Jan
5
Written by:
Different Voice
1/5/2009 7:00 AM
Although it is the beginning of the calendar year, the Sunday School year is well underway. During this time between Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter, attendance in Sunday School classes sometimes lags. Having taught for four months and with five more months to go before summer, Sunday School teachers may begin to experience the “winter blahs”.
Here are a few ideas to lift sagging spirits and give a morale boost to those disciples who teach Sunday School. (Notice I managed not to use the word
volunteer!)
- Give your teachers a break – Even the most dedicated Sunday School teacher needs a Sunday off now and then. Arrange to give your teachers a day off by arranging alternate activities for a week. (Make sure you let the teachers know about this in advance!)
- Say thank you – Take the time to write a personal thank you note to each teacher. Better yet, organize an effort to have each Sunday School class write thank you notes, or draw thank you pictures, depending on the age group.
- Publicize their efforts – List your Sunday School teachers in the bulletin or newsletter and encourage the entire congregation to pray for them and encourage them.
Teacher appreciation is often done at the beginning or end of the school year, but now is a good time, too! An added bonus is that by focusing on and remembering the disciples who assist with your Sunday School ministry each week, you will likely lift your own spirits, too!
Have a great idea for teacher appreciation that has worked well for you? Share your experience with others by posting a comment.
~Sally Hoelscher