The Purpose of Sunday School, Part 1

The purpose of Sunday School is not to teach the Bible, but the Bible is taught to accomplish the purpose of Sunday School. This statement elicits lots of responses. Many people feel like the purpose of Sunday School is to teach the Bible. I was taught that teaching the Bible is one of the tasks of Sunday School. When I occasionally perform the task of taking the trash out, the purpose is to keep the house clean and smelling good. On the golf course, hitting the ball is not the purpose of golf … getting the ball in the hole with the fewest strokes is why the game is played. Seeing the purpose of Sunday School as teaching the Bible is one of the biggest barriers facing Sunday School.

What is the purpose of Sunday School? To see lives changed. The Bible is the textbook of Sunday School because Jesus is the answer to all of lives questions. Great commission teaching is “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Is this the kind of teaching that is getting done in Sunday School?

By seeing teaching as the purpose of Sunday School, we have failed to focus on the stated outcome. The Bible is taught because God’ Word declares, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Changed Lives---that is the GOAL.

Common Characteristics of Growing Churches

When I was 28, I attended a conference sponsored by Robert Schuller at the Crystal Catheral. The conference primarily consisted of pastors of churches that had been impacted by Dr. Schuller’s ministry. I found my summary from this conference.

Common Characteristics of the 10 Growing Churches that spoke at Schuller Institute-January 24-26, 1990.

1. Vision- They had a vision that was focused and their purpose always remained in sight. (Eye of the Tiger-Rocky 3)

2. Invested their life- 8 of the 10 pastors that spoke had spent at least 15 years at their church. All had been at their churches for over 9 years. Their vision and their churches growth did not take place overnight.

3. Pastor-led churches- The pastor was the leader and made the significant decisions. Schuller stated we hire management that can make church a full-time thought, but the laity must own the ministry. The staff must have a unified vision, purpose, and programs. They must be willing to lose their individual identity.

4. Risk Takers- They attempted great things for God. They received millions of dollars to pay for the property but in each case they signed for the note long before the money was available.

5. Need-Oriented Programs- Each church’s program was diverse but they all had found the needs in their community and met them. Their programs were not dictated by the denomination.

This conference made a tremendous impact on my ministry. Some questions to consider:

1. Do you have a vision?
2. Are you willing to invest your life in your ministry?
3. If you are a pastor or staff member, how’s your leadership?
4. Are you allowing the laity to own the ministry?
5. Are you taking risks or staying in the comfort zone?
6. Are you willing to honestly evaluate your programs to insure that they are helping you accomplish your vision?

Seeking God’s Direction

Last year, my wife brought me a GPS for my birthday. My Magellan does a terrific job of giving me turn by turn directions to get me from one place to another. “Maggie” the name my daughters have designated for my GPS can only direct me to where I have instructed her. Some days, I will be driving down the road and decide to jump off the interstate to get gas or a meal. Maggie politely lets me know that I have taken a detour. I have come to trust my GPS. One feature, I particularly love is knowing approximately what time that Maggie thinks I will arrive.

I live in a fast growing community of Spring Hill, TN and Maggie occasionally has to be updated with new maps or programs so that she can direct me the best route, so that I don’t confuse her when I keep going straight into those woods or fields. Maggie also cannot help me unless I power her up and input the address for where I am headed.

Many Christians treat God the way I treat my GPS. We fail to begin our daily journey with seeking his guidance…we just get in the car and go. Then, when we need his help, we pull Him out of the glove compartment, power him up, and tell him what we want him to do for us. Bless my lesson today, let my team win, heal my friend or family member, or give me a job. God is loving and still hears these prayers but what God is reminding me these days is that I need to start every day surrendered to his plan and his direction.

My prayer for you is that you will not treat God like a GPS. He never needs to be updated or plugged in and he always knows what best for his children. “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” (Matthew 6:33, HCSB).

Press toward the GOAL in 2009

A new year has begun. Many of us have set some new years resolutions. Maybe your resolutions centered around being more consistent with your Quiet Time or losing those unwanted pounds. As State Sunday School Director, let me encourage you to set some goals for your Sunday School in 2009. Paul stated in Philippians, “but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal…”

Wouldn’t you like to see more people saved in 2009? Set a Baptism goal. How will your Sunday School be involved? In Power Up Your Sunday School, every class is encouraged to have an evangelistic prayer list. If we believe in prayer, set a goal that every class praying for a number of lost people equal to their enrollment. This goal also joins every Sunday School class in Praying for the Harvest, a major emphasis for Tennessee and Southern Baptists in 2009. The goal of Praying for the Harvest is to call people to a year of prayer with the hope that as we see God’s Face, we will experience afresh and anew His Heart for the Lost.

