Sometimes it makes you want to scream!  I know you’ve been there.  You’re in a meeting or presentation and it seems like time has decided to stand still.  Your personal mental challenge is to be creative in staying alert and giving the impression of interest in the uninteresting.(I’ve tried pinching myself)

The enemy called boredom does not discriminate.  It attacks men and women.  It attacks worthy causes and noble goals.  It attacks sincere plans and well minded intentions.  It attacks the novice as well as the veteran.  It’s most valued trusty is complacency and mental laziness.  It thrives on low expectations.

Does it have to be this way?  Is there anything that can be done to make the boring interesting?  Of course, the answer is yes.  But to get from boring to interesting will take intentional efforts.  Relying on the importance of the message being conveyed without consideration of how it is being conveyed is a poor strategy for success.

B-O-R-I-N-G

Being Oblivious to Relevant Information Needed for Growth

Here are three ways to fight the enemy called boredom:

1) Be Relevant.  If you’re not meeting the current needs of those you minister to, whose needs are you meeting?  You must know your audience and what brings value to them.  The greater the relevant value you bring to your ministry the more likely you will be in defeating boredom.  There is no “one size fits all” in ministry.

2) Be Enthusiastic.  If you’re not excited can you really expect others to find excitement in what you offer?  You must project energy by being energetic and lively.  Push yourself to be a better self.  Start with a smile and you’re on your way.

3) Be Authentic.  Being authentic means that you are who you say you are and that you practice what you preach.  No one likes a phony, do they?  Your authenticity (or lack of) will shine through and give evidence of your sincerity.

Our example for fighting the enemy called boredom is a high one.  When the soldiers who were sent to arrest Jesus explained to their leaders why that had not arrested him, all they could give as an explanation was “No one ever spoke the way this man does” John 17:46 NIV.  That’s the direction we should all be headed in.

Please continue to do what you do but do it with relevance, enthusiasm and authenticity.  Let’s vow to fight this enemy called boring.

Ok, it’s time. You have adequately prepared and done your homework. You have imagined this moment with a measure of anxiety and it’s finally arrived. It’s now or never. It’s time to swing for the fences. It’s Showtime!

What is Showtime? It’s the moment you leave any reservations about your abilities behind and you step out and perform in an extraordinary way. Your mindset is “I can do this!” and your attitude is one of success, not failure.

What is Showtime? It’s the moment that you embrace the truth that you must be, want to be, can be and will be extraordinary. You are committed to do what it takes to make the impact the opportunity deserves. That’s Showtime!

Showtime is not limited to when you are making public presentations. It applies to any area of life that can be enhanced with doing more than the average. It’s the time when you step out in faith expecting success in spite of fears that you are inadequate. You’re swinging for the fences expecting to hit a home run and a home run you shall hit.

Benjamin Disraeli said it perfectly “The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.” When your opportunity comes, whether frequently or infrequently, you must be ready to give it all that you have. One of the most vital ingredients in Showtime is the power of ENTHUSIASM.

Enthusiasm will make the difference between an ordinary experience and an extraordinary event. Letting go of our inhibitions and allowing ourselves to be more than how we see ourselves is liberating. The teacher that uses the power of enthusiasm will make more of an impact than the teacher that doesn’t. In whatever capacity you operate in, being enthusiastic will always lead to more success and greater opportunities.

Back in 1903 my favorite author penned these words: “An important element in educational work is enthusiasm. On this point there is a useful suggestion in a remark once made by a celebrated actor. The archbishop of Canterbury had put to him the question why actors in a play affect their audiences so powerfully by speaking of things imaginary, while ministers of the gospel often affect theirs so little by speaking of things real. “With due submission to your grace,” replied the actor, “permit me to say that the reason is plain: It lies in the power of enthusiasm. We on the stage speak of things imaginary as if they were real, and you in the pulpit speak of things real as if they were imaginary.”    Education pg 233 by E.G. White.

