Teaching Report #2

I. Primary Goal of the Lesson

To better understand Jesus’ command to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect”.

II.Specific Outcomes

How are we to “achieve” perfection as Jesus has commanded it? Is it possible?

• Cognitive: It would be great for the students to know that Jesus has called us to be over an above the normal expectations of mankind. If they understand that, their actions will relate it.
• Affective: I would hope that they students, after hearing the lesson would want to take action in taking steps toward striving towards the call that Christ has given to us. I would hope that this would affect every area of their lives.
• Behavioral: The behavioral change that would/should come from hearing this lesson is one of hope and direction. Christ shows us how to strive for the perfection that he is calling us to achieve. The behavioral actions that should come from that are wonderful.

III. Materials

• Bible
• List of Questions
• Caterpillar/Butterfly Example

IV. Lesson Sequence

9:00-9:20

1. Students arrived and talked.

9:25-9:30

1. Introduce Bible verse (Have students read)
1. Matthew 5:43-48

9:30-9:50

1. Show the example of a caterpillar (imperfect and “gross”) and what it turns into after being “purified” into a butterfly. A beautiful and perfect butterfly.

9:50-10:15

1. Discussion
1. Do you think perfection can be achieved?

1. Show how in the verses previous to 43 have Jesus claiming the things such as “you have heard it said….but I say to you”.

2. The people of that time saw themselves as perfect and righteous, but they weren’t even close.

3. Explain how Christ is showing these people that they are not as good as they think they are, and he is calling them to even higher living then they think is the minimum.

2. “Perfection” is not to be a finish line we cross….it is a line that we run to utilizing every muscle of our body to reach.
1. When we think that we have finally achieved perfection, we have only just begun. Jesus made it a point to make sure that we realize that none of us have achieved perfection.
1. Pick out a couple of the “you have heard it said….but I tell you” verses and show them how Christ is making us constantly strive to be better.
3. It all starts with love.
1. In the verses 43-48, the word love is mentioned 4 times. Whenever that many “loves” are found in such a small section, it is usually very important.
1. What does love mean to you guys?
2. In the context of a friendship, dating relationship, family?
3. How do we show love?
2. How do you see how love fits in to this passage?
1. How does loving someone help you strive for the perfection that God is calling us to?
2. Why is love such an important theme in the Bible (remember: God is love)
3. Love your neighbor and your enemy
1. Are there some enemies in your life that you need to love?
2. How can you take steps to start loving that person more fully?
4. Enforce how all we need to start to do is take steps toward perfection. Achieving it should not be our focus, striving for it should be. There is a difference.

IV. Prayer Requests and Closing Prayer

1. Response

I think it went pretty well. One thing that is sad is how many people didn’t bring their Bibles. But to be honest I am not surprised. They have not had a teacher for many weeks now and after a while I stopped bringing my Bible as well. Whenever there is inconsistency, you get pretty consistent in being inconsistent. So I didn’t mind that they didn’t have their Bibles, but I had to do most of the reading because they didn’t want to or couldn’t.

A few of them had their Bibles and followed along, so I hope that they take some initiative and actually follow up and read a little bit on their own about what we talked about. That is always the best way to learn: Studying on your own after having an original lesson taught. So hopefully they not only better understood a difficult passage in scripture, but they decided to further investigate and do some research of their own on it.

2. Supervising Teacher's Evaluation

Once again, my supervising teacher was not there, so I had a peer evaluate my performance instead. He has taken some teaching courses and I would consider him a “master teacher”, so he did nicely to evaluate my performance. I appreciated the fact that he would step into the void left by my defunct Sunday school teacher.

3. Things I Did Well

1. I kept their attention.

2. I was able to communicate a pretty difficult passage so that maybe they would be able to understand it a little better

3. I allowed the opportunity for the students to do some studying on their own. There is not near enough time to cover all that Matthew 5 covers.

4. I was comfortable on stage.

5. Since this was the topic of my exegesis paper, I was pretty knowledgeable about the passage.

4. Things I Need To Improve

1. I didn’t know how to react when no one answered the questions. I just kind of nervously laughed at the fact that everyone just kind of stared away. I think I laughed because I remember being in that situation.

2. I would love to have more discussion time about different topics, but I didn’t know how to fit it in.

3. I never know the best way to transition from “hang out time” to “lesson time”. I suppose that will come as I teach more.

5. Questions

1. How do we divide the line between “hangout/coffee time” and “lesson time”? Personally, I would love it if we could combine the two, how are some ways we can do that?

2. How can we check up to see how students have responded to the lesson? I had set up objectives, but I don’t really have a way of making sure they were achieved.

Reponse #9

1. What kind of Sunday school should be facilitated and what kind of Sunday school should be preached to?

I’m not sure I totally understand the question, but I will try to answer it anyway. If you are asking if the format of a Sunday school should be lecture driven or discussion driven, then I can answer that one. I believe that a Sunday school class needs to be two parts: Lecture and Discussion. I have found myself desiring that not only in academic class, but also in Sunday school. For me personally, that is how I learn. I hear material then I “cuss and discuss” the material. It helps to firmly plant it in my brain so that I don’t forget it. And it also helps me work out what I believe through questioning and hearing things deeper. This two part format would be beneficial in a Sunday school class. Of course, this all depends on the age group. The earliest you would want to experiment with this concept would be Jr. High. Anything before that and any extra discussion or teaching probably wouldn’t have that great of an effect. Instead, for that age, use tangible teaching options (crafts, movies, games).

2. Is there a specific order that the class material should be given in? Should we keep to a calendar?

As I think I mentioned in a previous response, it is important to have a calendar or plan as to who is teaching what and when. My personal experience this semester has been one of disorganization. It has been horrible for everyone involved. Either no one shows up to teach or the people who show up have nothing to teach. It is a shame and something that can be easily reversed through planning and schedules. I also think it is smart to have a theme or semester objective. Many Sunday school classes will go through a book or course packet. This helps keep everyone accountable. It makes the students stay up to date with the subject each week and it keeps the teacher on task and alert to what he or she needs to teach the coming weekend. Having a set plan or calendar benefits everyone.

Response to Tyler # 8

1. Many of the students are my friends and church mates. It is easier to get to know them because i already have built relationships with them. i think this is a vital part to even teaching them. I have been at this church for two years now and have built into it. The problem with practicums is that it is hard to make the lasting relationships with people when you are only there for a semester. i think practicums need to be at least a year long. the connection i have with the people i learn and teach to is far deeper and leaves room for more growth than if i was there only a semester. if you have to be there for only a semester then you need to fight as hard you can about connecting with them out of class. it provides more time and leaves more room for them to open up to you. class time is only an hour long and that is probably not enough. Show them you openness as well, be vulnerable.

2. i think you do need to keep being above reproach. i think if you keep another guy around as you interact with women then you may be more comfortable and will have that upstanding accountability. i think any form of touching should be limited. That means, hugs, shoulder pats, even taps on the shoulder. As a pastor there most likely be times when you need to counsel a person and that person may be a girl.counsel can also get really deep and emotional. When you get into that stuff people can get attached. I have see many cases where women even get attached onto other women. vulnerability just opens up whole worlds. Especially in that case you need to be careful. I almost think that a another women, such as a wife or girlfriend would be a good idea to have with you. the general idea here is never be alone and always keep yourself in situations that will show integrity.

Practicum Report #7 (Joel) - Teaching Report #2

Matthew 5:38-48 – Loving Your Enemies

9.10am
Game

9.20
Break Into Small Groups (or stay together if not many people are there)

9.21
Ice Breakers

1. Think of a time when someone hurt you (this can be intentionally, unintentionally, emotionally, physically, etc.). Have students share about these times. Get them to tell you the story.
2. How did you feel?
3. Did you want to get back at them?
4. Did you actually get them back?
5. What made you choose to take revenge/not take revenge?

9.25
Group Share Time

Does anybody have a story they’d like to share?

9.27
My Own Story

Well here is a story about a time when someone hurt me…

Tell story about dad losing his job unfairly and without warning and then our family having to move from Holland, Michigan to Spring Lake, Michigan in the middle of 5th grade for me. I had to leave my best friend Gabe, the city I’d lived in all my life (11 years at that point), my home, my friends, my family. My whole life, it seemed, was left behind.

How many of you guys have had to move somewhere before?

[if students raise their hands, ask them details. Where to? Where from? When? Why?]

So some of you know what it’s like to move… some of you even more than me!

Well I had a lot of bitterness in my heart towards my dad’s former boss who had fired him and seemingly ruined our lives. I thought I would NEVER be able to make friends again—at least none like the ones I had before. But I had made an enemy. I was so bitter and angry and mad and I would lie awake in my bed at night thinking mean thoughts against him.

So what does the Bible say about handling a situation like this? Let’s take a look!

9.30
Read Text

Matthew 5:38-39. – This is Jesus talking. Matthew 5 is the first chapter in what Christians today call “The Sermon on the Mount.” This passage is taken from that setting. Jesus is probably telling this to a huge amount of listeners. Jesus is taking things that these people, the Jews, have been brought up with and is giving them new meaning.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

STOP.

What are some of your first reactions to this first part of the passage?
What is Jesus’ main point here?

Jesus starts by telling them not to get revenge. Instead, turn the other cheek!! That sounds crazy, doesn’t it?

