I once heard about a lady who was given the ministry opportunity to direct the choir in her local church. She was obviously one of the most talented singers in the church and she knew it. She had experience directing choirs in college and she had taken formal training in conducting. She really knew her stuff and the Nominating Committee and the pastor were certain that they had the right person for the position.
It was clear after the first choir rehearsal however, that problems were on the horizon. Several people quit the choir after the first 15 minutes. The director had announced that anyone who could not read music should not be in the choir. After they left the room, she told the choir that she expected them to never miss a practice unless it was for a vacation (she expected two-week’s notice), an illness or a death in the family. She expected some of the sopranos to sing alto for the good of the choir and then made some unkind comments about their limited vocal range when they tried singing the new part. She pointed out several men in the bass section were slouching and rebuked some of the tenors for being a little flat on the high notes.
When Sunday came around, she was shocked to find that she only had three choir members left to lead in Sunday morning worship! She told the pastor after the service that the choir had let her down and she was appalled that people were not more committed to the Lord’s work. She was certain that he had been pastoring a bunch of carnal Christians and if he had preached more “hard sermons” on commitment and dedication, people would not be so weak in their walk with God and she would still have a choir. Then she promptly resigned her position.
Many people are under the delusion that in the church, we minister from a “position of authority” rather than from a role assignment that we have been entrusted with by God and others. Someone who sees their ministry as a position has certain expectations. He expects people to follow because of his position. If he is ever challenged, he points others to his position and informs them that if they do not submit to his leadership, they must have a spiritual issue.
When we realize that God has called us to be servant-leaders rather than positional leaders, we begin to see ourselves in a role assignment rather than as an authority figure. We see others as equals, and we become more sensitive and understanding of their needs, feelings and even criticisms. We seek to build relationships with the people we lead and seek to understand what makes them tick.
As you serve your class in the role-assignment of a Sunday School teacher, seek to build strong bonds with the people to whom you minister. It is a special privilege to share the Word of God with people on a weekly basis, don’t take it lightly. They volunteer to show up every week to experience your teaching. Let me encourage you to express your gratefulness to them on a regular basis. They follow your example in service and ministry to the Lord. Be sure to communicate your love for them. The best Sunday School teachers know that it is their love for the people that they lead that motivates them to follow and keep wanting to attend. It keeps the people of your class eager to participate in the work of the Sunday School.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The Value of Enthusiasm
“…not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).
Someone has said that a bumble bee’s stinger is only one sixteenth of an inch long—the rest of what you feel is enthusiasm. The thesaurus indicates that the word “enthusiasm” is related to words like “passion,” “zeal,” “fervor” and “eagerness.” The opposite of enthusiasm would be apathy. The Dictionary defines “Enthusiasm” as “passionate interest in or eagerness to do something.” The Bible uses the words “fervent in spirit” to describe a believer’s zeal for the work of the Lord. Is enthusiasm really that important for a Sunday School Teacher?
Imagine going out for the football team and before the first practice the coach calls you over for a little speech:
Okay, gang; there is something I need to tell you all. All of our seniors have graduated last year, leaving us with nothing but you rookies. Our schedule is the worst we have ever faced. I doubt we can score this year, much less win a game. Our uniforms have holes in them and because of budget cuts, you all have to wear last year’s hand me downs. Don’t expect any encouragement from the band, either. The conductor is refusing to lead the band because he feels football is too violent a sport. Our cheerleaders can’t cheer, our pep rallies have no pep, our water boy ran out of water and our boosters have all quit. I wouldn’t blame you if you all walked out that door; in fact, I might be quitting soon myself. But thanks for coming out for the team. Now let’s get out there in the 90 degree heat and practice!
Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Would you be any more thrilled about going to a church without sensing passion and zeal there for the things of God? How would you feel about visiting a Sunday School class with a teacher who started off the lesson with this:
Well, gang; I didn’t have time to prepare this week so I can’t give you any interesting background for the text. I have not looked for good illustrations or prepared any class activities. In fact I’m not even sure what the text is. Good thing I have this quarterly I can read out of. We aren’t going to sing anything today because Jane is mad at me just because I criticized the Pastor in class last week. I’m not sure why she is so thin-skinned. She should be more mature and understand the value of a rebuke, even if her husband is part of our lazy Deacon Body. We have some doughnuts left over from last week if anyone wants them. By the way, you all will need to go in with the Mixed 2 class for the next four weeks while I’m away on a hunting trip. After that, I might be quitting anyway. It’s just too frustrating teaching a class that doesn’t have any zeal for the Lord. Now, let me start reading this quarterly even though it’s hardly worth the paper it is written on and I’m a lot more spiritual than those LifeWay writers are anyway.
Yes, enthusiasm is important, even vital, for the great work God has called us to do. It isn’t something that can be faked—you know it when a teacher has it—or doesn’t! Romans 12:11 commands us to be fervent in spirit, so we know that all Christians are capable of such zeal. If it is lacking, we must ask God to supply it. Blessed is the Sunday School class that has a teacher who has enthusiasm for the lesson as well as the ministry of the class. Boredom is not an option!
Someone has said that a bumble bee’s stinger is only one sixteenth of an inch long—the rest of what you feel is enthusiasm. The thesaurus indicates that the word “enthusiasm” is related to words like “passion,” “zeal,” “fervor” and “eagerness.” The opposite of enthusiasm would be apathy. The Dictionary defines “Enthusiasm” as “passionate interest in or eagerness to do something.” The Bible uses the words “fervent in spirit” to describe a believer’s zeal for the work of the Lord. Is enthusiasm really that important for a Sunday School Teacher?
Imagine going out for the football team and before the first practice the coach calls you over for a little speech:
Okay, gang; there is something I need to tell you all. All of our seniors have graduated last year, leaving us with nothing but you rookies. Our schedule is the worst we have ever faced. I doubt we can score this year, much less win a game. Our uniforms have holes in them and because of budget cuts, you all have to wear last year’s hand me downs. Don’t expect any encouragement from the band, either. The conductor is refusing to lead the band because he feels football is too violent a sport. Our cheerleaders can’t cheer, our pep rallies have no pep, our water boy ran out of water and our boosters have all quit. I wouldn’t blame you if you all walked out that door; in fact, I might be quitting soon myself. But thanks for coming out for the team. Now let’s get out there in the 90 degree heat and practice!
Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Would you be any more thrilled about going to a church without sensing passion and zeal there for the things of God? How would you feel about visiting a Sunday School class with a teacher who started off the lesson with this:
Well, gang; I didn’t have time to prepare this week so I can’t give you any interesting background for the text. I have not looked for good illustrations or prepared any class activities. In fact I’m not even sure what the text is. Good thing I have this quarterly I can read out of. We aren’t going to sing anything today because Jane is mad at me just because I criticized the Pastor in class last week. I’m not sure why she is so thin-skinned. She should be more mature and understand the value of a rebuke, even if her husband is part of our lazy Deacon Body. We have some doughnuts left over from last week if anyone wants them. By the way, you all will need to go in with the Mixed 2 class for the next four weeks while I’m away on a hunting trip. After that, I might be quitting anyway. It’s just too frustrating teaching a class that doesn’t have any zeal for the Lord. Now, let me start reading this quarterly even though it’s hardly worth the paper it is written on and I’m a lot more spiritual than those LifeWay writers are anyway.
