New Year's Resolutions

New year’s brings a time for reflection and planning for the upcoming year. Some of the more popular resolutions that people make include spending more time with family and friends, exercising regularly, losing those unwanted pounds, quit smoking, get out of debt, or to learn something new. All of these are worthy goals. In fact, I could definitely benefit from exercising more and eating healthier.

In a conference led by the late Ron Lewis, a church Growth Consultant, he stated, “The difference between growing churches and non-growing churches is simply that growing churches set goals while non-growing churches don’t.” Let me suggest a few new year’s resolutions for your Sunday School:

1. Set goals for growth in enrollment and attendance.
2. Plan to start at least one new adult class.
3. Develop an effective outreach strategy for following up on guests and new members.
4. Contact every member and every prospect every week.
5. Participate in a training event.
6. Connect with your teachers regularly.
7. Spend more time in Bible Study and Lesson Preparation.

These suggestions represent solid principles for growing a strong, healthy Sunday School. Remember most new year’s resolutions don’t last. Change only comes when we become committed to the resolutions and not just interested in it.

The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat

During the last few weeks, I have experienced both. My daughter’s high school football team had a thrilling victory over Millington High School to advance to the State Finals for the first time in the school’s short history. The emotions were high and the community abuzz with expectation. The next week was a different story. The team fumbled twice and was intercepted once in three of their first nine offensive plays. All resulted in touchdowns and the dream of a state Championship vanished before the end of the first quarter. The agony of defeat had descended. Driving home that night, I was reflecting on the fact that for many of those in attendance they probably placed their identity and emotions in whether the football team won the game.

Evangelist Bob Stafford gave me some great advice one evening. I asked him, “How do you measure success?” He responded by being faithful to your call. As a young minister of education, my emotions were up and down based on Sunday’s attendance. I had fail to recognize that my success was not based on attendance but faithfulness.

As a Sunday School leader, all of us have experienced the thrill of victory. That moment when the lesson was just terrific…and/or the agony of defeat, when you walked to the worship center, thinking…that lesson bombed. Maybe it was that high attendance day that blew the roof off or the one when the attendance was actually lower than the previous Sunday. Remember victory comes in being faithful to the call. Continue to play and continue to work as if it all depends on you, but know that ultimately it all depends on God.

May His will be done in our Sunday Schools and may each of us experience the Thrill of Victory as we serve Him.

Insuring Doctrinal Integrity in Sunday School

What we teach in Sunday School is important? Paul wrote to Titus about the importance of sound doctrine. He instructed Titus, “But you must speak what is consistent with sound teaching (Titus 2:1).”

In a recent Equipping U Tele-conference, participants discussed this issue of doctrinal integrity. A sample of questions that were addressed dealt included: How do Sunday School leaders know what is being taught? and How do we insure doctrinal accountability?

Since Sunday School is called a school, the contributors largely agreed that in order to know what is being taught the Sunday School leadership team should develop a curriculum policy with a list of approved curriculum. This group would also make decisions when teachers desire to teach a resource that does not appear on the approved curriculum list. Doctrinal accountability begins with a teacher covenant. This covenant would include a statement of agreement to teach based on the approved curriculum and the doctrinal beliefs of the church.

Regular meetings with Sunday School teachers provides a platform for accountability and explores sticky theological issues that will be studied in the upcoming lessons. A sustained program of lifelong learning for teachers should incorporate instruction in Biblical doctrines. This time of instruction could be incorporated in these regular meetings or offered periodically.

In I Timothy, Paul declared, “If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, he is conceited, understanding nothing, but having a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words (I Tim. 6:3).” Sunday School leaders must never shy away from confronting such teachers as Paul describes in order to lovingly guide and exhort them to become sound teachers.

The next Equipping U Tele-conference occurs on December 11. The topic to be discussed is Setting New Year’s Resolutions for Sunday School.

My Town the mission Field

Heading into this part of town was not advisable but this Sunday School Class was not going to be deterred. Instead of talking about the Meth problem in their rural town they were going to do something about it. One of the families who frequented the Church asking for assistance was right in the middle of the hot spot for Meth trafficking.

Showing in a practical way the love of Christ the class, made up of 20 - 30 year old couples, spent two Saturdays doing fix up task around the house. With a nice looking home and new found friendships, this family has been an example to the possible road out of addiction and depression.

"I feel like I'm in a dream world" The once addicted mother said. I love my Sunday School Class. When I feel like I'm not gonna make it I just call one of them and they are on my door step telling me about the strength Christ can give. Before, I felt trapped. If I needed something fixed around the house I felt like the only friends I had were the people who sold me the Drugs. Now I have my Sunday School Class.

