Beyond the Classroom: A New Approach to Christian Education

By Rev. Oneal Sandidge PhD D.Min.

Beyond the Classroom provides an easy-to-read plan for church pastors and church leaders to improve Christian education in the church. Teaching and teacher training are the main emphasis of the book. The scholar and former director of Christian education in a New York megachurch provides the AZ plan for developing or improving Christian education.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jun 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512791495

Rev. Oneal Sandidge PhD D.Min.

This book is written by a scholar, Rev. Oneal Sandidge, PH.D.; Harvard Fellow; D. Min.; M.R.E.; M.A.; B.A. Dr. Sandidge, a former pastor for eleven years, has been a middle school teacher, teaching all subjects and grades 4-8 for eighteen years. Professor Sandidge has served as a college administrator for 4 years and as Associate Professor of Christian for many years in several undergraduate and graduate schools, including teaching Curriculum Development and Teaching Methods at Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia, GA and taught, i.e.: Creative Teaching, Introduction to Christian education, Apologetics, Old and New Testament courses, and Teaching Bible Study. He has served on dissertation committees and taught Graduate Research in the School of Education, graduate Church Leadership, Evangelism, and Bible classes at Liberty University. The former resident of Amherst County, Virginia near Lynchburg, VA has served as Visiting Editor at Interdenominational Theological Center (I.T.C.) for a special journal edition on Christian Education in the Twenty-First Century. He holds degrees from Lynchburg College (B.A.), Howard University (M.R.E.), Columbia University (M.A.-History of Black Church, American Education, and Christian Education-Kappa Delta-Pi Honor Society), Drew University (D.Min. - Ministry), Capella University (PH.D.-Higher Education-Sum Cum Laude). He presented the third national study in the U.S. on Christian education in the Black Church. He is a Harvard Merrill Fellow. He is the son of the late Wardie and Hattie Dawson Sandidge; husband of Janice Oliver Sandidge. The Director of Christian education in a New York mega church is a 2015 recipient of one of the Most Noted Christian Educators of the 20th Century (Talbot School of Theology and Biola University). Dr. Sandidge is in Halls of Fame (Memphis and Lynchburg College) and has many awards for his works in Christian education. He is a national lecturer on Christian education. He is the author of six books on Christian education and many scholarly articles in Christian education. His national attention is numerous. The former pastor for eleven years brings the best ideas to Christian education to all churches and specializes in Christian education within the Black church. The Harvard alumnus serves as volunteer interviewer for Harvard College Admissions for Virginia. Dr. Sandidge currently resides in the Richmond, VA area. Read more: Google: Dr. Oneal Sandidge/Talbot/Biola University. For booking: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

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Copyright © 2017 Rev. Oneal Sandidge, Phd; D.min.

Author Credits: Chapter 8, the book cover design, and 2016 Foreword by Kendrix L. Brown.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

WestBow Press

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-6718-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-6719-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-9149-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017909160

WestBow Press rev. date: 06/14/2017

Contents

2017 Foreword

2001 Foreword

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Part I – Basic Teaching Skills for Teachers/Leaders

Chapter 1 – What Is Christian Teaching?

a.   What is Bible Teaching?

b.   What is Knowledge?

c.   What is Wisdom?

d.   What is Anointing?

e.   What is Discipline?

f.   What is Righteousness?

g.   What is Love?