Yes, enthusiasm is important, even vital, for the great work God has called us to do. It isn’t something that can be faked—you know it when a teacher has it—or doesn’t! Romans 12:11 commands us to be fervent in spirit, so we know that all Christians are capable of such zeal. If it is lacking, we must ask God to supply it. Blessed is the Sunday School class that has a teacher who has enthusiasm for the lesson as well as the ministry of the class. Boredom is not an option!
Monday, October 31, 2011
What about Political Issues in Sunday School?
As a teacher of the Word of God it is no doubt that you have begun to establish certain beliefs and convictions based upon the Word of God. It is also certain that your biblical beliefs and convictions will guide you in your personal stands and decisions on political issues. As a Sunday School teacher it is also imperative that we create an atmosphere in the classroom in which people of all political parties can hear the gospel and be reached and discipled for Christ. Finding good balance can be difficult, but absolutely necessary, especially during seasons of political emphasis. I hope the following will help us walk this difficult tightrope.
First, we should distinguish between political and moral issues. It is easy to fall into a trap these days. The politician refuses to take a clear stand on an issue because it is considered a “personal moral issue,” while church leaders are afraid to make statements because the issue is considered “political” in nature. Clearly there is a difference between abortion, for example, and how much is spent on the public radio. Every issue is not a deep moral issue. Even well-respected Bible heroes had differing opinions at times and we need to allow for that in our discussions as well.
God has worked through various forms of government for millennia. When Jesus returns, it will not be a democracy or a republic, but a monarchy ruled by the King of kings! He has not specified which American political party is His favorite. The Bible is clear, however, on the value of human life, on honesty, corruption, homo-sexuality, adultery, compassion for widows, etc. When the Bible speaks to these moral issues, we must do likewise.
Second, we should be respectful. We cannot shirk our responsibility to teach what the Bible says about social issues, but we must do so while demonstrating proper respect for those in positions of government authority. The Bible teaches us to have a submissive, respectful spirit for our government leaders whether we voted for them or not! There is no need to tell politically charged jokes in class. We can literally be in violation of Scripture while attempting to defend a biblical cause.
Third, as we teach on sensitive issues, it is important to do so in love and humility. I’m not suggesting the “political correctness” of today’s media needs to be applied to the Sunday School class, but it is important to realize that someone in your class may be dealing with the pain and guilt of a past abortion. Someone in your class may have a close relative that has chosen an immoral lifestyle. It simply is an act of kindness to avoid slang terms that are needlessly offensive when teaching God’s truth on a potentially painful topic.
Finally, it is also important that our church is not seen as endorsing a certain candidate for office. The mission of the church is to reach and disciple people for Christ, not to promote a political ideology. In addition, there are laws in place that threaten our tax-exempt status if we practice such political endorsements. We can provide comparisons on the issues, but we cannot endorse the candidate. Throughout Bible times, Believers learned to deal with various forms and practices of government without compromising the message, and we need to do the same today.
For me the biggest issue is evangelism. As we teach the class God has entrusted to us, we want everyone in attendance to know that we are there to learn God’s Word and deepen our relationship with Him. It is certain that some will want to talk politics at times, but it really isn’t that difficult to get the class back on track when the people hear a gentle reminder of what we are really there to do. We want everyone to know our Lord Jesus Christ regardless of their political preferences and we as teachers are responsible to “keep the main thing, the main thing!”
First, we should distinguish between political and moral issues. It is easy to fall into a trap these days. The politician refuses to take a clear stand on an issue because it is considered a “personal moral issue,” while church leaders are afraid to make statements because the issue is considered “political” in nature. Clearly there is a difference between abortion, for example, and how much is spent on the public radio. Every issue is not a deep moral issue. Even well-respected Bible heroes had differing opinions at times and we need to allow for that in our discussions as well.
God has worked through various forms of government for millennia. When Jesus returns, it will not be a democracy or a republic, but a monarchy ruled by the King of kings! He has not specified which American political party is His favorite. The Bible is clear, however, on the value of human life, on honesty, corruption, homo-sexuality, adultery, compassion for widows, etc. When the Bible speaks to these moral issues, we must do likewise.
Second, we should be respectful. We cannot shirk our responsibility to teach what the Bible says about social issues, but we must do so while demonstrating proper respect for those in positions of government authority. The Bible teaches us to have a submissive, respectful spirit for our government leaders whether we voted for them or not! There is no need to tell politically charged jokes in class. We can literally be in violation of Scripture while attempting to defend a biblical cause.
Third, as we teach on sensitive issues, it is important to do so in love and humility. I’m not suggesting the “political correctness” of today’s media needs to be applied to the Sunday School class, but it is important to realize that someone in your class may be dealing with the pain and guilt of a past abortion. Someone in your class may have a close relative that has chosen an immoral lifestyle. It simply is an act of kindness to avoid slang terms that are needlessly offensive when teaching God’s truth on a potentially painful topic.
Finally, it is also important that our church is not seen as endorsing a certain candidate for office. The mission of the church is to reach and disciple people for Christ, not to promote a political ideology. In addition, there are laws in place that threaten our tax-exempt status if we practice such political endorsements. We can provide comparisons on the issues, but we cannot endorse the candidate. Throughout Bible times, Believers learned to deal with various forms and practices of government without compromising the message, and we need to do the same today.
For me the biggest issue is evangelism. As we teach the class God has entrusted to us, we want everyone in attendance to know that we are there to learn God’s Word and deepen our relationship with Him. It is certain that some will want to talk politics at times, but it really isn’t that difficult to get the class back on track when the people hear a gentle reminder of what we are really there to do. We want everyone to know our Lord Jesus Christ regardless of their political preferences and we as teachers are responsible to “keep the main thing, the main thing!”
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sharing the Gospel in Your Sunday School Class
A mother was teaching her daughter how to cook a roast one day. She prepared the roasting pan, heated the oven, prepared the meat and then cut off an inch or so off each end of the roast and placed it in the large pan. The daughter asked, “Why do you have to cut a little off each end of the meat like that?” The mother said, “I really don’t know. I’ll have to ask your grandmother.”
During the next family reunion the mom and daughter asked grandmother why they had to cut a little off the roast before cooking it. Grandma replied, “I don’t know. My mom taught me to do that to my roasts and I never knew why. Let’s go ask her.” So they all gathered around the great-grandmother who was taking it easy in a lawn chair. They asked the question they all were curious about. The great-grandmother chuckled and replied, “Well I used to always cut off the ends so the roast would fit in my little roasting pan. It was always an inch or two too short it seemed. I don’t do it anymore because roasting pans are a lot bigger nowadays!”
Well, I guess it is easy to get trapped into doing things a certain way, even when we really don’t know why. I have heard of churches that only give an invitation on Easter and during the fall revival. I suspect that if you asked why, you might get a “roasting pan” kind of answer. Well, here is a question I want us to consider—why don’t we give an invitation in our Sunday School classes? It only makes sense that in our classes, third grade through adulthood, we would occasionally present the gospel and give some kind of invitation to trust Christ.
