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Adult Ministry
Volunteers

When considering people for leadership in an adult Sunday School class, there are no surefire ways to convince the person you want to say “yes.” Face it. However, you may be able to increase that likelihood by considering the following things.

Interest

Is the person you have in mind for teacher interested in the subject being considered for class? If not, obviously it will be an uphill battle to convince them to lead a class.

Instead, ask them what they would like to see studied in adult education. If they have no ideas, mention the subject you had in mind for the class. If they express interest, pursue the conversation. If not, consider changing options to something in their field of interest.

Expertise

Teachers, psychologists, doctors, business professionals, farmers, and others may be natural for the subject you had in mind because of their daily exposure to the issues involved. People feel more comfortable when they are on familiar ground.

Time Commitment

Consider altering the length of teaching commitment. Would the person consider a two, four, or six week commitment rather than one that lasts for thirteen weeks? Would the person consider teaching as part of a team? Would the person prefer to lead a class in a less formal setting, such as a home or a donut shop?

Training

It is important to remember that some people feel inadequate because of their lack of Bible training. What is essential for leading Sunday school is familiarity with the teaching and learning process with adults. Some basic skills in presenting questions and facilitating dialogue with the text are also important.

Skill development can help teachers strengthen their areas of weakness. Teachers do not have to know the latest theories to be able to take advantage of the latest methods of teaching. Make the training hands-on and interactive.

Training Events

Nothing encourages teachers more than the opportunities to learn and improve.

Use the expertise of the professional teachers in your church to provide training. Encourage adult teachers to participate in area conference Christian education events. Look for opportunities to partner with other churches in your area to provide training events. Even if the churches are from different denominations, teaching methods and tips can be separated from theology.

Printed Resources

Bryan, C. Doug. Learning to Teach, Teaching to Learn: a Holistic Approach. (Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, 1993.) Omer, Richard. Teaching for Faith: A Guide for Teachers of Adult Classes. (Westminster/John Knox, Louisville, 1992.) Palmer, Parker. To Know As We Are Known. (Harper & Row, San Francisco, 1983.) Paschal, R. Wade Jr. Vital Adult Learning: Choices to Fit Your Church. (Abingdon Press, Nashville, 1994.) Hoekstra, Donald. Adult Education in the Church: A How to Primer. (Grand Rapids, MI: Bible Way, 1986.)

Reprinted from TheScene, produced by the General Conference of Mennonite Churches, Vol. 2, No. 2, Winter 1995.

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Last modified October 31, 2000.

Ideabank is a quarterly newsletter published by the Board of Christian Education Ministries, a board of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

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