*A Note to Sunday School & Small Group Leaders

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. ~ Colossians 3:23

Our pastor recently told a story about the Sunday School class he attended when he was a young boy. He attended a small church and many times he was the only student in class. The teacher, even thou only one, would still prepare and go to all the work of teaching the whole lesson. Our pastor was making a point, even though she was teaching only one at that moment – her actions would impact so many people! Every time he leads someone new to Christ, she gets another jewel in her crown. 
It might have seemed like a “small” work but eventually the impact would be huge. 

Have you been there?

This made me think of the times I had taught Sunday School or lead our Women’s Ministry. There were days when my kids were the only ones in my Sunday School class. And there were many times I would go to extravagant details for our Women’s Ministry only to have three or four show up. It was hard to not get discouraged. I would start wondering; why aren’t people coming, what am I doing wrong, maybe they don’t like me. The enemy can get in and cause all kinds of crazy thoughts. 

The important thing to remember is, the ones who did show up – they need to hear what you have prepared. They came expecting you to teach them or lead them and they WANT to hear what you have to say. Even if there is only one…

I remember attending a small group event several years ago. I was going through some stuff and I really needed some encouragement. When I got to the group there were only four or five people present. It was obvious that the leader was discouraged. She announced we would just have a time of prayer and then we could be dismissed. I understood, and I didn’t blame the leader, but I left there that day missing something. I came expecting the Lord to encourage me through this group and I left disappointed. 

Teach the Class and Lead the Group, Even if there is Only ONE

So, the next time you teach Sunday School or lead a class and you don’t have as many as you expected. Teach your heart out! Give that one person everything that you prepared for the group. Pour into that person and reach out to them on a more personal level if you can. THEY showed up and should not be punished because no one else did. God knew who was going to be there as you prepared the lesson. What you have is for that ONE.