Episode Summary

In this Sunday School for Teachers episode, I introduce a new weekly reflection series created for Christian educators. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why dedicating space to faith matters to me and how my belief in Jesus grounds the way I teach, lead, and love students.

I reflect on gratitude for my faith, the ability to use my voice for good, and the joy of teaching. I share the story of Jesus welcoming children from Matthew 19:14 and explain how this moment reveals the heart of Jesus toward young people.

I connect this scripture directly to classroom life, reminding educators that children are not interruptions to the work, they are the work. I offer simple, practical ways to live this out by noticing students, offering encouragement, and seeing every child as worthy of care.

I close with a prayer and an encouragement for teachers to remember that teaching is holy work, no matter where the classroom is, and that every child matters deeply in the eyes of God.

Show Notes

• I introduce the Sunday School for Teachers series and its purpose for Christian educators.

• I explain how my faith in Jesus shapes the way I teach and care for students.

• I reflect on gratitude for faith, voice, and the calling of teaching.

• I share and reflect on Matthew 19:14 and the story of Jesus welcoming children.

• I connect Jesus’ response to children with modern classroom challenges.

• I remind teachers that children are not interruptions, they are the work.

• I offer practical classroom connections for noticing and encouraging students.

• I close with a prayer for patience, vision, and grace in the classroom.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus modeled the importance of welcoming and valuing every child.

• Teaching becomes holy work when children are seen as the heart of the mission.

• Small moments of attention and encouragement matter deeply to students.

• Faith can ground educators during busy, demanding seasons.

• Every child deserves to feel noticed, welcomed, and blessed.

This is Mr. Funky Teacher with BeAFunkyTeacher.com. I’m coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast. Welcome back, everyone.

Before we jump into today’s episode, I want to share a little about what this new Sunday series is all about. It’s called Sunday School for Teachers. Sunday School for Teachers is a weekly reflection for my Christian teacher friends, whether you teach in a public school or a private one. This space is about our shared teacher faith and how Jesus shapes the way we love kids, lead classrooms, and show grace in the middle of the chaos.

I have a deep respect for all educators, including those who aren’t Christian. But I wanted to dedicate one episode each week to sharing my faith openly. How it grounds me, how it challenges me, and how it reminds me why I do what I do. I’m not a preacher, but like my favorite singer TobyMac says through his music, I just want to use my mic to shine a little light. My hope is that these Sunday episodes encourage your spirit, refocus your heart, and remind you that teaching is holy work. It truly is holy work, no matter where your classroom is.

Before we go any further, let’s talk about three things I’m thankful for. My late mom believed strongly in giving gratitude for what you have, and I carry that with me. I do this on all my teaching episodes, and I’ll continue it here as well. It’s my way of documenting gratitude regularly.

The first thing I’m thankful for is my faith in Jesus. It’s the foundation of everything I do. The second thing I’m thankful for is the ability to use my voice for good, to speak life, truth, and encouragement. The third thing I’m thankful for is my love for teaching and the joy of shaping lives through learning and compassion.

Today’s Sunday School for Teachers episode is called Jesus Welcomes the Children. Let’s jump right in.

I want to share some scripture. I’m not a preacher or a Bible expert, and I’m learning right alongside you. I’m doing my best to connect to the Word of God and how it fuels what I do each day.

One day, as Jesus was teaching and healing, parents brought their children to him so he could place his hands on them and bless them. The disciples, thinking they were protecting Jesus’ time and energy, scolded the parents and tried to send them away. In their eyes, children weren’t important enough to interrupt the work of the teacher.

But Jesus stopped them immediately. He wasn’t upset with the children. He was upset with his own disciples. He told them clearly to let the children come to him and not to hinder them. He went on to explain that the kingdom of God belongs to those who come with the same openness and humility as children. Jesus gathered the children close, placed his hands on them, and blessed them.

This scene is striking. While others dismissed children as distractions, Jesus welcomed them as examples of what it means to belong in God’s family.

The disciples missed it because they were focused on the big things. As teachers, we can fall into the same trap. We get consumed by schedules, test prep, and classroom management. In that rush, we risk overlooking the small moments and the students who need us most.

Jesus reminds us that children aren’t interruptions to the work. They are the work. Every single child matters. Whether they are outgoing or shy, thriving or struggling, each one is worthy of attention and care.

Here are some practical classroom connections. Make eye contact with students. Greet them by name at the start of class. Let them know you’re glad they’re there. Look for the students who often slip under the radar and give them intentional encouragement this week. When frustration rises, pause and remember that Jesus never treated children as a burden.

I’d like to end with a prayer.

Lord, give me your eyes to see every child’s worth. Help me never overlook the quiet ones or grow impatient with the challenging ones. May my classroom be a place where all children feel welcomed and blessed. Amen.

Thank you for being here with me on this Sunday School for Teachers episode. Remember to inspire greatness in young people, and don’t forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.