Sunday School is a small group (depending on the group) where people listen and talk with one another about the Bible. It can be a daunting task for anyone to navigate the waters of Sunday School and not feel socially shy or awkward. It makes it even harder if you are new!
Here are a few tips to help you not feel so awkward the next time you are in a Sunday School class:
#1 Make sure you think through the question you are going to ask and make sure it makes sense with the topic that is actually being discussed. Another issue with questioning is timing... if the time passes to another subject, just wait until after the group is over to ask your question. No big deal! You don't want to be a distraction in the group... you just want to add to it with your question and futher the lesson.
#2 When making comments, keep them short. If you launch into a long personal story that might relate to the topic or might not, the teacher is sometimes at a loss when to stop you or doesn't want to hurt your feelings. The best rule is when making a comment... make it short... 20 second or so and make sure it is on topic. If the teacher or leader needs more from you (or wants you to speak more), they will encourage you to keep talking and sharing.
#3 Don't ever feel forced to read the Bible or ask a question or make a comment. There is nothing wrong with just listening and soaking in what others have to say. It can be unnerving to have to read in front of others... if you aren't sure about it... just skip it. No biggie little piggie.
The unfortunate part about this is that the people that need to read and apply these three principles don't think it actually applies to them. They don't realize that... yes... you are the one. In order to figure this out, think about the following items:
* When you talk in class, do others look down or shift in their seat as you talk. When people are trying to be polite in group settings and they are embarassed for you or are trying to hide their frustration, they will often cover their face with their hands or bend their heads down so their expressions cannot be seen (they are being polite!). Look around... are there a lot of people doing this?
* If you start your comment or question with "I'm not sure how this relates, but..." it probably doesn't.
* If the group leader attempts to break into your comment verbally, but starts to talk then stops, he or she is attempting to cut you off, but is trying to do so politely. Maybe take a hint.
* Does it seem like you are doing all the talking and no one else is participating? Maybe it is because you are taking up all the commenting time and others can't speak up. This can happen to anyone... especially if you get excited about a topic or subject.
These are of course just some suggestions and ideas to help. Being in groups is not for everyone, but they are so beneficial. It is in small groups where we can expand our faith and understand others' view of the Bible and God. Worth doing! Worth doing well!
I hope this helps (if it is for you).
Troy Borst
Christian Education Minister
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