1. Creating a Disciple-Making Culture in the Sunday School

2. Use the paper and markers provided… Define: Transformation…
In Your Group…
Use the paper and markers provided…
Define: Transformation…

3. How would you define: Transformation…
Webster…
an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed
to change in character or condition
To Convert
How would you define Transformation?
Webster defines it as an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed; to change in character or condition; To Convert

4. What Scripture passages come to mind regarding Transformation?
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5:17
 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…. Romans 12:2
What Scripture passages come to mind?
Read the ones on the slide.
Can you think of others?
A good definition of Transformation is change from old to new by the renewing of your mind.
The word ‘Mind’ refers to learning; Sunday School is the ‘Learning Place’. This is what makes Sunday School a transformational ministry. Transformation comes from the renewing of your mind; from learning about Jesus through engaging Bible study.

5. Transformational Co - Mission
Matthew 28: RSV
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you;
and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.

6. Define: Disciple…
A disciple is…
A Learner
A Student
A Follower

7. How did Jesus Make Disciple?
“Come Follow Me”
Rabbi – “Come learn with me”
Disciples
– yes
Believers
– probably not
Philip – Show us the Father…
Left Him - Walked no more with Him. John 6:66
Judas – a disciple that never believed

8. Jesus’ Disciple-Making Process
Learner Disciples – Go, make disciples…
“Come learn with us!”
Believer Disciples – Baptizing Them…
Learners become believers
Fully Devoted, Reproducing disciples – Teaching them to observe…
The role of mature believers is to disciple new believers.

9. A Disciple Is… Not perfect Rough around the edges Unfinished
A disciple is a learner
who becomes a believer and then a fully devoted, reproducing follower of Jesus.
Not perfect
Rough around the edges
Unfinished
A work in Progress
Not Bible Scholar!
Not Spiritual Giant!

10. What is Culture? Webster defines Culture as:
the customary beliefs, social forms, and behaviors of a group; 
the characteristic features of everyday existence;
the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an organization.

11. What is a Disciple-Making Culture?
Making Disciples is the focus of the group members’…
Beliefs, Attitudes, Values, and Goals of Everyday Existence
Lifestyle Behaviors and Practices
Rarely is a disciple made before a relationship has been built!

12. Transformation is Radical Change
…and more

13. Change… is fixing the past.
Transformation… is creating a new path for the future

14. …in which lives are transformed
Only God can transform a life – That’s the job of the Holy Spirit!
Our job is to create an open environment in which the Holy Spirit can do His work of transformation.

15. Cocoon – Caterpillar to Butterfly
Metamorphosis
Cocoon – Caterpillar to Butterfly
Sunday School is that…
Open and inviting community where potential disciples are welcome and expected.
Safe Place where the Holy Spirit does His work of transformation
Where learner disciples can ask the hard questions
Where learner disciples are mentored by stories and testimonies of believer disciples

16. Sunday School is a ministry of Transformational Small Communities.
The Sunday School is a biblically based ministry of open, transformational small communities to assist the church in creating a disciple-making culture through which lives are transformed by the power of God.
Sunday School is a ministry of Transformational Small Communities.
Read the definition on the slide. What stands out to you? What new concepts about Sunday School do you see?
In this series of webinars on Sunday School in a Transformational Church we’ll use three words to organize the principle that Sunday School is a ministry of
Transformational
Small
Communities

17. Behaviors that Create a Disciple-Making Culture
We can talk about the philosophy of making disciples but that will never make one.
We can dialogue about the importance of culture but that will never transform a life.
Talking, philosophying, and dialoging do not make disciples.
Behaviors Make Disciples!

18. Behaviors that Create a Disciple-Making Culture
To create a disciple-making culture in our Sunday Schools, we will need to follow the example of Jesus.
He didn’t just talk, he acted…
He invited and added (enrolled) learner disciples into his small group.
He stayed connected to them.
He ministered to them
He involved them in ministry.

19. Behaviors that Create a Disciple-Making Culture
Eventually, these learner disciples became believer disciples who then became fully devoted, reproducing disciples…
who turned the world upside down.

20. Mission Oriented Sunday School Director
Use the markers to write on the balloons what the Sunday School Director need to be and do to be mission oriented.

