Suggested Sunday School Operational Policy
Suggested Article for Inclusion in Church Constitution
The church shall provide a Christian education ministry through the Sunday School and such other ministries as may later be deemed needful. The purpose of the Sunday School is to provide the church with a teaching ministry of the Word on the level of understanding of each individual to reach, teach, and win the individual to Christ and to mature and train him for Christian service.
Suggested Articles for Inclusion in Church Bylaws
- The general officers of the Sunday School shall be appointed by the church board in consultation with the pastor.
- All other staff members shall be selected by the executive committee of the Sunday School in keeping with the written policies of the Sunday School.
- There shall be a written operational policy of the Sunday School. It shall be ratified by the official board of the church. The operational policy shall be reviewed annually and proposed changes of additions ratified by the official church board.
Suggested Policy
This shall be the official operational policy of (church’s name) Sunday School and its related ministries.
- BASIC PREMISES
- The Bible is the official textbook of the Sunday School.
- The individual student is the focal point of the Sunday School.
- The doctrinal basis of the Sunday School is in alignment with the biblical truths espoused by this church.
- DEFINITION
The Sunday School is an evangelistic and educational agency sponsored by the church for individuals of all ages. The main session is conducted on Sunday, but other Bible learning sessions may be sponsored by the Sunday School: VBS, children’s crusades, extension schools and classes, neighborhood classes, other continuing ministries, growth and evangelism emphases, and missions education programs.
- PURPOSE
The Sunday School is to provide the church with a ministry to reach, teach, and win the individual to Christ and to mature and train him for Christian service.
- PRINCIPLES FOR ACTION
The Sunday School fulfills its purpose by actions that are: a) Spirit-guided, b) love-motivated, c) individual-oriented, d) Bible-based, e) church-related, and f) Christ-centered.
- BASIC REQUIREMENTS
In providing a balanced ministry to meet the needs of the individual, the Sunday School will base its operation and development upon the following five major areas.
ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION
- Operational Guidelines
This document shall comprise the written guidelines for operation of the (church’s name) Sunday School. The executive committee shall annually review the operational guidelines in relationship to current needs. Proposed additions and/or changes shall be presented to the staff for their consideration and to the church board for ratification.
- Budget Policy
The annual budget shall be projected each year by the executive committee as part of the church’s central budget. All expenditures are to be made by the church treasurer after being approved by the executive committee. A list of regularly approved expenditures (curriculum, etc.) shall be made by the executive committee and supplied to the church treasurer.
This budget, both as to actual income and expenditures, shall be reviewed by the executive committee at their quarterly meeting.
- Executive Committee
The executive Sunday School committee, comprised of the pastor and general officers of the Sunday School shall have oversight of the operation of the Sunday School. The executive committee shall meet at least quarterly to evaluate, set goals, plan, and implement the ministries of the Sunday School.
The entire Sunday School organization is amenable to the pastor and official church board. The superintendent shall coordinate its personnel and operation. The organizational pattern and lines of responsibility and communication shall be reflected in a flow chart.
- Planning and Evaluating
The Sunday School executive committee shall conduct an annual planning session during June or July of each year.
- Records
The executive committee shall communicate to the secretary and each teacher what records are to be maintained, for how long, and who will be responsible for their compilation and custody.
- Organizing the School
The Sunday School will be organized into departments and classes. These divisions will be based on need and shall be determined by age, grade, or interest (i.e. youth and adult electives).
- District Support
The executive committee will comply with the policy of the district Sunday School department concerning their Sunday School’s financial responsibility. The Sunday School will show their support of the district Sunday School department in other ways such as attending conventions and seminars, but cooperating with district sponsored campaigns and involving district personnel in local ministry.
STAFFING AND TRAINING
- Staffing Policy
The pastor and board shall appoint and terminate the personnel to fill the offices of superintendent, assistant superintendent, and secretary.
The Sunday School executive committee shall appoint and terminate the personnel for all other positions such as departmental officers, teachers or staff members.
Appointment to all positions shall be for one year or the remainder of the unexpired term. All appointments shall terminate with the last day of the Sunday School year and all new terms of office shall begin immediately thereafter. The following criteria will be considered in appointment of all officers and staff members: Saved, baptized in water, Holy Spirit filled or seeking, private devotional life, acceptable conduct, showing a proper attitude in stewardship, faithfulness, cooperation, spiritual concern, teachableness, desire to improve, loyalty to the church services and Sunday School sessions, completion of a prescribed staff training program and/ or willingness to pursue additional training.
Individuals will be asked to serve who manifest a high degree of Christian maturity, are able to communicate well, and have appropriate teaching skills or interests in learning them.
- Ministry Descriptions
A written ministry description will be developed for all staff positions. The executive committee shall review the ministry descriptions annually for revisions and updating.
