Are You Teaching to Equip?
"God hasn’t told me what my gifts are, so I guess I don’t have any."
Have you heard these comments from your students or others in your church? Was your response, "Keep looking–I’m sure God has given you the ability to do something"?
Or did you respond, "I want to help you–let’s talk about this"?
The church leaders are responsible for equipping and preparing believers for service .to God and His church, guiding them in living the Bible truths you teach. The apostle Paul described it this way: "It was he [God] who gave some to be...teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service" (Ephesians 4:11-13, NIV).
Most of us became Sunday school teachers because someone asked us to teach. We were unsure whether we would be effective but willing to find out. We learned how to be teachers by observing or assisting other teachers, reading teachers’ helps, trial and error, and doing a teacher’s work. After some time we began to realize that God had given us a gift of teaching.
Now we are responsible to give others the same opportunities we have had. Most of them will not be teachers, but all of them have been given gifts that enable them to contribute to God’s church in the lives of His children. What can you do to help them recognize and use their gifts and talents? Here are some ideas.
Youth/Adult Teachers
1.Make a list of ministry gifts. Be sure everyone understands the term spiritual gifts and knows that God gives them to all believers. Keep the subject of ministry and service before your students all the time, even when you are teaching on other subjects.
Ask your class to help you list spiritual gifts. Write this list on poster board or a long strip of shelf paper and post it on the wall. Write the list in such a way that items can be added. Start by using the gifts described in Scripture (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4). Then add specific ways each gift could be used. For example, with gift of service write suggestions such as sweeping the church steps each week, working in the local soup kitchen, and ushering. Under encouraging, write, "befriending a new neighbor." Ask students to add new ideas every week.
Many adults want to believe God has a ministry for them but do not know how to respond. This list on the wall will help them see ways God has provided for them to use the abilities He has given.
2.Identify gifts in your students. As your students meet regularly, you see their interaction and can begin to identify unique abilities. With prayer for God’s guidance, take the time to talk about the ways you see God using them. Your words will help someone gain confidence in identifying and using his own gifts. Many of us need someone who knows us well to tell us about our gifts. For example, "Jeremy, you were being an encourager when you called Susan. I’ve noticed how you go out of your way to boost someone’s spirits when it’s needed. Do you think you have the gift of encouragement?"
3.Provide opportunities for a wide variety of service. Just as you began teaching because someone asked you to try, others need to have a chance to try different areas of ministry. Give away different parts of your role as teacher so others can gain some experience. Have some else teach a portion of the class. Share your ministries of planning class events, welcoming visitors, following up new students, keeping the classroom clean and orderly, and leading music and worship. Then help them find ministry opportunities elsewhere in the church and community.
Teachers of Children
Have you noticed how much you learn about the Bible and the daily living of a Christian life because you prepare a lesson and teach it? You can share this privilege as you equip children.
1.Give students opportunities to teach. Look for some part in each lesson that you can have a child prepare and teach. Ask someone to lead a discussion group, explain an activity, and/or call those who are absent. Guide students to become active participants in every aspect of the teaching hour.
2.Provide opportunities for service. Use the life-application portion of your lesson to explain a service or ministry for students during the next week. In your preparation time, pray for wisdom about specific activities that would apply the lesson’s focus such as helping with the yard or housework, reading aloud, simple hospitality tasks, being a friend, praying, writing a letter of encouragement.
At the beginning of the next class session, ask students to tell what they did during the week as a part of that life application. Even if they do not do anything the first few weeks, keep up this pattern. They will respond to your level of expectations. In time they will be involved in more and more opportunities for ministry, see how God is using them, and be on their way to a lifelong focus of service to God.
