Training of VBC Sunday School TeamPart Two

04 Feb 2011 04:04 pm

One person who really stands out as helping to grow the Chestnut Hill's Sunday School is Mr. Rex Angel. Rex was the director of the Youth Division of Sunday School. He has been faithfully performing these duties for 12 years before I arrived on the scene. I took the time to observe the operation of the Youth Sunday School for a couple of months. During this time I witnessed faithful volunteers who worked hard but whose methods were woefully outdated. Sunday would begin with a large group session where Mr. Angel would give a story illustration to attempt to create in the teens an interest the the days Bible lesson. The problem is the teens referred to these as adult stories. They were good but just did not connect with the lives of teenagers. It was with fear and some trepidation that I approached this distinguished, goodhearted Virginia gentleman who had been working for so long with my suggestions that we change how Youth Sunday School was being carried out. I expected a good tongue lashing for my lack of appreciation for his ministry of 12 years. What I received was the humble and gracious response, "Nick you are the Youth Pastor, I will do whatever you think is needed to improve our Sunday School. Did you catch his statement? "Whatever it takes." I have never received such a response in all the years of my ministry since. The whatever it takes led to weekly workers' meetings that met not before but after prayer meeting each Wednesday night. The entire Youth Sunday School team would attend. As a result the Youth Sunday School attendance doubled. The teens were so enthusiastic that some parents complained that before they could finish dressing on Sunday morinings, their teens would be sitting in the car blowing the car horn. This led to weekly meeings of the Adult Division as well. The result was an excitement about Sunday School that led to unprecedented growth for a sleepy Lynchburg Baptist Church. This is the challenge Dr. Martin, Mr. Michael Brown , and myself are lifting up to each of our Sunday School teachers, "Whatever it takes." Will you accept the challenge? It will require sacrifice in your schedule but it will result in great success as together we offer Christ more than good or excellence but our best. Do you want to grow a great Sunday School class or are you satisfied with the status quo. If you want to truly be effective then answer the call "WHATEVER IT TAKES!"

By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]