May the words “Let Go and Let God” be prophetic in your life. Don’t hold anything back and give it all that you have. It’s now or never. Swing for the fences. It’s Showtime!

At this time of the year we find most people in a reflective mood. There’s something about the realization of another year passing that makes all of us take a closer look at our lives.

Many of those that go through this annual ritual will feel the need to grow spiritually in the coming year. Attending Sabbath School is a common resolution made this time of year. Some of the reasons for this resolution are:

1) To satisfy the need for spiritual growth through group bible study
2) To start or revive a positive family tradition
3) To connect more with the local church and its sense of family
4) To turn the page on a difficult year with the hope of personal revival

We must to be ready for this; personally and collectively. As teachers we must anticipate this sense of renewal and plan ways to capitalize on it. How will we greet our new or returning class members? What plans do we have in place to engage and assimilate these members? A warm sincere greeting should be the start, not the ending.

What hurts and not helps prospective and returning members is a class that:
1) Debates rather than discusses. Members do not want to be ringside judges of the fight of the week. The need of inclusion fueled by engaging discussions is more vital than the task of identifying the champion of doctrinal debates.
2) Lectures rather than teaches. Returning and new members will soon be turned off if the only person who discusses the lesson is the teacher. Teaching skills that aid in the discovery process will make a more lasting connection than the one-way style of a lecturer.
3) Greets but not embraces. Common manners will provide a greeting. Christian love will provide a connection. We must give of ourselves to others. Its part of what we do. Your personal interest can make all the difference in someone’s life.
4) Condemns rather than inspires. It’s far easier to point out what we shouldn’t do rather than give practical biblical guidance for doing what we long to do. A quality, positive class along with an outreach ministry will do more for discipleship than rehearsing the common failures of our time.

To get ready for this opportunity means new resolutions on our part as well.
“Let us enter upon the new year with our hearts cleansed from the defilement of selfishness and pride. Let us put away every sinful indulgence, and seek to become faithful, diligent learners in the school of Christ. A new year opens its unsullied pages before us. What shall we write upon them.” EGW Signs of the Times, January 5, 1882

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philipians. 3:13-14 NIV

1) You’re a natural talker and you just love to talk and talk and talk and talk and talk and talk and talk and ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Effective teachers tend to be great listeners. Devising talking points and questions to allow your class members the opportunity to share in meaningful dialogue is critical. Reading facial expressions and listening carefully to what is not being said will help you target areas of discussion that are relevant and timely to your members needs and interests.

2) Your own life experiences always seem like ideal examples regardless of the topic of discussion.
Effective teachers have the ability to direct the focus away from themselves and onto whom it really belongs…Jesus Christ. The weekly lesson period should not be a platform for sharing the triumphs (or defeats) of the teacher. Remember, it’s not about you! Being able to craft a discussion that encourages members in this Christian race and uplifts Jesus Christ are the ultimate accomplishments of a great Sabbath school class.

3) You’re not really a stickler for time. A few minutes late is no big deal.
Effective teachers set a good example for promptness and consideration of the time of the class members. Teachers should arrive early for Sabbath school and greet as many class members before class as possible. Set a pattern and reputation for starting and ending on time. Teachers should be models of consistency.

4) You know weekly topics so well you don’t even need to study.
Effective teachers share fresh, divine insight that they receive from constant study, meditation and prayer. The bible is a living word and as such it contains new revelations and relevant inspiration to meet the needs of each member who attends. A helpful target for preparation time is one hour for each 10 minutes of class time. A 45 minute class should be prepared for by at least 4 1/2 hours of study.

5) You’re not really a people person, just a good teacher.
Effective teachers are people persons, even if it does not come naturally. There is a need in every class for the teacher to extend themselves by showing genuine interest in the lives of all class members. Sabbath school involvement should extend beyond the weekly Sabbath morning class period. Calling missing members and engaging new and visiting members should be a regular part of your Sabbath school class. You can and should be an ambassador-of-one sharing the love of Christ with all whom you interact with.

