Sunday School

Smothered -- I understand completely. However, since you are getting a good deal of Bible study apart from Sunday School, why not ask for permission to start a class for young adults/professionals? Our oldest son is one of the leaders of such a group (he will be 32 in a few weeks) and the group is not only growing spiritually, but they have bonded as close friends and go hiking, white water rafting, miniature golfing, bowling, to Christian concerts, etc. together. They do have a rule that a new member is not to be asked out on a date for something like six weeks, so that the group is not considered a dating game. There have been a couple of romances and marriages in the past few years, but for the most part, they remain good friends, with class on Sundays, their own Bible study Thursday nights, and all manner of social activities aside from that.

I don't think that most understand that the young single professionals really are a group apart in many ways, and that this needs to be recognized. It is an age, between about 25 and 35, when the major questions are getting asked, wresting with God becomes very personal, lifelong decisions are getting made, priorities established. The younger people are still busy figuring out who they are. The older people have pretty much faced down the questions of the twenties and early thirties and are dealing with other issues.

I think people tend to forget that.

At any rate, as long as you are still involved in at least one intergenerational Bible study during the week (your elders have wisdom and experience which will help), and getting to know the Bible well via other means, then I really do suggest considering starting a young professional/young adult group, with your pastor's and church's permission, of course.

 

I was just going to suggest about the same thing Helen just brought up. Instead of sitting in a class, you need to develop your own. There's no telling how many people just like you would come, but they say the same thing, no one there my age. Maybe the troubling you feel is God telling you to do something.

 

It is absolutely the responsibility of overseers to oversee.

Should a coach check on players who miss practice?
Should a teacher check on students who miss class?
Should a parent check on a child who misses dinner?
Should a shepherd check on missing sheep?

If Sunday School is there to edify then, yes, it is the business of the church elders to see if this is something they can help with. They can do this in an arrogant, mean spirited way and that would be wrong. They can do this in a loving, caring way and that would be right.

 

North Carolina Tentmaker &
menageriekeeper

Thank you, I'm flattered.

 

Helen, you beat me to the point of Smothered can start a class for his age group.

Actually, I love to be in a class with all ages and I usually choose one with older people, but that is getting more difficult for me as I grow older.

 

Thanks for your service to God in your church. I encourage you to keep on serving God. However, from your post I sense that the Sunday school issue is just one of at least a couple of things that irk you about your pastor.

My first thought is this: you are a church leader - apparently a volunteer leader. Regardless of that, a leader must set an example within the body. If you as a leader don't come to Sunday school, why should anyone else?

Please understand that I say this in Christian love: if you would lead in a church where you have chosen to be a member - your hesitance to become involved in your own church's Sunday school may one day become a stumbling block - to yourself, or your pastor, or anyone else that observes you.

 

I do not believe you should be scrutinized.

But, join a small group, for your own benefit.

 

Fellowship. Does it happen in "big church"? It has a better chance in SS.

 

smothered, if life in this church is so onerous, I suggest it would be better for you to seek another more suited to your expectations. To remain will inevitably lead to open division in the church and that is never good.

Pray on this, and if you can't resolve these issues, then start looking.

God Bless

 

Not all of us think it is "blind" tradition though. We hope - by God's power - that it is a meaninful time for all who participate. But of course, I see you're razzing us.

 

I actually get more fellowship in our worship service, and would love the arrangement Dr. Bob mentioned.

 

I got a question. what do we do about a deacon who won't go to SS?

 

Okay, Dr. Bob,

I hate to be the Doubting Thomas of the group, but you said,

All of them do??? You have 100% participation?? Somehow I find myself incredulous that every single family is participating. Or perhaps I am doing something wrong down here to get people involved...

 

Make him the teacher?

 

Dr. Bob
We all want to hear some of those horror stories, preferably the more entertaining ones.

 

I would love to make our deacon a teacher but he states that if it was up to him there would be no such thing as SS

 

could I get some thoughts? I would love to make our deacon a teacher but he states that if it was up to him there would be no such thing as SS