HOW TO HAVE A TEACHER TRAINING MINISTRY THAT WORKS
by J. Dan Boulton

What are the fundamentals of good Christian education in a church? After a few minutes of thought, most people would create a list which would include such things as: good curriculum, a reasonable budget, motivated students, support from the pastor as well as dedicated and trained teachers of faith.

However, many churches have a difficult time not only recruiting teachers but also lack an ongoing training and discipleship ministry for teachers. This article is designed to address the fundamental need of all churches to train their new and existing teachers.

An understanding of the purpose for teacher training is paramount to this entire ministry. The Bible makes it clear that everything we do should be for the glory of God (Romans 11:36). Also, Psalm 78:1-4 and Matthew 28:19-20 clearly shows God's desire for the next generation to be taught about his strength and wondrous works.

The training of God-focused teachers must include both their spiritual growth and the development of their skills as teachers. When this takes place, the confidence of the teachers improves and problems are more easily addressed. Training also helps with the ever present tasks of communication and coordination. As teachers grow in their relationship with the Lord and their skills are strengthened, more effective Bible teaching and learning should result.

Training can be categorized into 4 BASIC TYPES: Pre-service, In-service, Personal, Appreciation. Click here to read (PDF).

The teacher training ministry at any church can be made most effective if the following questions are kept in mind: Click here to read (PDF).

After you decide the type of training and answer the questions for your specific group, you might be wondering what to do next. Click here to view practical ideas that have proven useful at numerous churches through many years (PDF).

In conclusion, there are fundamentals in many endeavors such as basketball, accounting and cooking. All fundamentals need to be repeatedly practiced and applied in order to have success. This is certainly true when it comes to teacher training being a fundamental of good Christian education. Thankfully, we can rely on our all-sufficient God to enable us for the task of training and enriching teachers who teach his eternal Word.

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