As a Sunday School teacher or a small group Bible study leader you need to know the members of your group. You should be praying for them every week and praying for them by name and specifically praying to the needs in their life.
If you can’t identify the information below about everyone in your group it could be that your group is too large and it’s time to start another group. Or you need to do a better job of getting connected to those in your group.
What is it that you need to know in order to really connect with those in your group? You need to know the following …
- Their name. We need to call people by name even at church. We need to use their names when we pray out loud in your class/group.
- Family members. If you are going to connect then you better know those who live with them. Who is in their household.
- Their joys. What do they love to do when they have a day off or where do they go on vacation? What are their hobbies and interest? Know those things and help connect them with those in the group that have similar interest.
- Their hurts. All of us have something that has our attention. Pray for them and help them with their hurt.
If you don’t know these things about people it is doubtful that you will fully connect with them. But in order to know these things about others you first must be willing to let these things be known about you!
Dr. Smith is the lead state missionary with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and serves the Sunday School, Small Groups, Discipleship and Faith Development Specialist. Visit their website at gabaptist.org/groups/ for more information and other resources to aid your Sunday School or Small Group. Dr. Smith is available for conferences or other speaking opportunities and can be contacted at tsmith@gabaptist.org.
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