When several volunteers stepped down from teaching third grade Sunday School at LMPC after many years of service, David Caines saw an opportunity. One of those retired teachers was his father-in-law, Sam Smartt. Because Sam’s father had passed away when Sam was nine years old, Sam had a heart for that age group and started teaching third graders at LMPC in 1995. Chip Kelley joined him soon after, and the two taught together for almost twenty years.
David thought, wouldn’t it be great for the next generation to “take up the reins” and carry on this legacy? So, along with three other men from his small group (Phil Jacobs, Peter Lindquist, and Brad Respess), David committed to teaching third grade Sunday School.
By serving in the children’s ministry, David has seen growth not only in his students, but in himself. He notes that it is amazing to see kids come into their own during the year, expressing their thoughts and becoming more confident. He considers it to be a privilege to get to know his students and build relationships with them. Now, he tries to see things through the lens of a third grader as he studies for his class. When he does his own personal study of God’s Word, David underlines and writes “SS” (Sunday School) beside verses he’d like to remember for his class.
Brennan Griffin, children’s director, shared that one of the most successful examples of consistent Sunday School teaching is when small groups share teaching responsibilities. Because members of David’s small group serve together in this team teaching model, they work it out amongst themselves who is teaching which week, ensuring there are no gaps in the schedule. “It’s fun for us to talk and discuss and prepare together,” David said.
David encourages anyone who is thinking about joining the children’s ministry to give it a try. It’s energizing to work with kids, David says, and “you learn best what you teach.” Studying God’s Word to teach it is a way to “remind yourself of real important fundamental truths” while figuring out the best way to communicate the lesson. Plus, volunteer teachers receive all curriculum and plans ready to go from Brennan, so there is not a lot of additional legwork.
One priority David and his co-teachers had from the beginning was teaching kids to hide God’s Word in their hearts now, so when they get older, they “will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).
Who knows? Maybe one day when David and his team retire, a few of the kids they are teaching now will be ready to step in as the next generation of teachers.
If you are interested in serving with the LMPC children’s ministry, please email Brennan at brennan@lmpc.org.