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

And then He goes even further! Not only should we “turn the other cheek”—we need to love our enemies and pray for them. Ahh! This is NOT easy stuff.

Does the Bible have anything else to say about this?

9.35
Textual Cross References

Exodus 21:24-27

…eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

If a man hits a manservant or maidservant in the eye and destroys it, he must let the servant go free to compensate for the eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of a manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free to compensate for the tooth.

Proverbs 25:21

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Isaiah 50:6

I offered my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face
from mocking and spitting.

1 Peter 2:20-23

But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

Luke 6:28

…bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

9.40am
Questions

Take some time now, in your small groups, to answer these questions.

Do you have any enemies in your lives?
How do people around you act like they are your enemy?
What do they do to hurt you: emotionally or physically?
How do you act like an enemy to others? Are there places where you are doing this right now? (I think the text assumes we wouldn’t initiate something bad but I think we do – just think about how teens treat each other.)
When someone treats you poorly what do you want to do to make it right?
How do you want to get them back?
What steps could to take to reconcile with this person?
How do you handle how you feel vs. what is the right thing to do?

9.50am
Devotional

How many of you guys like action movies? [pause] I just love it when the hero gets back at the villains. One of my favorite movies is Indiana Jones. Have you guys ever seen those movies? Oh, man, I love it when they kick the bad guys’ butts. But you know what? Jesus calls us to something higher than that. It’s so easy to feel angry towards people isn’t it?

Just the other day I was driving back here to school from home and was feeling very bitter and angry toward a person I knew for the way they had hurt me. They had become my enemy. I was going through all the lies this person had told me and all the things this person had done to me and then remembered that I still had to finish planning my lesson when I got back to school.

Then it clicked.

My lesson was about loving my enemies.

Praying for them.

So I prayed… for my enemy.

And you know what? It began to change my heart. Do you guys know what a rabbi is? Rabbi is the Hebrew word for “teacher.” Rabbis, in Jesus’ day, were sort of like our pastors or Sunday school teachers. Well, the traditional teachings of these rabbis said that when someone wronged you, instead of judging them or plotting revenge against them or hating them, you were supposed to try and come up with every possible situation that would give them the benefit-of-the-doubt. You had to try to think of every possible scenario that involved your “enemy” having pure motives or the best interest at heart.

And there is another lesson. Often times we develop enemies because we judge. We make enemies we don’t even need to have! Have you ever been hurt by someone and felt extremely bitter towards them only to find out they didn’t mean to hurt you at all?! That’s no fun to have to apologize for judging them then, is it? Or maybe you’ve hurt someone unintentionally before too. I know I have and I would never want that person to be bitter—especially if I didn’t even mean it.



So what can we do to avoid hating our enemies and start loving our enemies like Jesus told us to?

Pray.

Jesus says it: “Pray for those who persecute you!” But why pray? Why do you guys think we should pray for our enemies? [pause] You see, the prayer is not even so much for the other person as it is for us who pray. We’re going to practice this in just a moment, but when you pray for your enemy, your heart for them begins to change. God does something in our hearts when we pray for those who persecute us. When we pray for our enemies, God gives us His heart for those people.

God loves everybody just the same. There are many people who reject God and make God an enemy of theirs, aren’t there? But God still loves them! His love is unconditional! Does anyone know what “unconditional” means? [pause] It means that no matter what happens, no matter what you do, God is going to love you. God loves no matter what. So as we begin to pray, let’s remember to ask God to give us His heart on this issue; that we would love our enemies unconditionally.

9.55
Prayer Time

Go around group(s) and have everyone pray for someone else who is having trouble loving an enemy. Pray that God would help them to learn how to love their enemies in a Christ-like way.

9.57
Closing Prayer – God, teach us what it means to love our enemies and give us the strength and the heart to do so.

the second teaching report

hours (2 hours preparation, 1.5 Sunday school, 1.5 Worship, 2 hours church related service)

My lesson:

Matthew 5:17-20. this is about Jesus teaching about the law and his fulfillment of it.

Materials:
bible
John Stott commentary
Study questions
willing attitude

sequence:

9:15- greeting

9:25- prayer and reading of the passage

9:30- opening thoughts

9:45- Back ground and context of Verses
historical background- Jesus giving his sermon on the mount and to whom it was given to.

9:50- study questions
John stott commentary used a s a guide with study questions form his personal devotions

10:20-personal application
my knowledge and what i took form this passage as well as others thoughts.

10:30- closing prayer and final conclusion
my summary of what was talked about today

response:
The response was good. Many people talked. When i say many i mean the six people that were there. each person had something to include in the questions. Though we did get off on some tangents they were redirected straight back to the topic at hand. from the conclusions it seemed people learned something. I believe the saying is, "I think seeds were planted."

teacher's response:

first impressions:
-Good beginning of class: review of previous class material, moving on form there to the new section of the biblical text
-solicits active involvement of class participants right from the start by asking them to summarize, read a passage, etc.

