Three Roles of a Youth Sunday School Teacher

Lifeway Leadership recently wrote about the Three Roles of an Adult Sunday School Teacher. I wanted to adapt and expand the article for youth Sunday School teachers.

This list is specific for my situation. Of course there are many more roles and not every teacher will fit this mold. My hope is that you will take what I write, read between the lines, and seek to apply it to your own life.

1. A youth Sunday School teacher is a bridge.

I must remember that I am not the parent of my students. I do not live with them, I do not see them every day, and I am not responsible to discipline them. However, as a teacher in the church, I am to teach them sound doctrine. Part of that includes teaching them to honor and obey their parents in the Lord. I can be a bridge from the students and point them to their parents and ultimately point them to Christ.

2. A youth Sunday School teacher is a model.

I am a young adult. I am assuming that there are other young adults who also teach youth Sunday School. As a young adult, the youth have me in their sights as a model of what it means to be a young adult. Maybe this means being a Christian in college, maybe this means thinking about dating, or maybe this means finding work and starting a career. Youth can look to their younger teachers for a view of the life stage they will be in soon, and what it means to follow Christ at that time.

3. A youth Sunday School teacher is a champion for the youth.

The youth Sunday School teacher knows how to challenge the youth. He knows their struggles. But he also knows their passion, energy, and innovation. Working directly with the youth allows me to love them and show how they can love the church. Give them opportunities, don’t let anyone look down on them, and show how they can be an example for following Christ and living for Him.