The Importance of Faithfulness in Teaching
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9). No doubt about it, dealing with kids week after week can make you weary. The messes, the squabbling, the wiggling. These things can take a toll on you. Do you ever find yourself wondering if anyone is actually learning anything in your class? Are your efforts making a difference in the lives of these kids you lead week after week?
This kind of weariness is natural. But, here is some reassurance for you… God did not call you to make sure every one of your students masters every spiritual truth you present. God is not requiring your students to pass a Bible skills test or a spiritual maturity test when they finally leave your class and move on to their next teacher. There is really only one thing God is requiring of you… faithfulness. So, how can we grow in our faithfulness in teaching?
Let Go of Perfectionism
When God placed you in your class or ministry, I’m guessing no one made you sign a contract promising to perfectly execute each lesson, keeping your kids calm, quiet and clean, while also pulling it all together into an adorable take home craft every week. If you are trying to achieve this level of perfectionism, please take note that you are the only one holding yourself to this standard. And you will fail.
The parents of your students are only hoping for a safe, fun class time where their children can learn about Jesus and spend time with their friends. Your church staff placed you in the class because they believed you could share Jesus with these children in a loving way. And your sweet Heavenly Father is only asking for one thing… faithfulness.
Do the Important Things
The important things in children’s ministry are to show up and have something to say about the Lord. Even if the class time seems chaotic, even if the craft is a flop and the game degenerates into bickering. Did you show up? Did you share something about the Lord? Then you succeeded because of your faithfulness in teaching.
Stop being so hard on yourself. Take a breath and remember why you are doing this. Your Heavenly Father is so proud of you. The time you are investing in your class and in your ministry is not in vain. Let’s remember the words of Paul to the church at Galatia… “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
You can see all of the articles by Sarah on Sunday School Zone.
