"PREPARATON FORTEACHING:  One Of The Most Important Jobs You Will Ever Have"

PART TWO – THE IMPORTANCE OF SUNDAY SCHOOL…


(To begin this section of the “Preparation For Teaching” workshop, please watch the following video. Note: if for any reason you cannot watch the video though the link below, you can also access it by going to: http://youtu.be/diZJUg2FJuc.)























Dr. Elmer Townes, well know Christian education and church growth expert, says that Sunday school is…or should be…about “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19 & 20). In those verses, Jesus instructed His disciples to “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”

As you take a closer look at these verses, you will notice five very important points. First, Jesus instructed His disciples to “go!” They weren’t to crawl in a hole and hide. No, they were to go out into the world to the places where the people were. Jesus knew that people weren’t just going to bust down the doors of the church to get in. If His message of love, forgiveness and salvation was going to be heard, His friends would have to be the ones who would get out there and tell others.

Next, He told them to “make disciples.” It’s interesting that He didn’t tell His disciples to see that people received Him as Lord and Savior. Why didn’t He do that? Because the phrase “make disciples” means to see that people give their hearts and lives to him, but it also means more. Accepting Jesus into one’s heart is just the first step in the disciple-making process. In Christian terminology, the word “disciple” means “one who is Christ-like.” In other words, discipleship is the process of becoming like Christ, not just accepting Him into one’s heart.

True, none of us will ever be perfect or anywhere near to the person that Jesus Christ was when He was here on earth. But, by following His example and by striving to live our lives for Him, we seek to be Christ-like in all of our relationships and in all situations.

The word “Christian” literally means “little Christ.” In the first century the word was directed at the members of the early church in a mocking way; the non-believers were making fun of the believers. However, the followers of Christ did not see it that way. To them, being compared to their Lord and Master was an honor. Being like Jesus Christ was their goal. And, seeing others also become disciples – or “Christ-like” – was to be one of their highest priorities.  

Third, Jesus directed His disciples to “baptize.” Even before Jesus began his earthly ministry, John the Baptist was preparing the way for the Messiah, telling people to repent. As a sign of their repentance, these early believers were baptized in the Jordan River. As Jesus went about the land, preaching, teaching and healing the sick, we are not told that He actually baptized anyone, however His disciples did baptize those who believed. And, throughout the Book of Acts, we read numerous accounts where people who received Jesus Christ were immediately baptized as an outward sign of their conversion.

Today, we continue to view baptism as a significant part of a person becoming a Christian. It is an outward sign of an inward change. The water of baptism is symbolic of Jesus Christ “washing away” one’s sins.

We usually think of baptism as an act necessary before a person joins a church. But, as some Christian writers have pointed out, baptism, like the conversion that preceded it, is just a step in the entire process. One does not automatically become a mature, active member of the church simply by being baptized. The new convert must be assimilated into the church family, attend services regularly, etc. Therefore, when you think about Jesus telling his disciples to “baptize” believers, you might also view Him as urging them to get these new believers involved and active in the church. Baptism is a beginning – a step along the road to becoming a part of the family of God, the church.

Fourth, Jesus directed his disciples to “teach.” When a person becomes a Christian they do not instantly receive all of the knowledge that is contained in the Bible. Conversion brings about a change in a person’s heart, but for that to translate into real changes in the person’s day-to-day life and actions, the person must learn about God, the Bible and God’s will for their lives. They must read the Bible and be taught how to put the messages of God’s Word into action in their lives.

I recently read an article about the world-wide shortage of stone cutters and stone masons. The story reported that one large European cathedral, where work was begun many years ago, remains unfinished today because of the shortage of skilled workers to complete the project. The article went on to say that the shortage of skilled stone cutters and masons has resulted from a lack of training of new workers in the field. It also reported how an effort is now being made to have the few remaining experts take apprentices under their wing to train new workers so that the skills might continue. In a similar way, we, as Christians, must be sure that we are training our children and youth to carry on our faith and to see that Christ’s message continues to be received and lived out in the lives of people for generations to come.

The Gospels are filled with many examples of how Jesus taught His disciples and other followers. From parables and object lessons to sermons and personal example, Jesus was indeed the Master Teacher. As He was preparing to return to Heaven, He knew that if more people were to be reached, and if they were to learn how to live their lives for Him, the disciples would need to do an effective job of teaching others about their Lord and Savior.

