By Brad Delaughter, Lead Pastor, FBC De Soto, De Soto, MO
During our church’s last quarterly teacher training I was reminded again of the blessing Sunday School teachers are to the church. Teachers get an opportunity to participate in an Ephesians 4:12 ministry week after week as they, “equip the saints for the work of the ministry [and] build up the body of Christ.” There are at least three ways class leaders can minister to those they teach.
- Go to the Lord
Class leaders can regularly intercede for the class as a whole and individually by name. Praying for class members’ needs, spiritual formation, and their understanding of God’s word is a critical part of effectively ministering to the class.
- Guide in the Word
Class leaders can minister to the class by correctly guiding the class in the word of God. Through diligent preparation, intentional facilitation, and utilizing trustworthy curriculum the teacher can help class members grow in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God’s word.
- Guard the Heart
Many teachers make the classic mistake of thinking responsibility to the group ceases at the end of class. This is a crucial error. While class leaders are not in the role of senior pastor, they are, for all intents and purposes, shepherds to the group. Shepherd the heart of the class by contacting them during the week, showing up at the hospital, and cheering in the stands. Guard the heart of the class members by being there for them.
God has afforded me many opportunities to minister in his kingdom, but one of my favorite posts God has allowed me to be is Sunday School teacher.
Class leaders have such a wonderful privilege to invest in the lives of the saints and equip them for the ministry. May we continue to do so with joy and excellence.
To contact Brad DeLaughter and more information on the ministries at First Baptist Church De Soto, Missouri, visit www.fbcdesoto.com.
Leave a Reply