Adult Education Ministry
Leader: Phil Rison

Adult Sunday School • Small Groups  • Library

There are two areas where you can  be involved with the Adult Education Ministry:
1.) Adult Sunday School Teacher
2.) Community Group Leader

Adult Sunday School Teacher
Adult Education Ministry

Sunday School has been one of the major modes of educating people in the Christian faith since the late 18^th century.  It has changed over time and if it continues to adapt in methods and models of conveying the Bible, it can continue to be an effective tool for the Church.

There is a need to have creative and personable people to lead adult Sunday School classes.  We need people to teach in both existing classes and develop new classes (most increase in Sunday School attendance comes through the increase of new classes not additions to new classes). 

The qualities of a good Adult Sunday School class leader vary; however, some of the basics are, having a good Christian walk, being a natural student, and being able in your own way to convey information.  Teaching skills, lesson planning, group dynamics, etc. can be learned, and over time mastered, but are not needed to start out with. 

What is expected from an Adult Sunday School Teacher:

1. You need to try to live a life that is an example to others on how to be Christ-like.

2. To teach at Gateway Christian Church you need to be a member of the church.

3. You need to make your commitment to teaching this class a priority in your Church life.  (It is very difficult to teach an adult Sunday School class while involved in several other ministries.)

4. You need to be here on the Sunday’s you are suppose to teach or make arrangements for someone to cover for you.  (Some classes are on a teacher rotation by irregular quarters, however, we would like to see more classes taught by one teacher for most of the year.)

5. You need to be on time for your class, which means there before everyone else so that you can welcome them.  (We have one class that special arrangements have been made to have someone else there early.)

6. You need to be prepared to lead the class for the day.  (Studied, prepared, planned, etc.)

7. You need to work with other in your class to encourage people to be a part of your class.

What you can expect from us ( the Adult Christian Education Team):

1. We will give you whatever training and preparation you need to do this ministry.

2. We will try to give you enough information to allow you to do this ministry with confidence.

3. We will keep an open ear and mind to you, your suggestion and your needs.

4. We will pray for you and your ministry.

You are being asked to sign up for a one-year commitment. 

After the first three months we will talk about your ministry.  If either of us believe that after trying it out, that this is not a good fit for you, we will start to find you a replacement, and we can go back to the involvement ministry to find you a better fitting ministry.  It is O.K.  God has equipped everyone to do ministry, but not everyone is suited for every ministry.

This is not a minor commitment.  We are asking not only for the 1 hour on Sunday morning, but also the time for preparation during the week and time spent trying to encourage people to participate in your class.

A weekly time average of: 120 Minutes

Small Group Leader
Adult Education Ministry

The churches in America have rediscovered small Groups over the last twenty years.  Different churches have used many different methods and models, each having its advantages and disadvantages.  However, one thing has become obvious in the analysis; one type of group does not fit the ministry needs of a given church.  This last year, Gateway has had several different types of small groups, from accountability, to lesson, to fellowship.  This does not include the ministry groups such as the Lord’s Ladies or the Worship Team.  There is a great need for many other groups, some like the existing ones and others like recovery groups, singles groups, men’s and women’s groups, etc.  Also, not all groups need to be permanent established thing.  The group could be scheduled for six weeks, six months, or six years.

The qualities of a good small group leader vary because the types of groups vary; however, you do need to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Teaching skills, lesson planning, group dynamics, etc. are things that can be learned if need, and over time mastered, but these are not needed to start out with. 

There are two major things needed to start a small group:

1. A Person (or persons) with a Passion

2. A Plan (in which we can help develop)

What is expected from a Small Groups Leader.

1. You need to try to live a life that is an example to others on how to be Christ-like.  (It is a requirement of Gateway Christian Church that you be a member of the church to lead most small groups.)

2. You need to make a commitment to your small group as a priority in your Church life.  (Most small groups are like little congregations that you minister to.)

What you can expect from us (the Adult Christian Education Team):

1.  We will give you whatever training and preparation you need to do this ministry.

2. We will try to give you enough information to allow you to do this ministry with confidence.

3. We will keep an open ear and mind to you, your suggestion and your needs.

4. We will pray for you and your ministry.

 A weekly time average of:  120 Minutes