Faithfully, with a bit of reluctance

[JonC]

Since I’ve moved I have to admit that I’ve taken sort of a back seat in terms of actively participating in the ministry. I’ve taught on occasions, filling in various positions, but other than that I have enjoyed being a member of an audience rather than participating in the work of the church.

I was asked to take a teaching position in our church, and to be honest I did not want to because I did not want that commitment. After praying about this I know that this is just me being lazy, and more than that selfish with a valuable resource – my time. I’m just the type of person that does not like to be locked down to commitments.

But I have to be faithful and am convicted that I have not been acting in accordance to my gifts and calling. So keep me in your prayers as I start teaching again next month.

 

[Yeshua1]

Since I’ve moved I have to admit that I’ve taken sort of a back seat in terms of actively participating in the ministry. I’ve taught on occasions, filling in various positions, but other than that I have enjoyed being a member of an audience rather than participating in the work of the church.

I was asked to take a teaching position in our church, and to be honest I did not want to because I did not want that commitment. After praying about this I know that this is just me being lazy, and more than that selfish with a valuable resource – my time. I’m just the type of person that does not like to be locked down to commitments.

But I have to be faithful and am convicted that I have not been acting in accordance to my gifts and calling. So keep me in your prayers as I start teaching again next month.

Any idea on the subject matter?

 

[Van]

I no longer teach (I had been an adult Sunday School teacher) because as I aged, my physical and mental faculties have diminished to the point I can no longer respond extemporaneously to questions. As someone has said, seize the day while you can. God bless.

 

[JonC]

Any idea on the subject matter?

No. I was just asked to teach on a weekly basis. Before I moved I taught an adult class (we would work through a book of the Bible) and preached at several churches in the area (filling in).

Except for those times I had to preach at last minute I enjoyed preaching much better than teaching a class.

 

[Yeshua1]

No. I was just asked to teach on a weekly basis. Before I moved I taught an adult class (we would work through a book of the Bible) and preached at several churches in the area (filling in).

Except for those times I had to preach at last minute I enjoyed preaching much better than teaching a class.

Teaching is fun in that get the human element involved!

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

JC, I marked your post "Like" but have prayed, and think your decision a "Winner." I trust it will be a blessing to many, including yourself. God bless.

 

[Reynolds]

Since I’ve moved I have to admit that I’ve taken sort of a back seat in terms of actively participating in the ministry. I’ve taught on occasions, filling in various positions, but other than that I have enjoyed being a member of an audience rather than participating in the work of the church.

I was asked to take a teaching position in our church, and to be honest I did not want to because I did not want that commitment. After praying about this I know that this is just me being lazy, and more than that selfish with a valuable resource – my time. I’m just the type of person that does not like to be locked down to commitments.

But I have to be faithful and am convicted that I have not been acting in accordance to my gifts and calling. So keep me in your prayers as I start teaching again next month.

I can feel your "pain". I quit teaching a few years ago. Have not preached in quite a few either. I quit teaching because I got disgusted with the lack of willingness of adults to put in any effort to actually prepare for the class.

 

[just-want-peace]

I taught SS for many years, starting with a college class & working my way up to SR adults. I quit about 3 years ago due to problems akin to Reynolds situation.
Our class had a different teacher for each Sunday of the month, & one for the 5th Sunday, so we had totally different teaching styles to keep the variety alive.

One of the regulars declined to teach again this year, & I was asked to handle the 5th Sunday class.
I almost declined immediately, but said I would pray about it. I felt led to accept, & have not had 2nd thoughts about it so far.

Several years before my "age" problems, I felt the urge to become a "working Pastor", but fought this "leading" cause I had a completely wrong personality for a pastor!!!!! The more I thought about it, the more negative I became toward this idea.

I finally got so upset, perturbed, aggravated ---, till I said "OK Lord, I will do as you command!" I was all set to go through a whole lifestyle change, but to my surprise as soon as I made the commitment, the entire pressure of following this path just totally disappeared.

I'm sure there was some purpose from Him, but I'm also sure that the lesson(?) was learned sub-consciously as I have been unable to consciously bring it up for discussion!!!

Of course there were the usual "good job", "interesting lesson" etc, but by far the most appreciated compliment I ever received was from a retired pastor that was visiting our class. I had walked over to greet him & introduce myself & he asked me if I were a retired pastor! He said something to the effect of, "You just sounded like a retired preacher."
I wish now that I had queried him a bit further, cause I would like to know what specifically brought him to that conclusion. At any rate, that was the most morale boosting compliment I'd ever received!! Still gives me chills thinking about it!!

 

[JonC]

Looks like we are going to start with Ezekiel.

I'm trying to hold in my excitement, 'cause there is no better book to start a new class than Ezekiel.

 

[John of Japan]

Looks like we are going to start with Ezekiel.

I'm trying to hold in my excitement, 'cause there is no better book to start a new class than Ezekiel.

Hey, go for it. Ezekiel used prose and poetry with great impact. And he saw and described incredible events. I've never taught through the book myself, but I envy you the chance. Use the commentaries (Keil and Delitzsch is in e-Sword), study it out, add some depth so the believers have to think, and make it live. You'll do fine.

 

[Yeshua1]

Looks like we are going to start with Ezekiel.

I'm trying to hold in my excitement, 'cause there is no better book to start a new class than Ezekiel.

Great news is that ole Zec is a lot like revelation, as in n o one has them exactly right!

 

[JonC]

Great news is that ole Zec is a lot like revelation, as in n o one has them exactly right!

I always think of "Wheel in the Sky" by Journey.....so I have a long way to go .

 

[Yeshua1]

I always think of "Wheel in the Sky" by Journey.....so I have a long way to go .

Ah, no doubt back from your "heathen days"