As you look at these four directives of “The Great Commission” – to “go,” “make disciples,” “baptize” and “teach” – it is also important to note that Jesus was not just talking to His disciples, He was talking to all of His followers – He was talking to you and me. “The Great Commission” is, indeed, as much of a commission for us today as it was for the Early Church. Every person who calls himself a Christian should see these directives from Jesus as their own personal directive.

It is also important for each of us to remember the fifth part of “The Great Commission.” In the final part of Matthew 20:20, Jesus gives us these words of assurance, “And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” These are important words for each of us to remember. We are not in this alone. God does not just throw us out into the world, expecting us to witness and teach on our own. No; quite to the contrary. First, He has established His church and has called each of us to be a part of this fellowship of believers, to receive strength from the love, fellowship and support of brothers and sisters in the faith. And, second, even if we don’t have the support of other Christians, we still have Jesus Christ. Knowing that He is always with us and will never leave us should give each of us a sense of security and strength that will help us face any obstacle. Certainly, if Christ is for us, who can be against us?

Why is Sunday school important? It is important because it is one of the most effective programs that have ever been organized to put “The Great Commission” into action through the church. We usually think of the primary purpose of Sunday school as being to “teach.” And, if that was all that the Sunday school did, it would be of tremendous importance. However, Sunday school is – or should also be – effective in putting Jesus’ other directives found in Matthew 28:19 & 20 into practice.

The Sunday school should be actively involved in commissioning its members to take what they have learned and to “go” into the world to live a Christ-like life and to witness to others about Jesus Christ and His love for all mankind. Through the Sunday school we should be discipling believers of all ages, to help them grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ and to become more like Him each day. Sunday school can and should be a powerful and effective tool for evangelism. It is a natural step for believers to go from the Sunday school into the worship service and other programs of the church. And, finally, it is important for the Sunday school to provide help, strength and support for each of its members. Having Christian friends and mentors is of tremendous importance for new believers – and all believers. Seeing Jesus’ love in action through the lives of other believers and having someone to talk to and confide in can keep members on the right road and provide a source of direction and help in times of trial and testing.

In Sunday school, people of similar age and interest come together to really “dig in” to the scriptures to find out more about God, His Word and His will for their lives. They can ask questions, discuss and share experiences and insights as together they learn themselves and support and help one another.

Sunday school is also one of the most important agencies for evangelism that is available to us today. It is one of the best places to reach children and youth for Jesus Christ and to teach them God’s Word. In Sunday school, every pupil can also be a recruiter. The atmosphere of Sunday school offers the newcomer the natural step into the other programs and services of the church, including worship. And, with the lessons about Jesus Christ, His life and His ministry, the presentation of the Way of Salvation is a very natural thing.


I LOVE SUNDAY SCHOOL BECAUSE…
1. God’s Will is Being Done…and I yearn to see His will fully accomplished in my life and in the lives of others.
2.God’s Word is Being Studied and Taught…and I want to know it and follow it in my everyday life.
3.God’s Love is Being Shared…and I must not fail to do my part to show God’s love to my fellowmen.
4.God’s Work is Being Done…and I must invest myself where I can do the utmost for Christ and the church.
5.The Lord’s Day is Being Observed…and I want to keep the Holy Day holy.
6.God’s People are Assembled and Enlisted…and I want the blessing of their fellowship and friendship.


QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT…

1. Read Deuteronomy 31:12. Why did God command the Israelites to gather together to learn about Him and His laws? Why was it important for the children and foreigners to be involved?


2. Search your Bible to find other scriptures that talk about the importance of teaching, learning, etc.


3. Read “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19 & 20). How does Sunday school carry out Jesus’ instructions? What can individual Christians do to carry it out?


4. Read the six purposed of Sunday school as listed in the “I Love Sunday School Because…” article above. Which of these is most important? Which is of least importance? Are there additional reasons why you love Sunday school that you would add to the list?


5. Do you agree that Sunday school should be for all persons of all ages? Does your church have classes for all persons of all ages? On which age group or groups does you church place greatest emphasis (most money spent, best teachers used, etc.)? Should any one age group be given greater emphasis that others? If so, which group and why?


6. Do you agree that Sunday school should be one of the primary evangelistic outreaches of the church? Why or why not? What is your church doing to win other for Jesus Christ through your Sunday school?