THE Key to Effective Teaching

What makes a lesson effective?  Certainly there are many factors: preparation, planning, adding “wow” effects to hold the attention of the kids and, most definitely, prayer.  Sometimes it seems overwhelming–the task of preparing an effective lesson that will not only connect with the minds of the children, but will reach into their hearts. 

I’ve found over the years that there is one key to effective teaching that is so easy to overlook, but so vital in the preparation process.  One key, I tell the junior leadership team, the other teachers and sometimes, admittedly, I struggle to remember myself: The key to effective teaching is to let God teach the lessons to you first. 

Many years ago I was alone one afternoon in the kids church, studying and preparing for an upcoming lesson.  I was to tell the story at the end, reinforcing the lesson by using the characters and events to bring the Bible truths home for the kids.  I began my preparation by reading the story of a little girl whose father asked her to give up the fake pearls she loved so much.  She didn’t understand, and didn’t want to give up her pearls.  Finally, after several days, she gave her pearls to her father, only to find that he had a real strand of pearls waiting for her in return. 

I’ll admit that I felt a little silly sitting there by myself, with tears streaming down my face, while studying a kids story.  But God was speaking to me through that story, as there was something in my life that I needed to give up to Him at that moment so that He might give me what He had for me in return. 

And God was teaching me another important lesson: If I’m going to teach the kids something, I need to allow Him to teach me first.  I need to be open to what He is speaking to me through the lesson.  Am I doing a series on faith?  How’s my faith level lately?  When I’m looking over those notes on obedience, I need to reevaluate my own obedience to God.  If the kids need to learn about their thought life, I need to learn to live out those lessons in my own life. 

The Apostle Paul was so great at not only preaching, but being an example to those he served.  In 1 Corinthians 11:1 he wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 

We must be able to tell the kids we teach, “Hey, if you don’t get what I’m saying, if the lessons don’t make sense to you, if these abstract concepts just aren’t connecting with your concrete thinking, it’s okay.  Just do what I do, live how I live, act how I act, and follow my example.  Because I’ve allowed God to teach these lessons to me first, and I’m going to live them out loud for you.”

Super Christian

Narrator: In a small town near you lives a boy who is born again and has abilities far greater than those found in the average Christian.  He can memorize and quote hundreds of Bible verses and sing every song in the book without missing a note.  Who is this superhero?  What is his name? 

(enter Super Christian)

People (off stage):  It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Super Christian!

Narrator: (SC mimes actions while Narrator speaks).  Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen.  Every Sunday morning a transformation takes place.  Super Christian appears at the church, carrying his 40 pound Bible in the palm of one hand.  His super-smile shines and shows off his pearly-whites.  He greets everyone with a firm handshake.  He never misses a beat when the songs are sung.  And after every closing prayer he adds a loud “amen.” 

            But alas, what is this sudden transformation taking place?  It appears that Super Christian is headed for the nearest phone booth.  He’s…he’s…becoming a normal citizen?  He’s headed off to school; let’s see what will happen there.

Person: Hey!  It’s Super Christian!

Narrator: Super Christian, it seems that you’re being called. 

Person: Perfect!  I could really use some prayer right now.  You see…my family’s having a hard time and…

Super Christian: I think you have me mistaken for someone else.

Person: But you’re Super Christian.  I saw you at church. 

Super Christian: Really, I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Person: But…

Super Christian: I gotta go.  (Moves to other side of stage).

Person 2:  Hey!  Aren’t you the one who knows all the Bible verses? 

Super Christian:  What?

Person 2:  Yeah, I saw you quoting verses at church yesterday.  Great!  I could really use some encouragement right now.

Super Christian: Could you keep it down, please?  There are other people listening.  I really don’t have time to quote verses right now. 

Person 2: But I thought…

Super Christian: Sorry, gotta run.  (exits)

(Person 2 exits, shrugging shoulders).

Sunburn!

…let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV)

Props: red blush

 Brush the red brush on the person teaching the lesson before he/she walks on stage.  For an even funnier effect, brush around a pair of sunglasses, leaving a “raccoon” look. 

As you can see, I’ve spent a lot of time in the sun.  It started out as just a nice day at the beach over spring break.  Everyone was swimming and building sand castles and eating hot dogs.  We were having a blast.  I decided to lie out on my towel for a few minutes.  My mom told me to wear sunscreen, and I listened.  I put on sunscreen when we arrived early in the morning.  After lunch, I lay out on my towel.  The sun was so warm and cozy.  The breeze was blowing, the waves were washing ashore and the next thing I knew, I was waking up. 

