I fully understand that God is in charge, but I believe there is an ownership problem in Sunday School. When the job belongs to everyone, no one does it. Assignments are necessary in order for the ministry to be accomplished. For instance, ministry and outreach contacts are best carried out through some kind of regular assignment process or organizational structure, such as care groups, etc. But far too few of our classes are organized. No one is taking charge.
On the other hand, it seems that we have an aversion to accountability. Without positive accountability, much less will be accomplished for God. I believe even Jesus recognized our need for this when he said in John, “Encourage one another.”
Those in 5K races as well as those in life and ministry perform better with encouragement. But since no one is in charge, encouragement is not offered. How much less are we accomplishing for God because no one is cheering us on?
Why are we so afraid of assigning responsibility? Are we lazy? This may be part of the answer, but it is not all. Do we think we can do it better than anyone else? This may be true in the short term, but it is not even close in the long run. Are we afraid to give up authority? Are we afraid busy people will tell us “no”?
In the meantime, we are crippling the Sunday School. Lives are not changed. Leaders are not developed. The “few” get burned out. Ministry does not get done. How can we help our classes to make sure someone is in charge? How can we do a better job of equipping the saints for works of service? Let’s charge the hill!
Leave a Reply