OVERVIEW OF ADULT Sunday School September 5, 2003 Bill Alphin Bible Study and Discipleship Coordinator Virginia Baptist Mission Board

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What questions do you have?

How Has the Adult Sunday School Made a Difference in Your Life?

“By the time they reach adulthood, people have acquired a way of seeing the world, a way of interpreting their experiences, and a set of values…They often must integrate new experiences with prior learning…prior learning must be examined and some adjustments made.” P. Cranton

“ Life experiences impact our perceptions about life and how we learn.”

World View (Leon McKenzie) Knowledge Ideas Feelings Values (Preferred vs. actual) Assumptions Beliefs Lived experience--How things are

Types of World Views (McKenzie) Provisional vs. Fixed Inclusive vs. Narrow Active vs. Passive Critical vs. Uncritical Disdaining vs. Accepting

“Faith is an interpretation of the way persons have experienced life. This interpretation, drawn from all of the influences on our lives, is the essence of our beliefs, action, and emotions. Faith, rather than being something we believe that can be compiled, taught, and tested, is more a way of knowing the unknowable…Faith is an expression of trust in the unknown.” Bruce Powers

Importance of World View Addressing current issues Life in a changing world The “world” is smaller My world vs. “The” world Called to the Kingdom of God world view

How do we develop a Christian world view?

Indicators of Mature Faith Search Institute Study, Trusts and believes Experiences the fruits of faith Integrates faith and life Seeks spiritual growth Experiences and nurtures faith in community Hold life-affirming values Advocates social change Acts and serves

How did Jesus engage the disciples in learning?

Developing a mature faith as disciples of Jesus includes: StudyStudy PrayerPrayer NurtureNurture ServiceService TestingTesting ReflectionReflection AppropriationAppropriation

The focus of activity should be on what the learner will do/experience

Teacher Guidelines Life experience savvy. Bible Expert? Conduit vs. facilitator Begin to plan early. Customize the lesson.

Think of great Christian leaders in your life. What made them “great”?

The Bible is Our Source for Understanding Great Leadership. Examine Luke 9 John 13 Romans 12 Ephesians 4 What qualities do you find?

BIBLICAL PURPOSE: Our true north! BIBLICAL PURPOSE: Our true north! TIME-LINE: God’s Work in our Past VISION: What God wants to accomplish MISSION FOCUS: People God’s called us to reach for Christ MISSION FOCUS: People God’s called us to reach for Christ VALUES: The convictions that guide our Behavior VALUES: The convictions that guide our Behavior OUR CALLING ACTION PLAN: Real world plans to actually live it! STRATEGIC INITIATIVES: What we need to do first! MINISTRY MODEL: The ways our ministries work together MINISTRY MODEL: The ways our ministries work together

Why Do Leaders Fail to Possess the Qualities Listed in The Bible? Lack of Information/Understanding Immaturity of Faith Not Ministering Using Their Spiritual Gift Lack of Spiritual Growth and Formation Lack of Vision Discouragement

For adults to “stick” with the church, they must find a place where friendships have developed.

Evangelism And Assimilation (Fellowship) Bible Study Care Ministry The A dult B ible F ellowship…

“ A church that relies only on participation in Sunday morning worship and adult Sunday School class will not go very far in developing mature disciples of Jesus Christ.” Bill Alphin

Open vs. Closed Groups Issues Issue of faith maturity level Issue of accountability and expectations Issue of trust and community Issue of nurture Issue of time Issue of content

Requirements to Grow Disciples Intimacy Loving Accountability Develop Christian Habits/Disciplines Happens best in small groups!

“I will improve my ministry by…