7 Reasons Why Fellowships Matter in Sunday School

Fellowships matter. I am here using the term more broadly to include projects and meals. I tend to think of fellowships as social, projects as work-oriented, and meals as food. Some events include all three.

Plan a mix of all three. It works best to offer them every 4-6 weeks. And I encourage inviting members, absentees, and prospects to the fellowships, projects, and meals. Calendaring and communication are essential. Because of that, a planning team made up of the member care leader, outreach leader, and teacher will ensure the work is done well.

Are Fellowships Worth the Trouble?

But why go to all that trouble? After all, as some have told me, “We know one another.” Why do fellowships matter? Consider these reasons:

• Fellowships create “family.” We all need people (family) who care for us. These events give time beyond class to talk, get know each other, and discover things in common with friends who become like family.
• Fellowships address likes. When a class offers a mix of fellowships, projects, and meals, the class addresses differences between males and females along with personalities and preferences.
• Fellowships deepen trust. Even the most frequent attenders benefit from continuing to develop relationships and trust. Trust helps participants to be more honest and open during lessons.
• Fellowships prevent dropouts. Those who drop out of class tend to have two or fewer friends in the class. Plan to offer opportunities to develop new, additional relationships.
• Fellowships re-engage absentees. Absences sometimes become prolonged. Embarrassment can result. Planning these events offers a fun way to re-enter into the relationships and class.
• Fellowships connect with prospects. Projects, fellowships, and meals give classes a fun reason to invite and get to know prospects (those not in Sunday School).
• Fellowships include in-service members. Fellowships give opportunity for those serving in preschool, children, and youth classes to re-connect with the adult class they would be attending if not serving.

Don’t miss these great benefits from fellowships, projects, and meals. Fellowships matter. Plan one this month. Invite members, absentees, and prospects. Have fun. Watch what happens. Make disciples. Be revolutionary!