The Musings of a "Teacher"

June 17.17

The Musings of a “Teacher”

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. This desire remained with me into high school. In a science class one day (one of my least favorite subjects) I imagined myself as the teacher.  I wonder why that was. The subject was physics. The only reason I was in the class was I had to choose between physics, chemistry, and biology. I loved math so I thought physics was my best science option.  As I sat dreaming of exchanging places with Mr. Russell, it definitely wasn’t the subject that inspired me.  Instead, I think it was the teacher.  I remember he seemed very interested in the material he was presenting and in the students. He used a variety of teaching techniques, not just lecturing, which helped make the class interesting.  But perhaps the most important thing I remember was Mr. Russell’s reputation.  I recall him as a well-respected man throughout the school and in the community.  I recall how often he would be seen connecting with students after class. 

As most of you know, I did not chase my dream of becoming a teacher.  Instead I pursued a spiritual journey and became a preacher.  I followed an inner conviction, a divine calling from God. I have no regrets, for many reasons.  One, not surprisingly, is that as a Salvation Army Officer, I have many opportunities to teach.  I do not have the academic credentials to own the title ‘teacher’.  I have, however, exercised the role or practice of teaching - in Bible studies and sermons, facilitating small group discussions and workshops, training and developing emerging leaders (including Camp Staff), and a couple years ago I tutored a group of women officers in leadership coaching.  However successful or unsuccessful these have been, I have enjoyed 'living my dream' and hopefully been useful to a few ‘students’.

In my current role in Kenya, I am grateful that I still get to teach a little.  The appointment I have exceeds the ministry associated with the Women’s Department – as important and meaningful as that is. It also includes a leadership role with Morris. One of our joys is participating in Officers Councils and speaking at the Officer Training College. I was thrilled when I knew that both the Councils and the OTC Spiritual Days are formatted as teaching times. We choose our own subjects and both of us present (teach). Like the example Mr. Russell set for me, I am very interested in the subject matter we share and I have a deep desire to see the ‘students’ grow and develop. We have been so blessed to stand before groups of officers and Cadets who seem very eager to learn. Many of them have been keen to interact and have engaged well in a Q & A at the end of the sessions. They also like hanging out after class. :)

The two subjects we are exploring with the officers are servant leadership and accountability. For the first subject, we have gleaned insights from the writings of Commissioner Robert Street and Henri Nouwen, though our greatest resource has been the Bible – the life and leadership of Jesus.  Servant leadership is modeled for us clearly there. It is also the leadership style Morris and I have sought to emulate over the past 23 years and one we believe is the plumb line for Salvation Army Officers.  Accountability follows that. It is the means through which all leaders are answerable for their actions, attitudes, and behaviors. We are finding helpful reflections in a book called Spiritual Renewal from IHQ but once again the Bible is our default source.  For me, accountability is more than just a buzz word for the Army right now. It is a deep conviction that Christian behavior and spiritual leadership should seep with transparency and integrity.  One day we will stand before God who will judge our living. We need to be alert and responsible.  After living in Kenya for nearly six months, I can see where servant leadership and accountability are relevant.  However, I believe these are globally germane.

As I prepare and present these topics, my prayer is that I will not belong to the crowd of religious leaders that Jesus chastised in Matthew 23 because “they do not practice what they preach” (or teach). I want to own any lesson I give to others. 

So, back to my grade 11 Science class. Thanks Mr. Russell for being a good example. Your teaching skills and interest in your students have not left me.  Perhaps I will inspire someone listening to me someday - even if they are day dreaming. And more than anything, I hope the person I am will always mean more than just what I do. 

 Morris and I visiting one of our schools. 
I don't think they would want me to teach here,

but they loved the visit.