Other goals could be set for enrollment and attendance increases, starting new classes, involving your Sunday School in outreach and assimilation of guests and new members, and enlisting and training Sunday school leaders. If no goals are set, how can we press toward the goal? 2008 is history…what blessings and victories will God bring to your Sunday School in 2009.

Celebrating Christmas

Christmas has always been a very joyous time for my family. The decorations go up the day after Thanksgiving, ushering in a month of partying, singing, shopping, reflecting, and worshipping.

I love the Christmas season. Last Saturday, my Sunday School class gathered for our annual Christmas party. Hope your class took time to fellowship together. Last Tuesday, the class provided a Christmas/Birthday party for the local assisted living home, a ministry that continues year round with monthly birthday parties.

This Christmas season has been special. My oldest daughter wrote and directed her first Preschool musical for her college church. Her artistic sister had painted the backdrop for the program. In my opinion, it looked incredible. Their sister marched with her high school band in the local Christmas parade and performed a great Christmas concert. I am certainly a proud dad.

My family has many traditions. After 45 years, a new Christmas Eve Tradition must be fostered. I have received several suggestions, attending a Christmas Eve service or going to a movie. The Miller family reunion finally had to be moved from Christmas Eve to accommodate my nieces and nephews growing families. Our family has always had a Birthday Party for Jesus on Christmas Day…complete with singing and cup cakes. This is a cherished tradition reminding us of the reason for the season.

My prayer for everyone is that this Christmas and 2009 will be filled with Jesus. As you teach this week, remember Immanuel. Merry Christmas.

The Gift God Gives

Don't Miss the Gift God Gives, to the Church, during the Holiday Season. We are Blessed with Guest during this Season of the Year. One of the Major Times of the Year for First Time Guest to Show up at our Doors is Christmas. Everyone Loves to Receive Gifts! But are we Open to the Gifts God Provides in the Form of Visitors? I Still Remember my Brother Barry Would come and Wake us up at 4:30 Christmas Morning. " Santa Came Come See the Gifts he Brought". I Always Wondered if my Brother Woke us up, only After he had a Chance to Play with the Toys First. Is your Sunday School Class Ready for the Guest who Will be at your Church this Sunday? Be Open to the Present God Gives. There are Only a Few First Time Guest in our Churches on a Given Sunday Let's Celebrate each and Every Gift!

Thankful for Sunday School

During this season of Thanksgiving, I want to declare from the rooftops: I AM THANKFUL FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL. Sunday School really makes a difference:

When I got home from church, I checked my facebook page and had a message from a college classmate. (We reconnected after many years on facebook…Do you wan to be my friend?) I learned that last spring he lost his two year old son, when he got hit playing T-ball. My heart goes out to him…but his message went on to share that he has a great Sunday School class that has helped him cope with the tragedy. I am thankful for Sunday School because Sunday School members are their to help us through the tough times.

I am thankful for Sunday School because Bible Study in Sunday School make a difference in my life. As I left my class today, I was challenged to share my faith throughout this Christmas season. Certainly, Jesus is the reason for the season. Will I take the challenge?

Many reports are coming in about how the Power UP! Your Sunday School Emphasis is changing churches. Why because they are implementing timeless Sunday School principle? Sunday School still works went worked. Are you thankful for Sunday School? Share your story by commenting or e-mailing me at mmiller@tnbaptist.org.

Does Youth Sunday School Still Work? by Bruce Edwards

I travel the state training Youth Sunday School teachers and visiting Youth Sunday Schools. Many churches I visit are experiencing a decline in Youth Sunday School attendance.

I wonder sometimes if we have taken on a mentality that Youth Sunday School is “archaic” or not “edgy” enough for this generation. Some leaders see Sunday School as just a time to “entertain” and “chat” with students rather than seeing it as a time to teach God’s Word.

God has not called us as Sunday School teachers to entertain students; this generation of students doesn’t need more entertainment options. This is simply a battle we can’t win. Our Bible studies are no match for Xbox, YouTube, Guitar Hero or Wii. Our responsibility is to teach God’s Word in a way that makes a difference and impacts teenagers’ lives.

Sunday School still works when leaders make it an important part of the total youth ministry strategy. I support the principle that Sunday School is a foundational strategy for leading students to faith in Jesus Christ and building on-mission Christians through Bible study groups engaging students in evangelism, discipleship, ministry, fellowship, and worship (the five functions of the church).

Sunday School still works when we have the right people teaching. Churches must realize that not every adult who wants to teach ought to teach! Youth leaders need to teach out of the overflow from their own preparation. Students need to know that leaders are experiencing and living out Scripture in their lives. Leaders must keep reminding themselves that “it is not about us!”

It is not about asking students to come to Sunday School to “be still” while a leader “instills” information. Remember: This is the Wii generation. Teens are interactive. Effective leaders will know how to balance teaching, methodology, and interaction in their lessons.

