I think it is important that we are careful labelling people. It is easy to stereotype. It is easy to make wrong assumptions. Our first impression can be incorrect.
On the other hand, as Sunday School leaders we are called to equip the saints for works of service. And in my experience, those who drop out of church tend to stop growing as disciples and quit serving Him! With that said, I think it is important that we spend time with our class members so we can assess their assimilation. In order to make more accurate assessments, we need to check out some key areas:
- CLASS ATTENDANCE. How faithfully do they attend class? If they attend at least three Sundays each month, this is a positive indicator of assimilation. Attendance at two or fewer Sundays each month or a decrease in frequency can be signs of problems that need to be addressed right away.
- WORSHIP ATTENDANCE. If worship attendance, like Sunday School, is at least three Sundays each month, this is a positive indicator. If worship attendance is two or few Sundays each month or if lower than Sunday School attendance frequency, this can be a sign of problems that might benefit from discussion.
- MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT. One measure of assimilation in the church/class is the person’s involvement in a ministry of the church or class. Attendance without ministry involvement can be an indicator of a lower level of assimilation.
- NUMBER OF FRIENDS. In my doctoral research in Louisville area church adult Sunday School classes, if a person had six or more friends in class they could call on in time of need, they were more likely to be a frequent attender. If they had two or fewer friends in class, they were more likely to be a dropout.
- GIVING. I know. I know. There is no way to know what your attenders give. But you can observe them in worship. You can ask them casually and privately. You can talk about stewardship in class. You can look for the signs. In my experience, those who tithe or give above the tithe are likely to be assimilated at a deeper level than those who don’t.
- CLASS LESSON INVOLVEMENT. Those who sit in class without participating in the lesson tend not to be as connected to the class. It is easier for them to leave and easier for them to leave without being missed/pursued.
What are some other means of measuring assimilation of class attenders? Press the comments button below and leave your thoughts. Start a conversation.
Take responsibility for the sheep God has entrusted into your care. Don’t allow them to wander out of your sight without your notice. Address indicators of diminishing assimilation immediately. Ask someone in class to help you notice these changes. Pray and measure assimilation in your class! Be revolutionary!
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