21. Create a Sunday school Ministry Team
Adult Leader
Preschool Leader
Children Leader
Student Leader
Without a team, the Sunday School Director’s hands are tied.
Special Ministry Leader
S.S. Director-Team Leader, Outreach and Ministry Coordinators
Pastor

22. The Functions of the Sunday School Ministry Team
Spring Annual Planning: to accomplish the mission of the church
Monthly Coordination:
Evaluate
Coordinate
Plan Ahead
Are We making disciples?

23. KEEP Going! Team Behaviors Know Your Disciple-Making Potential
Enlarge The Organization for Making Disciples
Enlist and Train Disciple-Making Leaders
Provide Space and Equipment for Making Disciples
Go! Make Disciples
KEEP Going!
Arthur Flake

24. Know Your Disciple-Making Potential

25. Jesus Discovered Potential Disciples
In the Work Place
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,”Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  At once they left their nets and followed him. 
Matthew 4:19-20

26. Jesus Discovered Potential Disciples
In the Home
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. Matthew 9:9-10

27. Jesus Discovered Potential Disciples
By Involving Members of His Small Group
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Come and see,” said Philip. John 1:45-51

28. Jesus Discovered Potential Disciples
By Organizing Teams
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1

29. Jesus Discovered Potential Disciples
By Organizing Teams
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.  Luke 10:1-3

30. Behavior One: Discover Potential Disciples
Jesus discovered potential disciples where they were.
Work Place
Community
Homes
He sent out teams to discover the disciple-making potential.

31. Behavior One: Discover Potential Disciples
Demographics Study -
Potential Disciple Cards
Community Census
Telephone Surveys
Church Membership
Worship Guests
VBS and Special Events
FRANs

32. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
The Sunday School Conducts Two (2) Potential Disciple Discovery Actions Each Year.

33. Potential Disciple Card
1. Who do you know that has never told you personally about their relationship with Jesus Christ?
NAME: _______________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________ Adult – Young Adult – Youth
PHONE #: ____________________________ Child – Preschool (Circle one)
 Is this person a member of any church? _______
 2. Who do you know that does not attend church?
 NAME: _______________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________ Adult – Young Adult – Youth -
PHONE #: ____________________________ Child – Preschool (Circle one)
Your Name: ______________Phone # ____________ ______________
Please write any Additional comments on back.
Complete a Potential Disciple Card for someone you know.

34. Behavior Two: A. Invite, and Enroll Disciples
Jesus invited potential disciples to Come learn with me.
Jesus invited potential disciples to become a member of His small group.
He “Enrolled” them.
85% are at least moderately willing come if they are invited.

35. Behavior Two: Invite, and Enroll Disciples
Enrollment is the # 1 key to making disciples.
Enrollment is a Ministry List of disciples to whom the class commits.
Open Enrollment: Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime as long as they agree.
Enroll all resident members.
Automatically enroll all new members as they join.
Conduct a worship survey quarterly (or at least annually) to connect people to small groups.

36. Behavior Two: B. Maintain Strong Average Attendance of Disciples in Bible Study
Disciples attending worship only % still active disciples 5 years later.
Disciples attending worship and Sunday School % still active disciples 5 years later

37. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
The Sunday School average attendance equals 40% – 60 % of Total Enrollment

38. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
The Sunday School Disciple Enrollment Is at Least % Greater than Resident Church Membership.

39. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Half of the Disciples Attending Regularly also Attend a Closed, Disciple-Maturing Group. 1:2

40. Enlarge Organization for Making Disciples

41. The Early Church Enlarges
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.  Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them  and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. Acts 6:1-4

42. Jesus Commisions Disciples to Reach People Groups
He said to them, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
One group of 12 couldn’t reach all the potential new disciples
Multiple people groups needed to be reached

43. The Number of Disciples Grew
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7

44. Behavior Three: Create Disciple-Making Small Groups
Start new disciple-making small groups.
With each new small group, expect an increase of 10 new disciples.