Sunday School still works when we know our curriculum and how to use it. George Barna stated that this generation of teenagers is the most biblically illiterate generation of any before them. We must return to seeing the Bible as our curriculum. Students need to see us use our Bibles, and they must use their Bibles in every session. I am thankful that most churches provide Sunday
School resources to help our leaders prepare to teach.

Sunday School still works when teachers understand how teens are wired to learn. Lecture is great, but using only that method is boring. Sunday School teachers need to understand the eight learning styles of teenagers – visual, physical, verbal, reflective, musical, natural, logical, and relational. Remember: “It’s not about us. It’s about helping students discover God’s truth
for themselves.”

Sunday School still works when leaders work at it. A man once told me that he was looking for a resource to use on Sunday so he could prepare in the eight red lights on his way to church. An elderly woman in the conference looked at him and said, “Sir, I don’t know you, or what you do, but you could never teach in my church. Our teens deserve much more than eight red lights!” Youth leaders must focus on preparation, prayer, outreach, and relationships in
ministry.

Sunday School still works. It always has and I believe it always will.

Enlist…don’t Elect

Americans went to the polls on Tuesday and elected the next President of the United States. Join me in praying for President Obama and our nation.

Sunday School leaders should be enlisted not elected. A few Sunday School classes actually elect their teacher. The teacher of these classes often accept the task of teaching but will they cooperate with church leaders to understand Sunday School as a strategy for growing the church. Some do…some don’t. Why? Because they were elected not enlisted.

The church elects their Deacons from a list of approved candidates. I have observed that candidates who have been visible in the worship services have a much better chance to be elected by poplar vote. God certainly works in this process, but I have seen worthy men not elected simply because they were not well-known. The healthiest Sunday Schools are led by Sunday School leaders who are called, gifted and enlisted to serve.

The Pastor, Sunday School Director, and Nominating Committee Members identify and enlist these leaders. Churches approve the nominating committee list, but the leaders are enlisted not elected.

For enlistment helps, check out www.equippingu.com.

POWER UP! Your Sunday School WORKS

Last Sunday, Concord/Grandview Baptist Church in Nolensville concluded Power UP! Your Sunday School emphasis. The campaign wrapped up with High Attendance Day. The classes had set an ambitious goal to top 175 in Bible Study and surpassed it with 187in attendance. According to Pastor Randall Jackson, this was the highest Sunday since Concord Baptist Church and Grandview Baptist Church merged over ten years ago.

As State Sunday School Director, I have always promoted Sunday School emphases like Power UP, Super Sunday on Super Bowl Day, and Ripe For Harvest campaigns, which are available from my office. Campaigns and special days build momentum and motivation for Sunday School. Certainly, that was the case at Concord-Grandview.

These seven weeks of equipping and ministry challenged the Concord-Grandview to implement timeless principles of Sunday School in order to move to the next level of ministry. Concord-Grandview bulletin Sunday contained this message:

Although we may be ending the PowerUP Campaign, actually we are going to continue applying the PowerUP principles of an effective Sunday School in our church. As a refresher, here are the principles that we have been learning over the past 7 weeks.

The Power of Prayer – we have engaged in evangelistic prayer for our unsaved friends and neighbors.

The Power of Community – by enrolling our unsaved friends in Sunday School, we practice team evangelism and our friends get to see true Christian community.

The Power of 10 – New classes are necessary for us to reach and disciple people into the Lordship of Christ. On average, we have 10 people attend for every new class we start.

The Power of One – One person can have an eternal impact in the life of another. As a Sunday School, we are calling out the godly potential of every person enrolled.

Power UP! worked to give Concord-Grandview’s Sunday School a needed boost. Adult classes were strengthened. The ratio of Sunday School attendance to worship attendance increased from 50% to 65%. The importance of Sunday School was preached as Bro. Randall tweaked the available sermons in the Power Up Kit. I believe it will work for your Sunday School as well.

For more information on PowerUP!...go to www.equippingu.com.

Re-engerizing Sunday School

Power UP! Your Sunday School has been the theme for our Sunday School conferences in Tennessee. Many Sunday School leaders have chosen to get plugged into training. Pastors and Sunday School Directors have been charged with the challenge to conduct a seven-week Power Up Emphasis in their church.

The recent hurricanes have left many without power and caused a major gas shortage in Tennessee. Electricity is certainly taken for granted. The same is true for Sunday School. Ninety-nine percent of the churches in Tennessee conducted Sunday School on Sunday, but most take it for granted. Most Sunday Schools simply teach those who show up, instead of being utilized as the strategy to help the church fulfill the Great Commission. My desire is to raise up advocates for Sunday School that will stand up for Sunday School NOW. My fear is that churches will wait until the power goes off until we realize the importance of Sunday School in our churches.

