I’m a big proponent of life-long learning. I know I don’t know everything and I’ve heard senior adults say the same thing about themselves. It’s Scriptural too.
Ephesians 4:14-16 (ESV)
14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
This is especially true for teachers. All teachers need places to go for ideas and personal development. Sometimes the idea well runs dry or we simply get tired of teaching the same old thing the same old way.
This question applies to family Bible study leaders, Children’s Ministers, homeschool moms and dads, Sunday school teachers, AWANA leaders, church volunteers, childcare workers, and nursery workers.
I led a breakout during a children’s ministry leader training at my church the last Saturday in February. This is a little of what I shared. I hope it blesses you and your church.
Here are some of my favorite go-to resources:
The Holy Spirit
Don’t forget to pray for your students, your time, your class, and your preparation. Ask the Spirit to fill you, speak through you, and show you where your plans need to change. Prepare your lesson, then let God take over.
Ephesians 6:18-20 (ESV)
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Bible Lessons for Teachers
My church is currently using the Gospel Project curriculum. That’s why I recommended that the teachers at my church read the weekly blogs from Gospel Project. They allow teachers to study the lesson on an adult level before teaching it. Leader tips are also provided for each unit.
If your church uses a different curriculum, see if there is something similar. Google your curriculum name plus the word “blog” and see what pops up.
If you cannot find an adult lesson which ties into what you are teaching, at least make sure you are being fed from the Scriptures regularly.
- Read your Bible.
- Pray.
- Listen to Bible teaching podcasts (like Andy Stanley’s “Your Move“).
- Read Bible teaching blogs (like Natasha Crain’s “Christian Parenting Blog” or one of these Top Faith Blogs for Christian Women).
Learning Bible Skills
Be sure to check out the FREE video series from Parent Road Ministries called the Kids Bible Book Memory Plan. Once we’ve learned all the books of the Bible, we’ll be starting more memory verses and learning where key passages (like the birth of Jesus) are found.
Seeking Heart Change
http://www.biblicalparenting.info/
How do you teach kids to not just have outward conformity, but to actually allow God to change their hearts?
Mr. Mark’s Classroom
Get fun and exciting craft, game, and Bible skill ideas from a highly creative children’s pastor in Oklahoma city.
Kidology
Everything Children’s Ministry from teaching ideas to crafts to games to problem solving. Some material is free and others require a membership code.
Other Teachers
Swap ideas with teaches in other rooms and programs. You have a whole wellspring ideas just within the walls of your church. Don’t forget to ask retired teachers too.
And don’t laugh at ideas like a flannel graph. Kids these days have never seen them and novelty always sparks attention.
Internet Search
It’s surprising what you can find online these days. I do recommend, however, searching with a filter like NetNanny. I’ve had some rather shocking things pop up when I was searching for supplemental material for Bible lessons.
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