Preparation: The Key to Success

Two of my daughters are affectionately known by their sister as “BAND GEEKS.” One plays in the high school band and the oldest now marches in her college band. As a proud band parent, I am amazed by the hours of preparation and rehearsal that my daughters devote to mastering their respective instruments and marching bands dedicates to perfecting each maneuver of their ten minute halftime show.

Bands began preparing for the halftime show months prior to the actual performance. As an adult Sunday School teacher, preparation is the key to great lessons. Great lessons start early in the week. Good lesson preparation balances the relational and the Biblical aspects of teaching. Knowing the basic thrust of the lesson early in the week allows me to pray over the lesson, seek God’s guidance on how the lesson impacts my students, and adequately study the passage of scripture. By Friday or Saturday morning, the actual lesson plan comes together, materials are secured, and the room is prepared.

While my desire each Sunday morning is to hit a home run for God, there are days honestly when I bow my head during worship and ask God’s forgiveness for not adequately preparing. Preparation does not guarantee perfection but it does lead to greater excellence.

As I attend the local football game tonight, I will secretly wish that the spectators would honor these band students for their commitment by listening intently and applauding appropriately. They deserve it. Let me assure you that your work as a Sunday School teacher never goes unnoticed and unappreciated. You might not hear the applauds on Sunday morning, but one day the Lord will say “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Remember: Preparation does not guarantee perfection but it does lead to greater excellence.

(Let me encourage you to go to a local marching band contest, you will be amazed by the quality and excellence demonstrated. And the spectators are respectful.)

Mastering the Fundamentals

A few years ago, I was introduced to the game of golf. The game has brought me both lots of pleasure and fulfillment and times of total frustration. To avoid these times of frustration, a good golfer becomes skilled at the basic fundamentals. Learning the correct grip, the proper posture, and the mechanics of the swing affects every aspect of the game. Effective Sunday Schools also must master the following basic fundamental principles:

1. Commit to Sunday School as the priority process for fulfilling the Great Commission.
2. Identify an organization that enables the church to reach it Great Commission objective and to better reach its community.
3. Identify and Develop sufficient leaders who will commit to lead and grow Great Commission Christians through small groups which are open to believers and non-believers alike.
4. Provide planning and training processes that enable leaders to be effective.
5. Develop caring Bible Study Groups where teachers involve learners in life-changing Bible Study
6. Provide adequate space and safe learning environments to facilitate Bible study, outreach, fellowship, and expansion.
7. Foster attitudes and opportunities whereby believers intentionally connect their lives, ministry, and faith with others through fellowships and ministries.

Practicing these fundamentals is essential to becoming a healthy Sunday School. Take time to master these fundamentals and your Sunday School will find more greens in regulation and you will find greater fulfillment in accomplishing the purposes of Sunday School.

Where do I find Prospects for my Sunday School

Where do I find Prospects for my Sunday School organization. I'm glad you asked that question!! Because, just simply asking that question tells me you understand the purpose and the history of Sunday School. Some believe that Sunday School would serve the Church better as a Discipleship Training opportunity instead of an Outreach tool. WWWWRONG!

Sunday School works best being used as it was designed to be used. How well does that pair of Pliers work as a hammer. Or, how well do those keys work as your knife. Just as I thought. Tools do not work well when we try and use them for things other then what they were designed to be used .

First: I would begin with the Church Membership roll. If you find a person who is a member of the Church but not a member of the Sunday School then you have just discovered a SS prospect.

Second: Look in the individual Sunday School classes to see if they have old records that may contain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of class members who have been purged from that classes Sunday School roll.....Just because that Sunday School class has turned their back on that former member does not mean that God or His bride (the Church) should be through with them.

Third: VBS, Fall Festivals, and Christmas programs are some of the prime opportunities for people in the community to visit your church. Are you making sure that you have every name , address, phone number and age of everyone who attends these great touch point events in the life of your Church and Community.

Dealing with Curves

When you get thrown a curve, how do you know the right thing to do? Last Sunday morning, I approached my adult Sunday School class feeling prepared and ready for a typical day. But the day turned out to be anything but typical.

This article is dedicated to a great friend, classmate, and leader: Beth Smith, who was rushed to the hospital on Sunday morning and was taken to heaven on Monday afternoon. Over the years, Beth utilized her gift of hospitality and served as our class fellowship leader. Outside of church, our children were both in the high school band, which meant serving as chaperones on trips and working long hours on fundraisers and other projects. She will be extremely missed by all of her friends and family.

