Reporting discipleship was common for Sunday School attenders even 20 years ago in some key areas. These were called the six-point record system and were printed on giving envelopes or pads of paper passed around for everyone to complete. When reporting was common, the following were the main six (or seven) key measures:
- attendance, being on time (or Bible brought), Bible read daily, giving, lesson studied, and worship attendance.
In addition to these, class secretaries often asked for reports of contacts with members and prospects. Reporting contacts was an additional way of reporting discipleship.
Reporting Discipleship Measures
- Attendance. It is difficult to disciple those who attend irregularly. Trust is key for discipling, and relationships and trust benefit from time spent together in class and away.
- Being on time. Lateness hurts relationships and interrupts discipling efforts for adults and their children. OR
- Bible brought. Adults and children are more likely to use their Bibles at home if they are encouraged to do so in a class (print or electronic).
- Bible read daily. According to research, this is the key for disciples making spiritual progress.
- Giving. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Giving faithfulness is a key to understanding relationship with our Lord.
- Lesson studied. Reading a commentary about Sunday’s scripture passage is great discipleship help for Christians of every age.
- Worship attendance. Worship is key for disciple growth. The combination of worship and Sunday School attendance is powerful leading 50-100% of lost participants to accept Jesus within 12 months.
- Contacts. Contacts are part ministry and part outreach/evangelism. Making contacts shows our efforts to make relationships with people in the world and to testify about God, His church, and our class.
So what do you think? Was there value in reporting discipleship in these ways? Are there other ways we need to track and measure discipleship through the Sunday School? I would love to see your comments. Don’t just teach a lesson. Make disciples. Be revolutionary!
For more ideas, check out Measure Sunday School Discipleship.
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