Question to Ponder: Does Sunday School Matter? (Part 3)
For the past two weeks, I have encouraged you to participate in Sunday School. Sunday School is a ministry that often gets neglected yet is a very vital ministry to all ages. The thought for today is to share with you the biblical foundation for Sunday School.
Matthew 28:19-20
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Two key words for my thought are “disciple and teach.” Both words are very close in meaning. Each helps to define the other. To disciple indicates a commitment to lead a group of people in a specific direction. To teach is to give specific steps necessary in understanding why and how to follow. Jesus not only called His disciples to pattern their lives after Him in discipling and teaching but also taught them how to do what He commanded.
As a believer I am called to disciple others and teach others why they should believe in Jesus, how to believe in Jesus, and how to live for Jesus. There are many methods for this to be accomplished in the home, in the community, and in the church. As I have been advocating, Sunday School is a great method which assists the family in the to ensure discipling and teaching of God’s word is accomplished. How are you making sure discipleship and teaching are being fulfilled at New Life?
Teachers are needed so that discipling and teaching the commands of Jesus will be accomplished. There are lots and lots of reasons to teach Sunday School. Consider the following reasons:
God told you to do so.
You are God-called.
You have been gifted to do so.
You have experiences, abilities, and the personality that God wants to use.
God has given you experiences you need to share.
The class needs you.
You will grow more as a disciple.
You are concerned about the age group (preschoolers, children, youth, or adults).
You love digging into the Word of God and sharing it.
You love to shepherd people.
You love to organize people to carry out the Great Commission.
You love to connect with new people.
You need to give away what God, your parents, and others have given to you.
You love to teach people to obey Jesus's commands.
It takes more people to care for more people.
You love a good challenge.
You love to make a difference in people's lives.
You want to raise the next generation of leaders.
You know how important Sunday School is to keeping people connected to the church, growing as disciples, and mobilized into ministry/service.
You will become more deeply involved in the church and the Lord's ministry.
You want to create a welcoming environment for unbelievers.
You want to influence the direction of many lives.
Just a Thought: Jesus called and promised to be with you while you disciple and teach. I will mentor you along the way through offering training and equipping sessions, along with getting you the right material. What is stopping you from filling the need for more individuals to disciple and teach at New Life?
See you in Sunday School!
Scott Kallem, Pastor