While some churches may have transitioned to a small group instead of a Sunday school, the whys and hows of the teacher have not changed. They are charged with increasing the knowledge of those under their care and encouraging their students (young and old) to grow their faith in Christ.

A Sunday school teacher is not there for show: it’s not a position to be strived for. Being a Sunday school or small group leader is all about serving. It’s also not just a 20-30 minute lesson commitment a week. As with any ministry for the church, the Sunday school teacher must understand that time and commitment to those they serve is an absolute must. Are you approachable? Are you teachable yourself? Are you humble? Will you be successful teaching God’s truths?

If you are going to be a successful Sunday school or small group teacher, you must do the following:

1. Be willing to serve. Whether you teach pres-schoolers or the Chrome Highlight group, you have to be prepared to serve your students. The methods of service change based on the age group’s requirements. Preschoolers need discipline and steady schedules that they can depend on: their world changes every couple of hours. Kids in younger school years need reminders of what they learn and may need a craft or worksheet to take home with them as that reminder. They need patience as they push their boundaries and try to discover the truth of God’s Word. It’s important to remember that these younger kids have never heard the stories of the Bible and they need someone who’s willing to explain the truths they’re hearing. Older kids, pre-teens, and teenagers need to know that even as they’re changing, someone can be steady and dependable. They need someone to serve them honestly, dependably, and responsibly. They need someone willing to build relationships through fun activities outside of the classroom. They need someone willing to study out their questions and who is approachable when they need advice on their decisions. In Mark 10:45, it says of Jesus (the greatest Teacher there ever was), “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
2. Be willing to live what you teach. Though he was not a Christian, Ralph Waldo Emerson said something very wise: “What you do speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you say.” A teacher could be incredibly talented, very eloquent, and serve sacrificially, but if they do not live what they teach then all is for naught. Romans 2:21-24 says it this way, “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.” If you teach that a Christian should not lie and then lie, you turn the gospel into a lie. If you teach that a Christian should not hate and then hate, you turn the gospel into hatred. If you teach that a Christian should tithe and then do not tithe, then you turn the gospel into ungratitude. You are the best Christian most of your students, young or old, will know: live up to your Christ-name. Be as Jesus was: only willing to teach as far as He was willing to do. He preached servanthood and washed the feet of the disciples. He humbles Himself as He taught of humilitary. Your greatest lesson as a Sunday school or small group teacher will always be how you choose to live your life. Be real. Don’t fake it.
3. Be willing to respect boundaries. It’s important that a teacher know their boundaries. You may teach children, but you are not the children’s parent. You may lead young adults, but you are not their lead pastor. You may train Christians to walk in faith, but you are not their Holy Spirit. Know that your student’s parents, pastor, and Holy Spirit may have guidelines set down for them individually that you absolutely must respect. Paul speaks to the believers in Rome who were judging one another over things each was convicted about, saying, “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” A servant is to be judged by his master: each person has leadership they must obey. If you respect the guidelines your student’s direct leaders have in place for them, it will help them have a better attitude and acceptance towards these leaders in their lives. Yes, it will be difficult or require extra work sometime, but when you help a student turn from any act of rebellion, it becomes worth every effort. 

I pray, Father, that You help those girls and women who will be or are currently Sunday school teachers, Bible study leaders, or small group teachers to be successful in Your eyes. I ask, Lord, that You help them have servant’s hearts for Your people, that You help them live what they teach, and that You would help them teach and lead within Your boundaries. Amen.

Love, Meghan