Sunday School in the 21st Century

For us, SS still plays a big part because it is the usual entry way into discipleship and Bible study. Most, if not all, of out unsaved guests start out in one of the worship services. We visit and attempt to reach them with the Gospel. Usually the people we send to them are part of a SS class the visitors/guests would be a part of.

Then we try to get them into a SS class.

Many of our small group Bible studies are aimed more at a deeper discipleship than is possible at the normal SS hour.

 

I was taught that Sunday School is considered to be the outreach/evangelism arm of the church--that being in Sunday School is just as important as being at the worship service.

You were taught well. Do some research of chrurches that do Sunday School right and you will find chruches that are doing well in reaching the lost and bringing them into the church not just a pew warmers but as participants in the life of the church.

 

To echo the thought, you were taught well.

Small groups/Sunday School/Home groups/etc are the best way to get people connected and keep 'em in the overall assimilation process of a local church.

If we just push the front door, service on Sundays and don't add the groups module (however it is done) for all people than we will see many of our visitors disappear after nine to eighteen months.

Groups are the best way to connect people and keep people. I believe it.

Groups are also the best way to bring about spiritual formation/change. There is only so much a sermon can do, but to see your people truly get on a growth path it will happen through Bible based, effective groups.

We don't do Sunday School across the board, but offer multiple venues and times for groups to meet throughout the week as best fits their needs. By providing ongoing childcare in the evenings our groups can have great environments and that takes care of the whole childcare issue. Call it what you want, but our groups are the way we get our people to grow on connect with God and with others at our church.:thumbs:

 

Salty, there's not one specific way but the principals are unchanging.

 

It's true you were taught right. This evangelistic outreach and ministry of the Church is the backbone of great Churches.:thumbs::jesus: