In Part 1, I mentioned an article by Dale Roach entitled, “Why Teamwork Fails.” I encourage you to read his short article. In the article, Dale listed 15 simple reasons for teamwork failure. I want to turn those 15 reasons for failure into reasons for effectiveness when applied to the Sunday School.
In Part 1 of this three-part series, I shared the first five reasons: communication, networking, vision, working on goals and strategies, and owning the work and plan. In Part 2, I will look at the middle five reasons. Consider the following:
- DOING RIGHT THINGS THE RIGHT WAY. Be wise about what you do and how you do them. Make contacts because you care–not because they are a project or are expected. Invest in early preparation time because you love God and His people. People are watching your example and attitude. Do the right things. Do them the right way.
- USING TIME WISELY. Invest your 168 hours each week wisely. Pray. Listen to God in His Word. Balance your time between teaching, member care, and outreach. Don’t forget to invest in your leaders. Delegate and shepherd. Expect and inspect. Develop a firm but flexible weekly plan.
- BE PRODUCTIVE. This requires planning and intentionality. Schedule similar tasks together. Avoid distractions. Use available time well. Pray and read scripture at breakfast. Make caring calls at lunch on Wednesday. Send emails/texts to guests/prospects before dinner on Monday. I read a Sunday School or discipleship book during lunch when I am by myself.
- MANAGE CONFLICT WELL. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all,” (Romans 12:18, ESV). Confess. Forgive. Ask for forgiveness (from God and people). Don’t talk about the person. Instead, go to the person (remember Matthew 18:15-20). Seek restoration and reconciliation. Don’t allow hurt to fester. Broken relationships tend to interfere with out relationship with God. Help your group here too.
- UTILIZE TEAM STRENGTHS. To do so means that you must discover their strengths. That requires time spent away from class–at fellowships and projects, over meals, in homes, or at the office. Ask them to complete a survey. Listen. Observe. Get to know better. Then mobilize those strengths and passions. Ask for help. Delegate. Enlist a team. There is likely many untapped strengths in your group.
Evaluate your Sunday School (or your class). Which of these five reasons for effectiveness is a strength of your group? Which is in need of help and attention? In Part 3, I will share the final set of five reasons. Be a team. Make disciples. Be revolutionary!
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