How to Grow an Effective Sunday School

Abstract

As good as Bible preaching in the morning service is, sermons are usually selective and do not systematically cover the Bible.Sermons also are usually motivational, aimed at changing the life rather than systematically communicating Bible doctrine and content.Training classes do not emphasize Bible content to a great extent, although they use the Bible.The same can be said of children's club programs such as Awana, Pioneer Girls, and Christian Service Brigade.Children's Church programs are usually more motivational than instructional.Sunday School lessons, however, follow a predetermined curriculum.These lessons are planned by specialists in Christian education who are concerned that equal treatment be given to every subject according to the importance it has in Scripture and the influence it can make on a life.Some curriculums plan to cover the Bible every four years, others in seven years, and some once in the lifetime of a student.Regular Sunday School attendance is important for every believer so that he might gain a full knowledge of Bible content and doctrine. Sunday School is imperative for growth toward maturity.The aim of a Christian is maturity-"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-15).When a Christian reaches full maturity, he is complete or whole.Every part of his life is integrated around Christ.In personality, this involves knowledge, skills, attitude, and habits.In Bible knowledge, this involves a foundational knowledge of every doctrine and a basic introduction to Scripture.In service, this involves using his gifts according to the ability God gave him.The Bible has the tremendous power to: change individuals and nations, "for the word of God is quick, and powerful . .." (Hebrews 4:12); convict of sin (Jeremiah 23:29); draw a sinner to Christ (John 6:63,68); convert the soul (Psalm 19:7); implant faith (Romans 10:17); produce a new nature (II Peter 1:4); strengthen babes (I Peter 2:2); fortify growth (Hebrews 5:12,13); and equip Christians for battle (Ephesians 6:12).But knowledge about Christianity has little value unless the Holy Spirit applies it to the heart.The pupil must understand and obey the precepts of the Bible.People become hardened Pharisees when the Bible is a mere academic textbook.Therefore, the Bible must be taught by spiritual teachers, using biblical methods, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and guided by the Great Commission.The main function of Sunday School is to teach the Bible according to God's methods.Through its classes, the dynamic gospel can make an impact on individuals, nurturing them toward maturity, and hence on communities, bringing revival to a nation.cooperative expression of moral righteousness in the community.Their godly influence is felt in their local areas: home, school, business, city activities, and life in general.Since Christians are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), a Sunday School should make people thirsty for the gospel. 7.Missionary influence around the world.Since Sunday Schools seek to lead their pupils into a dedicated life to obey all of God's commands, pupils cannot deny the Great Commission.Ultimately, the obligation of home and foreign missions will be felt in the Sunday School.Pupils will respond by praying, giving, and going into all the world.Missions involves more than crossing an ocean; it involves home missions, which can mean work in Sunday School missions, rescue missions, summer missionary endeavors, and other ministries beyond the local community. SUMMARYThe Sunday School is imperative as the reaching, teaching, winning arms of the church.When it fulfills these purposes through Christian education, it enlarges the church, influences the community, and reaches the world. GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR STUDY AND DISCUSSION Chapter 2: Organizing the Sunday SchoolThe title Sunday School is not found in the Bible; however, its function is there, for it carries out the aim and program that God intends for the church to teach all of the Bible to all people.To do this Sunday School needs to be organized for efficient working.God controls His universe by order and design; the Sunday School should do no less.God's organization is evident in the arrangement of the Creation and its continuing function.The tribes of Israel were organized around the tabernacle in the wilderness.Jesus also operated out of strategy.When our Lord preached so long the great crowd became hungry, His disciples served food in an organized plan as He directed.When the 70 were sent out to minister, they went out two by two, according to a program.The early church went through Jerusalem systematically: "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ" (Acts 5:42).Paul taught priority and order in the church in I Corinthians 12:28, then commanded the church: "Let all things be done decently and in order" (I Corinthians 14:40).While the Sunday School gets its authority from the Word of God, it functions through the local church.Every church organization has some type of church government which is stated in the church constitution, and the Sunday School is no exception.Every Sunday School officer, teacher, and worker should be made aware of the church constitution as it refers to the Sunday School and how his work relates to the total church ministry. ACTIVITIES FOR FURTHER STUDY AND APPLICATION1. Classify your type of Sunday School organization and note how close you are to a danger level in growth.2. Map out a specific plan of action for moving past that danger level into the next phase of Sunday School development.

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