The Vocation of Student

It occurs to me that I have not, in my past Sunday School and midweek teaching assignments, focused enough on the vocation of student.

We all have work, jobs we are assigned or undertake voluntarily in our lives as God's children. These vocations are opportunities that God gives each of us to serve Him through service to our neighbor, be they family members, classmates, neighbors we know, or members of our community or the wider world.

For children in school (and this obviously includes public or parochial school, not just Sunday School), the vocation of student stands along with other vocations (sibling, child of parents, citizen, and others) as a role that God has given.

When child shows up in Sunday School, whether freely or under compulsion, he or she becomes a student. He or she enters the classroom with a purpose, with a job description that is just as important as the role of the teacher.

It strikes me that there could be benefits from relating to my students in these terms, talking to them about the vocation of student and the roles and responsibilities that come with being a student. Their vocation is the reason that they are to pay attention, follow directions, be respectful of the teacher and their fellow students, and participate in class activities.

Sunday School brings something special to the vocation of student. The Bible student is learning to handle the Word of truth, God's Word. That word is, as Paul says, dynamite to those who believe. It truly benefits the student to pay attention.

Have you talked with your students about their vocation?

What benefits do you see in such a discussion?

God's blessing as you teach God's children His Word!