The full Pre-Servants Curriculum is designed to span approximately 3 years. It is meant to be more than a class: teaching, mentoring, observing, practicing, and growing.

The purpose is not only to finish lessons. The purpose is to prepare faithful, humble, and well-formed Orthodox servants who are ready to serve the Church.

Recommended: hold the class on a day other than Sunday so students learn that service is not limited to Sunday School time.

1.5-Year Program: uses only the 100-level units and is best for churches that want a strong basic foundation before students begin serving.

2-Year Program: uses the 100-level and 200-level units and offers a balanced path with stronger formation.

Full Program: uses the 100-level, 200-level, and 300-level units for the broadest and deepest preparation.

Use these sample schedules after you choose your program length. They are meant to save time and help churches build a steady rhythm for the semester.

Phase 1: Learn

Students attend Pre-Servants lessons and build their Orthodox foundation.

Phase 2: Observe

Students observe experienced servants and learn how classes are actually taught.

Phase 3: Practice

Students begin teaching small parts of lessons, then eventually a full lesson.

Phase 4: Rotate

Students rotate through different classes and age groups.

Phase 5: Placement

Church leaders prayerfully recommend where each student may begin serving.

The rotation system gives students hands-on exposure to different classes, servants, and teaching levels.

Simple Rotation Example

Class Teacher Responsibilities

• Welcome the student into the class.
• Explain the class age group and needs.
• Allow the student to observe and assist.
• Give the student an opportunity to teach when ready.
• Provide honest and kind feedback.
• Submit notes to the Pre-Servants coordinator.

Simple Tracking Form

Pre-Servants teachers should:

• Prepare lessons ahead of time.
• Teach clearly and faithfully.
• Encourage discussion.
• Mentor students personally.
• Model humility, commitment, and love for service.
• Give practical assignments.
• Help students connect lessons to real service.

Pre-Servants students should:

• Attend consistently.
• Come prepared.
• Participate in discussion.
• Complete assignments.
• Observe experienced servants.
• Practice teaching.
• Receive feedback humbly.
• Grow spiritually.

Use this checklist to begin implementing the program at your church.

1. Choose the program length: 1.5 years, 2 years, or 3 years.
2. Choose the meeting day and time.
3. Assign Pre-Servants teachers.
4. Select the units and lessons for the semester.
5. Create a 13-week semester schedule.
6. Track student attendance.
7. Add classroom observation opportunities.
8. Allow students to practice teaching.
9. Collect feedback from class teachers.
10. Use the rotation system near the end of the program.
11. Prayerfully recommend students for service placement.

The goal of the Pre-Servants Program is not simply to finish lessons. The goal is to prepare faithful, humble, Orthodox servants who are ready to teach, serve, and love the people of God.

By the end of the program, each student should have:

• A stronger Orthodox foundation.
• A deeper spiritual life.
• A clearer understanding of service.
• Practical teaching experience.
• Feedback from experienced servants.
• A recommended area of service.

Learn. Observe. Practice. Rotate. Serve.