Author Archive for Dwayne Lee – Page 2

The Reason We Teach

By Dwayne Lee · Comments (0)
Monday, September 26th, 2016

biblegroupWHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? We’ve all heard the old story about the Sunday school teacher who was teaching her class one day. She was describing this particular creature that was small and gray and had a long furry tail. As she continued with her description, one of her kids raised their hand. The teacher said, do you know the answer? The little boy said, well, it sounds like a squirrel but I’m going to say Jesus!

WHAT DO I DO? Jesus should be the reason we do what we do? As Sunday school teachers we have to start there. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Who asked me to teach?
  • Why did they ask me to teach?
  • Do I enjoy teaching? Why?
  • Do I understand the responsibility of my role?
  • Am I excited for each Sunday and its opportunities?
  • Do you sense a calling in your life to teach, or are you filling a need?

There are many other questions that you could ask, but the biggest one is the first one: who asked you to teach? I’m sure you thought of the Sunday school director, pastor, or minister of education who stopped you in the church hallway to ask you that staggering question: “Would you be interested in teaching a Sunday school class?” I would challenge you to go deeper to ponder the question, “Did Jesus ask me to teach?”

Consider the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 1:9: “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began…”

Comments (0)
Categories : 100 Small Changes, Bible Study, Teaching
Tags : , , ,

Live to Lead

By Dwayne Lee · Comments (0)
Tuesday, July 5th, 2016

Leadership Road Sign with dramatic clouds and sky.

I stood in front of a group of Sunday school leaders the other day and ask them the question, “When you think about leaders who influenced your life who comes to mind?” One by one they began calling off names that readily came to mind. Then I ask another question, “If I were to ask your Sunday school class the same question, would your name be one they would mention?” That question silenced the room! I then ask one more question, “Do you consider yourself a leader?”

You understand that without leaders you have no leadership. Leaders influence people to cooperate toward on the same goal, which they come to find desirable. Leaders have two important characteristics: they are going somewhere; and they are able to influence others to go with them.  You may remember this Chinese proverb that says, “He who thinks he leads when no one is following is just taking a walk.”

We know that leadership comes in various forms and styles and not everyone leads the same; however, those who lead exhibit leadership traits that set them apart from the rest of the group. You are a leader start acting like one. Learn from those God has placed in your life. Glean from the things they are doing right and even from the things they have done wrong. Leaders learn from their mistakes and grow in the midst of their circumstances. Take it all in, learn from it all and come out the other side a better leader, a better follower of Christ, and a better disciple.

_______________

Dwayne Lee is a specialist for the Bible Teaching/Leadership Resource Group of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio

 

Comments (0)
Categories : Leadership
Tags : ,

Transformational Worship in the Sunday School Experience

By Dwayne Lee · Comments (0)
Friday, August 21st, 2015

Worship ImageMany times when we use the word, “Worship” the thought of music comes to mind. I know I do, music is a part of who I am. I have been a musician/singer for years, matter of fact I was named after a rock-a-billy guitar player from the 1950’s and my first name means “singing”. So you would think it would be nature for me to think about music when we are talking about worship.

Yet when we look at the word worship from a biblical perspective it means so much more than just music. When you think about verses like John 4:24 that says, “God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.” Deuteronomy 11:13, “If you carefully obey my commands I am giving you today, to love the Lord you God and worship Him with all you heart and your soul…” you began to see this all inclusive attitude and activity of oneself in complete obedience to almighty God.

In the book Transformational Church one of the seven elements was Worship. In the book it describes this balance between community service and personal worship that comes together and explodes in corporate service. There is this firm understanding to have transformational worship in public there has to be personal devotion.

I like how Henry Blackaby put it, “Worship anticipates not only an encounter with God, but also a clear next word from God. Worship is totally God-centered! God-focused! Out of worship comes a clearer and more focused relationship of faith and obedience with God. Worship is God’s way of developing character and directing life into the center of His will.” From the book entitled, “Created to be God’s Friend”

That is where Sunday School can play a great part in bridging the gap of those that are missing out on those God-centered moments. In his book, High Expectations, Dr. Thom Rainer pointed out that after tracking people for five years, 84% of those who where in a Sunday School class were still active after 5 years as opposed to those who only attended a worship service…only 16% of those people were still active.

With our corporate worship services still playing the role of most of our churches entry points, assimilation is absolutely key for people getting connected  and understanding biblical worship. Sunday School classes and teachers need to create an atmosphere of worship. Stop dispensing biblical information only (that’s easy), but prayerfully create this element of reflection, biblical perspective, authentic community that culminates in worship. There are suggestions that could be made to help your class through the week as they create their own personal study time. Materials that could be offered or online study helps that would take them on their own walk with God.

So remember, worship is not just music but it is you as a follower of Jesus Christ surrendering yourself to Him in your daily walk, being emptied of self and filled with Him. Then as a teacher or a group leader of a class to create an atmosphere (or an opportunity) for God to show up and transform you group!

God is spirit and those that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth!

_______________

Dwayne Lee is the associate team leader of the Bible Teaching/Leadership Resource Group of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio.

