3 Things People Want from Their Bible Teachers

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People may not always be able to put what they want from their Bible teachers into words but their inattentiveness, and maybe even lack of attendance, suggest they aren’t finding what they want. Here are three things that have biblical merit.

What do people want from their Bible Teachers?

What People Want from their Bible Teachers1) People want Bible teachers to provide real answers to real problems.

Bible teachers need to respond with candor rather than mere cliches, fluff, and ‘Christianized’ language. And, they need to be answering the real questions, the ones people are asking, not just the ones they think people should ask. They need to be willing to truly engage people and not shut them down or minimize their questions. If their Bible teachers aren’t going to provide realness, they may turn to the world for answers.

Let’s remember that God intends for His Word to be useful in people’s lives.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

2) People want Bible teachers to be relational, not merely dispensers of knowledge.

Despite all the social media in our high tech world of information overload, people still feel a disconnect. Bible teachers who take a holistic approach to students will touch their lives so much more than those who merely show up and pour all they know into their students. Teachers who structure for dialog and interaction among fellow students, as well as themselves, will tap into a need people may not even acknowledge they have. If Bible teachers aren’t consciously promoting community in their class, they may be blocking it, and hence perpetuate the disconnectedness people already feel.

Let’s remember all the “one another” commands of Scripture that promote supportive relationships.

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Rom. 12:5)

3) People want Bible teachers to be relevant.

Bible teachers who tap into the real needs of students will make greater inroads into their lives than those who fail to consider the implications of the lesson to people’s lives. Relevant Bible teachers tend to grab people’s attention so they can step out of the world and into the Word wherein they will find a God who not only cares about but is also able to meet their needs.

Lets remember that walking the walk goes beyond head knowledge to being able to see the implications of truth to our lives and then applying it.

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience … (Col. 1:9-11)

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How can Busy Sunday School Teachers Do It All?

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Training Category: Shepherding Ministry

While Sunday School obviously provides a platform for Bible teaching, it also can be a good venue for Shepherding Ministry. Check out the following articles for all a shepherd has to tend to in addition to feeding:

General Responsibilities of a Shepherd
Specific Duties of a Shepherd

But, can we expect already busy Sunday School teachers to do it all?

Simply put, the teacher CAN’T do it all. To adequately prepare a lesson, get to know the students, and spend a lot of one-on-one time meeting needs is too much for today’s busy teachers.

As with any kind of shepherding ministry, Sunday School teachers need to enlist the help of others. Some possible ways of networking to share the load could include the following:

  1. Develop a resource list of referrals within the church and also outside of the church to help with specific needs.
  2. Recruit helpers to do some of the work such as preparing visuals, setting up the classroom, keeping records, etc. to free you up to do some relationship building and shepherding.
  3. Equip members of the class to use their spiritual gifts to help serve and meet the needs of one another.
  4. Encourage members of the class to live out the one another commands of Scripture among each other.
  5. Pair up the more mature students with the less mature students to help with discipling and mentoring.
  6. Connect those going through loss or difficult struggles with others in the class or church who have had similar experiences.
  7. Build margins into your schedule so your time is not so consumed that you cannot possibly be available to your students in times of emergency or great need.
  8. Pray, pray, and pray some more. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).

Shepherding Ministry Manual Includes Sunday SchoolThe Shepherding Ministry Manual contains the above suggestions for Sunday School. It also contains content from the following articles, as well as some questions to guide you in thinking about improvements you might make to your church’s Sunday School ministry.

You May Also Find This Resource Helpful: Time Management for Teachers Worksheet

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Students Evaluating Their Teachers

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We want effective Sunday Schools, small groups, and other Bible learning opportunities. The overall structure of each of these programs matters but if the Bible teachers within these settings don’t teach well, the effectiveness of the program itself can be diminished. Who might best let us know how well teachers are doing than those who sit under their ministry — the students or small group members.

