04/23/2024
From Brother Larry Claussen, Stake Sunday School Presidency:
I have been thinking about what it means to be a teacher and a leader in the Church. Currently, I serve as a teacher in the Sunday School with my wife, and I have the opportunity to serve as a member of the Stake Sunday School Presidency. Going to the mechanics of being a Sunday School teacher is natural. I study and prepare a lesson to share with my class. But is that it? As I studied this concept, I turned to the General Handbook and read the council in Chapter 13.2.3. As I read through the 4 short paragraphs, my mind immediately went to the second
paragraph: “Sunday School teachers get to know class members, including those who do not attend classes. Teachers support members in their efforts to learn and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Following that paragraph, the handbook guides the reader in understanding how they should prepare to teach.
Pondering these concepts, I learned that as a teacher, I am first a Minister to those I have been called to support. The most important thing is getting to know those I have stewardship for, understanding their needs, and then doing what I can to support them. Once I understand the ministry, then comes the administration or the how.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is a master teacher. During his mortal ministry, he taught individually and in larger groups. But first and foremost, he was a master minister. He cared for and provided for each of us. As directed by his Father, Christ fulfilled his mission and provided a way for us to return home to our Heavenly Father.
I invite you to learn how to be a master minister and then act on what you have learned by ministering to those you have stewardship over.