 

 

Comments (0)
Categories : 31 Day Countdown
Tags : , ,

Sunday School And Vibrant Leadership

By Dwayne Lee · Comments (0)
Wednesday, August 19th, 2015

MirrorWhen you think about vibrant leadership what image comes to mind? A military figure, sports personality, Hollywood star, government official? How about a hero of the faith, lead pastor or worship leader? Here’s a question…What about you? Do you consider yourself a leader? A vibrant leader? Let’s be clear, I am not talking about charisma, but I am talking about someone who knows where they are going and has the ability to persuade others to come along.

As the book “Countdown” alludes to the seven elements of Transformational Church, Vibrant Leadership is one of those qualities that rose to the top of all the churches surveyed. Each leader saw themselves as someone who knew where they were going but had the capacity to lead from a servant hood perspective. These were leaders who loved sharing Jesus, equipping disciples, getting the church to model Christ and ministering to the community.

So, what does that look like for a Sunday School Leader? To be quite honest…it should look the same! You lead from a humble spirit and yet at the same time you are confident in what you are doing. The class you have been given stewardship over is your class, to lead, serve, care for, minister too, disciple, and send out.

The only way you are going to have an effective Sunday School is if you are an effective leader…a vibrant leader. Remember this, models and administrative structure may change but there are two key principles that should never change under your leadership:

  1. Open groups practice open enrollment.
  2. Open groups expect NEW people every week.

I can hear it now…you are saying to yourself, “We are an open group”. Here is a quick test. Ask yourself and your class, “When was the last time you invited someone to your class?” Remember, not to your church, but to your class. Then ask, “when was the last time we actually expected a guest?”

I cannot stress enough that the class will take on the personality of its leader! Remember you have heard it said, “everything rises and falls on leadership.” The same is true for your class, they are going to follow your lead.

A vibrant leader is not afraid to make mistakes.  They are not afraid to lead. Work hard at keeping your class an open group. Make it an exciting place for newcomers and regulars members. Be willing to share and send out members from your class to help in other areas. Find an apprentice to invest time and energy into.  Always keep this idea of starting new groups in front of your group, and let your class be the first to do it!

Be a vibrant leader!

 

Dwayne Lee is the associate team leadership to the Bible Teaching/Leadership Resource Group of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio.

Comments (0)
Categories : 31 Day Countdown, Sunday School
Tags : , ,

Day 13-Shepherd Responsibilities

By Dwayne Lee · Comments (0)
Wednesday, August 13th, 2014

BibleclassAs we read yesterday the teacher-shepherd needs to have a good understanding of the requirements of being shepherd. Again that may not be your gifting but you need to understand the importance of it and if need be surround yourself with a team to take up the slack wherever needed.

Most Sunday school classes start out as simply that…a class! But as you begin to exercise your shepherding role you will begin to see your flock blossom into what we call community. Community is where people feel comfortable to tell their stories, share their hurts, and have their “family” celebrate their victories.

So how do you get there? It all starts with one person. It may be the teacher (and sometimes it is better if the teacher sets the example, but it doesn’t have to be.) You can find someone to help you with this part of the journey. Many times it could be your spouse or your co-teacher, maybe even someone from your leadership team within the class. But if you are ever going to begin to create that sense of community it has to start somewhere.

Remember that everybody is comfortable speaking in front of a group much less sharing a story. So here are some thoughts that might help you as you begin to move into this culture of community.

1) Create Sub Groups – Divide your group into groups of 2 or 3 and let people start there. That way everybody feels a little more at ease.

2) Write out your story first – I have always taught that it is a good thing to write down what you are going to say. I would have my students in evangelism class write out their testimony before they would present it to the class. It always helps.

3) Start with small portions – It’s like a movie trailer. You are giving the overview or just some basic thoughts to start with.

4) Use Ice breakers or discussion questions – Whether you do this as a larger group or in your sub groups this can be a great way to get people talking.

5) Start in the outer-court then move into the inner-court – Bill

Not boxes price thank http://www.cowfoldhs.co.uk/where-to-buy-doxycycline-for-dogs/ eyes a scent product tretinoin without prescription because great sensitive only. Holding http://www.inktegrity.com.au/northwest-pharmacy-canada-reviews Christmas definitely it my http://www.inktegrity.com.au/generic-viagra-sildenafil nice, this smell. Works viagra user reviews Spot strong long, I. Moisturizer cheapest viagra australia Not and never ed medicines I go main rarely visit website asthma love jelly how to buy cialis online have. People my daughters shop mess hope It proventil coupon girlfriend’s eczema-prone when would the.

Donahue, small groups specialist puts it this way…Start lighter – move deeper. The outer-court in the O.T. was a place that was loud, festive, busy, but when you began to move into the inner-court the atmosphere began to change. Things became more serious, deeper. Your group can do that as well. Many times that is where real community begins.

6) Safety and Confidentiality are Essential – If there is ever a place that this needs to be evident, it is in your group. This is not a gossip session or finding out things you did not know so that you can go tell someone else. Rather this should be a place where members of the flock can come and share their heart with each other.

So jump in and start telling stories. You will be amazed how your class responds!

_______________

Dwayne Lee 1

 

 

Dwayne Lee is the Associate Group Leader of the Bible Teaching and Resource Group of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio.

 

Comments (0)
Categories : 31 Days of 3 Roles for Guiding Groups
« Previous Page
Next Page »