Necessary cooperation

Is it not primarily the role of parents, especially Christian parents, to teach their children in the ways of God? Of course, and it’s irreplaceable. However, they may be failing in this area for a variety of reasons.

The monitor’s mission

If the parents do not fulfill their role in the biblical teaching of their children, the relay is actually passed to the monitor. Its intervention is therefore crucial. And if, fortunately, for some children, the family offers the best conditions for good spiritual development, the mission of the monitor is nevertheless of primary importance.

His testimony, his teaching, what he does or does not do to help the child to integrate into the Christian community, all his actions will have an impact in the life of the child.

His recognition by the church

Sunday School can be an easily forgotten industry. Taking place outside the hall of worship, it is invisible to the majority of church members. However, the work of which the monitors are in charge concerns the future of the Church and the families. Since it is primarily spiritual in nature, they need to be supported by prayer.

It may therefore be useful to put in place a communication “strategy” to publicize this important work. Here are some ideas:

• On the occasion of the start of the school year, the team of instructors can be presented at the church,
• at meetings, pray systematically for the monitors and for the children,
• organize children’s interventions at meetings (songs, entertainment, etc.),
• prepare small gifts with the children that they can distribute to church members at a party,
• install in the entrance of the place of worship a bulletin board reserved for the Sunday School, visible to all, and presenting the activities of the children, the educational programs, the outings, the missionary involvement, the projects…
• add a nice poster saying “We need your prayer!” for example…

The bond with parents

Monitors may never have contact with parents.

In this case, it is useful to provoke this contact for the good of the children, either individually or in an organized way, during a snack or other. This is for many reasons:

• they should be aware of the work they did at sunday school for their child
• they are aware of its importance, that they respect it
• they support you through prayer
• to maintain as good a relationship as possible with them.

For children to receive the Word of God in confidence, there must be a climate of peace and love between the parents and the monitor. Naturally, children will agree with their parents. They will have difficulty listening to us if we are in conflict with the family. Let us do everything in our power, as much as it is up to us, to maintain a good understanding: “As much as possible, if it depends on you, live in peace with all.” (Romans 12.18).

Let us remember that the Lord Jesus has agreed to be treated as a villain in order to save us. “Let’s arm ourselves with this same thought” to never be an opportunity to fall for a child.