Checklist for Starting New Adult Sunday School Classes

• Determine the need
  
  Look for classes that exceed room capacity.
  Look for inactive class members who might attend a new class. Is there a new target group in the community that is not being reached by the church?
• Gather support
  Gather support for starting the new by publicizing from the pulpit; sharing the need and possible plans with classes and teachers in meetings and visits to classes; making the need a prayer priority for the church; talk with individual teachers about the need, and ask a class to sponsor a new class as a mission action.
• Enlist and train a leadership team
  Enlist a team to start the new class. This team should be made up of a teacher, class ministry coordinator, a care leader and an apprentice. The apprentice can assist in all responsibilities until the class growth to a size that requires additional care group leaders. The team supports one another and shares the workload that could overwhelm a teacher working alone. Training can be handled through apprenticeships, formal training workshops, reading books and coaching.
• Determine and make provisions for space and ministry resources
  Provide an appropriate space (room or meeting area). The room should be located in appropriate proximity to children’s spaces, worship and parking facilities. Provide appropriate furnishing for the space. Order teaching resources and recordkeeping resources for the leaders. Set up the room with chairs arranged in a circle and provide a coffee/beverage table with coffeemaker. Make sure the room is clean and free of junk and clutter.
• Promote starting date and contact, contact, contact!
  Set a target date for starting the new class. Search for prospects and develop a list of prospects to be contacted through letters, cards, e-mails, visits and other personal contacts. Ask church and Sunday School members who they know that does not attend Sunday School. Build a prospect file that includes names, address and other points of contact. Also, list family details and interests as available. Host a fellowship that includes the new class team and prospective members. Announce the starting time of the new class from the pulpit and through church publications. Telephone and e-mail prospects one week before the date the new class starts. Follow up with another contact on the Saturday before the new class starts.
• Conduct the first class session
  The teacher should be very well prepared for the session. Provide nametags for every participant each Sunday. Provide a coffee and juice fellowship at the beginning of the class. Make sure everyone has met all participants before beginning the study.
• Follow up the class session with contacts to each person who participated in the new class