The Right Mouthwash

Joel is one of the best Bible teachers I have ever experienced. We attend his Sunday morning class on Luke/Acts and his Wednesday night study of some of Paul's epistles. He really does his homework. He always has a study guide for us including research and background. His presentations are filled with energy and enthusiasm. He uses the right mouthwash.

This is an acronym I taught my prospective teachers as a professor of education at Martin Methodist College for 16 years before my retirement in 2017. Teachers must use the right mouthwash:

• Submission to the policies of the district or school and to the laws of the land. In the Bible class setting this would mean following the Bible and the approved education plan in that congregation.
• Creativity and variety will maintain the interest of students and encourage study and participation.
• Organization can bring an atmosphere of "decently and in order" to any classroom.
• Preparation of more interesting content than can possibly be covered in the allotted time will help maintain student interest and keep a lively pace.
• Enthusiasm is the energy that brings life to the lesson. A smile on the teacher's face can augment a passion in the tone of voice.

Yes, SCOPE is the acronym that turns a good teacher into a great one who amazes multitudes as Jesus did. The Master Teacher was an incredible story teller, held the interest of audiences, and baffled the authorities who questioned him. I'm proud to sit at Joel's feet as he emulates Jesus by exhibiting the right mouthwash in all his classes.