It may seem that pastors and teachers have two very different jobs, but at the end of the day, they are both on the same team. That was one of the takeaways from this past January's worker meetings, where Montana pastors and teachers shared their hearts.
Renae Young, Montana Conference superintendent of education, led the teachers in a discussion while Jim Jenkins, Montana Conference vice president of administration, led the pastors. In these discussions, each group spent time reflecting on three different areas:
1. What do we want the other group to know we are thankful for?
2. What do we wish the other group knew about our ministry?
3. What do we expect from the other group?
The answers shared by both groups were honest, transparent and beneficial for growth. Teachers wanted to remind pastors they were on the front lines of ministry with them, ministering to families in and out of the church. Pastors wanted teachers to know how much they appreciate their visibility in church on Sabbath mornings. At the end of the day, each wanted the other to know they were on the same team, working together for the Kingdom.
After the discussion, Ken Norton, Montana Conference president, challenged the pastors and teachers to set tangible goals that would benefit their relationship with each other. These goals will be reviewed and followed up during teacher and regional pastor meetings. The truth is, when pastors and teachers work together, everyone benefits, including the school, the church and most importantly, the students.
Teachers and pastors play a crucial role in the development of children and teens. Working together provides a holistic education that addresses both the mind and the spirit and helps our young people become well-rounded students. May we all lift our teachers and pastors up in prayer as they set out to minister to our students.
