In most churches the fall quarter kicks off a new year of programs. Sunday school students have been promoted and are starting a new year, many of them with a new teacher. I have been through this process so many times that it is difficult to think that new students, new year and new curriculum really mean anything "new." Dr. Allen Curry, academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary puts it this way:
All too many people look at Christian education from the maintenance point of view. They don't expect very much from it; they aren't sure how it got started, but since it's here, they feel they should keep it going. Although this could be described as a shameful attitude, it is still surprising how well Christian education continues to function within churches, even those with this attitude.
I confess, Dr. Curry, my attitude is shameful at times and falls into the maintenance category. How about you? As you start this new year, are you going to maintain or motivate? Setting positive goals will help to motivate you and your students toward higher expectations for the coming year. Think about these ideas for starters:
Pray daily for students.
Talk with each student outside of class once a week/month.
Begin lesson preparation one week ahead of class time.
Give a clear gospel presentation every Sunday.
Change the order of the lesson activities frequently.
Look for new ideas to motivate classroom participation.
Talk with parents regularly.
Plan one fellowship even each quarter.
Give a classroom responsibility to each child (setting out supplies, calling absentees, keeping list of prayer requests, taking up offering).
Model unconditional love and joyful service.
Plan ways for them to model love and service in the body of Christ.
Hopefully these have motivated you to set your own goals and try new strategies this year. Expect God to do great things as you faithfully teach his Word and love his children.
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