Tag Archives: Tony Brooks

Have we forgotten the value of something new? God is doing a new thing always…why do we think that keeping classes and small groups the same is the answer to a stronger discipleship program?

Training/continuing education is expected in most jobs. Sunday School teachers, small group leaders and others who share from God’s Word have a big responsibility to help others discover faith in God and put it into practice (life transformation). I suggest that what happens in their classroom/small group meeting may have a more lasting impact than any profession!

The third step to revitalize our Sunday School is giving Sunday School and discipleship the attention they need to flourish with mature disciples who then disciple others to be mature disciples. Whatever we choose to do in life with excellence requires our attention. Whether it is in school, the workplace, our family, our health, or our spiritual growth, they require our attention. When we are attentive, we are aware of what is needed. When we are aware, we begin to set goals and make action plans to succeed.

You can tell a church’s priorities by its budget. What does the budget tell you about your church? I know there are some churches who put more money in the cemetery fund than they do in Sunday School and discipleship; what does that say about the church?

To let the message of Christ dwell among you as you teach, perhaps you need to follow Jesus’ example. As shared by my friend, Ken Braddy, in his new book, Breathing Life into Sunday School: 12 Essentials to Revive your Most Important Ministry, Jesus taught in a variety of ways.

On Saturday, August 24, at Heritage Baptist Church in Farmville, we saw God at work at the Revitalize! Conference.

I am getting older each day. I realize my days ahead are statistically fewer in the future than my days before now. I have been dealing with a bad cold for over a week. I realize that I am overweight and have health issues. Perhaps that has called me to consider what happens afterwards here. As I consider my trip to heaven, what have I done to bring God’s Kingdom to Earth?

Sunday School/Bible study should lead our members to see people with God’s eyes. Some in our society discern whether to care or not based on socio-economic level, race, and appearance.We are called to look at the heart and see every person as a child of God. Though some may not feel comfortable at first coming to your church for Bible study, they may join you for a home Bible study or one in their community. First, they need to see you care—with Jesus’ compassion. When you do, you are ministering to Jesus himself, whether they come to your church or not.

Just a week ago, I had a chance to see the new Lion King movie. It reminded me of lessons that I learned from the original movie, so I’ve decided it is time to share those. What are some of the lessons we can learn and share in Sunday School and Small Groups?

We cannot get around it. Vision is important! Pastors, staff members, and Sunday School directors, this article is for you! Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction.”We need vision to move us forward. God always wants to move us forward.

I believe through years of education, wisdom from many professors, and years of ministry experience that we are created to imagine, create goodness, and seek to be co-creators with God in order for earth to be more like heaven. What would it look like for our Sunday School classes/small groups to imagine new possibilities, create goodness, and seek to be co-creators?

If we are taking Sunday School/small group Bible study seriously as a place for transformation (instead of knowledge) and a community of faith (instead of simply a classroom experience), then we need to begin understanding how it can be a discipling process. Sunday School/small group is one of the church’s ministries where biblical application, more intimate relationships, and ongoing learning can enhance the transformative process to be more like Christ.

Most of our churches still have Vacation Bible School in the summer. Some of our churches have sports camps, music, arts, and other types of camps to reach children in the community. These are all great events, and they give you a chance to show God’s love to children and to share God’s word with them and their families. What do you do after the event is over to continue to “train up a child?”

There are many differences based on generational issues, political issues and socio-economic classes in our churches. There is one thing we all yearn for…a community that cares in times of need. This is especially true when someone is facing a serious, life-changing disease such as cancer. As a Sunday School class or small group, how can we best show that we care?

Today I want to challenge pastors, paid staff members (responsible for Sunday School and discipleship) and Sunday School directors about some misnomers around Sunday School and discipleship.