LETS PRAY – Lord, as we spend time in devotion, let us receive the word and apply it in our lives.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Jim Henson said “Kids don't re-member what you try to teach them. They re-member what you are.”
Sharing God’s word with children can be the most spiritually satisfying experience of our lives, and
shouldn’t we be grateful that God has called us into this ministry? We may have become teachers
because of the pressure of our friends or relatives - especially ammaye-ma.
But, actually, God needs you.
In Matthew 28: 20, we read Jesus’ final command “Go, teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you!”
Mark 9: 37 states “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me.”
As Sunday School teachers, aren’t we teaching and bringing little children to God? Now the Sunday
School officials and the singing team might be thinking – “Ayyo, verudeye, ee chomadalla, ate edithallo”.
No - you too are bringing little children to God.
Gandhiji’s political teacher, G.K Gokhale, influenced him to come back to India. Gandhiji writes, ”Every
word of Gokhale, glowed with his tender feeling, truthfulness and patriotism. Gokhale, prepared me for
India”.
Likewise dear teachers ”Every word and action of ours, should prepare our students for God”
So what are the 7 Habits of a Highly Effective Sunday School Teacher?
1) A heart for God
Our ministry should flow from our deep, sincere, committed heart for God. Re-member the first day, you
joined as a Sunday School teacher. Do you have the same excitement now? If not, draw closer to God
and strive to discover His will for you. As you realize all that He has done and is doing for you, you will be
motivated to do more for Him.
2) A love for people
Mark 12: 30-31 teaches us the two greatest commandments - to love God and to love people.
Our teaching should flow, from our love for God, but because of our love for people.
3) A passion for God’s Word
It is our responsibility to study God’s Word, not just to teach, but to impact every area of our lives. As
our Sunday School motto states “Come to Jesus, bring every child to Jesus”.
4) A habit of praying
A deep dependence on God, by praying, is necessary. Pray often for each of your students by name, for
their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Pray that God will help you to live a committed Christian
life, and give you greater opportunities to witness.
5) A commitment to personal growth
Luke 2: 52 says “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Just as Jesus grew
mentally, spiritually and socially, we too must grow. We should help and guide each other, so that our
Sunday School children get the best.
6) A skill to teach
Jesus spoke about flowers, birds, and other or-dinary things to help people under-stand. He used
interesting ways to get their attention. We too must use stories, incidents, facts, personal experiences,
to make children understand, and even change our techniques to get their attention. Our teaching can
even influence, whether our students will spend eternity in heaven or not.
AND FINALLY
7) A willingness to prepare
You may have the ability to teach, but without proper preparation, you will not be as effective as you
can be. Preparation takes time and effort. When Jesus could give His life for us, can we not give
adequate time for preparation? Our classes should be thought provoking, interesting and relevant to the
children’s lives, within the parameters of class timing and curriculum.
In the year 1850, a troublesome teenager, was employed by his uncle, on the condition that he obeys,
and, he attends church.
At church, he began learning about salvation from sins, but decided to enjoy worldly pleasures.
However, through the kindness and persistence of his Sunday School teacher, Edward Kimball, the
problematic teenager was encouraged to study the Bible.
In 1855, Kimball visited the boy at his shop, and asked him if he would commit his life to God. That day,
the boy gave his heart to God. Thereafter, he began sharing his faith with others. Later, he moved to
Chicago, where he wandered the streets to find young people to bring to Church. He had a passion for
saving souls, and never let a day go by, without telling someone atleast, about the gospel.
That boy was D.L. Moody.... a great man of faith. In his life-time, he brought, around a million souls to
God. What a blessing!
But, lets not overlook the fact that, it was a faithful Sunday School teacher's concern and persistence
that changed the course of history.
We may think we are doing very little for God, and that we are merely teaching a few kids. But our Lord
can use anyone in His service – especially those who have given their hearts to Him.
To summarize, we must develop
1) A heart for God
2) A love for people
3) A passion for God’s Word
4) A habit of praying
5) A commitment to personal growth
6) A skill to teach; and
7) A willingness to prepare
Lets be like G.K Gokhale or Edward Kimball.
Reach out, and touch some child today for Jesus. Through one touch, you may be touching, future
millions.
May God bless us all!
