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:

 http://lifeway.com/n/product-family/knowing-jesus

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Priscilla Shirer Simulcast, April 8, 2017 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Priscilla-Shirer-Live-Simulcast?type=events&ecid=PDM15267&bid=594041255

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Unfolded by Dr. Eric Geiger - http://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: Foundations for Kids: a 260 Day Bible reading plan - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/foundations-for-kids-a-260-day-bible-reading-plan-for-kids-P005790788?intcmp=FoundationsSearch-MTX-FoundationsKids-20170103

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 - http://buff.ly/2hByVAl

Are Your Bible Study Leaders Teaching or Preaching?

To teach or to preach?  

Well, both are excellent when used at the right times.  Preaching is best when you are trying to convey an important message to a large group in a limited time frame. But teaching is best in small groups where there is the opportunity for free dialogue and discussion.  In this format, time is allowed to peel back the layers of truth being presented in an effort to synthesize the knowledge into life change. Unfortunately, a Bible study leader can inadvertently slip from the teaching format into preaching (or 'meddling' as some would say) and damage the learning experience. Here are four things that often turn us from well-intended teachers to preachers.

1.       Airing pet peeves, making political statements or pursuing tangents that we are emotionally attached to or defensive about.  It is all too tempting to jump on a soapbox and expound on our favorite topics.  This can often close off discussion immediately and leave some overwhelmed and defensive.  As much as you, as the class leader, think your view is correct and the proper stance for any 'Bible believing Christian', there will be others in your group that may hold to a different viewpoint. This is especially true when you are being successful in reaching unchurched and unregenerate people and having them in your Bible study. Those that do will not feel comfortable in your use of your 'bully pulpit' will leave your group and, most likely, your church.    Honestly identify your “pet” issues to yourself and commit yourself to leaving them at home.  And this is a good standard for all in your group to agree to before each session.

2.       Dominating the time with lengthy lectures, no matter how good the material and presentation, restricts discussion and healthy interaction among the class members.  As the Bible study leader, you are not the exclusive container of biblical truth and your role is not to impress your class in the wealth of that knowledge as you generously dispense it upon your ignorant class members.  Learning is enhanced by involvement and the “give-and-take” of ideas.  As the leader of the group, you are to keep the conversation 'on the tracks' and encourage your group members to share their insights.  A good exercise is to have someone time the amount of time you talk in a classroom session.  If you speak more than half the time you are teetering on the brink of not teaching and into the realm of preaching. 

3.       Feeling threatened by the group or individuals in the group.  Often times, there will be more learned, more experienced, and more verbally adept people in the group besides the Bible study leader.  This can be intimidating to them and they use a steady barrage of words as a suit of armor to keep others from attacking their presentation.  But it’s a costly way to maintain group control because it deadens group interaction and discussion.  Be candid and admit feelings of inadequacy or lack of confidence you may have.  It's OK to respond with a "I don't know that answer" or "Does anyone want to share their ideas on this?" Disarm yourself and the group with openness.

4.       Lack of preparation.  A leader can be tempted to talk on and on to cover up uncertainty about the material.  If you dominate the group time with a monologue, not allowing any interaction, you are only fooling yourself if you think the group members are impressed with your verbosity. Know your material so well that you can comfortably allow the group members to teach each other while you only guide the discussion.  Ask leading questions that can gently direct people into discovering the answers that you already know but they become the 'discoverers' of it.

Final Point: If you catch yourself preaching, when you should be teaching, stop it – even if you are in mid-sentence.  Confess to your group what you’re doing (e.g. “I’m sorry; I think I just started preaching.” or "I've done enough talking. How about someone else share their thoughts.").  Then turn it back to a discussion.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR PASTORS: Pastor’s Date Night - What is a Pastor Date Night? Read about it and register for one. There's one in January in Jonesboro, GA. http://buff.ly/2djSACe

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 EDUCATION STAFF: 2017 GBACE, January 19, 2016 at Mabel White Baptist Church, Macon, GA with Dr. Eric Geiger, vice president at LifeWay - http://gabaptistgroups.org/training-conferences/2017-gbace-conference/?utm_content=buffer736fd&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

FOR EVANGELISM TRAINING: I Am Going by Dr. Danny Akin - Bulk price is $5.00 http://buff.ly/2hmwtyX

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

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 BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: Become a Bible Study Insider - http://biblestudyinsider.com/bsi-order-form/?emid=BSI-08232016#.V8rwpjXEKkU

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: smallgroup.com – tailor-make your Bible studies or discipleship groups topics - http://home.smallgroup.com/about