A whole hour had passed!  I thought everything was A-okay.  I guess I thought the sunscreen would last forever.  Then I went inside.  I looked like a tomato.  And it hurts, too.  (Have a helper come by and pat you on the back).  Ouch!  That’s not the worst of it.  When my poor, crispy skin starts peeling, I’m going to look like a lizard.

Anyway, all of this reminds me of our lesson today.  The devil wants to get you comfortable in your Christian life so that you’ll fall asleep in your spirit.  He wants to make you think you can just relax and stop reading your Bible, praying and obeying Him, just like I thought I could fall asleep in the sun without putting on more sunscreen.  I thought the little bit I used would work forever! 

You have to stay in prayer and in the Word and you have to keep obeying God in order to stay protected from the traps of the enemy.  Otherwise, he’ll sneak in and you’ll get hurt!    

Wake up and escape the traps of the enemy!  You snooze, you lose…so WAKE UP!

Stuey Sticky Fingers (skit)

Props: duct tape, signs reading “bad reputation,” “guilt,” “sin,” “criminal record”

“You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15 (NIV)

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)

            Have a helper come out as Stuey Sticky Fingers, a character covered in inside-out duct tape.  (At least cover both hands past the wrist and place a couple of strips of tape around the chest/back).  As he enters the room, he passes by children and “steals” their things by picking them up with his “sticky” hands.  Interrupt him and ask him to introduce himself, which he proudly does.  When you confront him about stealing things, he insists he isn’t stealing anything; rather, things just “stick” to him.  Inform him that there are other “things” sticking to him as well.  He gets all excited, like he has more stuff.  Take out signs that say BAD REPUTATION, GUILT, SIN, CRIMINAL RECORD.  Place each one on Stuey and discuss how these things will stick to him as well.  He looks more upset with each one and begins to protest and whine/cry, asking you to remove them.  Tell him the only way to get rid of them is to return the items, ask the people for forgiveness and ask God for forgiveness (which he does).  End the skit by removing Stuey’s duct tape.

Strong in Spirit

God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.  2 Timothy 1:7 (CEV)

Props: bowling ball, “nerf” style ball, small lightweight ball, six or ten 2 liter soda bottles (You may need to fill the bottles with a little water to achieve the effect).

• God has given each of you a job to do: you are to worship and serve Him.  All of us are called to boldly worship God and boldly tell others about His love, speaking the truth into their lives.
• (Show 2 liter bottles, arranged in a triangle as bowling pins would be). When you go bowling, what is your goal?  (Allow for response).  Your goal is to knock down the pins.  These soda bottles represent the job that God has given you.  You are to tell others about his love and be bold in Him. 
• (Show “nerf” style ball). Could you imagine if you used a ball like this to go bowling?  It wouldn’t do anything!  (Try to knock down the pins with the soft ball).  This ball reminds me of the people who are “soft” in their faith when they are around others.  They say they love God, and maybe they really do, but they’re not going to talk about it.  They don’t want to offend anyone or bother anyone by talking about Jesus.  They don’t get anything done like that.  No one’s life is changed.
• (Show small, lightweight ball).  When bowling, you could use a ball like this.  Do you think it would work?  No!   (Try to knock down the pins with the small ball).  There’s no power to this thing.  There’s no weight behind it.  This is like people who try to get the job done on their own.  They try to do good things for God without being filled with His power.  But on our own, we have no power.  So it doesn’t work very well. 
• (Show bowling ball).  Now who thinks this ball will work?  Yeah!  This ball has power.  It’s perfect for the job.  When you are filled with the power of God’s Spirit, He will make you bold.  You will be able to tell others about His love and salvation and speak the truth about sin.  You won’t be afraid of what people will say about you or do to you.  (Use the bowling ball to knock down the pins).      
• The power of God’s Spirit will make you bold.

Strong Bond

“But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”  Mark 10:6-9

You shall not commit adultery.  Exodus 20:14

Props: 2 paper hearts, duct/packing tape

God created families.  He came up with the idea of a husband and a wife to be joined together with a strong bond.  (Attach two hearts together, back-to-back, with strong tape.  Press them together as you speak to insure they are securely bonded.)  Once a husband and wife are joined together, nothing should separate them.

Sadly, though, sometimes a husband and wife allow themselves to be separated by arguments, problems, or unfaithfulness to each other.  This makes God very sad because He knows that if they separate, they will hurt themselves, each other and their family.  (Invite a few volunteers to try to separate the hearts without damaging them.  When they cannot do so, tear the hearts apart, showing the damage that it inevitably causes).  See how each of the hearts was hurt by separating.  That’s because they were never supposed to separate.  They were brought together by a strong bond.  That bond was supposed to hold them together for the rest of their lives.  

