Looking Ahead To The New Year

As one year ends and another year is about to begin. As a Sunday school, we may look back on the past year with pride or regret. You may lament over past failures and argue over who was at fault or proudly survey evidences of new growth and praise those responsible. However, none of these will produce positive results in the New Year. Neither feelings of regret nor reflecting on success accomplishes anything beyond the momentary satisfaction of a pity party or a victory celebration. Action is the necessary ingredient to moving forward as the New Year dawns. Prepare now for action! Responsible members of the Sunday school may take the following steps toward action with positive results in the year ahead.

1. Pray. Seek God’s guidance as you set goals for your Sunday school as a whole or for your class.

2. Think. Take time to think things through. Never rush impulsively into ideas for campaigns or projects.

3. Discuss. Talk about the needs and the areas of weakness in your Sunday school or individual class. Discuss possible solutions with fellow members.

4. Study. Read as much material as possible dealing with the problems your Sunday school faces. Study thoroughly any published growth ideas or missionary or outreach projects. In short, anything related to the needs you feel your group ought to meet.

5. Set Goals. Prayerfully set specific goals for your Sunday school or class. How much do you want to grow? By how much do you wish to increase your missionary giving? How many new classes do you want to start? How many new workers do you need to add to your Sunday school? Goals need to clearly defined and must be measurable.

6. Plan. Seeking God’s guidance, make detailed plans for meeting your goals.

7. Rally. Hole a "Pep Rally" including everyone who will be expected to be involved in the process of meeting the goals that have been set. Present the goals in a positive manner, sharing your enthusiasm with others. Contagion will take over, providing a good springboard for action, which will bring results.

8. Trust. "And all things whatever you are in prayer, believing, you will receive" (Matthew 21:22). Praying and trusting are the ongoing responsibility of the goal-setters. Keep your goals before your people so that they will continue to pray. Progress reports will also do much to help people continue working and praying. Trust in the Lord and enjoy the success He has for you in the New Year.