Keys to Improving the Teaching Program of the Local Church

In the prologue of Canterbury Tales, by Chaucer, the reader will find the following words: "And gladly would he learn and gladly teach." Without question, when many are asked, "Who, or what influenced you to become a Christian?" many will reply, "My teacher in Bible School." The education program of the local congregation is one of the most valuable things going on within the churches of Christ. However, in the church today one of the problems with the education program is that there has been a lack of interest or emphasis relative to making it more effective in order that more glory can be given to God.

The focus of this brief article is to look at four keys that when properly implemented will improve the education program of any local congregation. Each point begins with the letter "M" so perhaps we can more easily commit them to memory.

Motivation

The motivation for improving the education program should ultimately be centered on the salvation of souls. The church is in the business of caring for souls. Some of the saddest words in the entire Bible are found in the book of Psalms. David makes this statement; "I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul" (Ps. 142:4). It should never be said of any Christian that he or she did not care for a soul (Mt. 16:26).

Members

The members who will improve the education program are those who have an intense desire to see more people, young and old, be taught the way of the Lord more perfectly. A teacher is one who will ultimately affect the eternal destination of so many souls, and it is the teacher who realizes this that will give his or her best at improving the education program.

Janet M. Goldstein spoke of Kayla McClurg, Goldstein's former Sunday school teacher, who wrote the following verse entitled, A Teacher Affects Eternity, Do not think because the light you cast is firefly soft and gentle as the scent of sandalwood that it does not really make a difference in the dark corners of the world. You are at its center, and so you cannot see your candle glow of inspiration dart its evanescent gleam down the shadowy corridors of forever.

Not everyone can be the kind of teacher who will help the education program grow. "My brethren, be not many masters [teachers], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation" (Jas. 3:1). A teacher who will help the education program grow is one who meets the proper qualifications. Tom Miller provides the following qualifications: 1. Faithful in all areas of life (2 Tm. 2:2); 2. Committed to teaching; 3. Know the Bible and be prepared to teach the lesson (2 Tm. 2:15); 4. Demonstrate consistent behavior (Rm. 1:21-23); 5. Cheerful and cooperative disposition; 6. Possess the desire and the capacity to change; and, 7. Recognize the importance and the seriousness of teaching (Jas. 3:1).

Method

The way to improve the church's education program is ultimately two-fold. First, there needs to be an assessment made of the health of the education program and secondly there needs to be the realization of just how important the education program is.

When making an assessment of the education program, Miller suggests five things: 1. Know the adequacy of the facilities; 2. Know the percentage of the budget spent on education; 3. Know the percentage of members who attend; 4. Know the ability to recruit, train and keep good teachers; and, 5. Know the number of students who prepare for class, and who participate.

There are also some things to keep in mind with respect to realizing the importance of the education program. Again, Miller makes some very valuable observations. The education program is four things: 1. It is an investment in a long term spiritual future; 2. It is insurance to keep folks from eternal punishment; 3. It is insulation to help keep the student from worldliness; and, 4. It is indoctrination of why the Christian does what he does.

Model

The purpose of the education program is to win souls to Christ. Therefore the model in the education program must be the Christ. "Jesus wanted them [His students] to live righteously in obedience to the commands of God and to experience fullness of life in relationship to God: His objective as a teacher was to touch the lives of His students."

Jesus used various teaching methods. Today, it needs to be emphasized that students learn in different ways. The styles of teaching, as long as they do not violate Scripture, should be such that they meet the various needs of the students--and transform lives. When a teacher today follows the example of the Lord, then he or she too can transform lives by the power of the Gospel.

Sources:
1. The Pocket Book of Quotations. Ed. Henry Davidoff: Pocket Books, New York;: 1952, p. 391.
2. Schantz, Daniel. You Can Teach with Success. Ohio: Standard Publishing, 1994, p. 19.
3. Miller, Tom. Class Notes: Educational Work. (ETSOPM, 2000, p.p. 4-8).
4. Downs, Perry G. Teaching for Spiritual Growth: An Introduction to Christian Education. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994, p. 33.
5. Price, J.M. Jesus the Teacher. Nashville: 1954, p. 121.