PART II – Helping Church Leaders Become Effective Teachers

Chapter 2 – The Pastor’s Responsibility for Teacher Training

a.   The Director of Christian Education

b.   Teacher Attendance at Bible Study and Worship

c.   Pastors’ Commitment and Dedication to Teachers/ Leaders

d.   Committed Pastors Have a Desire to Teach

e.   Pastors Should Attend at Least One Teacher Training Session

f.   Pastors Should Encourage Continuous Teacher Training

g.   Pastors Should Review the Needs of the Entire Church

h.   Pastors Should Encourage the DCE to Sign Dismissal Slips

i.   Pastors Should Visit Every Church School Class

Chapter 3 – Motivating Teachers and Learners

a.   Motivating Teachers

b.   Causes for Spiritual Depletion

c.   Pastors and Teachers Can Motivate Learners

PART III – Training Church Teachers in the African American Church

Chapter 4 – Training Prospective Teachers

Section One – Prior Knowledge for all Teachers

a.   The Pastor’s and Church’s Goals and Church Mission Statement

b.   Denominational Beliefs

c.   Baptist Beliefs

d.   Baptist Ordinances

e.   Qualifications for Church Membership

f.   The Articles of Faith and Church Covenant

g.   The Goals of Ministries

h.   Scriptures Often Shared with Leaders

i.   Scripture to Help Teachers Understand Their Task

j.   General Fellowship and Study

k.   History of Christian Education

l.   The New Testament Early Church: Instruction, Worship, and Fellowship

m.   Important New Testament Education Terms

n.   History of the Sunday Church School and African American Sunday School

o.   Important Black People and Events in Black History

Section 2 – Challenges for the New Teacher

a.   General Job Responsibilities for Teachers

b.   The Director of Christian Education

c.   Laws of Teaching

d.   Roles of the Teacher

e.   Self-discipline for Teachers

f.   The Teacher’s Commitment

g.   Implications for Bible Study

h.   The Bible and Children: Teaching with Drama

i.   Prayer

j.   Curriculum

Section Three – Focus on the Student

a.   Life Issues in the African American Community

b.   Classroom Discipline

c.   Methods of Classroom Management

Section Four – Biblical Principles, Planning the Lesson, Teaching Methods, and the Teaching Internship

a.   Biblical Principles for Teachers

b.   Planning the Lesson

c.   Elements of an Effective Lesson Plan

d.   Teaching Methods

e.   The Lesson Plan

f.   Planning Activities

g.   The Teaching Internship

Section Five – The Development of the Learner

a.   Children

b.   Understanding How Children Grow

c.   Helping Learners

PART II – Updating Teaching Skills

Chapter 5 – Training Current Teachers and Leaders

a.   Teaching Among Leaders of the Church

b.  T he Twelve Goals for Leaders of Teacher Training

c.   Retreats

Chapter 6 – The Creative Teacher

a.   Characteristics for Creativity

b.   Teaching Creativity and Teaching Creatively

c.   Twenty-One Creative Projects and Creative Strategies

d.   Portfolios

e.   Storytelling

PART III – The New Millennium and African American Christian Education

Chapter 7 – Christian Education in the New Millennium

a.   How Much Ethnicity Should Be a Part of the Curriculum?

b.   What Do We Say to Our Pastor Who Does Not Endorse Christian Education?

Part IV – Glancing at the Millennial Age Group

Chapter 8 –An Interview with a Millennial Introduction and Interviewing Mr. Kendrix L. Brown, M.ed.

Chapter 9 – Topics that are Often Overlooked in Christian Education

References

About the Author

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to all who teach in churches, regardless of ethnicity. It is dedicated to learners who seek to know more about how to grow in the Lord.

This book has a special dedication to God, Pastor- Rev. Scottie Craft; my wife, Janice Oliver; my deceased parents, the late Wardie Sandidge and late Hattie Dawson Sandidge; children: Ieke Monique and Jermaine Oneal; godsons: Ronnie A. Clark, Eric M. Baskerville, Sr. and Kendrix L. Brown; goddaughter: Antoinette Vallrie Mosley; daughter-in laws: Tiffany Smith Sandidge and Tonia Clark; son-in law: Ezzard Mosley; friends: James Tinsley, Jr., Wayne Dawkins, Belinda Tinsley Gaines, and Gloria (NeeCee) Tinsley Witt. Also this book is dedicated to a sister: Arlean S. Hunter; an uncle: Robert Dawson; two aunts: Dorothy Jones and Cammie Miller; Cousins: Sidney Miller, Charles Dawson, Clarence Dawson, Robert Tucker, Ernest Haynes, Deborah Dawson Harris, Linda Dawson, Jean Dawson, Virleen Stevenson, Linda Crawford, Frances Dawson, Jacqueline Jones, Connie Rucker, and; Brothers and sisters –in-laws: Bishop David and Rev. Barbara Slaughter and William C. Oliver Sr. and Gloria Oliver; To all church pastors and special dedication to Pastors: C.W. Dunning and Artemus Dixon; and Deacon Grady and Deaconess Betty Davis.

