Sunday School is one of the best ministries at incorporating new members into the life of the Church.   However, incorporating these new members into any Sunday School class can be very difficult.   Have you ever wondered what makes businesses successful?  Whether they are coffee shops or department stores, they provide valuable information for Sunday Schools Classes.   What do these successful businesses do?  They tap into the Five Senses.   When one walks into their favorite coffee shop they are immediately hit by sights, sounds, smells, taste and touch.

When people walk into Sunday Schools classes, what can be done to target the sights, sounds, smells, taste and touch of all who attend.    Here are five suggestions that really make SENSE.

• SIGHT
  
  What does your room look like?  Does it look bright, clean and welcoming? 
  
  Does it convey the age of the class you teach?  If you teach a group of men that love to hunt, consider putting a deer head on the wall or a mounted duck. 
  
  Use color, plants, pictures, tables, couches, chairs, rugs, etc.   Our rooms should communicate comfort and a relaxed atmosphere.
  
  
• SOUND
  
  What do they hear when they walk in your room?  Is there excitement?
  
  Is there a radio playing in the background?  Music defines all atmospheres.
  
  Are people greeting at the door of every classroom?
  
  
• SMELLS
  
  When people enter a coffee shop, they are immediately hit with a multitude of smells…smell communicates.
  
  Does your room smell clean and fresh?
  
  Every week, make sure you have coffee and food that smells good.  Assign people to bring something each week.  Everyone loves the smell and taste of homemade cinnamon rolls.  
  
  
• TASTE
  
  Food relaxes people.   Food is the friendship language.  
  
  Everyone loves to talk and eat.  
  
  Food will enhance your fellowship time as well.
  
  
• TOUCH
  
  Everyone needs a smile, handshake and a hug.
  
  Make sure that everyone gets a handshake.   When appropriate, give a hug too.

These are simple steps that can be incorporated into every Sunday School class.   I realize not everything can be done.  However, some can be with little creativity.   When achieved, the results will be very rewarding.  People need to feel welcome, at ease and at home. This is what every Sunday School class desires.

John Caddy serves as a member of the ABSC Evangelism and Church Growth team in the area of Adult Sunday School and Small Group ministry. He served nine years as Associate Pastor of Students at Wynne Baptist Church and four years as Pastor of Church Growth and Evangelism at the Indian Springs Baptist in Bryant. It is his passion to serve Arkansas churches and their staff. He and his wife Lana, along with their four children, reside in Bryant, Arkansas.