Phil StonePhil [email protected]
800-395-5102, ext. 5643800-395-5102, ext. 5643www.ncbaptist.org/sundayschoolwww.ncbaptist.org/sundayschool
In Your Group…In Your Group…Use the paper and markers provided…Use the paper and markers provided…
Define:Define: Transformation…Transformation…
Conference Purpose: The Sunday School is a biblically based ministry of transformational small communities for making disciples and changing lives by the power of God.
We’ll discover:•The biblical basis for Transformational Small Communities•Principles of Transformational Small Communities•Practical ways to create a transformational environment •Prayer dependence
Matthew 28:19-20 - RSV
GoGo therefore and make disciples make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you;
and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.
Transformational Transformational Co - Mission? Co - Mission?
Define: Disciple… Define: Disciple… A disciple is one who
abides in Christ and does what Jesus did.
Rick HughesChurch Health Team
Jesus’ Disciple-Making ProcessJesus’ Disciple-Making Process1. Learner Disciples – Go, make disciples…Go, make disciples…
– “Come learn with us!”
2. Believer Disciples – Baptizing Them…Baptizing Them…– Learners become believers
3. Fully Devoted, Reproducing disciples – Teaching them to observe…Teaching them to observe…– The role of mature believers is to disciple new
believers.
A Disciple is…A Disciple is…
• Not perfect• Rough around the
edges• Unfinished• A work in Progress• Not Bible Scholar!• Not Spiritual Giant!
• Not perfect• Rough around the
edges• Unfinished• A work in Progress• Not Bible Scholar!• Not Spiritual Giant!
Transformational Transformational Connection:Connection:
ComeCome LearnLearn WithWith UsUs!!
A disciple is a learner A disciple is a learner who becomes a believer who becomes a believer and then a fully devoted, and then a fully devoted, reproducing follower reproducing follower
of Jesus. of Jesus.
A Disciple Is…A Disciple Is…
Open Vs ClosedOpen Vs ClosedThe Sunday School is The Sunday School is
a biblically based ministry a biblically based ministry of transformational small, of transformational small,
open communities open communities of believers and unbelievers of believers and unbelievers
to assist the church in to assist the church in accomplishing its God-given mission accomplishing its God-given mission
of making disciples of making disciples and changing lives and changing lives
by the power of God.by the power of God.
Use markers and paper provided
to list‘‘Obstacles to Obstacles to
Transformation’. Transformation’.
in YOUR Sunday School class.
5 Obstacles to Transformation5 Obstacles to Transformation
1. Information Over Life Transformation2. Teaching Over Learning3. Reflection of Past Practices4. Segmentation of the Mission of God5. Lack of Intimacy
We’ve got to move from Sitting in rows
To sitting in circlesTo going out and
Changing the world.Ed Stetzer
SmallSmall
Age
Group Max Enrollment
Average Attendance
Leader/ member
ratio
Sq. Ft. per
person
Adult 25/ class 12-15 1/25 18 sq.ft. per person
Youth 12 /class 6-8 1/12 18 sq.ft. per person
Children 6 / Class 4 / Class 1/6 25 sq.ft. per person
Younger Preschool
8 / Class 6 / Class 1/2-3 35 sq. ft.per person
Older Preschool
10 / Class 8 / Class 1/4-5 35sq.ft.per person
How Small is Small?How Small is Small?
How Small Is Small?How Small Is Small?Rules of thumb:1.When a class reaches maximum enrollment,
reproduce.2.When leader/member ratio exceeds
recommended limits, reproduce or enlist.3.When space is filled to 80% capacity,
reproduce
Five Elements for Transformation Small Communities
1. Mission Oriented2. Word – Driven3. Multiplication Mindset4. Stranger Welcoming5. Kingdom Focused
CommunitiesCommunities
Mission OrientedMission Oriented
• Listen for God’s Mission…Listen for God’s Mission…Acts 8:30-35
Later God’s angel spoke to Philip: ‘At noon today I want you to walk over to that desolate road that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza.’
He got up and went. He met an Ethiopian eunuch coming down the road. He was riding in a chariot and reading the prophet Isaiah.