6) You’re only teaching because no one else wants to.
Effective teachers realize the calling on their lives and have a real desire to improve their abilities to their maximum potential. When teachers have the proper mindset, they approach this responsibility with the seriousness it deserves. Even if you’re not sure if this is your calling, the bible plainly says “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

Being an effective teacher might demand being a “new you”. This is an age of change and some changes must be radical and complete. “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins”. Luke 5.37, 38 NIV

There is a higher level for us all to reach and God has promised that “He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us”. Ephesians 3.20. Today I’m asking for you to be your best!

If there is one skill an effective Sabbath school teacher must have, it is the ability to ask great questions. Nothing can make or break a lesson study more than the quality of the questions being asked by the leader.

Questions can be placed into 3 categories:

Great questions are usually inidicated by the amount of raised hands and the eagerness of the participants.
Ok questions are usually indicated by a lackluster response.
Poor questions result in the emergence of the sounds of crickets

Here’s some examples of different types of questions:

Example One

Q1: Is God real?
A: Yes.
Result: Discussion ends as soon as it starts

Q2: What does the bible say about God being real?
A: Some evidences may be recited for proof by those who are biblically versed.
Result: Some discussion started.

Q3: How has God manifested Himself in your life?
A: Personal accounts can be given that can be offered by anyone.
Result: Great discussion by many different individuals.

Example Two

Q1: Does the story of the Prodigal Son teach us about God’s love?
A: Yes.
Result: Discussion ends as soon as it starts

Q2: What are some of the lessons we learn from the Prodigal Son about God’s love?
A: Wide range of suggestions can be given from anyone, not just those versed in biblical history
Result: Great discussion by many different individuals.

Using this approach with additional great follow-up questions will result in a lively discussion where anyone can feel free to participate. Special attention should be given to making sure that anyone can participate, not just those who are well versed in biblical history and/ or denominational doctrine.

As you prepare your talking points for this week’s lesson, write out at least 4 great questions that will stimulate discussion. If the questions are limited to one correct answer, redo them so that there can be multiple responses to build your discussion around.

There’s something about a good story that can make all the difference in a Sabbath school discussion. A good story can transport it’s hearers to another time and place and make the lessons come alive with relevance and freshness. Do you use stories in your sessions?

While the variety of stories is limitless, I have found that nothing is more impactful than reciting the stories of events found in the bible. Bringing to life the words of the bible with energy and enthusiasm will be very effective in making its principles relevant to modern day hearers.

Jesus, our best example, was a master storyteller. There are 57 different parables recorded in the New Testament that Jesus gave. They teach a wide range of lessons including charity, love, justice, vindication, mercy, humility, service and other vital points of spiritual life.

The hearers of His parables were spellbound and many times not even aware that they were the subject of the parable being given. I’m certain that His authenticity, choice of words, and demeanor all contributed to the impact of each story. Once heard, the Holy Spirit would enable the hearers to identify with the story and allow the seed of truth to take root and grow.

What makes a teacher a good storyteller?

There are several ingredients to being a good storyteller which include:

1) Enthusiasm: You can’t expect a story to come alive if you deliver it in a lifeless manner. Tell the story as if it had never been told before. Practice telling your story at home, even if you tell it out loud to just yourself. Convey the story as if you were there yourself.

2) Relevance: A good storyteller shares the story that makes the point without the necessity of mental gymnastics. The clearer the connection, the better. The story should relate to the topic being discussed. There’s a biblical story for any topic one could ever discuss during Sabbath school.

3) Insight: Find those jewels of truth overlooked by the casual reader. The 5 volume Conflict of the Ages series by Ellen G. White has tremendous commentary on the events of the bible. Take advantage of this God inspired gift to the church and you’ll help your members gain valuable lessons and insight into spiritual truths.

Find a relevant biblical story this week and research everything you can about it. Pay close attention to those details that provide the fabric of the story. What was the physical layout of the setting? Who were in attendance? What was their mood? What significant events may have been going on at that time?

