2. Put the lens of literacy on everything the church does and make education a priority in your church. Encourage church leadership to act on this.
I once had a camera with the capacity to interchange lenses: telephoto, wide angle and portrait. Now, that’s done electronically by all but serious photographers. Each special purpose lens or setting accomplishes something different. The key is the intention of the user. For example, a wide angle approach to a panoramic view makes all the difference.
Intentionally having a literacy lens for churches is the key to improving results regarding education. Have you heard the story of the last time a low-level reader went to Sunday school? It followed the teacher asking each one to read a verse from the lesson. Asking for volunteers works much better. Sensitivity to the needs of others can lead to ministry.
Years ago, the husband of one of the members of my Sunday school class was one of those whose heart would have actually stopped beating if he had been called on to read aloud. His wife shared this need with me. We met before Sunday school to work on his literacy skills. You would never have guessed that he had a problem with reading. With four million adults in Texas lacking high school completion or a GED, there are others. Perhaps in your church. Certainly down the street.
On a positive note, the items that follow on the list of 50 ways churches can bless their community through literacy, items 3-49, flow out of prayer and intentionality. They don’t just happen. Check out the list. Ask for guidance considering the needs of your congregation and community. Speak with your pastor and other leaders about how your church can be impactful, intentional and missional through literacy ministry.
Take a minute to consider #50. It’s blank of course. Our way of saying that we don’t have it all figured out. Having looked at the list now, what would you add? Please share.
How’s your focus?
