When Does a Sunday School Class Become Missional?

When does a Sunday School class become “missional?”  Is it when we talk about missions? Pray for missions? Give to missions? List the missionaries we know? These are all important; however, I believe we become missional when we set our minds and feet toward it, and get our hands in it!  We can talk about many things in the class room, but it is when we take it to the streets of our neighborhoods, communities, cities and towns that we truly become missional.

It has been noted that there are 3,776 verses in the four Gospels.  Jesus is seen reaching people, teaching people, or ministering to people in 2,014 of those verses.  This represents 53% of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We cannot do that sitting in a classroom.

The classroom should be used for strategic Bible study topics or themes that equip learners for what is to be accomplished in the field.  Allow the classroom to be the “headquarters” for mapping out plans, teams, and strategies for reaching your community for Christ. Transform it into your “Prayer Room” as you seek God’s direction and insight.  Place yourself at His feet and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit. Then GO in Jesus name!

Remember the account of Jesus sending His disciples out two-by-two?  Imagine what they would have missed if they had not been obedient to this command.  Christians can talk a pretty good game, but how many of us are really IN the game?

David Francis, Director of Sunday School for LifeWay Christian Resources, wrote the book “Connect³ The Power of One Sunday School Class.” He noted three types of classes:

1. Class – A place where you have great bible studies and an open door policy.
2. Community – A place where relationships are built.  A safe place to yourself.
3. Commission – A place where people move from being members and ministers to being missionaries.

The “Commission” class is a class that understands and truly gets it. This class says, “Let’s take what we have learned into our community and win them to Christ!”

Jesus wants to send you out.  Are you ready? Be missional!

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Dwayne Lee serves as Associate Group Leader for the Bible Teaching/Leadership Team of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio.