The sabbath school superintendent

The role The Sabbath School superintendent is the general coordinator of the Sabbath School. It is his/her duty to see that the goals and objectives of the Sabbath School are implemented in all divisions. In some cases, the superintendent may also hold the office of adult division leader.

- Assistant superintendents - Sabbath School secretaries The following people report to the superintendent: - Assistant superintendents - Sabbath School secretaries - Division leaders - World Mission coordinator - Branch Sabbath School leaders

Duties and responsibilities It is the duty of the Sabbath School superintendent to administer the entire Sabbath School by developing leadership, chairing the Sabbath School Council, building a soul-winning Sabbath School, and recruiting volunteers. If there are no assistants, the general superintendent will also care for the duties of the assistant superintendents of the adult Sabbath School.

Developing Leadership Supervises all the leaders of the Sabbath School and encourages them to perform their duties cheerfully and effectively. Arranges for the training, support, and resources needed for the effective leadership in all areas of the Sabbath School. (a) Helps leaders prepare budgets to present to SS Council. (b) Determines needs for equipment and supplies in each division and helps them get the necessities. (c) Encourages leaders and teachers to attend appropriate training events.

Checks with Sabbath School secretary on the adequacy of records and the accuracy and promptness of quarterly reports to the conference Sabbath School director. Promotes the development of an adequate collection of Sabbath School books, videos and other materials for the church library. Be on hand early Sabbath morning to coordinate activities and answer questions. Work closely with the pastor in the planning of training events, community outreach, and special programs.

Chairing the Sabbath School Council Call monthly meetings of the Sabbath School Council. Call quarterly planning sessions where future plans for all divisions will be coordinated. Call a yearly planning session soon after the election of officers and before the new year begins. Outline events for the year. Prepare agenda for all council meetings Represent Sabbath School interests of the Church Board Publicize Sabbath School Council plans and activities.

Building a Soul-Winning Sabbath School Implement the four Sabbath School objectives: 1. Promote Bible study and effective class teaching 2. Promote Christian fellowship 3. Encourage community outreach activities 4. Cultivate support for world missions Plan with the assistant superintendent for evangelism in promoting Branch Sabbath Schools, Community Friends’ Day, Friendship evangelism, and class outreach.

Plan with the assistant superintendent for the reclaiming of inactive members and in keeping the Sabbath School membership list up to date. Plan with the world missions coordinator for a strong program of mission education in all divisions. Plan with the hospitality coordinator for an effective program of caring for visitors.

Make sure the extension division is functioning properly. Plan with the adult division leader for growth. If a Sabbath School wants to grow, it should add one new class per year for every 100 members. These might be for special interest groups such as young adults, singles, women, cradle roll parents, new members, prospective members, or other special interests. Encourage activities outside of Sabbath School time, such as fellowship meals, picnics, nature walks, and other social activities. Make sure the extension division is functioning properly.

Recruiting Volunteers Identify potential Sabbath School personnel, invite them to get involved, and assist them in getting started. Be on hand early Sabbath morning to help find substitutes or assistants in order for the program to run smoothly. Plan training events and encourage new people to attend and prepare themselves for service Arrange for frequent appreciation and affirmation to be given to Sabbath School volunteers.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS Large churches will need more than one superintendent in order for Sabbath School to run smoothly. Each superintendent takes charge of a different aspect of Sabbath School and plans activities within that area of responsibility for the entire year

Assistant Superintendent for Evangelism Works closely with the Pastor and the Personal Ministries leader of the church so that the outreach plans of the church are coordinated. It is the responsibility of the assistant superintendent for evangelism to: 1. Direct Sabbath School outreach in the community. 2. Plan with division leaders and teachers for class outreach activities.

4. Sponsor friendship evangelism. 3. Plan for community guest days. 4. Sponsor friendship evangelism. 5. Plan with division leaders for Decision Days. 6. Work with Vacation Bible School (VBS) director for Vacation Bible School follow-up programs. 7. Plan for Branch Sabbath Schools. 8. Develop a follow-up system for guests and other prospective members.

Assistant Superintendent for Membership It is the duty of the assistant superintendent for membership to: 1. Analyze the local membership situation by checking the Sabbath School rolls with the church membership roll. 2. Maintain an up-to-date list of addresses and phone numbers of members and prospective members. 3. Arrange for the implementation of a plan of assignment of inactive members to classes for visitation and follow- up.

4. Foster the visitation of members who 4. Foster the visitation of members who occasionally are absent from Sabbath School. 5. Help with the integrating of newly baptized members and newly transferred members into the Sabbath School program.

Assistant Superintendent of World Mission 1. Work with division leaders to make sure an interesting mission emphasis is provided in each week’s Sabbath School program. 2. See that every division has Mission for their age level and that they are using it. 3. Work with division leaders to help increase mission giving by helping with such things as: setting and visualizing goals, finding visual aids such as maps and pictures, locating interesting stories, books and videos on target area.

6. Coordinate the Thirteenth Sabbath Program. 1. Providing regular information about projects, needs, goals, and special offerings through the program and bulletin boards. 5. Plan special events to promote missions such as: mission conferences, mission theme days, missions prayer circles, mission trips and mission potlucks. 6. Coordinate the Thirteenth Sabbath Program.

Assistant Superintendent for Hospitality 1. Recruit, train, and supervise the crew of greeters that meet people on Sabbath morning. 2. Arrive early on Sabbath morning to make sure there are enough greeters on duty and observe how to improve the work of the greeters. 3. Work with division leaders to make sure a plan for welcoming visitors and recording their names, addresses, and phone numbers is put in place.

4. Work with the teachers to make sure all are helping 4. Work with the teachers to make sure all are helping newcomers feel welcome. 5. Organize a program of providing meals for visitors and make sure someone is always prepared to invite visitors home or to fellowship meal at the church. 6. Develop a plan of follow-up for all visitors who attend Sabbath School including cards, letters, phone calls or a visit. 7. Work with division leaders and teachers in planning fellowship activities outside of Sabbath School hours.