Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Eight Benefits of Multiple Sunday Schools



 David Cunningham, a good friend and a mentor to me in Church Education ministry, shared this information with me as I was leading a church toward creating a second Sunday School. Its truths are still valid.

1.       It Creates an Awareness of Bible Study.  There is a natural curiosity concerning the church that offers multiple services.  People in the community ask, “What’s going on at that church? Why are they growing so fast?”  It also gives an internal sense of achievement.  A healthy sense of “sibling rivalry” develops as the “Red Sunday School” tries to outdo the “Blue Sunday School” in ministry and outreach.
2.       It Gives Strength in Leadership.  Multiple Sunday Schools demands more teaching units which demands more leaders.  As more leaders are developed and involved a deepened sense of “ownership” permeates throughout the church membership.  A mark of a healthy Sunday School class is the number of leaders it develops.
3.       It Gives Choices to Members.  People want to be able to have a choice what they want.  Multiple schedules offer choices in hours of Bible study and worship.  It gives members opportunity to choose the style of teaching and the personality type of class they desire.
4.       It Encourages Excellence in Teachers.  When teachers know that members have a choice if they fail to meet their needs/or expectations they tend to become more serious in their preparation and organization of ministry.
5.       It Demonstrates Stewardship.  The question, “Do we really want to build space for a one hour a week use?” is a valid one.  When the rooms can be used for two or three groups, it cuts the effective cost of the space by one-half to two-thirds.  The second groups use the space essentially for free.
6.       It Strengthens Visitation.  Since two or three classes are given the name of the same prospect, follow-up generally occurs at a quicker pace.  Another facet of this benefit is since new members tend to know more prospects, the more new persons reached by new units, the more prospects are discovered.
7.       It Emphasizes Ministry.  Building new buildings is expensive so instead of the investing 30% of its money in building that money can be used in ministry.  Also, ministry does not have to be confined to the teaching group.  Since there will be two or more units for each age group, when a ministry need is discovered all the classes ministering to that age group can be enlisted to help meet the need.  This can be most significant when a long-term care need is experienced.
8.       It Advances Missions.  With a more efficient use of space, and the creation of more new units, and more people being reached, more money is available to share with those who need Christ around the world,.  If I am not being called on to give sacrificially for buildings, I have more discretionary income to share in missions.  A feeling of sharing can be experienced.  Effective use of space allows members and leaders to concentrate less on personal luxury and become more sensitive to the needs of the world.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR PASTORS: 10 Attitudes of Healthy, Long Term Pastors by Dr. Thom Rainer - http://www.lifeway.com/pastors/2016/10/20/10-attitudes-of-healthy-long-term-pastors/

FOR PASTORS: 7 Seismic Shifts in the Church All Leaders Need to Know Webcast by Dr. Thom Rainer - http://thomrainer.com/virtualtour/?utm_content=buffer6855e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

FOR CHURCH & COMMUNITY – DevoHub, providing daily devotional material directly to your smart phone or tablet - http://devohub.com/

FOR OUTREACH: After Easter by Jeremy Howard & Doug Powell – a great gift to give to Easter guests (I can arrange to get you the book at $5 each in boxes of 20) - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/after-easter-P005773744

FOR LEADER TRAINING: On Track National Sunday School Conference, Hendersonville, TN, March 17 & 18, 2017 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/OnTrack?type=events

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Sunday School Matters by Alan Taylor, 12 sessions to build, expand and maintain a healthy Sunday School ministry - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/sunday-school-matters-leader-kit-P005792826

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Foundations for Adults, a 260 Day Bible reading plan - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/foundations-P005769893?intcmp=FoundationsSearch-MTX-Foundations-20170103

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Gospel and Racial Reconciliation by Russell Moore - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-gospel-racial-reconciliation-P005778812

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Disciples Path: The Journey, Volumes 1 & 2 are now available! Relational, Intentional, Progressive, Comprehensive: http://buff.ly/2fWPk2b

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: "Knowing Jesus" A New 6-Session Bible Study By Robby Gallaty. Samples here:


FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Unfolded by Dr. Eric Geiger - buff.ly/2hGyO9w

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Foundations for Students, a 260 Day Bible reading plan - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/foundations-teen-devotional-P005791600

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: The LIFT Tour for developing student leaders - http://www.slulead.com/lift-tour

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Youth Pastor Summit registration is now open - http://www.slulead.com/youth-pastor-summit

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Disciples Path for students – a new series for developing your student’s discipleship - http://www.lifeway.com/Disciples-Path/Youth/c/N-1z0znzeZ1z141ym?intcmp=DisciplesPath-MTX-Text-Students-20150625


FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Kids Ministry 101 magazine, sign up for this free resource - http://www.lifeway.com/kidsministry/kids-ministry-101-magazine-signup/

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Summer Options for your kids ministry - buff.ly/2hByVAl

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