Quieting Troublemakers & Minimizing Distractions

“Cast out the scorner and the simple will beware” (Proverbs 22:10). If you teach children, you will recognize these descriptions—disturber, troublemaker, A.D.D., special child, etc. How do you prevent these challenging kids from destroying the lesson?

• Have a reserved seat for them as they enter the class.

• Separate them in advance from other talkers.

• Be prepared to teach. If the students senses insecurity, lack of lesson preparation, or lack of leadership in you, they will misbehave. The same thing often happens when a parent leaves his child with a babysitter. Many misbehave because they are not sure who is in charge.

• Get the child to hold something with two hands. Your Bible or a visual aid will keep the child from disturbing another. He will think he is being a great help to you.

Sometimes the troublemaker may not be a child, but the devil visiting the service. Distractions may come from a screaming baby, a fire alarm, or a cell phone. I have seen people faint, have seizures, and suffer heart attacks during a church service. When this happens how do you regain the crowd?

• Don’t draw attention to the problem. Unless the disturbance is in the very front, many people may not see it.

• Have prayer. With eyes closed, much can be done.

• Sing a song.

• Be calm. Others will adopt your demeanor.

This article is an excerpt from the book, Basic Training for Sunday School Teachers by Mike Ray.