Five Ways to Train New Sunday School Leaders

Written by Sondra Saunders

Finding and recruiting new Sunday School leadership is only half the battle. How do you prepare them for their new leadership roles once they are on board? Here are five ways you can provide training for newly recruited Sunday School leaders:

1. Annual Training
Yearly training is vital. It is important to kick off your new church year with an exciting training session for all leaders. A Sunday School Launch events can provide just such a lift and awareness of the basics. Use this time each year to remind leaders of your overal vision/mission behind the Sunday School ministry as a whole and then show them clearly how they play a part in that plan.

2. Monthly Training
Now the time to address next month's Bible study unit. During your meeting you should cover Bible content, activities, games, centers, projects, and so forth; then allow each department time to plan for its own classes. A good time to have this meeting is prior to the weekly preparation time.

3. Weekly Training
Begin weekly preparation meetings with a short training time. Address such topics as teacher needs, age-group characteristics, teaching styles, leading nonbelievers to Christ; for children - discipline, Scripture memory, guidelines for safety, teaching through learning centers, using music or Bible games, and so forth. Make training sessions worthy of people's time and, if possible, provide refreshments.

4. Classroom Observation
This is another great way to train future leaders. Select an outstanding teacher for potential leaders to sit in on and observe how they lead/interact with their class. Have the two teachers sit down for a little while after the class, if possible, to discuss what they learned and to answer any questions the observer might have.

5. Leadership Training Conferences
Conferences such as Sunday School Week at LifeWay Ridgecrest® and LifeWay Glorieta® provide an excellent source for leader training. Training events are also provided on the state and association level. Check with churches in your area for training they may be providing that you can bring your own leaders to as well

Be sure & supply every leader with what he or she needs to accomplish the tasks you've recruited them for. Make sure they have adequate supplies, resource materials, and membership and prospect lists. Remember that it is important that you equip every leader you enlist! Jesus spent a lot of time with those whom He called. With a little time, planning & effort, you'll be well on your way to having a strong leadership core!

Sondra Saunders is Senior Preschool/Children's Minister at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.

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