Wisconsin District News

Doctrine needs to be taught. This was the driving-home point of the seminar held at Apostolic Truth Church in Appleton. In September, the Sunday school teachers of the state were given the opportunity to attend a Sunday School Seminar with speakers Bro. Jonathan and Sis. Judi Maki.

I was unable to attend the Friday evening seminar but heard that Bro. Maki did an excellent job teaching on the importance of knowing doctrine. He said that we possess a great truth and with a great truth comes great responsibility. It is our responsibility to fill our cities with doctrine, to polish it up and make it shine.

The Saturday morning sessions featured Sis. Maki. She talked about the importance of including doctrine in our Sunday school lessons as much as possible and gave us practical ways to do so. “Use every opportunity…Put it in every lesson” she said. Here are some examples. Teach the gospel in our prayer time, worship time (see song), Bible story (not at the end), room decorations and practical story. She says she changes the stories a little so the characters (i.e. grandma) attend a Pentecostal church and she adds a salvation message.

Sis. Maki then discussed discipline in the classroom. This was excellent and would have been great for parents as well as teachers to attend. According to Judy, discipline is NOT controlling the children. It is teaching them to control themselves. The ultimate goal is self discipline. We want them to do what is right because it is right.

Five ways she shared to help eliminate discipline problems are:
1) Love and accept the children just as they are.
2) Plan meaningful activities (not just a craft – a Bible learning activity)
3) Give choices
4) Be realistic, consistent and calm
5) Focus on the positive

This seminar helped me resolve to do a better job with student discipline and encouraged me to take a strong stand for doctrine and make sure my students hear about the gospel and what it means regularly.

If you ever have an opportunity to hear this dynamic couple speak, take it. They will bless you.

(To the tune “Do Re Mi”)
Do you know that Jesus died?
Rose again in three short days.
Me, the one for whom he died,
Far away He took my sins.
So I’ll love Him evermore.
Love, I never knew before.
“T” the shape of Calvary
Means that Jesus died for me.

Written by: Loretta Lundt
Section One WDN Representative

This years Wisconsin District Sunday School Seminar, which was held at Apostolic Truth Church in Appleton was very well attended. Pastor Mike Schmalz, and Bro. Ron Turner, as well as their church team were excellent hosts.

This year we were blessed by the ministry of Evangelist Jonathan Maki, and the training of Sis. Judy Maki.

Friday night at the rally Bro. Maki preached an excellant message on keeping the doctrine. As he usually does Bro. Maki used plenty of scripture to support his case.

Saturday morning Sis. Maki taught one session on “Feed My Lambs – what every child needs every week in Sunday School”. In her second session she spoke on the subject “Discipline Boot camp”, discipline in the classroom. In the first session the marvelous glory of the Lord was manifested, which extended the session some but no one seemed to mind the wonderful interruption.

It was one of the best Seminars we have had, and are thankful for the burden, and dedication of the Maki’s.

Pastor Robert Meyer
District Sunday School Superintendent