By: Micah S. Lalugan

In an inspiring effort to instill values and strong faith in children as future leaders, a Sunday school teachers’ workshop was held at the grounds of Evangel Family Church Tagum City on July 11, 2024. This event brought together Sunday school teachers from various churches around the Davao del Norte region, aiming to imbue them with a vision and biblical perspective to foster a deeper spiritual understanding among their students.

The participants were warmly welcomed by the workshop’s resource speaker, Pastor Albert Polinio, who emphasized the significance of their roles as spiritual guides and the profound impact they have on the faith journeys of their students.

The workshop featured a variety of sessions designed to provide insights on how to administer activities and manage children during Sunday school classes. The first session introduced the roles and functions of teachers and underscored their importance in the ministry. As stated in Ephesians 4:11-12, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Teachers, clearly, are vital instruments used by God for building His kingdom.

Pastor Albert shared his heartwarming experiences in handling children’s ministry at EFC Gensan. He acknowledged the inconsistencies and struggles, such as witnessing little kids fight during lessons or dealing with rudeness. However, he emphasized that teachers should always have a heart for kids, as Jesus loves them. Referencing Matthew 18:14, he said, “In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” He shared how the children’s ministry had expanded into a feeding ministry and attracted more young people to the church. These youths, often feeling unloved, unaccepted, and hopeless, found love, hope, and belonging through the ministry.

This story sparked inspiration among the attendees. A new vision of transformation, hope, and salvation was birthed in their minds.

Pastor Albert highlighted that children today are under attack, exposed to evil and worldly ideas at a young age. He stressed the importance of being equipped and dedicated to teaching them about Jesus early on, as Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

The workshop included various activities designed to entertain kids and serve as great tools for instilling Bible lessons. Participants formed groups to demonstrate Bible lessons through skits and storytelling. The creativity displayed was both entertaining and encouraging, showing that dedication to children’s ministry can make a significant impact.

Pastor Albert introduced different methods for helping children memorize Bible verses effectively. These included scrambled phrases, where children arrange phrases and memorize the verse as phrases are progressively hidden; memorizing through songs, which can be found on YouTube or created with a tune like the ABC song; using picture symbols to associate words with images or emojis, helpful for younger children; and memorizing through body actions, associating gestures with words.

The workshop was an enriching experience for all attendees. They wished it could have been extended, recognizing that there is always more to learn. By equipping teachers with these skills, the workshop enhanced their ability to teach effectively and deepened their spiritual journeys. As the teachers returned to their respective congregations, they carried with them renewed enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and a strengthened commitment to nurturing their students’ faith.

Gratitude was extended to Rev. Peter and Christine Wee for organizing this impactful event in their region. Special thanks were given to Pastor Albert for his dedication and inspiration in glorifying God and expanding His kingdom.

May the Lord be glorified through the lives of these dedicated teachers as they apply their new knowledge to help each ministry in their respective churches.