In Part 1, I shared the first five statements of an article entitled How Do We Measure Up? A Tool to Assess Present Strengths and New Opportunities. The tool contains twenty statements. Because of length, I have chosen to break consideration of the statements into four parts. I won’t repeat the previous statements here, but I encourage you to press the link to review them: Part 1.
In Part 2, I will share statements 6-10. Think about and evaluate your Sunday School. The article’s statements are in all capitals followed by my commentary. Measure your strengths and opportunities by assigning each statement one of the following responses suggested in the article: (1) we’re doing this WELL; (2) we could do this BETTER; or (3) we COULD do this:
- OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL CAN BE DESCRIBED AS FUN, VITAL AND ENGAGING. Fun should describe Sunday School for all ages, including adults. It should be an experience that members and guests want to attend again. The experience should be so enjoyable that those who were present tell others about what happened and invite them to attend with them next Sunday. Sunday School should be lively and lead all attenders to be interested and participate. Rate this statement: (1) Well (2) Better (3) Could.
- SUNDAY SCHOOL IS NOT MERELY AN “ACTIVITY” OF THE CHURCH, BUT A TIME FOR THE CARE AND NURTURE OF ALL LEARNERS. Sunday School does not end when the Sunday morning session is over. Sunday School is a ministry of care to members and prospects. Relationships extend beyond the time and space of the Sunday morning experience. Members step forward during stressful times in the lives of members and prospects assigned to the class. Attenders want what is best for each other relative to life and growing as disciples. Rate this statement: (1) Well (2) Better (3) Could.
- LIFE-LONG FAITH FORMATION IS FOSTERED BY PROVIDING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES FROM TODDLERS TO OLDER ADULTS. Is your Sunday School age-graded? Are classes available for all ages from birth through senior adults? Are learning experiences provided in addition to Sunday morning? Attenders should be encouraged to seek to grow as disciples in daily quiet times, preparation for Sunday morning, and addition learning/discipleship opportunities. Rate this statement: (1) Well (2) Better (3) Could.
- THE BIBLE, PRAYER AND KEY TEACHINGS ARE “THE CORE CURRICULUM” AROUND WHICH MOST LEARNING IS SHAPED. Is the Bible the main curriculum for your Sunday School? Every attender should learn to study God’s Word and pray through the ministry of the Sunday School. Are key biblical/church doctrines taught from the chosen curriculum plan/literature? Is the plan one that is sequential and built upon what learners of every age need to know? Rate this statement: (1) Well (2) Better (3) Could.
- GRACE DRIVEN PROBLEM SOLVING AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT ARE EVIDENT IN CONGREGATIONAL LIFE. Sunday School should be a tool for training believers to apply the truth of God’s Word to their daily decisions and interactions. Evidence of progress in this area includes cooperation, common vision, and ability to work through conflict (not the absence of conflict). Rate this statement: (1 ) Well (2) Better (3) Could.
How did you rate these five statements? Are you doing well on one or more? Could you do better on one or more? Is there one or more statement which you COULD do? Gather a leadership team to pray about and begin to address any BETTER or COULD statements. In addition to Part 1, look also for Part 3 and Part 4. In the other three parts of this series will be fifteen other statements. Don’t get overwhelmed. Focus on the one that is most important. Look for opportunity to strengthen your Sunday School. Get started. Be revolutionary!
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