Teaching: An Exciting Adventure Part 2

This article was written by Cathy Whitacre and was published in The Gospel Journal. As you know from other posts, Cathy was passionate about teaching God’s Word, especially in Bible class. You can find more from Cathy by clicking on ‘Cathy’s Corner’ in the subject area on the right sidebar.

B’s of Bible Class Teaching

In order to be the best teacher possible, let us take a look at what will make our class room experience successful:

1. Be prepared. Preparation is the snap, crackle and pop in our classroom. Personal experience has taught that organization – from attendance charts to take home papers- makes class go much smoother. Discipline problems can be avoided and perhaps most importantly, maximum learning can take place.

As teachers we need to know our lesson: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 119:11). We need to teach from our overflow. As we study, we grow and our understanding deepens. This allows us to impart the lesson and application to our students.

Teachers should open God’s Word in class and show our students that the lesson is from the Bible. Do not read your lesson from a teacher’s manual. A teacher’s manual should be used as a guide, not as gospel. Let us not confuse our students by reading a lesson from man’s written material which may have error. We have God’s Word, what more do we need? For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16). We want to lead our students by example to love the Father, the Son, and His Word which by grace He has given us.

2. Be on time. Teaching young souls is an important job in the Lord’s church. We have very few precious minutes each week to help them learn the will of our Father. We need to make every minute count and begin teaching when the first student comes into the room. I have always found that by being in class fifteen minutes early I can have everything in order and be ready to greet my students. Would you come into work late and unprepared? Why do we think it’s alright to show up late and then tell our students how important God is? [It is just as important to have your children in class on time. Debbie]

3.  Be an example. Paul writes Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). A Bible class teacher does not simply teach on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening. Our students look up to us. Ask yourself this question: “Would I want my students to be like me during the week?” Some of the greatest lessons I learned as a child were by watching faithful brothers and sisters. We all know the saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ What picture of us is framed in our students’ minds?
 

4. Be on your student’s level. If we are going to be successful teachers, we must get to know our students. We all have a comfort zone in our teaching. You may not feel comfortable teaching second graders, but really connect with teenagers. Don’t be afraid to try different age groups until you find an area that you like. 

Click here to read Part 1.

Click here to see Part 3.

About Cathy (at the time of this publication)

Cathy Whitacre is currently employed at Arlington Christian School. She and her husband worship with the Fayetteville Church of Christ where she teaches in the elementary program. She has been teaching for 35 years in all levels. Along with her daughter and daughter-in-law has conducted Teacher’s Workshops in Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, Jamaica and Scotland. Cathy has been successful in several careers, but found her greatest achievement, along with her husband, in raising two faithful Christian children. She is also the grandmother of four and feels Christian education is one of the greatest mission efforts in which we can be involved.

About Cathy: Updated

Cathy Whitacre (1950-2015) was a Christian, wife, mother, Nana, sister, and friend. Cathy and her husband Gerry worshiped with the New Hope Church of Christ, in Bradyville, Tennessee.

Family was one of her crowning joys in life. Married to Gerry for over 47 years they had many years of adventure and love. Her children and grandchildren kept her busy and happy. Everywhere Cathy lived from Ohio, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and more she made dear friends who she considered family.

Cathy had the opportunity to participate in mission work for many years. She had the privilege of speaking at Ladies Days, teaching Vacation Bible Schools, and conducting workshops in Jamaica, Scotland, New Zealand, and in the United States.
 

Cathy was involved in teaching for over 50 years, from nursery to adults. Cathy felt that Christian Education is one of the greatest mission efforts we can be involved in, and the benefits are eternal.

This article by Cathy Whitacre was originally published in The Gospel Journal. It was in the July 2006 issue. Article is used with permission by The Gospel Journal.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. 

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Used by permission.