A Word About Evaluating Your Church’s Sunday School Teachers or Other Bible Teachers:

Evaluation is an important responsibility of a Sunday School superintendent, Christian Education director, or ministry leader responsible for small groups or other kinds of Bible studies.  Evaluation needs to be done with the right motivation but also using a constructive process. If you are sharing results with teachers, you need to prepare them for both positive and negative criticism. You do not want them getting defensive or so discouraged that they want to quit. — Help them understand that evaluation is a beneficial tool.

Having students evaluate the teachers is one way of doing it. Self-assessment can also be good. And, observation of teachers by leadership can be helpful as well. Ideally, a combination of all three would be good using a similar set of questions with each and then comparing all results. That way if any of the results are skewed, a look from the three perspectives could help bring a more realistic picture.

Format for Student Evaluation of Their Bible Teachers:

The exact questions you use would have to be worded in keeping with the age of the students … children, youth, or adults. The questions you use should also reflect what you want to measure.

Students Evaluating Bible TeachersYou might want to use a scale for them to respond with rather than a simple yes/no format of questions to potentially get a more accurate representation of how the teacher is doing. Or you might ask them to give examples. You want to avoid students being able to simply check off responses without truly thinking it through or being able to back it up so the evaluation doesn’t become a personality check but rather is a true assessment of the teaching.

Evaluative Questions to Ask Students about Their Bible Teachers:

You might ask:

  • Does the teacher seem to be prepared?
  • Does the teacher seem to have a good understanding of the lesson?
  • Does the teacher communicate in ways you can understand (i.e., vocabulary, concepts, etc.)?
  • Does the teacher encourage participation?
  • Does the teacher use enough variety and creative methodology?
  • Does the teacher use enough visuals in lessons?
  • Does the teacher use class time wisely?
  • Does the teacher seem to answer questions honestly and respectfully?
  • Does the teacher explain instructions well?
  • Does the teacher clearly explain expectations?
  • Does the teacher seem attentive to students’ needs?

To take it to a deeper level, you can also ask questions along these lines:

  • How has the teacher contributed to your spiritual growth?
  • What do you see as the teacher’s greatest strength? … greatest weakness?
  • What frustrates you the most about the Sunday School class? … What do you like the most?

Please note: You are permitted to copy and use these questions to measure the effectiveness of your Sunday School or other Bible teaching ministry. If you are using all or most of the questions verbatim, you should make attribution to the source simply by a footnote such as: “Provided by Ministry Tools Resource Center – http://MinTools.com”

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Scripture Memory: For All Ages

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Scripture Memory for All AgesIn a previous post we looked at how memorizing Scripture is a powerful tool in our walk with God. Look back at the verses used in that post and you will find that the verses have no age for beginning to memorize nor an ending age attached to them. From the youngest among us to the oldest, we all can benefit from having Scripture memorized.

from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim. 3:15)

Age Appropriate Considerations in Scripture Memory:

1) Think about the length of the verse.

The younger the age, the shorter the length of the verse should be. Preschoolers might only memorize a phrase from a verse as long as it is meaningful.

2) Think about the relevancy of the verse’s content.

Due to life experiences and age level developmental needs at the various ages, certain verses are better for the different ages.

You will find a number of posts on the Train Bible Teachers Blog with verses that fit the different age level brackets. Click on the ages below that fit you or the age you serve.

Preschoolers
Grade School Children
Teenagers
Young Adults
Middle Aged Adults
Senior Adults

All Ages Will Memorize Scripture Similarly:

  • Repetition is required to memorize and retain what has been learned regardless of your age.
  • Using a variety of means can be beneficial in memorizing Bible verses at all ages.

You will find more tips for Bible teachers in this worksheet: Effective Scripture Memorization Requires Getting Beyond

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Measuring Effectiveness of Sunday School Ministry

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Feedback Questions for Measuring EffectivenessAsked for some specific questions to get feedback from both students and teachers about Sunday School in a comment on “So, You Were Asked to be the Sunday School Superintendent,” I knew my response would be lengthy and pertinent to many Sunday School Superintendents.

