Why Sunday School University Matters

Sunday School has arguably been one of the most effective ministries in the history of the church, especially in the last nearly 250 years. It was in 1780 that Robert Raikes began working with local children to teach them the Bible on Sundays in Gloucester, England. These Sunday “schools” quickly spread across England and ultimately evolved into today’s Sunday School program or ministry. (See https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sunday-school.)

In more recent decades (centuries, really), churches, publishing houses, and denominational organizations have worked to define and promote Sunday School as a small group strategy in the local church that exists to reach people for Christ and teach people the Bible. It is a strategy that has worked because it facilitates relationships, evangelism, and discipleship in a way that complements the way many churches actually “do church.” 

Sunday Schools tend to happen immediately before, after, or during a time when churches are gathering for worship. “Age-graded” classes make it easy for people of all ages to gather simultaneously with their peers to study the Bible in relatively small groups. Relationships develop and, consequently, evangelism happens rather naturally. Ministry happens rather naturally. Discipleship happens rather naturally as well. It’s genius, actually. 

The label “Sunday School” has fallen out of popularity for many, but that’s okay as long as small groups are still employed to build relationships and teach the Bible. The label is irrelevant, but the strategy has proven to be timeless. It simply works. Call it what you will, but churches that ignore the fundamental principles of “Sunday School” do so at their own peril.

Sunday School University promotes small groups that exist to facilitate evangelism and Bible teaching. Whatever you may call it, we provide training to help small groups care for people and teach the Bible. Bible teaching is a skill that should be developed. Ministry can be maximized with helpful strategies. Sunday School University can help your group or your church’s groups do evangelism and Bible teaching well. And that’s why Sunday School University matters!