What i did well:
- good transitions between stages of the lesson: building successful links between the content of the passage/ study questions and what people say
-leads people in an understanding manner- does not dominate discussions
-thorough pre-lesson preparation
-ends the lesson with a summary
facilitates rather than preaches

What i need to work on:
-minor issues:
--shorten pauses
--show a bit more confidence
--speak more loudly

Questions:
1. What kind of Sunday school be facilitated and what kind of
sunday school should be preached to?
2. Is there a specific order that the class material should be given in? should we keep to a calender?

Report #8

A. Time Spent This Week: 5 (SS= 1.5 Morning/Evening Service=3.5)

B. My Class This Week

1. Optimistic – This week I was hopeful that a leader would actually show up and teach the class. There hasn’t been a solid teacher in about 3 weeks and its starting to get ridiculous. I wish that I would have been made aware of the fact that no one was going to teach so that I could teach. This class doesn’t need someone it needs something or anything. So because I really wasn’t prepared, I wasn’t able to hop up on stage and take charge. Instead, I decided I was going to make it a goal to get to know some of the guys in the group really well and hang out with them.
   

2. New Friends – I decided I was going to become friends with those guys, and I did. It was really cool. I just sat down with them and they accepted me pretty quick. A lot quicker than I would have accepted someone in high school. So we got to sit down and talk about a few things. Overall I just wanted them to know that I was no one special, just another “kid” wanting to be their friend. We talked about movies, sports, and stupid stories. After absolutely no one showed up leadership wise, we decided to go to Handy Andy to get some drinks. We had about an hour before church started, so we sat down and talked a little bit. Still more of the usually nothing in our discussion, but it was good just to hang out with some students.
   

C. Questions

1. How have you guys connected with your students?
2. Random question, but important: “How do we as future pastors deal with friendships with girls? I always tend to hang out with the guys in Sunday school just to be above reproach. Its not that I’m tempted, I just don’t want to be in an uncomfortable situation. How do we handle relationships with the opposite sex?”

Response #7

1. What are some good topics or textual topics to focus on at the junior high age to avoid being redundant?

Well, in jr. high, there are many things the students struggle with. As a result of that, I think there are an endless amount of topics that you can talk about with them. Everything from sex to cheating is fair game. Not that it is bad for a teacher to talk about salvation and forgiveness of sins, but there is so much more involved in Christianity. One thing I personally would love to see taught more in today’s church to the younger students is the importance of outreach and reaching the poor. I feel as if this is a forgotten topic for young people because it is uncomfortable. I’m thankful that more and more this is become a topic of conversation among adults, but why not bring it to students as well? If we begin to instill in them the importance of taking care of our poor and “forgettable” then maybe we will see a complete turnaround in outreach in the future.

2. Should you always have a back-up plan for your lesson for a case such as a very small amount of students showing up?

While having a back-up plan would be a good thing, I think it is more important to just plan your lesson so that it can relate to any size of group that may show up. Plan your games so that they work with 2 people or 20 people. Now I know sometimes that isn’t possible, so in those cases, just create back up games that you can use in case no one shows up. But there is no need to totally change up your plan just because a few people didn’t show up. Just changing the game would be suitable. Always be prepared though. I learned that in Boy Scouts and it’s a good motto. Also, just trust that God will use the things you have prepared. Just be prepared.

Practicum Report #7 (Joel)

A. Time Spent This Week: 7 (Sunday school=1; morning service=2; band practice=1.5; evening service=2.5)

B. My Class This Week:

1. Before Class. Before class I spent some time hanging out with a kid named Caleb. He was the only boy there when I arrived a little before class started. He was playing basketball and so I shot with him and rebounded for him for a while. He seemed pretty shy but I tried to make some conversation with him.

2. Class Time. Another practicum student taught in my class this week. Apparently it was the first weekend of Spring Break for many local junior highers because attendance was at an all-time low since I've been there. My supervisor failed to inform the student teacher of this previous to class so she had to make some last minute adjustments to her games and lesson plan. We broke into small groups and I co-led a group with my supervisor. The boy from before class, Caleb, was in my group along with Gayle, Hannah, and Nick. We had some good discussion but the lesson seemed to strike these kids as somewhat redundant. It was somewhat of a salvation message dealing with the forgiveness of sin.

C. My Questions This Week

1. What are some good topics or textual topics to focus on at the junior high age to avoid being redundant?

2. Should you always have a back-up plan for your lesson for a case such as a very small amount of students showing up?