In Gerald Miller's four-part series on classroom culture, he explores the foundational role of culture in Christian education, emphasizing its impact on teaching, learning, and spiritual formation.

In the first session "Defining the Classroom Culture", he introduces culture as the underlying framework of shared values, beliefs, and norms that influences how teachers and students think, feel, and act—distinct from the more changeable "climate" of attitudes and perceptions. He stresses understanding this "underground river" to create a context where learning thrives, using analogies like restaurant service and school routines to highlight how culture affects engagement and outcomes.

1. Defining the Classroom Culture
2. Evaluating the Classroom Culture
3. Creating the Classroom Culture
4. The Kingdom and the Classroom Culture

"Defining the Classroom Culture" was presented by Gerald Miller at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

In this presentation, Elmer Glick focuses on setting the tone for effective classroom leadership. Aimed at new and experienced teachers, the session emphasizes:

• Managing Yourself

• Professionalism

• Inspiring Learning

• Encouragement

Elmer draws from personal experience, scripture, and resources like Harry Wong’s First Days of School to inspire teachers to embrace their noble calling with confidence and purpose.

Listening to the other talks in this series for newer teachers:

1. Setting the Tone

2. Establishing and Maintaining Order

3. Gaining Wisdom Through Knowledge

4. Maximizing After-school Chat Time

"Classroom Leadership: Setting the Tone" was presented by Elmer Glick at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs.

How many times do teachers deal with surface issues and avoid the time and effort it may take to listen to what the child isn't telling us? In her presentation, Carolyn Good explores the importance of "listening to the heart" of students to address their behavioral challenges. She emphasizes understanding the underlying needs or traumas that may cause behaviors like showing off, shyness, or low self-esteem. Through personal anecdotes and practical strategies, she encourages teachers to show genuine care, build connections, and avoid assumptions to help students thrive.

"Listening to the Heart" was presented by Carolyn Good at Teachers Week 2015, on August 4-7, 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

In "Joyous Classroom Management", Jeff Swanson focuses on creating a joyful, effective classroom through a balance of clear rules and strong relationships. He shares practical strategies like a no-talking rule, structured routines, and engaging activities (e.g., Rubik’s cubes, reading) to minimize disruptions and foster learning. Jeff emphasizes building trust with students through affirmation and involvement while maintaining consistent discipline, such as recess detention for rule-breaking. His approach aims to create a secure, fun environment where students thrive academically and personally.

"Joyous Classroom Management (No, Really)" was presented by Jeff Swanson at Teachers Week 2015, held at Faith Builders Educational Programs.

Jaydon Schrock stresses that God is a God of order (1 Cor. 14:40) and that well-planned procedures—distinct from punishable rules—are essential for creating decency, efficiency, security, and a calm learning environment.

He urges teachers to start with personal holiness, daily prayer, self-discipline, and preparation, then implement consistent, practical procedures across the school day (devotions, classes, study time, recess, discipline, and checking) to prevent chaos, teach life skills, and free teachers to focus on instruction and student souls.

Procedures should be introduced and practiced intensely from day one (especially the first two weeks), kept simple and flexible, adapted to each classroom, and grounded in prayer for wisdom (James 1:5), with consistency being the key to success.

We are looking for a 6th Grade homeroom teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. We are located in Denver, PA. If you would have any interest please let us know.

“It is better to burn out than to rust out.” True or False? Let’s have an honest conversation about workloads and how we can protect the people we say are our most important assets.

Burnout was presented by Richie Lauer at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Bible teaching is the “main course” of many ministry opportunities—from sermons and Sunday school to living room Bible studies, kid’s clubs, or school. But at times, what should be compelling and energizing feels stale. How can we teach God’s Word in a way that pulls people in and nurtures life change? In this session, we’ll practice skills that apply to any Bible teaching moment.

Teaching the Bible Effectively and Joyfully was presented by Patrick Heatwole at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

This workshop will provide guidance for the person who is willing to serve and needs a path to get into Christian service. We will discuss heart, mind, and skills development.

I am Willing to Serve. What Do I Do Now? was presented by Merle Burkholder at REACH 2022, on March 24-25,2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

As our work becomes increasingly computerized, so can our sense of digital clutter and frustration. This session explores both individual and organizational strategies for and getting things done in this brave new landscape while warding off digital messiness. We’ll explore tactical strategies for creating useful folder hierarchies, managing emails, going paperless, and even transferring thoughts to your computer.

Ordering Your Digital World was presented by Kevin Shenk at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Your sixth sense tells you that the blank stare about factoring polynomials doesn’t have anything to do with inadequate teaching, nor the hot classroom, nor the polynomials. It is more likely a result of a mental barrier created by “no place to belong.” What about sheltering in place when home is not a shelter? How do we respond? Do we teach math, science, language, and history, or do we teach children?

Teaching More Than Math was presented by Judith Lehman at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Many things contribute to overload in ministry—the demands of those we serve, limitations of resources to meet those demands, guilt for saying no, and our own limitations and weaknesses. In this session, we will not only look at what leads to burnout in ministry but also explore ways to survive and thrive in ministry.

I'm Serving Jesus. Why Am I Depressed? was presented by John Coblentz at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

After deciding to use our home as a mission we may need ideas, or ways to interact with our neighbors and those that are in our communities. In this session we will look at some ideas and share experiences that our family has had interacting with neighbors. Engaging your neighbors and the people in your community may not be as difficult as you think.

Practical Ways of Engaging Your Neighbors was presented by Joe Hess at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

You may enjoy the first talk of this set: Using Your Home as a Mission.

Re-entry is often a difficult and disorienting experience. Returned missionaries need discerning and caring people around them to help them navigate the challenges of re-entry. We’ll examine some of the major challenges that returned missionaries face and practical ways churches and individuals can come alongside them.

Re-Entry: Caring for Returning Missionaries was presented by Henry Blank at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

You are looking forward to graduation or graduation is still visible in the rearview mirror. Business, helping at home, Bible School, voluntary service, teaching school, industry, adventure... What is your next step? Are you at the right spot now? How should you be preparing for the future? What is God’s role and what is your role? Come to explore these questions!

Graduation--Then What? was presented by Glendon Strickler at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

In this session we will attempt to understand what happens in the vulnerable heart of an abused person, as well as what makes sexual exploitation so devastating. We will learn practical methods to invite wounded hearts to a place of redemptive healing in the very presence of dear Jesus.

Caring for the Abused was presented by Donna Kauffman at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Opportunities abound for everyone from farmers and carpenters to doctors and lawyers to be involved in Kingdom work. All are invited to help advance the most wide-spread, world-altering movement ever seen. Your skills and abilities are needed. The King anticipates your involvement!

You Are Needed! was presented by Dennis Yoder at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

As you become an adult, you need to know where you stand. Do you want to live with confidence, conviction, and credibility? It would be nice if our choices were simply about black and white, right and wrong. They are not. In this workshop, we will explore a model for going beyond simple rules and building rich, wholesome, and peace-filled lives.

Beyond Black and White: Guidelines to Thrive By was presented by Dan Rutt at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Raising awareness for a cause or doing fundraising to support a ministry has the power to bring life into many churches in amazing ways. If pastors, leaders, and ministry personnel understand and walk in unity and purpose they have the opportunity to see transforming power that can bring renewed life to a church body.

Building God's Church through Public Relations & Fundraising was presented by Brent Bear at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

In this session we will take a look at the unique contribution Anabaptism has to offer in missions with an overview of how this applies as we encounter people from other world religions.

The Anabaptist Advantage and Obligation was presented by Allen Roth at REACH 2022, on March 24-25, 2022, at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.