45. Behavior Three: Create Disciple-Making Small Groups
Who is your ‘People Group’?
Age Grading
Life-Stage
Young Adult
Parents
Empty Nesters
Retirees
Affinity Groups
Inter-generational Groups

46. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Sunday School has 1 Small Group per 18 disciples enrolled. 1:18

47. Principle of Reproduction:
When a small group reaches maximum enrollment and average attendance, reproduce.

48. Enlist and Train Disciple-Making Leaders

49. Jesus Enlists Leaders
Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.  He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.  These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”),  Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot  and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Mark 3:13-19

50. Jesus Trains Leaders
…and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.  If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. Luke 9:2-6

51. Behavior Four: A. Enlist Disciple-Making Leaders
Pray for Disciple-Making Leaders
Do Gift Assessment
Match Leader to Ministry Based on Gifts and Passion
Use Proper Enlistment Procedure
Focus on Leaders Role in the Mission of the Church to Make Disciples

52. Small Group Ministry Teams
Outreach Leaders
Adult/Student Care Group Leaders
1 / 4-5
Teachers

53. Class Care Groups Chronic Absentee Regular Member Care Group Leader
Irregular Member

54. Discipling Ministry Touches
Care Group Leaders Contact Every Member Every Week.
Prayer Needs
Ministry Needs
Stimulation for Sunday’s Bible Study
Request Attendance
Minister to Members Needs
Evangelistic Visits

55. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Discipleship ministry touches equal the enrollment weekly 1:1

56. Principle of Reproduction:
When leader/disciple ratio reaches maximum, enlist or reproduce.

57. Behavior Four: B. Train Leaders to Make Disciples
You enlist your potential or your problems.
You get what you train for.
In-Service Training – The Apprentice
Annual Training
Regular Leadership Planning Meetings
10 Minutes Tops for Teachers
Outreach and Care Group Leader Training

58. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Sunday School has 1 Leader per 5 disciples enrolled. 1:5
Leaders include General Leaders plus Department Leaders and Class Ministry Team:
Teachers, Outreach Leaders, Care Group Leaders.

59. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Every Sunday School Participates in One (1) Training Each Year. - 1:1

60. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
75% of Leaders Participate in Regular Planning Meetings.

61. Provide Disciple-Making Space

62. The Early Church Made Room for Making More Disciples
They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
Acts 2:46-47

63. The Early Church Made Room for Making More Disciples
Question: How do you think the “People… liked what they saw”?
An organic, vibrant community that pulled people into a culture of friendship..
The early church was a robust, relational church that created space for more groups to connect the new converts to one another.
It Was A Party Church!!!

64. Behavior Five: Create Space for Disciples
There is no such thing as building a (“Disciple-Making”) Sunday School great in numbers (of Disciples) in small, cramped quarters. Flake
When a Sunday School reaches 80% capacity, it stops making disciples.
Go for the Ideals but use effectively what you have.
Options: - Multiple Sunday Schools Home Group
- One on One or Triads
Sunday School on Campus is not for everyone

65. Principle of Reproduction:
When a small group reaches 80% of maximum space capacity, reproduce.

66. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Provide One Space for Each Small Group. - 1:1

67. Go! Make Disciples.

68. How Did Jesus Do It?
…Jesus went throughout Galilee, Teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23
Jesus ministry focused on three Kingdom Actions:
Teaching
Evangelism
Ministry

69. When the Kingdom of God is our theme people will come.
What Were the Results?
Word got around the entire Roman province of Syria. People brought anybody with an ailment, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all. More and more people came, the momentum gathering. Besides those from Galilee, crowds came from the ‘Ten Towns’ across the lake, others from Jerusalem and Judea, still others from across the Jordan.
When the Kingdom of God is our theme people will come.

70. Behavior Six: Develop a Potential Disciples List for Each Small Group
Sunday School Outreach Process for Making Disciples:
Each Small Group has an Outreach Leader
Outreach Leader Coordinates Potential Disciples’ List
Members Complete a Potential Disciples Card
Members Give card to the Outreach Leader
Outreach Leader places name on the Potential Disciples List.
Outreach Leader assigns name to a Care Group Leader
Care Group Cultivates Potential Disciple

71. Behavior Six: Develop a Potential Disciples List for Each Small Group
Outreach Ideas:
Build Meaningful Relationships with Potential Disciples – BEST!
Ice Cream Evangelism – Josh Hunt
Invite Every Prospect to Every Party Every Month – Josh Hunt
Invitation: Come Learn With Us!
MTV – Outreach – Allan Taylor, Woodstock, FBC
Mail or
Telephone Call
Visit
Regular Visitation – Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly

72. Evangelistic Prayer List
Prayer Requests and Announcements
Members: Pray for people and issues on the hearts of members.
Ministries: Pray for ministries of the church (announcements)
Missional: Pray for Potential Disciples, the lost and unchurched, by name. Keep a list of these in sight and mark when one becomes a believer disciple.

