Today I had the honor of teaching a class on the book of Daniel (no, I don't mean the sacrilege that died a not-too-quick death on NBC after two or three episodes) This is the real deal, Daniel, as in the lion's den. Although nervous, I thought the class went rather well. I was able to cover chapters 1-4; next week I will finish up the history section with chapters 4-6, then spend the next couple of weeks discussing the prophecies given to Daniel by God.
If you haven't read or studied Daniel, I recommend you do so. Get yourself a good commentary, one that explains the text and does a good job giving a thorough argument for Daniel's authorship. The New American Commentary does an excellent job of doing both these things. For example, liberals believe Daniel didn't write the book but that it was written by a Jew during the second century B.C. The NAC explains how that is incorrect using both Biblical and historical/archaelogical sources.
Pray the rest of my lesson goes well and the class is able to learn about this great book.
Showing posts with label Sunday School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday School. Show all posts
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Monday, November 26, 2007
Hell Week
Wednesday through Sunday will be "Hell Week" for WW and me. Friday through Sunday our church is doing a dinner theater production and Wednesday and Thursday are the last two days the cast can rehearse. I don't have a big part, but going from work, having about an hour to eat dinner, feed the dogs, then head off to church will take it's toll. I'm enjoying being in the play, but I'll be glad when the whole thing is over.
Sunday School went a lot better. It still got a little out of control, but just starting on time made a huge difference. Hopefully the teacher(s) will put their heads together to figure out how to reign in the talkers. After talking to a fellow church member who also has plenty of experience teaching, I have a new perspective on the talkers. I'll admit, I can be cynical thinking some are there just to talk and socialize. He reminded me everybody there wants to get something out of the class and to draw the class into discussion and specifically asking the talkers questions. It sounds like that may help and when it's my turn to teach Daniel, I just may try that. I appreciate his advice as it has caused me to have a better attitude towards the classmates. I still think sometimes it may be necessary to privately talk with those who are insistent on being disruptive, but this action should take care of a lot of the issues.
Ok, breaks over, now it's back to work.
Sunday School went a lot better. It still got a little out of control, but just starting on time made a huge difference. Hopefully the teacher(s) will put their heads together to figure out how to reign in the talkers. After talking to a fellow church member who also has plenty of experience teaching, I have a new perspective on the talkers. I'll admit, I can be cynical thinking some are there just to talk and socialize. He reminded me everybody there wants to get something out of the class and to draw the class into discussion and specifically asking the talkers questions. It sounds like that may help and when it's my turn to teach Daniel, I just may try that. I appreciate his advice as it has caused me to have a better attitude towards the classmates. I still think sometimes it may be necessary to privately talk with those who are insistent on being disruptive, but this action should take care of a lot of the issues.
Ok, breaks over, now it's back to work.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Am I the only One?
Who thinks Sunday School is for learning?
My wife and I belong to a Sunday School Class where the teachers are not only dedicated to teaching God's Word but mak an effort welcoming all in the class. However, some issues have arisen that are a cause of concern for my wife and me. Over the last several weeks, the class has gotten more and more out of control. One of our participants brings her teenage kids to the class and these kids have become disruptive. When prayer requests are taken, they have gotten longer and longer to the point where hardly any time can be dedicated for the lesson. When the lesson is finally given, not much time is left for adequate teaching, and the students are too busy talking, people's kids are running around, and it all breaks down to nothing more than a big free-for-all. It got so bad last week I talked to both the teachers expressing my concern and let it drop if matters weren't corrected I would not think it too drastic to take this matter to our pastor.
You see, I believe Sunday School is more than simple fellowship. Yes, it is that but it is much more. Sunday School is a time when Christians get together to fellowship, bear each others burdens, and LEARN. It concerns me many SS classes are more interested in gossip and talking than teaching their students invaluable lessons found in God's Word.
We'll see if anything is resolved after one person's kids were getting up and talking with their parent, prayer requests went way over long and a four person conversation (while the teacher was trying to teach the lesson) involved all four gawking and gabbing at a fellow student's newborn she brought in the class but did not take to the nursery.
I sure hope this issue gets resolved, I'll keep you posted.
My wife and I belong to a Sunday School Class where the teachers are not only dedicated to teaching God's Word but mak an effort welcoming all in the class. However, some issues have arisen that are a cause of concern for my wife and me. Over the last several weeks, the class has gotten more and more out of control. One of our participants brings her teenage kids to the class and these kids have become disruptive. When prayer requests are taken, they have gotten longer and longer to the point where hardly any time can be dedicated for the lesson. When the lesson is finally given, not much time is left for adequate teaching, and the students are too busy talking, people's kids are running around, and it all breaks down to nothing more than a big free-for-all. It got so bad last week I talked to both the teachers expressing my concern and let it drop if matters weren't corrected I would not think it too drastic to take this matter to our pastor.
You see, I believe Sunday School is more than simple fellowship. Yes, it is that but it is much more. Sunday School is a time when Christians get together to fellowship, bear each others burdens, and LEARN. It concerns me many SS classes are more interested in gossip and talking than teaching their students invaluable lessons found in God's Word.
We'll see if anything is resolved after one person's kids were getting up and talking with their parent, prayer requests went way over long and a four person conversation (while the teacher was trying to teach the lesson) involved all four gawking and gabbing at a fellow student's newborn she brought in the class but did not take to the nursery.
I sure hope this issue gets resolved, I'll keep you posted.
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