I want to share with you about the world greatest Sunday School teacher, Faye Scott.
Faye Scott was my 5th grade Sunday School teacher. I don’t really remember any of the Bible stories that Mrs. Scott taught our class (even though I know she must have taught them weekly), and I don’t even remember the life application that she would have taught on those Bible stories we heard. What I do remember well is that Faye Scott loved here 5th grade students.
You see, it was during my 5th grade year that my Grandfather came to live with us. Actually, he came to die with us. My mother’s father had cancer and in the last weeks of his life, he lived with my family. I remember the day he died very clearly.
In Georgia (where I grew up) we grieve best on a full stomach! In our tradition, when a family member passes away the entire church rallies at your home with tons of food… casseroles, pound cakes, pies, and lots of fried chicken. And that’s exactly what happened when my grandfather died.
I remember sitting back and watching all this unfold. I watched as my pastor and his wife showed up, my music minister and his wife, our church family… in action, ministering during crisis. I remember when my Sunday School teacher, Faye Scott, walked in the door carrying a tray full of brownies (or maybe cookies…either way it caught my attention). My mom greeted Faye and they exchanged the usual, "I’m so sorry for your loss" and "Thank you for coming." When my mom reached out to take the tray of goodies Mrs. Scott quickly turned and said to my mom, "Oh no… I brought these for Bill!"
I have never forgotten that act of love, kindness, and MINISTRY shown to ME by MY 5th grade Sunday School teacher! My minister to boys and girls has been forever influenced by Faye Scott’s acts of kindness and love.
Faye Scott will forever be the worlds greatest Sunday School teacher (at least to me). Not because of her degrees in childhood education or her theological insights or even her doctrinal stands and political preferences…she is the worlds greatest Sunday School teacher because she lived out the love of Christ to a chubby 5th grade boy she taught in Sunday School.
THE REST OF THE STORY: Last summer, after a 15 month battle with Leukemia, my father passed away. After the service was over, my family and I were standing outside if front of the church greeting friends who had come to support us and express their condolences for our loss. Guess who was there… the worlds greatest Sunday School teacher… 40 years later, still ministering to her 5th grade student! Yep, Faye Scott was there, just like she was when my grandfather died. She was still loving on, caring for, and representing Christ though her actions to that chubby (middle aged) kid.
You can be the worlds greatest Sunday School teacher to the kids you teach. Bible study is a must, life application is vital… but ministry is key! They may forget what you say with your words, but they’ll always remember what you did with your actions.