I think it would be a good rule of thumb to share the gospel and lead the class in a sinner’s prayer at least once a quarter. Usually there is at least one lesson that really focuses on having a personal relationship with Christ. Why not present the gospel, give your personal testimony and lead your class in a prayer to invite Jesus into their lives? It certainly wouldn’t hurt saved people to hear the gospel again, and the lost people in your class need to be challenged to trust Christ.
When sharing the gospel you can share five simple truths. First explain that God loves them (John 3:16). Then explain the problem of sin (Romans 3:23 and 6:23). Third, explain that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is God’s solution to our sin problem (Romans 5:8). After that, explain that everyone needs to personally repent of their sin and place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19 and Ephesians 2:9-10). Finally, encourage them to call upon the Lord to save them. (Romans 10:13). After you lead them in a simply prayer of faith, encourage those who trusted Christ to go forward during the church service and share what they have done with the pastor. You don’t have to put any one person on the spot; you simply offer the information as a reminder to the entire class. You could even use a tract for the entire class and afterwards, encourage them to share it with someone in the next 48 hours. Tracts are available in the foyer.
Even if you think that all your attenders are saved, it would be a good thing for you to present the gospel in this way. Your attenders will know that you care about them and the spiritual condition of the people in the class, and they will see and hear you model how easy it is to lead others to Christ. They may even wish to use your example as they witness to their friends, family and neighbors. As Sunday School teachers, we are concerned about the salvation of our enrollees and prospects. Of course, we will offer an invitation during the worship service as we always do. But your gospel focus in the classroom is extremely important—even if it has always been done another way.
During the next family reunion the mom and daughter asked grandmother why they had to cut a little off the roast before cooking it. Grandma replied, “I don’t know. My mom taught me to do that to my roasts and I never knew why. Let’s go ask her.” So they all gathered around the great-grandmother who was taking it easy in a lawn chair. They asked the question they all were curious about. The great-grandmother chuckled and replied, “Well I used to always cut off the ends so the roast would fit in my little roasting pan. It was always an inch or two too short it seemed. I don’t do it anymore because roasting pans are a lot bigger nowadays!”
Well, I guess it is easy to get trapped into doing things a certain way, even when we really don’t know why. I have heard of churches that only give an invitation on Easter and during the fall revival. I suspect that if you asked why, you might get a “roasting pan” kind of answer. Well, here is a question I want us to consider—why don’t we give an invitation in our Sunday School classes? It only makes sense that in our classes, third grade through adulthood, we would occasionally present the gospel and give some kind of invitation to trust Christ.
I think it would be a good rule of thumb to share the gospel and lead the class in a sinner’s prayer at least once a quarter. Usually there is at least one lesson that really focuses on having a personal relationship with Christ. Why not present the gospel, give your personal testimony and lead your class in a prayer to invite Jesus into their lives? It certainly wouldn’t hurt saved people to hear the gospel again, and the lost people in your class need to be challenged to trust Christ.
When sharing the gospel you can share five simple truths. First explain that God loves them (John 3:16). Then explain the problem of sin (Romans 3:23 and 6:23). Third, explain that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is God’s solution to our sin problem (Romans 5:8). After that, explain that everyone needs to personally repent of their sin and place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19 and Ephesians 2:9-10). Finally, encourage them to call upon the Lord to save them. (Romans 10:13). After you lead them in a simply prayer of faith, encourage those who trusted Christ to go forward during the church service and share what they have done with the pastor. You don’t have to put any one person on the spot; you simply offer the information as a reminder to the entire class. You could even use a tract for the entire class and afterwards, encourage them to share it with someone in the next 48 hours. Tracts are available in the foyer.
Even if you think that all your attenders are saved, it would be a good thing for you to present the gospel in this way. Your attenders will know that you care about them and the spiritual condition of the people in the class, and they will see and hear you model how easy it is to lead others to Christ. They may even wish to use your example as they witness to their friends, family and neighbors. As Sunday School teachers, we are concerned about the salvation of our enrollees and prospects. Of course, we will offer an invitation during the worship service as we always do. But your gospel focus in the classroom is extremely important—even if it has always been done another way.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday School Jesus Style
The first Sunday School was started a little over 200 years ago—so I am fully aware that Jesus did not have a Sunday School class in the same way we talk about it today. Yet Jesus clearly did have a small group ministry with the 12 disciples. His ministry to His “class” of disciples was an intentional strategy and priority of His ministry on earth. I have been studying a little about Jesus’ work with His small group and I have discovered some principles that still apply today.
Prayer is a key strategy for reaching new people. Before Jesus enlisted His disciples, He spent much time in prayer. Each teacher would do well to have a prayer list of prospects for his or her class. Prayer for prospects focuses us on who we are trying to reach and provides insight on how to reach them. Are you and the members of your class praying for the people they are hoping to reach?
Personally seek out the people you want to reach. Jesus did not wait for someone else to enlist people for Him. He did not expect people to simply find their way to Him or drop by because they were in the area—He went after His disciples! Many Sunday School classes have no strategy or plan for reaching new people. All growth requires effort and work. We cannot expect new people to attend if we are not working a plan for reaching them. Are you and the members of your class inviting people to attend your Sunday School class?
Jesus also accepted the personal responsibility for the spiritual growth of the people in His group. I know that people have to want to grow to make any real progress, but there must also be someone willing to lead and teach them. A good teacher assumes that the enrollees are ready and willing. She sees the potential of each individual and designs the lessons with the needs of the pupils in mind. Are you seeing personal growth in the lives of the people in your class?
Jesus equipped His disciples to serve. He didn’t just fill their heads with facts and Bible knowledge and send them home with notebooks full of information. No, He demonstrated compassionate ministry and then sent His disciples out to do the same. The success of a Sunday School class is not measured in attendance alone. Instead of asking, “How many have come,” we should also ask, “How many have been sent out?” Are you and the members of your class involved in ministry projects and outreach?
Jesus released leaders out of His group to start new groups, new churches, and new ministries. If Jesus was not willing to release His 12 disciples, the church may not even exist today. New Sunday School classes are almost always started by a few committed leaders who have been learning from a faithful teacher who was unselfish enough to release them with his blessing and encouragement. It is a blessing to extend the level of your influence by releasing the people you have discipled to serve in other places.
Can you imagine a father who says that he loves his children so much that he never wants to see them marry and start families of their own? That is unhealthy and unnatural. Growing things reproduce themselves. Growing Sunday School classes do the same. Are you and the members of your class releasing people to teach and start other classes?
Jesus is the ultimate Sunday School expert. The leadership He provided for His small group of disciples is a challenge to us all. Leading a class “Jesus Style” produces amazing results!
Prayer is a key strategy for reaching new people. Before Jesus enlisted His disciples, He spent much time in prayer. Each teacher would do well to have a prayer list of prospects for his or her class. Prayer for prospects focuses us on who we are trying to reach and provides insight on how to reach them. Are you and the members of your class praying for the people they are hoping to reach?
Personally seek out the people you want to reach. Jesus did not wait for someone else to enlist people for Him. He did not expect people to simply find their way to Him or drop by because they were in the area—He went after His disciples! Many Sunday School classes have no strategy or plan for reaching new people. All growth requires effort and work. We cannot expect new people to attend if we are not working a plan for reaching them. Are you and the members of your class inviting people to attend your Sunday School class?