Use all of the above to paint the scene of your story and then allow your class to share what lessons they find in it. You’ll find that a simple, well-told story will go a long way towards stimulating a great discussion.

Sabbath Morning 9:30
Flight plan…check.
Instruments working…check.
Fuel…check.
Passengers seated…check.
Ready for takeoff…check.
And you’re off and on your way to another exciting Sabbath school discussion!

Everything is moving along fine and in the middle of your session someone who has a pet issue or grievance attempts to hijack the class and take over the direction of the lesson. It may be done in a subtle manner by someone asking a controversial question or making a controversial statement.

How you deal with this delicate situation can determine the future effectiveness of your class. Sometimes this situation is caused by regular attendees of your class and you may already have noted the pattern of this person’s participation. Other times this situation may be brought about by non-members who are attending the discussion with an agenda that is quickly revealed.

Regardless of how the situation arises there are 2 facts that must remain true.

Fact 1. You are responsible for this class. Do not abdicate this to anyone. You have a right to direct the subject matter and the discussion.

Fact 2. We are to edify one another and encourage each other in the Christian walk. There is no place for negativity and general aspersions about anyone.

Successfully dealing with this takes special preparation. The first thing is to make sure that your weekly class has been a subject of much prayer. Ask God to prepare the hearts of those who come out that the truths of His word may find receptive hearts. Also, ask God to prepare you for any eventuality you may experience during your session. Ask and claim the promise of discernment and the grace to deal with all types of personalities.

Here are a few real-time techniques that may help you in these types of situations. The best way to deal with a distraction that will hijack your class is to simply say as you look directly at the person:
1) “Let’s hold that thought for now while we discuss the current subject” and go immediately back into the “right” discussion.

2) “Let’s hold that thought for after the lesson study and we can talk about it in more detail then” and go immediately back into the “right” discussion.

3) “I understand your point but we will not be dealing with that issue today” and go immediately back into the “right” discussion.

All 3 responses have one thing in common; the direction of the discussion will not be determined by whoever chooses, but by you, the leader of the class. Each of these responses should be given in a tone of voice that is free of irritation but forceful enough to convey your position.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

Though confrontation is unpleasant, let’s do all we can to make sure that the passengers in our sessions arrive at the correct destination.

Have a great flight on Sabbath!

Every week, in Sabbath school classes across the world, someone will be talking. It’s estimated that the normal pace for English speaking averages between 120 to 160 words per minute. That translates to 5400 – 7200 words for the typical 45 minute Sabbath school class.

How many of those words are being spoken by you the teacher? If your answer is that you are speaking the majority of those 5400 – 7200 words, you are more than likely missing the mark as an effective Sabbath school teacher.

Sabbath school teachers have to consciously fight the tendency to lecture and preach to the members of their classes. One of the 2 biggest complaints about Sabbath school teachers is that they do all or most of the talking and don’t involve the class members.

Although the information shared may be true and useful, we have to be wise in our manner of presentation. The evidence shows, without question, that members learn more and enjoy the process of learning even more when there is opportunity for meaningful interaction and dialogue.

Guiding a class that is consistently known for a great discussion takes a lot of preparation and forethought. Preparing your materials and talking points and devising stimulating questions is a process that demands time from the teacher. To simply lecture a class or read the lesson out loud not only short changes the members of the class but also stunts your growth as a teacher.

To give members “something to talk about” means that you have guided your class in a manner where they are actively participating and the learning is mutual and shared. Here are a few dos and don’ts to aid you in having great discussions:

Do prepare thought-provoking questions for each part of your theme
Do anticipate the probable answers you’ll receive and have follow-up questions ready
Do make your questions appropriate for visitors as well as long time members

Don’t answer your own questions. Let the class answer the questions.
Don’t limit the answer to the 1st response. Build on it and re-launch it
Don’t ignore raised hands in an effort to get to your points of interest

Following these simple guidelines can enhance any class for any teacher. When they come to your session this week, make sure that you give them “something to talk about”.

