Sunday School in the 21st Century

By Julia Shipley

What does the future hold for Sunday School? It’s a question that Christian educators working at all levels must ask. Why do we see some Sunday Schools that are exciting and growing?
Whilst others are dead, dying or somewhere in between just holding their own, with the same programmes and attendance.

England has a rich history of beginnings and steady growth. Plat owing through the latter half of the last century. Today most Sunday Schools fall into the last category - just holding their own.
A closer look at the first group, the schools that are showing steady growth that is sustained.
That have exciting and dynamic programmes could be the answer we seek. How a higher level of Christian education and commitment can be achieved and promote growth. If we are willing to make changes to our programmes and learn to listen.

Taking time and studying the information about these Sunday Schools the following was noted as common themes. It is not intended as a complete list by any means. The hope is that you will be able to think about how you could make changes to the programmes you run in order to promote more growth.

First these Sunday Schools were large (200 members or more). This gave them the advantage of a larger pool of teachers/leaders to choose from. The encouraging aspect to this is that most started small. You may have a small school now but you can grow!

Secondly most if not all employed a full-time Youth Paster/Director of Christian Education. This was thought to be necessary taking into account the amount of time it takes to co-ordinate and run the various programmes. If a paid person was not an option then they had very active volunteers (individuals or a committee) who gave considerable time to the planning and promoting of the Sunday School.

All were evangelical. All had a definite sense of reaching and meeting the needs of the un-churched and “un-Sunday-Schooled” in their area/community. Regular planned programmes included invitation and visitation. Classes were offered covering evangelism and outreach. Of vital importance was that all these schools made sure visitors and new members were made welcome and made to feel part of the Sunday School family. Some offered special classes for the spiritually “young” members.

There seems to be an abandoning of traditional Sunday School lessons in favour of writing their own curriculum. Whilst others used denominational or independent publishing they made major changes to adapt the material to the needs of the children.

Another interesting aspect was that most had moved away from the single teacher approach to that of team teaching. Two or three people teach a particular class for a year (no more). They agree to study, pray and plan for the coming lessons. The advantage of this is that one person can teach the class whilst the other/s prepare for the next part. The one year commitment also ensures that “burn-out” is not reached as the historical problem of using and exhausting teacher/leaders is avoided.

Today’s children and young people are used to having lessons in small segments of information, each related to the same lesson or theme, presented in rapid succession. The class may start with a story and move into music, drama, guest speaker, crafts etc.

Another way of teaching is to make use of the activity/learning centre approach. This entails children moving from one station to another within the classroom. They learn at their own pace so this method relies on the child’s self-motivation. Activities range from listening centres to week-long activities with parents/carers.

In conclusion it all paints a bright and optimistic future for Sunday Schools. The question remains what will you do to build a Christian education programme? One that will reach into your community and touch the un-churched at the same time building and encouraging members to a deeper commitment to God, His word and His work. It won’t be easy but if you are to have an active, growing Sunday School, do you have a choice?

Julia Shipley is a committed Christian and loves to teach young people the word of God. For more information visit http://www.quick-christian-resources.com