Sunday School With Purpose

   It seems like every week the Bible Teaching and Leadership Resource Group receives a call asking about Sunday school. Many concerns are raised within these conversations such as: How can we get more participation, my teachers need more training, we have a space issue, how do we handle that…the list goes on and on!

   Almost in every phone call, the pastor is asking the questions, not the Sunday school director or teacher. Why is that? Are we as teachers and communicators within our classrooms content with where we are as a class? Are we happy with the status quo when it comes to simply meeting on Sunday mornings and going through a lesson for about 50 minutes and that’s it?

   The question is “What is your EXPECTATIONS?” for yourself and your class. Do you remember the Charles Dickens classic “Great Expectations”? You may or may not know this, but this book was written two chapters at a time and then circulated to its readers. Although there was a resolve at the end of each writing, there was also the anticipation or expectation of something else to come. I believe that is where our Sunday school classes need to be, completing the lesson (if possible) so individuals have a better understanding of the scripture account, then leaving them with this sense of expectation that we are to be more than just a class. There is an expectation that we are to fulfill various roles throughout the course of the week.

   David Francis, director of Sunday School for LifeWay has published a book entitled, Great Expectations: Planting Seeds for Sunday School Growth. He asks the question: What do you expect from your Sunday School ministry? He then answers that exact question. David does this through his book and the accompanying set of training materials that teach the concept of making Sunday School the “second step” in your church’s disciple-making process. David Strikes a balance between biblical community and biblical content. A Great Expectations Sunday School will bridge the gap between the influence of small groups and discipleship groups in your church.

    If you and your Sunday school department would like to view this book or to take your teachers through “Great Expectations” training, please contact my office at 614-827-1824.  Let’s create great expectations for the Kingdom of God.