this person's name
in your heart. Invite him/her to pray before accepting
or declining the invitation. .
c. Invite a veteran teacher to join you and share
about his/her experience in teaching.
One of the most common concerns is not feeling
qualified for the job. Providing resources of good
teaching materials and trainings can help alleviate
a lot of fears. Besides training workshops, mentorship
or partnership can benefit new and experienced teachers
alike.
While we all appreciate Sunday School teachers
who has taught their whole life, having a commitment
period will offer volunteers a way out without feeling
guilty. Having "sabbaticals" can be refreshing
and reenergizing for volunteers. Encourage volunteers
to observe other classrooms or to attend an adult
class for their own spiritual growth. The late Dr.
Howard Hendricks stated in his book Teaching
To Change Lives stated "The effective
teacher always teaches from the overflow of a full
life...If you stop growing today, you stop teaching
tomorrow" Stay in regular contact with your
teachers and be sure to invite them back after the
"sabbatical" period is over.
5. Invite parents of children
Parents of children can be your best resources
either as helpers or teachers. However, be sure
that they'll have opportunities to attend worship
or Adult classes at least periodically.
6. Ask current teachers & pastors to
help recruit
Current teachers are able to give
firsthand experiences of how teaching Sunday School
have blessed them as well as the children. Their understanding
of the blessings and challenges can be invaluable
to new recruits. Pastors often know and have the ears
of a lot of people.
|
|
Article on
by Isabel Ng |