The Wrong Strategy in Sunday School: Why Honesty and Preparation Matter

The Wrong Strategy in Sunday School

Who would have thought that Pascal’s Wager from the seventeenth century would trickle down to a twenty-first-century Sunday School class? Alas! Here’s what happened.

I had breakfast recently with a 28-year-old man who grew up under my preaching and rejected all of it until four weeks ago. He was converted watching the documentary The American Gospel. The changes that have happened in his heart and life already are remarkable. He is now re-listening to sermons he heard fifteen years ago. “It’s all there,” he said.

I asked him what I could have done differently in my preaching that might have helped him hear what he couldn’t hear. He said two things. The second one surprised me.

Telling It Like It Is

The first thing he mentioned was the importance of being straightforward and honest in preaching. He believed that it was better for pastors to tell it like it is rather than softening the message unrealistically. People need to hear the truth, even if it is hard to accept.

As I reflected on this feedback, I realized the significance of this approach. Sometimes, in an attempt to be gentle or seeker-sensitive, we may dilute the gospel message. We must remember that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). It is not our job to soften the message but to faithfully proclaim it.

Think about it this way: if a doctor discovers that a patient has a life-threatening illness, would he sugarcoat the diagnosis? No, he would clearly and honestly communicate the seriousness of the condition and the necessary treatment. In the same way, as messengers of the gospel, we must present the truth with clarity and urgency, highlighting the severity of sin and the need for redemption.

Providing a Heads Up

The second aspect my young friend mentioned was the importance of giving a heads up before delivering hard truths. He suggested that if a pastor is going to address challenging or convicting topics, it could be helpful to prepare the congregation by letting them know in advance.

While this may seem counterintuitive, there is wisdom in this suggestion. When people have a heads up, they have time to mentally and emotionally prepare themselves. It allows them to approach the message with a willingness to listen and receive, rather than being caught off guard and defensive.

However, it is crucial to strike a balance. We don't want to water down the gospel or avoid challenging topics altogether. Jesus and the apostles didn't shy away from addressing difficult issues. Instead, they spoke the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). By providing a heads up, we can create an environment where people feel safe to engage with challenging truths and grow in their faith.

Embracing the Gospel's Power

Ultimately, the power of the gospel lies not in our strategies or techniques, but in the truth of God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. We must trust in the power of the gospel to transform hearts and lives.

When we faithfully preach the gospel, unapologetically declaring the truth and providing a heads up when necessary, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can work mightily. As Paul writes, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16).

Conclusion

In our desire to connect with people and make the gospel accessible, we must be careful not to compromise its truth or dilute its power. We need to tell it like it is, remembering that God's Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).

Let us be bold in proclaiming the gospel, trusting in the power of God to transform hearts and lives. And let us provide a heads up when addressing challenging topics, creating an environment where people can engage with the truth and be changed by it.

May our Sunday School classes, sermons, and all our ministries be marked by a commitment to faithfully proclaim the gospel, trusting in God's power to bring salvation to those who believe.