How to Prioritize

A Sunday School teacher recently asked a question I often hear: "Why do you provide two hours of materials for a one-hour Sunday School lesson, when I have only thirty minutes in which to teach it?" (Okay, truth, this is not a direct quote, but the gist is there; believe me.)

Some teachers, it seems, feel guilty if they do not cover everything in the lesson. My goal is always to absolve that teacher of guilt.

If your class is small, your students quiet and shy, or your Sunday School "hour" really seventy-five minutes long, you may be looking for that extra material. Or if you can't play that CD, or involve your students in that biblical drama, or risk disturbing nearby classes with that exuberant game, you may be forced to omit several minutes of the original outline. You see the dilemma: the publisher is under pressure to include more than enough material, rather than not enough material, for the broadest possible range of circumstances.

The result? The teacher becomes the final editor. You will have to adapt. And that's a good thing!

I suggest though that you prioritize your lesson choices in a thoughtful manner.

Priority One
Teach the Bible account and key point. Make sure your lesson includes an engaging presentation of the Scripture text. Use the Bible. Help the students find Jesus in the lesson (yes, even in the Old Testament lessons).

Priority Two
It bears repeating: engage the students. Edit the lesson to maximize the students' enjoyment of the Sunday School experience. It is a sin to bore children.

Priority Three
Guide the student to see themselves in the lesson. Luther reminds us that the "Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith." Help the Gospel reach into the lives of each of your students each Sunday.

How long is your Sunday School lesson time?

What are your favorite ways to shorten the lesson outline?

How could your material be more helpful when it comes to adapting the lesson?

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