Screening in Faith

Sample Ministry Descriptions

Contact Diocesan Program & Youth Consultant for more information

[St. Stephen the Martyr] Anglican Church Mission Statement: Our purpose is to build a strong, loving Christian family of faith and to nurture our spiritual lives as we share God’s love.

Sunday School Purpose: to aid the Christian development of the children of the parish through enjoyable learning experiences introducing them to God’s word and the love of Jesus Christ.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Attitudes

The Sunday School Teacher should be baptized and regularly attend St. Stephen the Martyr Anglican Church. It is preferred that she or he be confirmed in the Anglican Church or will seek confirmation.

She or he should be interested in the Christian development of children and be comfortable working with children, age 2 to 12.

They must agree to the screening policy adopted by the Parish Council.

Appointment

The Sunday School Co-ordinators, in consultation with the Incumbent, appoints the teacher for a one year term, from September to September.

Responsibility

The Teacher is a living witness of Christian love. The teacher works with parents, other teachers, the Sunday School Co-ordinator(s) and the clergy to present a Christian Education program that engages the children and nurtures them in their faith development.

The Teacher agrees to follow the Sunday School Policies as adopted by the Parish Council.

Specific Duties

a. Prepare lessons using curriculum and resources supplied by the Sunday School Co-ordinator(s);

b. Supervise and guide children in completing lessons and projects;

c. Ensure that the area the Sunday School used is clean and presentable after the class is completed;

d. Attend teachers meetings;

e. Assist with special events as related to Sunday School, when possible, example Christmas Party, and

f. Participate in at least one educational activity each year such as the Mutual Ministry Festival or a self-directed activity that can be shared with fellow teachers.

Supervision/Accountability

Sunday School Teachers are accountable to the Sunday School Co-ordinator(s). If the teacher has any problems, the Sunday School Co-ordinator(s) are available to help. The clergy can also be consulted.

If the teacher is unable to be present for the scheduled class, she or he should arrange for a replacement teacher, and if that is not possible, notify the Sunday School Co-ordinator. As a last resort, a message can be left on the Church’s answering machine.

A meeting is held each fall and as need through the year with the Sunday School Co-ordinator(s) and the teachers to plan curriculum for the season and establish a mutually agreeable schedule.

Sunday School Co-ordinator(s) will periodically attend classes to evaluate the effectiveness of the classroom and teaching processes. Sunday School Co-ordinator(s) will communicate regularly with teachers to ensure supplies are available and to determine if there are any problems.

Time Committment

Sunday School starts the first Sunday following Labour Day and ends the second Sunday in June. There is no Sunday School on the first Sunday following Christmas Day or the first Sunday of the new year.

The teacher teaches at least once a month. A class takes about one hour and preparation takes about 2 hours.

When teacher meetings are scheduled, they will be 30-45 minutes, possibly scheduled following the Sunday worship service.

Rewards/Benefits

It is rewarding to see the growth in the Christian knowledge of the children and their delight in completing tasks.

Orientation/Training

The Sunday School Co-ordinator or experienced teacher will assist with the initial classes. A mentoring process will be used with new teachers as requested or required.

Grievance

Problems and concerns should be taken to a Sunday School Co-ordinator. If the problem persists, the Incumbent and/or the Church Wardens are available for consultation.

Non-Renewal Procedures

The Sunday School Co-ordinator(s) may terminate or not renew an appointment for the following reasons:

a. Inability or failure to complete duties including failure to teach as scheduled without notification;

b. Inappropriate use of discipline; and

c. Inappropriate interaction with children.

Appeals regarding a request to terminate or non-renewal are to be taken to the Incumbent and Church Wardens.

Contacts

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