Question to Ponder: Does Sunday School Matter? (Part 2)
The father of Sunday School is Robert Raikes (1725-1811). He has three main concerns:
1. Children were not getting the education they needed due to the long work weeks of factories.
2. The Bible was not read in the home, therefore, children were growing up without knowledge of Jesus.
3. Christian morality and virtues had been lost.
Robert Raikes established Sunday School in an organized manner which kids would learn to read and write by using the Bible as the textbook. The Sunday School taught the life doctrines of the Bible, the joy of singing songs of Christ, and the importance of prayer.
Does Sunday School still have a role to fulfill in our lives today? I have listed nine purposes Sunday School fulfills today.
Sunday school provides a structure for teaching God’s Word. Preaching isn’t enough. A systematic teaching of the Scriptures – not just preaching (Acts 5:42) needs to occur through all age levels. Children, youth, and adults need opportunities for discovery, review, and interaction as they study God’s principles. Sunday school meets needs!
Sunday school gears Bible teaching to a specific age group (Deut. 31:12). It allows a wiggly four-year-old to discover great biblical truth by acting out a Bible story, completing dot-to-dot pictures, singing fun songs, and obeying parents. During the same hour, senior adults may discuss whether their relationship with their spouse and responses to daily crises reflect their trust in God. Both age groups leave Sunday school with specific applications for the week.
Sunday school mobilizes and trains the congregation for leadership. It’s difficult to say who benefits more, the teacher or the student. As the teacher’s Bible knowledge and care grow, his or her life is changed. Stretching occurs as leadership skills are developed. Students learn and are challenged, but how much more is that true in the life of the teacher
Sunday school is discipleship! Every shepherd/teacher must have a desire to see each student in his/her flock have a spiritual life change. Since discipleship is “teaching to obey all I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20), it’s not merely teaching facts, but teaching obedience. While there are many styles of discipleship (one-on-one, small group, etc.), Sunday school is group discipleship that is entry-level.
Sunday school is convenient. With the work, family, and activity schedules of many church members, it is easier to come to church one hour earlier than to arrange another night out during the week. Also by meeting on Sunday, the whole family is blessed because children can be taught while the adults are learning.
Sunday school organizes the church into caring groups. The teacher becomes a shepherd for the class, an extension of the pastor’s ministry. While the pastor finds it impossible to know all the needs of the congregation, Sunday school teachers (shepherds) know when someone is absent or hurting and can express love personally.
Sunday school leads the church in prayer and relationships. From the preschool class through the adult classes, prayer is directed toward the specific needs of class members. The class not only prays, but has an opportunity to respond to specific needs. Fellowship and informal conversations flow easily in small groups where care is expressed and people know your name and your needs.
Sunday school focuses on outreach to peers and friends. In a small group setting, where warmth and love flow and topics are non-threatening. Class members are encouraged to invite fellow-employees or friends from school. Class socials and activities can focus on community outreach through social or ministry events.
Sunday school lets the church achieve with consistency all the above. Sunday school is one of the most consistent programs in the church. It doesn’t stop for the summer and rarely for holidays. Sunday after Sunday its dedicated staff leads the church in this most important ministry.
Just a Thought: Have you made Sunday School a priority for your family?
See you in Sunday School!
Scott Kallem, Pastor