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Don't Be A Dropout!

There are few things which contribute more to the growth and strength of the Lord’s church than qualified and dedicated Bible class teachers. Parents want the very best Bible-based instruction available for their children, and they deserve it!  Yet, at a time in which mature and competent teachers are so desperately needed, many of them are giving up their Bible classes in favor of “retiring” to a student’s seat. Why is that?

1) Teachers may need a rest — Conscientious teachers do work hard in the preparation and presentation of their Bible lessons. They do need a well-deserved break once in a while — but not a permanent one! God has the very best “retirement” program for his people, but its benefits are in the next life — for those who “endure to the end” (Matthew 24:13). The business of teaching gospel truth should be attended by men and women who have a spirit of determination — the kind of people who act from principle — not from selfish motives.

A season of rest and refreshment is always appropriate — burying talents never is (Matthew 25:24-30). For the apostle Paul, the course was not finished until his time of departure was “at hand” (2 Timothy 4:6-7). Unless forced to do otherwise, qualified  teachers need to get back out on the course instead of looking for a rocking chair. To help facilitate this, perhaps teaching on a quarterly basis should be employed in the Bible class program.

2) Teachers may become discouraged — Discouragement is one of the worst enemies to the cause of God’s truth. Disinterested and misbehaving students, unconcerned parents, or even uncooperative elders and brethren, are enough to discourage even the strongest Bible class teacher at times. However, we must remember that discouragement is temporary, and can be overcome by an active faith. (Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 5:4).

No temporary problem is greater than the Lord’s work. Succumbing to a case of “Elijah blues” only compounds our problems, hurts others (1 Kings 18; 1 Kings 19), and leaves God’s work undone. Nothing encourages discouragement more than remembering and mentally rehearsing our misfortunes. The remedy for this problem is in setting our minds on the things that are above (Colossians 3:2) and pressing on to the goal (Philippians 3:14).

3) Teacher dropouts may be the result of not feeling needed — Even when the church is fortunate enough to have too many qualified teachers to use in Bible classes (and that is very rare!), there is always teaching to be done at home and elsewhere. Paul says that older women are to teach the younger (Titus 2:4 ASV) — and, it does not have to be done in a church building! Teachers could put their talents to work in neighborhood Bible classes with other women or children.

The bottom line is this: The world needs God’s truth! (Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 16:15-16). There is absolutely no excuse for unemployed Bible teachers — don’t be a dropout!

Related Articles:

• Qualities Of A Bible Class Teacher
• Satan’s Harmless Looking Tool
• “Light” In Times Of Dark Discouragement
• “Like A Fire – Like A Hammer”
• “We’ll Never Get Growing If We Never Get Going”