Church Decorum Series: Because You Won’t Know, Unless You’re Taught
Lesson Two: Learn To Be A Student | Lesson One: Be Observant
Let’s say you visit a church, find that you really like it, and are extended the right hand of fellowship. You meet with the Pastor and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the church. But then you start asking yourself, “What rules am I supposed to keep?”
Have you ever found yourself in this predicament?
When I went to the first Church Of God In Christ International Holy Convocation held in St. Louis, I was impressed, but a little disheartened, by a book that our Presiding Bishop and Mother Blake wrote about how the saints should deport themselves. While the information was very useful, I was surprised that we needed to be told some very basic things.
Then I remembered when I first came to the holiness church. Can you believe I did not even own a dress! I did not know what to say or what to do. I felt so inadequate those first few times I visited.
For those of us who have been in the church for a long time, we tend to assume that everyone knows the basics of church decorum. But over time, I’ve come to realize that there are just some things we won’t know – unless we are taught.
Well have no fear, this year I am here to help! It’s 2013, a brand new year, and I will be focusing on church decorum – those things we wished someone told us so we wouldn’t have felt out in left field while everyone else was in right. I’ll be covering lots of topics, including presiding, speaking and teaching; praying for different occasions; dressing modestly; altar work and laying on of hands and more. I’ll also be taking topics from you! Simply email your suggestion to Blog@holinesstabernaclecogic.org and you just may find your idea as the focus of one of my monthly blog posts.
Before we begin, I would like to start with a disclaimer: RULES AND REGULATIONS DIFFER FROM CHURCH TO CHURCH. IT IS ALWAYS WISE TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE PARTICULAR CHURCH YOU ATTEND.
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I am a Sunday School teacher. Teaching is my passion and I love the interaction of a class. I teach adults and I love it. I have all kinds of students in my class.
The Late Ones: these are the ones who are consistently late to class. They come in, sit in the back and spend the rest of the class time trying to figure out what we are discussing. These are also the ones who distract the other students, asking them what page we are on and what are we talking about. They always ask questions that have already been addressed or make comments that have already been made. I usually have these students sit towards the front of class, letting them know that I have an assigned seat for them. Then I give them a brief summary of what has already been discussed.
The Unprepared: these are the ones who never read their lesson. They always come in with an excuse about what happened to their book – they were moving or they switched bags or they just can’t find it. Sometimes they are so embarrassed to say they misplaced their book (for the fifth time), they quietly blend in with the class and do not contribute to the discussion. I tend to walk around when I teach so when I discover these students, I quietly pass them another book.
The Correctors: these are the ones who always have to correct anyone who stumbles over a word while reading or add to every comment contributed to the discussion. These students, by the way, do not like to be corrected themselves. I playfully “mute and un-mute” these students throughout our class time to give others the opportunity to contribute. And if I correct them, they tend to get an attitude and not contribute anymore for the remainder of class.
There is an art to being a student. Firstly, you should strive to be on time to class. When you are consistently late you’re letting people know that you don’t care much about the class. Instead, you should read your lesson before (not during) class, and as you read the lesson, write down any questions or comments you would like to contribute to the class.
Secondly, students should not correct other students in class. It embarrasses the student and makes them feel that their contribution is not important. A student prefers to be corrected by the teacher. While I am teaching I’ll correct a student without making them feel awkward. Because I understand that everyone is not a good reader, I don’t constantly correct people as they read. It’s really not that important and we’ll have the chance discuss the verses in-depth anyway.
Thirdly, as you sit in class learn to listen and not make all the comments. This tends to intimidate the shy students. Always give others an opportunity to speak – you’ll be amazed at how just a few moments of silence can coax others into joining the discussion.
Fourthly, stay on topic and don’t ask questions that are not germane to the discussion. The teacher only has a limited time to cover the lesson and you will not get to the meat of the lesson if you ask questions that will take the class off topic.
Most of all learn to learn from your teacher. All teachers have different teaching styles. If you are a visual learner, draw pictures and diagrams in your book to better help you understand. If you are an auditory learner, listen carefully and do not be distracted by movements and try to sit towards the front of class so you won’t be distracted every time someone enters the class. If you are hands-on find activities when you are studying your lesson that will help you connect with it. Becoming a student is not hard you just have to work at it. Happy learning!