Questions for reflection and evaluation are key tools to help us improve what we are doing in any area of life. It is also true of ministry. I want to share a few quick questions for you to ask yourself about your class to determine if your class is on track and improving in its ministry. I would encourage everyone reading this to ask yourself these questions about your own class. When you have personally evaluated your class take appropriate action to be of assistance. If it is something that is personal to another member or leader I strongly stress the need to say something privately to them and NOT to others. If it is something you personally can do to make a difference I urge you to volunteer to your class leaders and offer your help.
- Is there awareness each week in our class of members who are absent?
- Is the class warm and inviting to all who attend both members and guest?
- Do we treat a new attendee like a “visitor” or a “guest”?
- What is happening in our Sunday Bible Study class that would make someone unfamiliar with your church or SBS want to attend again?
- Is our Bible lesson presented with passion and a sense of urgency?
- Is there an expectation, spoken or implied, to members as a result of the lesson taught?
- Is there an intentional effort in our class to reach out to the absentee and potential member?
- Do our class members understand what the purpose of our SBS ministry is and how our class fits in with it ?
These are just a few questions to get you started in evaluating how your class is doing in fulfilling the mission and ministry of SBS. I encourage class leaders to openly spend time with their class discussing the mission and work of the class. I also feel self evaluation is essential to improving.
