Why is this important?
Many football coaches invoke the “24 hour rule” following a victory. They don’t want players to get stuck in the past, but at the same time, accomplishments must be recognized and celebrated. Celebrating success is a key to future victory.
REASON #1 – Celebration Leads To Motivation
When you celebrate individual achievements or group accomplishments, people are drawn toward those successes. They can see themselves accomplishing the same task or being apart of the team that achieves the next victory.
For example, if you want more people involved in outreach, then you must recognize those who are involved. Ask these individuals to share the joy they have in reaching out to others. Allow them to share the victories they experience and the personal satisfaction that comes from obedience. On a personal level, this can become very motivating. Hearing the stories of others is a motivation to get involved and create a personal story.
Celebration is as simple as, recognizing those who are leading in various areas. It underscores the importance of the ministry and then their testimonies will motivate others.
REASON #2 – Celebration Leads To Mobilization
The story of one Sunday School teacher proves this point. One day, he was obviously pleased with the number of people present. When called on by the class leader, the teacher began to celebrate the growing attendance of the class. He said, “Doesn’t this feel good? Look how many people are here today. A few of you remember that only a year ago we started with four people. Now the room is comfortably full. Shouldn’t everyone have the experience of being in a group like this?” As class members expressed their joy, he followed through by saying, “Then it is time to do this again! This afternoon in our class meeting, we will begin mobilizing to start a new group. It is up to us to create opportunities for others to experience this joy. I look forward to our meeting this afternoon.”
REASON #3 – Celebration leads to Multiplication
Celebration through commissioning new leaders or new groups becomes a visual reminder to others that we are here to “be fruitful and multiply.” Celebration by posting pictures of new leaders and groups on an “our missionaries” bulletin board will serve as a constant reminder that members are to grow and go to make disciples.
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Daniel Edmonds is the Director of the Office of Sunday School and Discipleship at the Alabama State Board of Missions.
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