Being a impactful Bible class teacher goes beyond what happens in your classroom. The most impactful Bible class teachers have a relationship with their students outside of class. This gives them additional opportunities to teach, guide and mentor. Sometimes these relationships last many years after a child or teen has been in your Bible class. You need to be intentional, but it isn’t as difficult as you might think.
Let your students and their parents know you would love to come and support them at their events. In some school districts, you can come have lunch with a child with parental consent. You may even be eligible to be a “mystery reader” in the child’s class. Pull out your calendar and make space to attend recitals, school plays and concerts, sporting events and the like. For children who are too young or aren’t engaged in activities, plan field trips or meet them for ice cream or “coffee”.
It may seem it doesn’t make a difference whether you are there or not. Often you get about thirty seconds to even interact with your student at an event. That time is a bonus, but the real impact is in knowing that you cared enough to show. At times, they may not even have a parent who attends and your presence is even more critical. Make sure after the event that you follow up with a note or a short conversation about how much you enjoyed it and how proud you are of them.
If you are consistent, you will start building meaningful mentoring relationships with them. All young people need these relationships, but you probably won’t connect in that way with every student. That’s okay. For the ones that do make that deeper connection with you, you will be given opportunities to mentor them for many years. Once the relationship is established, make it your responsibility to keep it going by reaching out periodically. Even if they don’t take you up on your offers to meet, they know you will be there for them when they need you.
Don’t just think of your Bible class as an opportunity to teach a class. Think bigger and make it your ministry.
