Best Practice: Multiple Leaders and Units
Richard Dodge

Math is pretty easy for me. Although learning my math tables was a challenge, math really clicked when Joy and I had children. I learned that two was more than twice one. I also learned that the amount of things two boys can get into was exponentially greater than what one alone could get into.

Math is equally significant in Adult Sunday School work. We can reach more people and lead more people to Christ in two classes than in just one. And we can grow a stronger, more life-changing church as we train more people to become leaders who can help start new classes. In short, the more we do, the more we get done.

Multiplying leaders and units is not just a mathematical process; rather, it’s a foundational step to fulfilling the Great Commission. We are told by Jesus to go, teach and make disciples. We are to reach the unchurched and teach them how to become Christlike. Part of that process includes discipling Christians to become leaders in their church families. So when we equip people to lead and start new classes, we are enabling God to impact not only the lost world outside the church, but also the lives of people who are equipped by God to do His work.

Multiplying leaders and units should be an ongoing part of the life of every church. So what can you do to equip leaders and start classes?

• Take a positive stand. Starting new classes can fail quickly of teachers in existing classes fail to demonstrate a positive attitude toward the new classes. Teachers should be willing to “commission” learners to become leaders in other classes. In fact, teachers can model their commitment by mentoring a teacher to take over their current classes and then leaving to start the new classes themselves.
  
  
• See the potential. Statistics have shown for decades that classes that have existed for less than two years grow faster, reach more people, and win more people to Jesus than classes that have existed for more than two years. Excitement in new classes often motivates learners to bring their friends, make visits and tell others about how exciting their new class is.
  
  
• Never split classes. More destruction can come from splitting classes than you can control. Start with a core group—usually a teacher, an outreach person, and one or two ministry leaders—and give them what we call a “paper class,” a list of prospects who could be reached through the new unit.
  
  
• Promote the new group adequately. Start three to six months before the new class starts by announcing the new class, promoting it as a new Bible study opportunity for adults who are not involved in current classes, and identifying the key facts about the class, such as location, age group, and so forth.
  
  
• Pray regularly for the class and its leaders. Prayer can make a big difference in starting new classes because we are asking the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts and lives of people who could be involved. God’s Spirit wants to change lives, and our prayers are important. Prayer also signifies our commitment to support and encourage the class and its leaders.
  
  
• Contact, contact, contact! Starting a class is a challenge because it should be contact-intensive. Leaders must call, write to, and visit potential people regularly to get them involved. Often class prospects are people who are not attending Bible study now or are newcomers to worship services.
  
  
• Follow a plan. Set a date in advance for when the class will start. Assess where new classes are needed. Enlist potential leaders early, and provide training for leaders. Encourage teachers to enlist an apprentice teacher before the new class starts. Develop a mentoring plan to equip the apprentice. If possible, do the same for each class leader in the leadership team.

One of my greatest fears is that I might become a selfish and self-centered teacher. I know that the proper—in fact, the biblical—attitude is to do everything I can to help start new classes and reach unchurched people. But it’s easy to get comfortable with a group of adults whom you love and have invested yourself in for a couple of years. It’s hard to leave a nice, comfortable place to start a new class.

But one day I’ll stand before Jesus and hear Him ask me what I did to help grow His kingdom. I honestly hope that I can list having started new classes, mentored class leaders and reach people for Christ through the new classes. The challenge is before you as well: What will you respond when Jesus asks you what you’ve done to help grow His kingdom?

Richard E. Dodge teaches young adults in Sunday School at Una Baptist Church, Nashville, and is Internet Producer, LifeWay Church Resources, Nashville, TN.