Being called as a teacher doesn’t instantly grant you incredible teaching powers. Planning lessons might not come easily. Public speaking might scare you. And despite your best efforts to engage everyone, people might still play games on their phones.
The good news is, when it comes to serving in the Church, willingness matters much more than having experience. As Brother Gabriel W. Reid of the Sunday School General Presidency taught in the most recent general conference, the Savior didn’t expect His disciples to master teaching before they followed Him. Rather, “He promised that He would make them into who He needed them to be.”
This promise extends to you, too—no matter how comfortable you are in front of a crowd or guiding a discussion. Here are just a few practical tips—outside the usual lesson preparation steps—that can help you truly connect with your class.
1. Learn the Names of People You Teach
Your class may be big or small, made up of children, youth, or adults. No matter who you teach, the act of learning and using their names is a simple way to help them feel known and loved. (Note: For more advice specific to the age group you teach, check out these suggestions in Teaching in the Savior's Way.)
Speaking of his childhood Primary teachers, Brother Reid said,
“Our teachers faithfully prepared each lesson, but what I remember most is how they loved us. They knew us personally—even by name. Their love helped us feel the Savior’s love, and feeling His love helped us feel the truth of His gospel.”
You could start by studying the names on your class list in Member Tools, saying hi to people you don’t know when you pass them in the halls, or making time for people to introduce themselves before the lesson starts or during discussion comments.
2. Practice Talking About the Gospel Outside of Class
If you talk about something enough, it becomes second nature to bring it up in a conversation. Just ask my friend’s family, who can communicate almost entirely, and effortlessly, in movie quotes.
The same principle goes for talking about Christ. The more we speak of Him throughout the week, the easier it will be to do while teaching. You won’t have to go into formal teaching mode or lead a flawless discussion—you can just be yourself. Focusing your lesson on Christ will feel less like a stretch and more like a natural part of your everyday conversations.
This doesn’t mean your everyday conversations need to become testimony meetings. Talking of Christ could be as simple as sharing something you studied recently, mentioning an experience you had at church, or explaining how your faith influences a decision you’re making.
3. Do One Thing Before Sunday to Feel Christ’s Love
The more connected you are personally to the Savior and His love, the easier it will be to teach others and help them connect to Him in genuine ways. Reflecting on his time serving as a mission leader with his wife, Brother Reid taught, “We learned that the surest way to truly love those we taught was to deepen our love for the One we taught about.”
What helps you feel Christ’s love? Listening to or playing hymns? Watching a sunset? Going on a walk with a friend? Reading scriptures in the temple? Whatever helps you feel the Savior’s love, set a goal to do at least one of those things before your class on Sunday.
You Can Do This
Teaching in church might feel intimidating at times, but remember, you’re not on your own! The Lord will strengthen you. You don’t have to rely on your strengths alone.
If you need to hear that again, consider what Brother Reid said on the subject:
“If you are wondering whether you are good enough to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, the answer is yes! Not because you know everything. Not because you have every teaching skill. Not because you always feel capable or confident. Because you can love the Master Teacher!”
At the end of the day (or the end of your 25-minute lesson), that’s what really matters— loving the Lord and loving others for Him. There’s no guarantee your lesson will be “perfect” if you do that, but it will be centered on all the best things: Jesus Christ, His gospel, and love—the motivating force behind it all.
More articles for you:
▶ The power of a short lesson: Making 25 minutes count
▶ What to do if Sunday School rarely fills your cup
▶ I grew up in a crime-riddled neighborhood, but my Young Men leader taught me I could build a happy life
