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The value of Adult Sunday School |
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In the church where my family and I worship we have adult Sunday school on the fourth Sunday of each month. The lesson is often conducted in an interactive manner and the leader often comes down from the pulpit to be at the same level as the congregation. When we started this it was a bit difficult and slow for the congregants to participate in the learning process. However, although we have been having these studies for only a few months the congregation is very vibrant on the day and engages in a vivacious way.
Of course we have had challenges. There are those who prefer only to have the preacher up front and have the congregation as a captive audience. Some have even gone to the extent of discouraging some members of the congregation from participating in the ‘Sunday school.’ But despite that this is a part of our worship many of us look forward to and I have no doubt that it will grow. What has excited me the most lately is to see the youth participate actively in these discussions.
I want to suggest to all our ministers and leaders to create space within our local church life for us to become a learning church. We cannot expect to grow as church when in fact knowledge is the preserve of only a few in the church. It is important that we commit ourselves to create an environment that enables learning and for us to mature in faith through these learning opportunities. The local church ought to be a community where Christians are nurtured, taught the faith and where disciples are hatched. Sadly, many of our members experience catechism only at a time when they are being prepared for confirmation. Thereafter the only form of catechistic learning is through the sermon which is often far from sufficient.
Adult Sunday school therefore enables our members to be rooted in the faith. Jesus once told a parable of two people who each built a house. One built on a rock whilst the other built their house on sand. The latter’s house crumbled like a deck of cards when the storms came whereas the other withstood even a storm as strong as Katrina (Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:47-49). Only when Congregationalists are rooted in Biblical faith and congregational tradition can they withstand the arrows of the devil. Remember the adversary the devil is roaming around like a hungry lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Adult Sunday school also builds our sense of belonging and enables us to develop authentic spirituality. I have noticed the confidence that has grown among congregants over the months as they participate and engage in Sunday school. It is evident that more are able to contribute, pray and share in the koinonia (community life) of the congregation. Many ask questions, laugh and clearly enjoy the sense of community that is engendered by our time of learning together.
I therefore would like to encourage all local churches to attempt to create such a learning environment. Congregationalists thirst for learning, rootedness and for experiencing in a meaningful way the joy of following Jesus.
Your brother in Christ,
Prince Dibeela |
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