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?
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…)
While in seminary, I took a job as a painter. For the most part, I painted apartments. My first day on the job wasn’t too encouraging. It took me what seemed like forever to finish the job. I spent a lot of time that day cleaning the things I painted that weren’t supposed to be painted—the carpet, for example! (more…)
Many people live with a don’t-rock-the-boat approach to interpersonal relationships. “Avoid conflict at all costs” is their mind-set. Compromising to keep the peace is their practice. (more…)
One of my least favorite chores is removing wet, decaying leaves from the gutters on my house. To reach the gutters, I have to use an extension ladder. Though I used to be a painter, climbing the extension ladder is still a little unnerving. I’m careful to take one rung at a time as I creep up the ladder. I would never think of running up the ladder with a willy-nilly attitude, skipping rungs as I go! I want to get to the top, so I’m careful to touch each rung along the way. (more…)
