The First of Several Keys to Success: Organization

Sunday School: Terry Beasley
Saturday, November 1, 2008

What does a successful Sunday School program look like? Can we measure its success by looking at the number of attendees each week? Perhaps the level of teacher training or preparation is a contributing factor. Are class members involved in discussion and interaction during the lesson or are they sitting quietly, absorbing the wealth of knowledge being shared by the teacher? Obviously, there are no easy answers to these questions. However, those who study and report on growing Sunday School programs would agree on several "keys" to developing a successful, program. Simply, I would contend that a successful Bible Fellowship Group is one that is growing-both numerically and spiritually. Growth does not come accidentally. We must plan and organize for growth-not only the teachers of the Sunday School groups but the classes as well.

One area in which we can prepare for growth is to organize our classes in such a manner to accommodate new and present members. In addition to the Sunday School teacher, every class should have the following leaders in place or in training: A substitute teacher or "teacher in training" - this individual could be called upon to teach when the regular teacher has to be gone on a Sunday morning. This also becomes a natural opportunity to develop new teachers who may be asked in the future to fill vacancies in other classes or programs; Secretary-this duty may be filled at the Department level which is fine, as long as the teachers are getting the necessary information. The secretary is responsible not only to count heads each week but to give the teacher or small group leaders a reminder of those who haven't been seen in recent weeks; one or more greeters to welcome visitors to the class and to assist these visitors in finding the worship center and feeling welcome to our church; an outreach leader to lead the effort of following-up on visitors and to assist the class in identifying new prospects; several in-reach or cell group leaders who would be responsible to contact members who have not been in attendance and to communicate ministry needs from these individuals to the class and church body; a fellowship director to organize class-wide or department-wide fellowships; a prayer leader to record weekly prayer requests and praises. While a Bible Fellowship teacher could assume many of these responsibilities, the class will be better served by dividing these tasks so that many members are a part of the growth of the group. As you begin organizing your class, you may have a few leaders filling more than one role. However, over time, if you communicate the positions and purposes of the positions that you need to fill - God will provide individuals with the desire and spiritual giftedness to fill each of these organizational roles. If your class has not yet organized for growth-prayerfully consider these adjustments. I believe that God will bless your efforts.

It is not too soon to begin planning for Vacation Bible School 2009. Lifeway has already announced their two new curriculum options for the summer. The annual "Jumpstart" training for Vacation Bible School directors, teachers, and leaders will be held on Saturday, March 7th at First Baptist Church in Salina, Kansas. The Heart of Kansas Associational VBS training will be on Thursday, April 2nd at Sharon Baptist Church in Wichita. Place both of these training opportunities on your church calendar!