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.