In the PowerUp! Emphasis, the focus is on re-energizing Sunday School on four basic principles:

•Power of Prayer - Engage your entire Sunday School in evangelistic prayer for their friends and neighbors.
• Power of Community - Life change happens best in an environment of small groups. Enrolling friends and neighbors through the "Anyone-Anytime-Anywhere" plan into Sunday School enables your people to practice relationship evangelism.
• Power of Ten - How to start new Bible study groups and increase your Sunday School's attendance by 10 with each new group you start.
•Power of One- One person can have an eternal impact in the life of another. Transform your Sunday School staff from teachers to leaders.

May our Sunday Schools be empowered to reach our state with the gospel of Christ through implementing the four PowerUP principles of prayer, community, new groups, and godly leaders. More information on the Power UP conferences and emphasis is available at www.equippingu.org.

Poplar Grove Believes in Sunday School

Bobby Sebastian serves Poplar Grove Baptist Church in Cookeville as a Bi-vocational Pastor. Under his leadership, the church has seen continued growth in Sunday School and was recognized as one of the Fastest Growing Sunday Schools in Tennessee in 2007.

He believes that the key to growing your Sunday School is to multiply by dividing. New groups enlarge the organization so that it can reach and minister to more people more effectively. He states, “Try not to allow classes to become too large. Over 30 is pushing it.” Bobby understands and practices the principle of the Power of Ten, “For every new SS group a church starts, attendance increases by 10 people.”

The biggest obstacle for Poplar Grove in starting new units was overcoming space limitations. A new educational building was built three years ago to allow for the continued creation of new classes. If you have space issues, consider scheduling a One Day Consultations provided by the TBC. A trained consultant will be provided to analyze your space.

Bro. Bobby encourages classes at Poplar Grove to build "community." Classes need to have the characteristics of a "life group," incorporating fellowship and planning outside activities. He understands that life change best happens in a small group experience. Bobby states, “This is very important as your church begins to grow. Member care is taken care of largely through the Sunday School class.”

How’s YOUR Welcome?

This blog article was written by Ron Moore, Minister of Education at First Baptist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee.

When we reached Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly. Acts 21:17 HCSB

When Debbie and I moved to Jefferson City, Missouri, for me to serve on the staff of the Missouri Baptist Convention, we had the unique experience of actually selecting a church. Prior to that time I had served on staff at each church we attended. We visited several churches to determine which church we should join. As we began the process of visiting churches and determining where God was leading us to join, part of our evaluation was based on how friendly the people were. We wanted to be a part of a church where we felt welcomed.

Paul indicated that the brothers in Jerusalem warmly welcomed him and his party when they arrived in Jerusalem. Every church and Sunday School class should evaluate how well they welcome guests and work diligently to make sure every member and guest feels welcomed. Specific people should be designated as greeters, so as to greet and introduce any guests to other class members.

Challenge-On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being low and 10 being high, rate your Sunday School class and church on the job they are doing in making guests feel welcomed. Make a commitment to being a greeter for your Sunday School class or church.

An Example of Faithfulness

Sunday Schools are always looking for faithful, committed leaders. These Leaders are trustworthy, passionate, disciplined, devoted, caring, and loyal to the ministry to which God has called them. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:7 that “God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” Sunday School Directors are looking for teachers like my mother.

My mother has been a faithful servant of the Lord all my life. I can declare that the faith that resides in me, first resided in my mother. I remember the night that my mom came into my bedroom as a 5th grade boy and I told her that I wanted to be a Christian. We knelt down by my bed and my mother led me to ask Jesus to be my savior and Lord.

Mother has served her church as a Sunday School Teacher for over 50 years. Her devotion to her class and her church is always evident. In my childhood years, she taught a young ladies class. These young ladies would lean on mom for a listening ear and she was always available to them. Today, she demonstrates this caring spirit in her senior adult ladies class.

One of the uniqueness of Mom’s classes was they conduct a monthly class meetings. The best thing about these meetings as a boy was the incredible, edible desserts. As a teacher, I have followed mom’s example and schedule two class meetings a year, in addition to other monthly fellowships. The great thing about a class meeting is that you can meet to discuss the business of the class, freeing up time on Sunday morning for Bible Study. These class meetings were basically fellowships. Every class should follow Mom’s example and lead their class to have a fellowship once a month.

Mom’s faithfully prepares her lesson. She begins early in the week reading and examining the scriptures and the lesson. I often awoke on Saturday mornings to find her at the kitchen table, wrapping up her lesson. The members in her class always bragged on the depth and breath of her lessons. Let mom’s example encourage you to prepare adequately each week.

I am certainly fond of my mother and her example of faithfulness as a Sunday School teacher and as a parent. May you follow her example and be a trustworthy, passionate, disciplined, devoted, caring and loyal teacher.