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:

 http://lifeway.com/n/product-family/knowing-jesus

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Priscilla Shirer Simulcast, April 8, 2017 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Priscilla-Shirer-Live-Simulcast?type=events&ecid=PDM15267&bid=594041255

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: 5 Studies to begin in 2017 -  http://buff.ly/2gtkO47

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Battle Ready, Johnny Hunt Men’s Conference, February 3 & 4, 2017 - http://www.johnnyhuntmensconference.com/

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

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: 3 Challenges in Leading a Men's Ministry. http://buff.ly/2iuhYt7

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Student Ministry that Matters by Ben Trueblood - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/student-ministry-that-matters-P005787702

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 Summit, Jekyll Island, GA, February 2 & 3, 2017 - http://gabaptist.org/event/kids-ministry-summit/?instance_id=4203

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 - http://buff.ly/2hByVAl

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Kids Ministry that Nourishes by Jana Magruder - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/kids-ministry-that-nourishes-P005791344

The Legend of the Candy Cane

Look at the Candy Cane. What do you see?

Stripes that are red like the blood shed for me.

White is for my Savior who's sinless and pure!

"J" is for Jesus My Lord, that's for sure!

Turn it around and a staff you will see

Jesus my shepherd was born for me!

Many years ago, a candy maker wanted to make a candy at Christmas time that would serve as a witness to his Christian faith. He wanted to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry and death of Jesus. He began with a stick of pure white hard candy; white to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus; hard to symbolize the solid rock, the foundation of the Church; firmness to represent the promise of God.

The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. He thought it could also represent the staff of the Good Shepherd, with which he reached down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life. Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane - a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the true meaning is still there for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. – copied

SNOWMAN JOKES

^-copied

Where does a Snowman go to Dance? 

 To the Snow Ball!

What does a Snowman eat for Breakfast?     

Snow Flakes.

How does a Snowman travel around the Neighborhood?     

He rides his icicle.

What does a Snowman take when he is sick?  

A Chill Pill.

What is a Snowman's favorite Drink?  

Iced Tea!

What kind of Hat does a Snowman wear? 

 An Ice Cap.

What do you call a Snowman in the Tropics? 

 Lost!

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

FOR PASTORS: Pastor’s Date Night - What is a Pastor Date Night? Read about it and register for one. There's one in January in Jonesboro, GA. http://buff.ly/2djSACe

FOR EDUCATION STAFF: 2017 GBACE, January 19, 2016 at Mabel White Baptist Church, Macon, GA with Dr. Eric Geiger, vice president at LifeWay - http://gabaptistgroups.org/training-conferences/2017-gbace-conference/?utm_content=buffer736fd&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

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

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 BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: Become a Bible Study Insider - http://biblestudyinsider.com/bsi-order-form/?emid=BSI-08232016#.V8rwpjXEKkU

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: smallgroup.com – tailor-make your Bible studies or discipleship groups topics - http://home.smallgroup.com/about

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: 4 Keys to Discipleship - http://biblestudyinsider.com/2016/10/12/4-keys-to-effective-disciplemaking/#.WESp833EKvk

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Disciples Path: The Journey, Volume 1  is Now Available! Relational, Intentional, Progressive, Comprehensive: http://buff.ly/2fWPk2b

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Become a "Launch" Church for the New "Disciples Path: The Journey" Intentional Discipleship Study: http://buff.ly/2e5W53s

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

 http://lifeway.com/n/product-family/knowing-jesus

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Priscilla Shirer Simulcast, April 8, 2017 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Priscilla-Shirer-Live-Simulcast?type=events&ecid=PDM15267&bid=594041255

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Battle Ready, Johnny Hunt Men’s Conference, February 3 & 4, 2017 - http://www.johnnyhuntmensconference.com/

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Onward by Russell Moore, confronting today’s culture with Christ - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Onward?intcmp=Men-MTX-Slider-Onward-20160314

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Stepping Up: A Call to Courageous Manhood – http://www.lifeway.com/Product/stepping-up-a-call-to-courageous-manhood-leader-kit-P005764897

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

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Join the Student Pastor Network.  No one should do student ministry alone. http://buff.ly/2bzBQfJ

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 Summit, Jekyll Island, GA, February 2 & 3, 2017 - http://gabaptist.org/event/kids-ministry-summit/?instance_id=4203

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Training Videos on sharing the gospel through each of our Kids curriculum resources - http://www.lifeway.com/Kids/Video/c/N-1z10cb8Z1z10do1Z1z141rs?cid=RDR-kidsgospelpresentation

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: TeamKid’s “Catching Air”, the newest cycle is this discipleship bestseller - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/TeamKID?intcmp=teamkid-erdr-314