Sometimes families are separated and hurt like this.  But the good news is that you can make a decision to be faithful to your family and that when you get older, you will be faithful to your husband or wife.  Also, know that even if your parents are separated, God can heal your heart.  He is a father who is always faithful and will always keep His promises to you.  He loves you and will never leave you or abandon you.

You can choose now to be faithful to your family.

Lead the kids in prayer for their families, being sensitive to their needs. 

Street Signs to Guide Us

Props:  a variety of street signs

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10 (NIV)

I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. Psalm 119:19 (NIV)

            This week we continue our series on the Ten Commandments.  God gave the Ten Commandments to His people to keep them safe and to keep them close to Him.  They are there to protect us and help us stay near to God as His friend. 

Think of it this way:  the commandments are like street signs.  Street signs are put in place to help guide us when we don’t know where we’re going.  The commandments help us know what is right and wrong, because we don’t always know what to do.  They help show us the way to God.  Street signs are also in place for our protection.  A stop sign, for example, shows people where to stop so they won’t crash into other cars.  If we want to stay safe, we have to obey the signs.  If we want to stay safe in life, we have to obey the commandments God gives us.  They keep us from going away from Him and from making mistakes that will hurt us. 

As we continue to study the commandments, remember that they will guide you and help to keep you safe.  Follow God’s commandments!

Steer Clear of Danger by Paying Attention

Now then, my sons, listen to me;
       pay attention to what I say.

Do not let your heart turn to her ways
       or stray into her paths.

Many are the victims she has brought down;
       her slain are a mighty throng.

Her house is a highway to the grave,
       leading down to the chambers of death.

Proverbs 7:24-27 (NIV)

Props: road signs, picture of road (painted with yellow and white lines)

            Most of you haven’t started driving yet, but when you’re with adult drivers you know that they have to pay careful attention to the road, the other cars, the signs and the traffic lights.  (Display stop sign).  Who can tell me what this means?  (Allow for response).  Right!  A stop sign means “stop.”  It’s important for drivers to pay attention to stop signs and all other traffic signs on the road.  A driver who is not paying attention could miss the stop sign, hurt himself and hurt others, maybe even killing them. 

Even the little things that you may not think about are still important.  (Display picture of road).  For example, the yellow lines in the middle of the road let the driver know whether or not it’s safe to pass another car.  So drivers have to pay attention, even to the details.  It could mean life or death.

It’s important to pay attention to the details in every area of your life.  The Bible says that paying attention to the Law of the Lord, the Bible and all that God teaches us, will keep us away from danger.  Paying attention to God’s Law will help to keep us safe and under His protection.  Not paying attention and disobeying God is like running a stop sign or a red light—it could mean death.  Pay close attention to what God has to say, just like you would pay attention to the signs on the road if you were driving.

Stay Close to the Cross

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  Matthew 5:8

Props: a line drawn on the floor and a cross positioned several feet away in the opposite direction

            Often Christians want to know how much they can get away with and still go to heaven.  Maybe you’ve wondered that yourself.  “How much of the truth can I leave out before it’s a lie?”  or “Can I just take a quick peek at the book while I’m taking my math test?  Would that really be cheating?”  It’s tempting to try to get away with as much as you can.  Lots of people want to know how far they can go without “crossing the line” and sinning. (Slowly walk up toward the line). 

            But that’s the problem: if you’re wondering how far you can go without “crossing the line,” then you’re headed in the wrong direction. 

            (Turn around and walk toward the cross).  Instead of wondering how far you can go toward sin and temptation, you need to be thinking about how close to the Lord you can get.  If you’re headed toward sin, you’re moving away from the Lord.  And if you’re getting closer to the Lord, you’re moving away from sin.

            When Joseph was tempted to sin, he RAN away.  He went in the opposite direction, and he moved closer to the Lord.  If you’re going to see your God-given dreams come true, you’re going to have to run away from sin and run to the Lord.

Starting Over

…it keeps no record of wrongs.  1 Corinthians 13:5

Props: video game and system, television

Begin by playing three or four minutes of the video game in front of the children.  Make a few mistakes along the way.  Then, start the game over and pause it.

            I love playing video games.  If you play enough, you can make it all the way to the end.  But usually that’s not what happens.  Usually you make so many mistakes that you have to start over.  When you start over, do your mistakes stay with you?  (Allow for response).  No, thankfully not.  No matter how bad you might do in one game, you can always start fresh with nothing against you.  If all your mistakes stayed with you, you’d never finish the game. 

            All of us are going to mess up and make our friends mad sometimes.  They’re going to do the same thing to us.  Usually we don’t even mean to.  We’re just human.  We need to let our friends start over.  If we don’t let each other start over when we mess up, we’ll never make it all the way through and stay friends.  When your friends mess up, remember to forgive and forget their mistakes and let them start over.  True love is quick to forgive. 

Next Page »