Every year an Iowa newspaper hosts a bike ride, RAGBRAI, across the state. While a pastor in Iowa, I chose to take part in RAGBRAI with a group from our church. Our purpose was to make the trek and share the gospel. I could get away for only one day, so I chose the day with the shortest route: sixty miles. (more…)
Some years ago my family and I visited a theme park for a day of fun. From my view, we would gain the maximum fun by following a prescribed and strategic plan aided by a map and a schedule. It was a good plan. (more…)
“When is your baby due?” Have you ever asked that question only to deeply regret it moments later? My wife and I have made it a point never to ask a seemingly expectant mother when her baby is due. Everyone is embarrassed when the “mother-to-be” replies that the baby is now at home with Dad. (more…)
“How did it go this morning?” Jeremy’s wife, Alice, asked as they sat in the church auditorium after Sunday School.
“I think I did fine,” Jeremy responded. “The class seemed interested in the topic. But I still struggle with challenging the learners to practice Bible truths. I have trouble connecting the truth of God’s Word to their day-to-day lives.” (more…)
Every teacher has experienced the frustration of sensing that his or her learners didn’t get it. That is, they either failed to connect with the lesson at all, or they disconnected from the lesson sometime during the study. In either case, the caring teacher wonders, What happened? What went wrong? Why didn’t my learners get the lesson?
Tools are great! They make difficult jobs simpler, and using them usually results in a much better product. The key is being comfortable enough to use the tools. (more…)
The honest teacher may need to face the reality that he or she, not his or her learners, is the “rock” causing the teaching to be a hard place. Teachers, like learners, can have a cold countenance, callused heart, closed mind, or critical spirit. In this case, learners suffer the most, but the teacher suffers too. (more…)
Many regions of the U.S. are beautiful to live in (especially during the fall season), but gardening is sometimes difficult in even the most magnificent areas. The ground often seems to have more rocks than soil in it! Every push of the shovel is met with a sudden stop against a rock. Do you ever find yourself spending more time picking rocks than planting seeds? (more…)
1. Attend an Impact Teaching Seminar. Learn how to be a more effective teacher and “ignite your passion” for ministry. (more…)
Some teachers seem to be naturally creative. With no apparent effort they regularly stun the rest of us with their ideas, solutions, and the neat things they make. Indeed, God has blessed some people with creative talent. (more…)
