As you begin your preparation for the upcoming Sunday School Emphasis, keep these important guidelines in mind:
Prayer
Surround this special time in prayer. Enlist prayer support of Sunday School leaders and prayer cells existing in your church.
In the weeks preceding the emphasis, list the Sunday School emphasis as a prayer concern in the worship bulletin, church newsletter, and other prayer lists.
Have class members begin to pray for ways to connect God’s Word.
Present the Vision
Meet with Sunday School and church leaders to explain the emphasis, think through goals, schedule important dates, and clarify roles of teachers, greeters, classes, and individuals.
Familiarize yourself with each week's theme. Brainstorm with other church leaders about how your Sunday School can implement each week's theme.
Plan Ahead
Consider starting a new class and/or a short-term elective to provide an opportunity to invite new people to Sunday School. Plan to begin this class with the beginning of the Sunday School emphasis.
Encourage classes (in all age groups) to creatively integrate the objectives of this emphasis into the life of their class.
Have your pastor call the toll-free number at
Faith Comes By Hearing to order MP3 discs for your congregation for the 40 Day Listening Journey through the New Testament, April 16-May 25. Information for ordering the discs will be included in a January 2007 mailing to all pastors.
Schedule events related to the emphasis.
Order promotional giveaways, gifts, and supplies. Create a follow-up plan. Promote the Emphasis:• Create promotional displays or bulletin boards.
• Highlight the emphasis in the church newsletter, calendar, bulletin, and website.
• Announce the emphasis during worship services.
• Display signs on the church property announcing the emphasis.