Offering a Class on Teaching

 

Each Spring, I offer an in-depth class on Zoom to all who are interested. This year it is an eminently practical one. Entitled, "Teaching on Teaching", this class is specifically designed to teach Sunday School teachers how to teach. Subjects covered include the spiritual foundation/aspect of teaching, the seven laws of teaching, how to prepare and deliver lessons, age specific helps, and how to organize, discipline, motivate, lead, and build a Sunday School class. Some reading/homework will be assigned, and a 70 page syllabus will be furnished to the student. 

The class will begin at 7 PM on Monday, March 11. It will run for two hours each Monday night for the following six weeks or so. This will be helpful for both potential and veteran teachers. You can take it individually or enroll a group from your church. There is no charge, the costs being underwritten by Brennan's Pen Patreon supporters.

To register, simply respond to the blog post with your email address and name. You can do that via email or social media private message. Registration is due by Sunday, March 3. On Monday, March 4, you will receive a link with an attached syllabus you will need to print. You will also receive a list of recommended books to purchase. The following Monday, March 11, and on each successive Monday, you will receive via email a private Zoom link for class that evening.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Otherwise, I look forward to an edifying Spring class together as we seek to become better workers in His vineyard.

Tom Brennan 

A Seat at the Table

 Note: Last November, my wife wrote a series of Facebook posts on hospitality. They were most helpful. I have combined them with her permission into a short, two-part blog series. Here's the second part:

 

Obstacles to Practicing Hospitality

Have you ever noticed the most important things are often the hardest to attain? How is it that when something comes about easily for us, we often take it for granted? It should come as no surprise then that there will be obstacles when we try to be hospitable. Here are a few:

1. My house is a wreck 

We named our home Saint's Rest;
we want people to be refreshed
by their time with us.

Many people are living in what the Fly Lady calls CHAOS... can't have anyone over syndrome. Believe it or not, this is the easiest obstacle to hurdle! Soap and water are cheap, and they sell garbage bags at the dollar tree! The best thing you can do when your house is a wreck is... start cleaning! Clean out the fridge, sort through the toys, clear the counters, stay home, and wash the clothes you already own instead of going shopping to buy more. Be ruthless! If it's not nailed down, throw it out! Studies show that 80% of the items in our homes are rarely if ever, used. The average American home has about 300,000 items! Those are both pre-COVID numbers. With the advent of Amazon, those numbers can only be climbing. Purge baby! You won't miss the junk. I promise. You'll feel lighter and will be able to breathe again. Get help if you need it, but start cleaning. You and your family will be glad you did. (1 Corinthians 14:40, Proverbs 31:27)

2. I don't know how to cook

Some folks do have more natural ability in this area, but you can learn to make some easy, tasty dishes. Believe it or not, I learned to cook before the internet. Shocking, I know. It's easier than ever to find good recipes. Pinterest! Does another lady at church cook well? Ask her for some ideas. As with anything, you will get better if you devote time and effort. You do not have to be a 5-star chef to have company over for lunch after church on a Sunday afternoon. A crockpot of chili, some fresh bread, and a pan of brownies would make a lovely meal. (Proverbs 31:14-15)

3. My house is too small

I get it. Really, I do. The home I live in now is huge, but that was not always the case. I lived in tight places all my life. But in my Chicago bungalow, I hosted birthday parties, baby showers, and Thanksgiving feasts for upwards of 20 guests... all the time. Did I have to move the furniture before everyone arrived? Yes. Was my house trashed after everyone left? Also, yes. Yet I look back on those times with fondness, and I hope those I love do, too. If you absolutely cannot have anyone else in your space... be creative. Take it on the road. Invite some other moms to the park for a play date... you bring a yummy snack. Set up the fire pit in the backyard yard. Make smores and hot chocolate. (Proverbs 21:9, 25:24)

4. I can't afford it

Here again, you need to use your imagination. Host a game night with just snacks. Invite folks over for dessert only. Invite some ladies over in the afternoon for tea and cookies or a fresh loaf of banana bread. Entertaining focuses on the production, but hospitality focuses on people. (Proverbs 15:17)

5. I don't have time

I've been short on time for about 25 years now. The truth is we make time for what we deem important. I guarantee you won't practice hospitality if you don't plan it. We must schedule things until it becomes a habit. I think of other Christian duties like Bible reading or witnessing... I won't do those things if I don't plan to do them. If something matters to you, you will make the time. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

6. I don't really like people

"It's too people-y outside."

