To transform the larger world, we need more people to get involved, including both the young and the old, the literate and the illiterate, and the skilled and the unskilled.
One sector that requires particular attention, as we focus on witnessing the Lord’s work, is Educational Institutions. By concentrating on this area, we can empower more individuals to transform their world, making the Church’s agenda for 2028 a reality
Periodically, many teens and youths spend considerable time away from home and their local church due to the demands of the school system. Some spend five or six days a week at school, while others may stay there for months on various campuses. Consequently, our teens and youths often lack sufficient time in local churches and homes to be nurtured with kingdom values and principles. Thus, nurturing children with these values should be a hallmark of every Christian Teacher.
An important reality is that students will not only complete their academic levels but will also carry the kingdom values and principles instilled by Christian Teachers into their future endeavors. This underscores the need for Christian Teachers to be equipped to go beyond the curriculum and infuse these values when dealing with their students.
Many students possess potentials beyond the school curriculum, requiring Christian Teachers filled with the Holy Spirit to identify and assist them. Given that students spend more time with teachers than any other stakeholders, Christian Teachers must position themselves to transform these students, enabling them to impact their world. This is a crucial responsibility for every Christian Teacher in your school or class, as stated in Proverbs 22:6, emphasizing the training of every child without partiality.
HOW TO BE EFFECTIVE & IMPACT YOUR STUDENTS TO TRANSFORM THEIR WORLD;
1. BE THE EXAMPLE:
Charles Reade, a British novelist and dramatist, said, “Example is contagious behaviour.” Christian Teachers must recognise that students learn through imitation, observing how teachers dress, talk, and conduct themselves. As a teacher, your actions and inactions shape the personality of your students, making it essential to maintain credibility, trustworthiness, and honesty.
2. BE KNOWLEDGEABLE:
To be effective and impact students, Christian Teachers must continually educate themselves. Students have different temperaments, and teachers must know how to handle each one, presenting a glorious church in the form of their students. Understanding their skills advancement and coaching them appropriately is crucial, as is addressing their curiosity with accurate knowledge to guide them through life’s challenges.
3. BE THEIR PASTOR:
In the role of a Christian Teacher, your classroom is your church premise. Beyond the school curriculum, instill kingdom values and principles documented in the Bible. Use them to instruct, reform, inspire, and direct as needed. Ensure orderliness, enhance Christlike character, and allow the functionality of the Spirit of God to work in the classroom. Love, respect, inspire, and instruct your students, acting as a shepherd guiding a flock under your authority.
In conclusion, consider the wisdom of John 15:16 [MSG], “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil.” Christian Teachers, unleash your students by being exemplary, acquiring knowledge to coach and nurture them, and fulfilling the role of their pastor.
Written by Elder Tonnie Baffoe (Schools Outreach Ministry Coordinator, Agona Swedru Area)