Jesus also accepted the personal responsibility for the spiritual growth of the people in His group. I know that people have to want to grow to make any real progress, but there must also be someone willing to lead and teach them. A good teacher assumes that the enrollees are ready and willing. She sees the potential of each individual and designs the lessons with the needs of the pupils in mind. Are you seeing personal growth in the lives of the people in your class?
Jesus equipped His disciples to serve. He didn’t just fill their heads with facts and Bible knowledge and send them home with notebooks full of information. No, He demonstrated compassionate ministry and then sent His disciples out to do the same. The success of a Sunday School class is not measured in attendance alone. Instead of asking, “How many have come,” we should also ask, “How many have been sent out?” Are you and the members of your class involved in ministry projects and outreach?
Jesus released leaders out of His group to start new groups, new churches, and new ministries. If Jesus was not willing to release His 12 disciples, the church may not even exist today. New Sunday School classes are almost always started by a few committed leaders who have been learning from a faithful teacher who was unselfish enough to release them with his blessing and encouragement. It is a blessing to extend the level of your influence by releasing the people you have discipled to serve in other places.
Can you imagine a father who says that he loves his children so much that he never wants to see them marry and start families of their own? That is unhealthy and unnatural. Growing things reproduce themselves. Growing Sunday School classes do the same. Are you and the members of your class releasing people to teach and start other classes?
Jesus is the ultimate Sunday School expert. The leadership He provided for His small group of disciples is a challenge to us all. Leading a class “Jesus Style” produces amazing results!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Does Sunday School Really Work?
I can remember when I became the pastor of the first church I served in that position. Our church was in a rural setting in a small village along the Ohio River. The church had a parsonage and I could literally look out a bedroom window and see the church building less than 70 feet away. When the dust settled from moving in our furniture, I remember looking out a window to admire the church building. Then my eyes wondered past the building to the community around it. A sudden realization hit me. I was now responsible to organize and guide our church to reach the people in our community. Frankly, my formal training did not really prepare me for that part of my job and I began to feel some anxiety about how to help the church reach out to the lost and unchurched.
As I began to pray, my mind began to go back to a Sunday School conference that my home church had hosted for our Association in Columbus,Ohio. A dynamic preacher named Leon Kilbreth had taught us that following good Sunday School practices would reach the lost and grow the church. I bought Mr. Kilbreth’s sermon tapes and began to put his teachings into practice. In the first five years we saw our attendance grow from 107 to 139. Nine years later, in the second church I pastored, we also used Sunday School as a primary tool for reaching our community. We saw our average attendance grow from 30 people to 230 people in 11 years. Naturally, I am convinced that the Sunday School really works, but I am not the only one.
Steve Parr researched the growth of the Georgia Baptist Convention and put some of his findings in a book entitled, Sunday School that Really Works. He researched the top 100 fastest growing Sunday Schools based on percentage growth. He had churches of all sizes in that group and found that in three years, these churches averaged 58% more baptisms while the entire convention had 1.6% fewer baptisms. The bottom line is this, when the Sunday School grows in a church, more people are saved and baptized.
Thom Rainer is the president of LifeWay Christian Resources—formerly the Baptist Sunday School Board. He researched churches of various denominations and made a surprising discovery about the “keeping power” of the Sunday School. In his book, Surprising Insights from the Unchurched, his research shows that 83% of new converts stay connected and faithful to the church when they are involved in the Sunday School, while only 16% stay faithful in church attendance if they are not immediately connected to a Sunday School class. That tells us that being in a Sunday School class nearly guarantees that a person will not backslide into unfaithfulness! What other program can make that kind of claim?
Let me give you some of my own “research.” Nearly all of the people who attend a Sunday School class do so because they were invited by someone now active in Sunday School. That is more common sense than hard research, but we all know it is true. People return to Sunday School because they have a good experience when they come—the teacher is prepared and interesting and they are well received by class members. People will attend Sunday School regularly when they develop relationships with the people in their class. They develop relationships to a certain level when they attend the class, but the relationships grow deeper when they meet outside the class in an atmosphere of fun and fellowship.
Does Sunday School really work? It does as long as we are willing to work it!
As I began to pray, my mind began to go back to a Sunday School conference that my home church had hosted for our Association in Columbus,Ohio. A dynamic preacher named Leon Kilbreth had taught us that following good Sunday School practices would reach the lost and grow the church. I bought Mr. Kilbreth’s sermon tapes and began to put his teachings into practice. In the first five years we saw our attendance grow from 107 to 139. Nine years later, in the second church I pastored, we also used Sunday School as a primary tool for reaching our community. We saw our average attendance grow from 30 people to 230 people in 11 years. Naturally, I am convinced that the Sunday School really works, but I am not the only one.
Steve Parr researched the growth of the Georgia Baptist Convention and put some of his findings in a book entitled, Sunday School that Really Works. He researched the top 100 fastest growing Sunday Schools based on percentage growth. He had churches of all sizes in that group and found that in three years, these churches averaged 58% more baptisms while the entire convention had 1.6% fewer baptisms. The bottom line is this, when the Sunday School grows in a church, more people are saved and baptized.
Thom Rainer is the president of LifeWay Christian Resources—formerly the Baptist Sunday School Board. He researched churches of various denominations and made a surprising discovery about the “keeping power” of the Sunday School. In his book, Surprising Insights from the Unchurched, his research shows that 83% of new converts stay connected and faithful to the church when they are involved in the Sunday School, while only 16% stay faithful in church attendance if they are not immediately connected to a Sunday School class. That tells us that being in a Sunday School class nearly guarantees that a person will not backslide into unfaithfulness! What other program can make that kind of claim?
Let me give you some of my own “research.” Nearly all of the people who attend a Sunday School class do so because they were invited by someone now active in Sunday School. That is more common sense than hard research, but we all know it is true. People return to Sunday School because they have a good experience when they come—the teacher is prepared and interesting and they are well received by class members. People will attend Sunday School regularly when they develop relationships with the people in their class. They develop relationships to a certain level when they attend the class, but the relationships grow deeper when they meet outside the class in an atmosphere of fun and fellowship.
Does Sunday School really work? It does as long as we are willing to work it!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Ten Things I Believe About Sunday School
1. I believe the potential for Sunday School ministry has never been greater than it is today. The Sunday School organizes the entire church to be on mission with God in our community. Our world is desperate for real, lasting relationships. People are starving for truth! Mission, fellowship and teaching are all part of the Sunday School.
2. I believe in the desire and power of God to use everyday Christians in extraordinary ways. Sunday School allows the opportunity to serve the Lord in very significant ways without a degree or any formal training.
3. I believe in the multiplication effect of Sunday School classes. If each adult class could double and divide into two classes in two years, our Sunday School would be ministering to twice as many people in 2013.
4. I believe the Sunday School impacts every other ministry in the church because leaders are developed in the Sunday School class. Every growing church needs leaders to serve in various ministries in a local church.
5. I believe the future of our church will rise or fall on the effectiveness of our Sunday School. When the Sunday School grows, the worship service grows and the same effect can be seen in each department. When the Sunday School fails to grow, it leads to decline in worship as well as other vital areas of ministry.