Mission OrientedMission Oriented
The Spirit told Philip, ‘Climb into the chariot.’ Running up alongside, Philip heard the eunuch reading Isaiah and asked, ‘Do you understand what you’re reading?’
Mission OrientedMission Oriented
He answered, ‘How can I without some help?’ and invited Philip into the chariot with him….
Mission OrientedMission Oriented
The eunuch said, ‘Tell me who is the prophet talking about: himself or some other?’ Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.
Mission OrientedMission Oriented
What is God’s mission?What is God’s mission?• For Philip…• For the church…• For Sunday School…• For your class or small group…• For you…
Has the mission changed?Has the mission changed?
PrinciplePrincipleA Mission oriented Sunday School is
outwardly focused and intentionally evangelistic.
Mission-Oriented PastorMission-Oriented Pastor• Lead the church to discover its MissionMission.
• EmpowerEmpower the Sunday School to accomplish its purpose of making disciples.
Mission OrientedMission OrientedSunday School DirectorSunday School Director
• Use the markers to write on the balloons what the Sunday School Director need to be and do to be mission oriented.
The Mission Oriented The Mission Oriented S.S. Ministry Team S.S. Ministry Team
Pastor
Preschool Leader
Student Leader
Children Leader
Special Ministry Leader S.S. Director-Team
Leader, Outreach and Ministry Coordinators
Without a team, the Sunday
School Director’s hands are tied.
Mission Oriented Mission Oriented Class Ministry Teams Class Ministry Teams
Outreach Leaders
Teachers Adult/Student Care Group
Leaders
1 / 4-5
Mission Oriented Adult/Student Mission Oriented Adult/Student Class Care GroupsClass Care Groups
Regular MemberCare Care
Group Group LeaderLeader
Regular Member
Irregular Member
Chronic Absentee
Potential Disciple
Mission-Oriented OrganizationMission-Oriented Organization• Missionary Mentality:
Who is your ‘People Group’?Age GradingLife-Stage
Young AdultParentsEmpty NestersRetirees
Affinity GroupInter-generational
Word Driven• Listen for Jesus teaching method…Listen for Jesus teaching method…Luke 10:25-27 Luke 10:25-27 Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to
test Jesus. “Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?
Jesus answered, “What’s written in God’s Law? How do “What’s written in God’s Law? How do you interpret it?” you interpret it?”
He said, “That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence – and that you love your neighbor as you do yourself”
Word Driven“Good answer!” Good answer!” said Jesus. . “Do it and you’ll “Do it and you’ll
live.”live.”Looking for a loophole, he asked, “And just how
would you define ‘neighbor’?”Jesus answered by telling a story…. (The Good Samaritan)
Word DrivenJesus asked, “What do “What do youyou think? Which of the three think? Which of the three
became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?” became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?” “The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar
responded.Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”“Go and do the same.”
• Question: To what did Jesus point the scholar?Question: To what did Jesus point the scholar? Did Jesus “TELL” the scholar anything? Jesus involved the scholar in discovering for himself
the biblical truth that could change his life. Then he sent him on a mission!
PrincipleIt begins, returns, and ends with God’s Word
which is relevant to any challenge or discussion.
PracticalPractical• Praying ourselves into biblical illiteracy• Announcements do not make disciples• 3 Baptist “B’s”: Bull, Ball, and Bible• Teach with DEPTH
– Less lecture – 14%– Involve learners – 40%
Remember, That one hour is sacred unto God for Bible Study!
Multiplication MindsetMultiplication Mindset• Listen for characteristics of the “early Listen for characteristics of the “early
church”?church”?Acts 2:46-47
They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
Multiplication MindsetMultiplication Mindset• Question: How do you think the “People… Question: How do you think the “People…
liked what they saw”? liked what they saw”? An organic, vibrant community that pulled people
into a culture of friendship..The early church was a robust, relational church
that created groups to connect the new converts to one another.
It Was A Party Church!!!It Was A Party Church!!!