SPECIAL DEDICATION PAGE

This page is to recognize and to inspire grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins to write their dreams

Grandchildren

♦ Mekhi Sandidge

♦ Eric Baskerville, Jr.

♦ J’Allen Clark

♦ Nadyia Clark

Nieces and Nephews

♦ William (Bill) and Denise Hunter

♦ Larry and Coral Hunter

♦ Elroy C. Jones

♦ Elmonte Jones

♦ Antwan Ashton

♦ The late Rodney G. Oliver

♦ Joseph (Joey) Oliver

♦ Ciera Hunter

♦ Celeste Hunter

♦ Celina Hunter

♦ Jayden Hunter

♦ Talitha slaughter

♦ Azell Slaughter

♦ Kimberly Oliver

2017 FOREWORD

Mr. Kendrix L. Brown, M.Ed.

From the time I could walk my life has been dedicated to my passion for the game of basketball. I played as a youth, at the high school level, and served as a caption while playing in college. After collage I spent time coaching at all three levels. I have since walked away from the game, but there is one lesson that will always stick with me. That lesson lies in the difference between being goal-oriented and process-oriented.

A goal-oriented mindset is consumed with the end results. One can only see success as a victory in the end and is therefore likely to lose sight of the all the details that goes into positive results. On the other hand, someone who is process-oriented stays focused on the present and the task at hand. This person knows that the only way to success is to emphasize all the details and work that precedes the desired results. By doing so, one falls in love with the process and then trusts that the results will follow.

In Beyond the Classroom, Dr. Oneal Sandidge follows the same line of thinking by providing Christian educators with a road map to process-oriented teaching. He begins with laying a solid foundation by defining Christian teaching. He then goes on to meticulously examine every detail that goes into effective education. These details include: pastoral responsibilities, motivation of students and teachers, training teachers, and creativity. In Chapter 8 Dr. Sandidge begins the much-needed dialogue with the current generation of Millennials through our interview.

For years Dr. Sandidge has provided a wealth of knowledge to countless communities as a pastor, educator, administrator, and mentor. Beyond the Classroom condenses all of his wisdom and experience into a useful and straightforward guidebook for all Christian educators. The pages of this book provide a detailed, process-oriented plan to having successful education in the Christian church.

2001 FOREWORD

Dr. Merrill-Jean Bailey

In this very thorough treatise on the education of the teacher in a Christian education setting, Dr. Sandidge provides the reader with a solid A-Z plan for equipping Christian educators. The author not only provides a comprehensive teacher training package, but he also builds this package on the foundation of Scripture. This manual approach not only addresses the gift of teaching of the prospective teacher, but it also presents an administrative framework for those who are planning and coordinating teacher training in the local church.

He sets the stage for the training process by defining integral terms that are related to teaching in the Christian setting. It is important to understand that teaching is a gift from God, and that the teacher is to be governed by the principles established in God’s Holy Word. It is critical for Christian educators to clearly understand what, why, and how to teach. Dr. Sandidge outlines these tenets in chapter 1.

The second chapter examines the responsibilities of the pastor as he relates to Christian education. The Word is unequivocally clear about the duty of the pastor to be involved in Christian education from the identification of teachers though the participation, himself, in teaching and teacher training activities. His need to establish a close working relationship with the Director of Christian Education is emphasized. The author spells out, in very unambiguous language that the pastor must be in partnership with the church’s Department of Christian Education.

The concept of motivation—both of the teacher and of the learner—is explored in chapter 3. Again, the pastor’s role is to motivate the teacher. Motivation is a complex subject, but the author has accepted the challenge to present the concepts in a way that generates a response from the reader. Dr. Sandidge correctly suggests that motivation is a continuous process because the teacher can be spiritually depleted. His awareness of the ins and outs of motivation, presented in concise and understandable language, forces the prospective teacher to examine the reason why he or she wants to teach.

