Labor Day is on the horizon. Many people will take advantage of the three-day weekend to get away or make plans with family and friends. A significant number of people will not show up for church, Sunday School, or small group this week. What should your group do in light of this reality?
You have multiple options on this or any other holiday throughout the year. Keep in mind Christmas, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving weekend, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and other holidays. There is no “one size fits all” for this dilemma. You will need to customize your plans based on what works best for your group.
1. Take a Break.
It’s OK. Really. They will show up the next time you meet. This approach works extremely well if your small group meets during the week and not on Sunday. The three-day weekend throws off the normal weekday routine of families. Most people will appreciate not having to figure out how to manage being at small group this week.
If you decide to not meet on the holiday weekend, and your church has ongoing Sunday School which meets at the church, you will need to be sure to communicate this to your Sunday School director or Minister of Education. If there is an expectation that members or guests may show up, there needs to be a contingency plan in place for them.
2. Go On With Your Normal Routine.
There’s a leadership principle that states: Go with the goers. Whoever shows up, have a plan for Bible study for them. Don’t grouse and complain about the unspiritual people who don’t show up on holiday weekends. Just go with the goers.
"There is no 'one size fits all' for this dilemma. You will need to customize your plans based on what works best for your group."
Chris Johnson
When I pastored in Northeastern Kentucky we had a Sunday evening service. When it was popular to not meet the Sunday evening of the Super Bowl, our church staff discussed not meeting that Sunday evening. When we asked those who regularly attended this service, they indicated that they would be there if we had a service, but would understand if we cancelled. We applied the “go with the goers” principle and we usually had a higher number than average on Super Bowl Sunday evening. Weird but true.
If your church uses a 52-week ongoing curriculum, your leader could share the Scripture passage, main point of the session, and a few points that you discussed as a group with those who did not attend through text or email.
3. Know the Rhythm of Your Church and Community and Plan Accordingly.
In some communities and churches, the holiday is an excuse not to show up. If a significant number of people will not be there, cancel your group for that week and pick back up on the following week. In other settings, people will always show up if it’s Sunday. If people will be there, continue your normal group patterns.
Sunday School Curriculum for All Age Groups
Whether you're looking for a chronological Christ-centered study, a book-by-book study, or studies that look at real life issues, you'll find something that fits the needs of all ages in your church.