They didn’t die. They didn’t desert or defect. So when a member of our Sunday school class goes out to teach another class, why do we act like they’re nonexistent? ?
Diana DavisNeed some fresh ideas to include those members-in-service??
? Wall of honor. Create an attractive wall display to recognize your class’s members-in-service. Feature a photo of each member who teaches a class and the name of the class they teach. Leave room for additional teachers God may call out.
? Prayer. Remember to pray for them. Thank God for their faithfulness and ask His blessings on the class they teach. Occasionally send a note, signed by all the class, to remind them of your prayers for them.
? Show and tell.?Invite them to report to the class annually with a brief presentation done by video or in person. If they teach children, they might bring their class to your room to share a scripture they’ve learned and allow your class to pray for them.?
? Lend a hand. Offer to assist with occasional special projects. If they teach youth, prepare a huge bag of snacks for their class to enjoy at youth camp. If they teach a Spanish Bible class, purchase Spanish Bibles for newcomers. If they teach toddlers, purchase a needed toy. Plan a joint class fellowship. Offer to substitute teach. Creatively encourage your members-in-service.
? Fellowship invitation. Include your members-in-service on class phone lists, class newsletters and e-mail lists. Members-in-service should receive both a verbal and written invitation to every class fellowship. You could deliver a fancy invitation right to their classroom. When they attend a fellowship, introduce them to newcomers and share about God’s blessings on their ministry.
In Acts 9, when Paul began teaching, the Jews conspired to kill him. His disciples helped him escape by lowering him in a basket. Did they just toss him out? No! They held rope. Remember: The greatest compliment to a teacher is for students to reproduce what they’ve learned. Celebrate your members-in-service. And hold the rope!?