The Sunday school movement really had its beginning in England in the late 1700's and early 1800's through the efforts of a man named Robert Raikes. Its original purpose was to educate children who lived in tough circumstances and who would have little or no education apart from these schools. Their textbook was the Bible and the subjects included in their curriculum were reading, writing, and moral values. The Sunday school was the forerunner of our modern-day public schools. (Just think how far the public education system has drifted from its original purpose and textbook!) One of the most well-known Sunday schools ever started in America was begun in the slums of Chicago in 1858 by D.L. Moody. Although there had been other Sunday schools in the States since 1785, Mr. Moody's Sunday school quickly gained recognition because he was one of America's greatest and most loved revivalists.
During the 1800's, with the rise of public education, Sunday school began to change. It became the primary means of evangelizing a population which was disinterested in church attendance, so that, by the late 1800's, nearly eighty percent of all people coming into the church, were doing so through the Sunday school. The purpose of the Sunday school ceased to be about reading/writing and primarily focused on evangelism and instruction in the Scriptures. It was a boom time for the Sunday school that lasted well into the late 20th century.
But, times are changing again and with the beginning of the 21st century, an ever-increasing number of Sunday school classes are being supplemented with small group Bible studies that may meet on Sunday morning, but are just as likely to meet on other days of the week, as well. This new trend reflects some of the changes in how society interacts with one another and in the desire of Christ's disciples to be the church in their community and not just go to church. Today, in many parts of the country, small group Bible studies have become one of the most effective means for Christians to reach their unbelieving friends, especially when the group meets in the immediate neighborhood of a Christian's residence. Instead of trying to get people to come to church first, it becomes a matter of the church coming to the people. You walk across the street and invite your friends to attend a study of the Scriptures during which time they are making new friends and being introduced to Jesus. Much of the same effect is happening when the Bible study remains on the campus of the local church, since guests feel less intimidated with their initial contact at church being in a smaller setting. With changing times we sometimes have to adjust our methods (without changing our message) in order to reach people more effectively.
Every Christian needs to be plugged into a small group Bible study and actively working to get friends and neighbors to attend with him/her. You will no longer sit passively in a classroom while listening to a lecture on the Scriptures, but you will become an active participant, learning how to apply the truth to your life circumstances. It also means you will become closer to those who are studying along with you as you share together in the spiritual growth process. Actually, small group studies have the potential to make us more like the early church than any other method I've seen in recent years. Obviously, nothing will EVER replace the corporate gathering of God's people for Sunday worship, celebration, and instruction in the Word of God. However, I believe the small group Bible study is quickly becoming the most effective tool to bring about real life-change in those who truly desire to be Christ-followers.
We have small group studies on Sunday morning, Wednesday night, and on several other days of the week, as well. Why not find out how you can get involved today by calling the church office to ask for more information about our upcoming small group studies? You won't regret the in-depth look into God's word, the lifelong friendships you will make, or the closeness that will grow between you and your God.