"I used to be a people person but then people ruined that for me."

"People say I act like I don't care... it's not an act."

Sadly, these phrases are common in our lives and thinking. Even signs on front doors that say, "Go away" and other unkind things. Life is relationships. Don't let the world or even your deceitful heart tell you people aren't worth your time and effort. It is unbiblical and un-Christlike to think this way. We all have annoyances and people struggles. We have all been hurt. The Bible is still right and true, though. Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Hospitality requires you to love sacrificially, but haven't we been loved that way, too? Yes, by our wonderful Jesus. (Hebrews 13:2)

Don't let these obstacles stop you from doing what is right! Decide to take action! Work through a bit of difficulty to find the opportunity. And when you do, you will also find the blessing of hospitality.

 

A Seat at the Table

Genuine hospitality has its roots in the love of God and the love of our neighbor.

How did Jesus show hospitality? The Bible says he had no place to lay His head. He often invited Himself over to other folks' homes! Remember the story of Zaccheus? It seems Jesus was always a guest and never a host, yet Jesus showed hospitality by offering His presence and attention. So often, you see Him listening to understand the speaker's heart, not just giving an answer. Mary and Martha, or the rich, young ruler, come to mind here. Through this, He shouts, "You are worthy of my time, attention, and care.”

The phrase, "He sat at meat," is used at least ten times in the Gospels. Jesus talked and listened. He bore the burdens of those around Him. Life is tasteless without the loving interactions of people. In an age of phones, screens, and media, it's not hard to see why we live in a world full of empty people. We are starved for authentic connection. What the New Testament calls the fellowship of the saints. This fellowship begins with knowing Christ as our Saviour.

Jesus welcomed those who didn't deserve a welcome, and that includes you and me. Jesus showed ultimate hospitality by calling for us to take a seat at the table. By making a way for us to be a part of the family of God. To be a child of the King! To become the sons of God.

Because of this invitation, Peter tells us in 1 Peter 4:7-10 to use hospitality without grudging because we have received the gift, and so we should minister the same one to another. 

Hosting a gathering around the a fire on
the patio at Saint's Rest.

Hospitality sometimes requires us to set aside our pride and be humble enough to admit we need connection. We need encouragement. We need care. Then do for our neighbor as unto ourselves. (Hebrews 13:16)

Our freedom in Christ is given to us to serve others, not to be an excuse to do anything we wish. Not to fill our lives with selfish pursuits. (Galatians 5:13) Jesus came to reach people. People that were, in fact, His enemy. He gave His life in sacrifice for us. He calls for us to be His agents of biblical hospitality in His absence... And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. ( Matthew 25:35-40)

Jesus calls for us to give people our time, attention, and care. He calls for us to provide the gift of our presence to show His love to those around us.

 

"True hospitality is when someone leaves your home feeling better about themselves and not about you."

-Shauna Neiquist

Hospitality: What It Is and Is Not

 

Note: Last November, my wife, Mandy, wrote a series of Facebook posts on the subject of hospitality. They were most helpful. I have combined them with her permission into a short, two-part blog series. Here's the first part:

What Hospitality Is

Since we are coming into the holiday and hosting season, I wanted to share some thoughts about hospitality over the next few weeks. Tom and I have always taken hospitality seriously and have sought to encourage others to do the same. I hope some of these thoughts will challenge and encourage you.

Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to hospitality.

Hospitality is more than just entertaining. Hospitality is filling a need. It's setting people at ease. Many years of living in a big city saw us welcoming people who were adjusting to a new home, new job, new culture, new church, and new country into our home! 

We are often called to minister through hospitality to a new believer who has absolutely no clue what living life as a Christian looks like in practical terms. Using hospitality helps to build these people up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to comfort each other and edify one another. As you open your home and life to others, this will happen.

