Outline for Interview with Prospective Adult Teacher

 

Interview Section

 

Preface Comments:   "Some of these will be tough questions.  On some we just want to know you better, on some we're checking your theology, and some are just tough questions on which Christians disagree that we'd just like to know who you'd respond."

 

1.       Family & Work - Tell us about your family, work, and hobbies.

2.       Life History - Tell us about your parents and growing up years.

3.       Key Question - In your personal opinion, what do you believe it takes for a person to go to heaven?

4.       Personal Testimony - Please share your personal testimony.

5.       Church history - Tell us about some of your past experiences in Sunday School.

6.       Spiritual Gifts - What are your spiritual gifts and how do you plan to use them in church leadership.

7.       Passions - What are your spiritual passions?  (If you could do anything for God, what would it be?)

8.       Spiritual Walk - When did you get serious about your relationship with God?

9.       Daily Walk - How would you describe your daily walk with Christ?

10.   Growing in Christ - How would you advise a new Christian to grow in Christ?  Are you a good example of your advice?   Looking for:  a.  Bible study    b.  Prayer    c.  Church attendance

11.   Eternal Security - Do you believe a person, once truly saved, can lose their salvation?

12.   Sign Gifts - What do you believe about the sign gifts (tongues, miracles, etc.)?  Do you experience any of these?

13.   Tithing - Say you are leading a class on a discussion of tithing and someone asks for your views on the following:  If it's okay with God to tithe 5% of my time and 5% of my income.  Do you lead by example?

14.   Predestination - What is your understanding of predestination? What part does man play in his salvation?

15.   Divorce/Remarriage - Questions from the class: Can God forgive divorce? Can a divorced person remarry?

16.   Smoking - Situation: During a discussion on lifestyle witness, someone asks if "smoking" is a bad witness.

17.   Alcohol - Question: Is drinking a sin?

18.   Racial Issues - A biracial couple joins the church.  (or youth: are dating)

19.   Alternative Lifestyles - Views on homosexuality being an acceptable alternative lifestyle.

20.   The Bible - Please tell us what the Bible is.  How do you see the Bible, as a holy, infallible record of God's revelation to man or as a ancient book written by Godly men? Do you know of any errors in the Bible?

21.   The Bible - Case study: A class member states that the story of Adam & Eve and Jonah and the Whale is just symbolic.  How do you respond?

22.   Witness - Is there any reason anybody would be surprised to hear that you are a Bible Study teacher?

23.   Male Leadership -

 

(If the applicant does not answer favorably on some issues, the interview questions should be completed and then discussion about the essentials should take place.  Remember we want to keep the door open for later, even if the applicant is not ready at the present time.)

 

Avoiding Future Problems Section (Philosophy of Bible Study Ministry)

 

1.       "Little church" philosophy.  Lay pastor.

2.       Leader Meetings - huddle

3.       Purposes of Bible Study Ministry:
Reach, Teach, Minister,
Mentor

4.       Responsibility for all functions of Bible Study.

5.       How the church grows - new units

6.       Leading change (not enduring, resisting, but team work - open).  Shared leadership

7.       Leading by example & commitment

8.       GROW Outreach

9.       The Voyage Process

 

Expectations

See job description

1.  Importance of Leadership meetings

2.  Importance of public witness

3.  Importance of being on time

New Teachers-New Classes

 

What do we look for in a teacher?

 

Someone who exhibits an authentic Christian walk.

Someone who relates well with people.

Someone who is very active in Bible Study, Worship, and more than just Sunday morning commitment.

Someone who tithes.

Someone who is a team player.

Someone who has a calling on their life to help others.

 

What if I have the desire, but fall short in some of the requirements?

Just keep serving and being faithful.  Prove yourself faithful in the small things. (  )

 

What is the process for beginning a new class?

See need

Pray

Discuss with leaders

Educate and encourage leaders and class members

Find new leadership

Train and plan

Set date and details

Share plan with class

Promote plan

Carry out plan

 

 

Implementing Change in Bible Study Classes

Prayer and planning

Present idea to leader

Receive feedback

Leader presents ideas to class along with leadership

Receive feedback for unforseen situations

Prayer and decision

Leader presents specific plans to class

Publicize and promote changes

Execute on determined date.