73. Potential Disciple Card
1. Who do you know that has never told you personally about their relationship with Jesus Christ?
NAME: _______________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________ Adult – Young Adult – Youth
PHONE #: ____________________________ Child – Preschool (Circle one)
 Is this person a member of any church? _______
 2. Who do you know that does not attend church?
 NAME: _______________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________ Adult – Young Adult – Youth -
PHONE #: ____________________________ Child – Preschool (Circle one)
Your Name: ______________Phone # ____________ ______________
Please write any Additional comments on back.

74. Potential Disciples File

75. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Potential Disciples List Equals Number of Disciples Enrolled. 1:1

76. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Each Small Group Has an Outreach Leader. 1:1

77. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Regular Outreach Visitation: Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly.

78. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Each Small Group Keeps an Evangelistic Prayer List. 1:1

79. Remember, What happens on Sunday Morning Is a Direct Reflection of What Has Been Going On During the Week!

80. Behavior Seven: Missional Projects
Short-Term Missions Projects
Community Based
Influence Community to Reflect the Kingdom of God
Focus on Lost and Unchurched

81. Goal for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Each Small Group participates in a Quarterly Missional Project. 1:1/qtr.

82. Behavior Results
Worship – At least 10% more in worship than in Sunday School
Baptisms – 1 Baptist for every 15 Disciples enrolled in Sunday School
Offerings – Per Capita Giving Increases

83. Sunday School Is Not for Everyone!
Behaviors Guaranteed to Work? No!
Some will NEVER respond to an organized approach.
Some will NEVER come inside your building.
Jesus Fit the Method to the Person. – Not a bad idea!

84. Disciple-Making Behaviors
Know Your Disciple Making Potential
Discover Potential Disciples
A. Invite and Enroll Potential Disciples
B. Average Attendance
Enlarge the Organization for Making Disciples
Create Disciple-Making Groups
Enlist and Train Disciple-Making Leaders
A. Enlist Disciple-Making Leaders
B. Train Leaders to Make Disciples

85. Disciple-Making Behaviors
Provide Space for Disciples
Space for Disciples
Go! Make Disciples
Potential Disciples on File
Missional Projects

86. Goals for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Two (2) Potential Disciple Discovery Actions Per Year- 1:1
A. Disciple Enrollment > 10% of Resident Church Membership
-B. Average Attendance = 40% - 50% of Total Enrollment
One Small Group per Eighteen Disciples Enrolled - 1:18
A. One Leader per Five Disciples Enrolled – 1:5
B. Leaders Participate in One Training per Year – 1:1
One Space for Each Small Group – 1:1
Potential Disciples List = Number of Disciples Enrolled – 1:1
Each Group Participates in a Quarterly Missional Project – 1:1

87. Goals for Creating a Disciple-Making Culture
Every Disciple Receives a Ministry Touch Each Week – 1:1
Each Group Keeps an Evangelistic Prayer List – 1:1
Regular Outreach Visitation – Wk, Mo. Qtr.
75% of Leaders Participate in Regular Planning Meetings
50% of Disciples Participate in Disciple-Maturing Groups

88. Sunday School Is Not for Everyone!
Behaviors Guaranteed to Work? No!
Some will NEVER respond to an organized approach.
Some will NEVER come inside your building.
Jesus Fit the Method to the Person. – Not a bad idea!

89. God, We want to accomplish the mission to which You have called Your Church. Let us quit talking about it, and Just Do It! Help us to Go! Make Disciples that lives may be transformed by Your Power. In our Sunday School small group, Amen

90. Creating a Disciple-Making Culture in the Sunday School