Responsibilities of a Teacher

by James Gunter

The responsibility of being a teacher doesn't start -- or stop -- at a podium in front of a group of people. It begins as love in the heart of the one God calls. From there, love flows to the hearts of the learners and right back into the heart of the teacher again. A good teacher loves his/her learners and takes an interest in them. What does that look like?

A responsible teacher takes prayer requests seriously. A responsible teacher rejoices with people when God answers those prayers. They become a part of the learner and the learner becomes a part of the teacher.

A responsible teacher communicates with the people in his/her class. As he/she prepares the lesson, they think about who is going to be sitting in that class. They think about personal circumstances in the lives of the learners, and they imagine how the lesson could be used to encourage them. Our greatest chance to help someone is when someone's world gets turned upside down. That is when we all huddle around the foot of the cross and cry out for help from the only One who can help – Jesus!

A responsible teacher realizes that their work in reaching people goes beyond the classroom. They make a point to get to know their class members, and they allow the members to get to know their teacher. (As a teacher, you'll benefit so much from it!) You can get a unique perspective on the people you teach each week when you have seen their homes. When you’ve shared a cup of coffee or a dish of ice cream with them. Or when you’ve had them point out special pictures or other mementos within their homes. Personal contact goes a long way in helping you connect in ways that the classroom doesn't allow.

Are you a responsible teacher? If so, you will not only say you care about your learners, you will actively look for ways to demonstrate it.

Prove Yourself Worthy of the Call

by James Gunter

In session one of our workshops titled Teaching a Bible Lesson, we talk quite a bit about the call to teach. One passage of Scripture really gets my attention every time.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15 HCSB)

This calls for some serious self-examination. As God's chosen representatives of the Word, we are to study, obey and be able to teach the Word effectively. I have taken myself through some very serious self-examination many, many times. I have found that unless I am willing to correct a particular area of weakness, it is difficult to consider myself as one “approved to God.” There are many other ways we should strive to be approved to God as well.

• Do we dress appropriately as one of God's representatives?
• What is our conduct at and away from church? Is it the same?
• Do we take the time to prepare an effective lesson – one that will impact and change our learners?
• Do we share God's truth or our opinion, camouflaged as the truth? Our learners may not know the difference, but I can assure you that God does.
• Do we live what we teach?

The list could just go and on, but you get the idea. To avoid being “ashamed” as a teacher, work hard to present yourself properly. Is it time to give yourself a serious examination?