The Fear Factor

Now is the time to start thinking about staffing for Sunday School in September (if you haven't already). Since your teachers are the most important variable in providing a quality experience for your children, it is good to get the best teachers you can find. Go for the very best candidates.

Fear is the biggest problem you will face when enlisting new volunteer teachers.

• Fear of Over-committing. Everyone is busy. We want to use our time efficiently. Our lives are scheduled full. Yes, we will make time for tasks that we deem to be worthwhile, even self-less ones like teaching other peoples' children. But to get on my schedule, I need to know the time-frame. What am I really committing to? Share an honest estimate of the commitment your are seeking with your candidates: the time they need to spend on Sunday morning, the time they need to spend training and preparing, and the duration of the assignment. (If you want to get a yes, you might consider starting small: a three-week assignment or a stint as a helper.)
• Fear of Being Stuck. What if I really don't like it or can't do it well? Starting with short durations will help here. You might also consider installing a "quick release lever" in your volunteer enlistment "contract." Make sure your candidate knows that you don't want them to feel stuck. If they want out, they can pull the lever, talk to you, and be assured of a guilt-free release.
• Fear of Failing. Nobody likes to fail. Consider every possible means to help each candidate be successful in their teaching task. Orient them carefully to your Sunday School curriculum and procedures. Train them well. Provide mentors, partners, and assistants. Promise them, and then give them, your full support. Check in, but don't hover. 

"Love casts out fear"? Love your teachers enough to overcome their fears.

What do you fear most about the teaching experience? About starting a new endeavor?

How do you overcome the fears of your teaching prospects?

Thanks for all you do to support those who teach God's children His Word!