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Transcript 243A — Witnessing and the School Teacher
HC: Good evening. Welcome to Open Forum.
CALLER: I'm preparing to get a credential in Elementary Education. And as far as far as I know, I would like to teach in an urban setting in a public school. And I am a new Christian. And I was wondering, during the time that a teacher has the responsibility of teaching all the various subjects, like Math, Reading, and so forth, how can a Christian elementary school teacher be a witness, without preaching? Because I know that the Education Code has very strict laws regarding the teaching of religion in class. I'm not clear what they are. And I'd like some suggestions on your part.
HC: I am not familiar with all the codes, either. But I would say this, to make a couple of general statements. First of all, in your deportment as a teacher, as you stand in front of the class, you are the fragrance of the Lord Jesus Christ. And as you are diligent, as you are tender, as you are kind, as you, in your relationship with the other teachers, show no jealousy, that you show no vindictiveness, that you show obedience to the School Superintendent, and all of these things, without saying a word you can be the fragrance of Christ.
Secondly, you can become very concerned about your students. You may see a student that seems troubled. And perhaps at recess time, or during lunch hour, or some time when you're not teaching, you can talk to this student in confidence and see if you can help. "Is there something troubling you?" Perhaps it is a home situation, or whatever. And then you can at that time very gently begin to witness of the Lord Jesus Christ, because you aren't in a classroom situation then.
And I think certainly in your teaching you can emphasize your own trust in Christ, that you have found that as far as you are concerned, you want to live to God's glory, and that you believe that the Bible is the Word of God, without telling the children, "You also must believe this." I'm wondering if that could be faulted in any way.
CALLER: Thank you very much.
HC: Thank you so much for sharing that good question.