Teaching Prepared and Purposeful with Hunter Ames

As teachers, we spend countless hours preparing our classrooms, organizing our lesson plans, and ensuring we have all the necessary supplies for the new school year. But how much time do we dedicate to preparing our hearts and minds for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead?

In this episode of the Gospel & Gradebooks podcast, hosts Jamie and Timm sit down with their good friend and fellow educator, Hunter Ames, to discuss the importance of spiritual readiness as we embark on a new academic year. Hunter, a high school Broadcasting and Film teacher, brings a unique perspective to the conversation, sharing how his faith has shaped his purpose both in and out of the classroom.

Hunter's journey to becoming an educator was not a straight path, but one guided by his deep-rooted faith. Growing up as a "preacher's kid," Hunter witnessed firsthand the bold and unwavering faith of his father, who was not afraid to step into difficult situations and share the gospel.

"My dad was very bold in his faith," Hunter recalls. "I remember one time, I don't know why my mom was okay with this, but he got us up in the car. We went into a crack house downtown Atlanta. He busted it up and started church in the crack house. Wow. And those are things that I've never forgotten."

This formative experience, along with his father's relentless commitment to witnessing to anyone, anywhere, left a lasting impression on Hunter. As he navigated his own path after high school, he felt a calling to become a teacher, a mission field where he could share the love of Christ with his students.

"I got to go on a mission trip to Jamaica and I got to teach high school students, and I was like, 'I remember calling my mom. I'm going to be a high school teacher,'" Hunter shares. "And although you can't just preach the gospel right in the middle of the class, the way you live your life and kids asking you questions, they can pick up on those things, and they know what you're about."

As Hunter and the hosts discuss the challenges of the new school year, the conversation turns to the importance of spiritual readiness. They emphasize that preparing our hearts and minds for the journey ahead is just as crucial as planning our lessons and organizing our classrooms.

"As teachers, we spend hours decorating walls, sorting supplies, labeling bins. But how much time do we spend actually preparing our hearts?" Jamie asks.

Hunter agrees, sharing the importance of maintaining a daily walk with Christ, even amidst the chaos of the school year.

• "I got saved when I was 13 years old, but there's been up and down. That's what the Christian walk's like. I will say that I've gone through some pretty big storms, and I am now thankful for all of that. Because that's got me to where I am now in my walk with Christ."
• "My faith in God and what he can do is incredible. It's a daily walk. It's not easy all the time, but I love it."

The hosts emphasize the importance of following the example set by Jesus, who made it a priority to spend time in solitary prayer, even in the midst of his busy ministry.

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place where he prayed." (Mark 1:35)

This daily time of reflection and communion with God is essential for teachers, who often find themselves pouring out to their students throughout the day. By taking the time to fill their own spiritual tanks, they can then pour out from a place of abundance, rather than running on empty.

The conversation also delves into the importance of preparing for the challenges and adversity that inevitably arise in the life of a teacher. The hosts and Hunter draw wisdom from various passages of Scripture, highlighting the need to be proactive in our spiritual readiness.

"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." (Proverbs 22:3)

Hunter reflects on this verse, drawing a parallel to the story of Noah, who faithfully built the ark in preparation for the coming flood, even as he was mocked and ridiculed by those around him.

"Noah was building that boat for how many years? There was a bunch. And people mocked him and made fun of him. And that's what we have to do in our Christian walk. I mean, you've got to keep preparing because, you know, I have gone through some big storms. And you know what? There's chances are I'm going to have some more."

The hosts also highlight the importance of being "alert and fully sober" in our spiritual preparation, as emphasized in 1 Peter 1:13. They encourage teachers to be proactive in their readiness, not waiting until the storms hit to seek refuge in God's Word and presence.

As the conversation draws to a close, the hosts and Hunter offer practical steps that teachers can take to ensure they are spiritually prepared for the new school year:

1. Have a Morning Moment: Spend 5-10 minutes each morning in prayer and Scripture reading, setting the tone for the day and connecting with God.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

1. Conduct a Pre-Week Prayer Walk: Before the start of each week, take a few moments to walk around your classroom, touch each desk, and pray for your students.
2. Reset with Worship: Throughout the week, take time to listen to praise and worship music, allowing it to refresh and renew your spirit.

"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." (Colossians 3:16)

These simple yet powerful practices can help teachers maintain a posture of spiritual readiness, even as they navigate the demands of the school year.

As the conversation comes to a close, the hosts and Hunter emphasize the importance of embracing the journey ahead, trusting in God's plan and purpose, even when the path is uncertain.

"Preparation is not a one-time event, but a continuous process," Hunter reminds us. "Sometimes things need to be changed up a little bit. Sometimes things aren't working right, and you've got to change it up. That's in our personal life, too. Sometimes you've got to change things up in your life."

By staying grounded in God's Word, maintaining a posture of prayer, and leaning on the support of fellow believers, teachers can navigate the challenges of the new school year with confidence and purpose. As Hunter so eloquently states, "If you're spending your days making bad decisions and not living like you need to live, if you're breathing and hearing this, you've got time. Let's get right with the Lord."

So, as you prepare to embark on a new academic year, remember to not only organize your classroom and lesson plans, but to also take the time to prepare your heart. By doing so, you'll be equipped to pour out to your students from a place of spiritual abundance, ready to make an eternal impact in their lives.

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