Archive for April, 2008

In Search of Teaching Excellence

Ex”cel*lence\, n
The quality of being excellent; state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree;
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary

I remember a sports shoe commercial many years ago that featured Michael Jordan and Spike Lee. In the commercial Spike Lee was trying to determine what made Michael Jordan so good at the game of basketball. The key phrase used throughout the spot was “Is it the shoes?” While Michael simply answered “no” to the questions, the implication was that it was more than the shoes. Through closer investigation we learned that Michael Jordan worked tirelessly at his craft and that success was not instantaneous, but rather a process that he was dedicated to.

Similarly, when we see Sabbath School teachers that excel, we are tempted to ask in our own way, “is it the shoes?” Just what makes a person a teacher of excellence? Is it genetic? Is it the setting? Is it the topic? Or is it fate? Like Michael Jordan, teachers that excel share some of the same attributes.

Apr 22, 2008 | 0 comments | View Post

Is your Sabbath School Alive or D.O.A.

It seems today that Sabbath schools are falling into 2 categories; either vibrantly alive or dry and dead. Some Sabbath school classes are eagerly looked forward to and some are simply tolerated as something we do but not necessarily enjoy. The people who fall into the latter group have increased over the years. Far too many regular church members (especially without very young children) are skipping this portion of our services.

To reverse this trend is an undertaking that many churches are tackling. The difference between the two extremes of the Sabbath School experience is determined by the leadership of the individual church and most importantly the leadership of the Sabbath School department.

The role and service of Sabbath School is still relevant and needed. The opportunity that Sabbath School department leaders have in assisting the church in the building up of disciples is enormous. We must recommit ourselves to doing whatever it takes to become effective to the audience we serve.

What are you observing at your church? Do you know of a church’s Sabbath School department that has found ways to keep the weekly program fresh and relevant?

Apr 08, 2008 | 1 comment | View Post