6. I believe the gospel is still the only hope for our world. The Sunday School is all about getting the gospel to people who need to hear it and believe it. When a Sunday School class embraces their mission, the kingdom of God becomes more populated.
7. I believe some of tomorrow’s greatest leaders are in our preschool, children, and youth classes right now. Sunday School impacts future generations in a way only surpassed by the family. Lives are shaped for God’s will and work each week by dedicated teachers who minister to future generations today.
8. I believe the Sunday School is the best way to keep people involved in the things of God once they trust Christ as Savior. When people are reached for Christ through door-to-door visitation, only about 2% are involved in church two years later. About 20% of the people reached through big events and crusades are involved in church two years later. When people come to Christ and are connected to a Sunday School class, 80% are still involved two years later.
9. I believe the Sunday School is very fertile ground for growing Christians for Christ. Learning the Word of God can be done in many settings, but the Sunday School provides ways for people to actually get involved in the Great Commission. Jesus taught by allowing His disciples to have hands-on experience reaching and ministering to people. The same approach is the practice of good Sunday School ministry. My first ministry in the church as a new Believer was serving as outreach director for my Sunday School class.
10. I believe the greatest catalyst for the success of a Sunday School class is the teacher of that class. No one has more influence on a class than the teacher. No one will motivate outreach and spiritual growth in a class more than the teacher.
2. I believe in the desire and power of God to use everyday Christians in extraordinary ways. Sunday School allows the opportunity to serve the Lord in very significant ways without a degree or any formal training.
3. I believe in the multiplication effect of Sunday School classes. If each adult class could double and divide into two classes in two years, our Sunday School would be ministering to twice as many people in 2013.
4. I believe the Sunday School impacts every other ministry in the church because leaders are developed in the Sunday School class. Every growing church needs leaders to serve in various ministries in a local church.
5. I believe the future of our church will rise or fall on the effectiveness of our Sunday School. When the Sunday School grows, the worship service grows and the same effect can be seen in each department. When the Sunday School fails to grow, it leads to decline in worship as well as other vital areas of ministry.
6. I believe the gospel is still the only hope for our world. The Sunday School is all about getting the gospel to people who need to hear it and believe it. When a Sunday School class embraces their mission, the kingdom of God becomes more populated.
7. I believe some of tomorrow’s greatest leaders are in our preschool, children, and youth classes right now. Sunday School impacts future generations in a way only surpassed by the family. Lives are shaped for God’s will and work each week by dedicated teachers who minister to future generations today.
8. I believe the Sunday School is the best way to keep people involved in the things of God once they trust Christ as Savior. When people are reached for Christ through door-to-door visitation, only about 2% are involved in church two years later. About 20% of the people reached through big events and crusades are involved in church two years later. When people come to Christ and are connected to a Sunday School class, 80% are still involved two years later.
9. I believe the Sunday School is very fertile ground for growing Christians for Christ. Learning the Word of God can be done in many settings, but the Sunday School provides ways for people to actually get involved in the Great Commission. Jesus taught by allowing His disciples to have hands-on experience reaching and ministering to people. The same approach is the practice of good Sunday School ministry. My first ministry in the church as a new Believer was serving as outreach director for my Sunday School class.
10. I believe the greatest catalyst for the success of a Sunday School class is the teacher of that class. No one has more influence on a class than the teacher. No one will motivate outreach and spiritual growth in a class more than the teacher.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Sunday School Closes the Back Door—Research Proves It!
As America has received immigrants throughout our nation’s history, one great challenge for these new residents is how to assimilate into a new culture. Our missionaries often face the same difficulty as they take the gospel to other countries. There is a new language to learn, new attitudes to adjust to, and even new customs to learn. A similar thing happens as God brings new people into His church. People often have difficulty felling like they fit in.
In the work of the church, one of our greatest challenges is good assimilation—that is, making people feel they are really part of the church family and making them feel they are accepted into the culture of our church. Without a doubt, studies have demonstrated time and again, that Sunday School is still one of the best ways to make people feel they belong and to close the “back door” of the church.
Thom S. Rainer, in his book High Expectations writes the following findings from his research, "The new Christians who immediately became active in the Sunday School were five times more likely to remain in the church five years later (we did not include those who moved to another community or those who died in the "dropout" category)." The studies conducted by LifeWay have concluded that five years after joining a church, those active in Sunday School are still active church members 83% of the time. Those active in Worship only are still active five years later only 16% of the time.
This book also has a section that states, "In the 1980s I had become a 'Sunday School skeptic.' Any lingering doubts I had about Sunday School were erased when my research team… conducted a study of 576 churches in America. One would think that I would have no surprise when the strength of the Sunday School became evident in yet another research project. This time, however, the overwhelmingly positive response regarding the Sunday School surprised me. No assimilation methodology came close to Sunday School in effectiveness."
Dr. Rainer, continues, "The research is clear if not overwhelming. Sunday School is the most effective assimilation methodology in evangelistic churches today. But the mere existence of a Sunday School does not produce assimilation. Sunday School works. But only if we work Sunday School. We have known that Sunday School is a vital component of the past for American churches. Its history is almost as old as our nation itself. But more and more the research indicated that Sunday School is not only our past, it is our future as well. And we who are leaders in the church will ignore this reality to our churches' peril."
It makes no sense to ignore the reality that if people attend worship only that they go out the back door almost as quickly as they come in the front door. The more people who are involved in Sunday School, the stronger our church will be now, and in the future.
In the work of the church, one of our greatest challenges is good assimilation—that is, making people feel they are really part of the church family and making them feel they are accepted into the culture of our church. Without a doubt, studies have demonstrated time and again, that Sunday School is still one of the best ways to make people feel they belong and to close the “back door” of the church.
Thom S. Rainer, in his book High Expectations writes the following findings from his research, "The new Christians who immediately became active in the Sunday School were five times more likely to remain in the church five years later (we did not include those who moved to another community or those who died in the "dropout" category)." The studies conducted by LifeWay have concluded that five years after joining a church, those active in Sunday School are still active church members 83% of the time. Those active in Worship only are still active five years later only 16% of the time.
This book also has a section that states, "In the 1980s I had become a 'Sunday School skeptic.' Any lingering doubts I had about Sunday School were erased when my research team… conducted a study of 576 churches in America. One would think that I would have no surprise when the strength of the Sunday School became evident in yet another research project. This time, however, the overwhelmingly positive response regarding the Sunday School surprised me. No assimilation methodology came close to Sunday School in effectiveness."
Dr. Rainer, continues, "The research is clear if not overwhelming. Sunday School is the most effective assimilation methodology in evangelistic churches today. But the mere existence of a Sunday School does not produce assimilation. Sunday School works. But only if we work Sunday School. We have known that Sunday School is a vital component of the past for American churches. Its history is almost as old as our nation itself. But more and more the research indicated that Sunday School is not only our past, it is our future as well. And we who are leaders in the church will ignore this reality to our churches' peril."
It makes no sense to ignore the reality that if people attend worship only that they go out the back door almost as quickly as they come in the front door. The more people who are involved in Sunday School, the stronger our church will be now, and in the future.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Social Websites—Good or Bad?
