Teaching Methods

God places a calling on our lives to become a teacher, and gives us a special purpose to win children for the Kingdom of God.  Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 1:9 that Jesus has:

"Saved us and called us with a holy calling,
not according to our own works,
but according to His own purpose and grace."

This is a high and holy calling, because the Bible tells us, "He that wins souls is wise".  As such, teachers need to be aware that they must always be a good Christian example to the children.   1 Timothy 4:16 teaches:

"Take heed to your self (watch your life, teaching and beliefs).
Persevere in them, because if you do you will save both yourself and your hearers."

Our task is to teach from what we have experienced and been taught.  In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul said:

"And the things that you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses,
entrust to faithful people who will (then) also be qualified to teach others."

Matthew 28:19-20 spells out the teacher's commission:

"Therefore Go and make Disciples of all nations,
baptising them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything that which I have commanded you.
And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age".

In other words, the Holy Spirit teaches us first, because we can only teach from what we know.  We thus need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to effectively teach others.

The teacher's commitment is to "Keep it Simple and Keep it Fun".  If you do this, then you and the children will both enjoy lessons and activities together.

You must be willing to get down to the child's level and speak that special language called "Childrenese"!  Above all, you must love your children.

Study the Word of God so that you will grow spiritually.  Pray for your children's Salvation and spiritual growth.  Ask God to develop your imagination and creativity, and then strive to develop these talents.   Remember, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

After we become Saved and learn to know Jesus as Lord and Friend, we come to the place where God trains us and then sends us out to win others, and who in turn can win others, and so start the cycle again.  John 14:26 shows that this is by the leading of the Holy Spirit:

"But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name,
will teach you all things and will remind you of every thing I have said unto you".

So to be effective, you must be Actively Growing as a Christian.  You cannot sit still spiritually or not attend Church.  Otherwise you will be the blind leading the blind and that will never please Jesus.

Romans 12:1-8 encourages teachers to perfect their teaching.  To do this, the most important needs for a teacher are Preparation, Power and Prayer.  This takes care of the lesson, but more importantly also the teacher!  Remember:

First the Teacher must - Get the Lesson,
Then the Lesson must - Get the Teacher!
Only then will the Lesson - Get the Children!

What do you know about the children in your Class?  Have you ever visited them and found out what they like to do?  How do they live?  What are their home circumstances?

Visiting and getting to know your children is the best way of bonding with them.  You will soon come to love them and they will learn to love you too.  Understanding them will help you to motivate them and find things that will interest them.  You will know what their spiritual needs are, and how to pray for them.  This will also direct your lesson plans.

Once again, remember:

First I learned to love my Teacher,
Then I learned to love my Teacher's God!

The end of all of this will be a growing vision as a teacher, in whom the Master will take great joy and delight in using!

God bless.