Value of Effective Record Keeping

Written by Wayne Poling

Which of us would have confidence in a doctor that did not keep records of our health and our experiences in his office. Sunday School records are written or electronic reports on the involvement and growth of people. When kept properly records provide information on the health of classes and departments and information for effective ministry.

A record-keeping system is a tool that helps identify people and their needs, tracks their participation, and gives some indication of spiritual growth. A record system takes the efforts of Sunday School out of the realm of generalization and personalizes it. Record keeping becomes a way in which leaders have accountability for members and members become accountable for the commitments they have made to their class, church, and God.

Records should be:

More than a head count. - If our records are only a head count, we will know how many came on a given Sunday, but we will not know who came, or perhaps more importantly, who did not come. We will not know how many new people we are reaching.

More than just names. - Records provide vital organizational information. If your Sunday School is going to organize to meet needs you must know the make-up of your Sunday School. Records should include ages (date of birth), spiritual condition, church membership information, correct address and phone number, and other such information. The ages of the members of your Sunday School provide essential information in organizing your Sunday School, assigning prospects, and dealing with ministry needs.

More than just computerized records in the church office. - For records to be helpful they must be accessible. You may have the finest detailed records, organized, charted, and annotated, but if the records are not in the hands of your leaders on an ongoing basis your leaders are not encouraged to use the records for ministry. Computer records are wonderful tools, but make sure that hard copy records are in the hands of your leaders for them to use anytime.

More than just attendance information - they are a ministry tool. - Attendance information is important and should be monitored, charted, and used in planning, but records are much more than that. However, records are more than just attendance, they are an essential tool for effective ministry.

Share your thoughts with other readers:  Post Comments   Rate this Article