In the Extreme Sunday School Challenge by Bruce Raley and David Francis, the right DNA for a new group includes accountability, “Accountable for sending leaders and starting new groups.” Somehow the idea of accountability has faded from existence among members and groups. The best way to recover a sense of accountability is to embed it in the DNA of a new group. It could be said that God added accountability to man’s DNA at creation through these words; “be fruitful and multiply.”

Before launching a new group, decide who needs to be on the team and what role they will play. Leaders should be enlisted to a specific function and to be fruitful and multiply. As a result, they will see multiplying as their commission/mandate and goal. The new leadership can begin with the end (or new beginning) in mind. For the goal to be effective, challenge the leadership to accomplish the mission within a certain time frame (18 – 24 months).

As the new group is launched, assistance should be given to the new groups in discovering and training apprentices. Teachers, outreach leaders, care leaders, and all other key leaders should seek to have an apprentice. On-the-job training will be the most effective, but should be supplemented with additional and on-going training. If leaders are going to be held accountable, then they should be given every resource needed to accomplish the task. Staff and Sunday School leadership should work as faithful partners in the launch and on-going process. There is an element of truth to the adage, “people don’t do what you expect, but what you inspect.” However, it would be more beneficial for you to be a partner than an inspector.

The sending of leaders and starting of new groups should become a point of celebration. Recognize the accomplishments before the church and inside the classroom. In a time of worship or other appropriate venue, have a commissioning service to celebrate the launch of a new group and to congratulate the leaders on a job well-done. Inside the class, create a ‘class missionaries’ board with pictures of leaders who have been sent into service. Let these pictures serve as an on-going reminder to the group of their responsibilities in partnership and fellowship, as well as, a source of mission accomplishment.

Disciples are made through relationships. Small groups are best for building relationships. New groups foster the building of relationships, the making of disciples, and the sending of leaders. Start a new group with the right DNA, then be fruitful and multiply.

DNA has moved from science classroom discussions to the mainstream of television shows and nightly news reports over the years. What is it? It is the genetic code or the hereditary material of all organisms, including humans. DNA is what helps us determine identity and health.

Imagine if you could create the DNA of your ideal class and embed it in all future groups! What would it look like? I believe you can help create the identity and health of a new group through the right values (DNA). What is the right DNA for a healthy group? Numerous ideas exist, including one that can be found in Extreme Sunday School Challenge by Bruce Raley and David Francis.

As you create a new group, you will need to think about its’ DNA. What will the group look like, how will it function, and what will it value? Maybe you will decide that it needs to reach, teach, minister and multiply. If so, you need to plant people in the group that will give life (place value) on each of these functions. These tasks will not get done unless key leaders are intentionally placed into the ‘class DNA.’

Here are some ideas to help in embedding this value-based ‘genetic code’ in a group:

Values are vocal – Someone needs to be responsible to make sure the value is addressed verbally by the group each time it meets.

Values are visible – ‘Trace evidence’ of the group’s DNA should be visible on the walls and in front of the group to remind it of the mission.

Values are verifiable – there should be tangible evidence to demonstrate the accomplishment of purpose. For example, if the class values care ministry it will develop care groups and be accountable for ministry action.

Values are validated – the group leader gives validity to what is valued when he affirms the efforts of those involved.

Values bring victory – and should be celebrated throughout the church, if you are hoping for multiplication. We get what we celebrate.

Celebrate the birth of a new group with the right DNA. Challenge the group to ‘be fruitful and multiply.’