“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

People who volunteer to teach Sunday School are special. Some churches called it “Youth Zone” or “Kids’ Club” or something else. No matter what you call it, it is a valuable ministry to our young people on Sunday morning.

On top of their other weekly responsibilities these men and women prayerfully prepare activities and lessons that will bless, educate and equip our young people.

It’s difficult. In many churches you never never know who or how many youth are going to show up. The behaviour issues that are increasing in the school system are often present in churches as well. Volunteers are sometimes sparse so the key contributors don’t often get a rest.

But it’s meaningful servanthood. And it makes a colossal difference in the lives of those young people, their families, and in the wider world.

I recently had the chance to speak with the Rev. Dr. Richard Topping. He’s the president of the Vancouver School of Theology. He has been a pastor at churches of various sizes. He shared a few of his memories of Sunday School teachers who had a meaningful impact on his life and on the lives of others. If you want to listen to this 6-minute discussion, click on the link below.

Our discussion underscored the vital role these people play. If you want to make a long-term impact for the kingdom of God, it’s the place to be.

Let me encourage you to think about your own relationship to this important ministry. If you volunteer, thank you! If you currently don’t serve in that way, but if you have a gift for teaching and a heart for youth, then perhaps you should think about it. Lastly, you need to be praying for Sunday School teachers and for their work.

How many of you have been positively impacted by a Sunday School teacher from your past? Probably a lot of you! 

Let’s be grateful, support this work, and pray for Sunday School teachers.

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Notes:

–New Podcast: “The Importance of Sunday School Teachers – some reflections by the Rev. Dr. Richard Topping.” Being a Sunday School teacher can be tough. But it’s also meaningful. If you want to make a long-term difference for the kingdom of God, it’s the place to be. In this 6-minute episode you can listen to Dr. Topping (the president of the Vancouver School of Theology) share a few reflections on the importance of Sunday School teachers. Be encouraged! Click here, or tune in to ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.