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"When
Good News Isn't Good Anymore"
(John 12:48) Carlton Hyde |
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"Looking
To The Leaders" (1 Timothy 3:1-7) Carlton Hyde |
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November
12, 2000
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Volume XX - Number 46 |
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by Leon Crouch The importance of teaching as a part of the work of the Lords' church can hardly be overestimated. Teaching was a vital part of the life of the early church and must be so today. They "ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as the Christ" each day (Acts 5:42). It is a fact that the church's existence depends on the Word of God being taught continually. In this, as in all else relating to the church, Jesus is our example. He is referred to as a teacher or as teaching about sixty times in the New Testament. The Gospels make it clear that He was a Master Teacher. Just before His ascension into heaven, He gave the charge to His disciples to make disciples from people of all nations and to teach the disciples all that they themselves had learned ( Matthew 28:19, 20). Years later, Paul wrote to Timothy, "And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also " (2 Timothy 2:2). The same need still exists. To some extent, every Christian is a teacher. It may be by attendance at the church meetings, by the life lived, or in some other way, but everyone teaches. It is true, however, that everyone cannot be and should not be pressured
into a classroom teaching position. Some have a gift for teaching and
should develop it and use it. Every teacher should be fully aware of the
great The church in the twenty-first century is in need of more teachers, especially of the right kind. Some still want to teach but do not understand the "Pattern of sound words" about which Paul wrote (2 Timothy 1:13). Some teach strange things which are not in the New Testament (Hebrews 13:9). Some teach to please the ones who hear with little regard to what pleases God (2 Timothy 4:14). Those who have the responsibility to recruit teachers should be practicing at least three things as they search. 1.) Prayer: prayer for help in discovering and developing good teachers must be a regular part of the lives of those in charge. 2.) Research: learn something about the prospective teacher's philosophy of life, theological convictions, concepts of teaching, talents, interests, personality, and spiritual maturity. At least these things should be checked before asking the person to take the position of teacher. 3.) When asking a person to teach, be sure that he/she will have time to think about the answer. Asking in the hallway at the church building as you leave a class to go into the worship period, or even on Wednesday before a series begins on Sunday, is to be avoided. The prospective teacher should be given a complete picture of what is expected and realize what is expected before an answer is given. Many congregations should offer opportunities for training for those interested in teaching. Classes may be offered where knowledgeable people, who are also good teachers, give lessons on methods of teaching and on the various types of materials that are available for use. The new recruits may serve as an apprentice in a class or help in Vacation Bible School to gain experience. Books and other supplies should be provided for personal study. It may be necessary to give instructions about the use of some of the materials which are available. Each congregation should demonstrate appreciation for its teachers. Teaching often seems to be a thankless task. It is best to give personal encouragement to each teacher, rather than some formal statement. Every congregation needs the right kind of teachers: men and women who are devoted to the Lord and His word of truth are needed, men and women who are willing to sharpen their skills as they do the job of teaching. The person who will do a good job in the classroom is the person who is already showing compassion toward those who need to know the Lord. He/she will be setting a good example in all aspects of life. May all of us consider if we can be more useful in teaching programs of the congregation where we worship. The opportunities in God's kingdom are many, but laborers are few. Let us use our talents, and with God's help, be involved in teaching others more about God, Christ and truth. Beyond doubt, God will bless us for the effort. |
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The Ladies are scheduled to meet tomorrow (Monday) at 11:30am in the annex for their monthly Luncheon and Devotional. All of the ladies are invited to attend and participate in the groups fellowship and activities.
Add to Your Directory Please add the following information to your directories:
SIGMAN, RITA....................///
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Could this be the reason our nation occupies its present precarious position? Is it because our people have turned their back, in ever increasing numbers, upon God and his eternal principles?
Tonight! 5:30: Prayer group in Room #3 |
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Charlie Dupree, Pansy & Jasper Sims, Cliff Powell,
Wilda Cox, Leota Ferrell,
Don & Sheila Adkins, B.C. Carr, Sue Church, Norris Clark, James Huggins, Robert Cox, Earl & Vernon Wilkes, Karen Bauer, Roger Reece, Vannie Dowdy, Frances Austin, Ervin & Alma Eubanks, Mona Howard, Sherry Hobbs, Mattie Hughs, Alzonio Rhodes, Ray McNeely, Linda Thompson, Doc Anderson, Elizabeth Gillespie, Talmadge Royal, Victoria Wooster |
