10 Keys To Growing A Great Sunday School Class

At Fellowship Bible Church where I attend, there is a Sunday School class (we call them Sunday Morning Communities) which is arguably the most effective class I have witnessed in my 27 years of Christian leadership.  This class consistently runs over 100 in weekly attendance and is responsible for the development and release of an incredibly high number of leaders within our church.

I recently sat down with a member of the class’s leadership team and inquired why this community was so effective.  As he was speaking I began taking notes feverishly.  I knew what I was hearing was pure gold and needed to be passed onto others.

Therefore, I am pleased to give you the following 10 Keys To Growing A Great Sunday School Class:

1. A Great Sunday School Class Has Great Leadership – Great classes are built by the Holy Spirit working through great leaders.  This class features some of the top leaders of our church.
2. A Great Sunday School Class Develops A Great Teaching Team – A multitude of leaders share in the teaching responsibility.  The class’s success does not rest on a single individual.
3. A Great Sunday School Class Embraces Diversity – Each of the teachers have different styles and specialties.  By rotating the teachers, this keeps the learning experience fresh for those attending the class.
4. A Great Sunday School Class Utilizes Life Experiences – God wants to tell an amazing story of the love of His Son through every human life.  None of the teachers step outside of their life experience.  They all teach from where they are.
5. A Great Sunday School Class Cultivates Meaningful Relationships – Mentor couples meet outside of class with the couples they are responsible for.  Those couples feel cared for.  They often meet on short notice based upon need and opportunity.
6. A Great Sunday School Class Leverages The Gift Of Helps – 80% of Christians have the gift of helps.  This class has a lot of people who help.  Someone does coffee.  Another cleans up.  There is a meal coordinator.  Another who oversees those in crisis and need of prayer.  Someone else manages the teaching schedule.  I could go on and on.
7. A Great Sunday School Class Creates A Broad-Based Sense Of Ownership – My friend said, “Everybody is doing a little part.  Everybody has a little commitment.  Everybody is committed to the class’s success.”
8. A Great Sunday School Class Provides Non-Threatening Environments – Each year the class schedules a big event at the home of the lead teacher.  Couples bring their children and everyone just has a great time.
9. A Great Sunday School Class Proactively Addresses The Needs Of Others – Great leaders answer the questions those in the class are asking.  Nothing is worse than leaders who answer questions no one is asking.  The primary teacher is more of a facilitator than the class’s leader.  He sees where the needs are and then provides directional leadership to what the class should be doing.
10. A Great Sunday School Class Has A Clearly Defined Purpose – The class’s leadership constantly reminds people of the class’s clearly defined-purpose.

What other keys have you seen to building a great Sunday School class?

Few things help pastors, church leaders and Sunday School teachers more than becoming a better public speaker.  ClickHERE or on the image to the left to sign up for the FREE April 29th online conference Preach Better Sermons.  You will learn from great leaders like Matt Chandler, Derwin Gray, Herbert Cooper, Jeff Henderson and Judah Smith how to improve as a preacher.  Don’t miss this!!!