There are several reasons that Sunday School may not be growing. Here are just a few:
- lack of focus on new people (those not already enrolled in Sunday School)
- conflict
- lack of prayer for friends, relatives, associates, neighbors
- no new classes
- insufficient span of care
- no new leaders being enlisted, developed, and mobilized
- lack of space
- poor relationships/no fellowship
- poor ministry organization, plan, and execution
- poor first impressions
- and more.
I have previously shared the fact that a Sunday School may be adding new people but still not growing due to losing people faster than adding new ones. That is a key reason that every adult and youth class needs to enlist, train, and mobilize additional leaders to assist the teacher with regular (weekly) class ministry, fellowship, and mission efforts. Check out Actions to Plug the Leaks in Your Sunday School, Part 1, Actions to Plug the Leaks in Your Sunday School, Part 2, Actions to Plug the Leaks in Your Sunday School, Part 3, and Actions to Plug the Leaks in Your Sunday School, Part 4.
But there is one guarantee that I can make about Sunday School growth. If you fail reach out, invite, and enroll new people, you will not grow. With that in mind, where can a Sunday School class discover prospects? What are some untapped sources? Begin by praying that God will open your eyes to people He wants you to reach. Then consider the following sources:
- Sunday School and worship guests
- church members not enrolled in Sunday School
- worship attenders not enrolled in Sunday School
- people attending church special events (VBS, Easter and Christmas programs, etc.)
- people involved in other church ministries (RAs, GAs, Awana, etc.) not enrolled in Sunday School
- family members of Sunday School and church members
- friends of Sunday School and church members
- neighbors of Sunday School and church members
- neighbors in the immediate church community
- workmates, schoolmates, and teammates
- club and group members
- restaurant and store servers, cashiers, and workers
- doctors, nurses, and medical workers
- people moving into the community
- people going through change, grief, and stress
- widows and orphans
- and more.
What if you focused on a group? What if you adopted a group? What if you focused on an age group, life stage, or affinity? What might happen in the hearts and actions of your Sunday School if each class adopted a “people group?” Begin in prayer. Realize the compassion of our Lord and the need of that “people group.” Then organize out of your care and concern. Touch lives. Make a difference. Invite. Disciple. Be revolutionary!
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