On the marker board, Sunday was a note from the pastor simply alerting us to pray for Beth, due to an unknown sickness. Some class members attempted to reach someone to get more information. About fifteen minutes into class time, one of Beth’s neighbors and a class member arrived with additional news that an ambulance was at the house and she was being taken to the hospital, supposedly in stable condition. At that point, we stopped and prayed for Beth, Chuck and their children. The curve was thrown and I begin to debate: do we pray, teach, or dismiss.

I made the decision to teach, but explained to the class that I would go to the hospital as soon as class was over. About 20 minutes later, word came that she was in cardiac arrest. I immediately summed up the lesson, asked the class to pray, and headed to the hospital. (Before long, the whole class was there…the love they have demonstrated and continue to display has simply been amazing.)

I have asked myself all week, what should I have done? The answer is not black and white or even right or wrong. My advice: seek God’s direction and his guidance and follow your heart. Will you join me in praying for Chuck and his two teenage daughters.

Transitions

Transitions in life…my oldest daughter recently graduated from high school and a few weeks ago, my wife and I moved her in to her new dorm room. The trip home was filled with lots of emotions: sadness, gladness, satisfaction, and hope. I know many of you have experienced this transition in life, but this was a new experience for me.

When we arrived home, a letter was tucked away in the mailbox from a member of our Sunday School class. The note simply indicated that she was praying for us in this transition time in our life. I am thankful for Christian friends in Sunday School that have been with me through the transitions of life. This daughter had been born pre-mature and spent several weeks in the hospital. My Sunday School family was there, although we were far away from home. When my father-in-law died of cancer, a Sunday School class at a church we were just visiting ministered to my wife and myself. Of course, we joined.

Sunday School classes are there to help us through the transitions in life. They truly are able to exhibit the one another in the Bible:

Love One Another (John 13:34-35)
Build up One Another (Romans 14:19)
Accept One Another (Romans 15:7)
Instruct One Another (Romans 15:14)
Serve One Another (Galatians 5:13)
Bear One Another’s Burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Be Kind and Compassionate to One Another (Ephesians 4:32)
Forgive One Another (Colossians 3:13)
Encourage One Another (I Thessalonians 5:11)

My prayer is that when the storms and blessings of life occur, you have a network of friends that can rejoice and weep with you. If not, let me encourage you to join a Sunday School class…I trust that they will love you also.

Building Relationships

As the newest member of the Sunday School Team, the most important lesson I have learned over the past few months has been to take time to build relationships. When on church staff, it is easy to get caught up in the day to day business of the work that has been set before you. They are all good things -things that God has called you to accomplish. But, so much to do that there is no time left to build relationships.

My first lesson came in Rio on mission trip. We were all on a bus, rushing to get to the area where we had been serving all week. Suddenly one of our leaders got off the bus and spent time with someone they had previously ministered to, holding their baby. I was amazed, while this woman of God, who was always so focused on completing work, held this child I realized…that was what ministry was really about…building relationships and taking time to show the love of Christ.

That is what I have also seen through those working here at the TBC. They are loving people who are taking time, through busy schedules, to build relationships.

“If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all the mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” I Corinthians 13:2-3

Are you taking time in your church to know the people God has called you to minister to each day?

Dollywood Lesson Applied

My family and I recently was on vacation in Pigeon Forge. One of my teenage daughters loves amusement parks, and so naturally, I gave up a great day to play golf and we all went to Dollywood. I had a great experience and believe that Sunday School leaders could learn from Dollywood practices.

First, every worker was overly friendly. My wife and I commented that the ride operators were having fun and engaged with the clientele. This was in stark contrast to an early experience this summer at another amusement park. At that park, the workers were grumpy and just fulfilling their duty. When guests come to your Sunday School class, do you treat each one as a special guest or they just a visitor that you have to tolerate. Leviticus 19:34 states, “the true test is not how we treat one another, but how we treat the stranger among us.”

Second, the atmosphere of the park demonstrated excellence. Flowers were blooming, music playing, and cleaniness was a priority. We need to pay attention to the atmosphere of our classes and our churches.

-Pay attention to the little things: Is your classroom cluttered? Does it shout we are prepared for you!
-Parking-Do you have designated spots for guests? Do you have ample parking spaces?
-Signs…there can never be too many signs.
-Welcome Center/Welcome People-All churches need to point guests to a place or a person that is available to answer their questions. If your campus is spread out, multiple welcome centers will be needed.

Upon arriving at Dollywood, I was given a map and directory of that day’s show schedule. The role of the Sunday school is to connect unchurched guests with the regular attendees and church members. The guest must see and connect with people that are like them. Make sure that your Greeters have an updated Sunday School Directory and map in order to direct guests to the right class. Grading your Sunday School by Age or Life Stage is a great way to accomplish likeness.

I hope you apply these lessons to your Sunday School.