I am keeping this general enough to be broadly used. Simply tailor the questions to the age you teach and your particular situation.

Assessments of Sunday School could get detailed in measuring the effectiveness of the curriculum being used, the classroom space or facilities, teachers, and the like. You will find some assessment tools in the Christian Education Files resource on those areas. What I am going to provide in this post are questions measuring the overall effectiveness of your Sunday School ministry.

The questions about S.S. will measure the following:

1) The purpose for your Sunday School versus people’s perceptions of its purpose

The responses to this question should help you determine if you are adequately communicating and/or fulfilling the purpose. If not, you need to determine steps you can take to: 1) make sure your purpose is what it should be, 2) better communicate why you have a Sunday School, and 3) train leaders, teachers, and other Sunday School workers to better work toward that purpose.

2) The strengths and weaknesses of your Sunday School ministry

The responses to these questions should help you know what you should keep doing and in what ways you need to improve. You might not be able to act on every idea but you should at least prayerfully consider what you can do differently as a result of what was shared. Improvements could be made immediately or turned into long-term goals. But, asking for feedback is only beneficial if you plan to change where you can.

3) The effectiveness of your Sunday School ministry

The responses to these questions should help you determine if you are utilizing this program of the church to its maximum potential. The questions provided are thus divided into four areas in which Sunday School can be beneficial: 1) spiritual growth, 2) reaching out to the unsaved, 3) fellowship, and 4) assimilation.

As in all you do, make sure this whole process of evaluating your Sunday School is embedded in prayer. Ask for wisdom in drafting the specific questions you should use. Trust God to guide students in honestly responding. Pray God shows you how you should use the results of this survey.

The questions to measure your Sunday School’s effectiveness:

Under each of the areas you will find questions for students and then for teachers as they will be coming at it from different perspectives. It is recommended that you make two separate forms. The questions are close enough that it should help you see if there is a gap between what teachers think is happening and feedback from student realities. In most cases their responses should also provide some suggestions of what you can do to bridge that gap.

1) The purpose of Sunday School

Use the same question for both students and teachers:

  • What do you think is the purpose of Sunday School?

2) The strengths and weaknesses of your Sunday School ministry

Use these questions for students:

  • What makes you want to come to Sunday School?
  • What makes you want to stay away from Sunday School?
  • If you could change one thing about Sunday School, what would it be?

Use these questions for teachers:

  • What is the most positive thing about teaching Sunday School to you?
  • What is the most negative thing about teaching Sunday School to you?
  • What can the church do to make Sunday School teaching a more positive experience for you?

3) The effectiveness of your Sunday School ministry

Measuring spiritual growth:

Use these questions for students:

  • How has Sunday School helped you in your walk with God?
  • What can we do to better help you know and love the Lord?

Use these questions for teachers:

  • What evidence do you see that your class is helping students get to know and love the Lord better?
  • What training, tools, or tasks would help you more effectively disciple your students?
Measuring outreach:

Use these questions for students:

  • Would you feel comfortable bringing your unsaved friends to Sunday School? Why or why not?
  • In what ways do you feel Sunday School is helping you want to reach out to your friends and families?

Use these questions for teachers:

  • What evidence do you see that your class is drawing in and reaching the unsaved?
  • What evidence do you see that Sunday School is better equipping your students to reach out to their friends and family?
  • What training, tools, or tasks would help you more effectively use Sunday School as a means of reaching the unsaved?
Measuring fellowship:

Use these questions for students:

  • In what ways does Sunday School help you develop Christian friendships?
  • How have fellow students been used by God to help you grow in your relationship with God?
  • How has your Sunday School class met specific needs you have had in your personal life?

Use these questions for teachers:

  • What evidence do you see that Sunday School is helping students form spiritual bonds among one another?
  • What is being done to build community among students?
  • What training, tools, or tasks would help you more effectively build community among students?
Measuring assimilation:

Use these questions for students:

  • How does Sunday School help you feel like a part of this church?
  • How does Sunday School prepare you to get involved in the ministry of this church?

