How to Create a Reaching Sunday School Class

Written by Richard E. Dodge

An Adult Sunday School class in which everyone is saved is an incomplete - and possibly ineffective - class.

If everyone is saved, outreach most likely is not a priority for the class. The absence of outreach suggests a lack of intentional evangelism from members of the class. The work of the church - and of adult classes - grows out of the Great Commission, and evangelistic extension of the kingdom of God is at the center of what Jesus commanded for the church. 

Thus a class that has no intentional plan for evangelistic outreach is failing to assume its part in fulfilling the Great Commission. Teachers must challenge participants to seek and reach persons who need Christ to become part of the Bible study group.

Here are some tips for teachers to consider in developing a renewed concern for evangelistic visitation.

Accept personal responsibility. The Great Commission is given to every person who claims faith in Jesus. Therefore each teacher must take personal responsibility for reaching out to lost people for Christ.

Become an outreach example. Members will do what their leaders show them how to do. Inviting members to join you in making visits communicates both personal responsibility and a personal interest in helping others become equipped for reaching the lost.

Develop an outreach mindset. Talk about outreach each week. Enlist members to represent the class for weekly visitation activities. Affirm members who make visits.

Equip members to witness. Help adults discover the many ways to witness, such as the use of a personal testimony or the simple plan for how to become a Christian, which is located on the inside cover of their Learner Guides.

Involve members in discovering prospects. Most adults know someone who does not participate in some church ministry or Bible study group. Encourage members to provide you with names and personal information about lost and unchurched friends. Then invite these members to join you in visiting their unchurched friends to tell them about Christ.

Invite prospects to fellowship events. Most people enjoy having informal fun together. Plan fellowship activities and invite unchurched friends and prospects to this event. Use these to build relationships.

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