Does a Sunday school require a quorum?
There are some churches out there that require golf carts to move through parking lots, tags and intercoms for childcare, and separate staff just to organize coffee fellowship. These are the congregations with fog machines, headliner worship bands, and personalized latte brands. However, not all bodies of believers are quite so numerous.
Some ministries struggle for a consistent head count and watch in frustration as leftover donuts go stale. What about Sunday School? How should we handle it when we carefully plan and make copies for classes, and only two students show up? Is it worth it to go through with a lesson or study, even if only one child is present?
If we look at the example of Christ (which as Christians of course we must do), it is pretty obvious that individual lives matter. Jesus did reach out to the masses and preach strong widely heard messages. But a huge part of His ministry also involved personal relationships. Jesus valued His friendships, evidenced clearly by interactions with His disciples. He also exerted influence on people by simple conversations and time spent. We see Him with Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, and the Samaritan woman at the well…not to mention the countless individuals healed and blessed by His hands. Jesus ate with tax collectors and scoffed at Pharisees. He answered questions and demonstrated true care and devotion to life. This is the way to win souls. It is not through tracts or amphitheater sermons, but relationships. We are promised that our efforts and interactions will not be wasted, no matter how large or small our audience…
Your Sunday School is Important!
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” -Matthew 18:19-20
It only takes one person to change another. God is always apt to hear our prayers and requests, but He especially assures us that when we team up with single resolve, even more is possible. We can still teach, still encourage and empower, whether our classes have two or ten or twenty students.
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. -Ecclesiastes 4:10
So, when the chairs are empty and the juice untouched, do we continue? Each life matters. It only takes one…even if our activity-filled lessons turn into one-on-one conversations, God is there and Christ is preached. Never underestimate the power of prayer.