Teachers will be encouraged to know and understand the emotional, physical, mental, and social needs of each pupil. This will include such areas as family relationships, activities and involvement inside and outside the church, educational level, employment, and personal data. The teacher should know the spiritual experience and progress of each student. Each teacher is required to visit each student in his/her home at least twice a year. They will be encouraged to become involved with the students outside of the classroom.
- Recruitment
The executive committee shall strive to comply with the following steps in their recruiting efforts: (1) a systematic search of the congregation for potential staff members, (2) a personal interview with the prospective staff member discussing the requirements of the assignment, (3) a period of time for the prospective staff member discussing the requirements of the assignment, (4) a period of time for the prospective staff member to observe and pray concerning the ministry position, (5) initial and periodic training made available.
A public installation of all officers and staff members shall be conducted on the last Sunday of the Sunday School year. Retiring staff members shall be recognized for their faithfulness and contributions.
- Training
The executive committee shall devise ongoing and continuous programs of staff training such as apprenticeships, home study, book-of-the-year refresher courses and others. Opportunities to attend conferences, conventions, and seminars will be given to staff members. Current resource materials such as age-level handbooks and staff training books shall be made available to staff members.
At least eight staff conferences shall be conducted and shall include instruction, inspiration, communication, and planning.
A staff achievement program shall be offered to each staff member. Proper recognition shall be given to all staff members who attain the goals of the achievement program.
GROWTH AND EVANGELISM
- Goals
The executive committee shall establish enrollment and attendance goals with at least a ten percent increase.
The executive committee is responsible to analyze growth patterns, project future growth, develop plans to reach those goals, evaluate growth factors (gains vs. losses, etc.) and take appropriate steps to implement plans.
- Enrollment
A prospective member will be enrolled the first Sunday he/she attends and/ or expresses a desire to be enrolled. No person will be removed from the enrollment unless he is deceased, moves away, identifies with another church, or requests it. No person shall be removed from the enrollment without review by the executive committee.
- Evangelism
All records of decisions for Christ will be carefully maintained so that adequate follow-up of new believers can be accomplished.
Special training on classroom evangelism shall be provided at least once a year for all staff members.
Provide at least one training program for new converts.
Conduct at least one outreach campaign annually to reach people of all age groups.
- Follow-up
The following steps can be of assistance in establishing proper “follow-up” procedure in the local Sunday School:
- The Sunday School secretary (class secretary or visitation secretary in larger schools) shall keep accurate records of attendance patterns of each pupil. A list of absentees, visitors and newly enrolled pupils should be given weekly to the pastor and superintendent. These lists shall be reviewed quarterly (monthly or weekly in the larger school) by the executive committee to note patterns and trends.
- All visitors shall receive a personal letter or visit from the teacher by the following Wednesday. The purpose of the contact is to express appreciation for the visit and to invite the person to be enrolled in the class. If the visitor is from out of town or attends another Sunday School, he or she will not be invited to enroll.
- In marking the roll, the teacher and/or class secretary
will indicate the reason for the absence, if known. Among
these would be vacation, visiting relatives, illness, or pattern
absence such as children whose divorced parents have joint
custody.
Upon a first absence, with known reason, the teacher, class leader, or a class member will send a postcard or personal note with an appropriate message. If the reason for the absence is not known, the teacher will make a phone call or visit with the pupil or parents. - A second consecutive absence will require a personal contact, either by phone, or a personal visit. This may be made by the teacher, class leader, or a member of the class. A third consecutive absence will require a contact from the pastor.
- Appropriate forms will be used to report to the Sunday School secretary when contacts have been made and include the results of the visit. The pastor will be informed of situations which require a pastoral visit.
FACILITIES AND RESOURCES
- Space and Equipment
The executive committee shall evaluate the facilities and strive to provide the appropriate space required for each age level.
The church shall strive to provide adequate facilities for both the present and future needs of the Sunday School. Rooms shall be properly maintained, heated, lighted, and identified. Proper teaching aids shall be provided for each teacher.
Every attempt will be made to upgrade all facilities, furnishings, teaching aids, and audiovisual equipment.
- Resource Center
Projected and non projected materials and equipment will be stored in a resource center.
The executive committee will appoint a person to monitor purchases and distribution of equipment.
- Curriculum
The executive committee will evaluate curriculum needs at least once a year. The secretary shall be responsible for ordering all materials after consulting with each teacher as to the needs for the quarter.
Every teacher and worker shall be expected to use the Bible in the classroom. Proper curriculum materials will be provided for each teacher and student. Specialized studies in harmony with church doctrine may be selected. Such studies must be approved by the executive committee.
MINISTRIES
- Guidelines for Ministry
The executive committee shall establish programs to meet the needs of the various groups represented in the church (such as children’s ministries, family ministries, single and adult ministries.)
Programs shall be developed to reach those in the community with specialized needs and those unable to attend Sunday morning session classes.
- Missions
A missions education and fund raising program shall be established which includes a monthly teaching emphasis and missions offerings.
Permission to reproduce this resource granted for local church
use.
©2003 Gospel Publishing House
