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.
