Teacher Policy
January 25, 1995 / Revised November 27, 1998
SUNDAY SCHOOL, CHILDREN'S & YOUTH TEACHER POLICY -
GRACE BIBLE CHURCH, WAPPINGERS, NEW YORK
Teaching others is a sacred responsibility. James 3:1 warns, Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgement." We do not believe we need to be afraid for God is merciful and the Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill His will, but we do believe that the responsibility of teaching should be taken seriously.
Article VI, Section A of the Constitution of Grace Bible Church, Wappingers, New York as revised on November 22, 1998 states the following: In order to ensure a Christian example and a living testimony, all officers, members of committees, teachers of church-sponsored Bible studies and classes, Sunday School teachers and Sunday School officers shall be thoroughly examined by the Elders as to their spiritual and moral qualifications. In order to fulfill this provision of the church Constitution and to stress the serious nature of being a teacher, the following policy of examination is implemented for those who teach in the Sunday School, church sponsored Bible studies, Primary/Junior Church or other children's or youth program.
1) Each candidate to teach in the Sunday School, church sponsored Bible study, Primary/Junior Church or other children's or youth program shall fill out the attached questionnaire and return it to the individual overseeing that ministry (Sunday School Superintendent, Christian Education Director, or assigned Elder as the case may be).
2) The individual overseeing that ministry (Sunday School Superintendent, Christian Education Director or assigned Elder as the case may be) will review the application and, then, if the candidate meets his criteria for a teacher, will make arrangements for the candidate to meet with the Elders. The application will be given to the Elders for their review at least one week prior to the meeting. The individual overseeing that ministry will act as an advocate for the teacher candidate and be present with the candidate when he/she is examined by the Elders.
3) The Elders will examine every new teacher prior to their taking on a teaching position. The purpose of the Elder’s examination is to be positive in nature. The desire is to encourage and support new teachers as well as screen them to make sure unqualified people do not teach until they become qualified. Areas for the Board to examine include: 1) agreement with the church Statement of Faith;. 2) personal walk with the Lord; 3) desire/ability to teach (willingness to be trained); 4) accountability & support.
4) The candidate may begin regular teaching duties after they have received approval by the Elders. All teachers are subject to periodic review or special review if questions as to their qualifications arise. Any teacher may be removed by the Elders at their discretion. The Elders will meet with any teacher so removed to work out the problem that caused the removal.
January 25, 1995 / Revised November 27, 1998
TEACHER QUESTIONNAIRE
Teaching others is a sacred responsibility. James 3:1 warns, Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgement." We do not believe we need to be afraid for God is merciful and the Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill His will, but we do believe that the responsibility of teaching should be taken seriously.
Article VI, Section A of the Constitution of Grace Bible Church, Wappingers, New York as revised on November 22, 1998 states the following: In order to ensure a Christian example and a living testimony, all officers, members of committees, teachers of church-sponsored Bible studies and classes, Sunday School teachers and Sunday School officers shall be thoroughly examined by the Elders as to their spiritual and moral qualifications.
In order for the Elders to efficiently fulfill its responsibilities it asks that every person who desires to teach a class in Sunday School, church sponsored Bible study, Primary/Junior Church or other children's or youth program to fill out the following questionnaire and return it to the individual responsible for the ministry in which you desire to be involved (Sunday School Superintendent, Christian Education Director or assigned Elder). After review, you will be asked to meet with the Elders.
Name
Are you a member of Grace Bible Church? How long?
Are you in agreement with the church Statement of Faith? (If you have any disagreements or reservations about the Statement of Faith, describe them below or on reverse side.)
Class you desire to teach.
Why do believe the Lord may be calling you to teach?
List any previous teaching experience.
List any teacher training you have received.
Are you currently involved in any teacher training? If so, what?
Are you willing to be involved in teacher training?
Describe your current walk with the Lord (i.e. habits in Bible reading, prayer, worship, etc.
Do you have any habits or practices that would compromise your position as a teacher, be in conflict with what the Scriptures teach, or could be legitimately challenged by your students?
If yes, describe below or on reverse side.
Have you ever been accused of child abuse or child molestation?
If yes, give details below, on reverse side or separate paper.
The above statements are true,
Signature Date:
False or misleading statements constitute fraud and will result in immediate removal from all teaching positions and may result in church discipline.
