Sunday School Matters
October 14th, 2006I have had quite a journey into Education Ministry. I have to tell you that I am a huge Sunday School fan regardless of what form it takes. I did not start that way, however.
I did not grow up in a church of any kind. My parents had been burned out by abusive preachers and decided not to attend church when they left home. Occasionally, however they would send me to Sunday School or take me to services. I especially remember my mom taking me to the Naval base chapel when my dad was out at sea.
I remember that while we were attending the Chapel services they would send the kids out to a Sunday School class. I went into my age group class totaly out of place. The lessons that they taught us were based on information that a regular, church-going kid would have known. I was virtually ignorant of the Bible. I did not know the order of the books, whether Noah or Abraham came first or if Jesus and Moses were contemporaries. So, I felt out of place and hated going to class. I did, however. enjoy the worship services with the adults — very non-threatening and I could hide my ignorance.
Fast-forward to my conversion as a 19 year old (I may tell you that story later). I eagerly attended the worship services of the church — even on Sunday night! Yet, just like in my childhood days, I did not want to go to Bible Class, basically for the same reason — I did not know much about the Bible (I did not even know the jingle o put the books of the New Testament in order). I hesitantly attended class and even taught a time or two.
When I decided to go into MInistry, I focused on preaching and the worship services. Class seemed to me to be a dull time of information sharing. It was an “information dump” to me.
As time and circumstances happened, I came to be an Education Minister (as well as wearing some other titles). As a result, I have done a great deal of research and study in regard to Education Ministry. I see things far differently today.
Sunday School matters! In addition to sharing information, Sunday School (or “Bible School” or “Class” other titles) is the backbone of the church. Here is where relationships are formed and entrance into the church can easily be attained. Through class activities such as fellowship or ministry projects, people get to know one another and Christian bonds are made. This also occurs in the small group setting, which can also be built into Sunday School (see the Adult Bible Fellowship model).
Sunday School is a time to learn Bible. It is a time to develop our theology. It is a time of worship. It is also a time to build strong Christian relationships.
Enjoy Sunday School. Develop Sunday School. It makes a real difference. Sunday School matters.
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene (greene.perry@gmail.com)
