1. 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!
2. Sunday school gears Bible teaching to a specific
age group (Deut. 31:12). It means a wiggly four-
year-old can 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 or
responses to daily crises reflect their trust in
God. Both age groups leave Sunday school with
specific applications for the week.
3. Sunday school mobilizes and trains laity for
leadership. It’s difficult to say who benefits
more, the teacher or the student. The teacher’s
Bible knowledge and care grows… his or her life
is changed… a 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
4. The 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 man styles of discipleship (one-
on-one, small group, etc.) Sunday school is the
group discipleship that is entry-level. It’s the
“next step” after attending morning worship.
From Sunday schools can develop small cell
groups – discipleship. Since many people who
attend church are not in a one-on-one or small
group discipleship, an effective Sunday school is
a form of “Discipleship 101.”
5. 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 or love one hour later than to
arrange another night out during the week. Also
by having it on Sunday the children can be
taught while the adults are learning. Parents
who skip Sunday school in favor of mid-week
small group often overlook the valuable
“teaching times” their children miss by receiving
“child-care” during the week rather than
“teaching” in children’s Sunday school.
6. Sunday school organizes the church into caring
groups. The teacher becomes a shepherd for the
class, an extension of the pastor’s ministry.
Where 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.
7. Sunday school leads the church in prayer and
relationships. From the preschool class through
all the adult classes, prayer is directed toward
the specific needs of the class members. Often
the lass 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.
8. 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.
9. Sunday school lets the church do all the above
with consistency. 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.