Sunday School in High Definition

Last week I attended the conference "Sunday School in High Definition" at First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia. The meeting was a great time of renewal and retraining. We all need that sometimes.

During the conference we looked at the three things that must happen each and every week in each Sunday School class:
Reach People for Christ
Teach the Bible
Minister to People.

We all understand the task of teaching the Bible to our class. We do this in various ways. Some groups barely scratch the surface. Other groups dive deep, extracting Greek or Hebrew words, doing tense studies and cross references. Other groups teach relationally. Lessons can be taught by lecture, discussion, or with creative methods.

One of our leaders pointed out that Teaching is only part of the class. Sunday School classes are not College Classes, but they are Great Commission communities.

We were encouraged to reach out. There are many in our world who do not know the Gospel. There are many who do not know the name of Christ. We must share the Good News. Long ago Arthur Flake thought a Sunday School was a failure if at least a third of the attendees was not lost. Sunday School is a great place to share the Gospel as we share God's Word. Sunday School is an ideal place for members to invite friends if they fully understand the purpose of Sunday School.

Sunday School is also a community where we serve on another. Care Leaders are enlisted to accomplish this in the class. contacts are made each week to every member of each Sunday School class. If needs are found, the class reaches out and ministers. The Sunday School classes pass ministry needs and prayer requests to the Pastor each week.

Sunday School classes are created with the purpose of Reaching the Lost, Teaching the Bible, and Caring for members. We need to weekly re-commit to these tasks.

Haman vrs. Mordachi

Recently we celebrated Purim. (You did, didn't you - it's in the Bible - Esther 9:26)

Have you ever thought about the difference between Haman (BOOO!) and Mordecai (YEAH!!) Haman was totally interested in self. Haman loved his seat of honor (3:1-2). He hated it when Mordecai would not bow down to him (3:5). Haman was pleased when he was honored (like the king 5:9-12). He bragged about his wealth (5:11). Haman was a Narcissist.

Mordecai cared for others. He raised his cousin Esther because her parents had died. When he heard a plot to kill the King, he shared it with the King and saved his life. He worshiped only God. He would bow down to no man. Mordecai served God. When his people were in danger, Mordecai was willing to put his own life in danger to save them. Mordecai had his priorities right.

So a thought for Purim ... Who are you more like. Is your main interest self, or do you care for God and others. Do you look out for "Number 1" or are your priorities balanced.

Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' and `Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31

My Thanks to BACE

Last week I attended the annual meeting of The Baptist Association of Christian Educators (BACE)at Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas. I look forward to going to BACE. Although I do not make it every year (cost, distance, other obligations), this meeting is something I enjoy.

BACE is the professional organization of Religious Educators. Their website says it is a global network that assists practitioners responsible for helping others grow in Christ. (http://www.baptisteducators.org/) BACE is made up of Ministers of Education (like myself); college & seminary professors; and denominational leaders. I always come back from this group with new ideas and encouragement for the work I do.

BACE gives me opportunities to connect with people whom I have known over the years. It allows conversations with friends from all over the United States. Friendship with others in my field is something I need. Many Ministers of Education seem to work as lone rangers. I have found networking with others who share the same passion as I have to be encouraging. When I have problems, I know experts who can help me solve them. When I get discouraged I have friends who are not part of my church, and who truly understand what I am facing. BACE, CENC and a SYBA group have provided great friendships and support.

Recently BACE has gone beyond a network of friends, for my daughter Chelsea felt led to follow me into the field of Christian Education. It is a joy to watch the second generation follow in your footsteps. She has an advantage as a Religious Educator. She has learned from my mistakes. She has helped me throughout her life, actually serving as a Religious Education apprentice.

My younger daughter Sarah has also had the opportunity to participate in BACE (many thanks to leaders in BACE). She has served as videographer for BACE. This is a field where I feel she has a talent (see her website www.sjsimon.com). Her passions have led her to a ministry very close to my own. She is videographer for Centrifuge (Baptist Youth camp) and recently has been writing articles for the Charlotte Examiner.com (See http://www.examiner.com/religion-and-media-in-charlotte/sarah-simon)

Last week in Dallas, TX, the Baptist Association of Christian Educators presented me the Distinguished Leadership Award. I am honored and grateful. I am grateful that God has given me over 30 years of productive ministry. God has given me a wonderful family. I also appreciate friends that I have known through the years. Thank you BACE for allowing me to be part of this organization.