Core Scripture: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Message: The challenges of 3^rd quarter are piling up.  It starts with resetting the kids after having two weeks off for Christmas.  Snow days combined with holidays are great for your family, BUT not so great for finding a rhythm.  Lack of consistency makes the kids, teachers, parents, administration, EVERYONE crazy. 

There’s more …

As I parent my two middle schoolers at home, telling them to get to bed, I realize my students are probably getting off on their sleep schedules as well.  Throw in prepping for state testing and cramming in curriculum with less and less time, and guess what? 

Teaching can be quite stressful these days!

I was invited to a Zoom for Christian teachers last Tuesday night at 7:00 pm, and I gave it a try.  After all, I hadn’t planned anything that evening, and it was nice to mix up the routine.  Before I knew it, I was meeting six other Christian teachers, sharing stories from the battlefield, connecting, listening, and praying for one another.

There was no other way I would have spent that hour!  It was empowering, rejuvenating, and reassuring all at the same time.  Just to know there were others out there, sharing my same Christian faith, going through the same hills and valleys … I should have invited people myself! 

Lucky for me, Teresa, the one who invited me, said she wanted to make it a regular occurrence.  Having seen the fruits firsthand, I will without a doubt share the Zoom link with you all in February when we try it again.  It was likewise a reminder that I have missed that connection with the staff in my building. 

Being in a new school this year, I struggled through my first month.  I didn’t feel I had enough seniority or built enough relationships with others to start a Christian teacher prayer group.  But God has laid it on my heart to give it a try this semester, and when our sermon was about leadership last weekend, I got the message loud and clear.

OK, Lord.  I get it.  No more need to nudge me. 

I will try to get the ball rolling this week.  At the very least, to get other Christian teachers in my building connected when we need it most.  I have done it before, and I can do it again.  Sometimes it helps to list the steps, and I thought I would share with you in case you would like to follow my lead.

1. Before anything, always talk to your building principal.  I talked to mine the first day back from break.  He advised me to reach out to different teachers from my home email and see what they wanted.
2. I sent an email to all the Christian teachers who help out with FCA on a snow day, asking to start a prayer group.  Nobody replied, but I never followed up.  Now one verbally said he would be interested.  Hey, if it is only two of us, what does Ecclesiastes 4:9 say about two being better than one?
3. I might create a little flyer to hand deliver to others this coming week and set up a brainstorming meeting.  Even if we meet weekly just to pray for each other and sip coffee together, it will help us all!
4. I have likewise done devotions and Bible studies in the past with colleagues.  If anyone wants to go deeper, I am game.  I could use the challenge, not to mention the discussion. 
5. Sharing prayers is essential.  I want to collect personal emails of everyone and share our prayers electronically.  That way if someone cannot make it in person, they can participate via email on their own time.  I will email out any prayers or new blogs I write. 
6. To take it to the next level, I would like to provide accountability to others.  Let’s say someone asks for prayer for dealing with a certain student.  I could check in with them later in the week to see how things have gone.  Or vice versa. 
7. Sometimes just spending time together, living life alongside someone is beneficial.  I would love to just get to know my colleagues on a deeper level.  How many kids do they have?  How long have they been married?  What is their favorite breakfast cereal?  These connections can help deepen relationships.
8. My old group years ago would also do a summer fellowship.  I don’t think we have done anything outside of school since COVID, but it was fun!  Someone would volunteer to host at their house, we would all bring snacks, and the fellowship would provide even more connections!
9. Once these connections are made, encouraging other Christian teachers is essential.  Bring them their favorite snack.  Send them a text message and let them know you prayed.  Or be bold … pray for them on the spot!
10. I wonder if any of the Christians teachers I contact might have their own ideas?  Maybe something I haven’t even thought of yet that should be on this list!  There is a strong chance I will be sharing some new ideas once I hear back.  I might even create a Google Form to digitally collect their ideas.

What about you all?  Do you have any ideas to contribute?  What would YOU suggest I add to my list?  Or maybe you are feeling convicted like me to get a prayer group started, and you have a question you’d like to ask.  Feel free to email me at theteachersdevotional@gmail.com or even reply to this blog. 

I feel so much better.  It was on my heart to write this blog all week, and I am so glad I created time for it today.  I cannot wait to see the fruits of it down the road.  It might be the perfect way to counteract those 3^rd quarter blues.

Challenge: Do you already have a group of Christian teachers that you meet with?  Take a new idea from above and try it out!  Or if you do not have a group, see if God wants you to connect Christian teachers in your building or district.  Pray about it.  I can guarantee, He does not want you to turn your faith off at work, and this is the perfect way to challenge yourself to do so. 

Bible study: There are plenty of options below …

• Read about the beginning of the church in Acts 2 through Acts 4.  Take note of how they commune together.  See if you can duplicate any of these ideas today.
• Read Exodus 7:8-15.  How does Moses get the support he needs?  Who needs support in your life today?
• Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11. How can you live this scripture out at school? 

Further reading: I subscribe to the FCA Daily Impact Play, and the thoughts there today were a wonderful compliment to my topic.  Read about it here: https://fcaresources.com/devotional/support-system.

Prayer points: Lift up the following areas to the Lord …

• Praise God for Christian teachers being a light in the midst of the darkness around us!
• Pray that Christian teachers will make time to connect and encourage one another.
• Pray that we can live out our faith boldly and beautifully for the Lord.

Just for fun: So, my beloved Kansas City Chiefs play the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship this afternoon.  My 7^th grader has boldly declared he is rooting for the Ravens.  Nobody is really sure why.  It might just be a rebellious teenager thing.  Nonetheless, if anyone wants to take him this afternoon from 2-5, I would greatly appreciate it!

Prayer: Father, help me connect with other Christian teachers for love, encouragement, and support!  It is through our fellowship and community that You are glorified and seen.  Amen.