The core of the work is in chapter 4, where the author presents a detailed approach to teacher training. He helps the reader to discover, first, the organizational framework for Christian education; then, the overall task of the teacher; next, issues relative to the learner; then, the lesson plan process; and, finally, description of how students are developed. Dr. Sandidge does not leave any stones unturned as he presents an all-encompassing approach to training teachers in the African American church. He continues in chapter 5 by identifying specific training resources for current teachers and in chapter 6 ways to incorporate creativity in the teaching process.

In the final chapter, the author analyzes teaching in the twenty-first century. The vast changes in our society must be acknowledged and addressed through the arm of Christian education. Those of us, who plan, administer, and implement Christian education will be greatly helped by this analytical exposition on teacher training for Christian educators. As in his other religious books, Dr. Sandidge has presented an exceptional work that will be a source of great help not only to African American churches, but all churches serving a significant African American.

Dr. Merrill-Jean Bailey

Former General Secretary,

National Baptist Congress of Christian

Education, NBC, USA, Inc.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To Those Who Assisted with Chapter Four

A special thanks to my wife, Janice Oliver and the Rev. Ronnie Clark, Nashville, Tennessee, formerly of Lynchburg, Virginia, for taking time to assist in this work and former video productions. (This publication has been in part produced on previous video for Training of Teachers at the Convent Avenue Baptist Church in New York City) Thanks to Patricia Spence, former Superintendent of the Sunday Church School at Convent Avenue Baptist Church for taking time to make many helpful suggestions.

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CONTRIBUTIONS

1. 2017 Foreword: Mr. Kendrix L. Brown, M.Ed.

Undergraduate of William & Mary College and graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

2. 2001 Foreword:Dr. Merrill-Jean Bailey

Former General Secretary, National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, NBC, USA, Inc.

3. Cover Design: Mr. Kendrix L. Brown, M.Ed.

4. Chapter 8:

Introduction: Mr. Kendrix L. Brown, M.Ed.

Interview-Mr. Kendrix L. Brown, M.Ed.

         Rev. Oneal Sandidge, Ph.D.; D.Min.

5. 2000-2001 Typist: Rev. Ronnie Clark, B.A.

6. 2010 Typist: Mr. Eric M. Baskerville, Sr., M.S.

7. 2016-2017 Typist: Mr. Kendrix L. Brown, M.Ed.

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INTRODUCTION

Have you ever wondered why some Christians may be so confused? Why are some Christians always fuzzy in faith, church doctrine, and biblical facts? Why do many learners despise attending church activities, including the church school? Why do some church teachers desire to give up or quit, because they are tired of teaching? All questions focus on the need for educating teachers in all churches, including the African American church. Beyond the Classroom presents old, new, and future considerations to help manage, plan, and implement learning experiences for those who thirst and hunger for God or perhaps appear to be at an attained spiritual level.

One oversight in the African American church has been the neglect of education for all those who teach in the church. Educating those who teach in the African American church is unique because African Americans seek the church for Christian education that helps build the whole person. Education that helps the whole person may include how to live a better physical life, resources for self-help, and to learn more about African American culture. This uniqueness requires teachers who not only have knowledge in Christian education, but also are knowledgeable about what is taking place in African American life and her African roots. Many times the church, even with trained leaders, forgets that ministers, deacons, trustees, deaconesses, the minister of music, as well as leaders of ministry teams (including the church school team) need training. Many learners comment that their church teacher does not know how to pronounce words, cannot recall what was taught last week, and does not show any interest in teaching. Anyone who teaches in the church needs to be trained prior to teaching others. The question might be raised, How did our foreparents survive? They survived from what they knew. They did the best they could. Some past leaders misinterpreted many of the Scriptures; the church can no longer afford such a misinterpretation.

Educating teachers in the African American church is still a new topic for some churches. The good report is that more churches envision the need to have various ministries, even a Sunday church school or another form of school or institute for church members. Some churches have Christian schools. Church teachers need a specialized teacher-training program for Christian education.

This book addresses all teachers (pastors, ministers, deacons, deaconesses, trustees, the minister of music, ministry leaders, and church school teachers) in the African American church. The book seeks to assist the pastor, church leaders, the director of Christian education, the superintendent of schools, ministry leaders, Bible college and seminary professors who teach Christian education, and those who desire to learn more about teaching in the African American church.

