The Five Thorns of Christian Education
Have you ever been so far behind in your reading you've considered taking a speed reading course? The only problem was you could never find the time. Most readers of this book are hustling from one ministry task to another. With few moments to spare, you are also trying to improve your ministry skills through study. That's why I want to get quickly to the things that trouble you most. I took a long look at my own work in the church, then surveyed forty pastors at a denomination meeting for their common "thorns in the flesh" of Christian education. A few weeks later at an interdenominational meeting, I asked pastors to rank twenty Christian education difficulties. The top five were as follows: 1. Poor Follow-up and Visitation by Teachers
This afternoon I was visiting two elderly widows who are sisters and share a home. After an hour of cordial conversation and prayer, I was ready to leave. I suggested using the door on the porch, but one of the women led me to the door I had entered. She said jokingly, "Don't you know it's bad luck to come in one door and leave by another?" While I'm not superstitious, I do know many churches suffer the consequences of people entering one door and leaving through another. One of the reasons is poor follow-up and visitation. Here are four ongoing emphases that can improve the situation. First, try to staff the Sunday school with faithful, available, and teachable teachers. Though some teachers (perhaps the old-timers) demonstrate that they are not open to change, we do have a choice when it comes to who we recruit. A worker who is faithful, available, and teachable will be open to someone explaining expectations, including proper follow-up of students. The second thing is to encourage the miniflock ...
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