Learning from a Teacher.

Let me introduce you to my favorite 1st Grade Teacher.  She was not my teacher when I was 6, nor did she teach my son's 1st Grade class (she was teaching 6th grade then).  We struck up one of our many conversations about teaching and preaching as we were returning from a "working vacation."  Yes, I am married to this teacher, I continual learn a lot from Amy's wisdom and insight even after almost 21 years of marriage.

Discussing how some of us who preach generally approach a topic or sometimes a situation within a congregation, she said that in the church we need to change from only using "spraying and praying" in our attempt to teach the truth. To "spray and pray" is an un-choked shotgun approach.  We do this when we preach a sermon or teach a class and hope that those who need to hear the message will get it.  We "spray" the message out and "pray" it reaches hearts.

Instead, she gave an alternative approach:  "Reaching and teaching."  This method is knowing the individuals of the congregation and reaching them with lessons to help them.  We can accomplish this is smaller classes aimed at particular age or social groups (singles, young marrieds, etc) and most effectively working with people on an individual level.

The more I thought about this the more I realized this is what Jesus did much of the time.  Consider how he taught the woman at the well, Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, and His apostles.  This is also the approach Aquila and Priscilla used to teach Apollos.

Thank you Amy, for reminding me how to be more effective as a preacher, teacher, and Christian who is concerned for the salvation of all.

The question is, "How can we best "reach and teach" instead of "spray and pray"?

Instructional Models

Yesterday we explored learning styles, today I want us to take that a step farther as we discuss Instructional Models. There are in my experience four basic models: 1) Large Group Instruction, 2) Small Group Instruction, 3) Individual (one on one) Instruction, and 4) Private (Self-Guided) Instruction.

Taking these models into the Church setting, here is where they fit in.

Large Group Instruction is the area that we excel in. We gather each Sunday and during our worship time one man stands before the entire congregation and presents a lesson. This basic format of this lesson is lecture. Some use visual illustrations, bullet filled computer projected outlines, or handouts to aid in learning. We use a similar format in large adult classes. We also have meetings, lectureships, and revivals that follow this pattern.

Small Group Instruction is a second area we emphasize. Each Sunday and then again midweek, many gather for Bible Classes. These classes are smaller groups divided by age and interest and the can include lecture, handouts, and participation that reaches all three learning styles. Some churches spread out into homes on Sunday evenings with the goal of creating a smaller environment for better learning.

Every preacher, elder, and Bible class teacher of my childhood, teen, and adult years encouraged us as students to spend time in Private Study at home. There are Biblical passages that encourage the same - 2 Tim 2:15, "Do your best (ESV), Study (KJV), Be diligent (NKJ) to present yourselves approved unto God. . ." And do not forget those in Berea who "searched the Scriptures daily." This is a vital part of our growth.

The instructional model I skipped is the model I think EVERY Christian should pay more attention to; Individual or One on One Instruction. Look at these passages: Titus 2:3ff, 2 Tim 2:2. Women are to teach younger women, Christians are to teach others who can teach others. This is the area where real teaching takes place. This can include dealing with morality issues (Gal 6:1), apprenticeships (think of Paul taking Titus and Timothy with him or Jesus and the inner circle), and this is the model that best suits evangelism (Ananias and Saul, Philip and the Ethiopian, etc).

My challenge for you and me is that we improve on our one to one teaching and encouraging.

Scott

How Do We Learn?

Education professionals divide learners into three basic learning styles.
1) Auditory Learners. These people learn from listening to lectures or presentations in class. They may take notes, but learn mostly from what they hear. You can give these people verbal directions to a destination and they remember those directions.

2) Visual Learners. This group learns from what they see. The will take copious notes of lectures so they can read them later. They like charts, graphs, and pictures to reinforce what they hear. When you give them directions, draw a map or have them draw it as you direct them.

3) Kinesthetic Learners. I know this group well. I am this type of learner. We like lab work, apprenticeships, etc. We learn best by doing. We might hear what you say, but we remember it so that we can try it out. You can give us directions and draw us a map, but what really helps us is getting in the car and driving. Get us there once and we know our way.

I know I over-simplified the descriptions of learning styles, but I think you understand each one a little better now. My reason for mentioning them is to generate some thought about how we as Church leaders reach each group. Much of what we do in a Church setting we gear toward Auditory learners (sermons, lecture classes, and so on). How do you try to reach the other two groups? What are methods do you find successful for the Visual Learner, for the Kinesthetic Learner? Where can we improve?

