SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHING/TRAINING IS A SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT

SUNDAY SCHOOL IS A SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT GIVEN BY JESUS-WHEN HE SAID…LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME..MAT 19:14
WHO ARE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS /MINISTERS?
They are letters from God 2 Cor 3:3 For as much as we are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not in ink, but with the Spirit of the Living God: not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of heart.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER/MINISTER
     They must be role models for the children to follow in all areas of your life.  E.g. dressing, acts, talks(language), temperaments, attitudes, character e.t.c Live the lessons or the messages you teach: have a Godly Walk
     Love ALL the children who come by your way either in Church or out there
     Have a vision for the assignment   given (By God) for Children.  E.g. this month or year or week or Quarter, God helping me, I want all the children to be able to say Our Lord’s Prayer, sing a certain song e.t.c
     Be committed and consistent in the work of Children no matter what Ecc 9:10:John 3:16
 Psalm 37:5
     Be enthusiastic in the work.  That is being full of energy.  Don’t expect any encouragement from any person.  Be self motivated.  Enjoy the work.  Look forward to meeting with the Children since they shall come back with testimonies in their hands .Know your reward is in Heaven and before Heaven, God shall make you a Sign and a Wonder  here on earth. Exo 23:25
     Be willing to work with children out of your heart and not through duress, eye service or force
     Have a teachable Spirit.  Be willing always to learn new things that you may remain relevant to the Children and they will always be willing to come again and again with their friends to hear about Christ.
     Take the assignment seriously.  This includes but not limited to preparation  of lessons, praying for ALL your children, visiting them either in school especially during their visiting days or at their homes, being concerned when they do not attend church, performance in school and also in church .
     When children get saved, be willing to follow them up and move them to next level of Christianity
     Be willing to learn from the Children and do not undermine any of their contributions even their presence.  Be an active listener to them: give them your whole  self/being.(if it is possible, even invite them to your home or house then treat them.let them enjoy your company away from Church set up and they will always relate with you closely)
     Be genuinely interested in Children and their affairs.  E.g. organize for a birth day party for each one of them to celebrate together with their fellow children even if they had one at home.(let the children be part of you and you should be part of them) Mat 19:14
     Recruit  and mentor other teachers  in the department so that you work as a team. For instance, Pastor can be able to do all the work but he also needs other departments such as Choir,ushering,Sunday school e.t.c.  Jesus when He was on earth, He had the capability to do all things but He appointed Disciples who made a team and were able to deliver the Message of the Gospel of Christ till tomorrow
     Appreciate  ALL the Children as they are and identify their talents and different capabilities and motivate ALL of them.
     Make the sessions fun and interesting by being creative and innovative. The Grace of God is sufficient.  Have different songs,stories,characters.  This calls for being a studious student like David. Read the Bible stories, read the Books of the month, listen to  Children songs.
     Have rewards for motivating the Children which do not have to be expensive e.g. sweets, Bible mark, outing for the whole Sunday school family to a local play ground and playing. Please note some of the areas for rewards include memorization of  Bible verses and Bible lessons ,having a Bible, or note book, songs, discipline among other areas.  This will  encourage the children to have healthy completion and concentrate.
     Have God’s/Jesus attitude towards  the children
     Ability to submit to Authority.Respects,recognizes and Honors’  the Authority who is the Pastor in Charge. 
     Trust Christ as the Teacher and the Holy Spirit for guidance and counsel,Wisdom,Underastanding in all matters
     Have a testimony 1 Tim 4:12 /must be born again
     Humble, approachable and have a patient attitude  2 Tim 2:24,25
     Hard working-John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My father worketh hitherto, and I Work.



WHAT DOES THE ACRONYM TEACHERS STAND FOR?
    T-Teachable(like the disciples of Jesus)
    E-Enthusiastic(sold out: value addition/creative/innovative)
    A-Approachable(by ALL-Authority, parents and children)
    C-Consecrated(pure,Holy,upright,Holy Spirit led)
    H-Honest(to ourselves, to God and Children: not eye service: GENUINE)
    E-Enduring(it is Hard work-John 5:17)
    R-Ready
    S-Sensitive(to the Holy Spirit,Authority,Parents and Children)

    When all is said and done, God does not use the qualified but the Available.1 Cor 1:23-31
    We are labourers together with Christ .  we should then serve with fear and trembling. 1 Cor 3:9
    God will empower teachers’ with His Grace when they humble themselves  James 4:6,10
THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY GIVEN TO US BY GOD AND HIS REWARD IS SURE:
SHALOM