Whatever the social changes that have taken place over the years and their damage to the Sunday School, none can overcome the power of the gospel to reach boys and girls. It is true that we need not cling to an outdated program just for tradition’s sake. But there is reason to believe God can do a mighty work again in the Sunday School. Here are some suggestions of ways to improve the Sunday School.
1. We need to think of the Sunday School in terms of a work for God rather than a program to manage. In discussing Sunday School work of the past with older Christians, I discovered that what made the Sunday School was work done by dedicated teachers who loved children. Too often the Sunday School is a program we operate: a certain number of classes are arranged; a corresponding number of teachers must be found, and a last-minute plea is made to fill the ranks.
Curriculum is ordered and programs planned. While a certain amount of order is needed to work together, the real vision of Sunday School is reaching boys and girls with the gospel. Years ago, teachers were prayer warriors, Bible students, home visitors, chauffeurs, and Sunday School picnic enthusiasts. This is what made Sunday School alive and the kids knew it.
2. We need to remember children are lost. I suppose it is pretty much official–we live in a godless, pagan society. The dysfunctional family is everywhere. We are easily moved by their poor home environment. But these are mere symptoms of the power of darkness. It was a hopeless, pagan society that the early apostles turned upside down. Children are perishing. The Sunday School can reach them.
3. We need to use Sunday School as a training ground for young believers. This takes work. It is not a matter of just throwing them into responsibility and seeing how they do. Under the watchful eye of interested elders and the superintendent, young people can learn responsibility, Bible study, dealing with people, problems, discouragement, and blessing. Here is one place where future workers are developed. Many elders, preachers, missionaries, deacons, and hard working saints got their start in Sunday School.
4. We need to immerse the Sunday School in prayer. Think about keeping information before the assembly. Keep it specific and interesting. Provide lists of teachers to be prayed for. Spreading missionary news goes back to New Testament days. It was a good idea then; it is a good idea today. Keep praying those kids into the kingdom.
5. We need good curriculum. The temptation is too great not to mention Modular Bible Lessons from Gospel Folio Press. Modular Bible Lessons are based on a proven strategy in building spiritual truth the way the Bible does. Many curriculums today are designed for the widest possible church market–big on artwork and light on content. There is a subtle message of salvation by good works in many products. Teaching little Mary to be obedient to Mommy or not to be afraid of the dark is pointless if we haven’t first taught Mary about her need of a Saviour to overcome her disobedience and be her Friend in the dark. Check out your curriculum. Does it demand Bible study on the part of teachers, or has it done all the work requiring only ten minutes on a Saturday night? No wonder kids get bored in Sunday School. If teachers aren’t moved by the message, don’t expect the kids to be.
6. We need to love the kids. You can’t beat love. It gets everyone’s attention. It beats TV, videos, and computer games. Children respond to genuine attention and affection. It is the means whereby the gospel gets an audience.
7. We need to keep the singing bright and Bible-based. Kids will sing if there is something to sing about. There are lots of good choruses and gospel songs with a message and a melody. Throw out the stuff that doesn’t line up with the Book and get those kids singing.
The Lord Himself spent time with children. The disciples turned children away in the middle of an adult conversation, but the Saviour was willing to be interrupted to take them up in His arms, and bless them (Mk. 10:16).
Three cheers for the Sunday School…for of such is the kingdom of heaven.