Insuring Doctrinal Integrity in Sunday School

What we teach in Sunday School is important? Paul wrote to Titus about the importance of sound doctrine. He instructed Titus, “But you must speak what is consistent with sound teaching (Titus 2:1).”

How do Sunday School leaders know what is being taught? and How do we insure doctrinal accountability?

Since Sunday School is called a school, in order to know what is being taught the Sunday School leadership team should develop curriculu policy and a list of approved curriculum. This group would also make decisions when teachers desire to teach a resource that does not appear on the approved curriculum list. Doctrinal accountability begins with a teacher covenant. This covenant would include a statement of agreement to teach based on the approved curriculum and the doctrinal beliefs of the church.

Regular meetings with Sunday School teachers provides a platform for accountability and explores sticky theological issues that will be studied in the upcoming lessons. A sustained program of lifelong learning for teachers should incorporate instruction in Biblical doctrines. This time of instruction could be incorporated in these regular meetings or offered periodically.

In I Timothy, Paul declared, “If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, he is conceited, understanding nothing, but having a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words (I Tim. 6:3).” Sunday School leaders must never shy away from confronting such teachers as Paul describes in order to lovingly guide and exhort them to become sound teachers.

What Should have been?

The season is over. Girls were crying. Another team was smiling. I started the season looking forward to a fun year of going to the ballpark and watching my daughter play and her team win. Thanks to a coach who only cared about winning….she barely played and the starters on the field never really became a team just an anointed group of individuals playing a game. Many games were won but in the end the result was the same…another loss to a bitter rival.

For me and my daughter this was her last game and her last season. She will graduate next week. I am glad that she knows that my love is not determined by her success on the softball field or her grades in the classroom. I know the player that my daughter is. Ever since she was 2, I have known that she is gifted and talented. I know the love she has for the game. I know how much it hurt to sit and watch each grinding pitch and never be given the opportunity to play. What would I have given to have a coach that cared more for his players and helping each one reach their full potential than just winning a game. I can see the all star that resides in my daughter. I know that if given a legitimate chance and the right encouragement she would have contributed to help the team not only win some games but become the team that could have won the elusive championship.

Her high school career as a player is over. What should have been a fun and great senior season turned out to be a lesson in perseverance. My prayer is that this coach did not take her self-esteem away and cause her to doubt her worth. I pray that her father in heaven will encourage her and let her know that He sees the all star that resides within and the incredible young lady that she has become and remind her that He has a plan for her life.

What about you? Are you a coach or a teacher or a minister like my daughter’s high school coach that uses people to accomplish your goals or do you recognize the potential that resides in each boy and girl, man and woman that you teach or lead?

God, What do I do?

Sunday School Teacher, do you ever feel in a powerless situation, a situation that you have absolutely no control over, you feel trapped. What do you do? Do you teach? Should you be transparent and real or just put on the mask that Sunday?

The situation has led to frustration and discouragement. You are feeling bitter, anger, and even Hatred. Your heart is breaking… Yet, The Bible says, Love Your Enemies. That All things work out for good to them that love the Lord. To Control your tongue. Do nothing to keep a little one from stumbling.

You want to be Christlike and upbeat and encouraging. But your heart is breaking. What do you do? Do you teach? That’s my question this early, sleepless Sunday morning…do I teach? Sunday School begins in five hours. Do I share with my class? Am I real or do I put on the mask?

God, What do I do?

Already Gone!

Already Gone! At the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, one of the messengers shared, he had been reading a book by Ken Ham, entitled Already Gone: Why your kids will quit church and what you can do to stop it. I look forward to reading the book but reviewed some reviews and excerpts on the Amazon website.

"We've always been trying to prepare our kids for college... but it turns out that only 11 percent of those who have left the Church did so during the college years. Almost 90 percent of them were lost in middle school and high school. By the time they got to college they were already gone! About 40 percent are leaving the Church during elementary and middle school years! Most people assumed that elementary and middle school is a fairly neutral environment where children toe the line and follow in the footsteps of their parents' spirituality. Not so. I believe that over half of these kids were lost before we got them into high school! Whatever diseases are fueling the epidemic of losing our young people, they are infecting our students much, much earlier than most assumed."

As State Sunday School Director, one of the most disturbing findings by Beemer and Ham was that attending Sunday School did not make a significant impact on those who were surveyed. The conclusion was an indictment on what is being taught in Sunday School. Teaching stories about the Bible are not enough. Children, youth, and adults desire answers to life’s challenging questions through effective Bible Study. I look forward to reading the book and contemplating how Sunday School and Christian Education must change so that changed lives is the product of attending Sunday School.

All Christian Educators, youth and children leaders, and parents will find this book essential reading. Let’s be open to examining our practices and seeking God’s direction to impact the lives of children and youth.

Joys of Serving in Sunday School

The following is a testimony by Ashley Clarke, who teaches a preschool Sunday School class at Thompson Station Baptist Church. She shared this with the church in a recent Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Sunday. Thanks Ashley for sharing your story...I am sure that it will inspire others:

Being raised in the church I had many Sunday School teachers who took an interest in my spiritual life and helped me grow in my relationship with the Lord. One of my fondest teachers was a beautiful, special woman who had a huge impact on my Christian walk. Ora Duke who then taught 8th grade girls now teaches babies here. She is a wonderful example of a servant. It is such an encouragement to me as a new Sunday School teacher to see her heart for service.

