Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Reach People

Written by James Walker

You may be thinking that now is not the time to think about New Year’s resolutions, however, it is the best time to plan for the opportunity. Many people make New Year’s resolutions for various reasons. I have resolved to lose the same 25 pounds for the last 10 years, but enough with the guilt. Others make resolutions to start attending church, for some, it will be to return to Sunday School. Either way are you prepared? 

Now is the time to begin planning for those making this resolution. Let’s not make the mistake I have made with losing weight by not preparing. The question is, “Are you prepared for those who are not yet in your Sunday School?” You may feel that you have plenty of classes, but are the people open to new people attending. If not, you need new units for those making the resolution to come to your church in January.

So where do you start?

1. Pray, Pray, Pray.
2. Do some research to determine where a new unit may be needed to reach those not in the Sunday School.
3. Pray for a specific leader for each new unit determined through the research.
4. Make personal enlistment visits with each new leader asking them to pray about leading in the new unit.
5. Make an appointment for a response from the leader.
6. Enlist 3 leaders for each unit. Someone responsible for teaching, one for outreach, and one for inreach/fellowships. 
7. Follow up with those who have been asked to lead.
8. Provide a list of absentees and prospects for the team to contact.
9. Schedule a New Year’s party for the people on the list.
10. Communicate, communicate, communicate to those on the list about starting a new class just for them.
11. Start the class following the party! 

So let’s run the numbers, and I am not talking about weight loss. For every new unit started, you need 3 leaders. Each leader should be responsible for 5 people in the class. If you have more then 15 class members, you will need more leaders. For every new unit you can expect Sunday School attendance to increase by 10 throughout the organization. So don’t miss the opportunity for New Year’s growth.

For more information or help on starting new units, go to www.lifeway.com/newunits. Let us know how you are doing and other ideas about new units at www.lifeway.com/me. 

James Walker

James Walker is the Education Ministry Specialist at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN. James and his wife Jennifer serve as Sunday School leaders at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church in Hermitage, Tennessee. They have two children and their family is very active in making Christ known in the community.

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