Sunday School Teachers’ Seminar

The role of a Sunday School teacher can be deemed an essential, admirable and invaluable one. Like the day school teachers, Sunday School teachers are entrusted with the responsibility of moulding the minds of the youths of our churches and also instilling morals and virtues into the hearts and minds of the next generation. More importantly, a Sunday School teacher is charged with the mandate to impart the knowledge of Jesus and His salvation to the youths and convey what is require of us as children of God through verbal communication and exemplary living. The Sunday School Island Council recognized the magnitude of this commission and rose to the occasion by organizing a Sunday School Teachers’ Seminar which was scheduled for November 4, 2006 at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall.

The objective of the seminar was to equip teachers with the tools necessary for working in this particular ministry. There were three sessions:

1. “Teaching Skills” – by Rheo Buchanan
Ms. Buchanan being a trained teacher and a Sunday School teacher had a wealth of experience and knowledge with regards to the techniques that can be utilised for the different age groups in order to be effective in the delivery of the lessons. The participants listened keenly as Ms Buchanan explained how to prepare a lesson plan and shared some innovative ideas that can be incorporated into the lesson plans.

2. “Spiritual Development” – by Father Reid Simon
Father Simon impressed upon us to view spirituality in a holistic sense and gave a few pointers which would ultimately guide us to achieving the level of spirituality that God would want us to have. Father Simon emphasized the importance of preparing lesson plans, good management of time, taking time out for contemplation and meditation, reading literature not limited to the bible and “LIVING GOD” rather than just paying lip service. A very enlightening presentation which most participants agreed can be applied not only to them in their capacity as teachers but can be applied to everyday living.

3. “Virtues” – by Rebecca Holderman
Participants were introduced to a new ideology which should be incorporated into lessons. Rebecca introduced the Virtues Project and demonstrated through activities and illustrations how verbal communication can taint a child. Rebecca then explained how Sunday School teachers can encourage the development of virtues such as peacefulness, faithfulness, consideration, confidence, cleanliness etc. in the children they come into contact with. This session will be indelibly etched on the minds of the participants since they echoed that this was a very different teaching style being introduced but at the same time they all saw how this can positively impact a child.

Participants all agreed that the seminar was a resounding success and they look forward to similar future learning experiences. The Island Council would also like to appeal to persons who are interested in this particular ministry to come forward and be a part of this imperative vocation. Also, the Council would like to encourage those churches which do not have Sunday Schools to initiate the process of establishing this ministry which the Council considers to be a vital part of the life of the church.

Rena Warner