Yes I'm sure that San Antonio is straight west of Fort Worth

Yes, I'm sure San Antonio is straight west of Fort Worth. Those we're my words, having a little time off during Seminary, and excited about the camping trip to San Antonio. Persistance is a good quality if you are heading in the right direction. Persistance can be the death of you if you are heading to San Angelo instead of San Antonio.

Pastor, What direction is you Sunday school heading ? Sunday School director are you and your team making the same mistakes year after year? Working smart and being as effective as you can be may be the difference in a Sunday School that is not growing and one that is creating a buzz in the Church and in the Community!!

Be Persistant....but be persistantly heading in the right direction!!!!

The right direction is:
- moving a Sunday School that is turned inward to a Sunday School that is Outward focused and living there life and doing there ministry with an eye to the Outsider ( Colossians 4:5 )
-Starting a Sunday School Growth Team. Comprised of the SS Department directors or some of the teachers. Using the SS Growth team to make the hard decisions that all growing SS have to make.
-Teacher Training that is worth the effort. Not just having teacher training because that's what your suppose to do but Teacher Training that is making a difference in the life of the Teachers and the life of your SS.

:) See you in San Antonio.....

Ingredients of an Evangelistic Sunday School

Sunday School is a strategy, a plan for doing the work of the church. Ken Hemphill wrote in Revitalizing the Sunday Morning Dinosaur:

Sunday School must be plugged into a passion for evangelism. Otherwise it will settle into the comfort zone of a maintenance organization. By ignoring the evangelistic potential of the Sunday School, we have reduced Sunday School to a stagnant pool of introverted groups looking primarily to their own needs and interests and ignoring the plight of the unsaved.

The problem with non-evangelistic Sunday Schools is not the program itself; the problem is the failure to use the program as an intentional evangelistic tool. The following are some suggestions for keeping the Sunday School plugged into a passion for evangelism:

• Be sensitive to the spiritual needs of the lost.
• Be trained to share your faith.
• Participate in Outreach Visitation to newcomers and unchurched.
• Adult and Youth teachers should teach an evangelistic lesson monthly.
• Children and Preschool teachers must be sensitive to pupil’s spiritual questions.
• Concentrated prayer for the lost and unchurched.
• Each class sets an annual new member goal to enroll people in Sunday School.
• Provide events and avenues for Sunday School members to invite their lost and unchurched friends to Sunday School.
• Multiply by Starting New Sunday School Classes.
• Build accountability by assigning prospective members to classes for follow-up.
  

In order for Sunday Schools to be evangelistic, lost people must be present. As we teach God’s word, the Holy Spirit will bring conviction and people will be saved. May our Sunday Schools in Tennessee become increasingly evangelistic and be continually filled with lost relatives, friends, business associates, and strangers.

Importance of Ownership to Your Class

Ownership…how important is a sense of ownership to a growing Sunday School class and to a church. Of course, Christ is the head of the church, and our identity comes from Him, but a recent experience started the author to think about his church and his Sunday School class. He begin asking some questions, such as “Do my members feel that they are a major stakeholder in the class?” or “Do they see the class as “my” class that they have the privilege to attend and serve?”

As a teacher, how can we create a sense of ownership in the class, so that members are discovering God’s truths, inviting others to participate, and connecting as a community. As a pastor, how can we generate a feeling that this is “Our” church not “Your” church or “Their” church. As a Sunday School Director, how do we fashion the Sunday School into a team of people on mission with God.

Personally, I am more apt to give 100% when I feel that I am a contributor or and an integral part of the team. In other words, I matter. I don’t have to be the star but I do need to feel needed and appreciated.

As a teacher, the best lessons happen when the members of the class engage in the learning process. Churches and Sunday Schools that last are able to mobilize a membership that is growing in the likeness of Christ and are empowered to utilize their God-given gifts to help “their” church and “their” class develop into all that God wants it to be.

IS YOUR SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS CREATING A BUZZ

What is all the BUZZ about in your town? Is it the latest Gossip? Is it who is Cheating who? Or maybe who is Cheating on Who? What if the BUZZ was about your Sunday School Class. Just think about it. Your Sunday School class reaches out to a widow or a family in need. With no strings attached. Just because you want to share the Love of God in a practical way. Your community will TALK.....trust me they will TALK!

Lost people are valued at my Sunday School

LOST....people are valued at my Sunday School. We have special parking for first time guest at my church. They don't have to ask for directions to their Sunday School class....greeters at the door offer to take them to the welcome center that is staffed and informative ( even during SS). The person at the Welcome Center says " We're so glad your here". They treat them like they would if they were a guest in their home for dinner. They are made to feel welcome but not it's not overdone!!! QUESTION: How are they treated at your Church? ....Just something to think about