Last Sunday was a great day (9.10.23). It was the Sunday School Kick-Off Carnival. It was a time of fun, games, music, good food, conversation, and just hanging out together as a church family as we launch into another Fall season…or another school year. I was certainly sad to miss the Kick-off event, however I was certainly joy-filled to have the opportunity to participate in the spiritual journey of my grand or great niece by officiating her baptism. It is always a wonderful thing to hold a precious child in my arms and claim them as God’s and to mark them for service in the Kingdom of God. And yes, there are pictures if you’re interested. 😊
This Sunday is also going to be a great day because it is the first official day for children, youth, and adults to be back in the Sunday School classroom participating in this opportunity to learn and grow in one’s faith. I hope to make it around to every class and welcome all the students and leaders back.
But this has me thinking, why do we do Sunday School as a part of church activities? At its origin Sunday School was not about Bible stories, fun songs, and learning about Jesus. No, at its origin in the mid 1750’s in England, Sunday School was about providing children, who worked menial jobs to help provide for their families, a chance to better themselves through education. These classes were not about things related to the Christian faith, it was about reading, writing, and arithmetic, as they say.
Obviously, things have changed over the years since the 1750’s, but the question is still a good one. Why do we do Sunday School? There are a lot of ways we can answer this question…
Tradition – Some would say we do Sunday School because of tradition. It’s just something the church does. I had Sunday School when I was a kid…so it’s something we should still do today.
Education – Others might say Sunday School is learning about faith and Jesus. After all, church or Christianity is a significant part of our culture here in the Midwest (though it is declining rapidly) so it’s something we want to expose our children, youth, and even adults to.
Societal Change – There are some who see Sunday School, for both children and adults, as something that is necessary because of what is viewed as changes in society, and not necessarily positive changes. The hope is Sunday School and faith will be a counter-balance to what we see happening around us.
Values – There are certain values that have tended to go along with those in the Christian Faith. So, Sunday School is seen as a way of exposing those participating with the values that have traditionally been a part of our faith tradition. (This relates directly to Societal Change)
Disciplines – Sunday School helps plant the seeds of spiritual disciplines, like prayer, Bible reading, service, etc. in a person’s life, no matter their age. The earlier one starts utilizing the spiritual disciplines in life, the better.
These are all valid reasons that might be given for the “Why” of Sunday School. For myself, there are two main reasons that I feel Sunday School is so important.
Because life is better with God in it. Sunday School helps plant seeds of hope, love, and faith in a person’s life, no matter their age. Even through the most basic of Bible stories, there is often the lesson learned that God is real and that God makes a positive difference in a person’s life.
2. Our God Shaped Hole. A well-known theologian from the mid 1600’s by the name of Blaise Pascal, made the statement that every person “Has a God shaped hole” in their heart that cannot be filled by any created thing, but can only be filled by the creator. Or St. Augustine, another Christian theologian from days past said that our hearts are restless and will always be until we find our rest in God. Our culture today is good at trying to fill the God shaped hole or the void within us but can’t. Sunday School is a piece of helping us recognize the God-need within us and fill it with the Spirit and presence of God.
So, why Sunday School?? There’s lots of reasons!! The easiest way for me to put it is to say, “Life is better with God in it.” I look forward to seeing many of you here for Sunday School and Worship on Sunday. Both of these experiences provide the opportunity to allow the light and love of God into our lives…and then to shine through us into the darkness of the world around us. Yes, Sunday School is about providing the spark of God’s love in our lives and helping the flame of God’s Spirit grow within us. So, my friends…let your light shine!! I hope to see you on Sunday.
Pastor Keith