Starting an adult Sunday school class is a wonderful way to deepen faith, foster community, and encourage spiritual growth within your church. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or new to leading a class, the process of setting up an adult Sunday school can seem overwhelming. However, with the right steps and intentional planning, you can create a class that helps adults grow closer to God and to each other. In this post, we’ll guide you through the key steps to start an adult Sunday school class that thrives.
Why Start an Adult Sunday School Class?
An adult Sunday school class is an excellent opportunity to study the Bible, engage in meaningful discussions, and build community. Many adults crave a deeper understanding of Scripture but may struggle to find a place to study in a group. Adult Sunday school classes provide a space for questions, growth, and connection with others who share similar spiritual goals. It’s also a place to foster discipleship, helping believers apply biblical truths to their daily lives.
Steps to Start an Adult Sunday School Class
Starting an adult Sunday school class requires careful thought, preparation, and a heart for serving others. Follow these steps to build a thriving class that will make an impact on your church community.
1. Define the Purpose and Vision
Before launching your class, it’s important to have a clear vision for what you want to achieve. Ask yourself:
- What is the primary focus of the class? Is it Bible study, discipleship, or fellowship?
- Who is the class for? Will it be open to all adults or specific age groups or life stages?
- What do you want participants to gain from attending? Spiritual growth, community, or both?
Having a clear purpose and vision will guide every aspect of your class, from lesson planning to group dynamics. Share this vision with potential participants to give them an understanding of what to expect.
2. Secure a Location and Time
Choose a location within the church that’s comfortable, accessible, and conducive to learning. Ensure that the space has enough seating and is free from distractions. Consider whether you’ll need any technology (like a projector or screen) for presentations or videos.
Next, select a time for your class. It’s important to choose a time that works well for most participants, whether that’s before or after the worship service, or at a separate time during the week. Make sure the time doesn’t conflict with other church activities to maximize attendance.
3. Choose Relevant Study Material
The study material you choose will shape the direction and tone of your class. It’s essential to select resources that are relevant, engaging, and biblically sound. Here are some ideas for study material:
- Bible-based curriculum: Choose a comprehensive study of Scripture, such as a book of the Bible or specific biblical themes like grace, forgiveness, or spiritual growth.
- Topical studies: Consider exploring topics like marriage, parenting, faith in the workplace, or Christian living.
- Video series or discussion guides: If your group enjoys multimedia, you might consider a video-based study with accompanying discussion questions.
Be sure to choose materials that are appropriate for the spiritual maturity and needs of your group. Whether you’re doing a verse-by-verse study or focusing on practical application, make sure the content is accessible and engaging.
4. Recruit and Train Leaders or Helpers
If your class is large, it’s helpful to recruit additional leaders or helpers who can support you in facilitating discussion, managing group dynamics, and providing personal connections with class members. Leadership can be shared in several ways, such as rotating teaching responsibilities, leading prayer, or facilitating group discussions.
Make sure to provide training or resources for anyone who helps you lead the class. Equip them with tools for teaching, listening, and guiding discussions so that everyone can contribute to the class’s success.
5. Plan for Welcoming New Members
One of the best ways to ensure that your Sunday school class thrives is to create a welcoming atmosphere. Greet new members warmly and make them feel like they belong. Consider creating a simple registration or sign-in sheet to keep track of attendees and provide follow-up information.
You can also assign a “welcoming team” within the class to make newcomers feel comfortable. This can help your class grow and provide a sense of community that encourages people to return.
6. Create a Class Structure and Schedule
Having a consistent structure and schedule helps people know what to expect and ensures that the class runs smoothly. Here’s a sample structure:
- Opening prayer: Start each class with a short prayer, inviting God’s presence and guidance.
- Icebreaker or fellowship time: A quick activity or question allows everyone to engage and build relationships before diving into the study.
- Bible study or discussion: This is the core of the class. Spend time in Scripture and engage in discussion or activities related to the lesson.
- Closing prayer or application time: End the class with prayer, asking God to help everyone apply the lesson to their daily lives.
Be flexible, but having a set structure helps people stay focused and engaged.
7. Foster a Community Atmosphere
A thriving Sunday school class isn’t just about the lessons—it’s about building a community. Encourage group members to share prayer requests, support one another, and engage in fellowship outside of class. Organize social events or volunteer opportunities to strengthen relationships.
Creating a sense of community ensures that your class becomes more than just a place to learn; it becomes a space for real connection and spiritual growth.
8. Evaluate and Adapt
After a few weeks or months, take time to evaluate how the class is going. Are people attending regularly? Are they engaged during the lessons? Is the material resonating with them?
Solicit feedback from class members, and be open to making adjustments. You might need to change the meeting time, tweak the format, or explore different study materials to better meet the needs of your group.
Conclusion: Building a Successful Adult Sunday School Class
Starting an adult Sunday school class can be a rewarding experience that benefits both the individuals in your class and the church as a whole. With clear vision, relevant materials, and a welcoming environment, you can create a class that encourages spiritual growth, builds community, and deepens people’s understanding of God’s Word.
Take the time to carefully plan, equip your leaders, and stay open to feedback. As your class grows, you’ll see the positive impact it has on the spiritual life of your church community.
