Let's Have Fellowship

Sunday School: Terry Beasley
Wednesday, July 1, 2009

For the last several months, this column has been highlighting several of the keys that are necessary for a successful Sunday School ministry. We have considered: class organization, in-reach and outreach, ministry, and teaching. Now, let's consider another key to a successful Bible study program-FELLOWSHIP! A search of the thesaurus can give us a good understanding of what this word means and how it can be applied to the Sunday School hour. Consider these words-companionship, friendship, partnership, affiliation & association. Does fellowship automatically happen when you get several people together at the same time? I don't believe so. Just as you can have a class of students in your room from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, that doesn't mean that teaching and learning takes place! In the same way, you can plan all the right "activities" but that is no guarantee that a sense of fellowship will be achieved. Fellowship takes time and effort. It is easy to build a friendship with someone with whom we have a lot in common. However, it is much more difficult to reach out to that person who may come across as difficult to befriend.

How do we promote fellowship within our Bible study groups? One way is to have regular class or department opportunities for socializing together. Some of these could be held at church, but most should be outside of these walls. While some should be planned far in advance and more detailed in nature, others could be impromptu gatherings for lunch after church or dessert after the Sunday evening service! It is important to have them OFTEN because you know that with everyone's varied schedules, you never get everyone together at the same time.

It is also important to remember that fellowship occurs each week as your class gathers together. Even within your Bible teaching, it is important to involve class members in discussion. It is through this interaction that you get to know your class and they get to know each other. Don't overlook the importance of receiving prayer requests as this is a great way to get to know others in your class or department.

If you have not already done so, please mark your calendar for the annual "Flight School" to be held on Monday, August 24th from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church. This training event provides opportunity for pastors, Sunday School Directors, and teachers to receive training from Sunday School leaders who have experienced the challenges and successes of Sunday School. Plan now to bring a team of leaders from your church! Be looking for additional information over the next several weeks.