Leaderesource Purpose Statement Sunday School is a ministry strategy that exists to assist the church in accomplishing its God-given mission of making disciples. Leaderesource is designed to help you as a church leader in developing a disciple-making culture in your church through the Sunday School ministry.

THE PASTOR ’ S ROLE IN SUNDAY SCHOOL This conference shows a Biblical blueprint for the Pastor’s involvement in Sunday School Brainstorm: What would your members consider your role to be? What do you believe God wants your role to be? If they differ, what needs to change?

11 He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God ’ s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, 13 until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God ’ s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Ephesians 4:11-16 NLT)

An Enlister scouting and signing championship players And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV)

An Equipper teaching and practicing the fundamentals 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “ All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

An Equipper teaching and practicing the fundamentals 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ” Amen. (Matthew 28:16-20 NKJV)

The Sunday School Exalting the Savior (worship) When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. (v.17 emphasis added)

The Sunday School Evangelizing the Sinner (evangelism) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations … (v.19a)

The Sunday School Enrolling the Students (fellowship) baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit … ( v.19b)

The Sunday School Establishing the Saints (discipleship) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you … (v.20a)

The Sunday School Equipping the Servants (ministry) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “ All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. … lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ” (v.18,20b)

An Encourager motivating for success and managing the setbacks For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands (2 Timothy 1:6 ESV emphasis added)

An Encourager motivating for success and managing the setbacks Encouraging Your Players (your Sunday School workers) Encouraging Your Supporters (your Sunday School members)

An Example a leader knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way 12 Don ’ t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

An Example a leader knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:11-16 NIV)

He Knows the Way the power of vision Where there is no vision, the people perish … (Proverbs 29:18a KJV)

He Shows the Way the power of demonstration Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV)

He Goes the Way the power of passion 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14-14 NKJV)

An Elevator taking the team to another level You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. “ And that ’ s not all. You will have complete and free access to God ’ s kingdom, keys to open any and every door …” (Matthew 16:18-19 The Message)

Closure List three areas that need to be enhanced for your leadership in Sunday School to become more effective. Prioritize this list. Starting with the most important develop an action plan: – What date will this be done? – What steps do I need to take? – What resources will I need? – Who will hold me accountable?

Closure FORM A PRAYER TRIPLET: Briefly share your number one priority for your SS leadership with the other two; Designate one to begin the prayer; Pray for the one to your right for their specific request If you need further help or would like to discuss this further feel free to contact Dennis Thurman:

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