Posted: 4/16/04
Sunday school renewal brings growth
and excitement to Matador church
By John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
MATADOR–Renewed commitment to Sunday school has brought growth and excitement back to First Baptist Church of Matador.
Nine months ago, only about one-third of the people enrolled in the church's Sunday school attended.
Then the church entered the Baptist General Convention of Texas' Add Life effort. The emphasis helps churches use Bible studies as avenues for growth.
Church members enthusiastically took ownership of the Sunday school program, said Pastor Jack Boggs, who also leads First Baptist Church in Roaring Springs.
The church started holding weekly teacher meetings, and teachers became more committed to preparing for Bible study. Members volunteered to become caregivers to the sick.
“I feel like everyone–the teachers and the deacons–are doing a really good job,” said Doris Moore, who volunteered to become the church's Sunday school director.
The “spiritual atmosphere” in the 111-year-old church changed, Boggs said.
Members want to go to Bible study, they are inviting friends to join them, and they are caring for others in the small town, he noted.
“There's an atmosphere now where we're reaching out and loving people,” Boggs said.
The church nearly reached its goal for high attendance Sunday for the first time in three years. Seventy-one people came to Sunday school, just one person short of the goal.
Lives are being changed, Boggs said. Members are sharing the gospel in the small town, and prospective members are coming to the church–particularly young families.
“It's Jesus,” Boggs said. “He's at work. He's changing lives.”
Growth has created contagious enthusiasm at the church, he added.
Members see God working as they minister, and they are looking forward to continuing the Add Life effort, he said.
“They're doing more,” Boggs said. “They feel better about themselves. They're more responsive.”
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