I’m the Sunday school superintendent at my church. That means I’m in charge of getting teachers for all the classes, along with a few other responsibilities. One of our most treasured, long-time teachers decided it was time for her to retire at the beginning of the summer. Who could blame her after twenty-plus years of faithful service to our upper elementary students? But how would I ever find a worthy replacement?
My church is small. We have sixty in attendance on a good Sunday. There aren’t a lot of kids, but the ones we have need teachers. I put out the call for a teacher for our upper elementary Sunday school class, prayed, and then waited for God to move. When nothing happened, I started asking individuals I thought fit the bill if they’d consider teaching the class. None agreed to do it. Summer was quickly coming to an end and I needed a teacher by Aug. 1.
Frustrated, I took on the attitude of, “If no one else will do it I guess I’ll have to.” I felt I didn’t have time to add another thing to my already full plate, but those kids needed a teacher. Gradually, as I started thinking more about it, I remembered my teacher when I was that age. I was eleven years old when I was baptized and she was a big reason why I made that decision. I even dedicated my first book to her.
Those fourth through seventh grade kids I was reluctant to teach were at an important age in their faith walk. I could be a part of that! Suddenly, I saw this not as another chore to be checked off a long to-do list, but as a divine opportunity to impact these kids for Jesus. (I’m a little slow sometimes.)
I’m happy to report that though I sometimes only have one or two kids in my class, I’m enjoying the interaction, and we’re making good connections with each other and with God. One student who is there almost every Sunday even brought a friend with her last week. I’m excited to see what God’s going to do in the lives of these kids. But I’m also excited to see what He’s going to do in me, the reluctant teacher.
Have you been hesitant to try a new ministry? Is there a position in your church that’s been vacant awhile? Prayerfully consider filling it and, if you feel a nudge from God, don’t put off responding. Believe me, you’ll be blessed and God will equip you for the calling.
