As a Youth Pastor several years ago, I thought about the benefit of having one subject taught throughout each ministry, each message, and each service. In this manner, the message being taught in Sunday School is the same message in Children's Church and the Sunday Adult Service.

What's the benefit?!

The benefit to this 'style' of ministry is that every member of a family receives some portion of the same message. Though each message will be presented differently for different age groups, they share a singular theme for further discussions and studies among family and the church community. Additionally, singular weekly themes can be developed where every service from Sunday to Sunday contain aspects of the same message, topic, or set of scriptures.

This method of ministry would require good planning and communication to develop. Let's go over a couple of options:

Option 1 - Sunday School Books

Most churches today consistently receive Sunday School books. The books normally cover four months of teachings. Each Sunday, a new lesson would introduce a new study, topic, or series. Now, you don't have to follow the week-to-week schedule if there is a greater need for additional study (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:9; 2 Timothy 2:15). A cut-off can be given to ensure some messages do not run on and on, but I believe you get my point...

With each lesson, the various departments: toddlers/children, teens, and adults would glean from the corporate scriptural text to develop lessons suitable for their students. Many teachers may consider this a hassle because they may lack the resources, time, or dedication (to be honest) to build lessons that are specific to their students. Not every lesson in a published book or product is suitable to those in attendance. It is still the teacher's responsibility to ensure each message 'fits' their intended audience.

Normally, a lesson is not completed in one setting. The lessons that are taught during Sunday School can carry over into the Sunday service(s) (or whatever day you hold worship services) and the following Bible Study. Sadly, many teachers try to rush through their messages in order to 'finish.' However, this situation doesn't allow 'students' to retain what is being taught. When enough time is given to saturate a lesson, opportunities for additional questions and answers are provided and we (as the church) make a greater commitment toward discipleship.

The church must make a commitment to move together.

Option 2 - Topics

Another option that can be taken up by the church is weekly topics. Now, my first suggestion is concentrating on the commands/teachings of Jesus as this was His commission (Matthew 28:18-20). There are also other 'opportunities' that can be undertaken which draw from other subjects that intertwine with the believer's life.

Such an endeavor will require greater coordination and communication well in advance of any weekly topic. For ministries that have multiple teachers, they may be able to split 'duties' by allowing one to teach for a period while the other prepares the materials. I would suggest the materials be prepared between three to six months from the desired time to teach. The lessons may not need to be detailed, but only provide enough information (i.e. outlines, games, questions, etc.) that usher a well-thought and -covered topic.

To assist you in building weekly topics, I am providing two spreadsheets. One spreadsheet covers 52 weeks of topics with several scriptures for each topic. The other spreadsheet outlines 270 weeks of topics: 34 months on the parables and teachings of Jesus; two years for topic ideas; and the last year focuses on people of the Bible.

Please see the links below to access the spreadsheets:

270 Weeks of Topics

These methods of ministry seek to envelop a strong level of intimacy and discipleship. When drawing outside of the 'cookie cutter' style of structured lessons that may/may not fit your congregation (especially using Option Two), you have the opportunity to build an educational plan that fits the needs of the people by meeting them where they are. However, using any of these options would require a change in how church ministry is conducted. But I believe when you look at the benefits of ministry and moving forward as a church family, you may find the work is worth its weight.

How would I get started?

1. Pray.

Ask for the Lord's guidance, patience, and touch upon you, your leaders, and the people you serve.

2. Prepare Ministry Leaders.

One of the keys for this type of endeavor is ensuring everyone is on the same sheet of ministry. Now, because of varied personalities, you may spend most of your time in this area. Many people are reluctant to change and even more are resistant to drudging through any additional preparation time.

As many church ministries are volunteer-based, finding solid supporters isn't always easy. Yet, in spite of any setbacks, God is gracious, merciful, and will supply your every need. As the door toward this change opens, share your vision and the concept of educational change (discipleship) with your leaders and congregation.

3. Small Steps in Front.

As you speak with your leaders about the desires upon your heart, begin to move your own lessons toward your 'ultimate' structure. You can begin teaching/preaching during your service(s) and study sessions with the interlocking messages that lay a firm foundational structure. Many of them will see firsthand the benefits of such an endeavor.

4. Buy-in May Come Slow, but Thank God Anyhow.

Patience and long suffering may be the 'watchword' for a while. Many believers are longing to be taught where they have the opportunity to study and meditate on God's Word. There are also believers that don't want to ever study a scripture. Regardless of the situation, remain committed, focused, prayerful, and watchful. Be ready to walk through the door the Lord opens.

5. Build an Education Plan.

As the Lord opens the door for change, prepare planning meetings for your leadership. The key is to be transparent about your intentions and the direction you desire to proceed. Your planning meetings can reach as far back as three to six months, but you don't want to start too far back. For many people, if they can't see the 'light' at the end of the tunnel, the steam will run out of their engines. You should know your leaders well enough to gauge the proper interval.

When building an education plan, provide your leaders with the option you will use to teach the people. Give them as much information, training, and resources possible to allow them to be successful. Communication and preparation are key components during this period of the ministry. With the framework of the education plan, the initial meetings may begin with the combined topic/scripture listing for the upcoming season or year. You can also set milestones for them to complete an outline and detailed structure for their ministries.

A change of this nature may require you to enlist outside support/teaching, purchasing additional materials, or finding other conventional means to prepare your leaders. This is also an important step in the initial planning phases because additional monies may be required to ensure each ministry is properly prepared.

Of all the ministries within the church, the Youth Ministry may have the most 'dimensions' when developing lesson materials. Their lessons may need to be even more detailed or expansive to support the youth. They may need additional support, training, and resources from you and others.

6. Answer Questions/Feedback/Support.

After providing your vision and basic outline, revisit your ministry leaders. Take a vested interest in their development so they know you want to see them succeed (and not just do as you say). It may be beneficial to have additional meetings with each ministry (separately) to discuss their plans, preparations, provide guidance, and answer questions.

7. Congregational Support.

Through the restructured teachings in Bible Study and Sunday service (etc.), speak with the congregation about the changes are taking place. You may even hold a town hall meeting to address any questions or concerns. Remember, exercise good communication and transparency about your intentions...

8. Implementation and Follow-Through.

As the new structure is being executed throughout the church, continue to show your support. Thank your leaders for their understanding, accomplishments, and ministry to the Lord and His people. Additionally, hold periodic meetings (corporately or with individual ministries) to gauge their successes, frustrations, and where/how you can help.

Lastly, speak with the congregation about their thoughts about the new structure and any suggestions or comments they may have.

There are a lot of elements that come with being on the same sheet of ministry. Prayerfully, this will be an avenue you find beneficial in supporting your people and glorying God. If you have any questions, concerns, or require additional assistance/teaching, please send an e-mail.