The Importance of Studying Together
Church and Sunday School are two different activities. Both can be valuable in one’s Christian life, but they do not substitute for one another.
Sunday School has generally been in decline over the last few years, but I think there’s something even more important. Sunday School has too often been a light review of scriptures, taught in a general way and not an education that helps people grow in both faith and action.
I looked at some statistics for Sunday School attendance, but didn’t find anything that addresses this specific problem. There’s a general decline in Sunday School attendance as opposed to church attendance, but there are many variables.
My primary question is this: What is Sunday School attendance doing to make you a better disciple and to help you fulfill the Gospel Commission?
Here are some questions:
- How long has it been since you learned something new in Sunday School?
- How long has it been since your Sunday School lesson led you to further Bible or other study during the week?
- Have you been encouraged to learn something about your neighbors, especially those not like you?
- Have you been encouraged to take positive action by something you studied?
- Have your beliefs been connected to a way of living in the world?
These are not difficult questions. But sometimes making your Sunday School and church programs help people accomplish these things might be quite difficult.
I have frequently encountered someone in Sunday School who has heard the preacher say something about witnessing, or helping those in need, or building up and serving in the church and community. They almost always have the question: How do I do it?
And that’s where Sunday School should shine. This is a time for people to learn how to put things into action.
I’m not one who thinks this has to happen on Sunday. Small groups that meet at other times are also good. The problem is to get people involved in such groups and to keep the groups from becoming another “check the box” activity. Small groups of any kind are not to make God like you more. God already loves you. These are to help you thrive in the life you now live by faith.
Is this your experience? If not, why not? How do we grow more?
