Photo: Pixabay
Photo: Pixabay

Fostering the Connection Between Pastor and Teacher

What would it be like to start practicing the “one body” collaboration between pastor and teacher?

North American June 9, 2017

Imagine a world where you could create an excellent environment for yourself as a teacher. Many components of this environment would be strictly up to you, but some parts would depend on other people.

As church school teachers, we have the opportunity and responsibility to work with the pastors of our churches. Romans 12:4-5 encourages us in this matter: “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,  so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

Have you ever pondered the possibilities that could come from a great working relationship with the pastor of your church? What would that relationship look like? What would it be like to start practicing the “one body” collaboration between pastor and teacher?

Photo: Pixabay

Pastor and teacher would:

  • Pray for each other.
  • Talk frequently.
  • Ask each other’s advice.
  • Understand each other’s spiritual gifts and strengths.
  • Recognize that each is an integral part of a ministry team.
  • Have regular planning sessions for the school.
  • Include the pastor in the school for spiritual events such as Bible studies, baptismal classes, weekly chapel, week-of-prayer, prayer time together.
  • Incorporate the pastor in other events like driving for fields trips, or supervising recess, art, P.E., music, foreign language, or any other elective.
  • Have the teacher participate in the church program in a position that fits their strengths.
  • Get to know each other’s families outside of work.
  • Attend each other’s board meetings.
  • Support each other as often as you can.
  • Believe the best of each other’s intentions and motivations.
  • Ask each other how they can help to support the other person’s programs, but try to not make plans for each other unless invited to.

Benefits of this partnership include:

  • Blessings received from the prayers of the pastor and church team.
  • An example for stakeholders of working as a united team.
  • Shared stress in difficult times.
  • Better mental, physical and spiritual health.
  • Enthusiasm for programs of both church and school.
  • Energy to do the best possible job.
  • Sense of well-being that comes from being affirmed.
  • Trust in each other’s motives and intentions.

I know this is possible because this is my reality. The pastor of our local church is pastor to my own children in a personal and effective way and I teach his boys in my school. I have had to be taught many of these skills and the pastor I work with right now has so kindly led the way. I am blessed!

If this is not your experience, take heart. Perhaps you can lead the way by praying and asking the Lord to direct you in making some small steps toward what He has in mind for you and your pastor working together. Ask Him to assist you as you look for something that both can agree on. Look for ways you can help each other. I know that some situations seem impossible, but God reminds us, “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). It will be well worth the effort.


Note: Article written and posted in English

Author

Tralese Syvertson

Tralese serves as an elementary teacher in the Minnesota Conference, USA. She has a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University. In addition to elementary classes, she has taught English as a Second Language, adult education, and Spanish.

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