Questions about Making Disciples Through Sunday School

I believe the ways that Sunday School can make disciples is nearly limitless. The ways vary by church, class, and individual. The ways differ by age group, people group, and country. The subject of the church’s failure to make disciples brings even greater importance to the need for Sunday School to make as much impact as possible.

Keep in mind our marching orders from Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV):

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

We are commanded to “make disciples of all nations.” Then Jesus defined the two major steps required in order to accomplish the task: baptize them and teach them to obey everything he commanded. There is so much packed into those two short verses!

I want to write more on this subject soon, but I want to ask some questions in this post. I would really value the input of readers. I want to invite you to respond to one or more of the following questions. Pray, think, and respond (press Comments below).

1. How can Sunday School be more intentional about inviting?
2. How can Sunday School be more intentional about sharing Jesus (leading them to place their faith in Him)?
3. What can Sunday School do to help attenders be better prepared to share personal testimonies and how to trust Jesus during individual life encounters?
4. How can Sunday School use fellowships to deepen relationships with each other while at the same time using them to get to know guests?
5. What can Sunday School do to encourage greater daily intake of God’s Word?
6. How can Sunday School strengthen retention of what was taught on Sunday?
7. Are some teaching-learning methods more likely to increase retention, involvement, and discipleship?
8. Is there an ideal class size which is more likely to make and grow disciples? If yes, how many?
9. Is there an ideal class arrangement which is more likely to make and grow disciples? If yes, which?
10. What should happen in the life of attenders prior to class session which would magnify the impact of the session?
11. What should happen in the life of attenders after the class session which would magnify the impact of the session?
12. Would increasing the length of time for the Sunday School session have greater disciplemaking results?
13. What should be the expectation following every Sunday School session for applying the truth of God’s Word?
14. What would happen if we began to realize that a Sunday School lesson could actually spill over into the other 167 hours of the week?
15. What would be the results if we began to ask attenders this week about what they did to apply last week’s lesson?
16. How could Sunday School challenge attenders to grow in their relationship with God through trying various spiritual disciplines?
17. What might happen if Sunday School classes encouraged accountability partners?
18. What if it all was influenced by teachers who were desperate for God in their daily quiet times and life interactions?
19. What if every attender was expected to serve, to minister, to go, to share with others what they know of Jesus?
20. What one thing could Sunday School do which would make the most difference in making and growing disciples?

My questions keep coming, but I’ll stop for now. Share your thoughts. Press Comments below. Focus on one or more of these questions. Or add a question to the list. I don’t know how much time remains until Jesus returns, but there is much work to d o. Remember the promise of Jesus: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Join Him in making disciples of all nations. Be revolutionary!