By Rodney L. Pry, P.S.S.S.A. Executive Director
Have you ever thought, “I didn’t get anything out of church today?” Well, guess what? Your primary purpose in attending worship is not to GET, but rather to GIVE! The very definition of the word “worship” means “Reverent honor or homage GIVEN to God.”
But what about Sunday school? Isn’t Sunday school more about getting? Isn’t our purpose to learn about God, His Word and His will? Well, yes. But, I also believe that Sunday school, like worship, is not just about getting, but also about giving.
Each of us – Sunday school teachers, leaders and individual members – adults, youth and children – not only should be going to Sunday school to learn but also to give, to God and to others.
I believe that there are at least seven different areas where every member should be involved in this giving…
We should all tell others about the importance of the Bible and Sunday school. When something good happens to you, don’t you want to tell others? Hopefully, the very best thing to ever happen to you was when Jesus Christ came into your heart. If you really love Jesus, won’t you want to learn more about Him by reading His Word and by going to Sunday school? Won’t you want to invite your friends and neighbors to share your excitement by telling them about Jesus Christ and inviting them to join you in Sunday school?
We should make visitors and new attendees feel welcome. Surveys show that one of the big determining factors as to whether or not visitors return to a church is the welcome that they feel. As you greet visitors in your Sunday school, don’t just ask their names, show genuine interest. Some experts say you must ask at least three personal questions of visitors, other than their name, to show real interest.
We should be friends to other people in our Sunday school. It is said that if a person is to really become a part of a church he or she must have at least two friends within that church, other than the pastor. Friendships rarely develop with just casual Sunday morning contact. Making friends requires special, continuing effort throughout the week.
We should share our understanding and experiences related to the Bible. Good Sunday school teachers will appreciate the participation of class members. As opportunities arise, add your understanding of the scriptures and share personal experiences to help others in their understanding of God’s Word.
We should offer help and encouragement to others. From time to time, all of us have problems and concerns. Having the care, support, love and prayers of fellow Christians can mean so much during these times of trouble. Whether it’s a card, a phone call, a personal contact or other message, your offer of help and encouragement can mean so much. And it can also give you an opportunity to witness about Jesus Christ and the value of Sunday school.
We should tell Sunday school absentees and dropouts that they are missed. Do you really care about the people that you know who are not attending Sunday school regularly or who have stopped attending? You should! And you should do all that you can to invite these persons back to Sunday school. Whether you use a personal contact, a phone call or a personal note written in a card, your concern and invitation might be the spark to get these persons to come back to your Sunday school.
We should pray for our Sunday school. There is power in prayer! Pray often for your Sunday school, your Sunday school teachers, the children and youth of your Sunday school, and all others involved in your church’s program of Christian education.
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