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Be-Attitudes for Teachers
Devotional for Sunday School & Other Bible Teachers
Be Personal
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you
not only the gospel of God but our lives as well ... (1 Thess. 2:8)
How well do you know your students? How well do they know you? So often people are defined by the roles they play or the positions they hold. Sadly, we like it that way because it is safe.
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You prepare and present the lesson. |
When was the last time you related with a student person to person
rather than teacher to student?
How often do your souls connect?
In being personal, you let them get to know “the real you” and you seek to learn about them. You unlock the door between the roles you play and your private lives.
In doing so you model the kind of relationship God desires with us. If anyone had a position entitling distance to be kept between him and his constituents, God is the One (Phil. 2:6-8). He broke down the walls through the death of Jesus. He even invites us to His home for dinner (Matt. 8:11; Rev. 19:9). He considers us a member of His household (Eph. 2:19). He calls us friends (Jn. 15:15).
How can I be personal with my students?
Begin by being authentic, transparent, and honest. At minimum, let your students in on your joys and struggles by sharing personal illustrations. When you do this they are able to see truth in action. The Christian life becomes real.
You tend to get their attention when you share about yourself. People, young and old, enjoy hearing about other people. Just look at the proliferation of tabloid magazines and talk shows.
Not only do you create interest because of your life, but you also open the door for them to get personal with you. Your students will rarely go beyond your level of sharing.
Let them know you care about them personally. Use their names when you talk with them. Express interest in their activities. Engage in conversation with them outside of the classroom. Follow-up on matters they have shared with you with a simple inquiry the next time you see them.
As you become real with each other you will transcend roles. You will begin to experience true community in the Body of Christ. Taking the initial steps to be personal can be scary but the results make it worth the risk.
APPLICATION:
For Teachers: When you prepare your next lesson consider where you can give a personal illustration regarding the application of the truth about which you are teaching. Incorporate it into your lesson plan.
For Leaders: Model this concept with your teachers. Begin by sharing a few of the joys and struggles you face. Be sensible in what you share but be real. When they open up to you, guard against judgmentalism and a quick-fix mentality. Seek to truly connect with your teachers.
For Group Use: Ask each member to share something deeply personal — anything, as long as it deals with what is going on in their lives. If your group is large, limit either the number of students who share or the amount of time each person can share. Do not force them to share but at least put them on the spot. Then ask how it felt and why. An already close group may not have felt threatened but normally this would have caused a great deal of awkwardness and fear. Explain that in the classroom it is the teacher’s job to make students feel safe so they can share. The devotional tells how.
Interested in a Print Version?
Related Articles:
Being Versus Doing: Which is most important in ministry?
Teacher Acrostic – What’s in Your Heart?
What Really Matters in Ministry?
Why devotionals for Christian teachers?
Why Don’t We Get That It’s About the Heart?
Why the Condition of a Teacher's Heart is So Important
Benefit from more
Be-Attitudes
Devotions
Click on the cover
for more info.
Other Bible Teachers Training Devotionals
- Called to Teach But Still Afraid Devotional
- Encouragers for Teachers of God’s Word
- The Holy Spirit & My Teaching Devotional
(Last updated 06/01/13)
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