PracticalPractical1. Priority One: Create a “Potential Disciple File” for
each Class (Prospect File)a) Quarterly : Prospect Discovery Action –
(Potential Disciples Card)b) Monthly : Outreach Fellowships – members and prospectsc) Weekly: Make prospect assignments for cultivation
(Computer or SS Visitation Card/Pocket system)
2. Priority Two: Start new classes each year
Potential Disciples Card1. Who do you know that has never told you personally about their relationship with Jesus Christ?
NAME: _______________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________ Adult – Young Adult – Youth
PHONE #: ____________________________ Child – Preschool (Circle one)
Is this person a member of any church? _______
2. Who do you know that does not attend church?
NAME: _______________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________ Adult – Young Adult – Youth -
PHONE #: ____________________________ Child – Preschool (Circle one)
Your Name: ______________Phone # ____________ Email: ______________
Please write any Additional comments on back.
Prayerful DependencePrayerful Dependence
Pray now that your Sunday School will have a
multiplication mindset..
Stranger WelcomingStranger Welcoming• Listen for Barnabus’ ‘stranger Listen for Barnabus’ ‘stranger
welcoming’ strategy for Saul… welcoming’ strategy for Saul… Acts 9:15-17 Back in Jerusalem he (Paul) tried to join
the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn’t trust him one bit. Then Barnabas took him under his wing.
He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him; told them how Saul had seen and spoke to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus’ name.
Stranger WelcomingStranger Welcoming
Follow Barnabas’ Welcoming Process: Follow Barnabas’ Welcoming Process: 1.He built a relationship with Paul,2.He connected him to the small group
of believers – The Apostles3.He connected him to a ministry; Paul
was already telling his story.
Stranger WelcomingStranger Welcoming
PrinciplePrincipleSunday School is an OPEN,
transformational, small community that expects new
people to attend every Sunday because relationships have been
built during the week.
Are you expecting guests?Are you expecting guests?Are you ready for them?Are you ready for them?
Complete the Anonymous Guest
Questionnaire.
Evaluate your readiness for guests
in your Sunday School.
Planning Planning from Parking from Parking Lot Lot
to Pewto Pew
Prayerful DependencePrayerful Dependence
Pray now that your Sunday School will be Stranger Welcoming.
Kingdom FocusedKingdom Focused• Listen for Jesus three Kingdom Focused ActionsListen for Jesus three Kingdom Focused Actions:Matthew 4:23…Jesus went throughout Galilee, Teaching in their
synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
• Jesus ministry focused on three Kingdom Actions:Jesus ministry focused on three Kingdom Actions:1. Teaching2. Evangelism3. Ministry
Kingdom FocusedKingdom FocusedListen for the results?Listen for the results?Matthew 4:24-25Word got around the entire Roman province of
Syria. People brought anybody with an ailment, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all. More and more people came, the momentum gathering. Besides those from Galilee, crowds came from the ‘Ten Towns’ across the lake, others from Jerusalem and Judea, still others from across the Jordan.
PracticalPractical
Involve each class in Involve each class in Quarterly Quarterly Missional Projects Missional Projects in the community. in the community.
Where people pray, Where people pray, God works.God works.
Where God works,Where God works,Transformation Happens.Transformation Happens.
Transformational Prayers and To Do ListTransformational Prayers and To Do List
1. Mission Oriented Sunday School Ministry Team
2. Word – Driven One full hour for engaging Bible study
3. Multiplication Mindset Every class has Potential Disciple List
4. Stranger Welcoming Parking Lot to Pew Assimilation Plan
5. Kingdom Focused Quarterly Missional Projects
God,God,May we be engaged in
Your Mission;Make us hunger after
Your Word;Let us do what ever it takes
to Multiply disciples;Make our communities
Open and Welcoming;
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.
Amen.
For a conference script and additional resources go to:
www.leaderesource.org
For information aboutTransformational Church
go to: www.ncbaptist.org/transformationalchurch
Home Work
Use the How Transformational Is Your
Sunday School? evaluation questions to assess
your Sunday School as a Transformational
Small Community.
A Ministry ofA Ministry ofTransformational Small CommunitiesTransformational Small Communities
Phil StonePhil [email protected]
800-395-5102, ext. 5643800-395-5102, ext. 5643www.ncbaptist.org/sundayschoolwww.ncbaptist.org/sundayschool