Nine Ideas for a Better Sunday School
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Titus 2:1
Let me ask you a serious question: when was the last time you actually learned something in a Sunday School class? I’m not talking about some little tidbit (like a Greek or Hebrew word). When was the last time you actually learned something worthwhile—something that helped shape your worldview, helped you conform to Christ, helped you understand God and love Him even more? Hmm. If it has been awhile or happens infrequently, you may know what I’m getting at.
First, a bit of history. Sunday School began back in the 1700s for a good reason: to teach children how to read. Back then, public schools were rare. Sunday School offered them a chance at an education and the Bible was their reading material. However, over the years it morphed into what we have now—classes held on Sunday mornings for all ages, primarily engaged in Bible study. For many denominations, this became the typical means of discipleship.
Does today’s Sunday School teach sound doctrine, or do so better than whatever we had before Sunday School existed? I can’t say for sure, but I do think that what served the church since the 1700s may be in need of some tweaking today. Studies on Sunday School attendance are hard to come by, but the few that are out there show that Sunday School attendance across denominations has been declining for quite awhile.
Not all Sunday Schools are the same. Certainly, there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. However, here, in no certain order, are some general suggestions on how to improve adult Sunday School:
Use curricula that actually help us grow in Christ. There are many aspects of the Christian life we never even attempt to teach folks. Why not have a church-wide program that takes us through those many aspects, such as classes on basic beliefs, Old Testament themes, New Testament themes, spiritual growth, Christian ethics, history of the Church, evangelism for everyone, doctrine, Bible interpretation, spiritual gifts, etc. Put them on a schedule and, every six months or so, wrap up the classes and let everyone pick the next class they’ll take. Once a person finishes all the classes, they should be well-rounded in their Christian education.
Make sure that Sunday School material is relevant. Christians new to the faith may be ready for a basic beliefs class, but probably shouldn’t be thrown into a class on “A Comparison of the Four Interpretations of Revelation.” A lesson on Noah should explain how the story applies to the 21st century. A class on Raising Godly Children probably won’t interest a young, single adult. The point is that the material should be relevant to the students (disciples).
Take some of the classes outside the church building. Sunday morning at 9am is not the best time for everyone. Let groups meet different days, times, and places. Along with different times and locations, groups should be encouraged to invite interested outsiders. Folks who would never darken the door of a church may be more inclined to attend a group meeting elsewhere. The idea is not just to impart biblical knowledge, but also to learn to love others like Christ loved us and take that love to others.
Get rid of the “if you can read you can lead” mentality in choosing teachers. Just because someone can read the Sunday School lesson, doesn’t mean they are ready to lead a discipleship group (which is what a Sunday School class should be). The group leaders should be grounded Christians who are gifted in teaching and leadership (and preferably evangelism). This will also mean training for the teachers.
Get some fresh teachers. This goes hand in hand with the above note. We need to avoid the habit of Sunday School teachers being roped into lifelong duty. If a gifted teacher wants to continue, that fine! But foster an environment where new talent is encouraged, long-time teachers can get a break, and other spiritually gifted folks are allowed to lead classes.
Discourage the lifelong Sunday School class. After we “promote” people into an adult class, it seems like they never leave. How can a Christian grow if they aren’t challenged with new teachers and new group members? We have to get out of our comfort zones and let the Spirit grow us through new stimulations, new thoughts, and new interactions. Also, see #1.
Ditch the 3rd-grade classroom model. You know, the one where the teacher sits behind a desk and lectures a classroom. Not only is this boring, but it hampers cross-communication and props up the wrong idea that there is an all-knowing teacher sharing their wisdom with lesser beings. Everyone in the group should have something to contribute and—within reason—should be encouraged to do so. Put chairs in a circle. Get rid of the desk. Have the teacher be more of a facilitator and guide, not a lecturer only. Note: This could open the door to non-doctrinal views, which is even more reason for the teachers to be well-trained and the curriculum to be previously approved.
Go and do. Discipleship is not always about sitting in a group and learning/sharing/praying. It is also (maybe primarily) about going and doing. Each group should be encouraged to go do something in the community as a group. There are thousands of ideas on small outreach events. Classes should be encouraged to do such outreach on a routine basis—even if that means sometimes foregoing their normal group meeting.
How are we doing? We track Sunday School attendance and giving. Let’s track things that have more impact. How many students are serving in a ministry in the church? How many are involved in outreach? How many have completed their basic Christian education? How many are ready to take on new leadership roles? If we tracked these things, we would have a better idea of how healthy Sunday School—and the church—really is.