When Children’s Bible Teachers Quit
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal. 6:9 KJV) These words from Paul the Apostle in his letter to the church at Galatia stand as encouragement any time we become discouraged in an honorable task. If you have been a Bible teacher for any amount of time, then you likely have experienced a moment or two (or several) when you considered giving up your class. There can be a million reasons why someone would consider doing this. I have considered it myself a few times. When these thoughts come our way, we need to carefully consider where they are coming from, and what the consequences may be when Bible teachers quit.
Consider Your Reason
Ask yourself why you are considering this. It is not always wrong to give up a class. Sometimes it is exactly the right option. Many times God moves one teacher out so that the opportunity to teach can be handed over to someone else, who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance.
Be careful, however, of reasons that are entirely self-centered. Self-centered living is not what God calls us to. We should also avoid leaving a class over hurt feelings with the church’s staff. This is also murky water. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings can be gotten over with prayer and maturity.
Consider the Results
There will be consequences if you give up your class. Do you have children in your class who have a strong bond with you? Would your leaving the class create turmoil for them spiritually? If you are leaving for a bad reason, how will it affect the children and other leaders? What about the parents?
Leaving a Bible class should never be a decision made lightly. This is especially true if you have been in your class for a while and have developed a relationship with your students and other adults as a result of that role. The results may go well beyond what you intended.
If you are just discouraged, burnt out or have had misunderstandings with staff, take these issues to God in prayer. Seek counself from godly people you know. Can you tough it out a little longer for the sake of your students? Or has God given you a peaceful green light to hand this class over to another teacher so they can be blessed as you have been? If not, then… “let us not be weary in well doing!”
You can see all of the articles by Sarah on Sunday School Zone.
