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Future of Sunday School

corymartin2012

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I believe that Sunday School has been overlooked and watered down to little more than a nice little token before service that's "kind of good to show up to".

I think its important because it allows for a smaller discussion/one on one kind of interaction with people about the Word and about certain biblical concepts. I know many times when Sunday School would get me thinking about something all week long. I do believe it needs to be done correctly but I see it as an important aspect of ministry.
 
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gasman64

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Sunday School or children's ministry are often treated like an after thought in most churches and they are not seen as one of the glamourous stage ministries. But I have seen committed passionate people who plan well, get a great team around them and get the financial support of the church. My old church used to bus in over 200 children in from around the area and it was very well run. A strong holiday program as well. I was involved with various children's ministries including bible in schools. However, the link is difficult for teenagers to transition their faith into adulthood. Sex, alcohol, drugs, pornography are killers of faith. I believe that we need to do more. I came to God as a young teenage man and my walk was always as a man, not a boy. That is my hope for this area, so that children can really be discipled into their Godly future.
 
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phydaux

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In the Calvary Chapel network pastors are called to be teachers of the Bible.

Chuck Smith does what denominational pastors would call the "adult Sunday School lesson" on Sunday night. He teaches (or rather, TAUGHT, RIP Papa Chuck) through the bible 2-3 chapters a week on Sunday night and takes his Sunday morning message from those chapters. At that pace he went through the whole Bible, verse by verse, in about six years.

I know other churches that, rather than having Sunday School first and them a worship service (and Children's Church) after, they have two services where the Bible is systematically taught, and each of those also offers child care/Children's Church. That way they were able to double their attendance without buying another building.

So IMO the systematic teaching of God's Word to God's people will always be a need. The rest is just details.
 
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phydaux

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Here's a thought - What do you guys think of the Cell Group format? Home-based small group meetings for prayer, bible study, discipleship and accountability.

Anyone see that as a possible replacement for the traditional Sunday School?
 
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David4223

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Do you see Sunday School as a vital ministry to reach and disciple people, or is its day done?

I think Sunday school is a very important ministry. At my church, both of my kids (ages 3 and 5) attend sunday school -- and actually get very upset if we have to miss one Sunday for some reason.

Sunday school shows kids that there are other Godly people in the church that they can go to for advice, if they aren't comfortable in going to their parents.

There is that saying-- It takes a community to raise a child. I believe in that statement. While Godly parents are definitely the first step -- having other Godly people around my children, I believe is a great benefit in their upbringing.

I do think that Sunday school should be a year round ministry. (At my church, we only have Sunday school when regular school is in session). I understand that for the organizers, teachers, and helpers that it is a big undertaking -- and I'm not sure how they would be able to put together a year round program.
 
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phydaux

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Meh.

Once you get past the "Sunday isn't for corporate worship, Sunday is for outreach" then it's not bad. A lot of people feel like they aren't getting fed. The pastor's answer is "Feed yourself. Or get involved in a mid-week home bible study and get fed there. Sunday is for serving others, and for reaching the lost."

The pastor's whole thrust is "Don't worry about the Christians that we might lose, worry about the lost that we might reach."

I actually find his "Serve the body or go somewhere else" attitude kind of refreshing.
 
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phydaux

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Yeah. "Unchurched Harry."

It's kinda cool, because all the church members have to do to "evangelize" is to invite their friends to come to church.

Usually Willow Creek-style churches have a mid-week service that is for corporate worship (although this particular one doesn't) and home groups for prayer, bible study, discipleship and accountability.
 
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David4223

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My church is a believer's church.. and I do like it. However, just once in a while -- I want to have a seeker's service -- especially since I believe we are losing the young population. (At least at my church).
 
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phydaux

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To do it and do it well requires a serious retooling of your church's "style."

A lot of pastors & elders freak out at that idea because they worry about all the members they might lose if the church changes so drastically. The church leadership had to be committed to think not about the old members they might lose, and only about the new seekers they might win.

That's a step of faith that many groups are not willing to take.
 
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