Groups & Classes

building a relationship during discipleship

sunday school - bible study- life group

Making disciples is not an option for the believer who desires to do the will of God, it is obedience. Jesus’ command is clear, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). For the Christian who desires to live a life of obedience, it is not a question of whether or not he will make disciples—that has been settled by Jesus’ command, the question is simply who he will disciple and how he accomplishes it.

Purpose of Groups

Purpose 1

To lead people to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. As a Sunday School leader, the spiritual condition of each enrolled and prospect should be my first concern. I can save no one, but I can offer opportunities and take the initiative to see that each person I am responsible for can understand and respond to the gospel. Even in preschool areas, our objective is to create a learning environment in which children can be guided in the direction of the Savior as spiritual seed is planted in their lives.

Purpose 2

To move people closer to Christ in their personal walk with Him. People should be more in love with Christ as a result of being a part of our Sunday School class. They should see Jesus lifted up and exalted and have the opportunity to know Him more and serve Him better. This is the discipleship emphasis of Sunday School. The spiritual growth of each prospect and member is a primary concern a Sunday School teacher or leader. This is how spiritual leaders are developed and called out to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. One key objective is to move people Christ-ward.

Purpose 3

To enhance genuine fellowship and love for one another. The Sunday School has the opportunity for people to develop meaningful spiritual relationships that will enhance their growth in Christ. It provides ways to pray for and serve one another by meeting practical needs. Trying to meet the needs of a multitude is an overwhelming task, but as we focus on those in our care, we can touch one life at a time, face to face and heart to heart. This is the primary way Jesus did ministry and enhanced fellowship among His disciples and it is still effective today.

Purpose 4

To help people discover the Word of God. The Bible is the textbook of the Sunday School. God’s Word changes lives. However, every good teacher knows that people learn in different ways and at various learning levels. So, the teacher adjusts his teaching style to make God’s Word understandable and easy for his class to learn. Motivated by love for God and the people being taught, the teacher connects the struggles and needs of the learner with the solutions and principles of the Scripture, allowing people to discover how to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.