Summary of Sunday School Teachers’ Training (12 March 2022)
on “The Makings for a Good Sunday School Lesson”
taught by Sister Joycelyn Chng
As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ and teachers of His Word, it is important to
first be taught, in order to teach. So, I thank the Lord for the opportunity to learn
from God’s Word by attending the Sunday School Teacher’s training conducted
by Sister Joycelyn. During the training, we were taught practical ways to prepare
and to conduct our lessons but more importantly, we were reminded of our duty
to be channels for Christ. We ought to approach each lesson with humility,
knowing full well that it is only through the working of the Holy Spirit that souls
be saved. 1 Corinthians 2:10 says, “But God hath revealed them unto us by His
spirit: for the spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Man may
propose but it is God who disposes.
Yet although we are hopeless, God in His mercies chose us to be teachers. Thus,
we must endeavour to do it right. Sister Joycelyn expounded on the importance
of preparation before a lesson because this is the Lord’s work (Ephesians 4:11-
12), it is work that carries great responsibility for its purpose is important- to
teach the future generations that they may know, love and obey God and His
Word. We must practise that, lest our children forsake the Lord. Just as how the
ant diligently prepares for winter, teachers must prepare to teach the Word
(Proverbs 6:6-8).
What stuck with me was that preparation goes beyond that of teaching aides and
verbatim scripts. Whilst important, it is our heart and lives that must first be in
check, for a teacher teaches with his life. Therefore, I left the training with a few
questions that I have decided to ask myself before I teach in any Sunday School
lesson:
1) Have I repented?
2) Do I understand the text 10 times more than what I am actually teaching?
3) Have I prayed enough?
“To every student of the word of God who would become a well instructed
scribe, we pass along this wise saying: with all your searchings of the
commentaries, with all your diggings information original texts, with all your
research among biblical scholars, mingle much fervent prayer. If you will place
the Book of inspiration before your attentive eye and ask the Lord to open its
meaning, the exercise of prayers itself shall be blessed by God to put your soul in
the best position in which to get at the hidden meaning that lies concealed from
the eye of the worldly wise.”
May the Lord grant us understanding and to enable us to teach His Word with
humility, wisdom and power. Whether it be Sunday school teachers or not, our
calling as believers is to fulfill the Great Commission and we must seek to bring
the lost to Him. All glory be given to our Father in heaven.
Sarah Chng
THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT
By Timothy Tow (14 Jan 1990, with minor edits)
The ministry of encouragement is everybody’s ministry. I was about to write on
this subject when I came across Mark R. Littleton’s article in Reader’s Digest,
Jan ’90, “The Fine Art of Encouragement” – the right words at the right time can
work wonders. And he quotes Solomon, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of
gold in pictures of silver.” (Prov. 25:11).
Do you know that while our Lord gave face not so much as an inch to hypocrites,
he was full of commendation to those who sincerely loved Him and served Him?
What did He say of Mary of Bethany who anointed Him? What did He remark of
those who earned 100% from the talents the Master had given them? You who
are leaders of the Church especially, have you said a kind word to some younger
brother? Commended a co-labourer who has made a good effort? You preachers,
when applying the sermon, have you only admonition and not commendation?
Not only words of encouragement, but deeds also. Solomon observes further and
dictates, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power
of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to
morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” (Prov. 3:27-28)
The story is told of a long line of visitors to a sick brother in a hospital bed.
Everyone of the visitors prayed a long prayer for the patient’s recovery. The last
one did not pray, but handed him an envelope that enclosed a $100 note. Whose
visit encouraged him most? The Lord is similarly encouraged, I’m sure, when
there are those of His children that rush to His succour like Mary of Bethany,
while the apostles looked askance and criticised. Not only Mary, but her sister
Martha, who serve the Lord again and again, had found a place in Jesus’ heart.
What a ministry of encouragement! (Learn to appreciate and say a kind word
sometimes!)
Editor’s comment: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that
ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Colossian 4:6) Let our
tongues be an instrument of blessing to others.