Today I received a surprise. This morning I was asked to become the teacher for a group of 7 year olds at church.
Oh boy.
I am not too sure how things are done in other churches, but when I tell folks how we do things they act like it is odd, so I will briefly explain for the sake of clarity. In our church we don't have a paid clergy, rather we have a lay clergy. All those in positions in the church, leadership, teaching, facilities management, material management, financial affairs, and so on, are held by local members of the church. We all volunteer our time to fill these different "callings" (the term we use for positions in the church). We fill these callings temporarily, and are then released. For instance, one who serves as a Bishop (the presiding authority at the local level) is simply called from the congregation, assessed to be worthy to hold the position, and then serve for an average of five years. Once they are "released" from their position they are often called to another (just about every single member, unless you request not to, has a calling of some sort). It isn't uncommon for someone to go from a calling as a Bishop to then watching with the 2 year olds in the children's nursery. It is wonderful as everyone gets to serve in an incredibly wide variety of different capacities.
So the local leaders today called me to teach in the Primary (the organization for the children). Now, every Sunday, I get to work with and teach eight seven year olds. They are rambunctious, obnoxious, irreverent, and crazy.
They are also kind, generous, sincere, and full of joy and hope. I love them already.
I have worked with them a few times before as their previous teachers asked my wife and I to fill in (they were sick or out of town), and already feel somewhat protective of them. And the more I think about it, it really is a great responsibility. I have the opportunity to teach these open, willing minds more about Jesus Christ and the plan He has prepared for us. It is both tiring and rewarding, and should be lots of fun. I am sure they will teach me tons as well.
I only hope I can teach them something too.