SABBATH SCHOOL REVITALIZATION SEMINAR

DIVINE PLAN The Sabbath school is an important branch of the missionary work, not only because it gives to young and old a
knowledge of Gods Word, but also because it awakens in them a love for its sacred truth, and a desire to study them for
themselves; above all, it teaches them to regulate their lives by its holy teachings Counsels on Sabbath School Work, pp.
10,11.
The Sabbath school, if rightly conducted, is one of Gods great instrumentality to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth
Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p. 115
v HOW MANY ARE MISSING SABBATH SCHOOL?
v WHY OUR MEMBERS DO NOT COME TO SABBATH SCHOOL?
SABBATH SCHOOL PROBLEMS
v Decline of Sabbath School attendance
v 20% of those who have been Adventists from 4-10 years never study their lesson
v Large number of missing members
v Majority of Sabbath School teachers never had any training
v Lact of fellowship
v Felt needs were not met
v Not enough participation in the class
v Program is boring
v Some do not study their lesson
Lack of Fellowship
Function

Ratio

Explanation

Friendship 1:7

Each new member should have a
minimum of seven new friends in
the church within the first six
months.
Member/group involvement

75:100

75 of every 100 church members
should be involved in a group.
New member group involvement

9:10

Nine of every ten new members
should be involved in a small group.
We have a problem with Sabbath School teaching
v Too many Sabbath School teachers:
Dont study
Talk too much.
Read from the Quarterly.
Have little or no discussion.
Are not adequately trained.
The Result of Recent Surveys
v Only one-third of those who attend Sabbath School are satisfied with the traditional way of doing things.
v More people are hoping to see innovative, creative programming and more dynamic teaching.
What Are the Major Problems?
v Formalism
v A Mini-Church Service
v Need for Change
NEEDS OF REVITALIZATION
Our Sabbath schools are not what the Lord would have them to be, for there is all together too much dependence placed
upon form and machinery, while the life-giving power of God is not manifested for the conversion souls, for whom Christ
died. The order of things must be changed if our Sabbath schools meet the purpose of which they exist CSSW, p. 257.
SABBATH SCHOOL OBJECTIVES
v BIBLE STUDY
v FELLOWSHIP
v COMMUNITY OUTREACH
v WORLD MISSIONS
Sabbath School Programming: Sabbath School Action Units
Small classes 6 to 8 persons
SS Teacher: Group Discussion leader
Outreach leader: Care Coordinator
Class time: 60 minutes
Introduction: 5 minutes
Care Coordinator time: 20 minutes
Lesson study: 35 minutes
RECOGNIZE THE ROLE OF SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHERS
v A teacher is more than an instructor
v A teacher shepherds a class
v A teacher is the pastors extension
v A teacher is a leader
v A teacher is a feeder
v A teacher is a protector
WAYS TO RAISE ATTENDANCE
1. Publish a monthly calendar of SS events.
2. Invite SS classes or other groups such as seniors, youth or children to present programs.
3. Plan special music presentation or other special featured early.
4. Gift certificates at the end of the quarter for perfect attendance, daily study and involvement.
5. Recap the morning activities.
WAYS AND MEANS OF PROMOTING FELLOWSHIP
v DEVELOP A PROGRAM OF FELLOWSHIP
v OUTDOOR AND INDOOR MINISTRY
v CREATE A FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM TO BOND VISITORS TO CHURCH
v CONDUCT A GUEST DAY CAMPAIGN TO MOTIVATE CHURCH MEMBERS TO REACH OUT
WAYS OF EVANGELISM FOR SS MEMBERS
PHASE 1: Driveway/Parking Lot Ministry
PHASE 2: Church Door Ministry
PHASE 3: Welcome Desk Ministry
PHASE 4: Sanctuary Door Ministry
PHASE 5: Seating Ministry
WAYS OF EVANGELISM FOR SS MEMBERS
v Use front a door evangelism
v Use saturation evangelism
v Use the media for evangelism
v Be super-aggressive outreach
v Use fellowship evangelism
v Use service evangelism
v Use side door evangelism (reach friends, relatives,
associates, and neighbors)
v Use lifestyle evangelism
v Share testimonies and experience
v Follow up visitors
PRAYER
v Prayer for growth
v Pray for specific goals
v Pray for converts
v Pray for eternal
v spiritual growth
PLANNING
v You get what you work for
v Know your base
v Feed the flock
v Asses needs
v Discover talents/spiritual gifts
v Making goal
v Goal indicators
v Action plans
v Evaluation
MAINTAIN SABBATH SCHOOL GROWTH
v Be number conscious
v Be willing to start new classes
v New members join a class when joining the church
v All Sabbath School teachers act as pastor/evangelists
v Develop a program of fellowship