Hospitality is a method of encouragement for the discouraged, showing them the heart of Jesus. It puts some skin on Christianity. It shows them the Christian life in action. In 1 Corinthians, Paul said to be followers of me, even as I am of Christ. Opening your home and life to people will give them a glimpse of what following Jesus involves. And that should include love and care. Hospitality is not just inviting people to your home; it is asking them to share your life.

You cannot help bear the burdens of others if you do not know the burdens!

(Galatians 6:2) Learning about people, their experience, and their story will help you understand them and give you patience as you work with them.

Hospitality requires you to get out of your comfort zone! Some people are complicated! They have a difficult past and awkward manner, a significant problem or disability. Practicing hospitality will help those things fade in your eyes as you care for and serve them.

I remember many years ago, a couple began attending our church. They had a complicated story and, quite frankly, got on my nerves. One rainy afternoon, I situated my two oldest at the church with their dad to do school, and I packed my toddler up and met the wife at a coffee shop. I felt like I had been beaten up after sitting there listening to her for two hours. I offered what little counsel and comfort I could. I prayed with her and then drove the few short blocks back home.

The Lord put a thought into my mind as I went back home... if she were your sister, wouldn't you want someone to spend the time to care for her? I answered back with a resounding, “Yes!” I pray often that others will minister to my family in my absence. So then, I need to be willing to minister to others and their families!

As you practice hospitality, ask the Holy Spirit to give you discernment. Ask for help noticing needs. (Romans 8.14) And when you see a need... meet it!

Jesus met needs! It did not try to ignore the needs of the hurting around Him. We need to stop pretending we are the only people in the world that are busy or broke. We must stop ignoring people under the guise of "That's not my job." Authentic Christianity will include hospitality. The more mature you become as a Christian, the more your heart will be moved to meet your needs.

Hospitality is more than having a dinner party. As with many things in the Christian life, it begins in our hearts and works its way outward.

You won't always get it right as you seek to practice hospitality, but if you keep practicing, you will get more accomplished! Let's grow together!

1 Peter 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

What Hospitality is Not

1. It's not a contest!

If your hospitality involves, "Look what I can do", it has already become a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. 

We were invited to a lovely, authentic Cajun dinner earlier this year. We were served Etouffee, rice, homemade rolls and two flavors of King cake! Everything I put in my mouth was delicious, and I couldn't recreate that meal today if my life depended on it! Yet, not once in my visit to that home did I think, "Oh, man! This hostess can really outdo me... I better take notes so I can make something even fancier when they come over for dinner!"

It's not a contest! Their family was simply seeking to be a blessing and to share a special part of their life with us and so we enjoyed a lovely evening of fellowship. (Acts 2:42 ) If we look at hospitality as a way to outdo someone, we will come out empty every time. Graciously give and receive the ministry of hospitality. (Proverbs 11:16 )

2. It's not an excuse to shortchange your own family.

Hospitality does not involve buying things you don't need, with money you don't have, to impress people you don't like! Hospitality is sharing what God has given you and done for you. Don't hurt your budget by overdoing it for the company. Don't take time away from the responsibilities of your own family to host lavish parties. Don't always give your family your leftover time and effort. We must have balance! (Proverbs 31:27)

3. It is not perfection.

Think of Moses and his conversation with God in the burning bush... What is that in thine hand? ( Exodus 4:2 ) God doesn't expect you to make everything perfect at your dinner party... in fact, we will never encounter perfection until we reach Heaven.

"It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful." I read that quote long ago in a decorating book. It's true! God is in the redeeming business... He is also in the multiplying business. Think with me here about the little boy's lunch. (John 6:1-13) God can do the same thing with your hospitality! He can take your little apartment, your pot of soup, your game night, and He can bring baskets of good out of your simple offering, even if it's imperfect.

As in all areas of Christian life, we need to submit, obey, and let God give us an increase. He takes our human limitations and does miraculous things for His glory. Yes, even in hospitality!

Ephesians 8:20, 21 Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Hom be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.