Is it necessary to have a special ability to care for children or a special affection for them in order to be able to teach them the Word of God?
First of all, being a good facilitator (knowing how to lead a group, organize activities, have good contact with children…) does not mean being a good instructor (trainer, teacher) and aims versa. But one does not prevent the other, of course.
Second, the instructor must have not only pedagogical skills, but also the ability to perform spiritual work. Let this level of demand not frighten us: simple clay vases, the Lord makes vases of honor, useful and effective, if we allow ourselves to be shaped and instructed by Him.
Finally, it is always possible to train, regardless of our age, spiritual advancement or level of education. (Dayof training and sharing,
A.E.E. training,
manual for instructor)
It is of course an investment of time and it is a cost. But, as it would be a pity if children were deprived of a proper education, simply because we did not take the time or the means necessary to become a good instructor.
And if we face insurmountable obstacles, let us talk to Heavenly Father and put our faith into action. The Lord is especially ready to follow us as soon as we make an effort towards the children.
© Monitor Workshop
The goal is above all spiritual,
The instructor needs a variety of spiritual tools:
Communion with the LordThe current must pass between the monitor and God so that the monitor can speak to him and direct him. The monitor will be able to give the children the “bread of heaven.” It is not only the fruit of his intelligence and abilities, but it is also what the Lord will have communicated to him for the children.
The children who have tasted this bread come back, because nothing else resembles it! Perhaps they will go for a time to taste the other “breads” that the world offers, but they will one day return to the Father’s house after finding that the bread in it is the only one that satisfies.
Faith
Aware of the stakes and our limitations, we may be overwhelmed by fear. Let us remember that the Lord did not send his angels to do this work, but that he wants to use the human beings that we are. He wanted it that way and we can count on Him. And if we are discouraged by the difficulties inherent in this work, let us not let ourselves get carried away: continue to plow, sow, weed, water… The harvest time will come! And then let’s learn from our failures and “Always work better in the service of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15.58)
Prayer
This powerful tool (just like fasting) can unlock many situations, and open the hearts of children. Let us not forget to pray also for ourselves, so that our hearts are prepared to be led, to have the right reactions, the right answers, etc.
The Word of God
An approximate knowledge of the teachings of the Bible can lead to drifts. On the other hand, the child taught in this way will have difficulty developing spiritually. It will lack solid foundations and will be destitute when the storm of adolescence comes to question everything. In the face of the enemy, only the Word of God can hold, for it alone is alive and powerful.
Whether we have a taste for study or not, it is essential to acquire or verify its basics:
- One of the many books of biblical doctrine is available. Some are accessible to all, others are more in-depth
(www.clcfrance.com)
My preference: “To the sources of biblical Truth” by Myer Pearlman.
- You can take correspondence courses(www.itb-france.org/itbchezsoi).).
- One can learn
about hermeneutics (understanding, interpreting and applying biblical texts) My preference: “Understanding what the Bible says” by Dominique Taillifet .
(www.itb-france.org/editions)
The testimony of his life
The monitor is an ambassador of the Lord Jesus. The children do not see Jesus, but they see their monitor, they hear him, they talk to him. They will forget many of his words, but they will remember who he is and what emanates from him.
© Monitor Workshop
