Adapted from an
article by David Francis
There are five
disciplines that every effective Sunday School leader needs to practice:
1. Continuous Preparation
The Sunday session
always goes better when you start preparing early in the week. That may mean simply
reading the scripture passage on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning, and
perhaps glancing at the teaching materials, especially the teaching aim. By
putting the passage and aim in your mind, you’ll become more sensitive to
illustrations the rest of the week in the things you read, the people you
encounter, and the experiences you have. And sometimes, in the stuff you buy
that can aid your teaching of the lesson.
2. Connected Teaching
First you need to be
connected to the Spirit’s leadership as you stand before your class on Sunday
mornings. Be sensitive to His leading in how to present your Bible study lesson
in a way that will be lived out in the lives of your students throughout the
week. Then you need to connect to your class members. Know their learning
styles and preferences and use teaching methods and aids that keep them
connected to your lesson.
3. Consistent Prayer
Effective teachers
know the spiritual needs of their class members and regularly pray for them.
Make a notebook — or just get a spiral one — and make a page for each member.
Keep a list of the needs in each one’s life. Note advances in their spiritual
walk.
4. Concerned Ministry
Respond to your
members in times of crisis. Occasionally try to see them face to face away from
the class. Call or send a note on special occasions like birthdays and
anniversaries. Remember anniversaries of events other than marriage —
loss of a job or getting a new one, a successful surgery or the beginning of
physical therapy, moving into a new home, the birth of a child or the death of
a spouse, etc. This kind of thing doesn’t just happen. It requires spiritual
discipline.
5. Concerted Outreach
Be intentional in
your outreach and be a role model. It is also important that you take along
other leaders to show them how it’s done. Invite a group leader to accompany
you on a visit to a prospect. Don’t just tell them to do it; show them how it’s
done!
THINGS
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….
FOR
EDUCATION LEADER TRAINING: Go Forward Conference, March 14-15, 2013,
FBC/Woodstock - http://sundayschoolinhd.org/
FOR
GREETER MINISTRY: Ten Ways to Make Visitors Feel Welcomed - http://www.lifeway.com/Article/facts-trends-winter-2013-first-impressions
FOR
CUSTOMIZED CURRICULUM: Discipleship in Context can provide a short term or
ongoing Bible
studies that are customized to
your church’s culture and focus - http://discipleshipincontext.com/
FOR
MEN’S MINISTRY: All Pro Dad
simulcast, January 26, 2013 with Tony Dungy, Clark Kellogg, Tommy Bowden - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Adult-Event-All-Pro-Dad-Simulcast
FOR
DISCIPLESHIP: Secret Church with
David Platt, March 29, 2013; studies on Heaven, Hell, and the end times – http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Secret-Church-Simulcast-with-David-Platt?type=events
FOR
DISCIPLESHIP: How Can I Know?
Answers to Life’s 7 Most Important Questions by Robert Jeffress - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/how-can-i-know-answers-to-lifes-7-most-important-questions-leader-kit-P005511206
FOR
SMALL GROUPS: The God Anthology
by Mark Batterson - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/god-anthology-dvd-leader-kit-P005539341
FOR
BIBLE STUDY:
Re-launch of Bible Studies for Life interview with Dr. Ronnie Floyd - http://www.lifeway.com/Article/facts-trends-winter-2013-bible-studies-for-life
