Last week we confirmed Sunday School is the most important ministry of the church. Why?
*It is for all ages. Our entire Sunday School is for our entire church population. We have classes from bed babies through our senior adults. Each Sunday School is graded so guests will know when they visit this particular class the medium age the class will be. We don't want a 35-year-old couple to walk into a classroom of senior adults without their prior knowledge. Disclaimer: a person does not have to go to the class of their age group. Every person is free to attend the class that best fits their personality, group dynamics, and teaching style.
* It is for those who are followers of Jesus Christ and those who are not.
* Class members may or may not be members of the church. In fact, we highly encourage (and almost demand) a person is a member of Sunday School before they become a member of the church.
* The focus of the class is the teaching of the Word of God, but it is not the only thing Sunday School does. If it was, then we would gather everyone into one central location and get the best Bible teacher to teach everyone. Bible study is vital, but it is not everything.
* It is the church "organized and mobilized" to carry out the function of the church.
* It is here there is accountability for attendance, caring for one another, ministry in times of need, fellowship, prayer, and enhancing personal and corporate worship.
* It is the place where someone will call on you when you are sick, there has been a death in your family, and there is a need for meals to be provided to get you through a difficult season. If you are not involved in a Sunday School, you may not have anyone to reach out to you to provide ministry in times of need. Sunday School is the hub of ministry.
* Everyone can be involved using their spiritual gifts.
* It is the place of natural outreach. You have friends, family members, and neighbors who are in your sphere of life who need Bible study, community, prayer, fellowship, direction, and purpose in their life and your Sunday School class is the natural place to invite them to come to a Sunday gathering or a party the class is having.
* Enrollment is the key. A person may enroll in a Sunday School anytime and anywhere. Persons may be enrolled in their home, office, hospital, or in the class. A person can join a Sunday School class the first time they attend. Enrollment gives the class the right to minister to them.
It is my opinion that enrollment of Sunday School is the single most important number in the life of a local church. It is the number of those who are attending, involved, and assigned places of ministry.
If you are not a member of a Sunday School class, then I pray this blog motivates you to get involved this Sunday.
If you are a leader in the church, recognize the absolute importance of the Sunday School ministry in your church. Commit to learn everything you can about it. Commit to be a leader in your class. Commit to get others in your church involved.
If you are a pastor, I believe Sunday School is the most important ministry you have under your leadership. Learn about it, encourage its growth, be involved in a class yourself, and watch your church grow and retain growth.
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