Men offer a positive Christian role model that many children are lacking. With many children coming from single-parent homes the need for a positive male role model is greater than ever. Sunday School department directors often say that the mere presence of a man helps in guiding behavior. For the children who have Christian men in their life, having a man teach in the classroom will only reinforce building spiritual foundations and relationships that enable preschoolers to trust Jesus later.
Here are seven tips to consider when enlisting men:
1. Men enjoy a challenge.
Activity without engagement leads to burnout. When enlisting teachers, explain the routine and uniqueness of teaching in a children’s classroom. This way men can correctly engage in the teaching process.
2. Men want to know they make a difference.
There are definitely tangible rewards like a hug, a smile, and “I love you, Mr. Mark.” Be sure to communicate the positive impact they are making in the classroom and with the children. Men are more likely to invite others to “come and see” what is happening.
3. Men accept responsibility.
“Don’t dumb it down!” As you recruit teachers, communicate the responsibilities and expectations. This allows you the opportunity to explain how to teach children and answer questions to clarify any confusion or misunderstanding.
4. Men prefer to hear feedback.
Coaching teachers will reinforce correct teaching among children. Men know they are making a positive contribution when they receive recognition.
5. Men explore risk taking.
Men will take risks in order to explore their talents. Allowing teachers to be responsible for certain tasks will give ownership to the teaching process. Assigning special tasks such as group time activities, greeting or telling the Bible story will allow men to explore new challenges. Respond with feedback anytime a teacher takes a risk outside his routine responsibilities.
6. Men need to feel valued.
When men feel they are valued they will most often reciprocate that feeling. Let your teachers know you appreciate their commitment to teaching children with you and what a positive difference they make.
7. Men listen for future thinking.
Talk about your hopes and dreams. Deacons and other men in leadership who teach children will become advocates for the needs of children’s ministry when considering budgets, buildings and ministry needs.
Men who have served in children’s classrooms for years said they were tremendously grateful that someone asked them to teach children. You could bless the life of a man deeply by inviting him to teach children. Accept the challenge to give Christian male role models to your children, and bless their spiritually formative years.
Mark Jones is Lifeway Kid’s Ministry Field Specialist. For more ideas in Children’s Ministry go to www.mrmarksclassroom.com.