Despite what my kids may think, I was not alive when the light bulb was invented, or when Orville and Wilber Wright flew their first plane, or when the first automobile rolled down the street, frightening horses and small children. Although one son did tell me I looked like a T-Rex when I typed on my laptop computer, I think he knows that I’m not living in the “dark ages”—you know, back when people used pen and paper to express their ideas instead of computers and text messages. I was not one who used to say, “If men were meant to fly, God would have given them wings.”
Anytime there is new technology or media coming out, it seems many people ask the question if it is good or bad. When talking movies first came out, many questioned if society was going to regret it. When TV sets were being placed in nearly every home, was that a good thing? How about today’s new social media? We now have Facebook and Twitter that allows us to post our thoughts and activities within seconds, for the world to see. We have the ability to play video games with someone from Scotland and talk by video link using Skype, or a smart phone or iPod Touch. Is that good?
We’ve all heard about evil uses of such devices. The congressman who sent out immoral photos of himself has been in the news lately. We have crime units in our own county that are involved in internet stings to apprehend child molesters. And it is true that gossips and slanderers can now spread their poison at the speed of cyberspace, causing great damage to the people of God and His church. But does that make the technology evil?
The truth is that the radio is neither good nor evil. The blessing, or the curse, is with the one who is broadcasting. The same is true about Facebook. It is a tool. Just like hammers can be used to build something or destroy something, emails and text messages can be used to build up, or tear down. Put the hammer in the hands of a carpenter and you might have a house to live in. Put the hammer in the hands of a three-year old, and you might need to replace the house you live in! The internet is like a power tool! There needs to be a little maturity on the part of the user before we turn him loose with it.
We need to be careful not to say something about a person on Facebook that we would not say to her face to face, or in front of her mother, or with TV cameras pointed at us. Our message may be read by more people than those who watch the evening news! Even an email can be mistakenly shared with others you did not expect to read it.
Jesus taught that we should let our “yes” mean “yes” and our “no” mean “no.” The words of our lives must be true to our hearts’ intent. They are an expression of our heart. That is especially true on the internet. What you type today cannot be taken back once it is posted, and there is a good chance your great-grandchildren might be able to retrieve it one day once it is out there.
Some may suggest that it is better to let the technology pass us by. “Who needs to send a text-message when you can just pick up the same phone and call the person?” they say. The answer lies in the fact that the technology can be used for good. It can be used to help the old, old story be told in a new and relevant way. It can be used to remind your spouse that you are thinking about her and you love her all the more. Recently, I took a close-up picture of my eye and sent it to my daughter’s boyfriend and sent the text, “I have my eye on you.” Isn’t technology great?
Anytime there is new technology or media coming out, it seems many people ask the question if it is good or bad. When talking movies first came out, many questioned if society was going to regret it. When TV sets were being placed in nearly every home, was that a good thing? How about today’s new social media? We now have Facebook and Twitter that allows us to post our thoughts and activities within seconds, for the world to see. We have the ability to play video games with someone from Scotland and talk by video link using Skype, or a smart phone or iPod Touch. Is that good?
We’ve all heard about evil uses of such devices. The congressman who sent out immoral photos of himself has been in the news lately. We have crime units in our own county that are involved in internet stings to apprehend child molesters. And it is true that gossips and slanderers can now spread their poison at the speed of cyberspace, causing great damage to the people of God and His church. But does that make the technology evil?
The truth is that the radio is neither good nor evil. The blessing, or the curse, is with the one who is broadcasting. The same is true about Facebook. It is a tool. Just like hammers can be used to build something or destroy something, emails and text messages can be used to build up, or tear down. Put the hammer in the hands of a carpenter and you might have a house to live in. Put the hammer in the hands of a three-year old, and you might need to replace the house you live in! The internet is like a power tool! There needs to be a little maturity on the part of the user before we turn him loose with it.
We need to be careful not to say something about a person on Facebook that we would not say to her face to face, or in front of her mother, or with TV cameras pointed at us. Our message may be read by more people than those who watch the evening news! Even an email can be mistakenly shared with others you did not expect to read it.
Jesus taught that we should let our “yes” mean “yes” and our “no” mean “no.” The words of our lives must be true to our hearts’ intent. They are an expression of our heart. That is especially true on the internet. What you type today cannot be taken back once it is posted, and there is a good chance your great-grandchildren might be able to retrieve it one day once it is out there.
Some may suggest that it is better to let the technology pass us by. “Who needs to send a text-message when you can just pick up the same phone and call the person?” they say. The answer lies in the fact that the technology can be used for good. It can be used to help the old, old story be told in a new and relevant way. It can be used to remind your spouse that you are thinking about her and you love her all the more. Recently, I took a close-up picture of my eye and sent it to my daughter’s boyfriend and sent the text, “I have my eye on you.” Isn’t technology great?
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Church's First Priority
What is “job one” for the church? We know the church has three basic purposes: 1) Community Worship God, 2) Building up Believers and 3) Sharing Christ with our world. Of these three purposes, which is our first priority as a church?
On a personal level, I am convinced that everything in my life flows out of my worship relationship with God. I will grow on an individual level in direct relationship to my personal worship experience with Jesus Christ. But on a church level, is worship job one? In other words, on a corporate level, as a church body, is worship our first priority?
As I read the Scriptures I believe evangelism is the first priority of a church body. As we analyze our use of money, time and manpower related to our work as a church family, reaching people with the gospel message should come first. The church does many important things, but our number one mission is the same as it was in the days of the Apostles.
History reveals that many churches and denominations have come and gone. Their loss of influence began as they allowed “good things” to replace the first priority of the church. Social and political actions can be a part of the church’s effort to be “salt and light” to the world. Caring for the poor and needy is something in which each Christian should be involved. But we stop being the church God has called us to be when the salvation of souls becomes a secondary issue.
We proclaim a saving gospel, not a social gospel. Ours is a life-changing message of redemption, not a self-improvement message of social reform. All these things have their place, but the number one priority will be the same until Jesus returns. Share Jesus!
On a personal level, I am convinced that everything in my life flows out of my worship relationship with God. I will grow on an individual level in direct relationship to my personal worship experience with Jesus Christ. But on a church level, is worship job one? In other words, on a corporate level, as a church body, is worship our first priority?
As I read the Scriptures I believe evangelism is the first priority of a church body. As we analyze our use of money, time and manpower related to our work as a church family, reaching people with the gospel message should come first. The church does many important things, but our number one mission is the same as it was in the days of the Apostles.
History reveals that many churches and denominations have come and gone. Their loss of influence began as they allowed “good things” to replace the first priority of the church. Social and political actions can be a part of the church’s effort to be “salt and light” to the world. Caring for the poor and needy is something in which each Christian should be involved. But we stop being the church God has called us to be when the salvation of souls becomes a secondary issue.
We proclaim a saving gospel, not a social gospel. Ours is a life-changing message of redemption, not a self-improvement message of social reform. All these things have their place, but the number one priority will be the same until Jesus returns. Share Jesus!
Monday, June 6, 2011
What Does it Mean to be a Disciple of Christ?
Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ is the ultimate goal of the Christian life. The word “disciple” carries the idea of being an apprentice or a pupil of a master teacher. The word also conveys the idea that certain disciplines are necessary to carry out the responsibilities of a disciple. A modern tragedy is that many come to Christ for salvation but never experience what it means to be His disciple. Today I want us to focus on what it really means to follow Jesus as His disciple.
Being a disciple has three basic components according to Luke 9:23. The first is to deny yourself. That means we must renounce a self-centered life to follow Christ as His disciple. The second component is to take up your cross. That is, die to self and live for Christ. Third, Jesus says, “Follow Me.” That means to minister in His name. These components really get to the motivation of the disciple.
We abide in Christ by spending time with Him—John 15:5. Every serious disciple must learn to develop a daily personal “quiet time” with God. The concept is simple. If I am to learn from Christ, I must spend time with Him. To meet with the Lord, find a quiet place and a quiet time that works for you and then aim for consistency. Don’t worry about the number of minutes you spend in prayer and reading the Word. Focus instead on having at least a brief time every day.
Living in the Word is a basic discipline of a disciple according to John 8:31-32. We need to hear the Word preached and taught. We need to read the Word regularly and study it using a pen and paper to write down what God is saying to us. When we include memorization and meditation, we are on our way to growing deeper in the Word of God. There is no shortcut to knowing your Bible.
According to John 15:7, praying in faith is another basic discipline of a disciple. For years I have used a simple four-part approach in my personal prayer time. It spells the word P-R-A-Y. I begin with praise. Praise focuses on the character of God and includes times of thanksgiving. Repentance requires serious self-examination and confession of specific sins to maintain a clear conscience with God. Asking is the next part of my prayer time. I ask for blessings and help for myself as well as others. Yielding is the fourth part of my prayer time as I seek to recommit myself to the Lord all over again.
Fellowshipping with Believers is a vital part to being a disciple—John 13:34-35. The church is not a building or organization though it uses both. The church is a living “body” carrying out Christ’s ministry on earth today. I don’t think anyone can be a serious follower of Christ without involvement in the local church unless, perhaps, they are providentially hindered.
The next discipline of a disciple is witnessing to the world. John 15:8 gives little room for our many attempts at excusing ourselves from sharing Christ with the lost. Through the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) we witness through our lifestyles, but the reality is that no one is saved without a verbal witness (1 Peter 3:15). As His disciple we must be ready to share when He opens a door.
Finally, a disciple is one who ministers to others—John 15:13. We each have received a spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10) with which to serve. There is always a way to serve others, no matter our age or abilities. By such love toward each other, the world knows we are His followers.
Being a disciple has three basic components according to Luke 9:23. The first is to deny yourself. That means we must renounce a self-centered life to follow Christ as His disciple. The second component is to take up your cross. That is, die to self and live for Christ. Third, Jesus says, “Follow Me.” That means to minister in His name. These components really get to the motivation of the disciple.
We abide in Christ by spending time with Him—John 15:5. Every serious disciple must learn to develop a daily personal “quiet time” with God. The concept is simple. If I am to learn from Christ, I must spend time with Him. To meet with the Lord, find a quiet place and a quiet time that works for you and then aim for consistency. Don’t worry about the number of minutes you spend in prayer and reading the Word. Focus instead on having at least a brief time every day.
Living in the Word is a basic discipline of a disciple according to John 8:31-32. We need to hear the Word preached and taught. We need to read the Word regularly and study it using a pen and paper to write down what God is saying to us. When we include memorization and meditation, we are on our way to growing deeper in the Word of God. There is no shortcut to knowing your Bible.
According to John 15:7, praying in faith is another basic discipline of a disciple. For years I have used a simple four-part approach in my personal prayer time. It spells the word P-R-A-Y. I begin with praise. Praise focuses on the character of God and includes times of thanksgiving. Repentance requires serious self-examination and confession of specific sins to maintain a clear conscience with God. Asking is the next part of my prayer time. I ask for blessings and help for myself as well as others. Yielding is the fourth part of my prayer time as I seek to recommit myself to the Lord all over again.
Fellowshipping with Believers is a vital part to being a disciple—John 13:34-35. The church is not a building or organization though it uses both. The church is a living “body” carrying out Christ’s ministry on earth today. I don’t think anyone can be a serious follower of Christ without involvement in the local church unless, perhaps, they are providentially hindered.
The next discipline of a disciple is witnessing to the world. John 15:8 gives little room for our many attempts at excusing ourselves from sharing Christ with the lost. Through the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) we witness through our lifestyles, but the reality is that no one is saved without a verbal witness (1 Peter 3:15). As His disciple we must be ready to share when He opens a door.
Finally, a disciple is one who ministers to others—John 15:13. We each have received a spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10) with which to serve. There is always a way to serve others, no matter our age or abilities. By such love toward each other, the world knows we are His followers.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Our Foundation Matters
Back in my college days I was called upon to preach at a little country church in West Texas. I had heard there had been some problems in the church, but as far as I was concerned, it was just an opportunity to preach the Word. There was obvious tension in the air the first Sunday I arrived. Sunday School consisted of a few folks gathered in a corner filling me in on some of the most recent events in the life of the church.
The pastor had resigned several months prior and in the leadership vacuum, a new member stepped forward to volunteer to preach. This new member began to incorporate some “new” elements in the worship service. Members were encouraged to pray at the same time while some began to “speak in tongues.” Worship began to focus more on emotional experiences than it did on exalting the Lord. After several weeks, this self-appointed “pastor” began to be “slain in the Spirit” and started having “out of body experiences” that included visits to heaven where God gave him special visions and instructions for the church. Many members had begun to leave as the facilities began to be taken over by this new group of charismatic worshipers. As a rookie preacher, barely in my senior year, I had my hands full.
That experience, and others, has forced me to take a good long look at what the church should build its beliefs upon. There are at least four things Churches have used as a foundation for what they believe. They are the Bible, someone’s experience or new revelation, church tradition, or what is culturally popular at the time. Some use some combination of the four.
Churches that build their beliefs upon tradition can be involved in unbiblical practices and beliefs simply because they have always done it that way and no one ever questions whether or not there is a biblical basis for the practice. Churches that build their beliefs on pop culture are also very confused. They have the good feeling of being contemporary, but their beliefs are constantly changing. They are building on shifting sand at best.
Perhaps even more dangerous is the church that basis its beliefs and practices on someone’s experience. As with the church I was involved with in college, there is no limit to the bizarre behavior or statements that can be made when one “anointed” preacher is getting his directions through a visionary experience. After teaching what the Bible says about the gift of tongues, one man came up to me and told me he used to believe what the Bible taught, but then he met this wonderful group of people who helped him experience this “fresh new movement of God.” It didn’t matter what the Bible said, he had an experience! He loved the “feelings” he experienced when he was involved with these people and that’s all that mattered to him.
Our goal should always be to base our faith and practice on the teachings of the Bible. We build our beliefs on facts not feelings. There may be a day in heaven when God shows us we said or did something incorrectly, but He should never question our desire to make the Word of God the foundation for our belief system. Just because someone slaps some biblical terminology on what they are doing, does not mean they are following the Bible in their practices.
