Colossians 1:28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

1. PURPOSE

	Need to better teach God's Word. (Nursery, Jr. Church, SS, Wed. night, NBT)
	God desires us to be excellent, to be champions for Christ - the best we can be.
	The little things we could be doing helps us to teach better

James 3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

What is the value of a human soul?

Mark 8:36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

	In your classroom have spiritual eyes and heart to see each person's need & value.
	This is a great motivator for us – it cleans cobwebs out of our personal lives when we understand this truth, the value a soul and of what we are engaged in.
	Within our church and it's ministries, there's a requirement for teachers teaching God's Word.
	There is not a higher calling then to be able to minister God's Word.

Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

"Changing lives for eternity" – Hearing God's Word then being born again by the holy Spirit.

What should be our purpose for teaching?

	NOT because I'm expected to, or because no one else will do it, or the pastor asked me.
	It should be out of our love for Christ – in obedience to His Word, saved to serve!

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Ephesians 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,

What is our purpose at Cross Creek?

Remember the 4 E's – Exalt God, Equip Saints, Evangelize lost, Elevate society.

	Our goal & purpose of teaching should be the same as our Church's goals & purpose.
	Everything we do in our classes needs to aim at Exalting & glorifying God – our #1 purpose.
	Exalt God-worship, love, praise, thanksgiving, and testimonies-always keeping in focus.
	Equip saints-growing each believer, teaching, training-to become more like Christ.
	Evangelize lost-teaching with eye on the lost-always explaining salvation.
	Elevate society-as lives change from inside out-our world gets changed (salt & light).

Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

These 4 E's is what drives your Christian life, Church and the Classes you teach.

 

2.   PERSONAL

	I know this is very basic & fundamental, but good hygiene is a must!
	Ever speak with someone whose breath knocked you out? Have mints.
	The way you comb your hair, your make-up - your cleanliness is vital.
	Being properly dressed - not overkill with a suit and tie or not going the other direction where anything goes. Dressing the part – you are in authority, being an example.

1 Timothy 2:9 "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes…"

	You're setting an example for everyone and especially for the children.
	You might be the only "Jesus" they'll ever see - They watch everything.
	They pick up when your hair is wrong, they see all your jewelry, always with questions.
	What you wear is very important. You're teaching by how you look, smell, dress, talk, etc.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Who do we represent? Christ - never give the Devil a foothold.

 

Hebrews 5:1 "Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God…"

God calls us "Christians" – "little Christ's" we represent Him – let's show it in every way!

Spending proper amount of time in sleep, maintaining a proper diet, taking care of yourself.

How's your Spiritual Walk?

2 Cor. 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?

	Spiritually be growing in the Lord. Analyze yourself - do a Spiritual check-up.
	You need a Personal Time with the Lord - not using your time of preparation for the class.
	Spending time alone with your Lord in prayer and Bible reading, memorization and study.
	This is the most valuable time for you to grow, maintaining an intimacy with God.
	Get to know Him, spend time with Him, and learn to love Him more – you will never regret it.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Do not neglect your personal discipline because if you do all of your teaching will be in the flesh. God will still honor His Word though as it is proclaimed!

Isaiah 55:11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

The Holy Spirit can only work through a clean, willing vessel. With a correct heart attitude.

2 Tim. 2:19-21 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." 20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

	This is a good time to check your motives for teaching.
	What's my motivation? Right reasons or wrong reasons.
	You must be filled and walking in the Spirit, emptied of self.

 

Remember the 4 E's, class – Exalt, Equip, Evangelize, Elevate.

 

3. PREPARATION

	The preparation of yourself for teaching is very important - Don't try to "wing it", you'll crash.
	Preparation takes time and is hard work, but necessary for a successful class.

Romans 2:21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?…

	With you personally walking with your Lord, now comes the time to get ready to teach.
	Start early in your preparation, don't procrastinate until the night before!
	Spend time – anything worth while takes effort.

2 Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

	Sit down – block out time – pray, get away from phone & people & read over your lesson quickly to get the overall concept. Then reread with your Bible looking up passages, asking the Lord to help you understand not just mentally (intellectually) but with your heart, Spiritually.
	The key to good teaching is to teach from your heart not head. We'll get into this a little later in our class.

 

How do I Prepare?

There are 3 key ingredients to successfully prepare your lesson:

 

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

1. Prayer – Bath your personal life, study, class, each person, delivery in prayer – absolutely vital!

Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

James 4:2 "…ye have not, because ye ask not."




2. Word – Being in the Word, Critical. Not "good" activities, events, games – God's Word is vital!

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.




3. Holy Spirit – total dependence on God the Holy Spirit to illuminate His Word to hearts is vital!

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

 

Look for places to weave in the Gospel.

