Many churches give their teachers, youth leaders, and other volunteers in education ministries a small gift at Christmastime. Why not give a gift to your teachers that will help train them to be even better teachers next year? Here are a few items you might consider, depending on your budget...
Less expensive options (under $10)
- A gift of fair trade coffee or chocolate, or a handmade product from the developing world , along with a nice note about the fair trade movement, will help to open your volunteers' eyes to ways they can do justice as they shop.
- A donation to Heifer Project or through an Alternative Gift Market is a great way to avoid a consumeristic approach to giving while benefitting people who are genuinely in need. Be sure to provide teachers with information about the organization you choose.
- Have leftover copies of books you used for small group book studies? Chances are good that your leaders didn't have the opportunity to be part of those groups, so those books would make excellent gifts.
More expensive options ($10 or more)
- A subscription to Biblical Archaeology Review or Weavings will provide information and inspiration throughout the year.
- A copy of Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan's book The First Christmas is an exceptional way to help teachers learn about the culture and political situation into which Jesus was born and will help give them a completely new understanding of the gospel stories.
- Sojourners Magazine offers a 2-for-1 deal this time of year.
What great gift ideas have you come up with that help to educate your teachers? Share them with others by posting a comment.
~ Tim Gossett