Look at your class sign outside the door of your classroom. Look at the listing of classes used by the nominating committee of your church. What do you see? If your church is like most you will see a class name and the name of the teacher. One of the reasons our Sunday Schools are not effective is that we have organized to accomplish just that.
If we truly believe that Sunday School is to REACH, TEACH and MINISTER then we will place the same level of importance for each task. Every class, no matter the size not the age group, should have at least three leaders.
Every class must have someone that takes on the role of teacher. This person is the key leader and is much like the pastor for the class/group. But just like a pastor can’t do it all themselves the same is true of a class teacher. This person must lead their class to be organized to accomplish the purpose of the Great Commission. Teacher it is your responsibility to enlist leaders to assist you in leading your class to accomplish the Great Commission. Don’t wait on the pastor, the Sunday School director nor the nominating committee.
Every class needs to have someone with the responsibility to lead the class to reach out to those that are non-Christians and /or non-members. If you teach a class for middle school or high school involve them as leaders. Let the youth help you reach other youth. Just a reminder; your students will usually
do a better job at reaching other students!
Every class needs to be organized to care for all those they have reached. When someone agrees to enroll in your class they are not making a commitment to attend your class. Sunday School enrollment is us making a commitment to them. We are committing to pray for them, love them, help them grow in their relationship with Jesus and help them find their place of service. Who in your class is praying for your members? How is your class expressing care and concern for all members?
Where should you start if your class needs more workers? Start praying for the Lord to send out the workers. Pray for the Lord to reveal to you the person you need ask first and what role they should take. After God gives you a name, make an appointment with the person, tell them the process you have gone through and ask them to pray about helping the ministry of the class. Remember this is the strategy of the church to accomplish the Great Commission.
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Dr. Tim S. Smith serves as a state missionary with the Georgia Baptist Convention and is the Sunday School/Small Groups Specialist. Visit their website at ssog.gabaptist.org for more information and other resources to aid your Sunday School.
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