Share the Personal Benefits when You Recruit
Although we do give our time and talents to the Lord and His work, we also receive personal gain and satisfaction. People need to know what happens once a person shares Jesus Christ with others. As part of your recruiting efforts, list the reasons for Christian education and be sure to include the personalbenefits.
Design a sheet that can be inserted into your bulletin, distributed by ushers, or sent through the mail. Include a card or tear-off section for requests for information regarding involvement in Christian education.
Use a title, such as: “Christian Education Yields a High Return” or, “The Give and Take of Being in a Sunday School Class.”
Divide the page into four sections. The first section will explain that Christian education is an opportunity for ministry for everyone. For example, “Sharing your faith is necessary to your spiritual well-being. Get involved in Christian education, and improve your health. Here you can help others as you encourage them in their faith, teach them God’s Word, and share the excitement of the Christian life.
“Enjoy the peace of obedience as you respond to Christ’s command to ‘Go ... and teach’ (Matthew 28:19). You’ll experience the many rewards of being involved in a classroom of children, youth, or adults. Once you try giving away your faith, you’ll never be the same.”
The second section explains the benefits to students. For example, “Why be a student of God's Word? The Scriptures are exciting because of their application to people of every age and ability. The life-long study of the Bible is continually enriching and new. Consider the advantages Paul describes:
‘Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth' (2 Timothy 2:15).
‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:16,17, NIV).
“A student of God's Word continues to enjoy the benefits of spiritual growth and a close relationship with God. Don’t neglect this part of your health.”
The third section focuses on the personal benefits to teachers and assistants in the Christian education department.
“Christian education isn’t just for students. Spend time helping learners, and you will receive much more than you give. In addition to personal growth from studying God’s Word and spending time in prayer, you will receive energy, strength, words to say, maturity, peace, and God’s presence.
“Search the New International Version of the Bible to find the missing words in the following phrases. You may be surprised at what you read.”
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“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone.... To this end I labor, with all his ___________”(Colossians 1:28, 29).
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“Use whatever gift he has received to serve others.... If anyone serves, he should do it _____________God provides” (1 Peter 4:10, 11).
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“He who gave some ... to be teachers ... until we all reach unity ... and become _____________” (Ephesians 4:11-13).
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“Whatever you have learned ... put it into practice. And ____________” (Philippians 4:9).
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“Go ... teaching ... and surely I ____________” (Matthew 28:19, 20).
Make your own list of benefits to add to these. Then begin to share your faith through Christian education. You can’t lose!
The final section is the most important. Provide clear instructions and an easy method of response, such as a card than can be filled out and put in the offering basket or left at the information desk. Ask God for guidance as to where He wants His people to contribute to His church. Follow up every response to discuss an area of involvement in the ministry.
God’s Word has many promises of personal blessing. This recruiting tool mentions only a few of the rewards of a committed, giving life. Invite your congregation to be part of this blessing by serving in the Christian education department.