Everyone wants to succeed. Some do…some don’t. Teachers may define success by the numbers of attendees, or by getting through the entire lesson, or by avoiding any glaring blunders. The definitions of success vary from teacher to teacher.

All of us spend some time in reflecting on how well we did or didn’t do. The unique thing about success is that it cannot always be judged by the immediate result. The path to success must travel on the road named “Process”.

Here’s a process of success that should be common to all Sabbath school teachers.

S – Seek It
U – Understand It
C – Compose It
C – Convey It
E – Explore It
S – Show It
S – Sell It

Seek It.

Teachers must spend adequate time in researching for their sessions. There should be use of much biblical research, spirit of prophecy and other related sources of information to serve as a foundation for your upcoming class.

Understand It.

Through prayer and study, we as teachers must “get it”. The bible promises that God will give us understanding and we should not leave this second phase until we understand the essence of the lesson.

 Compose It.

You’ve done your research and understand the theme. Now you need to prepare your guideline and talking points in a way that helps the session flow. Each part of the theme you plan to explore should have the biblical references to build upon. Streamline your research into a few key points. Too much information can be just as bad as too little.

Convey It. 

Once class starts you have to bring the energy. Attendees are more responsive to presenters that are energetic and lively. Smiling always helps
It is also helpful to start the class with an interesting story or some interesting fact or statistic. Be intentional about how you start. Make sure to make this a part of your planning.

 Explore It.

The best way to explore the lesson is through great questions. You should have questions that will lead the attendees in the direction of your theme. Anticipate what the answers to your questions will be and have more questions for the answers given. Go beneath the surface of cliches and standard answers. People love a good discussion and it all starts with great questions.

 Show It.

Now that you have begun the process of exploration through your questions, make sure that you can reach your destination. Bring the discussion to the point where you can show the gems of truth you discovered through your preparation. There should be a method to the madness.

 Sell It.

If the God of the universe has shared something with you for you to in turn share with your class, you need to sell it. Be passionate without being offensive. Don’t start strong and end weak. Give energy to your close and make an appeal for a greater commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is the purpose of what we do.

 I like the way Jim Rohn put it: Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals.

Best wishes on your continued success!

“Never man spake like this Man” John 7:46

The greatest Teacher the world has ever known, was the most definite, simple, and practical in His instruction. GW 50

There is no higher example for a teacher to follow than the example given by the greatest teacher of all time, Jesus Christ. His method of communication can never be improved on and has lasted undiminished through the ages.
“The common people heard Him gladly.” Mark 12:37

While we are many times mesmerized by the eloquence of the worlds great orators, our mission as teachers is to communicate eternal truths in a manner that is best suited for its reception; SIMPLICITY.

Christ always used simple language, yet His words tested the knowledge of deep, unprejudiced thinkers. His manner of teaching should be followed by teachers of today. Spiritual truths should always be presented in simple language, that they may be comprehended and find lodgment in the heart. Thus Christ addressed the crowds that pressed and thronged about Him; and all, learned and unlearned, were able to comprehend His lessons. Counsels To Teachers 261

In our classes, whether youth or adults, the need for simplicity in our language is vital. All class members, uneducated or educated, should be able to comprehend what we say and to find their time spent in Sabbath school beneficial.

A Worthy Goal

The Prince of teachers, He sought access to the people by the pathway of their most familiar associations. He presented the truth in such a way that ever after it was to His hearers intertwined with their most hallowed recollections and sympathies. He taught in a way that made them feel the completeness of His identification with their interests and happiness. His instruction was so direct, His illustrations were so appropriate, His words so sympathetic and cheerful, that His hearers were charmed. The simplicity and earnestness with which He addressed the needy, hallowed every word. MH 23, 24

Christ never flattered men. He never spoke that which would exalt their fancies and imaginations, nor did He praise them for their clever inventions; but deep, unprejudiced thinkers received His teaching and found that it tested their wisdom. They marveled at the spiritual truth expressed in the simplest language. DA 254

Let’s all pray that our testimony will be: The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary. Isaiah 50.4