Beyond the Classroom addresses teachers who teach African Americans, but also includes teachers who teach non-African Americans. The African American church must keep an open-door policy for mixed congregations, even though the enrollment population is predominately African American. Teachers need to learn to teach African Americans, but not limit their teaching to African Americans.

My book Teacher Training in the African American Church presents basics for teachers. This book provides thorough training for all who teach in the church. This training includes the pastor. The pastor serves as a facilitator, assuming that the pastor is educated and understands the need for teacher training. A pastor should endorse Christian education. Many churches neglect to encourage the pastor to update his or her skills: take GED classes and continuing education classes if he or she has less than a high school diploma; and, if a high school graduate, to enroll in a Bible college. A college graduate may enroll in a seminary to learn more about guiding the congregation.

The terms learners and learners will be used interchangeably. The term African American will refer to the population of Americans who are black and perhaps acknowledge African descent.

Chapter one addresses the question, What is Christian Teaching? Chapter Two discusses the pastor’s responsibilities for teacher training. Chapter Three examines motivating teachers and learners. Chapter Four discusses training the prospective teacher. Chapter Five elaborates on training the current teacher. Chapter Six presents the creative teacher, and Chapter Seven provides words about the new millennium and African American Christian education. Finally, Chapter eight alludes to an interview with a Millennial, Kendrix L. Brown, a graduate of William and Mary and recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Mr. Brown and Dr. Oneal Sandidge discuss the subject: A Twenty-First Century thinking of education in the African American church. An Interview about the Millennials captivating the ears of church pastors who desire to incorporate change in Christian education.

All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Author(s) is not responsible for content found in resources. All resources are suggested resources according to available information per a given topic. The writing style for most religious books is MLA. This book incorporates APA writing style.

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PART I

BASIC TEACHING SKILLS FOR

TEACHERS/LEADERS

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CHRISTIAN TEACHING

Teaching the inspired Word of God to all people,

From the different nations and lands,

There is no extent to which it expands.

Teachers sharing, caring, and motivating,

Giving divine insight from the biblical way,

Committing passionately knowledge for each day.

Reaching the saved and unsaved,

The homeless, imprisoned, hopeless, and sick,

God’s love has no pick.

God forgives us respectfully through Jesus Christ,

Reading, listening, and hearing His Word,

His Holy Spirit and Anointing Power, just like a sword.

Even to destroy our yokes,

Teaching reminds us of the way,

Because God has something to say.

Printed by permission: Janice Oliver Sandidge

CHAPTER ONE

WHAT IS CHRISTIAN TEACHING?

Matthew 5:19: "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (New King James Version, Mt. 5.19)

Have you ever been asked what Christian teaching is? Christian teaching differs from public school teaching. Christian teaching creates a meal to satisfy spiritual hunger, and in turn, nourishes the soul for the afterlife. There are many definitions for Christian teaching. In Understanding Teaching, Kenneth Gangel states:

The fact that Christian teaching is God-centered affects its motivation, its ethics, its objectives, and all other phases of the teaching process. Similarly, the acceptance of God’s revealed truth as the basis of the teacher’s curriculum provides a groundwork, which is again a distinction of Christian teaching. (8)

Christian teaching should focus upon God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost and who lived, died resurrected, and will return for His children.

The teacher prepares learners to:

♦ watch

♦ pray

♦ be grounded in biblical truth

♦ demonstrate Christian living

♦ participate in Christian witnessing

♦ serve their fellow neighbor

Christian teaching teaches individuals from a biblical perspective. Christian teaching introduces the meaning of salvation, reminds us of salvation, and elevates ones in spiritual growth. It teaches one how to receive salvation, how to live a Christian life, how to prepare for heaven, and how to escape hell. Teaching learners to provide information to learners may cause learners to change. In Christian Education—Foundation for the Future, Lynn Gannett states in Teaching for Learning that Teaching is also learning. She also states, Biblical learning demands a charge for transformation—in response to God’s Word (6). Christian teaching allows yokes to be destroyed. The following Scriptures enlighten the purpose of teaching and teaching in general.

John 21:15-19 refers to the purpose of Christian teaching:

¹⁵So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?He said to Him, Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.He said to him, Feed My lambs.¹⁶He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do