Use these questions for teachers:

  • What evidence do you see that Sunday School is helping students get acclimated to the whole church and not just your class?
  • What evidence do you see of students becoming better equipped to serve as a result of Sunday School?
  • What training, tools, or tasks would help you more effectively assimilate students into total church life and ministry?

Please note: You are permitted to copy and use these questions to measure the effectiveness of your Sunday School ministry. If you are using all or most of the questions verbatim, you should make attribution to the source simply by a footnote such as: “Provided by Ministry Tools Resource Center – http://MinTools.com”

General Help on Doing Assessments:

Leadership Skills: Assessment

Ministry Needs Assessment

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Sunday School During Summer Months

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Summer Sunday School Obstacles:

What Does Summer Fun Mean for Sunday School?People take vacations.  Attendance fluctuates.  Teachers need time off.

Sometimes it is hard to keep the momentum going over the summer.

This is especially problematic for smaller churches.

Some churches will drudge through regardless of these issues.  But, doesn’t that get discouraging for teachers?

Others will disband Sunday School for the summer.  But, aren’t the faithful few important?

Summer Season Brings Opportunities:

Does it have to be an all or nothing matter?  Why not change the way you do Sunday School over the summer months to overcome obstacles?  You could make Summer Sunday School special or unique.

It might take a little planning and promoting but you could be surprised at the results, particularly if what you do it born out of prayer.

What does God want you to do over the summer?  That’s the real issue, not what is expedient or what other churches are doing.

You can use it as a time to reach people you might not normally reach like people who are visiting regular attendees or the community.  (Parents especially might be glad to have something to send their children to every week now that school is out.)

You can use it as a time to get people involved who are not teachers.  People who will not teach during the Sunday School hour might be willing to commit to other types of serving if you offer something different over the summer.

Options for Sunday School During the Summer Months:

Combine:

  • Combine some classes close in age.
  • Combine all classes for special events …. a movie, Puppet show, drama, magic, musical program, Bible game show, etc.

Revise:

  • Use stand-alone lessons rather than a series that do not build on one another so people who miss a week or two won’t be lost when they return or so you don’t feel like you must spend half of each session reviewing for those who missed the previous week.
  • Use a VBS curriculum, or perhaps a camping curriculum, during the Sunday School hour.  (Some churches do this in lieu of a week long Daily Vacation Bible School.)
  • Bring in guest teachers to give your teachers a break.
  • If you use traditional curriculum, switch to learning centers or use the rotation model.
  • Take advantage of the good outdoors.  Hold classes outside when the weather isn’t too hot or raining.  Youth or adult classes can sit under some trees, under a pavilion or tent for a good discussion of relevant topics.  Children can sit in the grass for a Bible story and enjoy some added activity outdoors.  Many traditional games can be used to teach verses, truths, etc.  Kids would especially enjoy water balloons on a hot summer day.

Integrate:

  • This could be a good time to try some intergenerational learning where you bring all ages together.
  • Prior to summer, have different classes plan something special to present to everyone or to other classes. Remember to have people check their calendars before assigning a responsibility.
  • Develop a big brother/sister type of program wherein you pair older students with younger ones to read a book or Bible story together, do a craft together, etc.

Revamp:

  • Plan field trips, outreach or service projects to sick/shut-ins, hospitals, nursing homes, tract distribution at parks, etc.  Adults could be assigned to groups of kids.  Travel time could be used to discuss things like being a Good Samaritan, etc.  Some projects could be done on church grounds such as preparing food boxes, making cards for missionaries, etc.
  • Move small groups for adults and teens to the Sunday School hour and do something special for children like a movie, Puppet show, drama, etc.
  • Serve breakfast each week and give a brief devotional or object lesson, some singing and break into small groups for fellowship and prayer.
  • Do special outdoor activities during the normal Sunday School time with community outreach in mind like a carnival, breakfast under a tent, a car wash, etc. wherein tracts and/or information about your church can be distributed.
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