Teaching Sunday school has been a tremendous blessing in my life. I love it for many reasons. The children are awesome. They are all so sweet, fun, and energetic and I truly enjoy getting to know each one of them. Getting to know the parents is also a blessing. Taking care of their children while many of them serve is amazing. It is wonderful to think about the extraordinary things God is doing in each family.

However, all of these things are just icing on the cake. Serving God by taking care of his children has deepened my relationship with Him in so many ways. I feel such a peace to be doing what He wants me to. Every week I get the privilege to serve Him. I am honored to be a small part of His awesome plan.

When I was first approached about teaching Sunday School I had some reservations. Could I teach? I’d never taught before. How good could I possibly be? Would I miss my adult Sunday School class I had been sitting in for way too long? How would it be having to commit to something every single week. I have to say that the Lord took care of all my concerns as soon as I said yes to His calling.

The Lord took my willingness to teach and transformed it into the ability to teach. The lesson plans are simple and fun. More importantly, loving the children has created a bond that makes them feel more comfortable, even happy about coming to church. What more could you ask for from a young two year old.

Next came my greatest concern – the loss of fellowship with other adults. Boy did I limit God on that one. I thought by not attending adult connect group every Sunday that I would feel left out and unconnected. I was wrong. Teaching has provided me with so many new connections and friends. Fellow teachers, parents of the children, and of course the incredible preschool staff have been wonderful getting to know. I still attend social events with my connect group and have never felt left out of anything. This church is great at helping people get involved and stay connected. They offer so many classes and studies at all different times during the week that it is easy to be spiritually fed if you just sign up for one.

Finally the commitment. It was a big one. Every week. What if we get sick or go out of town? Philippians 2:13 says, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” For me teaching Sunday School has been a testament to that verse. I can honestly say that I always look forward to the time I get to spend with these children serving Him. I know that once a week, for about an hour I am exactly where He wants me to be, doing what he wants me to do and I love it.

Insuring Doctrinal Integrity in Sunday School

What we teach in Sunday School is important? Paul wrote to Titus about the importance of sound doctrine. He instructed Titus, “But you must speak what is consistent with sound teaching (Titus 2:1).”

In a recent Equipping U Tele-conference, participants discussed this issue of doctrinal integrity. A sample of questions that were addressed dealt included: How do Sunday School leaders know what is being taught? and How do we insure doctrinal accountability?

Since Sunday School is called a school, the contributors largely agreed that in order to know what is being taught the Sunday School leadership team should develop a curriculum policy with a list of approved curriculum. This group would also make decisions when teachers desire to teach a resource that does not appear on the approved curriculum list. Doctrinal accountability begins with a teacher covenant. This covenant would include a statement of agreement to teach based on the approved curriculum and the doctrinal beliefs of the church.

Regular meetings with Sunday School teachers provides a platform for accountability and explores sticky theological issues that will be studied in the upcoming lessons. A sustained program of lifelong learning for teachers should incorporate instruction in Biblical doctrines. This time of instruction could be incorporated in these regular meetings or offered periodically.

In I Timothy, Paul declared, “If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, he is conceited, understanding nothing, but having a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words (I Tim. 6:3).” Sunday School leaders must never shy away from confronting such teachers as Paul describes in order to lovingly guide and exhort them to become sound teachers.

The next Equipping U Tele-conference occurs on December 11. The topic to be discussed is Setting New Year’s Resolutions for Sunday School.

Preparation: The Key to Success

Two of my daughters are affectionately known by their sister as “BAND GEEKS.” One plays in the high school band and the oldest now marches in her college band. As a proud band parent, I am amazed by the hours of preparation and rehearsal that my daughters devote to mastering their respective instruments and marching bands dedicates to perfecting each maneuver of their ten minute halftime show.

Bands began preparing for the halftime show months prior to the actual performance. As an adult Sunday School teacher, preparation is the key to great lessons. Great lessons start early in the week. Good lesson preparation balances the relational and the Biblical aspects of teaching. Knowing the basic thrust of the lesson early in the week allows me to pray over the lesson, seek God’s guidance on how the lesson impacts my students, and adequately study the passage of scripture. By Friday or Saturday morning, the actual lesson plan comes together, materials are secured, and the room is prepared.

While my desire each Sunday morning is to hit a home run for God, there are days honestly when I bow my head during worship and ask God’s forgiveness for not adequately preparing. Preparation does not guarantee perfection but it does lead to greater excellence.

As I attend the local football game tonight, I will secretly wish that the spectators would honor these band students for their commitment by listening intently and applauding appropriately. They deserve it. Let me assure you that your work as a Sunday School teacher never goes unnoticed and unappreciated. You might not hear the applauds on Sunday morning, but one day the Lord will say “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Remember: Preparation does not guarantee perfection but it does lead to greater excellence.

(Let me encourage you to go to a local marching band contest, you will be amazed by the quality and excellence demonstrated. And the spectators are respectful.)