During my time at Bible College, based in Birkenhead UK, my intention was to study the Bible and to get know its history in the life of the Church and how the Bible might be taught and applied to everyday living as a teacher and preacher. I subsequently experienced the joy and privilege of serving, for six years, in two church leadership positions as a Minister and I had plenty of opportunities to share God’s word to both young and old, within and outside the worshipping church.
During my time in college and leadership I met and became good friends with a man called John. I even acted as his best man when he got married which was a great honour and joy. Initially John worked as a church planter but later, having established a church and wider ministry, grew into a beautiful and well esteem Pastor and Leader to many. I have overtime, got to know his family and particularly his daughter Robyn, who as a family we support and pray for. Within this new Question and Answer I want to ask her a question for us all to appreciate and gain valuable insight from, in her ongoing ministry and contacts both inside and outside the church community.
Graham’ Question:
Last year l was asked to share my faith and how I work as a Christin Minister at my grandson’s infant school. It was an hours lesson to around forty Year Two pupils. Towards the end of the lesson a very confident boy put his hand up to ask me a question and promptly said: ‘I know what Christian’s like to eat’! Okay I replied what do they like to eat! ‘They eat hot cross buns’!!
I understand Robyn that part of your work and ministry is visiting schools in the county of Pembrokeshire sharing the programme entitled ’Walk through the Bible. Some people would say that such teaching is out of date and should not be allowed in schools? Can you share about what you do and your wider ministry in and outside the church community and is teaching religious studies appreciated and viable in our modern and in many ways secular world”?
Robyn’s Reply:
Having enjoyed a very happy family life and the friendship of so many, I left my family home for further study and work. Then in the course of time I moved back to Pembrokeshire and it was during that time that I heard about a programme called ‘Walk Through the Bible’ that was being used in primary schools.
Easter Story Thank you bible.org.uk
During those early days I worked for three days as a qualified secondary school teacher (I was in a job share at the time) and had two free days a week. I went to watch a Year Five lesson and was amazed at how engaged the children were, how well it was received, and how much the teachers appreciated it!
I’d always been told to be cautious about sharing my faith in a school setting, but here was the Bible being taught enthusiastically by a Christian, and I thought ‘I’d like to do that!’
Walk Through the Bible is a charity that works in more than 140 countries, teaching the storyline of the Bible using 80 handsigns. It’s visual, interactive and fun! Their programme has been adapted for use in schools. ‘OT Mini’ is the Old Testament storyline in five lessons for primary school Year Five (9-10year old’s) and NT Mini is the New Testament in five lessons for Year Six (10-11 year old’s). The idea is that they leave primary school having an overview of the salvation plan as described in the Bible.
Within the programme there is no proselytism or ‘preaching’, it’s just teaching the stories. However, in teaching about Jesus, children are often intrigued and want to know more. I often find children get so enthusiastic about the Bible that they want to read it for themselves. We always offer a Children’s Bible from another charity ‘Bibles for Children’ at the end, and the children love them!
Thank you biblesforchildren.org.uk
In a couple of schools we have been able to set up lunchtime or afternoon clubs as a follow-on, and involve volunteers from the local churches. Teachers are delighted to facilitate these as they can see the need for such spaces and see the good that it does the children.
One ten year old boy read the entire Children’s Bible after I left, and then wanted to go to church. His family were very surprised as they weren’t religious; at all, but his mum told me that she didn’t want to stop him because she could see it was doing him good!
Schools are delighted with the lessons, as Christianity is still very much on the curriculum in Wales and it is part of their RVE – Religion, Values and Ethics’ course. I have often found that teachers comment on how well the lessons fit into and enrich the syllabus which it good to hear.
It’s such a lovely opportunity to share the timeless truths of scripture with the next generation, in a way that engages them, and with a presenter who believes it! Although I never preach, there are so many opportunities to share little stories of what the Bible has meant to me at various times of my life.
Teachers also comment on how great the lessons are for the ‘Wellbeing’ of the students. Schools are often keen to promote their ‘values’ such as kindness, forgiveness, honesty, courage, and there are ample opportunities to bring these themes out of Bible stories, as well as touching on difficult topics such as bereavement in a gentle way that schools really appreciate.
It’s amazing how many times I’ll teach a story and the teachers comment on how perfect it was for a situation going on in the class, even though I have no idea what’s going on when I walk into the classroom. The Bible is timeless in its themes and application, and I believe the Holy Spirit applies it to the children in ways we can’t always measure. The message of forgiveness and hope is as relevant and as needed now as it ever has been.
I’m now in twenty-seven different primary schools with the programme and this is my eleventh year of teaching it. I also run a Christian Union in the local secondary school, and often meet students that come in to learn more and go a little deeper.
Thank you walesprimary.co.uk
A particular joy for me recently was introducing myself to a young lady at church and inviting her to my home Bible study group, and she replied “I know you already, you came to my Primary school ten years ago and gave me a Bible”. She still had the certificate I’d given her for completing the lessons! Moments like that are very special when you realise what it has meant to the children, and that they don’t forget the positive experience of the Bible that they have had. I am so thankful to God for leading me into this work and ministry!
Thank you Robyn for sharing about your life and ministry work to many young and mid-aged children. I am sure that due to all your experiences as a teacher and worship leader, you have an amazing ministry in your local church and other areas you reach out to such as the Christian Union group.
I am encouraged to know afresh that God is always working his purposes out in churches, schools and life in general. That the church continues to thrive and many people embrace faith and live life to the full with the Lord’s help and guidance. May you be encouraged and continue to serve the Lord wherever he leads you in the eleven years to come.
Robyn has provided some photos that are approved for sharing. They show us how she teaches and interacts with all her pupils. Enjoy.
Selah: (Pause to think calmly on what has just been read) and check out A Time to Worship and Motivational Moments
