Thanks Giving

In a season focused on giving thanks, I can’t help but recall the many conversations with Sunday School leaders that end up focusing on thanking leaders for their service. Those conversations sometimes begin with the words, “Can you help me?  I’m the new Sunday School director in my church.  I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be doing. “

The best advice I was given and that I now give is to talk with each of your leaders.  Get to know them and ask three questions.

1. Tell me how your ministry through Sunday School is going.  You might think you would hear lots of complaints here.  You’ll hear great life change stories and discover ways you can pray for others more specifically. You may also discover ministry needs or concerns to share with other age group leaders.  You may learn of needs for new classes and leaders.
2. Do you have everything you need?  I guessed wrong here most of the time on this one. One might think people ask for expensive resources. Many times the things leaders need do not cost money. Perhaps they just need help working out shared space issues or need help looking down the road to know how to deal with growing more leaders now for expected future growth. Maybe they just need to rearrange the room and are not sure they have “permission” to do so. Once in a while a leader asks if someone can discard inappropriate items. Often times they just need to know someone other than God cares about what they do.
3. How can I pray more specifically for you and your ministry? Be prepared many people will tell you no one has asked them that question before. Something happens when you pray with and for your leaders. Write down their prayer concerns and pray for them. Write them notes or call them later reminding them of how you prayed. Be sure to pray with them in person, too.

Read Eph. 1:15-19 as you give thanks and pray for spiritual insight for you and your leaders.

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Belinda Jolley serves as the Director of the Adult Ministry Office of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Belinda and her husband, Steve, enjoy starting new classes at First Baptist Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina.