Wow! The “Big 12” has 10 teams and the “Big 10” now has 12 teams. My family is a huge fan of the “Big 12”. My wife and I both attended Baylor and now my youngest has finished her first year at Baylor. We were a little anxious the last few weeks as we heard of conferences around the country that were planning to grow into the mega-conferences and other conferences that were looking to disband. Whatever you’re feeling about this recent occurrence, you have to admit there was a lot of excitement and interest in what was going to happen.
This reminds me of the fact that our Sunday morning Bible Study groups and small groups have the opportunity to experience this same type of excitement if we intentionally use Sunday School to experience growth in our churches. Now I am not talking about that negative feedback that is sometimes a part of realignment whether it be athletic conferences or Sunday School classes. I am talking about that interest and enthusiasm that comes along with planning and growing. Planning and growing are a part of any thriving organization. We too must be strategic in our plan to organize growth in the area of Bible Study.
We are in one of those windows of opportunities at our church. It is sometimes difficult to change familiar patterns and old ways. We must understand that God is moving. He wants to use us to reach people for Him. As we join in this undertaking, we acknowledge that there might be some changes in the way we are currently doing things. As a church, we must look at those we are trying to reach. Are we prepared for young families, singles, or people going through changes in their lives? Is our leadership ready to confront the challenging issues that society is throwing at us? Is there a plan to study God’s Word and allow it to transform people’s lives through the power of the Holy Spirit?
There is a window of opportunity for all of us. If viewed from God’s perspective, it is exciting and challenging. Our plans are nothing if they are not founded in God’s plan.
We need to pray that God will give us wisdom and courage as we seek to win a lost world for Him. Let us not forget to take opportunity for personal growth. Take the opportunities that are provided for you and participate in local, state and national training events.
Carl Fondren BACE Educators in Medium Size Churches Affinity Group Leader Minister of Education Hiland Park Baptist Church, Panama City, FL
