Introduction

For most of the service, a member or visitor is only an observer, part of the audience. They sit and they listen--to the prayer, the special music, the sermon--but the main opportunity for active participation comes in the Sabbath School class. A somewhat informal class setting allows for a non-threatening exchange of ideas, a sharing of faith and biblical exploration on a personal level. It's a safe space where hard questions can be asked, sincere discussions had. A place to build friendships and a sense of community.

As a Sabbath School class leader, you have a responsibility to share your personal experience and knowledge, to show what you've been through and how you've seen God active in your life. You can’t share with others what you haven't experienced yourself.

Duties of the Adult Sabbath School Teacher

The duties of an adult Sabbath School teacher or class leader are:

1. Preparation. A Sabbath School teacher should set aside some quality time for preparation. They might consider spending a concentrated hour on Sabbath afternoon becoming familiar with the main points of the next lesson. Then, they could spend some time during the week digging deeper and preparing discussion material.

2. Helping everyone feel welcome. The teacher might up a casual conversation before the lesson starts or ask new people where they're visiting from. You'll be helping them feel welcome while getting to know them as individuals. Also remember that at Advent Hope, not all of our visitors will be Adventist, Christian, or part of any religious group whatsoever. Try your best to answer questions that come up, and don't be afraid to say "I don't know." Invite them to potluck if there is one that week. Or, if you're in a position to do so, invite visitors to your home for Sabbath dinner.

3. Serving as the “Under shepherd” of the class. The Sabbath School class is an important place for fellowship, friendship, and support. The class leader is responsible for creating the environment in which this can take place. They might consider having a “shepherding time” or “sharing time” before the lesson discussion. A simple question like “How was your week?” can give everyone a chance to share their worries, frustrations, or positive experiences. This allows the group to connect on a personal level before shifting the focus to Bible study. The teacher can make announcements about upcoming activities and ask about missing members. Someone might have more information and, in the case of illness, the class can discuss arranging a visit.

4. Prayer. The teacher ask for prayer requests and take time to pray at the beginning and end of each class. They can also ask a class member to pray or have the class break up into groups of two or three. As the class members pray for one another they will come closer together by sharing in struggle and caring for each other. In smaller classes, there may be enough time for everyone pray out loud.

5. Guiding class members to learn and grow. In today's world, and particularly in New York, people need a practical faith that makes sense in their everyday lives. Sabbath School doesn't have to be about learning obscure biblical facts and abstract doctrines, it can be a place to learn from the stories in the bible how to grow and live the Christian life. The teacher should help their apply the lesson to the practical issues they face every day, asking them, "So what?" What real difference does the topic make in how they live their lives?" The teacher can ask them how they would you explain the concept discussed to a friend who doesn't attend church. They should make it real, not being afraid to ask hard, or even inflammatory questions.

6. Start on time. The teacher should be one of the first people to arrive. There's nothing worse than waiting around for ten minutes for the person who's supposed to be in charge. Getting there a little early will give the teacher time to welcome people and make sure they're ready to start. In case of emergency or illness, the teacher should notify the Sabbath School Superintendent and arrange for a substitute teacher.