This is one reason we emphasize the teaching of the Bible in the classroom. Opinions, experiences and even traditions come and go, but God’s Word endures forever. When the foundation is right, the house will withstand the storms of life. When it is wrong, the building will eventually collapse. We stand upon the Word not the latest fads of religion.
The pastor had resigned several months prior and in the leadership vacuum, a new member stepped forward to volunteer to preach. This new member began to incorporate some “new” elements in the worship service. Members were encouraged to pray at the same time while some began to “speak in tongues.” Worship began to focus more on emotional experiences than it did on exalting the Lord. After several weeks, this self-appointed “pastor” began to be “slain in the Spirit” and started having “out of body experiences” that included visits to heaven where God gave him special visions and instructions for the church. Many members had begun to leave as the facilities began to be taken over by this new group of charismatic worshipers. As a rookie preacher, barely in my senior year, I had my hands full.
That experience, and others, has forced me to take a good long look at what the church should build its beliefs upon. There are at least four things Churches have used as a foundation for what they believe. They are the Bible, someone’s experience or new revelation, church tradition, or what is culturally popular at the time. Some use some combination of the four.
Churches that build their beliefs upon tradition can be involved in unbiblical practices and beliefs simply because they have always done it that way and no one ever questions whether or not there is a biblical basis for the practice. Churches that build their beliefs on pop culture are also very confused. They have the good feeling of being contemporary, but their beliefs are constantly changing. They are building on shifting sand at best.
Perhaps even more dangerous is the church that basis its beliefs and practices on someone’s experience. As with the church I was involved with in college, there is no limit to the bizarre behavior or statements that can be made when one “anointed” preacher is getting his directions through a visionary experience. After teaching what the Bible says about the gift of tongues, one man came up to me and told me he used to believe what the Bible taught, but then he met this wonderful group of people who helped him experience this “fresh new movement of God.” It didn’t matter what the Bible said, he had an experience! He loved the “feelings” he experienced when he was involved with these people and that’s all that mattered to him.
Our goal should always be to base our faith and practice on the teachings of the Bible. We build our beliefs on facts not feelings. There may be a day in heaven when God shows us we said or did something incorrectly, but He should never question our desire to make the Word of God the foundation for our belief system. Just because someone slaps some biblical terminology on what they are doing, does not mean they are following the Bible in their practices.
This is one reason we emphasize the teaching of the Bible in the classroom. Opinions, experiences and even traditions come and go, but God’s Word endures forever. When the foundation is right, the house will withstand the storms of life. When it is wrong, the building will eventually collapse. We stand upon the Word not the latest fads of religion.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Ten Commandments of Teaching
As a teacher, you have one of the most powerful positions of influence in the church. Teaching changes lives! When we put the power of teaching alongside the Word of God, we have a real opportunity to see God transform lives. As we prepare and teach our lessons, we might consider these “ten commandments” as we persuade people to follow Christ. These commandments aren’t inspired, but they do have a biblical basis. I hope they encourage you in your teaching.
1. Thou shalt maintain a strong relationship with the Lord thy God. Our lessons should be an expression of the truth God is working in and through our lives. If we are teaching something that we are not living, it is a form of play acting or hypocrisy.
2. Thou shalt not put words in God’s mouth. We are Bible teachers before we are any other kind of teacher. We all have opinions on politics, other denominations and who is the greediest in the business world. Yet our concern in the classroom is what God says.
3. Thou shalt not teach the Word of God in a boring, non-compelling manor. If people are falling asleep during your teaching, it's not God's fault. The Bible is not boring! Seek to be creative in your methods and in your approach while conveying God’s truth.
4. Thou shalt always point people to Christ in thy lesson. Our lessons should always include some things that distinguish it as a Christian lesson. It should exalt and lift up Jesus. It isn’t enough to simply teach virtue—some false religions do that—we must teach Christ!
5. Thou shalt not open thy quarterly or commentary until thou hast read and studied the passage for thyself. Our lessons are not prepared just from the neck up. These truths must first go through our hearts and lives if we expect them to reach other hearts and minds. We need resources such as quarterlies to help us stay on the right track and gain insight, but ultimately the Holy Spirit is the one who enlightens us.
6. Thou shalt love the people thou art teaching. If loving your students is difficult, ask God to give you love for them. Love them by praying for them regularly, through practical expressions (meeting their needs) and communicate it to them often. They don’t know you love them if you do not somehow communicate it.
7. Thou shalt honor thy co-laborers in the work of thy God. The classroom is a place of ministry, sharing Christ and teaching the Bible. It is never a place for gossip, backstabbing or rehashing an arguing point you made in the last business meeting. Teach the Bible!
8. Thou shalt not teach an unprepared lesson. We all have those weeks that challenge our ability to have proper preparation time, but if it becomes a habit for you to read the teaching quarterly to your class without first studying the text of the lesson, you may need to consider making some adjustments to your schedule.
9. Thou shalt not teach thy lesson without saturating it with prayer. This one is pretty self-explanatory.
10. Thy lesson shalt be doctrinally accurate. Even subtle changes in major church doctrines are very dangerous. History teaches us many sad lessons about those who thought they had a “new revelation.”
1. Thou shalt maintain a strong relationship with the Lord thy God. Our lessons should be an expression of the truth God is working in and through our lives. If we are teaching something that we are not living, it is a form of play acting or hypocrisy.
2. Thou shalt not put words in God’s mouth. We are Bible teachers before we are any other kind of teacher. We all have opinions on politics, other denominations and who is the greediest in the business world. Yet our concern in the classroom is what God says.
3. Thou shalt not teach the Word of God in a boring, non-compelling manor. If people are falling asleep during your teaching, it's not God's fault. The Bible is not boring! Seek to be creative in your methods and in your approach while conveying God’s truth.
4. Thou shalt always point people to Christ in thy lesson. Our lessons should always include some things that distinguish it as a Christian lesson. It should exalt and lift up Jesus. It isn’t enough to simply teach virtue—some false religions do that—we must teach Christ!
5. Thou shalt not open thy quarterly or commentary until thou hast read and studied the passage for thyself. Our lessons are not prepared just from the neck up. These truths must first go through our hearts and lives if we expect them to reach other hearts and minds. We need resources such as quarterlies to help us stay on the right track and gain insight, but ultimately the Holy Spirit is the one who enlightens us.
6. Thou shalt love the people thou art teaching. If loving your students is difficult, ask God to give you love for them. Love them by praying for them regularly, through practical expressions (meeting their needs) and communicate it to them often. They don’t know you love them if you do not somehow communicate it.
7. Thou shalt honor thy co-laborers in the work of thy God. The classroom is a place of ministry, sharing Christ and teaching the Bible. It is never a place for gossip, backstabbing or rehashing an arguing point you made in the last business meeting. Teach the Bible!
8. Thou shalt not teach an unprepared lesson. We all have those weeks that challenge our ability to have proper preparation time, but if it becomes a habit for you to read the teaching quarterly to your class without first studying the text of the lesson, you may need to consider making some adjustments to your schedule.
9. Thou shalt not teach thy lesson without saturating it with prayer. This one is pretty self-explanatory.
10. Thy lesson shalt be doctrinally accurate. Even subtle changes in major church doctrines are very dangerous. History teaches us many sad lessons about those who thought they had a “new revelation.”
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