Scott

Vacation Bible School

Consider this your invitation to Vacation Bible School at Parrish Church of Christ. Our VBS begins Sunday, June 21 and runs through Thursday, June 25 from 6:30 - 8:00 each evening. This year our over-all theme is MARVELous Heroes. Using this theme we will study events from the lives of five Biblical Heroes. Here is our list: 1) Joshua the Conqueror, 2) David the Giant Slayer, 3) Gideon and a Small Army, 4) Esther Queen of Heroes, and 5) Paul the Weak Hero. John writes, "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith." (1 Jn 5:4 - ESV).

Along with classes for our children from Cradle Roll through Teens, we also have adult classes with visiting teachers each night. In order from Sunday through Thursday we have the following visiting teachers: Rob Gurganus from Dovertown, Russ Crosswhite from Fulton, MS, Kerry Richardson from Northport, Joey Sparks from Midway, and Mel Futrell from Shades Mountain. I am looking forward to the messages they bring.

Each evening will begin with a period of singing -- the children and adults love this part of VBS, then we dismiss to our classes where the students will step back into time as they "experience" these stories coming to life. Rumor has it that each student will get a opportunity to test their aim with a sling to bring down a NINE FOOT giant! After classes we reassemble for more singing and a review of the evenings lessons.

This year there is a special treat. We are teaching a new song. A song NO ONE else has ever used at their VBS. A song that Rob Gurganus and I wrote together (Rob did most of it). You will have to be here to learn it.

Come learn to be a Hero with us!

A Lesson from Fifth Grade

This past weekend I was back in Pensacola, Florida for the funeral of my mom's only sister (my aunt). While there, I had the opportunity to see people who are a part of my past. One of those people is Mrs. Gulsby, my fifth grade teacher at Escambia Christian School. Mrs. Gulsby was everything a fifth grade teacher should be -- TOUGH! She expected a lot from those 10 year old students in her charge. The first week of school she tested us on our multiplication facts. When she realized that some of us were derelict over the summer and did not practice our math skills, she marched down to the fourth grade teacher and borrowed the 45rpm records that had multiplication songs on them. The mighty fifth grade had to sing those "baby fourth grade" songs every morning until every student could pass a multiplication facts test.

There is one event from her class that was not part of any lesson plan that turns out to be a pivotal event in my understanding of freedom. If you remember fourth and fifth grade, you may recall that students begin to grasp the concept of the United States being a "free country." Students express this concept in many ways. Sally pushes her way past Billy to get to the fountain and emphatically states over his protests, that "it's a free country, I can cut if I want too." Back to Mrs. Gulsby's lesson. Sam (not his real name) came back from the boy's room complaining with small tears in his eyes that John (not his real name) had hit him in the arm and wouldn't apologize. When John came into the room, Mrs. Gulsby asked if he had hit Sam. John replied, "It was an accident! I was just swinging my arm and I accidentally hit him!" Mrs. Guslby insisted that he apologize anyway. John protested, "It's a free country, I can swing my arm if I want to, why should I apologize?"

Mrs. Gulsby then said something so profound that many in our nation today need to hear her words of wisdom. If we as individuals, minority groups, majority groups, activists, and lobbyists would apply her words . . . well our nation just might be a better place.

Her wise counsel was this, "John, your freedom to swing your arm ended where Sam's shoulder began! Now go say you are sorry."

Thank you Mrs. Gulsby. Your words provided counsel on many occasions. Your words help me to apply the words of an even greater teacher who once said, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them" Matt 7:12.

Scott

Thank You, Teachers

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day in the US. Accordingly, I would like to take the opportunity to say thanks to:

Mrs. Farley (Kindergarten - the picture above is from my Kindergarten promotion at ECS a long time ago. I am on the far left.), Ms. Simon (1st Grade), Miss Lagrone (2nd), Mrs. Ellis (3rd), Mrs. Nelson (4th), Mrs Gulsby (5th), Coach Akers, Mrs Reynolds, Mrs Sprague (the Middle School Years), and way too many in High School to remember you all, but a special thanks to Mrs. Pain (Algebra), Mrs. Gibson (Chorus), and all my English and Literature Teachers. All my professors at Faulkner University as well as Troy State and Freed deserve a mention and of note are two of my Bible instructors that have left this physical life Wendell Winkler and Leonard Johnson these two men had more impact than they will ever know.

Now on to all those who have taught and are currently teaching my son - thank you and bless you for all the effort you put into the education of our children in this area.

James record that Teachers of God's Word have a heavy responsibility; I think the same goes for teachers on any level. You have a difficult task and you are deeply appreciated.

THANKS,

Scott McCown

A Video Blog

I don't like the still that Blogger chose, but I do not know how to change it :-(

Have a fun out there today!
Scott