A successful, Spirit-filled Sunday school hour does not happen by accident. It takes a conscious effort on the part of the teacher and student to prepare throughout the week so that on Sunday morning a spiritual work can be done. 

At North Valley Baptist Church, we encourage our teachers to “begin preparing for Sunday on Sunday.” What we are asking our teachers to do is to begin preparing for their Sunday school class on Sunday evenings so they have the whole week to allow the Holy Spirit to direct their thoughts for the upcoming Sunday school hour. 

The following items should be a part of the teacher’s weekly checklist as he works to ready himself for Sunday:

  • Lesson—What a privilege it is for one to stand and teach the precious Word of God. This is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Do not wait until the end of the week to study your text, write notes and an outline, think of illustrations, and make an application of the truth.
  • Cue Card—A Sunday school teacher should plan each item that goes into his class hour. Developing a cue card will create an order for the service, eliminate dead space, and prevent awkward transitions. 
  • Absentees—Every Sunday, a teacher should review his class attendance and see who was missing. As the shepherd of that class, the teacher should then spend time during the week contacting every absentee via phone call, home visit, postcard, or e-mail. 
  • Supplies—Develop a checklist early in the week of items you need to purchase or prepare. Visual aids, refreshments, prizes, class bulletins, and lesson handouts should be ready ahead of time. Not having to make a last-minute run to the store or print a class bulletin on Sunday morning will allow you to focus on setting up your classroom and welcoming your students as they arrive. 

Whether you have been a Sunday school teacher for weeks or decades, preparation is essential. Though it may sound simple, may I encourage you to begin preparing for Sunday on Sunday!

Share this post
Andrew Reimers

Andrew Reimers, Sunday School Director

Having grown up in a wonderful Christian home, Brother Reimers was saved at an early age. After high school, he moved from Meriden, Connecticut, to attend Golden State Baptist College in 2009. Following graduation, he married his wife Joy and joined the church staff as Director of North Valley Publications and the Sunday School.