Reaching In and Out through Sunday School Jeff Jones, ChurchToday

What is Sunday School?

Sunday School is . . . the foundational strategy in a local church for leading people to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and for building on-mission Christians through on-going Bible study groups that engage people in evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and worship.

Care Coach Celebrate Connect Change EVANGELIZE FELLOWSHIP MINISTER DISCIPLE WORSHIP Care Coach ASSIMILATION DISCIPLESHIP Celebrate Connect Change EVANGELISM © Jeff Jones, ChurchToday 4

An effective Sunday School strategy is one in which a ministry environment exists that encourages unsaved people to come to faith in Christ; encourages believers to be intentional, active soul-winners; facilitates life-changing Bible study; builds fellowship among people; engages people in pursuing the church’s functions - all in an atmosphere of grace, acceptance, love, and support. (SSNC, p.71)

Why should I REACH members and prospects?

…the number one priority of the Great Commission is to be evangelistic. …nothing can substitute or replace evangelism.

CHANGE

Challenge nonbelievers to consider Jesus. Paul replied, “Short time or long--I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am…” Acts 26:29

nonbelievers understand God’s plan. Help nonbelievers understand God’s plan. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.” Acts 16:30-31

nonbelievers to join God’s family. Ask nonbelievers to join God’s family. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find. Matthew 22:9

nonbelievers in your life. Notice nonbelievers in your life. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah.“ John 1:41

nonbelievers to believe Christ. Guide nonbelievers to believe Christ. Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. Acts 8:30-35

new believers to grow in Christ. Encourage new believers to grow in Christ. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

How do I REACH members and prospects?

Recognize the need Establish a plan Assign responsibilities Commit to do it Honor God; Keep the commitment

Evangelistic Styles Confrontational Intellectual Testimony Serving Invitation Hospitality