Teacher Interview: Darryl Wilson

Today we have the privilege of an interview with Darryl Wilson, Sunday School Director for the Kentucky Baptist Convention.  Darryl accepted Christ at the age of 15 and was called to ministry at 20.  He received a B.A. from Belmont University in Nashville in 1982, a Master of Divinity in Christian Education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1985, and Doctor of Education from same in 2003.  Mr. Wilson has served as Minister of Youth and Education in a church in Kentucky and one in South Carolina from 1983-1988, Minister of Education and Administration in three churches in Kentucky from 1988-1997, and in his present position as Director, Sunday School Department, for the Kentucky Baptist Convention since 1997.  Married to Yvonne since 1984, they have two sons, Jonathan (20) and Jordan (18).  Darryl has also been the author of The Sunday School Revolutionary blog since April 2006.

What roles have you held in Sunday School leadership?

Youth teacher, children's teacher, adult teacher, substitute in all ages, adult department director, Sunday School director, Minister of Education, and now Sunday School missionary working with 2,400 churches and their pastors, directors, and teachers.

What's are your favorite things about Sunday School?

I enjoy watching classes reach out, lead a new person to become involved, see the new person accept Jesus, watch him/her grow as a believer, watch him/her begin to serve, and then see the person serve in a position of leadership.  I also love helping new classes start and grow.  Sunday is such a great place for people to (1) develop relationships, (2) learn about God and how to live out His Word, and (3) learn to reach out and minister in the class, church, and community.

If you've taught, do you have a particular process for preparing a lesson?

I tend to pray and read only the scripture passage (no commentary yet) three times on Sunday afternoon. That gives God lots of opportunities to illustrate the truth of the assigned passage several times during the week. Then on Monday I will read the passage and its context a little more fully and perhaps in another translation (still no commentary). Then on Tuesday, I try to discover the truth God was teaching the original hearers and the one He wants me to apply to my life. I also try to focus on a specific truth in the passage most needed by the class and some of the background issues before moving to the commentary. From Wednesday-Friday I try to understand the passage more fully by studying the teacher book and another commentary or two, especially if I have questions. I try to begin putting together major points and questions. Then on Friday-Saturday, I try to choose methods that may communicate the truth in the best possible way to the class. Now, don't let that daily process intimidate you. I probably spend no more than 15-30 minutes most days, and a little more on Fridays and/or Saturdays.

What's a good way to begin a class?

Instead of having class business, announcements, and prayer, why not save that for the end? Then when the first people arrive give them something to think about or do. I often have small written or sharing assignments in their chairs or on the board. If you want them talking later in the class, you need to get them talking early. So a good icebreaker is helpful, but it should all be connected to the lesson. If you start this way, fewer people will arrive late!

What's a good way to handle an uncommunicative class?

My father-in-law, Larry, began teaching a senior adult men's class that would not talk. He would ask a question and end up having to answer it. He asked me what to do. I recommended he prepare normally and when he asked his first question, just not answer it for them. When he tried it, he said it seemed like forever but was probably no more than 15-20 seconds. Then one answered and another. After that, he only had the problem of reigning in the discussion. You see, Americans don't like silence. It is important to ask good questions which ask for more than yes/no or one-word answers.

How do you go about filling class roles? (service opportunities)

There are lots of ways. Asking for volunteers is probably the least effective. Pray. Observe class members. Personally point out what they do well and ask them to help. Another way is to divide the class into three teams (like reaching, teaching, and caring/fellowship) and ask everyone to choose one. Prayer and helping the class as a whole to understand why a class role is needed in advance of filling it can also lead the right persons to volunteer.

Do you have any great tips for Sunday School leaders?

Stay FAT: faithful, available, and teachable. (1) Faithful. Don't quit too soon. Spiritual and numerical growth of classes take time. Stick with it. See goals through to the end. Stay committed to God. Spend time with Him daily! (2) Available. Spend time with members and prospects before and after class and between classes. Listen. Pray for them. Get to know each of them and their needs. Relationships and trust take time. Your ability to teach depends on your knowledge of the sheep God has entrusted to you! (3) Teachable. Spend time with God. Spend time in the Word. Read. Study. Meditate. Apply. Obey. Read about the Bible, about your age group, about teaching and learning, and about life. Pay attention to what's happening around you. Be a learner. When you stop learning, you stop teaching! (Check out my blog for over 500 posts about life-changing Sunday School and small group work.)

What do you feel has contributed the most to your spiritual growth?

Like many, I have grown the most during three periods of time: (1) difficulty, (2) intentional seeking, and (3) accountability. When crises have come in life, it is natural to turn to a God who cares and can help. These times have often led to greater dependency on Him and understanding of His ways and His Word. But I have also grown when I have been most intentional about seeking Him. For instance, I find journaling to be an intentional way of spending time with Him and listening carefully to what He has to say to me. I write down the date, scripture reference, and then my thoughts questions and prayers. I have often asked four questions: What did God say? What does He want me to do? What is my response? and What did I do? A journal helps me to check up on the fourth question later! This is accountability. But another time of accountability in my spiritual growth has happened when I have been with small groups of men praying and studying together.

Reading any good books?

I have just started Parr's book, Key Strategies for Healthy Sunday Schools, which is available from the Georgia Baptist Convention (I am writing a three-part series about it now on my blog). The authors have many practical suggestions for growing a healthy Sunday School.  The Great Omission by Dallas Willard will make you reassess how you think we are doing in accomplishing the Great Commission. The Six Core Values of Sunday School by Allan Taylor is also a must-read.