Teach
Spiritual gifts: Exhortation, Knowledge, Pastor, Teaching
For those called to teach, there are many opportunities at Petaluma Valley Baptist Church. All teachers must be held to a high standard as role models and possess a solid Biblical foundation.
Small Group Leader
Small groups meet regularly, usually from twice a month to weekly, either on church campus or in homes. Similar to church meetings described in Acts 2, these are gatherings that permit developing long-term, deeper relationships with other believers, and establish a measure of mutual support and accountability. A small group leader needs to facilitate discussion, shepherd the group, pray for members, and encourage them in their walk with God. Small group leaders are also called upon to facilitate break-out sessions at church-wide conferences. You will be equipped for this task by a pastor who will suggest topics, activities, and learning materials for use by your group.
Sunday School Teacher (Adult)
Classes meet during either the first or second worship service, and can be on a variety of topics. These classes are excellent opportunities to dive deep into a book of the Bible and solidify participants' knowledge of scripture and sound doctrine. Classes may also use other books, workbooks, or video training materials furnished by the church. A Sunday School teacher needs to be ahead of his students in knowledge of the material being taught, and prepared to teach and lead discussion; pray for members; and encourage them in their walk with God. A regular scheduled commitment is also important for consistency, although teams can also teach a class together effectively. You will be equipped for this task by a pastor who will suggest topics and learning materials for use by your group, and possibly attend a training conference for Sunday School teachers.
Sunday School Teacher (Youth)
Youth (Junior High and High School) meet during the second worship service, and utilize a variety of lecture and break out sessions to reinforce the sermon message and make it relevant to junior high and high school age children. A youth Sunday School teacher needs to be prepared to teach and lead discussion; pray for youth; and encourage them in their walk with God. You will be equipped for this task by the youth pastor who will provide discussion topics for use by your group, and possibly attend a training conference for youth leaders. For the protection of our youth, you will need to undergo a background investigation.
Sunday School Teacher (Children)
Children's Church classes (kindergarten through sixth grade) meet during the first and second worship services, and utilize a variety of age-appropriate materials to teach doctrinal truth in a way that children can understand God's love and plan for their lives. A children's Sunday School teacher needs to be prepared to teach simple lessons and lead activities or crafts; pray for children; and encourage them in their walk with God. You will be equipped for this task by the children's ministry director who will provide curriculum suggestions for use by your class, and possibly attend a training conference for Sunday School teachers. For the protection of our children, you will need to undergo a background investigation.
AWANA Leader, Director, or Commander
Besides boasting some of the coolest titles in church ministry, AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed) is a highly structured and successful program that builds core Bible knowledge through scripture memorization, drama, and fun activities. There are many children who attend AWANA who are not members of our church or any church, so this is a tremendous outreach opportunity to impact Petaluma for Christ. An AWANA leader needs to learn the program rules and materials; attend orientation and training sessions; lead activities including council time (listening to children recite verses and encouraging them); help prepare and present drama to make biblical lessons relevant and engaging (a specialized team); lead game time (a dedicated leader or team); and participate in special events as available (AWANA Games, Pine Wood Derby, etc.). You will be equipped for this task by the AWANA Commander and Director who will provide uniform, curriculum, materials, and organization. You will also be invited to attend a Saturday training session at the beginning of the program year. For the protection of our children, you will need to undergo a background investigation.
