IS IT REALISTIC TO BELIEVE THAT WE CAN CONTACT EVERY SUNDAY SCHOOL MEMBER EVERY WEEK? YES!!
What a thrill it is for preschoolers, children and youth and their parents to be contacted by their teacher about what’s going to happen next Sunday. It means a lot for every adult to be called by someone in the class who simply says, “I just called to ask if there was anything I could pray for you about this week.” If we would make those calls hundreds of ministry needs would be discovered.
The only motivation that keeps us consistent in our contacts each week is spiritual motivation. It’s being a part of what God is doing on any given week. In 2006 I wrote a little book entitled, “Spiritual Food for Sunday School Leaders, God’s Nourishment for Effective Service.” I am amazed that over 20,000 copies have been printed. The book begins by referencing the encounter that Simon Peter had on shore with the Lord Jesus after Christ’s resurrection. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Jesus had an important place of ministry for Peter, but it wouldn’t amount to much without his love for Jesus. Love was Peter’s motivation for service.
Suppose we were sitting across the fire from Jesus and He asked us our motivation for service.
These questions are found in the first chapter of the book.
“Suppose, as you sat by that fire, Jesus had asked you another question. ‘Why do you serve me in Sunday School?’ Suppose Jesus went on to ask even more questions.
– ‘Do you serve me in Sunday School because you would feel guilty if you didn’t?’
– ‘Do you serve me in Sunday School because you feel obligated to serve your time?’
– ‘Do you serve me in Sunday School because no one else would serve in that position?’
– ‘Do you serve me in Sunday School because someone else would not let you say no?’
– ‘Do you serve me in Sunday School because your parents and grandparents did?’
– ‘Do you serve me in Sunday School to receive the attention of being in front of the class?’
– ‘Do you serve me in Sunday School to make up for past wrongs?’
– ‘Do you serve me in Sunday School because it makes you feel like a good person, even more spiritual than others?’
Imagine Jesus as he looks into your eyes with the fire reflecting on His face and asks you the final question. Not once but three times. ‘Do you serve me in Sunday School because you love me?'”
“Spiritual Food for Sunday School Leaders,” contains practical helps for Sunday School work as well as scriptural motivation. The book can be ordered for $1.00 from the Office of Sunday School/Bible Study Ministries, Alabama Baptist Convention, State Board of Missions. Email rellison@alsbom.org for an order form. It’s also a great Sunday School leader appreciation gift.
Other Sunday School resources are available at www.alsbom.org/ss.
“Spiritual Food for Sunday School Leaders,” Copyright Rick Ellison, Alabama Baptist Convention, State Board of Missions, January, 2006. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Rick Ellison is a Sunday School associate for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. In addition to his ministry to Alabama Baptists, Rick has also carried the Olympic Torch at the 1996 and again in 2002 Winter Games along with his wife, Sheila.
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