Dear Faithful Few,
The following list of suggestions I, myself, have not at all mastered. Yet we are all a work in progress and never a finished product and thank God that we all have The Perfect Teacher. I pass down the wisdom that I have witnessed from living and effective representations of those who faithfully serve our One True Living God. I pray along with the church that He “fills your heart with joy and gladness that you having sufficiency in everything may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). A Blessed New Year of Service and Blessings from The One we serve to all of you. - Maggie Sleman
1- Be the bridge to parents, to the church and its leaders, most importantly to our Lord Jesus Christ. Sadly there are habits that build walls rather than bridges to these very pertinent role models and even our Savior. Understand their grievances but do not agree with their mindset. Rather redirect them to make good faith-based decisions. "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way" (Romans 14:13)
2- Reach out beyond the Sunday routines to emphasize your personal investment in their lives. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
3-Involve the parents by creating a platform where you can share pictures of the kids enjoying a class activity or trip. This gives them an opportunity to discuss positive experiences. "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." (Hebrews 13:16)
4- ENGAGE your children when you’re teaching a lesson. If they are not engaged then there is little to no retention and need for application. Knowing their interests proves to be helpful. To the farmers He spoke about farming; to the tax collectors He spoke about money and to the thirsty Samaritan Woman He asked for a drink. All were able to relate and engage with Him. (Often Revisit The Four Gospels)
5- Keeping secrets is always a desired trait in a servant. However if the secret threatens the life of the child or anyone else then a parent must immediately get involved under the guidance of the priest. "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God" (Romans 13:1)
6-Praying for your children and their families reminds us who we answer to and who we look to for transformation and renewal. It is a beautiful reminder that we rely on Him for everything in service. It’s one sure way to prevent burnout realizing that we freely give what He has freely provided. " And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
7- Practice gratitude to fight off pride and laziness.
Be thankful for it all: the service, your fellow servants, your children, their families, and the ability and willingness to serve. Gratitude yields blessings! "Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."(1Thessalonians 5:16-18)
This is Blog post is the second part of an article beautifully written by Maggie Selman. Our guest author. Maggie is a Therapist, School Counselor, Mom and the greatest of these, Servant of the Living God at St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church Jersey City, NJ.
Check our New Journal and Planner Specifically made for Servants:
A very special journal and planner that helps a servant stay organized with service tasks and also evaluate their way of service to edify and improve theirs way of serving
The journal includes:
1-Weekly planner
2- Weekly meditation ( with a desert fathers and mothers are coming sayings that relate to service)
3- Weekly post meeting/class evaluation
4- Weekly self evaluation
5-Detailed contact list section
6-Notes