Vitamin "C" for Sunday School

Every congregation can form a leadership team for the specific purpose of growing and strengthening
the Sunday School. Your leadership team can focus on one “vitamin” at a time, such as covenant,
caring, or curriculum.

Christ-Centered
The universal mission of Sunday School is to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Effective Sunday
Schools keep Christ at the center.

Challenge
High expectations usually precede high levels of commitment. Be honest about the level of
commitment expected from students and teachers.
Committment
Commitment both from appointed clergy and from local laity is essential for long-term success of
Sunday School.

Covenant
Successful Sunday Schools make specific contracts outlining the beginning and end of a teaching
term and other responsibilities.
Connection
Sunday School should be connectional, connecting teachers, students, pastors, and denominational
leaders and resources.

Coordination
Coordination allows Sunday School classes to plan their activities with respect to other classes
and activities in the church.
Caring
Love is the essence of the ministry of Sunday School. Support for directors, teachers, students, prayer,
and moral support are essential.

Communication
Publicize classes. Advertise. Mark classrooms. Use the newsletter. Call students. Invite prospects.
Listen to special needs. Communicate!
Classification
Successful classes are organized by needs, by levels of spiritual maturity, age, or special interests.
This naturally creates community.

Curriculum
Using a curriculum eases the burden on teachers. There is richness both in United Methodist official
curriculum and in other sources.
Creativity
New classes attract new people. A surprise or other jolt of creativity will break the bonds of boredom
and make class interesting and fun.

Community
Belonging, fellowship, and community are all fruits of an effective Sunday School. Class participation,
social time, and special evening gatherings all help.

Celebration
Rejoicing both in class and in worship adds an appropriate element of praise to God’s work in
the Sunday School.
Change
Evaluation and criticism through appropriate channels, combined with being open to change allows
Sunday School to adapt and grow.

Cultivation
With specific terms for teachers, cultivating new teachers fore new and existing classes should
be a practical goal for the Sunday School.