The death burial & resurrection of Christ. 1 Cor. 15:1-4

	Preparation involves constantly being on the lookout for new ideas.
	Why reinvent the wheel? Grab ideas, read good books, listen to good music – broaden your intake of solid Biblical writings of others. Subscribe to pertinent Christian magazines. Tremendous Christian resources on the Internet, find them and bookmark them.
	Prepare any visual aids you may need – flannel graph, video tapes, songs, tape or CD player, crafts, handouts, crayons, chalk, puppets, posters, pictures, objects (stones, leaves, current event clippings, feather, hay bale, donkey, etc.).
	Be innovated – don't be afraid of making a mistake – learn to stretch your faith.
	Nothing ventured – nothing gained! Be always OPEN to suggestions and improvements.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Remember the 4 E's – Exalt, Equip, Evangelize, and Elevate.

1. PRESENTATION

	Now comes the big day. Can't sleep at night, your mind is swirling with the "unknown".
	Be yourself – don't try to be someone else, you can't.
	God has uniquely crafted you and made you, you, so be yourself. (S.H.A.P.E.)
	Practice the lesson ahead of time-even in front of a mirror.
	Be at your class EARLY – get set up, any extra props in place, sit down quietly gather your thoughts, pray, go over anything the Lord brings to your attention, glance over your lessons, what is the main thrust? – This is the big day! Getting to your class early calms you down. Find that sweet peace the Lord gives – rest in Him. Not hurried, running around, having all your material, being ready in advance reduces stress.
	Become an actor – use your body and motions to teach, even the tone of your voice.
	Be enthusiastic – excited about what you're doing? Or is this lesson boring? Keep lessons exciting, energetic, practical.

2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.

If what you're teaching doesn't excite you – don't expect much from your students.

Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

	Teach from the Bible as much as possible – read verses and explain and teach in "student's language", (not over their heads and not to low with baby talk).
	Keep things simple, being careful of not overcomplicating basic Bible truths.
	Have verses to use, and don't stumble. Be sure of God's Word.
	Being conscious of your facial expressions, voice tones, speed of speech, etc.
	Weaving in the Gospel throughout your presentation.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Titus 2:1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

Be sure you're living what you're teaching or it will fall in deaf ears. We need to be living correctly – Spirit filled.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.

	Speaking from your heart, not your head – children especially notice this.
	Avoid directly reading from a book with children, unless it is scripture – it's so much easier to teach and demonstrate if you know your material.

The Gospel is communicated through foundational truths – God's love - the truth about sin which is anything that displeases God. Forgiveness we find in Jesus Christ. God sending His only Son to died for my sins at Calvary. He was buried and three days later He came back to life! You must make a choice.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Learn how to give an invitation. We will go over the N.B.T. information sheet.

Remember the 4 E's – Exalt, Equip, Evangelize, Elevate!

5.   PRACTICAL

	Keep your teaching relevant age and to where students are in their lives.
	Be sensitive to detours or rabbit trails leading away from your main thrust. These sometimes are wonderfully used of God. Just don't ramble on about your job, car, sports, etc. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, while being careful of becoming too rigid and legalistic in your class. Have Fun in Jesus!
	Maintain your focus and the value of each precious soul, having Jesus' heart, mind & eyes.
	Not being rigid & unbending, especially with children, their questions are very important to them. Take time with them (silly questions to you are VERY important to them).
	Be conscious of your time - Start and stop on time!
	If you say something, then do it. (Promising a hike and never doing it, is not good).
	Involve the students in role playing if possible. Examples of fiery furnace, walking on water, in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, young people loves getting involved themselves.
	Use available props – (I once built a ship out of chairs). A Tree with Zacchaeus in it!

Who's the boss in your class?

	Teachers MUST maintain order and discipline – some suggestions would be…
	Always remember that discipline is training, not punishment.
	You cannot teach those who you can't control. Expect good behavior and insist on it.
	Be firm but loving, no 10-year-old should ever speak back to an adult, use proper correction.
	Respect is earned, not legislative with a big list of do's and don'ts.
	Remember that if you give an inch, they'll take a mile!
	Be consistent in discipline, using special incentives to foster good behavior (Don't use Bribery or give, give, give – it will backfire, then they will expect, expect, expect – then it will be so hard, hard, hard - for the teacher who will follow you). A quiet seat, a mystery bag, rewards for good behavior. (Visit your local Dollar store).

What do Kids Love?

	Kids love Bible drills, Bible over their head, say the verse, then CHARGE… first one to find the verse stands and reads it out loud.
	They love to sing neat songs such as – "If you're happy and you know it", "Zachious was….", "Wise man built…", "S.A.L.V.A.T.I.O.N.", "Hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord".
	Don't get locked into a routine – be different! Variety is the spice of life, change things!
	Don't be afraid to try new ideas. Come up with a theme, a slogan, posters, and use them.
	Have competition, boys versus the girls, giving them neat names such as the Wranglers and the Buckaroos!
	Allow them to earn points each week – Bible verses learned, Bible brought, brought visitor, something special (won a Bible drill, they sang a song, played a piano recital, etc.).
	Have special events – Cookouts, hiking, fishing, car wash, water balloon fights, ice cream bash, missionary fund raising events, etc.
	Get to know your kids – building relationships, which reaches into their homes and families.

What's our Emphasis?

Our emphasis is Christ! Striving to Maintain balance – physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Remember the 4 E's – Exalt, Equip, Evangelize, Elevate!

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.