Last Sunday, my children’s church class was somewhat of a fail. I won’t say it was an epic fail, but it was pretty close. (If you’re curious, you can read more about it here.)
Through that experience, the Lord certainly reminded me of my need to rely not upon my own experience or abilities, but upon him.
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. – 1 Corinthians 10:12
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. – Ephesians 3:16
Lesson learned!
This week, I’ve climbed back on the wagon of proper planning and preparation, which always involves prayer. (Did you like that unintentional alliteration?)
Anyway, I put fingertips to keyboard to outline how I try to prepare each week for teaching my children’s class. As with any other activity, if I see and schedule each step, I’ll be able to accomplish it even when I’m overly busy.
Here’s what I generally do:
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I study my lesson and plan activities on Saturday morning, while my brain is fresh and my schedule is clear.
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Then, I collect lesson materials and game items and set them by the back door, so that I’m not rushing around gathering materials on Sunday morning.
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All week (and especially on Saturday and Sunday morning) I pray for sweet spirits and good attendance among my students.
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When I wake on Sunday, I pray for wisdom, clarity, and just the right words to impact my students as I teach.
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While I get ready for church, I listen to a sermon and uplifting Christian music.
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Once we are in class at church, I pray with the children that God would help me to teach clearly and the children to behave and listen attentively.
That’s it! Simple enough to do when I’m not being selfish or forgetful.
Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him? – Job 36:22
Do you work in church ministry? How do you find time, and what do you do, to prepare? I’d love to learn from you!
Excellent post. As a Bible teacher I find that preparation is essential, to the point where I’m almost on autopilot by the time teaching day arrives.
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Yes! It’s a pleasure to teach when I am prepared, ready to face the day and my students.
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As we start a new book in the adult Sunday School class that I teach, I’m trying to prepare for each class better this time. I am still finishing the book, but I am also reviewing the sections we are about to read each week and adding more notes so I give myself a refresher right before teaching it.
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Yes, note taking is key! Sometimes I can’t recall a thought I had while studying, so I need to jot it down.
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I bless all of you who teach. Fail or not, there is usually something to remember that creates a gold lining.
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Thanks so much.😊
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I do a lot of those things myself! I should be more diligent about praying for them, though.
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I agree. Preparation is key. You are doing a good job and those seeds you are planting will bear good fruits
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Excellent sharing. You have a good plan for preparation. Mine varies depending on things that pop up. I facilitate discussion in a single adult class and we are currently doing biblical studies on the gospel project. Ideally, I begin on Sunday afternoon to look at the next lesson. I like to use PowerPoint slides with scripture, questions to trigger discussion and images to provide visuals to which we can relate. I attempt to research images and background during the week and then finalize my presentation on Saturday. On Sunday morning I read over the material so it would be fresh in my mind, as well as praying for God’s guidance and work. 🙂
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